davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
IN THE PRESIDENTS CHAMBER.

Intellectual Effort to Find the Deadly Ball
in the Victims Body-Sad Scenes.
Mr.. Garfield was laid on his own bed in his
own room, broad, airy apartment on the
south side of the executive mansion, and the
physicia ms and surgeons surrounded him.
They made an Intellectual effort to find the
ball and felt one. They did not find it and
bed were his physicians, skilled men of the
army and navy and civil life, the best to be
had in Washington, the members of his Cabi-
net, his boys, the friends who have been laugh
ingly styled "the chums," and few faithful
friends unknown to fame. One of these was
Wormley, the colored caterer, who was at the
deathbed of Sumner. Outside in the library,
the Cabinet room and the private secretary g
room were Senators, Representatives, journal
lists and distinguished citizens. Occasionally
the members of the Cabinet or some of the
doctors or members of the family would come
into these outer rooms with an official bulletin,
which was sent at once all over the country
and posted up outside, or with some private
message for some loving inquirer There was
little to be said. Though no great change oc-
CURED, no great change was expected; so little
was said. All were sad at heart. The White
House was in charge of the Adjutant General
OF the army. The grounds were patrolled by
the troops, and the gates were held by the
police. No one was admitted to the grounds
without pass reading, Executive Mansion
SIOunuS. q. otdnl0Y DrOWn, private SoCf0-
tary." All sort of subterfuges were resorted to
to get in, but. as a general rule, the people
within the gates had right to be. Carriages
were continually driving up to the gates
They were admitted if their occupants could
be. The police had orders to admit only those
having passes, except American and foreign
dignitaries and physicians. Among those who
were in the executive mansion during the
afternoon, beside the Cabinet and the ladies of
the Cabinet families, who were with the Presi-
dent, were the English minister and his secre-
taries, the Austrian minister and his secre-
taries, the Belgian minister, the Brazilian
minister, the Gillian minister, the Chinese
minister, the French minister, the German
minister, the Guatamalan minister, the Ha-
waiian minister, the Italian minister, the
Japanese minister, the Mexican minister, the
Russian, Turkish and Spanish ministers, and
representatives of all the other legations.
Senators Jones, Beck. Plumb, Pugh, Repre-
sentatives Tucker, Willetts, DR.. Loring Com
missioner Raum, Gen. Sherman, Gen. Drum,
Col. Nickerson, Admiral Roe, Commodore
Wells, W. W. Corcoran, Judge Harlan, Judge
Strong, Sevellon A. Brown, Walker Brown,
Treasurer Gilfillan, and other prominent men,
bers of the civil service, and prominent officers
of the army and navy. Mr.. Garfield saw
everybody who cared to go in. Comparatively
few did, but the President recognized all whom
he knew. He talked frequently, always hope
fully and brightly
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
DISASTROUS F1Rr,
Two Large Buildings in Biddeford
Burned.
LOSS ESTIMATED AT $40, 900.

Especial Despatch to the Press.l
BIDDEFoRD, July 3.-Fire broke out at q.
m. in the second story of the Printers Ex-
change Nothing but the walls are left. The
upper story of the next building down Main
street was burned. Fire was put out about 9.
The fire departments of both cities were out.
The buildings were occupied as follows: Prin-
ters' Exchange-Daily Evening Times, w. U.
Telegraph office, Dearborn g. Shaw. shoe
manufactures, E. L. Cowan, loom and har-
nesses, L. G. Dearborn, laundry. The other
building was occupied by G. Wardwell, grocer,
Mrs. FL. Charles, dining rooms, f. e. Libby,
second floor.
The insurance is as follows: Dearborn A.
Shew, $4,000; Daily Times, $500; L. 6.
Dearborn, $4,000; E. L. Cowan, $1,000; G.
Wardwell, 100; Mrs. Charles $1,000; f. E.
Libby, $500; buildings $4,000. The build
ings were owned jointly by T. Shaw, Jr.' j. G..
Shaw, T. Merrill, E. S. Frost, f. A. Day, the
heirs of Thomas Cole, z. G.. Folsom. The
Printers Exchange was formerly owned and
occupied by N E. Plusultra Cola Co. as col
lar factory. Loss estimated at over-S20 900.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL.
The Secretary OF States Account of the
Shooting.

WASHINGTON. D: g, July 2.-The following
has been forwarded by cable:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, D. c., July 2, 1881.
James Russell Lowell, Minister, ETC., Lon
don:-The President of the United States was
shot this morning by an assassin named Chas
Guiteau. The wepon was a large-sized revolv-
er. The President had just reached the Balti-
more q Potomac station at about $40 O'Clock,
and intended. with portion Of his cabinet, to
leave on the limited express for New York. 1
rode in the carriage with him from the execu-
tive mansion, and was walking beside him
when he was shot. The assassin was immedi-
ately arrested and the President was conveyed
to private room in the station building and
surgical aid at once summoned. He has now,
at 10 20 o'clock, been removed to the execu-
tive mansion. The surgeons in consultation
regard his wounds as very serious, though not
necessarily fatal His vigorous health gives
strong hopes of his recovery. He has not lost
consciousness for moment. Inform our
ministers in Europe.
(Signed) JAMES G. BLAINE,
Secretary of State.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
THE PRISONER AT THE JAIL.
Not His First VISTA Mutual Recogni-
ton Takes Place.

WASHINGTON, D. c., July 2.-When the
prisoner arrived at the Jail he was neatly at
tired in suit of blue and wore drab hat
pulled down over his eyes, giving him the APP
pearance of an ugly character. 1t may be
worthy of note to state that some two or three
weeks ago Guiteau went to the Jail for the
purpose of visiting it, but was refused admit.
lance on the ground that it was not visitors
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
Garaeld's Alma Mater.

WILLIAMSBURG, Mass, July 3.-The COM
mencement exercises open to-day. DIR. Chad
bourne preached baccalaureate sermon A
message was received from the President ex-
pressing his love and thanks to the venerable
Ex-President Hopkins. A telegram announ-
cling the President was more comfortable was
received with cheers.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
SCENES IN WASHINGTON.
Great Throngs About the Depot and the
White House.-Business Practically
Suspended

The news spread over the city with incred-
IDLE rapidity, the telephone carrying it to the
remotest parts of the city. In a few minutes
after Its occurrence every street began pouring
the residents toward Pennsylvania Avenue
and thence to the scene The departments had
just filled up with their thousands, and these
were soon emptied upon the stress and their
employees joined to swell the throng hurrying
toward the Baltimore & Potomac depot
Around the building were gathered, in less
than half an hour, fully 10000 people of all
ranks OF society. The depot was densely
crowded, and the pressure for admittance to
the ladies' room, in which the President lay
was so great as to override the efforts of the
few policemen on duty to keep out the crowd.
Tnis caused the removal of the sufferer to the
Upstairs room, which, it is now thought, was
An imprudent move. He bore the painful
lifting up the stairway with great selfcontrol
At a few minutes before 10 o'clock the police
Ambulance arrived, and shortly after the doors
OF the b street entrance opened and the litter,
upon which was stretched the wounded Pres-
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
MRS. GARFIELD.
The Afflicted Wife at Her Husbands
Bedside.

LILO AlAiCt0o Wllo dG T10r auSDhQOS
Bedside.
WASHINGTON, July 2-All Garfield's hopes
and those of his friends centred in the arrival
of his wife before his departure for the other
world. She was expected at o'clock, on the
Swain chartered for her. Word came while
the President was enjoying brief nap, about
8, that an accident had occurred to the engine,
by which the train would be delayed. Great
regret was expressed, but the President lived
on, and at last his loved one came. She was
driven rapidly toward her home in the family
carriage. At the steps of the private entrance
at the rear of the mansion waited Mr.. Mac
Veagh, who was the coolest of the men pres
ent He had been delegated to receive her
and her sons and Mrs. Postmaster General
James and Private Secretary Brown. The
carriages drove up the carriage drive about Z
O'clock Out of the first MacVeagh lifted Mrs.
Garfield. Her younger son took her in his
arms and assisted her up the steps. She tried
to bear up bravely, but she was terribly ner-
vous with excitement and grief, and leaned
heavily on the strong arm of her son. He
assisted her tenderly, stopping on the landing
to kiss her on her tear-stained cheek Then
she went on without further pause to the door
and upstairs to the sick room, kissing the pallid
cheek of her husband warmly, and breathing
sweet words of cheer in his ear. She was far
more cool and collected when she stood by her
husbands bedside than the bearded men in
the room. The rest of the party came up the
steps quietly, under convoy Of MacVeagh,
Mrs. Rockwell, Miss Rockwell, Miss Mollie
Garfield and Swain. They attracted but little
attention, but those who saw those carriages
drive up will not soon forget the fortitqde dis
played by Mrs. Garfield, vino, for her hus-
bands sake, forgot her grief
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
TIL LATEST.
Peritonitis Said to
Have Set In.
AND THE PRESIDENTS CASE
HOPELESS.

BOSTON, July A special to the Herald
from Washington at a. m. reports that peri
tonitis has set in and the Presidents case is
hopeless.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
GUITEAU'S LETTERS.
His Own Account of the Motives Which
Lied to the Crime.

HIS own Account Oh Cu0 MOtlV05 w ulCu
Lied to the Crime.
WASHINGTON, July g. The following letter
was taken from the prisoners pocket at police
headquarters:
July 2, 1SS1.-To the White House: The
Presidents tragic death was a sad necessity,
but it will unite the Republican party and
save the republic. Life is flmsy DREAM and
it matters little when one goes. A human
life is of small value. During the war thou
sands of brave boys went down without tear.
presume that the President was a Christian,
and that he will be happier in Paradise than
here. 1t will be no worse for Mrs. Garfield,
dear soul, to part with her husband this way
than by natural DEATH He is liable to go at
any time, anyway. I had no ill-will towards
the President. His death was political ne
cessity. | am a lawyer, theologian and a
politician; I am stalwart OF stalwarts; l was
with Gen. Grant and the rest Of our men in
New York during the canvass. I have some
papers for the press which shall leave with
Byron Andrews and his co-journalists at l420
New York avenue, where all the reporters can
see them. I am going to the Jail.
(Signed) CHARLES GU1TEAU.
Byron Andrews, who is the Washington cor
respondent of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, says
that while i j sa p5ce acc 81 PsPssds by IN
note addressed to himself (AndreWsJ ne has
no personal acquaintance with Guiteau, and
never heard of his existence until this morn
ing. From what he has gathered from the po-
lice, Andrews believes that Guiteaus home is
in Freeport, Ill.
The following letter was found on the street
shortly after Guiteaus arrest The envelope
was unsealed, and addressed:
"Please deliver at once to Gen. Sherman or
his first assistant in charge of the war depart
ment."
To Gen. Sherman:
have just shot the President shot him
twice, as 1 wished him to go as easily as posi-
BILE. His death was a political necessity.
am lawyer, theologian and politician. I
am stalwart of the stalwarts. I was with
General Grant and the rest of our men in New
York during the canvass. 1 am going to the
Jail. Please order out your troops and take
possession of the Jail at once.
Very respectfully,
CHARLES GUITRAU.
Gen. Sherman on receiving a copy of the
above letter, immsdiately answered. stating
that he did not know nor had ever heard Of
the man.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04
OFFICIAL BULLETIN. |

OFFICIAL BULLETIN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, July 80 P. NJ.
The condition Of the President is less favor
able. Pulse 12O, temperature 100 respiration
20. He is more restless and again complains
Of pain in his feet.
BULLETIN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, July 4, 1230 A. M)J
The Presidents condition is changed very
little since the last bulletin. Pulse, liz; tenn
perature, 1913; respiration, 20. Some tympan-
ties is recognized. He does not complain so
much OF pain in the feet.
[Tympanites is fatulent dis,ention of the
belly.]
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, July 4, Il A. MI
In view of the fact it is deemed best to keep
the President perfectly quiet during the re-
msinder Of the night the attending physicians
announce at a. m. that no examinations will
be made and no further bulletins issued until
1880 a. m.
New YORK, July 3.-At a late hour tonight
bulletins were posted saying the President was
sinking fast and could not recover. The pub
lie is excited almost to frenzy.
NEW York, July 3.-The excitement in this
city tonight as the news from Washington be-
came more and more alarming rose to fever
heat. Crowds surged about the telegraph
offices and through the corridors Of the promi-
nent hotels, where dispatches from the Presi-
dents bedside, were being receiued at short
intervals
PRAYERS FOR THE PRESIDENT.
Suggestions that Services be Held in all
the Churches To-Day.
WASHINGTON, July 3.-Secretary Blaine at
late hour tonight received the following
PROVIDENCE, r. l., July 3.-Rhode Island
varv MT Cor
field. Ought not festive celebrations to-mor-
row to be discouraged. Gov. Littlefeld joins
me in regards and inquiry.
henry B. ANTHONY.
To this Secretary Blaine sent the following
reply: :,
Your thoughtful despatch is received at
midnight. Governor Foster. of Ohio,
had already suggested services in all
tho churches tomorrow instead of the patriotic
festivities usually appropriate. The very crit
indicate the propriety of the course. 1 am
.r-a 3. vonia 30 5000 Psaele 20 tho people of
all religious denominations.
Words of. Sympathy.
BANGOR, July 2.
James g. Blaine, Washington, d. c.:
Telegram received of information of the
hopeful condition of the President and is a
great relief to all, but we are ali terribly anx-
ious. Garry my earnest, heartfelt sympathy to
the President and family.
(Signed) FL. HAMLIN
WASHINGTON, July 3.-Minister from Spain,
Mr.. Barca, called upon Secretary Blaine at the
Executive Mansion, this afternoon, for the
purpose of delivering copy of the following
telegram from the Minister of State at Madrid:
MADRID, July 8.
To Spanish Minister, Washington
In the name Of the King express to the Gov
eminent of the United States the profound
sorrow that the attempt against the Presidents
life has caused in Spain. His Majesty and his
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-04

The Librarian of the Navy Department says
Guiteau was follower of Farwell in the Chi
cago Convention in his efforts to break the unit
rule in favor Of Blaine. He had recently ex-
pressed ill-feeling against Mr. Blaine.
His Milwaukee Record.
MILWAUKEE, Wis, July 2.-Guiteau the
would-be assassin of President Garfield, was
formerly resident of this city, where he prac-
ticed law. His name, as inscribed upon his
old sign, is Charles Guiteau. He had an Office
at 1876 Broadway and claimed ten years prac-
tice in New York and Chicago. Interviews
with Judge Mallory and Harold Emmonds, q
lawyer, both wnUm kuew-efure1nu- h
establish the fact that he was generally con-
sidered, by the few who formed his acquaint-
ance, as either vicious person or one who was
insane. He was cratic in his business talks
and general relations. Among other things,
he wrote book upon "Morals." Mr.. EN-
monds said: II was quite well acquainted with
Guiteau His name is Charles Guiteau
During the winter of 1883 he had desk in
my office in this city, and attempted to. prac-
tice law. He had but little business, and
seemed very poor. Though it was winter, he
went about with only thin summer coat on.
He was not foreigner, as reported; but, I
think, was of French parentage. Sometimes
he would sit the whole day in the office and
read the Bible. When I entered the office
sometimes found him ON his knees in prayer
He also published some pamphlets on religious
subjects, which were kept for sale at the book
stores He was good deal at the rooms OF the
Young Mems Christian Association, and took
in the weekly prayer meetings. regarded
him as harmless fellow, but very eccentric.
After he left the city parties used to call for
him in regard to letters they had entrusted to
him. In the municipal court it was stated he
was known as the defender of vile women, and
never was known to have had a respectable
client. He was in every sense OF the word q
pettifogger. He was known about the city as
a vicious, wild character. He finally left the
city, having, it is understood, been debarred
from acting in the courts. His acquaintance
was limited, for he was not man to make
friends.
DIR. Hood, the medical examiner at the PEN
sion Office, recalls that Guiteau made applica-
ton for pension some two months ago. on
representation that he was a soldier during
the civil war. Dr. Hood investigated the
claim. and the papers were filed away with the
endorsement "Insane."
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-09-29
An Innart1aI Opinion,

The Baltimore american cannot be accused
of being partial to the Re-adjuster candidates
or their cause; but it is not incapable, by rea-
son of this, of doing them justice. Below is
what it says of the Blair letters clumsy forgery:
The campaign in Virginia has been enliven-
ed by the publication of two letters purport-
ing to have been addressed by Frank s. Blair,
the Malone candidate for attorney general, in
one of which the negroes are spoken of as
"tricky and ready to sell their votes to the
highest bidder" This letter is dated October
II, during the last Presidential campaign.
Both letters are in tone and character utterly
at variance with the speeches made by Blair
in the Presidential campaign, and opposed to
the objects of the canvass. The publication of
these letters has occasioned great excitement
throughout the State, and Mr.. Blair pronounc-
es them base forgeries. In addressing a large
assemblage at Wytheville, he said:
~ declare now most solemnly and sincerely
that did not write or dictate line or sylla-
BILE of either Neither thestYle nor sentiments
embodied in them are mine and | need but
appeal to my acquaintances who know my
handwriting to prove that the letters are gross
and unblushing torgeTies.' He then read
large number of voluntary affiidavits from
persons familiar with his handwriting to the
effect that the letters were not written by
Blair and We're gross forgeries. Blairs speech
was received with great enthusiasm"
Mr.. Blair is an ex-Confederate officer,
kawyer, man of education and Intelligence and
has been before the public as candidate for
HON official positions for a number of years.
Tn the face of this record it is scarcely to be
hal;eved that he would write such letters AL
togethef, it looks as if the Democrats will find
.be,oeelyes with an elephant on their hands,
As the case now stands, they will haye to
..oua the letters to have been written by Blair
pr otond self-convicted before the country as
=, I of the preparation of gross SANDER
: Nd 3D. n<SpabIe forgery.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-09-29

COMMISSIONERS SALE OF

COMMISSIONERS SALE OF
~ VALUABLE REAL ESTATE,
Belonging to the estate of the late Thomas K.
Menifee, in the county of Augusta, Va, and sum-
mers county, West Va.
gusta county, Virginia, rendered at the June term,
$780, in the cause of T. K. Menifee's administrator
&C. VS.. L. K Menfee's Widow and Devisees, we will
offer sale public auction in front of the Court
House, in the city of Staunton, on
SATURDAY, THE path DAY OF SEPTEMBER. 1881,
the following property
Lot No. l, On southeast side of Menifee street.
adjoining the farm of Mrs Menifee fronting on that
about rs feet, with depth Of about $50 feet,
with a good Frame House thereon, containing 8
rooms.
Lot Nc O. adjoins lot No. l, fronting about rs feet
Menifee street and running back about $50 feet
Lot No. 3, fronting about 100 feet on the north
west side of Menifee street. and running back about
$50 feet-has on II good Frame House with rooms
| Lot No. 4 fronting on Menifee street about 100
| feet by about $50 deep, adjo1ns Lot No.
Lot No. s. fronting Menfee street about l0o feet
| by $50 deep.
| with House thereon, containing rooms.
| Lots No. l, and have houses with all necessary
| out houses thereon and are In good repair.
| Lots No. 2, and are vacant but are all number
one building lots located In the rapidly developing
suburb of the city known as West End, where prop
| erty is constantly increasing in value.
Lot No. T. on Beverly street in the city Of Staun-
| ton, adjoining the furniture ware-room of $. NJ.
Wilkes ON the west and extending across the creek
including the wall thereof and joining the lot
| belonging to the city, purchased of Witt Holt,
about As feet front by l20 Deep line location for
Lot No. s. adjoins Stuart Block, opposite the Ches-
| apeake Il Ohio Il. W., on the southwest side of
Stuart Block, fronting Mddebrook street so feet
by about 100 feet deep. This is splendid location
| for warehouse.
| No. g. An undivided interest In three lots with
Smith and Elder, on the c. o. Ry, in the western
| suburbs Of the city of Staunton.
No. 10. tract of 1872 acres of wood land in Sum-
| mers county, w. Va. This property is Immediately
| on the Chesapeake and Ohio R'y near the junction
Of Greenbrter and New Rivers. is finely timbered,
making 1t one of the best tracts for lumber In that
section of the country.
Plats OF the above property with full particulars
can be seen at the office of Hudson Patrick Staun
| ton, Va, and w. Hunter Will show the property
| to those Wishing to examine
TERMS Leash In hand to pay the costs of sale and
| the balance In three equal annual payments bear
ing interest from the day Of sale, bonds with ap-
proved personal security to be taken from the pur
chaser and title to be retained ultimate security
| for the purchase money.
| EE~We respectfully inform persons wishing to
| purchase to be present, as the property WILL BE
| SOLD ON THAT DAY. Sale at II o'clock.
| JAMES BUMGARDNER JR.,
| w. A. HUDSON,
| WI. HUNTER,
1un30-tds Commissioners.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-09-29
Re. M. Cushing & Son, Auctioneers.]
GALE OF VALUABLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

MALE OF VALUABLE PERSONAL PROPERTY.
AS administrator of the estate of VIM. L. Hunter
decd, Will sell at his late. residence, South
River, miles above Waynesboro, at public auction,
ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2sth, 1881,
If fair, If not the next fair day. all the Personal
Property belonging to said estate, viz:
HOUSEHOLD AND KITCHEN FURNITURE,
head Of Horses, a work Horses, fine Stallion and
Cots) Is or 20 head cattle, C mich Cows, Others
years old and under0 IS or 20 head of Hogs all the
Farming Implements, embracing Mccormick Har-
vester, Mccormick Mower Bckford L Huffman
Drill Buggy Rake, or Wagons, Flows, Harrows
Harness. SC. Also Top Buggy and harness, ABOUT
900 BUSHELS OF WHEAT, 80 or 40 Acres of Corn In
field, 80 Bushels Orchard Grass Seed, 40 so TONS
NICE HAY, and a large quantity OF Wheat Straw.
Several Thousand feet good Lumber; some Locust
Posts, &C.
TERMS: Cash for all sums of ten dollars and
under; on all sums above ten dollars the purchaser
will give negotiable note well endorsed, payp BILE at
sixty days. B M. ELLIS Admir-
Of VIM. L. Hunter, decd.
NOTE:-All persons holding claims against the
estate Of W. L. Hunter, Decd will present them to
me. And all persons knowing themselves indebted
to said estate will please come forward and SETTLE
September 8, 1881. B. M. ELLIS,
Septe Administrator.