The Evening critic., 1884-09-16
MIR. blaine and GaraeId's disability.

A second-rate daily (Dem.) makes the
charge that Mr.. Blaine, while General Gar
field lay wounded, called a meeting of the
Cabinet and took the ground that "con-
stitutional disability" had occurred that
Mr.. Garfield was in such condition that
he was unable to discharge tho duties of his
high office, and that, in pursuance of tho
provisions Of the Constitution, it was the
duty and the right of Vice. President Ar.
thur to enter upon the duties of the Presi-
dental Office. We do not believe that Mr..
Blaine ever took the action this second rate
daily asserts he did. He may have brought
the matter to the attention of the Cabinet
for tho purpose of eliciting their ideas and
opinions, and without any intention of de-
priving General Garfield of his high office.
We remember very distinctly that the "dis-
ability" question was discussed in all the
leading papers Of the country, and the ques-
tion as to what was the proper course to
pursue under the then condition of our
public affairs was very widely discussed by
the press and by men Of all parties.
1t was asserted that foreign complica-
tions OF a very serious character might
arise, involving the honor of the Nation
and the rights of our citizens, and the ques-
tions were asked, "What will we do under
such a condition of affairs? And who is
entitled to speak for the Government, and
what shall be our policy as Nation?'
These questions were asked over and
over again. The people were excited and
feverish on the subject. Under these cir
cumstances it is not strange If Mr.. Blaine
brought the matter up in the Cabinet. 1t
was, in fact, his duty to do that very
thing, in order to ascertain how his col
leagues felt on the subject. He was the
head of the Cabinet. He stood closer to the
President, and had closer and moro conf
dental relations with General Garfield
than any other man at the council board,
and he was naturally looked to to initiate
any measures that might become necessary
to ward off any evils or dangers that might
arise from the disabled condition of the
head of tho Government.
1t was evident to every man in the Union
that long and protracted struggle with
death was before President Garfield. Months
would elapse before he would be strong
enough to grasp the holm Of the Ship OF
State again. What was to be done? Must
we drift along without any one at tho heinz
These questions were constantly before the
people, and Mr.. Blaine only did what was
night If he brought up the matter in Cabi.
net council. 1t was the duty of those In
charge of the Government to consider eve ry
possible contingency, and to prepare for
every emergency. No possible disrespect
would be shown to the wounded President
by considering every possible aspect of the
case, nor could his official rights be trenche1
upon by preparing for every possible emar-
gency. No friend of General Garfield hii
ever complained that he was not treated
with all possible respect during his illness
or that his prerogatives had been or would
be trenched upon by any proposed action oil
the Cabinet.
1t is easy to sec what this stab at Mr.
Blaine means. 1t is intended to ALLEVIATE
the friends Of the assassinated President
and cause them to withhold their support
from the nominee of the Republican party
1t will fail, and fail completely Mr.
Blaine has no more enthusiastic friend;
anywhere-not even in his own Stato-thau
are the intimate friends of tho late General
Garfield, as the vote of the Western Re-
serve of Ohio will show in due tune