New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-07-07
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE THURSDAY, JULY :, 1881.

influence upon their times, or accomplished as
much for the benefit of their country, as James
A. Garfield. His services in the army were
perhaps no more meritoriOus than those of hun
dreds of other gallant, skilful and faithful COM
manders, but his work in Congress, first con-
structivo and then defensive, was of the
greatest value and Importance to the honor
and permanence of free government on this
continent. 1t was the work of powerful we'll
balanced and splcndidly trained mind, firmly
anchored to right principles and inspired by
genuine patriotism No one did more to mould
ana direct the conscience and will of the Ma
ton during the period of doubt and uncertainty
and conflicting opinion which followed the war;
lie was one of the little group of statesmen
who took the lead in asserting the supremacy of
the Nation over the conquered rebel States. and
in demanding suffrage and citizenship for the
blacks. In that group his calm Judgment and
great personal influence made him a master
spirit. His own State, in the early period of the
agitation about the future position of the en-
franchlscd blacks, refused to stand by him, and
before the question came up for definite action
by Congress she rejected an amendment to her
own Constitution, which he had urged, striking
out the word "whitc." This made no differ
cnce III his own course. Indeed, he never
stopped to ask what would be popular when he
had made up his mind what was right
Ills Independence of popular errors and pre-
JUDGES was most strikingly shown in his long
struggle against the cheap money dclusion.
Long before this struggle began he forcsaw its
coming, and prepared himself for 1t by many
months of arduOus study. He made himself
familiar with all facts and theories connected
with national finance, studied the experience
Of nj MT ,1t h.,x e Ill.
and practical statesmen. Thus fortified in his
convictions in favor of Il sound currency based
upon the precious metals, and of the redemp-
ton of the public debt in coin, he became a
tower of strength and a fountain of information
when the conflict broke out At one time he
stood almost alone among the Western men in
Congress. His own district threatened to fail
him, but he converted it to right opinions by
going straight to the people and arguing with
them face to face in little township meetings.
The contest in Congress lasted many years. and
during the whole of it he was the sturdy. I'M
compromising leader of the honest-monev
forces. If to any one man in the National
Legislature is specially due the praise for
bringing the country safely to specie payments,
that man is General Garfield
During the last years OF his service in Con-
gress, as all Republicans now remember with
pride and gratitude, he was the wise and resO-
Lutte leader of the Republican minority in its
sturdy and successful defence of the great work
it had incorporated into law and Constitution
to secure the unity and supremacy of the Ma
ton, the II aintcnancc of its credit and honor.
the purity of the ballot and the equal rights of
all citizens. Before, he was the patient, prudent
and clear sighted builder now he became the
courageous and watchful defender. His states
manship shone less conspicuOusly in
one field of action than in the other. His
fame grew from year to year, and when
by m unexpected turn of affairs in the
Chicago Convention he was nominated for the
Presidency, there was universal sentiment
that the great honor had fallen upon one who
had fairly earned it by patient sagacious,
patriotic work and long experience in tho
highest fields of craftsmanship.
The country cannot contemplate the possl-
bility that it may be robbed of the services of
its brave, high-mnded and tender hearted
President. 1t has never for n moment aban-
dOned hope. With rcverent trust in the
eternal righteousness of things, it has conf
dcncc that he will be victorious in his struggle
with death, and will live to bear the burdens
the people have placed upon him and to admin
lister the Government to the end of his term
with the firmncss and justice he has thus far
displayed.