New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-21
HOW THE MOTHER BORE THE NEWS.

HOW THE MOTHER BORE THE NEWS.
TIE NEWS Is BROKEN TO HER AFTER A NIGHTS REST
SIZE BEARS UP BRAvELY, BUT HAS NO DESIRE
TO LIVE LONGER-HER FAITH IN GOD UNsHAKEN.
CLEVELAND, Sept. 2O.-The mother of President
Garfield is now at Scion with her daughter, Mrs.
Larabee dispatch TO The Herald says:
Until three days ago, full particulars of the situa-
lon were teegraphed with tho greatest regularity
20 friends in Scion. Since that date only meagre
dispatches sent and the suspense of the house
Sunday night Mrs. Larabee and the PRESIDENT
mother slept together, and the former af-
al her anxiety rendered sleep cut of the question
Turing the last week or two her health has been re-
received reached the Scion office ut $50 and was
Immediately delivered. During all these DAYS of
remained hopeful. She had faith that her noble son
Wonld be spared to serve his country and com
sister, the contrary, has had feeling of discour-
agcment and fear from the first. Even on the dav
when he left Mentor, she says, her mind was filled
with vague torebodings she could not drive
away. As Garfield went about his farm
giving things farewell look she felt a
presentiment that il was n long good-bv. The
effect Of this telegram was Measuring however. and
Mrs Garfield retired with feelings Of quiet cheerful
ness. During the day she had been constantly
busying herself about the house. Mrs Larabee be-
sought her not to do any work. Mother" she
sand, You will only, worry yourself" "Oh, no."
shali be III" able o to Sleep better HSiVe ex
haustion, occasoned by lack of rest the two nights
pDHNlOuB inuuCeu q Steep WDcl members OF the
family say exceeded in lengh any previous sleep Of
the old lady.
At 8 o'clock Tuesday morning the village bell
lolied; at g o'clock came the following private
telegram
ELBERoN, N. j., Sept 49,
James died this evening at 1885 He calmly breathed
his life away. D. q. SWAIN
Mrs. Larabce's first Thought was of her mother.
The latter was sleeping calmly, and they did not
ava he her. Not until O'clock did SLe old lady
awake, having slept constantly since II p. m.
door with heavy heart and found
her dressed and engaged in reading
the Bible II was thought hest not TO break tbe
news until Mrs. Garfield had eaten breakfast
Oddly enough the old lady did not insist upon hear
ing the news unul the meal was finished. Then.
taking the fatal telegram from the shelf she was
was about TO read but Miss Ellen took it from her
trembling hands.
Grandma she said would You be surprised
to hear bad news this mornngf"
.. WhfY don't know mo-, said the old lady.
been fearing and expecting all the morning.
Grandma" said Ellen, . there is sad news
" Is he deadT asked the old lady TREMENDOUSLY.
The quick tears started in the sensitive eyes.
mere was violent paroxysm of grief. No express
SION OF frenzy told of the anguish within
rs it true ~ she asked, with quivering lips
the Lord help me, for if lie is dead what shall
She was rendered weak and a little nervous nv
the announcement, and was obliged once twice TO
repair to her room, where in solitude she might be-
gin to comprehend the awful TRUTH but she was not
content to remain there, and soon returned to the
sitting room.
About half-past o o'clock Mrs. Garfield was found
sitting III n rocking chair waiting for news. The
morning paper she read with eagerness. " liz can
not be that James dead" she muttered,
cannot understand IT. | have no further
wish TO live, and cannot live if it is 500
Although her general health is good at present
many fear that her words are prophetic and Mrs
Larabee dares not hope otherwise herself
But feeling keenly as she does her great
affection, never once has she limited at lack of
faith in the Supreme One that all is not intended
Tor the best.
ut is Proyidential,D she said "I can firmly be-
lleVe that God knows best and must not murrnur
Mrs. Mehitable TrOw bridge, the remaining sister
Of President Garfield also informed of his deat
TINS morning. Having been sick for several weeks
It was feared that this blow might PROSTATE her
nut she bears up better than might be expected.
Both of the sisters appear more urnerved than the
mother herself. The fortitude of the latter can be
Wednesday of this week is her eightieth birthday
For about month she has been visiting Mrs
rh9Oo Clapp and Mrs. Alpha Boynton in
Hiram. About week ago she returned
to SolOn, where she expects foreman with Mr. and
Mrs. Marenus Larabee for some time. The only
brother OF the President is LIVING Grand Rapids
Mich.
Since the 18th of November last there have
occurred five deaths in the family, as fol-
lows: Mrs. Hattie L. Palmer, November ii =
her son Rudolph, February 10; Thomas Garfield
june il; Mi Cordeia Arnold. June ~. Just ten
months ago Monday, Thomas Garfield and the late
President celebrated their birthdays at Joint festi
val at Randall Their birthdays came on the same
day, the General beng forty-aine years old aud
Thomas Garfield seventy -nino.