Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-07-05
AN INTERVIEW

Had With the Assassin-Sorry that He
Did Not Kill Him Outright-He Names
Arthur's Cabinet
WAsHINGToN, July 4.-Stringent or
ders have been given against allowing
amv one 10 see the prisoner, but a re-
porter was enabled this afternoon to
secure Il shor. talk with Guitteau:
When the reporter reached his Gel! the
prisoner arose from his cot, and peerlng
through the bars otthe door, anxiously
inquired: GLOW is the President"'
Being told that he was suffering great
pain, Guitteau replied:
IL am veiy sorry to hear it; | wish |
had put another ball into him, Tor that
would have ended his suffering"
Correspondent-Wh hat was your mo-
tive for this act?
Guitteau-I had Oeen contemplating
this thing for six weeks, and what did
was
Forcad to Do 1t By An Inspiration From
God.
did it for political purposes and
through patriotic motives. went to
the depot to commit the deed
two weeks ago, when the President went
to Long Branch, but he came in hand in
hand with Mrs Garfield, who looked so
delicate that hadn't the heart to do it.
COrrespondent-Was any one cOnnec-
ted with you in this affair.
Guitteau-No, sir, conceived it my
self and executed it myself. No soul
on earth knew OF it but myself.
Considered it a Political Necessity to
Retire Garfield,
and thus save the Republican party. |
had no murder in my heart, for had
nothing against the President personally
i helped to elect him.
Correspondent-Had You no fears OF
the consequences OF the act-no fears OF
future punishment?
(uitteau-Not at all. What did was
ior the benefit of the Republican party
and the people. | have no fears but
that | will be liberated.
lam Stalwart of the Stalwarts.
| know Vice President Arthur and
General Grant very well.
Replying to question as to his sani'
ty, GuItteau said:
Il had two cousins who We're incar-
cerated in an insane asylum once. My
only other relatives are sister IN Chi
CagO and brother i'll Boston
Cores spondent-Did YOU think Your
act would make a martyr of you?
Guitteau-I had no such thought.
knew that it was necessary for some one
to retire Garfield, and | made up my
mind to do it and leave the results TO the
country and the party. | am truly
sorry that MY act has caused the Presl-
dent SO much pam, but knew OF no
easier way to rid the Republican party
ol him than by the bullet. My
Only Motive Was te Have Stalwart
President.
In reply to a question as 10 how he had
rested Guitteau said:
This Is the first rest have had in
six weeks. This thing has been on my
mind, and could not sleep. Now that
it is over NV only wish is that the Pres
ideut may not recover and make my
act iruitIess. My mind would be per-
iectly at r,st ii he died, and | DO not
fear the consequences.
Among the letters which it is alleged
were found on the assassin's person, was
one in which he claimed the right that,
inasmuch rs he could make President
by assassination, his sug gIestions for
The Formation ola New Cabinet
should be considered. He named
Roscoe Conkling for Secretary OF State;
l.. Z. Morton, Secretary OF the Treasury;
Emory Stores. Attorney-General: John
A. Logan, Secretary Of War. The navy,
he says, not being OF much account or
political consequence, "Old Hunt had
better be LETT remain where he is.
James, he is says, is doing well, and he
had better be retained, and as there Is
no danger in odd kirkwood," it would
be good policy to retain him.