The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-02
THE GARFIELD TRAGEDY
The Nineteenth Anniversary OF the
Crime of Guiteau.
A Memorable Day for the People of
washinEtou-Shooti of the Pres
way Depot-Arrest of the Assassin
His Letter to the White House.

neld, freSldent oil the United states, was
shot and fatally wounded by Charles ].
Guiteau. 1t was an appalling crime that
stirred the nation. There are in WASH
ingtun many who recall the crime. Almost
perfect weather, though very warm, pre-
vailed President Garfield had arranged
to leave the city that day. He was to
Join Mrs. Garfield at Elberon, n. ].
Toward noon the President, accompanied
by James G. Blaine, Secretary of State,
took carriage at the White House. They
were driven slowly down the Avenue, and
in due time the carriage wheeled into
Sixth Street and came 10 stop before the
Pennsylvania Railway depot. A small
gathering attended their approach to the
station. The President conyersed for sew
eral moments with Secretary Blaine, then
the latter took his arm, and the two leIs,
urely entered the depot. a few persons
followed and mingled with those already
within the building. The President asked
an employe of the railroad company as to
the schedule of the train. He was told
that ten minutes must elapse before the
train would be announced, and, accom-
panied by Mr.. Blaine. he turned and start
ed to enter the main reception room
Charles Guiteau, disappointed Office
seeker secreted behind the inner doors of
the ladies' parlur, drew revolver and
fired point blank at the President. Mr..
Garfield WAS shot in the back, and fell to
the marble floor of the depot. Everything
was confusion and uproar.
AS the President fell Guiteau, flourish
ing his weapon above his head, turned and
rushed from the station. He met Police
man Kearney, and was placed under ar
rest after a brief struggle. The word went
out that the President had been shot, and
thousands hurried to the scene. Mr. Gar
field was lifted from the floor and removed
upstairs. where DR.. James Smith Town
send. Dr. J. II. Baxter, U. S. A; Surgeon
Wales, of the navy, and others were called
to attend him. Harry Garfield. son of the
President; Secretary Blaine, Secretary
Hunt, Secretary Lincoln, other officials and
friends OF the President surrounded the
hastily prepared couch upon which the
Chief Magistrate rested General Sherman
soon arrived, and at his direction an am
bulance was summoned. detail of police
removed the President from the station.
He was placed in the ambulance. and with
q guard from the Fourth Regular Arti1-
lery the journey 10 the White House be-
gan. At the White House the President
was conveyed to chamber on the second
floor, and there he received every atten-
ton which science could suggest. heavy
guard of soldiers was placed about the
Mansion. No person was allowed within
the grounds without a pass signed by Col.
H c. Corbin, now Adjutant General Of the
Army.
Col. A. T. Rockwell, of the War De-
partment telegrsphed Mrs. Garfield, az
Elberon, directly after the shooting, as
follows:
The President wishes me 10 say TO you for him
that he has been seriously hurt. How seriously
he cannot yet say. He is himself, and hopes
you will come 10 him He sends his love TO
you.
A special train to convey Mrs. Garfield
to Washington was secured. No delay
was tolerated, and the railroad companies
made every effort to hasten the arrival
of Mrs. Garfield at the bedside Of her hus-
band
Washington was wild with excitement
Special editions of the newspapers gave
details of the tragedy. and public feeling
became greatly infiamed. Captain Vernon
Of the Metropolitan police took charge of
Guiteau, secured commitment, and hur-
ried the prisoner away to jail There ne
was searched. Among his effects was the
following letter:
To the White House: The Presidents tragic death
was sad necessity. bat II will unite the Republican
party and save the Republic. Life is a iiimsy
dream, and il matters little when goes.
human life is of small value During the war
thousands Of brave boys went down without
tear / presume the President Christian
and that he will be happier in paradise than
here II will be no worse for Mrs. Garfield, dear
soul, to part with her husband in this way than
by natural death. He is liable to go at any time.
] am lawyer, theoloeian, and politician. am
stalwart of the Stalwarts. l with General
Grant and the rest Of men in New York dur
iTys the canvass. ] have some papers Tor the press
which will lezve with Byron Andrews and his
ro-journalists at 1870 New York Avenue northwest,
where all reporters them. am going TO
pail CHARLES GUlTEAU.
For two months and half the wounded
President fingered between life and death.
Now and then he rallied, but gradually
he grew weaker. and on the 18th of Sep
TENDER. 1881, President Garfield passed
into eternity.
Charles Guiteau was arraigned for the
murder of the President. Judge Walter
s. Cox presided at the trial. and it was
q long one. Experts on insanity from New
York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were
brought here and testified as to the mental
condition of the accused. Secretary Blaine |
was a witness. as were Dr. d. w Bliss, |
Surgeon General U. S. A: Judge Advocate |
General D. G. Swain, Z. S. a; Col. A F. |
Rockwell L. s. A., and host Of others |
Guiteau was convicted of murder, and was |
hanged at the District jail June 30, 1882