The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1901-09-13
The Deeds of Three Assassins.

been committed. But dispatches that
followed told them it was true. The
first report said shot and killed. II
was terrible shock. Expressions OF
sincerest grief were heard on all sides
Next came the report that he was Sc.
riously wounded but still living. For
few minutes hope was alive in the
breasts of all, but soon came the
dreaded word dead" and the people
of Bradford went to bed believing the
country had on its roll of martyrs the
name of another president. 1t was
not until $50 o'clock Saturday morn
ing, when the Opinion bulletin an
nounced that the President was alive
and that there was a chance of recov-
cry, that this belief was dispe11ed and
strong hope that the life of the in
jured man would be spared took its
place.
William Mckinley is the third presi-
dent of the United States to suffer
from the assassin's bullet. On the
evening of April IA, 1865, Abraham
/ Lincoln attended Ford's theatre in
Washington to crafty the people and
to seek few hours of relaxation from
arduous duties. At IS minutes past 10
John Wilkes Booth, an actor and ia
natica1 devotee of the rebellion, with
revolver in one hand and dagger in
the other, stole into the box contain
ing the presidential party and an in
slant after the large audience knew
their beloved president had been shot.
The bullet entered the head, infiict-
ing wound from which Mr.. Lincoln
died at p minutes past seven the next
morning. Many are still alive who
. remember the anguish Of that night
and the deep sorrow that followed. No
man ever lived with a heart larger or
more tender than was Abraham Lin
coins. The suffering, sorrow, priva
ton, caused by the war, touched him
deeply. No one went to the President
to plead for a condemned relative or
friend without feeling his inexpressi-
BILE tenderness, his heartfelt sorrow
for their n1isfortunes, and, if it could
be done without injury to the
country's cause, the help asked for
was invariably given. Honest Abe
Lincoln! This country, the world,
will never forget him.
James A. Garfield was elected presi-
dent in 1880, His nomination was
surprise. In the convention he made
speech, nominating Sherman, that
much impressed the delegates and
won him many admirers among them.
In no sense was he candidate before |
the convention, though on the first |
ballot given a scattering vote. The |
real contest for about 80 ballots was
apparently between Grant, Blaine and |
Sherman. During Grants admins
trations a faction of the republican
party had secured control of a large
portion of the federal patronage. |
During Hayes administration they
lost their influence and became |
sore. 1t was this faction, led by Conk-
ling called stalwarts, who supported |
Grant for a third term. Hard feeling |
was created and the contest in the con-
vention waxed hot Finally delega-
tions, desiring to bring the struggle
to an end, began to turn to Garfield, |
recognized as the leader of the anti
Grant forces. He was nominated on
the Both ballot. Chester A. Arthur,
one of the faction supporting Grant,
was nominated for e-president
The hard feeling of this contest prob
ably helped bring about the sad
event that ended Garfe1d's career.
Saturday morning, July ,, 1881, Pres
ident Garfield entered the station Of
the Baltimore & Potomac railroad in
in company with James
G.. Blaine. The four months of his ad-
had been busy ones and
he had planned a vacation. He was
going first to Long Branch where Mrs.
was regaining strength after
a serious illness and then, with his
family, was to enjoy a vacation trip.
Bnt his plans were cruelty interrupt
ed. Hardly had he entered the station
when pistol shot rang out and Mr..
Blaine was Mortified to see the Presi-
dent falling, evidently badly hurt.
For so days the struggle for life last
ed, physicians doing everything posi-
BILE and the injured man suffering
courageously much pain. Death came
at Elberon, N. j., Sept. 10. Garfield
was shot in the back. The murderer
was Charles ]. Guiteau, who was cap
tured few minutes after he fired and
later paid the penalty of his deed by
being hung. He was disappointed
man of considera BILE in
telligence and education. During the
spring he was seen walking aim
lessly about the White House
grounds. On being taken into custo-
dy he is said to have made this re-
mark: " All right. did it and will go
to Jail for it. l am a stalwart and
Arthur will be president.
And now William Mckinley suffers
from the assassin's bullet. There was
no contest over his nomination and
his election was by an overwhelming
voice of the people. He strives to do
for his country's good what seems to
him best and right. In his tender
ness, in his sympathy for those in
he is much like Lincoln.