Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-09-20

lell into the dreamlesS slumber 0l
death at 1890 last night. The news
flashed all over the country, and wa,
soon known wherever telegraph wires
extend. The tolling Of bells in our
own city announced the sad event
upon the wings Of the midnight air
The long expected and dreaded blow
sends a shock Of sadness to every
heart, whether it beats in humble
cottage or stately mansion. The signs
Of mourning are seen to-day in the
lanes OF the poor, the avenues of the
rich, in the exchanges, the marts Of
trade, upon the public highways, and
wherever people congregate. The
cable has carried a message of sorrow
to the Old World, and it has been
read to-day with deep regret in all the
courts and great cities Of Europe. A
representative American citizen, re-
spected and honored at home and
abroad, has fallen, and the nation
mourns. Whatever may have been
said in the heat of discussion and
political strife, General Garfield en-
joyed both before and after his cleo
tion to the hiefMagistraey, the conf
dence and personal good will of the
American people. He was respected
for his intellectually, his self-reliance
and honorable efforts, by which he
raised himself to positions of distinc-
tiou and great influence. Even before
the fatal shot was fred, men of all
parties and sections we're entirely
reoonciled to his election, and
heartily supported the government
as represented by his administration.
An era of unprecedented prosperity Of
peace and fraternity had set in on his
accession to the Presidency. In the
hour of fraternal congratulations, Of
stimulated industries and restored
national sentiment, we little dreamed
OF the calamity in store for us. The
blow which struck him down was in
defiance of law and the well being Of
society, it was a blow at the institu.
tions Of the country and the estab-
lished order of things under a consti
tutional government. Itwas, therefore,
as if shot had been fred at every
man who enjoys the protection and the
benefits Of free government. Whilst
the death of no one man can effect the
stability of our civil institutions the
people, sympathy and in adherence
of the assassin made common cause
with their murdered represent.
ative. They not only detest the fa-
matte who set at defiance all law, civil
ization and religion, but are taught by
this appalling tragedy the value OF
that system Of law and justice which
protects and defends the sacred rights
Of the humblest as well as the first
citizen of the land. Even the cring-
ing assassin in his cell is protected
from popular fury, aud will be ac-
corded a trial by the usual forms and
safeguards of the law. In bowing to
the mysterious decree Of Divine Prov,
idence, whereby a good and great man
has been removed, we are taught that
all flesh is but as grass, and that life
at best is short and of uncertain dura
tiOn, that no one man governs this
country, and that every citizen has
supreme interest in the faithful exc
cution of the laws Of the land. In his
protracted suferiugs the President set
grand example of fortitude and pa
tience. His powerful will was under
perfect control and was exertod to the
utmost. But the shot was fatal from
the first; neither prayers, medical
skill, the suggestions of affection, ten.
der nursing nor human sympathy, nor
all combined, could save him. His
superb physical powers, his heroic
determination and the good attention
he received, together with skillfully
administered stimulants, prolonged
his life far beyond the course Of nature
under ordinary conditions. His last
moments were peaceful and almost
painless. His life had burned down
to the bottom of the socket, and it
went out and up as gently as a floating
vapor. There was no scene, no strug-
gle or recognitions, no last words. The
poor, wan and weary sufferer was at
rest. From the standpoint and belief
of all Christian people, he is at rest in
a bright and painless world. In life
he wss a practical Christian, living
up to the requirements of morality, of
good citizenship and Of religion. In
thishour of sadness and tender feeling,
the hearts of all go out in sympathy
with the boreaved wife, children and
aged mother Of the President, they
whose fondest hopes are cast down
and strongest ties forever broken.
Words of coincidence and regret arc
unavailing. Time alone can bring
healing upon its wings for them. The
public mind was in great measure
prepared for this event, yet its an
nouncement profoundly moves the
great popular heart, and every proper
manifestation of regret and sadness
will be made throughout the country.
1t may be more imposing or ostenta-
tious in the centers Of population
and wealth, but not more sincere
than in the quiet villages and homes
far down in the South, or cut on the
distant prairies of the West. A snirit