The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-09-01
TILE ASSASSIN ALTON.


TIE ACT OF Fool OR KNAvE?
On :he morning of July 2, as the president
and Secretary Blaine were pacing up and down
the floor of the ladies' waiting room at tho
Baltimore 4 Potomac depot in Washington,
waiting for the starting time Of the New York
train, the sharp report of a pistol rang out
upon the still morning air, followed quickly
by second, and the president sank down
upon tie floor of the depot. The assassin,
who had hal d!y boon observed until the shoot
ing, wa, as deliberate in tho commission OF
the CRIME as il he had been engaged IN the
discharge of a daily duty: But he had no
sooner accomplished his base purpose
than his nerve failed him and he endeavored
TO escape to a hack which standing hard
by the depot, but was frustrated in this by
parties present, who sc:zed upon him while
the president was being cared for. Mrs. White,
the woman in charge of the ladies' waiting
room, was an eye witness to all that trans
pired, and the first to reach him. Here Is Ler
story OF the shooting:
was standing in the ladies' room, and saw the
president IS he entered in company with Secretary
Blaine. The latter had stepped little in advance
more room. had noticed this man Griteau
lounsing around the ladies' room for a half hour
before the arrival Of the president did not like
businc:s TO See that such characters do not loaf
around the ladies roor., and thought seriously Of
having him pointed out to our Waterman, Mr..
Scott. so that he should be made stay in
dent and Secretary Blaine entered be
was standing near the entrance door He wheeled
to the left and fired, evidently aiming for the
heart 1t was quick shot and struck the president
in the left arm. The president did not at first seem
to realize that he had been struck, although Secre
tary Blaine instantly stepped to sidc as though
dazed at this unexpected movement. Tho prcsi-
dent then partly turned around anil the assassin, adj
vancug two steps. fired the second timc-;he whole
ho
president advanced one step, then tell to the floor.
ran to him at once and raised his head and I'D it
IN that position until some gentlemen canl". and
weremained until his son camc from the car where
he was seated. with the of the president ial
party. awaiting the arrival of his faith r. The entire
party followed him to the scene. aud large crowd
gathered about the PROSTATE form very quickly.
When had chance to look about me saw Guiteau
trying to wrench his arm from those who held him.
was no blood visible. mattress was brought and
the president was removed to the upper floor of the
depot. The president had light drab travelling
suit and silk hat, which latter was badly battered
in the fall When ran to him he was deathly pale,
but perfectly conscious: In about two or TIRES
minutes he vomted. His son was kneeling beside
his father. and replied. Yes, and he is caught
He said somebody would have to pay for this. The
yoqng man end IN thought the president was dying
his hand on tho wound near the thigh, but he was
too weak to do So
DIAGNOSIS BY THE DOCTORS.
Dr. SMITH 1OWnshend, the District health Of
hcer, who was the first physician to reach the
president, gives the following statement:
Il arrived at the depot four minutes after he was
shot, aud found him lying upon the floor OF the de-
pot, surrounded by an immense gathering He was
then in a faintiDg condition. From his appearance
and the pulsations at his wrist thought he was
dying. took some of the pillows from under his
head that he might rest easier. l prescribed aro-
matte spirits of ammonia and brandy, which re-
vived him. ordered the police TO get the crowd
back, and had the president removed to upper
room: lie rallied considerably. ard proceeded to
had entered his back about two and half inches
the right Of the vertebre. When placed my fin
ger In the wound some hemorrhage followed.
then administered another dose of the st;muant,
which again revived him. In the meantime Drs:
Purvis and Bliss arrived. I had, however, previ-
ously asked him how he felt and where the most
pain felt. and he answered in his right leg and
feet. asked him the character of his pain, and he
said that it was pricking sensation. DR.. Wood
ward, of tho army, also came in afterwards. anil
after consultation We concluded to remove him to
snd all the members of the cabinet were present.
I forgot to tell you that after / made
the examination of the wounds the president looked
up and asked me what thought of it. answered
that did not consider it serious. He continued I
thank yon. doctor, but I am dead man. When
We arrived at the White House. aud just before he
was removed from the abulance. he asked me to
call to Maj Brock 20 clear the hall. there might
he ano her assassin around. Quite number Ut the
doctors and others went along With the abuauee.
When taken from the abu!ance he was IN q fainting
condition. and W revived him With stmulsnss and
VQoR eQplylsltt'Q9 10 concluded 70 give Abypudef,