Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-09-18

was driven to the White House.
The news got out slowly. Washington
did not know anything was the matter
until carriage dashed up Pennsylvania
avenue, clearing way for the ambulance
which was surrounded by mounted
police. A crowd followed the ambulance
to the White House gateway, where
police held 1t back. As the President
was carried in, he caught the sight OF
some familiar faces at the window, and
raised his hand in military salute.
Then the gates were closed, and COM
pany of infantry with fixed bayonets
was hurried from the arsenal to guard
the place. The police force was needed to
keep order in the city, where angry
crowds were gathering.
Throughout the whole affair, Mr.. Gar
field was the most composed member of
the party. He thought of all the possible
i'll effects the news might have on his vile,
and turning to his secretary he dictated
this dispatch: "The President wishes me
to say to you for him that he has been Sc
riously hurt-how seriously he cannot
say. He is himself, and hopes you will
come to him soon. He sends his love to
you"
At the White House the President
greeted his friends with warm pressure
of the hand and with cheerful words.
When one Of bis sons was sobbing at his
bedside he said: Don't be alarmed,
Jimmy; the upper story is all right; it's
only the hull that's little damaged"
When his private secretary announced
that Mrs. Garfield had started on a special
train from Long Branch, he said: "God
bless the little woman, hope the shock
won't break her down."
The President told DIR. Bliss that he
wanted to be kept accurately informed
about his condition. Conceal nothing
from me-" he said. "Remember. am not
afraid to die"
might die soon. "Are the prospects bad,
doctor?" said the President. "Don't be
afraid. Tell me frankly. am ready for
the worst" "Mr. President" DIR. Bliss
replied, "your condition Is extremely crit
icai. l do not think that you can live
many hours" Goods will be done, doc
tor; l am ready to go II my time has
GOMEZ" the wounded man responded,
firmly.
The President had been watching for
his wife. As he heard the wheels on the
gravel driveway he turned to Postmaster
General James and said: "That Is my
WIFE," After he had seen her he fell
q teap yhon bio awoko ha asuad NJ.
James where Mrs. Garfield was. ~ want
her to go to bed. VIII you tell her that
say II she will undress and go to bed,
will turn right over and go to sleep7"
When Mrs. James reported that Mrs.
Garfield WAS doing as he had asked, the
President turned over and went to sleep
at once. A little later he swoke and
asked; doctor, what are the indics-
tionss" DIR. Bliss replied: There is a
chance OF recovery" swell, them"
responded the President, "We will take
that chance
The most intense excitement prevailed
throughout the country. AT this time a
the Presidents private secretary, to Adju-
tant General Swain, was repeated to all
bulletin offices. The effect was marvel
lous. After telling of Mr.. Gartield's con-
dition, the despatch ended: "As the
President said on a similar occasion, six
teen years ago, God reigns, and the gov
eminent at Washington still lives
When the notable words were pasted on
the bulletin boards on the night of July
2, the tension OF the crowd relaxed. The
throngs that had been waiting silently
took up the message with cheers. IL
brought them hope, and there was wild
applause.
For time the President progressed.
The doctors believed they had traced the
path OF the bullet and that the wound
would not prove fatal Rut y serious
relapse occurred on July 26. From THIS
time forward the symptoms were uu-
f4vorseie. On September 6 Mr.. Garfield
was removed to Long Branch, where he
q ed hirteen days later, surrounded by
his family and friends.
The body was taken to Washing on two
days after the death and lay in state in
the capitol. o. Sept. % ii WAS removed
10 Cieyeiand, o AMI tnree days later II
was put In tomb at LAKE. View after an
elaborate funeral ceremony. the day
WAS observed throughout the county
Business was suspended, buildings were
draped in mourning aud retigfoua cere-
monies were betd In maby churches.
Even in Europe mourning was adopted
in court circles.
The assassin. Charles j. Guitesu, was
about forty years Old. He called himself
lawyer, but he had no practice. AT
times he was a religious enthusiast. he
was an applicant for the consuiship at
Marseiles aud had been fnrciby removed
from the Presidents office a few days
before the shooting because of mis- dis
orderly conduct.
Guiteau said on his way to Jail that the
Presidents assassination was premeditat-
ed, and that re went to Long Branch for
the purpose of shooting him there, and
was deferred by the sudden and enfee-
bied condition OF Mrs. Garfield, which
appealed so strongly to his sense OF hui
manity that he came back without carry
ing out his intention.
A letter found in his possession gave his
reason for the murder In the following
language:
July 2, 1881.
To the White House:
The Presidents tragic death WAS a sad
necessity, out II will unite the republican party
and save the republic. Life Is fmsy dream,
and II matters little where one goes. human
life IA of small whine During the war thon-