The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-07-07
Tragic Scenes in the Washing
ton Depot.
President Garfield Shot Down While
Departing to Join His Wife.
One Shot Lodges in the Arm an(
the Other in the Back.
CHARLES ]. GUITEAU, THE ASSAs'
SIN, ARRESTED.
s. a STAIWART OF THE STALWARTs.t
AND A CHRONIC OFFECE-sEEKER.
Story OF the Horrible DeeG-A Natio1f
ienfati0nS-DIspatches of Sya-
patE8y. Etc.

The nation was shocked Saturday morning.
the ID inst, by the report flashed over the
wires of the assassination of President Garfield
in the depot at Washington. The fact that
such terrible event had not even been
dreamed of by the Presidents worst -wishers-
his political enemies gave the news the ap-
pearance of a joke although either confrna-
ton or contradiction of the calamity was
eagerly sought in every quarter. The report,
however, was rapidly followed by others. con-
tense. }i
The following is the first dispatch:
WAsHINGToy, D. C., July 2-9:15 A. NJ
President Garfield was shot in the depot thiF
morning This is authentic. He is now uns
conscious"
Shortly after this dispatch another was sent
over the wires announcing that the President
was dead, but this was shortly after contra
dicted. DR.. Bliss, the Presidents physician,
telegraphed that he thought the wound was
not mortal.
As soon after the shooting as it was possible
the President was conveyed to the White
House.
The pistol used was California weapon,
with an extremely heavy calibre and known as
"bull dog"
The shooting was done by slender man,
about five feet seven inches in height. Hewas
arrested Immediately after the firing, by ofic-
ers in the depot. He was first taken to Police
District Jail. The shooting occurred in the
ladies' room of the depot, Immediately afte
the President had entered, walking arm Il
arm with Secretary Blaine, on their way to th.
Limited Express train, which was about tr
leave for New York, where the President en-
pected to be Joined by his wife, on pleasure
trip up the Hudson.
The Station-Agent, Carney, arrested IN.
assassin, who said: 81 did it. and I an.
Stalwart, and Arthur is now President. TAX
letter. have here, to General Sherman, anC
he will tell you all about it,
! Two shots were fred by the assassin. on
! lodging in the right arm below the shoulder
| and the other in the right side of the back. be
tween the hips and kidneys.
| The name of the assassin, as written by him
| self, is Charles Guiteau, and he saws he is al
attorney-at-law in Chicago.
Tho Washington Star says that when the al
sassin was arrested lie said: 81 did it and wan
to be arrested. / am a StaIwart and Arthur
! President now
/ After the President had been removed 3
the White House, it was almost impossible fo
4 any one to gain access to it excepting Cabine
officers, it being thoroughly guarded by soldiers
ana thus accounts Of his conditions were yer
meagre and unsatisfactory to the impatient an
sympathing populace.
Two hours after the shooting the Presiden
dictated the following telegram to his wife
'fMRs. GENERAL GARFIELD, Elbernon, Lon
Branch The President wishes me to say
you, from him, that he has been seriously hui
how seriously, he can not say. He is hin
self, and hopes you will come to him sooz
He sends his love to you.
'Signed, -"
The dispatch to Mrs. Garfield made her 81
most frantic, and her physicians found it ne<
essary to let her see none of the dispatche.
!; but dictated hopeful ones to her.
Sixteen years ago-on an occasion similar
this one-Mr. Garfield said: s'God reignf
and the Government at Was shington sti
lives. -
Shortly after the shooting Vice Presiden
Arthur was interviewed at the Fifth Avenu
Hotel, New York, and said that if there wa
truth in the report, he felt exceedingly sorr
for Mrs. Garfield, whose health was pre-
carious. Senator Conkling, who had arrive
in the city, on the same boat with Arthur
and was stopping at the Fifth Avenue. refuse
} TO be interviewed.