The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
PRESS COMMENTS.
New York Evening Post.


The Posts financial article says the theory
OF speculation so far as reason has been called
to the aid of the spectators to-day is that the
death of President Garfield would have a very
bad effect on our standing in Europe and
would lay the foundation for the charge that
the United States is becoming Mexicanized
and that in short our securities would be held
in distrust and wonld be returned to us in large
volume; also that so far as domestic affairs are
concerned, uncertainty as to the policy of the
new administration and delay before the same
is declared would be hurtful to business, and
on the other hand if President Garfield lives
the attempt at the assassination of him will
make no more thans temporary disturbance
in practical affairs.
The Post adds: The attempt on President
Garneld's life Is a no less grievous shock to the
American people than that of the assassination
OF President Lincoln. Every good citizen will
feel it q disgrace.
New York Express.
The Express says there is but one party in
view of q crime like this. This country is not
large enoughsfor political assassins to live in.
The hand that would destroy a constitutional
President would apply the torch to the temple
Of liberty itself.
New York Tribune.
The Tribune heads its leader Factions lat
est crime" and says that President Garfield
yesterday was more popular than when elected.
There is absolutely nothing to account for this
horrible deed except a crazy spirit of faction.
that the murderer was ;nsana 7. does ~ an'
near that he had heen tbongbt Irnot;c 1 mnt;I
the deadly shots were fired. The assassin was
not ignorant that he was trying to kill one
President to make another. The spirit of fac
ton which fired the shots Of yesterday gave in
real character. Must we not realize in the
light of the dreadful calamity at Waob;naton
that those who breed and nurse this m align
ant, praspine and desperate shirt are aiming
a blow at the life of the republic.
No-v.u,r
oon'
Inc pun says: Inc sensation OF profound
solrOW 10 UNIVERSAL Inc American people
G eIe ov Grf,d WIN grief Inc death OF
col .;an;foauoa r. Icy WIZ naSe. no poii'i-
nartS g. q fac.;o,, h,,t 90 n ~. .,,e VOTE VI q
Of mental ai;enation Our graat hni;dau s ,.;11
ha convartad int q do, 81 n;r mou s VIII
sTSe natb Of noru ieads u hi y. .S Sor,o"'
p" - So ,o"oS ,- ~ W '"o sfa'e
Nc" 1orA Times.
The Times says: We are far from holding
any party or any section OF party responsible
Tor this murderous act, but We believe it our
<uty TO point out that the act was an exagger-
aeeo expression OF sentiment OF narrow and
olttei hatred winch mas been only too freely
lnduigeu.
new YORK Herald.
The Herald says: Only madness could con-
"a
remedy for any imaginary governmental evil.
The tragedy has no political relations and is
only an expression Of the insane impulses of an
individual.
Boston Herald.
The Herald says: Assassination is not. after
all, political method in this country.
sense Of relief comes with that knowledge.
Sad and lamentable, and far-reaching in its
possible consequences, as is this act of FRENZY.
it loses all sinister political significance when
it appears as the deed of a disappointed office
seeker, who, through his disappointment, has
lost his wits. The assassination of President
Lincoln came upon the heels of a long and
bitter war, which engendered the tiercest mas
sions. Horrible tragedy as it was it was at
-6a tiQpal and. Abnormal.
Profonnd mace nrevails. the canntrv is rros.
porous beyond precedent: no political issue Of
deep importance divides the people. There
are traditional party lines, and in the domi-
nant party here and there squabble over the
offices A political assassination at such a
time would snake confidence in the stability
OF Tree institutions. Free, popular govern
ment would be almost a failure-would be
rrnteo.i w. AuHpI .ne ae,noGs ol aespousm Ior
safe and bonored Eortrnatof,- 49, " or ~, nv
caled mon TO cons;Ser 60 AL W" % ,,io+r mo'
This shooting was "a mncb an acc;dart IN ona
sense, as would be death or ininrv nv a
railroad disaster. The poor creature who
committed tho deed was hardly more response.
BILE than q misplaced switch or broken rail.
Our accounts of him show that he was weak,
strange, passionate, with mind easily thrown