University Library

YALE UNIVERSITY
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MEMORIAL EDITION.

THE

Life and Work

OF

JAMES A. GARFIELD,
TWENTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
EMBRACING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE SCENES AND INCIDENTS OF HIS BOYHOOD; THE
STRUGGLES OF HIS YOUTH ; THE MIGHT OF HIS EARLY MAN
HOOD ; HIS VALOR AS A SOLDIER; HIS CAREER
AS A STATESMAN; HIS ELECTION TO
THE PRESIDENCY;

THE TRAGIC STORY OF HIS DEATH.

JOHN CLARK RIDPATH, LL.D.,
AOTHOR OF A Popular History of the United States; A Grammar-School History of the
United States; An Inductive Grammar of the English Language, etc.

Copiously Illustrated.

JONES BROTHERS & COMPAJSTY:
CINCINNATI, PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO, ST. LOUIS.
J. M. OLCOTT, INDIANAPOLIS ; J. C. CHILTON i CO., DETROIT.

rCOPYRIGHTED. 1881. BY J. T JONES.

PREFACE.

Dean Swift describes the tomb as a place where savage enmity can
rend the heart no more. Here, in the ominous shadow of the cypress,
the faults and foibles of life are forgotten, and the imagination builds a
shining pathway to the stars. Ascending this with rapid flight, the
great dead is transfigured as he rises; the clouds close around him, and,
in the twinkling of an eye, he is set afar on the heights with Miltiades
and Alexander.
The tendency to the deification of men is strongest when a sudden
eclipse falls athwart the disk of a great life at noontide. The pall of
gloom sweeps swiftly across the landscape, and the beholder, feeling the
chill of the darkness, mistakes it for the death of nature. So it was
three hundred years ago when the silent Prince of Orange, the founder
of Dutch independence, was smitten down in Delft. So it was when the
peerless Lincoln fell. So it is when Garfield dies by the bullet of an
assassin. No doubt this man is glorified by his shameful and causeless death.
The contrast between his life and his death is indeed the very irony of
fate. On the popular imagination he is borne away to Washington and
Lincoln. He is canonized — the American people will have it so.
In due season fervor will subside. The keen indignation and poig
nant sorrow of this great and sensitive citizenship will at length give
place to other emotions. The murdered Garfield will then pass through
an ordeal more trying than any of his life. He will be coolly measured
and his stature ascertained by those inexorable laws which determine the
rank and place of both living and dead. No doubt he will suffer loss;
but there is of James A. Garfield a residuum of greatness —
Which shall tire
Torture and Time, and hreathe though he expire ;
Something unearthly which we deem not of,
Like the remembered tone of a mute lyre, —
And this residuum of greatness, whatever it shall be, will constitute the
Garfield of the future — the Garfield of history. (iii)

iv PREFACE.
For the present there will be — there can but be— a blending of the
real and the ideal. The glamour of the apotheosis will dazzle the vision
of those who witnessed it. It is enough, therefore, that the narrative of
to-day shall be such as befits the universal sentiment. The biographer
of the future may weigh with more critical exactitude the weakness
against the greatness, and poise in a more delicate balance the evil
against the good.
The following pages embody an eflTort to present, in fair proportion,
The Life and Work of James A. Garfield. Such sources of in
formation as are at present accessible have been faithfully consulted; and
it is sincerely hoped that the outline here given of the personal and pub
lic career of the illustrious dead, will be found true to the life. As far
as practicable in the following pages, the purposes and character of Presi-
ideut Garfield will be determined from his own words. His apothegms
and sayings, not a few, and his public papers and speeches have alike
contributed their wealth to the better parts of the volume. The story
of the President's wounding and death has been gathered from the abun
dant sources — official and semi-official — of the journals and magazines of
the day. It is hoped that the narrative, as a whole, will not be found
deficient in interest, or unworthy of the subject.
This preface would be incomplete if failure should be made to mention
the invaluable and extensive service rendered the author in the preparation
of the work, by Mr. Augustus L. Mason and Mr. Nathaniel P.
CoNREY, to whose industry and discriminating taste much of whatever
merit the book contains, must be accredited. And with this acknowledg
ment should be coupled a like recognition of the spirit of The Publishers,
who, with their accustomed liberality, have spared no pains to illustrate
the work in a manner befitting the subject. May all who read these
pages find in them as full a measure of profit as the author has found of
pleasure in their preparation. J. C. R.
Indiana Asbury University,
November, 1881.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.

PAGES

" Unto us a child is born." — A lowly home in the wilderness. — Law of
heredity. — The New England stock. — The Garfields. — The Ballous. —
Trend of the boy mind. — The father's death. — Story of the cause. — The
widow's struggle. — Life in the Garfield cabin. — Earliest labor. — First
lessons. — The Garfield family. — Boyhood traits. — The growing stalk. . 11-27
CHAPTER II.
THE STRUGGLE OP BOYHOOD.
A Western boy of twelve. — Workland and dreamland. — A carpenter in em
bryo. — Summer day and winter day.— The door of bookland opens. —
What he saw. — A doubtful farmer. — Possibly something else. — A giant
of sixteen. — The stage of brigandage. — Pirate or President? — Meanwhile
a woodchoppor. — The sea-vision again. — The great deep takes the form
of a canal. — Venus : otherwise, the Evening Star. — The glory of the
tow-path. — Navigation and pugilism. — Diving for pearls. — Leaves the
sea. — The goblin that shakes us all. — Politics, religion, and grammar. —
Off to School. — A place called Chester. — Builds abarn. — And then teaches
a school. — More school. — Joins church. — Credo. — Possible sweet
heart. — Learns elocution. — Hiram rises to view.— An academic course
of study. — What about college? — Bethany, maybe. — Decides against
it.— Why.— Knocks at the door of Williams  28-58
CHAPTER III.
THE MORNING OF POWER.
College life. — A Junior at Williams. — Favorite books. — College traditions. —
A brain of many powers. — " Mountain Day." — Essays in literature. —
The Williams Quarterly. — Poems: Memory, Autumn, Charge of the Tight
Brigade. — A writing-master "at intervals. — Free Kansas. — A metaphy
sician. — Steps out with honor. — Mark Hopkins. — Becomes a professor at
Hiram. — And then a college president. — His methods and manners. —
Success as an educator. — Lectures and preaches. — A union for life. —
The chosen mate. — Incipient politics. — First nomination for office. — '
(V)

VI CONTENTS. PAGES
State senator from Portage and Summit.— Hints at leadership.— Rises
in influence. — The approaching conflict. — Ohio makes ready for battle. —
Independence Day at Ravenna.— Sound of the tocsin.— Vanguard, to
right and left the front unfold !  59-87
CHAPTER IV.
A SOLDIER OP THE UNION.
A West Point soldier. — George H. Thomas. — The Union volunteer. — Garfield
appointed Lieutenant-Colonel. — And then Colonel. -The Forty-second
Ohio. — Studies war. — Ordered to the front. — Kentucky, who shall have
her ? — Marshall says, /. — Garfield objects. — Don Carlos Buell. — Expedi
tion to Catlettsburg. — Pluck to the backbone, Sir. — Will attack Paint-
ville. — A man called Jordan. — The region and the people. — Harry
Brown, Esq. — Capture of Paintville. — Battle of Middle Creek. — A big
victory on a small scale. — Address to the soldiers. — Big Sandy on the
rampage.-^Garfield takes a turn at the wheel. — Proclamation to the peo
ple of the Valley. — Concerning Pound Gap. — A proposed muster rudely
broken up. — Exit Humphrey Marshall. — General Orders No. 40. —
Comments on the campaign  88-114
CHAPTER V.
HERO AND GENERAL.
Brigadier-General Garfield. — Reports to Buell. — A new field of activity. —
At Pittsburg Landing. — Stands up for Africa. — Sits on court-martial. —
Again the goblin shakes us. — But we report at Washington. — Tries Fitz-
John Porter. — Assigned to Hunter's command. — Appointed chief of staff
to Rosccrans. — The commanding general. — Duties of chief of staff. —
Personal sketch of Garfield. — Rosecrans dislikes him. — And then likes
him. — Sheridan's ten-pins. — Garfield issues circular on prison pens. —
Helps Vallandigham across the border. — Opposes negro insurrection. —
Stands by Lincoln. — Organizes army police. — Favors in advance. —
The Tullahoma campaign. — Bosecrans's advance on Chattanooga. — The
capture.— Position of Bragg.— The big game begun.— Situation and
preliminaries.— The battle of Chickamauga.— Garfield's part.— Praise
and promotion.— We are elected to Congress. — And accept  115-166
CHAPTER VI.
IN THE ASCENDANT.
The constituency of Garfield.— The old Western Reserve.- Joshua R. Gid-
dings.— Character of Congress.— Garfield enters the Cave of the Winds.—
On Military Committee. — Opposes the bounty system. — Favors the
draft. — Advocates confiscation. — Demolishes A. Long, Esq.— The Wade-
Davis Manifesto.- A strange renomination.— Advocates the Thirteenth

CONTENTS. vn
Amendment — Beards Stanton. — The assassinotion of Lincoln. — Scene
in New York. — Speech on the Lincoln anniversary. — The temperance
question. — Defends Milligan and Company. — Advocates a Bureau of
Education. — Chairman of Committee on Military Affairs. — The visit
to Europe. — Oration on Decoration Day  167-210
CHAPTER VII.
LEADER AND STATESMAN.
Opposes his constituents on the money question. — Garfield on the Ninth
Census. — Speaks on Statistics. — Reports on Black Friday. — Speaks on
Civil Service. — Defends the prerogatives of the House. — An authority on
Revenue and Expenditure. — Speaks against the McGarraghan Claim. —
Advocates an Educational Fund. — Opposes inflation of currency. — Dis
cusses the railway problem. — An oration on the Elements of Success. —
Literary views and habits. — Oration on the Life and Character of
Thomas. — Speech on the Future of the Republic  211-253
CHAPTER VIII.
THE NOONTIDE.
The era of slander. — The Credit Mobilier of America. — Reviewed and answered
by Garfield. — The so-called Salary Grab. — Trouble in the Western Re
serve. — Garfield's defense and vindication. — The DeGollyer pavement
matter. — Triumphant answer to charges. — Democratic ascendancy of
1874. — The "Confederate Congress." — Garfield speaks on the Pension
Bill. — Demolishes Lamar. — Speech on the acceptance of the Winthrop
and Adams statues. — Opposes the Electoral Commission. — Favors Specie
Payments. — Proposed for Speaker. — Opposes the Bland Silver Bill. —
Speech on the Judicial Appropriation Bill. — The payment of United
States marshals. — Appropriation Bill again.— Elected to the Senate. . 254-307
CHAPTER IX.
GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS.
Questions of American statesmanship. — Garfield tested. — Speeches on States
Rights and National Sovereignty : No Nullification ; Force Bill ;
Equipoise of Government; Fourteenth Amendment. — Speeches on Fi
nance AND Money: The Industrial Revolution; Gold and Silver;
Currency ; Banks ; Paper Money ; Resumption Act. — Speeches on Rev
enue AND Expenditures: Free Trade and Tariff; Public Expendi
tures; War Expenses. — Speeches on Character and Tendency of
American Institutions : Future of the Republic ; Government and
Science; Revolution in Congress; Voluntary powers of government;
Free consent the basis of our laws. — A general estimate of Garfield's
genius  308-402

viii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
THE CLIMAX OF 1880. PAGES
American political parties. — The Third Term question. — The Grant move
ment. — Leaders of the Stalwarts.— The political " Machine." — Contrast
of Garfield and Conkling. — Gathering of the clans. — Grant and Anti-
Grant. — The Unit Rule. — A truce. — Hoar for dhairman. — Skirmishes. —
Blaine's forces. — Adjournments. — Gloomy Friday. — Rule VIII. — Put
ting in nomination. — Speeches of Frye, Conkling, and Garfield. — The
balloting. — Garfield and Arthur nominated  403-442
CHAPTER XI.
CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.
Delicate position of a presidential candidate. — The policy of mum. — Gar
field's theory of running for ofiice. — He is notified of his nomination. —
Hoar's speech. — The reply. — The journey to Cleveland. — Reception and
speech at Hiram. — Address at Painesville. — The shrine of Mentor. — (Tar-
field visits Washington. — Speaks to the people. — At Painesville. — Speech
at the Dedication of the Soldiers' jNlouument. — Letter of Acceptance.-^
The issues of the campaign. — Speaks at the Dedication of the Geneva
Monument. — Visits New York. — At Chatauqua. — Attends reunion at
Ashland. — Addresses the soldiers at Mentor. — The October election. —
The saintly pilgrims on their way. — ^A candidate who dares to talk. —
Speeches to the pilgrims. — The mud-mill. — Morey et al. — The machine
bursts and the millers get the mud. — Judgment Day. — Garfield is
elected.— Speaks to the Electors of Ohio. — Address to the Carolina Del
egation. — Conkling visits Mentor. — The departure for Washington. —
Last speech at Mentor. — En route for the inauguration  443-485
CHAPTER XII.
IN THE HIGH SEAT.
Moriiing of the Fourth of March.— Conspiracy of the elements.— Prepara
tions.— The procession.— Clears up.— The Grand Ceremony.- Inaugural
address.— Setting up in business.— The new Cabinet.— The temperance
question.— The Administration on its feet.— The pro and con of a Called
Session of Congress. — Nomination of Robertson. — The Refunding
Question. — Dearth of politics.— Symptoms of a family quarrel. — The is
sues involved in it.— The Robertson ajtpointment.— Exeunt Conkling
and Piatt. — A President who has his own way. — Smoother sailing after
the storm.- Adjournment of Congress.— Sickness in the White House.—
Sympathy of the people for Mrs. Garfield.— The Summer, what shall we
do with it?  486-516

CONTENTS. ix
CHAPTER XIII.
SHOT DOWN.
Recovery of Mrs. Garfield.— A great tragedy.— First alarms.— The physicians ^*'''^
of the President.— The assassin. — The world's sympathy.— A dolorous
Fourth.— Diagnosis. — Motives of the assassin. — General Arthur.— Favor
able progress of the President. — Conkling's letter on murder. — The Pres
ident's mental condition. — Sunday. — Heated weather. — The refrigera
tors. — Mistaken diagnosis. — Foreign sympathies.— The Induction Bal
ance. — The Mrs. Garfield Fund. — Supposed convalescence. — President
worse. — Surgical operations. — Sensational dispatches. ^ Possible ma
laria. — Induction Balance again. — Surgeons hopeful. — A second opera
tion. — Last letter. — Project of removal. — Dangerous symptoms. — Mrs.
Garfield. — A good queen. — Cheerful and brave. — The inflamed parotid. —
Pysemia feared. — Gradual decline. — Death imminent. — Removal deter
mined on. — Preparations. — Night scene at Elberon  517-615
CHAPTER XIV.
GAZING ON THE SEA.
The President is removed to Long Branch.— Scenes and incidents of the
journey. — Prancklyn Cottage. — Revival of hope. — Great solicitude of
the people. — Foolish confidence of the surgeons. — The President some
what revived. — Great anxiety follows. — The last day. — Fatal chill.—
Mrs. Garfield's heroism. — The gathering shadows. — Death .... 616-643
CHAPTER XV.
THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.
Preparations for the funeral of the President. — Embalmment. — Accession
of Gen. Arthur. — The post-mortem. — Astonishing revelations. — An
nouncement of the President's death. — The funeral train. — En route for
Washington. — Lying in state. — Victoria's tribute. — Address of Elder
Powers. — Viewing the body. — The train for Cleveland. — Reception and
preparations. — Imposing ceremonies. — The last day. — Closing scenes and
addresses. — The sepulchre. — Reflections  646-672

DEATHLESS.

This man hath reared a monument more grand
Than sculptured bronze, and loftier than the height
Of regal pyramids in Mcmphian sand,
Which not the raging tempest nor the might
Of the loud North-wind shall assailing blight,
Nor year's unnumbered nor the lapse of time !
Not all of him shall perish ! for the bright
And deathless part shall spurn loiih foot sublime
The darkness of the grave — the dread and sunless clime !
He shall be sung to all posterity
With freshening praise, where in the morning's glow
The farm-boy with his harnessed team shall be,
And where New England 's swifter rivers flow
And orange groves of Alabama blow —
Strong in humility, and great to lead
A mighty people where the ages go !
Take then thy station, 0 illustrious dead!
And place, Immortal Fame, the garland on his head !
—Horace: B. m., Ode xxx.

(x)

LIFE AND WOEK

JAMES A. GAJRFIELD.

CHAPTER I.
BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.
Genius delights in hatching her offspring in out-of-the-way places. — Irving.
When some great work is waiting to be done.
And Destiny ransacks the city for a man
To do it ; finding none therein, she turns
To the fecundity of Nature's woods.
And there, beside some Western hill or stream.
She enters a rude cabin unannounced,
And ere the rough frontiersman from his toil,
Where all day long he hews the thickets down,
Returns at evening, she salutes his wife,
His fair young wife, and says. Behold ! thou art
, The Mother of the Future ! — Anonymous.
MEN, like books, have their beginnings. James Abram Gar
field was born on the 19th day of November, 1831. His
first outlook upon things was from a cabin door in Cuyahoga
County, Ohio. The building was of rough logs, with mud be
tween the cracks, to keep out the winter cold. The single room
had a puncheon floor, and on one side a large fire-place, with a
blackened crane for cooking purposes. In winter evenings, a
vast pile of blazing logs in this fire-place filled the cabin with a
cheerful warmth and ruddy glow^ Overhead, from the rude raft
ers, hung rows of well-cured hams, and around the mud chimney
were long strings of red-pepper pods and dried pumi:)kins. The
furniture was as primitive as the apartment. A puncheon table,
a clumsy cupboard, a couple of large bedsteads, made by driving
stakes in the floor, some blocks for seats, and a well-kept gun,
, (11)

12

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

almost complete the catalogue. The windows had greased paper
instead of glass ; and, in rough weather, were kept constantly closed
with heavy shutters.
Steppiitg out of doors, one would see that the cabin .stood on
the edge of a small clearing of some twenty acres. On the south,
at a little distance, stood a solid log barn, differing from the house
only in having open

cracks. The barn-yard
had a worm fence around
it, and contained a heavy
ox-wagon and a feeding-
trough for hogs. Skirt
ing the clearing on all
sides was the forest pri
meval, which, on the 19th
of November, the frost
had already transfigured
with gold and scarlet
splendors. Cold winds
whistled through the
branches, and thick show
ers of dry leaves fell rustling to the ground.
Already the cabin shutters were closed for the winter; already
the cattle munched straw and fodder at the barn, instead of roam
ing through the forest for tender grass and juicy leaves ; already
a huge wood-pile appeared by the cabin door. The whole place
had that sealed-up look which betokens the approach of winter at
the farm-house. The sun rose late, hung low in the sky at high
noon ; and, after feeble effort, sunk early behind the western forest.
Well for the brave pioneers is it, if they are ready for a long and
bitter struggle with the winter.
So much for the home. But what of the family? Who and
what are they? As the babe sleeps in its mother's arms, what
prophecy of its destiny is there written in the red pages of the
blood ancestral?
In America, the Southern States have been the land of splendid

THE GARFIELD CABIN.

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— LAW OF HEREDITY. lo
hospitality, chivalric manners, and aristocratic lineage; the West
the land of courage, enterprise, and practical executive ability;
but the New England States have been preeminently the home
of intellectual genius and moral heroism. From New England
came both the father and mother of James A. Garfield, and it
means much. But there are rea.sons for looking at his ancestry
more closely.
The law of heredity has long been suspected, and, in late years,
has been, to a considerable extent, regarded as the demonstrated and
univer.sal order of nature. It is the law by which the offspring in-
^lerits the qualities and characteristics of its ancestors. It makes
the oak the same sort of a tree as the parent, from which the seed
acorn fell. It makes a tree, which .sprang from the seed of a large
peach, yield downy fruit as large and luscious as the juicy ancestor.
It says that every thing shall produce after its kind; that small
radishes shall come from the seed of small radishes, and a richly
perfumed geranium from the slip cut from one of that kind. It
says that, other things being equal, tlie descendants of a fast horse
shall be fast, and the posterity of a plug shall be plugs. It says
that a Jersey cow, with thin ears, straight back, and copious yield
of rich milk, shall have children like unto herself But a man
has many more qualities and jiossibilities than a vegetable or a
brute. He has an infinitely wider range, through which his char
acteristics may run. The color of his hair, his size, his strength,
are but the smallest part of his inheritance. He inherits also the
size and texture of his brain, the shajje of his skull, and the skill
of his hands. It is among his ancestry that must be sought the
reason and source of his powers. It is there that is largely de
termined the question of his capacity for ideas, and it is from his
ancestry that a man should form his ideas of liis capacity. It is
there that are largely settled the matters of his tastes and temper,
of his ambitions and his powers. The question of whether he
shall be a mechanic, a tradesman, or a lawyer, is already settled
before he gets a chance at the problem.
The old myth about the gods holding a council at the birth of
every mortal, and determining his destiny, has some truth in it

14 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.-
In one respect it is wrong. The council of the gods is held years
before his birth ; it has been in session all the time. If a man
has musical skill, he gets it from his ancestry. It is the same
with an inventor, or an artist, or a scholar, or a preacher. This
looks like the law of fate. It is not. It is the fate of law.
But this is not all of the law of inheritance. Men have an in
herited moral nature, as well as an intellectual one. Drunken
ness, sensuality, laziness, extravagance, and pauperism, are handed
down from father to son. Appetites are inherited, and so are
habits. On the other hand, courage, energy, self-denial, the power
of work, are also transmitted and inherited. If a man's ancestry
were thieves, it will not do to trust him. If they were bold, true,
honest men and women, it will do to rely upon him.
In late years, this law of inheritance has been much studied by
scienti.sts. The general law is about as has been stated; but it
has innumerable offsets and qualifications which are not under
stood. Sometimes a child is a compound of the qualities of both
parents. INIore frequelitly the son resembles the mother, and the
daughter the father. Sometimes the child resembles neither par
ent, but seems to inherit every thing from an uncle or aunt. Often
the resemblance to the grand-parent is the most marked. That
these complications are governed by fixed, though, at present, un
known laws, can not be doubted ; but for the purposes of biog
raphy the question is unessential.
Scientists say that nine-tenths of a man's genius is hereditary,
and one-tenth accidental. The inherited portion may appear large,
but it is to be remembered that only possibilities are inherited, and
that not one man in a million reaches the limit of liis possibilities.
If the lives of the ancestors of James A. Garfield were studied,
we could tell what his possibilities were ; while, by studying the
life of Garfield himself, we see how nearly he realized those pos
sibilities. This is the reason why biography interests itself in a
man's ancestors. They furnish the key to the situation.
Of the many classes of colonists who settled this continent, by
far the most illustrious were the Puritans and the Huguenots.
Their names, alike invented as epithets of contempt and derision,

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— THE GARFIELDS. 15
have become the brightest on the historic page. Their fame rests
upon their sacrifices. Not for gold, nor adventure, nor disf<j\'ery,
did they seek the forest-wrapped continent of North America, but
for the sake of worshiping God according to the dictates of their
own consciences. Different in nationality, language, and temjiora-
ment — the one from the foggy isle of England, the other from the
sunny skies of France — they alike fled from religious persecution ;
the Puritan from that intolerance and bigotry which cost Charles
I. his head and revolutionized the English monarchy ; the Hugue
not from the withdrawal of the last vestige of religious liberty by
Louis XIV. The proudest lineage which an American can trace
is to one or the other of these communities of exiles. — In James
A. Garfield these two currents of noble and heroic blood met and
mingled. The fir.s^; ancestor, by the name of Garfield, of whom the familj^
have any record, is Edward Garfield, a Puritan, who, for the sake
of conscience, in 1636, left his home near the boundary line of
England and Wales, and joined the colony of the distinguished
John Winthrop, at Watertown, Massachusetts. He appears to
have been a plain farmer, of deep, religious convictions, and much
respected by the community in which he lived. Of his ancestry,
only two facts are known. One is that no book of the peerage or
list of English nobility ever contained the name of Garfield. The
other is that, at some time in the past, possibly during the Cru
sades, the family had received, or adopted, a coat of arms. The
device was a golden shield crossed by three crimson bars ; in one
corner a cross ; in another a heart ; above the shield an arm and
hand grasping a sword. A Latin motto, "In cruce vinco/' — "In
the cross I conquer," — completed the emblem. It is probable that
the family had been soldiers, not unlikely in a religious war. The
wife of Edward Garfield was a fair-haired girl from Germany. —
To the brave heart and earnest temper of the Welshman, was added
the persistence and reflectiveness of the German mind. Of their
immediate descendants, but little can be told. Like the ancestor
they were "To fortune and to fame unknown."

16 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
But they were honest and respected citizens — tillers of the soil
 not infrequently holding some local position as selectman or
captain of militia. Five of the lineal descendants are said to
sleep in the beautiful cemetery in Watertown, " careless alike of
sunshine and of storm."
Tracing the family history down to the stirring and memorable
period of the American Revolution, the name which has now be
come historic emerges from obscurity. The spirit of Puritanism,
which had brayed the rigors of life in the colonies rather than
abate one jot of its intellectual liberty, nourished by hardship and
strengthened by misfortune, had been handed down by the law of
inheritance through eight peaceful generations. It was the spirit
which resented oppression, demanded liberty, and fought for prin
ciple till the last dollar was spent, and the last droj) of blood was
shed in her cause. »
We might have calculated on the descendants of the Puritan
colonist being in the front of battle from the very outbreak of the
War for Independence. It was so. They were there. They
were the kind of men to be there. Abraham Garfield, great-uncle
of the President, took part in the first real battle of the Revolu
tion, the fight at Concord Bridge, which fixed the status of the
Colonies as that of rebellion. On the fourth day after the blood
letting the following affidavit was draAvn up and sworn to before a
magistrate : Lexington, April 23, 1775.
" We, John Hoar, John Whithead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Mun-
roe, Isaac Parker, WiUiam Hosmer, John Adams, Gregory Stone, all
of Lincoln, in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay, all of law
ful age, do testify and say, that on Wednesday last, we were assembled
at Concord, in the morning of said day, in consequence of information
received that a brigade of regular troops were on their march to the
said town of Concord, who had killed six men at the town of Lexing
ton. About an hour afterwards we saw them approaching, to the num
ber, as we apprehended, of about 1,200, on which we retreated to a
hill about eighty rods back, and the said troops then took possession of
the hill where we were first posted. Presently after this we saw the
troops moving toward the North Bridge, about one mile from the said

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— THE GARFIELDS. 17
Concord meeting-house ; we then immediately went before them and
passed the bridge, just before a party of them, to the number of about two
hundred, arrived ; they there left about one-half of their two hundred at
the bridge, and proceeded with the rest toward Col. Barrett's, about two
miles from the said bridge ; and the troops that were stationed there, ob
serving our approach, marched back over tlie bridge and then took up
some of the planks ; we then hastened our march toward the bridge, and
when we had got near the bridge they fired on our men, first three guns,
one after the other, and then a considerable number more; and then, and
not before (having orders from our commanding officers not to fire till
we were fired upon), we fired upon the regulars and they retreated.
On their retreat through the town of Lexington to Charlestowii, they
ravaged and destroyed private property, and burnt three houses, one
barn, and one shop."
The act of signature to that paper was one of the sublimest
courage. It identified the leaders of the fight; it admitted and
justified the act of firing on the troops of the government ! It
seemed almost equal to putting the executioner's noose around
their necks. But to such men, life was a feather-w^eight compared
to principle. If the Colonies were to be roused to rebellion and
revolution, the truth of that fight at Concord bridge had to be
laid before the jDeople, accompanied by proofs that could not be
questioned. The patriots not only did the deed but shouldered
the responsibility. Of the signers with Abraham Garfield, John
Hoar was the great-grandfather of Senator George F. Hoar, pre
siding officer of the convention which nominated James A. Gar
field for the Presidency.
Solomon Garfield, brother of Abraham, and great-grandfather
of the subject of this history, had married Sarah Stimpson in
1766, and was living at Weston, Massachusetts, when the Avar
broke out. Little is known of him except that he was a soldier
of the Revolution, and came out of the war alive, but impover
ished by the loss of his property. He soon moved to Otsego
County, New York, where one of his sons, Thomas Garfield, mar
ried. It was on the latter's farm, in December, 1799, that was
born Abram Garfield, .the ninth lineal descendant of the Puiitsn,
and father of the man whose name and fame are henceforth the

18 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
heritage of all mankind. Two years after the birth of Abram,
his father died suddenly and tragically, leaving his young widow
and several children in most adverse circumstances. When about
twelve years old, Abram, a stout sun-burnt little fellow, fell in
with a playmate two years younger than himself, named Eliza
Ballou, also a widow's child whose mother had recently moved to
Worcester, Otsego County, New York, where the Garfields were
living. In that childhood friendship lay the germ of a romantic
love, of which the fruit was to be more important to men and to
history than that of the most splendid nuptials ever negotiated in
the courts of kings.
James Ballou, Eliza's older brother, impatient of the wretched
poverty in which they dwelt, persuaded his mother to emigrate to
Ohio. The emigrant wagon, with its jaded horses, its muddy
white cover, its much jostled load of household articles, and its
sad-eyed and forlorn occupants ! How the picture rises before the
eyes ! What a history it tells of poverty and misfortune ; of dis
appointment and hardship ; of a wretched home left behind, yet
dear to memory because left behind ; of a still harder life ahead in
the western wilderness toward which it wends its weary way!
More showy equipages there have been. The Roman chariot, the
English stage-coach, and the palace railway train, have each been
taken up and embalmed in literature. But the emigrant wagon,
richer in association, closer to the heart-throb, more familiar with
tears than smiles, has found no poet who would stoop to the lowly
theme. In a few years the emigrant wagon will be a thing of
the past, and forgotten ; but though we bid it farewell forever, let it
have a high place in the American heart and history, as the pre
cursor of our cities and our civilization.
Thus the boy and girl were separated. Abram Garfield was
brought up as a " bound boy " by a farmer named Stone. While
he was filling the place of chore boy on the New York farm, Eliza
Ballou, having something more than an ordinary education, taught
a summer school in the Ohio wilderness. It is said that one
day, in a terrific storm, a red bolt of lightning shot through the
cabin roof, smiting teacher and scholars to the floor, thus breaking

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— THE BALLOUS. 19
up the school. The spirit of tragedy seems to have hovered over
her entire life.
Love laughs at difficulties and delays, and in a few years after
the Ballou emigration, Abram Garfield, a " stalwart" of the earlier
and better kind, tramped his muddy way along the same roads,
across the same rivers, and — strange, was it not ? — to the verv cabin
where the emigrant wagon had stopped. Swift flew the shining
days of courtship ; and Eliza Ballou became Eliza Ballou Garfield,
the mother of the President.
Eliza Ballou was a lineal descendant of Maturin Ballou, a French
Huguenot, who, about the year 1685, upon the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes, fled from the smiling vineyards of France to the
rugged but liberty-giving land of America. Joining the colony of
Roger Williams, at Cumberland, Rhode Island, which had adopted
for its principle " In civil matters, law ; in religious matters, lib
erty," he built a queer old church, from the pulpit of which he
thundered forth his philippics against religious intolerance. The
building still stands, and is a curiosity of architecture. Not a nail
was used in its construction. For generation after generation the
descendants of this man were eloquent preachers, occupying the
very pulpit of their ancestor. Their names are famous. They
were men of powerful intellects, thorough culture, and splendid
characters. Their posterity has enriched this country with many
distinguished lawyers, soldiers, and i:)oliticians. They were a su
perior family from the first, uniting to brilliant minds a spotless
integrity, an indomitable energy, and the burning and eloquent
gifts of the orator. The best known member of the family is Rev.
Hosea Ballou, the founder of the Universalist Church in America,
of whom Eliza Ballou was a grand-niece. He was a man of wide
intellectual activity, a prolific and powerful writer, and made a
marked impress on the thought of his generation.
From this brief view of the ancestry of James A. Garfield, it is
easy to see that there was the hereditary preparation for a great
man. From the father's side came great physical power, large
bones, big muscles, and an immense brain. From the father's line
also came the heritage of profound conviction, of a lofty and re-

20 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
sistless courage, which was ready anywhere to do and die for the
truth, and of the exhaustless patience which was the product of
ten generations of tilling the soil. On the other hand, the Bal
lous were small of stature, of brilliant and imaginative minds, of
impetuous and energetic temperament, of the finest grain, ])hysically
and mentally. They were scholars ; people of books and culture,
and, above all, they were orators. From them, albeit, came the
intellectual equipment of their illustrious descendant. From the
mother, Garfield inherited the love of books, the capacity for
ideas, the eloquent tongue, and the tireless energy. To the ear
nest solidity and love of liberty of the Welshman, Edward Garfield,
mixed with the reflective thought of the fair-haired German wife,
was added the characteristic clearness and vivacity of the French
mind. The trend of Garfield's mind could not have been other than
deeply religious. The Ballous, for ten generations, had been
preachers. No man could combine \in himself the Puritan and
Huguenot without being a true worshiper of God. On the other
hand, while Puritans and Huguenots were at first religious sects,
their struggles were with the civil power ; so that each of them in
time became the representative of the deepest political life of their
respective nationalities. Through both father and mother, there
fore, came a genius for politics and affairs of state ; the conserva
tism of the sturdy Briton being quickened by the radicalism, the
genius for reform which belongs to the mercurial Frenchman.
From both parents would also come a liberality and breadth of
mind, which distinguishes only a few great historic characters.
The large, slow moving, good natured Garfields were by tempera
ment far removed from bigotry ; Avhile the near ancestor of the
mother had been excommunicated from the Baptist Church, be
cause he thought God was merciful enough to save all mankind
from the flames of ultimate perdition.
In Garfield's ancestry there was also a vein of military genius.
The coat of arms, the militia captaincy of Benjamin Garfield, the
affidavit of Abraham at Concord bridge, are the outcroppings on
the father's side. The mother was a. near relative of General Rufus

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— A CATASTROPHE. 21
Ingalls ; and her brother, for whom the President was named, was
a brave soldier in the Avar of 1812.
These, then, are some of the prophecies which had been spoken
of the child that was born in the Garfield cabin in the fall of
1831. Future biographers will, perhaps, make more extended in-
vestigation.s, but we have seen something, in the language of the
dead hero himself, "of those latent forces infolded in the spirit
of the new-born child ; forces that may date back centuries and
find their origin in the life and thoughts and deeds of remote an
cestors ; forces, the germs of which, enveloped in the awful mys
tery of life, have been transmitted silently from generation to gen
eration, and never perish." As we pursue his history we will see
these various forces cropping out in his career; at one time the
scholar, at another, the preacher ; at others, the soldier, the orator,
or the statesman, but always, always the man.
For two years after the birth of their youngest child James, the
lives of Abram and Eliza Garfield flowed on peacefully and hope
fully enough. The children were growing; the little farm im
proving; new settlers were coming in daily; and there began to
be much expected from the new system of internal improvements.
With happy and not unhopeful hearts they looked forward to a
future of comfortable prosperity. But close by the cradle gapes
the grave. Every fire-side has its tragedy. In one short hour
this happy, peaceful life had fled. The fire fiend thrust his torch
into the dry forests of north-western Ohio, in the region of the
Garfield home. In an instant, the evening sky was red with
flame. It was a moment of horror. Sweeping on through the
blazing tree-tops with the speed of the wind came the tornado of
fire. Destruction seemed at hand, not only of crops and fences,
but of barns, houses, stock, and of the people themselves. In
this emergency, the neighbors for miles around gathered under
the lead of Abram Garfield to battle for all that was near and
dear. A plan of work was swiftly formed. Hour after hour
they toiled with superhuman effort. Choked and blinded by vol
umes of smoke, with scorched hands and singed brows, they
fought the flames hand to hand till, at last, the current of death

22 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
was turned aside. The little neighborhood of settlers was saved.
But the terrific exertions put forth hy Abram Garfield had ex
hausted him beyond the reach of recuperation. Returning home,
from the night of toil, and incautiously exposing himself, he was
attacked with congestion of the lungs. Every effort to relieve the
sufferer was made by the devoted wife. Every means known to her
was used to rally the exhausted vitality, but in vain. Chill followed
chill. The vital powers were exhausted, and the life-tide ebbed fast
away. In a few hours the rustle of black wings was heard in that
lowly home in the wilderness. Calling his young wife to him he
whispered, " Eliza, you will soon be alone. We have planted four
saplings here in these woods ; I leave them to your care." One last
embrace from the grief-stricken wife and children ; one more look
through the open door at the little clearing and the circling forest,
over which the setting sun was throwing its latest rays, and the he
roic spirit had departed. Little by little the darkness of the night
without came in and mingled with the darkness of the night within.
Though stunned by this ajjpalling calamity, Eliza Ballou Gar
field, true to the heroic ancestry from which she sprung, took up
the burden of life with invincible courage. The prospect was a
hard one. Of the four children, the oldest, Thomas, was ten
years of age ; the two little girls ranged at seven and four, and the
blue-eyed baby, James, had seen only twenty months. On the
other hand, the widow's resources Avere scanty indeed. The little
farm was only begun. To make a farm in a timber country is a
life task for the stoutest man. Years and years of arduous toil
would be required to fell the timber, burn the stumps, grub out
the roots, and fence the fields before it could really be a farm.
Worse than this, the place was mortgaged. The little clearing of
twenty acres, with the imperfect cultivation which one weak wom
an, unaided, could give it, had to be depended on, not only to
furnish food for herself and the four children, but to pay taxes
and interest on the mortgage, and gradually to lessen the princi
pal of the debt itself. The pioneer population of the country was
as poor as herself, hardly able to raise sufficient grain for bread,
and reduced almost to starvation by the failure of a single crop.

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— THE WIDOW'S STRUGGLE. 23
So fearful Avere the odds against the plucky little AvidoAv that her
friends pointed out the OA^erAvhelming difficulties of the situation,
and earnestly advised her to let her children be distributed among
the neightjors for bringing up. Firmly but kindly she put aside
their well-meant efforts. With invincible courage and an iron
Avill, she said : " My family must not be separated. It is my
Avish and duty to raise these children myself. No one can care
for them like a mother." It is from such a mother that great
men are born. She lost no time in irresolution, but plunged at
once into the roughest sort of men's labor. The Avheat-field was
only half fenced ; the precious harvest AA'hich Avas to be their suste
nance through the winter was still ungathered, and Avould be de
stroyed by roving cattle, Avhich had been turned loose during the
forest fires. The emergency had to be met, and she met it.
Finding in the Avoods some trees, fresh fallen beneath her hus
band's glittering ax, she commenced the hard AA'ork of splitting
rails. At first she succeeded poorly ; her hands became blistered,
her arms sore, and her heart sick. But Avith practice she im
proved. Her small arms learned to SAving the maul Avith a steady
stroke. Day by day the Avorm fence crawled around the Avheat
field, until the ends met.
The highest heroism is not that which manifests itself in some
single great and splendid crisis. It is not found on the battle
field Avhere regiments dash forAvard upon blazing batteries, and in
ten minutes are either conquerors or corpses. It is not seen at
the stake of martyrdom, Avhere, for the sake of opinion, men for a
fcAV moments endure the unimaginable tortures of the flames. It
is not found in the courtly tournaments of the past, Avhere knights,
in glittering armor, flung the furious lance of defiance into the
face of their foe. Splendid, heroic, are these all. But there is
a heroism grander still; it is the heroism Avhich endures, not
merely for a moment, but .through the hard and bitter toils of a
life-time; which, when the inspiration of the crisis has passed
away, and Aveary years of hardship stretch their stony path before
tired feet, cheerfully takes up the burden of life, undaunted and
undismayed. In all the annals of the brave, who, in all times,

24 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
have suffered and endured, there is no scene more touching than
the picture of this widoAv toiling for her children.
The annals of this period of life in the Garfield cabin are sim
ple. But biography, when it has for its theme one of the loftiest
men that ever lived, loves to busy itself with the details of his
childhood and to try to trace in them the indications of future great
ness. The picture of that life has been given by the dauntless
woman herself. In the spring of the year, the little corn patch
was broken up Avith an old-fashioned wooden ploAV with an iron
share. At first the ox-team Avas mostly driven by the AvidoAV
herself, but Tom, the oldest boy, soon learned to divide the labor.
The baby Avas left Avith his older sister, Avhile the mother and
older son Avorked at the ploAV, or dragged a heavy tree branch—
a primitive harroAv— over the clods. When the seed AA^as to be
put in, it Avas by the same hands. The garden, Avith its precious
store of potatoes, beans, and cabbages, came in for no small share
of attention, for these Avere the luxuries of the frugal table. From
the first Tom Avas able largely to attend to the fcAV head of
stock on the little place. When a hog was to be killed for cur
ing, some neighbor was. given a share to perform the act of
slaughter. The mysteries of smoking and curing the various
parts were Avell understood by jNIrs. Garfield. At harvest, also, the
neighbors Avould lend a hand, the men helping in the field, and
the Avomen at the cabin preparing dinner. Of Ijuttcr, milk, and
eggs, the children ahvays had a good supply, even if the table
AA-as in other respects meager. There Avas a little orchard, planted
by the father, w^hich thrived immensely. In a year or tAvo the
trees Avere laden Avith rosy fruit. Cherries, plums, and apples
peeped out from their leafy homes. The gathering Avas the chil
dren's job, and they made it a merry one.
From the first the Garfield children performed tasks beyond their
years. Corn-planting, Aveed-pulling, potato-digging, and the count
less jobs Avhich have to be performed on CA^ery farm, Avere shared
by them. The first Avinter Avas one of the bitterest priA\ation. The
su2)plies were so scanty that the mother, unobserved by the four
hungry little folks, Avould often give her share of the meal to them.

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— EARLIEST LESSON. 25
But after the first winter, the bitter edge of poverty Avore off. The
executive ability of the little widoAV began to tell on the family
affairs. In the folloAving spring, the mortgage on the place was
canceled by selling off fifty of the eighty acres. In the absence
of money, the mother made exchanges of work — seAving for grocer
ies, spinning for cotton, and Avashing for shoes. In time, too, the
children came to be a valuable help.
But though this life Avas busy and a hard one, it was not all
that occupied the attention of the family. The Garfield cabin had
an inner life ; a life of thought and love as Avell as of economy and
Avork. INIrs. Garfield had a head for books as Avell as business.
Her husband and herself had been members of the Church of the
Disciples, foUoAvers of Alexander Campbell. In her AvidoAvhood,
for years she and her children never missed a sabbath in attending
the church three miles away. If ever there was an earnest, honest
Christian, Eliza Garfield was one. A short, cheerful prayer each'
morning, no matter how early she and the children rose, a Avord of
thankfulness at the beginning of every meal, no matter hoAV meager,
and a thoughtful, quiet Bible-reading and prayer at night, formed
part of that cabin life. Feeling keenly the poor advantages of the
children in the Avay of education, she told them much of history
and the Avorld, and thus around her knee they learned from the
loving teacher lessons not taught in any college. When James
was Aa'c years old, his older sister for aAvhile carried him on her
back to the log school-house, a mile and a half distant, at a place
dignified with the name of a Adllage, though it contained only a
store, blacksmith shop, and the school. But the school Avas too
far away. The enterprise of Mrs. Garfield Avas noAvhere better
shown than in her offering the land, and securing a school-house
on her OAvn farm. She Avas determined on her children having the
best education the Avilderness afforded, and they had it.
But the four children were strangely different. They had the
same ancestry, and the same surroundings. Who could haA-e
foretold the Avide difference of their destinies? The girls Avere
cheerful, industrious, and loving. They Avere fair scholars at the
country school, and Avere much thought of in the neighborhood.

26 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
At a very early age they took from the tired mother's shoulders a
large share of the Avork of the little household. They carded,
spun, Avove, and mended the boys' clothes Avhen they Avere but
children themselves. They beautified the rough little home, and
added a cheery joy to its plain surroundings. They Avere superior
to the little society in which they mingled, but not above it.
There were apple-parings, corn-huskings, quilting-bees, apple-
butter and maple-sugar boilings, in which they Avere the ring
leaders of mischief— romping, cheerful, healthy girls, happy in
spite of adversity, ambitious only to make good Avives and
mothers. Thomas, the elder brother, was a Garfield out and out. He Avas
a plodding, self-denying, quiet boy, with the tenderest love for his
mother, and without an ambition beyond a farmer's life. When
the other children Avent to school, he staid at home " to work," he
'said, "so that the girls and James might get an education." For
himself he " Avould do without it." Wise, thoughtful, and patient,
he was the fit successor of the generations of Garfields who had
held the ploAV-handle before he was born. Without a complaint,
of his own will he worked year after year, denying himself every
thing that could help his brother James to education and an ambi
tious manhood. For from the first, mother and children felt that
in the youngest son lay the hope of the family.
James took precociously to books, learning to read early, and
knowing the English reader almost by heart at eight years of age.
His first experience at the school built on the home farm is worth
noting. The seats were hard, the scene ncAV and exciting, and his
stout little frame tingled with restrained energy. He squirmed,
twisted, writhed, peeped under the seats and over his shoulder;
lied his legs in a knot, then untied them ; hung his head backwards
till the blood almost burst forth, and in a thousand Avays manifested
his restlessness. Reproofs did no good. At last the well-mean
ing teacher told James's mother that nothing could be made of the
boy. With tears in her eyes the fond, ambitious mother talked to
the little fellow that night in the fire-light. The victory Avas a
triumph of love. The boy returned to school, still restless, but

BIRTH AND ANCESTRY.— BOYHOOD TRAITS. 27
studious as well. At the end of the term he received a copy of
the NcAv Testament as a prize for being the best reader in the
school. The restlessness, above mentioned, seems to have folloAved
him through life. Sleeping with his brother he would kick the
cover off at night, and then say, "Thomas, cover me up." A mil
itary friend relates that, during the civil war, after a day of terri
ble bloodshed, lying Avith a distinguished officer, the cover came
off in the old AA-ay, and he murmured in his sleep, " Thomas, cover
me up." Wakened by the sound of his OAvn voice, he became
aware of what he had said ; and then, thinking of the old cabin
life, and the obscure but tender-hearted brother. General Garfield
burst into tears, and Avept himself to sleep.
The influences surrounding the first ten or twelve years of life
are apt to be underestimated. But it can not be doubted that the
lessons of child-life learned in the cabin and on the little farm had
more to do Avith Garfield's future greatness than all his subsequent
education. Like each of his parents, he Avas left without a father
at the age of two years. If any one class of men have more uni
versally risen to prominence than another it has been AvidoAv's
sons. The high sense of responsibility, the habits of economy and
toil, are a priceless experience. None is to be pitied more than
the child of luxury and fortune, and no one suspects his disadvan
tages less. Hated poA'erty is, after all, the nursery of greatness.
The discipline which would have crushed a weak soul only served
to strengthen the rugged and vigorous nature of this boy.
The stories Avhich come down to us of Garfield's childhood,
though not remarkable, show that he was different from the boys
around him. He had a restless, aspiring mind, fond of strong food.
Every hint of the outside world fascinated him, and roused the
most pertinacious cariosity. Yet to this Avide-eyed interest in
what lay outside of his life this shock-haired, bare-legged boy
added an indomitable zeal for Avork. From dawn to dark he
toiled; but whether chopping wood, working in the field or at
the barn, it was always with the idea and inspiration that he was
" helping mother." Glorious loyalty of boyhood !

28 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

CHAPTER II.
THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.
Socrates. — Alcibiades, what sayest thou that is, passing between us and yon wall?
Alcibiades. — I should call it a thing; some call it a boy.
Soc. — Nay, I call it neither a thing nor a boy, but rather a young man. By
Hercules, if I should go further, I should say that that being is a god in embryo !
Ale. — You are my master, Socrates, or I should say that nature Avould have hard
work to hatch a god out of such an object.
Soc— Most men are fools, Alcibiades, because they are unable to discover in the
germ, or even in the growing stalk, the vast possibilities of development. They
forget the beauty of growth ; and, therefore, they reckon not that nature and dis
cipline are able to make yon boy as one of the immortals.
SO the child James Garfield advanced into the golden age of
boyhood. This period we Avill noAv briefly live over after him.
Spring time deepens into early summer ; the branches and the leaA'es
are SAvollen Avith life's young .sap; Avhat manner of fruit Avill this
groAving tree offer the creative sun to Avork upon ?
The young lad, in Avhom our interest centers, AA-as noAV, in the
awtumn of 1843, twelve years old, Avhen something neAV came into
his life, and gave to him his first definite and well-fixed purpose.
He had ahvays, and by nature, been industrious. In that little
farm home, Avhere poverty strove continually to carry the day
against the combined forces of industry and economy, no service
Avas Avithout its value. And, therefore, it had doubtless been a
delight to all in that narroAV circle to observe in James the qual
ities of a good Avorker. He seemed a true child of that wonder
ful western country Avhich is yet so young, and so able to turn its
energies to advantage in every available Avay. So, Avhile still too
young to "make a hand" at any thing, James had found his place
Avherever there Avas demand for such light duties as he Avas able
to perform. At field, barn or cabin, in garden or in kitchen, place
there Avas none Avhere the little felloAv's poAvers Avere not exercised.

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.-A CARPENTER.

29

Instinct Avith forces larger than his frame, development of them
was inevitable.
But now a great event in the family took place. Thomas, Avho
had jii^t attained his majority, had returned from a trip to Mich-

GARFIELD AT SIXTEEN.

igan with a sum of ready money, and Avanted to build his mother
a new house. Life in the cabin had, in his estimation, been en
dured long enough. Some of the materials for a frame building
were already accumulated, and under the directions of a carpenter
the work was begun and rapidly pushed to completion. In all
these proceedings James took an intense interest, and developed
such a liking for tools and timber as could but signify a member

30 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
of the Builders' Guild. He resolved to be a carpenter ; and from
this day on Avas never for a moment Avithout an object in life.
The ambition to "be something" took many different turns,
but Avas a force AA-hich, once created, could never be put down.
The care and skill requisite to putting a house together, fitting the
rafters into place, and joining part to part Avith mathematical pre
cision, gave him an idea that these things Avere of a higher order
than farm labor. Plain digging would no longer do ; there must
be a better chance to contrive something, to conjure up plans and
Avays and means in the brain, and show forth ideas by the skill
of the hand. Consequently a variety of tools began to accumulate
about James Garfield. There was a corner somewhere which, in
imitation of the great carpenter Avho built their house, he called
his " shop ; " a rough bench, perhaps, Avith a feAV planes, and mal
lets, and chisels, and saws, and the like, to help in mending the
gates and doors about the place. No independent farm can get
along Avithout such help, and of course these services Avere in con
stant demand.
The dexterity thus acquired soon led to earnings abroad. The
first money Garfield ever received in this way Avas one dollar,
Avhich the village carpenter paid him for planing a hundred boards
at a cent apiece. His active and earnest performance of every
duty brought him plenty of offers, and between the ages of tAvelve
and fifteen years he helped to put up a number of buildings in that
district of country, some of which are standing to this day.
Thus this young life passed away the precious time of the early
teens. Work and study ; study and work. Hands and feet, mar
row and muscle, all steadily engaged in the rugged discipline of'
labor, battling with nature for subsistence. But time rolls on;
childhood fast recedes from that glory from the other side
Avhich fringes the daAvn ; and, as we move on, every rising sun
Avakes up a new idea. While our young friend gave his attention
and strength to industry, his imagination began to live in a new
Avorld. He had been to school, and still went a few months each
year ; and the folloAving incident Avill indicate Avhat a good-hearted,
bright school-boy he Avas. There was a spelling-match in the lit-

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— AT SCHOOL. 31
tie log school-house, in Avhich James, who Avas thirteen years old,
took part. The teacher told the scholars that if they whispered
she Avould send them home. The lad standing next to James got
confused, and to help him James told him hoAV to spell the word.
The teacher saw this, and said : " James, you knoAv the rule ; you
must go home." James picked up his cap and left. In a very
few seconds he returned and took his place in the class. "Why,
hoAV is this, James? I told you to go home," said his teacher.
" I knoAV it, and I Avent home," said James.
But the log school-house, Avith its mystery of the three R's, Avas
not sufficient. James was one of the boys Avho are born to the
love of books. Whatever had an intelligent aspect, Avhatever
thing had the color and gloAV of an idea, Avas by nature attract
ive to his mind, and this he sought Avith eagerness and zeal.
Therefore, CA^en before the boy could read, his mother had read
to him; and afterwards winter evening and leisure summer hour
alike Avent swiftly by. The scholar in him hungered for the
scholar's meat and drink; which means books, and books, and
never enough of them.
These people did not have many volumes, but they used them
only the more, and knew them the better. Among them all, first
in their affections, was the Bible. The woman, Avhose staff at
eighty, when bowed doAvn under the great sorroAV, was the Ever
lasting Word, loved the Bible in her youth, and led her children
to it as to a fountain of pure water. Thus James early acquired
some knowledge of the old Bible stories, and it is said was some
what fond of showing his superior learning. This he did by ask
ing his little friends profound questions, such as : " Who sIcav
Absalom ? " " What cities were destroyed with fire and brimstone
from the sky ? " And when all had professed ignorance, he would
invite their admiration by a revelation of the facts.
At this period of time, hoAvever, it is likely that his lively im
agination was more vividly impressed with two or three other
books Avhich had found their places on the book-shelf of the
house — books of adventure, Avith their thrilling scenes, their deeds
of danger, dashing and gallant. And accordingly it is related

32 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
that about this time James Garfield became deeply interested in
the life of Napoleon, as told by GrimshaAV. How eagerly he must
have followed out the magical story of that wonderful career of
glory and blood through all its varied windings; seeing first a
young Corsican lieutenant on the road to Paris, by sudden and
brilliant successes rising quickly, step by step, but cA-er on the run,
to be First Consul of the ucav French Republic, and then Em
peror. Austerlitz, its carnage, its aAvful crisis, and its splendid
victory; the terrible Russian campaign, with the untold horrors
of that memorable retreat before the fierce troops of Cossack rid
ers ; on, and CA'er on through the changing fields of bright tran.s-
figurations and the Cimmerian darkness of defeat, doAvn to the fell
catastrophe at Waterloo, — and young Garfield lived and moA^ed in
it all, like an old soldier of the Imperial Legion. Another braA-e
old book he knew Avas a " Life of Marion," Avhich had the added
interest of telling the story of our OAvn first great struggle for lib
erty. No Avonder then, that, Avith such food for Avild fancies as
these at hand, James felt in his A'eins the hot blood of a martial
hero, and resolved aloud, before his laughing relatives, that he
meant to " be a soldier, and Avin great battles, as Napoleon did."
But the smoke of battle Avas yet afar off. So on fleAv the Avinter
days and nights at more than lightning speed, in hours of Avork
and school, books and dreams, and all the myriad modes and
moods of human life. So, too, passed the summer time, Avhose
busy labors preserved the family from want. Our young farmer
and carpenter kept ever at the post of duty. Pressed by ne
cessity from Avithout, moved from Avithin by the groAvIng rest
lessness of a spirit which fed on stories of adveature, a nervous
and ceaseless activity pushed him steadily forAvard to the ucav ex
periences Avhich only Avaited for his coming. Another motive,
more to the credit of his goodness of heart, Avhich kept James
busy, was that deathless love for his mother which, from the be
ginning, was the chief fountain of all good in his life. He knew
how the faithful widow had lived and worked only for her chil
dren; that her hopes were bound up in their fortunes; and he
determined that, as for him, she should not be disappointed. With

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.- HIKING OUT. 33
this high purpose in mind, he Avorkcd on, — Avorked on the farm,
labored on the neighboring farms, exercised his carpentering skill
in country and in village, till his friends proudly said : " James
Garfield is the most industrious boy in Jiis neighborhood; there is
not a lazy hair on his head."
When about fifteen years old, in the course of his trade, he Avas
called on to assi.st in the building of an addition to a house, for
a man Avho lived several miles aAvay from the home farm. This
man, Avhose business was that of a " black-salter," noticed the pe
culiar aetivity and ingenuity displayed by James in his work, and
took a liking to him. Being in need of such a person, he offered
him his board and fourteen dollars a month to stay Avith him, help
in the saltery, and .superintend the financial part of the concern.
After some meditation, and a consultation on the subject at home,
James accepted the offer. This Avas against the judgment of Mrs.
Garfield, whose advice was, at least, ahvays respectfully heard,
though not alAA'ays folloAved. In this business he succeeded Avell,
and Avas expected, by his employer, to make a first-class salter.
But the spirit of adventure again revived in him. There came a
ncAV book, and a ucav epoch, and the old Avish to become an Amer
ican Napoleon took a fresh turn. He saw no Avay to be a soldier.
The peaceful progress of the Ohio country, fast developing in agri
culture and its attendant industries, did not offer A'ery good opjDor-
tnnity for a great campaign, and military leadership Avas, therefore,
not in demand.
In this unfortunate conjuncture of civil surroundings Avith un
civil ambitions, James began to read books about the sea. " Jack
Halyard " took the place of General Marion ; white sails began
to spread themselves in his brain ; the story of Nelson and Tra
falgar, and the like men and things began to take shajje in his
thought as the central facts of history ; and a life on the ocean
wave hung aloft before him as the summit of every aspiration
worth a moment's entertainment. Through all these notions Ave
can see only a reflection of the books he read. Give a child
its first look at the world through blue spectacles, and the world
will be blue to the child ; give a boy his first ideas of the world

34 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
beyond his neighborhood by means of soldiers and navies, and he
will be soldier and sailor at once. James Avas now approaching
the age of sixteen years. New force was added to the sea-fever
by a work named " The Pirate's Oavu Book." Ncav tales of
adventure stirred his blood ; he could even sympathize with the
triumphs of a bold buccaneer, and with the Corsair sing :
"Oh! who can tell, save he whose heart hath tried.
And danced in triumph o'er the waters wide,
The exulting sense, the pulse's maddening play,
That thrills the wanderer of that trackless way?"
While in this brittle state of mind no great proA^ocation AA'ould
he need to produce a break Avith the black-salter. Accordingly,
an insult, Avhich soon offered, led to a scene and a departure. Some
member of the family alluded to James as a "servant." In an
instant his warm blood rose to fever heat; he refused to stay.
another hour Avhere such things could be said of him. The
employer's stock of eloquence was too small to change the fiery
youth's mind ; and that night he slept again beneath his mother's
roof Hitherto the forces and facts Avhich rested in and about Jaiges
A. Garfield had kept him near home ; the outward tending move
ment now became powerful, and struggled for control. With the
passion for the sea at its height, he began to consider the situa
tion. At home was the dear mother Avith her great longing
that he should love books, go to school, and become a man
among men, educated, a leader, and peer of the best in character
and intellect. And hoAV could he leave her? The struggle for
life had not yet become easy on the farm, and his absence would
be felt. " Leave us not," pleads the home. " The sea, land-lub
ber, the Avide, free ocean," says the buccaneer Avithiu. At this
point, Avhile he reflected at home on these things, being out of
employment, a ncAv incident occurred.
Our young friend had noAV acquired something more than the
average strength of a full-grown man. Born of a hardy race,
constant exerci.se of so many kinds Avas giving him extraordinary
physical power. So he felt equal to the opportunity Avhich offered

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— VISION OF THE SEA. 35
itself, and became a jvood-chopper. TAventy-five cords of wood
were rapidly cut fi>r u rcAvard of seven dollars. The place Avliere
this was done Avas near Newburg, a small town close to Cleveland.
During this time his mother hoped and prayed that the previous
intention of her son, to go to the lake and become a sailor, would
weaken, and that he would be led to remain at home ; but fate de
creed otherAvise. The scene of his Avood-cutting exploit was close
to the lake shore, where the vessels passed at every hour. The
excitement Avithin him, as each sail Avent out beyond the horizon,
never ceased. The story never greAV old. The pirate had not
died, but still plotted for plunder, and hungered for black flags,
cutlasses and blood. No doubt Garfield Avould have been a good-
hearted corsair — one of the generous fellows who plundered Span
ish galleons just because their gain had been ill-gotten ; Avho spared
the lives and restored the money of the innocent, gave no quarter
to the real villains, and never let a fair woman go unrescued.
Returning home from Newburg to see his mother, she persuaded
him to remain a while longer. Harvest-time Avould soon approach,
and his services were needed on the farm. Of course, he stayed ;
helped them through the season, and even spent some extra time
working for a neighbor. But the facts of a boy's future some
times can not be changed by circumstances. A firm-set resoh-e
may be hindered long, but not forever. James Garfield had set
his head to be a sailor, and a sailor he Avould be. Farming Avas
a very good business, no doubt, and just the thing for the brother
Thomas, but by no means suited to a young salt like himself.
Now, bright blue Avaves of Erie, dash against your shores Avith
glee, and rise to meet your coming conqueror ! The last family
prayer was uttered, the good-bye kiss was given ; and mother Gar
field stood in the low doorAvay, peering out through the mists of
morning, to catch a last glimpse of the boy who has just receiv^ed
her parting blessing. The story of that memorable time is already
well known. With a bundle of clothes on a stick, throAvn across
his sturdy shoulder, he trudged along, sometimes Avearily, but
always cheerily, bound for the harbor of CleA'eland. The Avay
was probably void of noteworthy incidents ; and, Avith his thoughts

36 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
all absorbed on Avhat he believed to be his coming experiences on
deck, he arrived at Cleveland. It Avas an evening in July of 1848.
The next morning, after due refreshment and a Avalk about the
city, being determined on an immediate employment, he lost no
more time in hastening toAvard the rolling deep. Boarding the
only vessel in port at the time, he strolled about and Avaited for
the appearance of his intended captain. The experience of that
hour was never forgotten. Garfield's ideas of a sailor had thus
far chiefly come out of books, and Jack, as a swearing tai-, he
was not prepared to meet. Presently a confused sound came up
fn^m the hold, first faintly muttering, then swelling in volume as
it came nearer and nearer. Uncertainty about the matter soon
ceased, however, as the " noble captain's "* head appeared, from
Avhich Avere issuing rapid volleys of oaths, fired into space, proba
bly, as a salute to the glorious god of day. Rough in looks, rude
in manners, a coarse and petty tyrant on the Avater, and a drunk
ard both there and on land, this bloated individual was not the
onu to greet a green and awkward boy Avith soft Avords. Glad to
see a ncAV object for his hitherto objectless oaths, he inquired Gar
field's business there, in language not well shaped to courtesy nor
kindness. The offer of his services Avas made, hoAvever, as James
was not disposed to back out of any thing ; but he AA'as informed
that they had no* use for him, and obliged to retire in confusion,
amid the continued curses of a magnanimous commander, and the
profane laughter of an uncouth group of the commanded.
At this moment o"f time the reader Avill pause to reflect and
consider on what a delicate balance hangs the history of the Avorld,
and the men who make the Avorld. " Behold, hoAV great a matter
a little fire kindleth ! " The results of that day's experience at
Cleveland are written in every public event that ever felt the
force of Garfield's molding influence.
Senates OAved a name Avhich raised their reputation, armies owed
tlieir victories to the drunken vulgarity of an Erie captain ! That
Avas Garfield's first day in Cleveland. You Avho know the future,
Avhich has now become the past, think, and compare it with his
last day there !

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— ON THE CANAL. 37
Having beat an inglorious retreat from the lake, James was
noAV forced to confront a new and unexpected difficulty. First,
he became sensible that his treatment there had probably arisen
principally from his rustic appearance ; and the notion came close
behind that the same scene Avas liable to be enacted if he should
try again. He had plenty of pluck, but also a good stock of
prudence. Go home he would not, at least till he had by some
means conquered defeat. " What shall I do next ?" he muttered
as he sauntered along. He had already learned, by inquiries in
toAvn during the day, that work there Avould be difficult to get.
In this perplexity, as in CA'ery doubtful situation in the Avorld,
when difficulties are met by determination, a clear way out came
to him. The problem was solved thus : " I'm going to be a sailor.
But the ocean is too far aAvay, and I must make my Avay there by
lake, meanwhile learning Avhat I can about the business. But I
can't go on the lake now, — and there's nothing left me but the
muddy canal. I Avill go first by way of the canal, meauAvhile
learning what I can about the business." To the canal he turned
his tired steps.
It was the old Ohio and Pennsyh'ania Canal ; and he found, by
rare good fortune, a boat ready to start, and in need of a driver.
The captain of this less ambitious navigating affair proved to be
not quite so rich in profanity, but more Avealthy in good-natured
sympathy ; his name Avas Amos Letcher, and he Avas Garfield's
cousin. To this man James told the story of his experience
thus far, and asked employment on the boat. The result was a
contract to drive mules. Letcher became much interested in his
young friend, and is authority for some good stories about this
" voyage." When the time came to start, the Evening Star Avas brought up
to the first lock, and after .some delay got through. On the other
side Avaited the mule-team and its impatient driver, Avho Avas eager
for the trip to begin. In a fcAV hours he Avould be farther from
home than ever in his life before, traveling a path Avhich led he
kncAV not Avhither. Practically, they were bound for Pittsburgh.
To his imagination, it AA'as a trip around the Avorld. So the Avhip

38 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
was flourished triumphantly, and this circumnavigation committee
of one was on his way.
Directly a boat approached from the opposite direction. Jim
bungled, in his excitement, and got his lines tangled. While he
stopped to get things straight, the boat came up even Avith him,
leaving the tow-line slack for several yards. Eased of their load,
the mules trotted on quickly to the extent of the line, Avhen, with
a sudden jerk, the boat caught on a bridge they Avere passing, and
team, driver, and all were in the canal.
The boy, however, was not disconcerted, but climbed out, and,
amid loud laughter from those on board, proceeded coolly along'
as if it had been a regular morning bath.
The rough men of the canal were fond of a fight, and ahvays
ready at fisticuffs. One of the most frequent occasions of these dif
ficulties was at the locks, Avhere but one boat could pass at a time.
When tAVO boats were approaching from opposite directions each
always tried to get there first, so as to have the right to go through
before the other. This was a prolific source of trouble.
As the Evening Star approached lock tAventy-one at Akron, one
of these scenes Avas threatened. An opposite boat came up just as
Letcher Avas about to turn the lock for his OAvn. The other got
in first. Letcher's men ail sprang out for a fight. Just then Jim
walked up to the captain and said, " Does the right belong to us ? "
" No, I guess not ; but Ave've started in for it, and Ave are going to
have it anyhow." " No, sir," said Garfield. " I say Ave will not
have it. I will not fight to keep them out of their rights." This
brought the captain to his senses, and he ordered his men to give
room for the enemy to pass.
There was half-mutiny on board that night, and many uncom
plimentary remarks about the young driver. He was a coAvard,
they said. Was he a coAvard? Or simply a just, fair-minded
youth, and as brave as any of them ? He made up his mind to
show them Avhich he Avas, Avhen a good time came.
The captain had defended Jim from these accusations of the
men, for a reason unknoAvn to them. The boy had whipped him
before they came to Akron. It was after a change of teams, and

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— A QUIZZEK QUIZZED.

Jim Avas on the boat. Letcher Avas a .self-confident vounsr man,
Avho had recently been a school teacher in Steuben County, Indi
ana, and felt as if all knoAvledge Avas his province. He had made
all his men revere him for his learning, and noAV Avas the time to
overwhelm the ucav driver. So, sitting down near where the lad
was resting, he said : " Jim, I believe
you have been to school some, and as
I have not heard a class lately, I Avill
ask you some questions to see Avhei'e
you arc, if you do n't care."
James assented Pedagogue Letcher
thought lii^ time
„_^ _^„.^^ ^ .  » . _™™_,,=.= had come; he
\f^: — - >«^.— .™

GARFIELD ON THE TOW-PATH.

searched out witty inventions; he asked deep questions; he Avould
open this youngling's eyes. The examination did not last long,
for all questions Avere quickly ansAvered, and the quizzer ran out
of materials ; his stock of puzzlers Avas exhausted.
Then the tables turned. The tailor Avas out-tailored in three
minutes, for in that time James had asked him seven questions
which he could not answer. Hence the captain's alloAvance for

40 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the boy's refusal to fight. Letcher kncAV enough to appreciate the
reason. The Evening Star had a long trip before her, as the present
load consisted of copper ore consigned to Pittsburgh. This ore
came doAvn to Cleveland first in schooners from Lake Superior,
where those great treasuries of ore, which still seem inexhaustible,
were at that time just beginning to become important interests.
The habit of the canal-boatmen Avas to take up the copper at
Cleveland, carry it to Pittsburgh, and, bring back loads of coal.
Garfield's first experience here must have given him ncAV ideas of
the groAving industries of his country. This constant and immense
carrying trade between distant places indicated the play of grand
forces ; these great iron foundries and factories at Pittsburgh be
tokened millions of active capital, thousands of skilled AA'orkmen,
and fast-increasing cities abounding in Avonders and in AA'ealth.
WhatcA'cr the immediate result of Garfield's canal life might have
been, Avhether the boatmen had voted him coAvard or general, one
fact must have remained — the mental stimulus imparted from these
things which he had seen. ¦ Then must have daAvned upon him
for the first time a sense of the unmeasured possibilities Avhich lay
before his own country. Tramp, tramp the mules ; lock after lock
has been left behind, each turn bringing a neAV landscape, and the
young driver pushed braA^ely on, self-reliant, patient, and popular
with all the men. For these rough comrades liked him from the
fir.st as a pleasant felloAv, and soon admired him as Avell. Oppor
tunity came to him on the AA'ay to prove himself their equal in
fighting qualities, and more than their equal in generosity. The
occasion Avas one the like of Avhich he often kncAv, Avhere he came
off victor Avith the odds fa\'oring his enemies. At Beaver, from a
point Avhere the boats Avere toAved up to Pittsburgh by steam-boat,
the Evening Star Avas about to be taken in. As Garfield stood in
the boAv of the boat, a burly Irishman, named Dave jNIurphy, Avho
stood a fcAv feet behind, was accidentally struck by a flying piece
of rope from the steamer, which had evaded Garfield and gone
over his head. No harm was done, but Murphy Avas a bully Avho
saAV here a good chance for a fight. He Avas thirty-five years old,

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— PUGILISM. 41
Garfield sixteen. Turning on the boy in a toAvering rage, he
aimed a blow Avith all his strength. But as sometimes occurs to
men with more braAvn than brains, he soon discovered that in this
case Providence was not "on the side of the heavy battalions." By
a dexterous motion James eluded his antagonist, at the .same instant
planting a bloAV behind the felloAv's ear Avhich sent him spinning
into the bottom of the boat. Before the man could recover, his
young antagonist held him doAvn by the throat. The boatmen
cheered the boy on ; according to their rules of pugilism, satisfac
tion Avas not complete till a man's features Avere pounded to a jelly.
" Give him a full dose, Jim ; " " Rah fcr Garfield ! " The tAvo
men arise ; Avhat does this mean ? The IMurphy face has not been
disfigured ; the Murphy nose bleeds not ! Slowly the astonished
men take in a ucav fact. Generosity has Avon the day, and brutal
ity itself has been vanquished before their eyes. From that hour
James became one of the heroes of the toAA'path ; and the day he
left it Avas a day of regret to all his ucav acquaintances there.
On the Avay back from Pittsburgh a vacancy occurred on deck ;
Garfield was promoted to the more responsible position of bow
man, and the mules found a new master. So the ocean drew one
step nearer ; this AA'as not exactly the sea, of course, but after all it
Avas a little more like sailing. Uj) and doAvn the narrow course,
folloAving all its windings, the Evening Star pursued its Avay Avith
out serious accident, and James Garfield stood at the boAV till No
vember of 1848. Then came a change. New tilings Avere prepar
ing for him, and all unknown to him old things Avere passing
away. The mother at home still Avatched for her boy ; the mother
at home still prayed for her son, and yearned for a fulfillment of
her steadfast desire that he should be such a man as she had besun
to dream of him when he AA'as a little child. An accident noAv
brought him home to her. The position of boAvman on the Even
ing Star Avas rather an unsafe one. The place Avhere James
stood AA'as narroAV and often slippery, and, in a brief periocl of time,
he had fallen into the AA-ater fourteen times. The last immersion
chanced in the following manner: One night as the boat ap
proached a lock the boAvman Avas hastily aAvakened, and tumbled

42 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
out half asleep to attend to his duty. Uncoiling a rope which Avas
to assist in steadying the boat through, he lost his balance, and in
a second found himself in a noAV familiar place at the bottom of
the canal. The night Avas dark, and no help near. Struggling
about, his hand accidentally clutched a section of the rope Avhich
had gone over with him. Now, James, pull for your life, hand
over hand; fight for jjourself, fight for another visit to home and
mother. Strength began to fail. The rope slid off; swim he could
not. Jerk, jerk; the rope has caught. Pulling away with a will,
he climbed back to his place, and found that he had been saved by
a splinter in a plank in which the rope had caught by a knot.
Such a narroAv escape might well stir up the most lethargic brain
to ncAV and strange reflections ; but to the active intellect and bright
imagination of James A. Garfield it brought a profound impression,
a fresh resolution and a ucav sphere of action. He saw himself
rescued by a chance which might have failed him a thousand
times. Might not this be in ansAver to a mother's prayer ? Was
it possible that he had been saved for soine better fortune than his
present life promised? He recalled the vague ambitions which
had at times stirred him for a career of usefulness, such as he kneAV
his mother had in mind for him.
When the boat ncared home again, James bade good-bye to the
Evening Star. Noav, farcAvell visions of the Atlantic; farewell
swearing captain of the lake ; farcAvell raging canal, for this sailor
lad is lost to you forever. The romantic element of his character
indeed Avas not destroyed, as it never could be ; nor was the glamour
of the sea quite gone. It Avould take the Avinter of sickness Avhich
was before him to remove all nautical aspirations. ArriA'ing be
fore the old gate one night Avhile the stars Avere out in all their
glory, he softly raised the latch, and Avalked up to the house.
Never was happier mother than greeted him at that door. Mrs.
Garfield felt that her triumph Avas now at hand; and set herself to
secure it at once.
Four hard months of life on and in the canal had told heavily
on the young man's constitution. Four months more ague and
fever held him fast; four months more he longed in vain for the

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— AT GEAUGA. 43
vigor of health. During this dreary time one voice above all
others comforted, cheered, and SAvayed his drooping spirits, and
helped him back to a contented mood. In conversation and in
song, the mother Avas his chief entertainer. Indeed, Mrs. Gar
field had not only a singing voice of splendid quality, but also
knew a marvelous number of songs; and James said, later in life,
that he believed she could have sung many more songs consecu
tively, from memory, than her physical powers Avould have per
mitted. Songs in every kind of humor, — ballads, war songs (es
pecially of 1812) and hymns Avith their sacred melody — these she
had at command in exhaustless stores. And we may be sure that
such SAveet skill Avas not Avithout its poAver on her children. That
voice had been the dearest music James ever heard in childhood,
and his ear Avas well fitted to its every tone ; escape from its poAver
was hopeless now if he had even wished it so.
MeauAvhile the past receded, and new plans for the future Avere
unfolding. It is interesting to notice hoAV smoothly, and all un-
knoAvn to ourselves, Ave sometimes pass over the lines Avhich mark
the periods of our Ha'cs. The manner of Garfield's present expe
rience was no exception to the rule.
Samuel D. Bates was a young man, not many years older than
James A. Garfield. He was a good scholar, and had been attend
ing a place called " Geauga Seminary," Avhich had groAvn up in
the adjoining county. This winter he had taken the school on
the Garfield farm, expecting to save some money and return to
Geauga. With his head full of these ideas, he met Garfield, and
soon had the latter interested in his plans. When the time came
for the next term to begin, James AA-as Avell again, and his mother
and Bates proposed that he should go also. He thought the subject
over carefully, but was still uncertain Avhat to do. He Avas not
sure of his capacity to turn an education to account, and did not
wish to spoil a good carpenter for the sake of a bad professor or
preacher. Before making a final decision, he therefore did a char
acteristically sensible thing. Dr. J. P. Robison Avas a physician
of Bedford, a man Avell knoAvn for good judgment and skill in his
profession. One day he was visited by an aAvk\v'ard country lad,

44 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avho asked a private conversation with him, and, that favor being
granted, said to him : " My name is James Garfield. My home
is at Orange. Hitherto I have acquired only the rudiments of an
education, and but a scanty knoAvledge of books. But, at this
time, I have taken up the notion of getting an education, and,
before beginning, I Avant to know what I have to count on. You
are a physician, and know men well. Examine me, and say plainly
whether you think I Avill be able to succeed."
This frank speech Avas rewarded by as fair an ansAver. The phy
sician sounded him Avell, as to both body and mind, and ended Avith
an opinion Avhich summed up in about this fashion : " You are well
fitted to folloAv your ambition as far as you are pleased to go.
Your brain is large and good; your physique is adapted to hard
work. Go ahead, and you are sure to succeed."
This settled the question at once and forever. Garfield the
student, the thinker, the teacher, the preacher, and the statesman,
are all included in this ucav direction, and time alone is wanting
to reveal them to himself and to the world.
Geauga Seminary Avas situated at a place called Chester, in
Geauga County. The faculty consisted of three men and as many
women. They Avere : Daniel Branch and Avife, ]\Ir. and Mrs. Cof
fin, Mr. BigeloAV, and Miss Abigail Curtis. In the second year of
Garfield's attendance, ]\Ir. and Mrs. Branch retired, and Avere suc
ceeded by Mr. FoAvler and Mr. Beach. The students Avere' about
one hundred in number, and of both sexes. There Avas a library
of one hundred and fifty A'olumes, and a literary society, Avhich
offered a chance for practice in Avriting and speaking. Knowing
these facts, and that the seminary offered the advantages common
to many such institutions, avc know the circumstances under Avhich
Garfield began that course of studies Avhich, in seven years, grad
uated him Avith honor from an Eastern college.
There went Avith him to Chester tAVO other friends besides
Bates — one his cousin, William Boynton, the other a lad named
Orrin H. Judd. These three being all poor boys, they arranged
to live cheaply. Garfield himself had only seventeen dollars,
which Thomas and his mother had saved for him to begin on;

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.-LIFE AT CHESTER. 45
and he expected to make that go a long Avay by Avorking at hia
old carpenter trade at odd hours, as well as by economy in spend
ing money. So the trio kept "bachelors' hall" in a rough
shanty, Avhich they fitted up Avith some articles brought from
home; and a poor woman near by cooked their meals for some
paltry sum.
There came a time Avhen even this kind of life Avas thought
extravagant. Garfield had read an autobiography of Henry C.
Wright, Avho related a tale about supporting life on bread and
crackers. So they dismissed their French cook, and did the AVork
themselves. This did not last long, but it showed them what they
could do. "What tho' on hamely fare we dine.
Wear hoddin gray, and a' that;
Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine,
A man's a man for a' that!"
Life at college on such a scale as this lacks polish, but may con
tain poAver. The labors Avhich James A. Garfield performed at
this academy, in the one term, from his arrival on March 6,
1849, to the end, were probably more than equal to the four
years' studies of many a college graduate. He never forgot a
moment the purpose for Avhich he Avas there. Every recitation
found his Avork well done; every meeting of the literary society
kncAV his presence and heard his voice. The library Avas his fa
vorite corner of the building. A ncAV Avorld Avas to be conquered
in every science, a new country in every language. Thus a year
passed, and Garfield's first term at Geauga Avas ended. During
the summer vacation he was constantly busy ; first he helped his
brother to build a barn at home, then turned back for a season to
his old business as a wood-cutter, and then worked in the harvest-
field. About the latter a good story remains to us. With tAvo
well-grown, but young, school-felloAVS, James applied to a farmer
who needed more hands, asking employment. The farmer thought
them rather too young for the business; but, as they offered to
work for " whateA-er he thought right," he agreed, thinking it
would not be much. But they had swung the scythe before, and
soon made it a Avarm task for the other men to keep even with

46 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
them. The old man looked on in mute admiration for a while,
and finally .said to the beaten men : " You fellows had better look
to your laurels ; them boys arc a bcatin' ye all holler." The men,
thus incited to do their best, Avorkcd hard ; but they had begun a
losing battle, and the Garfield croAvd kept its advantage. When
settling time came round, these "boys" Avere paid men's full
wages. Ha\'ing, in these Avays, saA'ed enough money to begin on, James
began the fall term at Geauga. Here he still pursued the same
plan of alternate Avork and study, inching along the best he could.
His boarding accommodations Avere furnished by a family named
Stiles, for one dollar and six cents a Aveek. The landlady, Mrs.
Stiles, is made responsible for a story Avhich illustrates how nearly
penniless James was all this time. He had only one suit of clothes,
and no underclothing. But toAvard the end of the term, his well-
Avorn pantaloons split at the knee, as he bent over one day, and
the result was a rent of appalling proportions, Avhich the pin, Avith
Avhich he tried to mend matters, failed to conceal. Mrs. Stiles
kindly undertook to assist him out of his trouble while he was
asleep that night. But the time soon came Avhen, though still
poor, Garfield was beyond danger of being put in such straights
again. For, even before the time came to go home again, he had
paid his expenses and purchased a fcAV books. One piece of Avork
which he did at this time Avas to plane all the boards for the sid
ing of a house, being paid tAvo cents a board.
About the first of November James applied for an examination,
and received a certificate of fitness to teach school. One Avhole
year was gone since the sea-vision vanished, and his means for
support in the neAV life had been made chiefly by the unaided
force of his OAvn tough muscles. Enough capital of a ucav kind
had noAV accumulated to become productive, and he determined,
for the future, to make money out of the knowledge in his head,
as Avell as out of the strength and skill of his arm. The time- for
opening the country schools Avas come, and the young man made
several applications to school trustees near his home, but found
no place Avhere he Avas Avanted. Returning home discouraged, he

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— TEACHES THE LEDGE. 47
found that an offer Avas .waiting for him. He took the contract
to teach the Ledge school, near by, for twelve dollars a month
and board.
This school Avas one of those unfortunate seats of learning so
often found in rural districts, Avhere teachers are habitually ousted
each terra by the big boy terrible. For James Garfield, not yet
quite eighteen years old, this would be a trying situation, but Ave '
already knoAV enough about him to feel confident that he can not
easily be put doAvn. His difficulties \yere, hoAvever, peculiarly
great; for, though a prophet, he was in his own country, and the
scholars Avere not likely to be forAvard in shoAving respect to " Jim
Gaffil." It Avas the old story, Avhich many a man Avho has
taught country school can parallel in his OAvn experience. First
came insubordination, then correction, then more fight, foUoAved
by a signal A'ictory, and at last Master Garfield was master of the
situation. Then came success, his reward for hard study and
hard bloAA's. The Ledge prospered, its teacher became popular;
and, Avhen the time came to close, he did so, satisfied Avith him
self, and possessor of a neat little sum of money.
Garfield Avent back to Geauga that year as planned. Early in
1851 he had his first ride on a railroad train. Taking passage
on a train of the Cleveland and Columbus road, then ucav, he
Avent, Avith his mother, to Columbus. There the representative to
the legislature from Geauga County, Gamaliel Kent, kindly showed
him the sights of the capital; from there they Avent to Zanes-
ville, and then down the Muskingum, eighteen miles, to visit some
relatives. There James is said to have taught a short term of
school before he returned home again ; after this came the rencAval
of school-days at Chester ; and so progressing, Ave may end by say
ing that James managed to support himself at Chester for somcAvhat
over two years, and to save a little money to begin on Avhen he
moved a step higher. We have been thus minute in relating
these incidents only because they best shoAv the stuff that Avas in
liiis heroic young felloAV, and he can have no better eulogy.
NoAv, Avhat Avere some of the elements of Garfield's mental de
velopment at this period ? During the first term he had revived

48 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the ru.sty recollections of his early acquirements, and pursued
arithmetic, algebra, grammar, and natural philosophy; aftcrAvards
came more of the regular academic studies, including the rudiments
of Latin and Greek; he akso studied botany, and collected a good
herbarium. Every step had been carefully taken, and his mind
Avas becoming accustomed to close thinking. Probably his first
political impressions of importance Avere at this time being made,
but we have no record of any opinions formed by him at that time
on the subjects Avhich then made political affairs interesting.
At the cud of the first term in Chester, the literary society gave
a public entertainment; on that occasion James made a speech,
Avhich is referred to in the diary he kept at that time, Avith this
comment : " I Avas very much scared, and very glad of a short
curtain across the j^latform. that hid my shaking legs from the
audience." Soon afterwards, he took .some elocution lessons, Avhich
is evidence of the fact that he began to think of making some
figure as a public speaker.
While Garfield taught the Ledge school another change had
come to him. The old log school-house on his mother's farm Avas
used regularly as a church, Avhere a good old man, eloquent and
earnest in his devotion to religion, ministered to the little congre
gation of "Disciples" who assembled to hear him. Recent events,
and serious thinking, had predisposed James to listen Avith a Avill-
ing ear, and he began to feel draAvn back again to the simple faith
of childhood Avhich had been taught him by his mother. The sect,
of Avhich his family Avere all members, Avere folloAvers of a nevv
religious leader. Alexander Campbell is a name familiar to all
the present generation of older men. At a time of furious dispu
tation on religious subjects, Campbell Avas one of the ablest of
controversialists. First, a Presbyterian preacher, he had rejected
the Confession of Faith, and founded a new church, called the
"Disciples of Christ," Avhose only written creed was the Bible.
Gifted with a proselyting spirit, he soon saAV his one society spread
and groAV into a multitude, so that soon not Virginia alone, but
many surrounding States Avere included in the religious territory
of the " Disciples," called sometimes the " Campbellites." It Avas

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— JOINS CHURCH. 49
one of this man's followers and preachers who now attracted Gar
field. Their fundamentals of belief have been summed up thus :
1. We call ourselves Christians or Disciples.
2. We believe in God the Father.
3. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and
our only Savior. We regard the divinity of Christ as the fundamental
truth in the Christian system.
4. We believe in the Holy Spirit, both as to its agency in conversion
and as an indweller in the heart of the Christian.
5. We accept both the Old and New Testament Scriptures as the
inspired Word of God.
6. We believe in the future punishment of the Avicked and the future
reward of the righteous.
7. We believe that Deity is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering
God. 8. We observe the institution of the Lord's Supper on every Lord's
Day. To this table it is our practice neither to invite nor debar. We
say it is the Lord's Supper for all the Lord's children.
9. We plead for the union of all God's people on the Bible, and the
Bible alone.
10. The Bible is our only creed.
11. We maintain that all the ordinances of the Gospel should be ob
served as they were in the days of the Apostles.
Aside from its adherence to the Bible, this organization did not
have or profess to haA-e any thing in the Avay of creed to attract a
fervid young man to its acceptance.
Garfield was a man of susceptibility to influences ; and peculiarly
to those of religion. Nature prepared him for it, and his early
influences led to it. The " Avild-oats " had been soavu, and the
prodigal was ready to return. In March, 1850, he joined the
Church, and at once became an enthusiastic Avorker for its in
terests. How this new connection came to have a potent in
fluence in the shaping and development of his progress, Avill
constantly appear as Ave observe the next fcAv years of his life.
Garfield was always interested in any cause Avhich still had its
place to make in the world; for in that particular it would be
4

50 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
like him.self. He joined a young church; the first school he went
to was a ncAv one, as Avas also the second. He joined the Re
publican party before that party had ever Avon a national victory.
In 1851, Garfield thought he had about exhausted the ad
vantages of Geauga, and he began to seek " fresh scenes and
pastures new." We ourselves can not do better than to take
leave of that secluded spot, summing up our hero's life there in '
these his own words : " I remember with great satisfaction the
work which was done for me at Chester. It marked the most
decisive change in my life. While there I formed a definite pur
pose and plan to complete a college course. It is a great point
gained, when a young man makes up his mind to devote several
years to the accomplishment of a definite Avork. With the educa
tional facilities now afforded in our country, no young man, who
has good health and is master of his own actions, can be excused
for not obtaining a good education. Poverty is very incon
venient, but it is a fine spur to activity, and may be made a rich
blessing." Alexander Campbell was not merely a zealous propagandist
of religious opinions; he was an organizer of religious forces.
Among these forces, education stands in the first rank. Under
standing this fact, Campbell himself founded a college at Bethany,
West Virginia, — then Virginia, — of Avhich he Avas President until
he died. FolloAving their leader in this liberal spirit, the Dis
ciples had established schools and colleges Avherever they wete
able. Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, Avas a settlement Avhere the
new sect was numerous, and here, in 1850, was erected the first
building of what is now widely knoAvn as Hiram College, but
was then called the Eclectic Institute. It Avas toAvard this place
that in the fall of that year James A. Garfield turned. A some
what advanced course of study was promised, and he resolved to
go there and prepare for college. Arriving there in time to begin
with the first classes, he looked about as usual for something to
do. One evening the trustees were in executive session, when a
knock was heard at their door. The intruder was admitted. He
was a tall, muscular young man, scarcely tAventy years old, un-

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— JANITOR AT HIRAM. 51
polished in appearance, and carrying himself awkwardly, but
withal in a strikingly straightforward manner.
" Well, sir, what is your business with us ?"
In firm, clear tones the answer came : " Gentlemen, I have
come here from my home in Orange. I have been tAvo years at
Geauga Seminary, and am here to continue my work. Being the
son of a AvidoAV, who is poor, I must Avork my way along ; and I
ask to be made your janitor." Some hesitation Avas visible in the
faces of the trustees, and he added : " Try me two Aveeks, and if
you are not satisfied I will quit."
The offer Avas accepted, and James A. Garfield again found him
self a rich man ; rich in opportunities, rich in health, rich in
having some Avay, though a humble one, to support himself
through another period of magnificent mental groAvth. His inflex
ible rule was to do every thing which fell in his way to do, and do
all things Avell. Before the term was far gone, the entire school
had become interested in him. With a pleasant word for every
one, alAA'ays more than willing to do a favor, earnest, frank, and a
ready laugher, nobody could be more popular than Garfield. In a
short time one of the teachers of Science and English, became ill,
and Garfield Avas chosen to fill the temporary vacancy. This
duty Avas so faithfully performed that some of the classes were
continued to him, and so he was never without from three to six
classes till he went away to college. As a teacher he Avas singu
larly successful ; the classes never flagged in interest, for the
teacher was ahA-ays either drawing forth ideas on the subject in
hand from some one else, or he Avas giving his own views in a
manner which invariably held attention. By these helps, by still
working as a carpenter in the village, and in A-arious other Avays,
making as much and spending as little as he could, Garfield finally
left Hiram, free from debt, and possessor of three hundred and
fifty dollars on Avhich to start into college.
From the time when he became a member of the church at
Geauga, Garfield had continually increased in devotion to religious
affairs, and at Hiram quickly became a power. He was constantly
present at the social prayer-meetings, where his remarks were

52 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
frequent, and attracted notice. In a short time he was called on
to address the people, and this becoming a habit, rapidly improved,
and came to be called "the most eloquent young man in the
county." For a number of years Garfield was known as a
first-rate preacher; in regularity of speaking, however, he was
very much like that order knoAvn among Methodists as "local
preachers." That Garfield was at this time beginning to have political con
nections, appears from a story told by Father Bentley, then pas
tor of the church at Hiram. On one occasion an evening service
was about to be held, and the pastor had invited our friend to sit
with him on the platform; also expecting him to address the peo
ple. Unnoticed by Father Bentley, a young man called Garfield
away, and was hastening him off to talk at a political meeting.
Discovering his departure, Bentley was about to call him back;
when, suddenly, he stopped, and said : " Well, I suppose we must
let him go. A'ery likely he will be President of the United
States, some day!"
Garfield's general progress at Hiram was intimately connected
with that of the people about him; and the best possible view of
him must come from a knowledge of his friends, and the work
they did together. In a late address to the Alumni of Hiram,
Garfield has furnished a good sketch of the kind of human ma
terial that made up the " Eclectic Institute."
"In 1850 it Avas a green field, with a solid, plain brick building in
the center of it, and almost all the rest has been done by the institu
tion itself. Without a dollar of endowment, without a powerful friend
anywhere, a corps of teachers Avere told to go on the ground and see
what they could make of it, and to find their pay out of the tuitions
that should be received ; who invited students of their oAvn spirit to
come here on the ground and find out by trial Avhat they could make
of it. The chief response has been their Avork, and the chief part of
the response I see in the faces gathered before me to-day. It Avas a
simple question of sinking or swimming, and I do not knoAv of any in
stitution that has accomplished more, Avith little means, than this school
on Hiram hill. I know of no place where the doctrine of self-help has

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— POSSIBLE SWEETHEART. 53
had a fuller development. As I said a great many years ago, the theory
of Hiram Avas to throw its j'oung men and women overboard, and let
them try for themselves. All that were fit to get ashore got there, and
we had few cases of drowning. Now, when I look over these faces, and
mark the several geologic ages, I find, the geologic analogy does not
hold — there are no fossils. Some are dead and glorified in our memories,
but those Avho are alive are aijve. I believe there Avas a stronger press
ure of work to the square inch in the boilers that ran this establishment
than any other I knoAV of. Young men and women — rough, crude and
untutored farmer boys and girls — came here to try themselves, and find
out what manner of people they were. They came here to go on a voy
age of discovery, to discover themselves, and in many cases I hope the
discovery Avas fortunate.''
Among these brave toilers were two or three of Garfield's more
intimate friends, with whom we must become acquainted before
we can come at a thorough knowledge of Garfield himself. Of
his introduction to them he has said :
"A few days after the beginning of the term, I saw a class of three
reciting in mathematics — geometry, I think. I had never seen a geome
try, and, regarding both teacher and class Avith a feeling of reverential
awe for the intellectual height to which they had climbed, I studied their
faces so closely that I seem to see them now as distinctly as I seav them
then. And it has been my good fortune since that time to claim them
all as intimate friends. The teacher was Thomas Munnell, and the
members of his class Avere William B. Hazen, George A. Baker and
Almeda A. Booth."
Afterwards he met here, for the second time, one who had been
known to him in Chester. Lucretia Rudolph was a farmer's daugh
ter, whose humble home was then not far from Chester. Her
father was fi-om Maryland; his uncle had been a brave soldier of
the Revolution, and, as the story goes, he afterward went to
France, enlisted under the banner of Napoleon, and Avas soon
knoAvn to the Avorld as Marshal Ney. Lucretia's mother came
from Vermont, and her name had been Arabella Mason. The
Rudolph family was poor, but industrious and ambitious. Their

54 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
daughter had, therefore, been sent to Geauga. She was a "quiet,
thoughtful girl, of singularly sweet and refined disposition," and
a great reader. " Her heart was gentle as her face was fair.
With grace and love and pity dwelling there."
In the fall of 1849 this young lady was earnestly pursuing her
studies at Geauga Seminary, and, during the hours of recitation,
there often sat near her the aAvkward and bashfiil youth, Garfield.
There these tAvo became acquainted; and, although the boy made
but few advances at first, they soon became good friends. Her sweet,
attractive Avays and sensible demeanor dreAV his heart out toAA'ard
her; and, as for James, though he may have been very rough in
appearance, yet his countenance was always a good one, and his
regularly brilliant leadership of the class in all discussions was
well adapted to challenge such a maiden's admiration. A back-
Avoods idyl, ending in an early marriage, would not be a surpris
ing result in such a case as this. But these tAvo souls Avere too
earnestly bent on high aims in life to trouble their hearts, or
bother their heads, Avith making love. They were merely ac
quaintances, although tradition hath it, that from the day Avhen,
leaving Chester, their paths diverged aAvhile, a correspondence
was regularly kept up. HoAvever that may be, the fact we know
is, that at this time and place, James A. Garfield first met Lucre
tia Rudolph, the Avoman who was one day to become his wife.
In 1852 the Rudolphs moved to Hiram, Avhere the young lady
studied at the " Eclectic," and recited to Garfield in some of her
classes. The old friendship here ripened into affection ; they pur
sued many studies together, and, about the time he left Hiram for
college, they were engaged to marry. Long after they were mar
ried, a poet of Hiram referred to her thus :
"Again a Mary ? Nay, Lua-etia,
The noble, classic name
That well befits our fair ladie,
Our sweet and gentle dame.
With heart as leal and loving

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— BOOKS AND FRIEND. 55
As e'er was sung in lays
Of high-born Roman matron.
In old, heroic days ;
Worthy her lord illustrious, whom
Honor and fame attend ;
Worthy her soldier's name to wear.
Worthy the civic wreath to share
That binds her Viking's tawny hair;
Right proud are we the world should know
As hers, him we long ago
Found truest helper, friend."
Another woman, hoAvever, one of the members of the awe-
inspiring geometry class named above, had, in the Hiram days,
more influence on Garfield's intellectual life than any other per
son. Miss Almeda A. Booth was a woman of wonderful force of
mind and character. She was the daughter of New England par
ents, who had come to Ohio, Avhere her father traveled OA'cr an
immense circuit of country as an itinerant Methodist preacher.
Almeda very early discovered intellectual tastes, and, at tAvelve,
read such works as Rollin's Ancient History and Gibbon's Decline
and Fall of the Roman Empire. She taught her first school at
seventeen. An engagement of marriage was broken by the death
of her intended husband, and her life was ever afterward devoted
to the business of teaching. Thus the quiet current of life was
not wrecked, but went smoothly, on, clear and beautiful. She
was poor in what people call riches; the office of teacher gave
support. She was sad because death had darkened her life ; study
was a never-failing solace. Her mind gloried in strength, and
the opportunity for a career of useful exercise of its powers helped
to make her happy. Henceforth she loved knowledge more than
ever; and could freely say:
" My mind to me a kingdom is.
Such perfect joy therein I find.
As far exceeds all earthly bliss
That God or Nature hath assigned."
About the same time with Garfield, Miss Booth came to Hiram,
and soon found her time, like his, divided between teaching in

56 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
some classes and reciting in others. Each at once recognized in
the other an intellectual peer, and they soon were pursuing many
studies together. Our best idea of her comes from an address
made by Garfield, on a memorial occasion, in 1876, the year after
Miss Booth died. He compared her to INIargaret Fuller, the only
American woman whom he thought her equal in ability, in variety
of accomplishments, or in influence over other minds. " It is
quite possible," says Garfield, " that John Stuart Mill has exag
gerated the extent to which his oavu mind and Avorks were influ
enced by Harriet Mills. I should reject his opinion on that sub
ject as a delusion, did I not know from my own experience, as
Avell as that of hundreds of Hiram students, hoAV great a power
Miss Booth exercised over the culture and opinions of her friends."
Again : " In mathematics and the physical sciences I was far
behind her; but we Avere nearly at the same place in Greek and
Latin. She had made her home at President Hayden's almost
from the first, and I became a member of his family at the begin
ning of the Winter Term of 1852-'3. Thereafter, for nearly two
years, she and I studied together in the same classes (frequently
without other associates) till avc had nearly completed the class
ical course." In the summer vacation of 1853, with several oth
ers, they hired a professor and studied the classics.
"Miss Booth read thoroughly, and for the first time, the PasUyrals
of Virgil — that is, the Georgrcs and Bucolics entire — and the first six
books of Homer's lliud, accompanied by a thorough drill in the Latin
or Greek Grammar at each recitation. I am sure that none of those
who recited with her Avould say she was behind the foremost in the thor
oughness of her Avork, or the elegance of her translation.
"During the Fall Terra of 1853, she read one hundred pages of He
rodotus, and about the same amount of Livy. During that term also.
Profs. Dunshee and Hull and Miss Booth and I met, at her room, two
evenings of each week, to make a joint translation of the Book of Ro
mans. Prof. Dunshee contributed his studies of the German commen
tators, De Wette and Tholuck ; and each of the translators made some
special study for each meeting. How nearly we completed the trans
lation, I do not remember; but I do remember that the contributions

THE STRUGGLE OF BOYHOOD.— ENTERS COLLEGE. 57
and criticisms of Miss Booth were remarkable for suggestiveness and
sound judgment. Our Avork Avas more thorough than rapid, for I find
this entry in my diary for December 15, 1853: 'Translation Society sat
three hours at Miss Booth's room, and agreed upon the translation of
nine verses.'
"During the Winter Term of 1863-'4, she continued to read Livy,
and also read the whole of Demosthenes on the Grown. The members of
the class in Demosthenes were Miss Booth, A. Hull, C. C. Foot and
myself. " During the Spring Term of 1854, she read the Germania mid Agrie-
ola of Tacitus, and a portion of Hesiod."
These were the occupations, these the friends of James A.
Garfield at Hiram, when, in the fall of 1854, he found himself
ready for college. He was so far advanced that he would easily
be able to graduate in tAvo years. The best institution of ad
vanced learning, in the " Disciples' " church, Avas that of which
Alexander Campbell was president, at Bethany, Virginia. But
Garfield, much to the surprise of his Hiram friends, made up his
mind that he would not go there. The reasons he gave are sum
med up in a letter Avritten by him at that time, and quoted by
W^hitelaAV Reid in his Ohio in the War. This letter shoAvs not
only why he did not go to Bethany, but why he did go to Will
iams. He wrote :
"There are three reasons why I have decided not to go to Bethany:
1st. The course of study is not so extensive or thorough as in Eastern
colleges. 2d. Bethany leans too heavily toward slavery. 3d. I am the
son of Disciple parents, am one myself, and have had but little acquaint
ance Avith people of other vieAvs ; and, having always lived in the West,
I think it will make me more liberal, both in my religious and general
views and sentiments, to go into a new circle, where I shall be under
new influences. These considerations led me to conclude to go to some .
New England college. I therefore wrote to the presidents of BroAvn
University, Yale and Williams, setting forth the amount of study I had
done, and asking how long it would take me to finish their course.
" Their answers are now before me. All tell me I can graduate in
two years. They are all brief, business notes, but President Hopkins

58 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
concludes with this sentence : ' If you come here, we shall be glad to do
what we can for you.' Other things being so near equal, this sentence,
which seems to be a kind of friendly grasp of the hand, has settled the
question for me. I shall start for WiUiams next week."
The next week he did go to Williams. Boyhood, Avith its strug
gles, had vanished. Garfield Avas now a man of twenty -three yearSj
with much development yet before him, for his possibilities of
growth were very large, and the process never stopped Avhile he
lived. What he did at Williams let the following pages reveal.

THE MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE LIFE. 59
CHAPTER III.
THE MORNING OF POWHR.
Measure the girth of this aspiring tree !
Glance upward where the green boughs, spreading wide.
Fling out their foliage, and thou shalt see
The promise of a Nation's health and pride.
COLLEGE life, as we have it in this country, is a romance.
In the midst of an age in Avhose thought poetry has found
little lodgment; in which love has become a matter of business,
and literature a trade, the American college is the home of senti
ment, of ideas, and of letters. The old institutions of romance
have crumbled into ruins. The armed knight, the amorous lady,
the wandering minstrel, the mysterious monastery, the mediseval
castle with its ghosts and legends exist only in history. But be
hind the academic walls there are passages-at-arms as fierce, lo\'es
as sweet, songs as stirring, legends as Avonderful, secrets as Avell
transmitted to posterity as ever existed in the brain of Walter Scott.
It was to such an enchanted life at Williams College, that Gar
field betook himself in the month of June, 1854. To go through
college is like passing before a great number of photographic cam
eras. A man leaves an indelible picture of himself printed on the
mind of each student with whom he comes in contact.
When Garfield entered Williams, he Avas over six feet high, as
awkward as he was muscular, and looking every inch a backwoods
man. He had made great progress, however, in his prcA^ious stud
ies, and successfully passed his examination for the junior class.
A young fellow, named Wilbur, a cripple, came with him from
Ohio, and the couple from the first attracted much attention. A
classmate Avrites : " Garfield's kindness to his lame chum was re
marked by every body."
But many of the college boys were the sons of rich men. The
strapping young fellow from Ohio was, in his own language, a

60 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"greeny" of the most verdant type. His clothes were homespun,
and the idea of fitting him seemed never to have entered their
maker's head. His language was marred by uncouth provincial
isms. His face had a kindly and thoughtful expression, on which
the struggle of boyhood had left little trace, but this could not
save him from many a cut. To a coarser-grained man, the petty
indignities, the sly sarcasms, the cool treatment of the Eastern col
legians would not have been annoying, but there are traces of a
bitter inward anguish in Garfield's heart at this tim«. To make
it worse, he had not entered a lower class, where he perhaps might
have had companions as green as himSelf, or, at least, comparative
obscurity; but, entering an upper class, from whose members rus
ticity had long since disappeared, he was considered a legitimate
target for the wit of the entire hody of students.
But he had brains, and nowhere in the world does ability rise
to the top, and mediocrity sink to the bottom, so surely and swiftly,
as at college. In a short time, his commanding abilities began to
assert themselves. In the class-room, he was not only a profound
and accurate scholar, but his large brain seemed packed with in
formation of every sort, and all ready for use at a moment's notice.
His first summer before the regular fall term he spent in the col
lege library. Up to that time he had never seen a copy 6f Shakes
peare ; he had never read a novel of Walter Scott, of Dickens, or
of Thackeray.
The opportunity was a golden one. On the shelves of the Wil
liams library were to be found the best books of all the ages.
Plunging in at once, he read poetry, history, metaphysics, science,
with hardly a pause for meals. He felt that his poverty had made
him lose time, and that the loss must be made good. His power
ful frame seemed to know no fatigue, and his voracious and devour
ing mind no satiety. Weaker minds would have been foundered.
Not so with this western giant. Note-book in hand, he jotted
down memoranda of references, mythologic, historical or literary,
which he did not fully understand, for separate investigation. The
ground was carefully gleaned, notwithstanding the terrific speed.
This outside reading was kept up all through his stay at Williams.

THE MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE LIFE. 61
Hon. Clement H. Hill, of Boston, a classmate of Garfield, wri<>-
ing of his studies and reading, says : " I think at that time he was
paying great attention to German, and devoted all his leisure time
to that language. In his studies, his taste was rather for meta
physical and philosophical studies than for history and biography,
which were the studies most to my liking; but he read besides a
good deal of poetry and general literature. Tennyson was then,
and has ever been since, one of his favorite authors, and I remem
ber, too, when Hiawatha was published, how greatly he admired it,
and how he would quote almost pages of it in our walks together.
He was also greatly, interested in Charles Kingsley's writings,
particularly in Alton Locke and Yeast. I first, I think, introduced
him to Dickens, and gave him Oliver Twist to read, and he roared
Avith laughter over Mr. Bumble."
There are but few stories told of Garfield's life at Williams, and
there is a reason behind the fact. The college " yarn " is gener
ally a tradition of some shrewd trick, some insubordination to dis
cipline, or some famous practical joke. Every college has a con-
stjfutly growing treasury of such legendary lore. There are stories
of robbed hen-roosts, pilfered orchards, and plundered watermelon
patches; of ice-cream stolen from the back porch just after the
guests had assembled in the parlor; of mock processions, of bogus
newspapers, of wedding invitations gotten out by some rascally
Sophomore, for the marriage of some young couple, who Avere
barely whispering the thought in their oavu imaginations. There
are stories of front doors painted red; of masked mobs rang
ing through town on Halloween, and demanding refreshment;
of the wonderful theft of the college bell, right Avhen a watch
man with loaded revolver was in the building, of hairbreadth
escapes down lightning rods, and of the burning in effigy of un
popular professors. There is a story told in nearly every college
in the country, of how a smart fellow, to revenge himself, sprink
led several barrels of salt on the street and sidcAvalk in front of a
professor's house ; how he drove all the wandering cattle in the
village to that part of the street, and how no digging, nor SAveep-
ing, nor scalding water, nor flourished broom handles did any good

82 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
toward driving away the meek but persistent kine, who, with clat
tering bell and monotonous bellow, for months afterward, day and
night, chose that spot for their parlor.
But no such legends hung round the name of Garfield at Wil
liams College. He was there under great pecuniary pressure, and
for a high and solemn purpose. He was there for work, not play.
Every thing which looked like a turning aside from the straight
and narrow way, was indignantly spurned. At one time he caught
the fever for playing chess. He was a superior player, and en
joyed the game immensely. But when he found it carried him to
late hours, he denied himself the pleasure entirely.
But he stepped at once to the front rank as a debater in his lit
erary society. His power of statement, his grasp of facts, his quick
repartee, combined to make him the leading orator of the college.
His method of preparation showed the mind of a master. The
subject of debate he Avould divide into branches, and assign a
separate topic to each of his allies for investigation, distributing
each topic according to their respective qualities of mind. Each
man overhauled the college library, gathering and annotating all
the facts and authorities upon his particular branch of study, and
submitted his notes to Garfield, who would then analyze the mass of
facts, draw up the propositions, which were to bear down like Mace
donian phalanxes upon the enemy, and redistribute the branches of
the question to his debaters for presentation on the rostrum.
His mind never seemed foggy. Odd scraps of information,
which ordinary men Avould have been unable or afraid to use, he
wielded like a club about his adversaries' heads. In a public de
bate in his junior year, the proceeding speaker had used a lengthy
and somewhat irrelcA'ant illustration from Don Quixote. When
Garfield's turn for reply came, he brought down the house by say
ing : " The gentleman is correct in drawing analogies between his
side of this question and certain passages in the life of Don Quix
ote. There is a marked resemblance, which I perceive myself, be
tween his argument and the scene of the knight attacking the
windmill ; or, rather, it would be more appopriate to say that he
resembles the windmill attacking the knight." At the college sup-

THE MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE LIFE. 63
per, Avhich followed the public entertainment, Garfield's extensive
acquaintance with standard literature Avas being talked about, Avhen
he laughingly told his admiring friends that he had never read Don
Quixote, and had only heard a mention of the tournament between
the crazy knight and the Avindmill.
His classmates, in writing of the impressions made on them by
their college chum, speak much of his warm, social disposition,
and his fondness for jokes. He had a sweet, large, wholesome
nature, a hearty and cheerful manner, which endeared him most
closely to the men among whom he spent the two years of col
lege life. By the poorer and younger students he Avas almost
Avorshiped for his kindliness and encouragement. He Avas a warm
friend of every boy in the college; but for the weak, or sick, or
poverty stricken, his heart overflowed with generous sympathy.
His morals were as spotless as the stars. A classmate, Avho
knew him well, writes : " I never heard an angry Avord, or a
hasty expression, or a sentence which needed to be recalled. He
possessed equanimity of temper, self-possession, and self-control in
the highest degree. What is more, I never heard a profane or
improper Avord, or an indelicate allusion from his lips. He was
in habits, speech, and example, a pure man."
Williamstown, Massachusetts, Avhere the college is located, is
one of the most beautiful spots on the continent, and its magnifi
cent mountain scenery made a deep impression on the mind of the
tall Ohioan, who had been reared in a level country. It is only
to people who live among them that mountains are unimpressive,
and, perhaps, even then they make their impress on the character,
giving it a religious loftiness and beauty.
An old institution of Williams College Avas " Mountain Day " —
an annual holiday given for expeditions to some picturesque point
in the vicinity. On one of these occasions, an incident revealed
the courage and piety of " Old Gar," as the boys lovingly called
their leader. They were on the summit of " Old Greylock," seven
miles from the college. Although it Avas midsummer, the mount
ain top was cool; and, as the great glowing sun sank behind the
western range, the air became chilly. The group of collegians

64 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
wei'e gathered about a camp-fire that blazed up briskly in the
darkening air. Some were sitting, some standing, but all were
silent. The splendor and solemnity of the scene ; the dark wind
ing valley ; the circling range of mountains ; the over-bending sky ;
the distant villages, with the picturesque old college towers; the
faint tinkle of the powbell ; the unspeakable glories of the sunset, —
"As through the West, where sank the crimson day.
Meek twilight slowly sailed, and Avaved her banners gray," —
filled every thoughtful heart with religious awe. Just as the
silence became oppressive, it was broken by the voice of Garfield:
" Boys, it is my habit to read a chapter in the Bible every even
ing with my absent mother. Shall I read aloud?" The little
company assented; and, drawing from his pocket a well-worn
Testament, he read, in soft, rich tones, the chapter which the
mother in Ohio was reading at the same time, and then called on
a classmate to kneel on that mountain top and pray.
The two months' vacation of Garfield's first winter at college
was spent at North Pownal, Vermont, teaching a writing-school,
in a school-house where, the winter before, Chester A. Arthur had
been the regular teacher. But, at that time, Garfield only knew
his predecessor by name, and the men whose destinies Avere in the
future to become so closely intertwined did not become acquainted.
At the end of his junior year Garfield's funds were exhausted ;
but, after a consultation with his mother, he resolved to borrow
the money to complete his course, rather than lose more time.
His first arrangement for the money failed; but Dr. J. P. Robi
son, of Bedford, who, five years before, had prophesied so much
of the widow's son, readily assumed the burden, asking no security
but his debtor's word, but receiving a life insurance policy which
Garfield, who seemed to inherit an apprehension of sudden ca
lamity, insisted on procuring.
At the beginning of his senior year, he was elected one of the
editors of the Williams Quarterly, the college paper. His asso
ciates in the work were W. R. Baxter, Henry E. Knox, E. Clar
ence Smith, and John Tatlock. The pages of this magazine were

THE MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE LIFE. 65
enriched by a great number of the products of his pen. His
originality of thought and pleasant stvlc is noAvhere better shoAvn
than in the foUoAving extract from a brilliant article upon Karl
Theodore Korner:
"The greater part of our modern literature bears evident marks of
the haste which characterizes all the movements of this age ; but, in
reading these older authors, Ave are impressed with the idea that they
enjoyed the most comfortable leisure. Many books we can read in a
railroad car, and feel a harmony between the rushing of the train and
the haste of the author; but to enjoy the older authors, Ave need the
quiet of a winter CA'ening — an easy chair before a cheerful fire, and all
the equanimity of spirits we can command. Then the genial good nat
ure, the rich fullness, the persuasive eloquence of those old masters will
fall upon us like the warm, glad sunsliine, and afford those hours of
cahu contemplation in Avhich the spirit may expand with generous growth,
and gain deep and comprehensive views. The pages of friendly old
Goldsmith come to us like a golden autumn ' day, Avhen every object
Avhicli meets the eye bears all the impress of the completed year, and
the beauties of an autumnal forest."
Another article, which attracted great attention at the college,
was entitled "The Province of History." The argument Avas
that history has tAvo duties, the one to narrate facts Avith their
relations and significance, the other to shoAv the tendency of the
whole to some great end. His idea Avas that history is to shoAV
the unfolding of a great providential plan in the affairs of men
and nations. In the course of the article he said :
" For every village. State, and nation there is an aggregate of native
talent which God has given, and by Avhich, together Avith His Provi
dence, He leads that nation on, and thus leads the AA'orld. In the light
of these truths, Ave affirm that no man can understand the history of
any nation, or of the world, who does not recognize in it the power of
God, and behold His stately goings forth as He walks among the nations.
It is His hand that is moving the vast superstructure of human history,
and, though but one of the windows were unfurnished, like that of the

66 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Arabian palace, yet all the powers of earth could never complete it
without the aid of the Divine Architect.
"To employ another figure— the world's history is a divine poem, of
which the history of every nation is a canto, and of every man a word.
Its strains have been pealing along down the centuries, and, though there
have been mingled the discord of roaring cannon and dying men, yet to
the Christian philosopher and historian — the humble listener — there has
been a divine melody running through the song, which speaks of hope
and halcyon days to come. The record of every orphan's sigh, of every
widow's prayer, of every noble deed, of every honest heart-throb for the
right, is swelling that gentle strain ; and Avhen, at last, the great end is
attained — when the lost image of God is restored to the human soul ;
Avhen the church anthem can be pealed forth without a discordant note,
then will angels join in the chorus, and all the sons of God again ' shout
for joy.'"
This is really an oration. It is not the style of the essayist.
It is the style of the orator before his audience. The boldness of
the figure which Avould captiA'ate an audience, is a little palling
to the quiet and receptive state of the reader. The mental atti
tude of Garfield when he wrote that passage Avas not that of the
writer in his study, but of the orator on the platform Avith a
hushed assemblage before him. It Avill be noticed that this char
acteristic of style only became more marked with Garfield after
he had left the mimic arena of the college.
But the idea embodied in this article is as significant and char
acteristic! as its expression. In some form or other most of the
world's great leaders have believed in some outside and controll
ing influence, which really shaped and directed events. To this
they attributed their own fortune. Napoleon called and believed
himself to be " The Child of Destiny." Mohammed was a fatalist :
" On two days it stands not to run from thy fate —
The appointed and the unappointed day;
On the first, neither balm nor physician can save.
Nor thee, on the second, the universe slay.'
Buddha believed in fatalism. So did Calvin. Jmllus Caesar
ascribed his own career to super-impased and inexorable destiny.

THE MORNING OF POWER.— MEMORY. 67
William III., of England, thought men were in the grasp of an
iron fate.
The idea expressed in this article of a providential plan in hu
man things, according to Avliieh history unfolds itself, and events
and men are controlled, is not .seen here for the last time. It
Avill reappear at intervals throughout the life of the man, always
maintaining a large a.scendency in his mind. It is not a belief in
fate, destiny, or predestination, but it is a kindred and correspond
ing one. Whether such beliefs are false or true, Avhether super-
.stitious or religious, does not concern the biographer. It is suffi
cient that Garfield had such a belief, and that it Avas a controlling
influence in his life.
But Garfield's literary efforts in college also took the form of po
etry. The affectionate nature, and lofty imagination, made his
heart the home of sentiment, and poetry its proper expression.
We reproduce entire a poem entitled " Memory," Avritten during
his .senior. year. At that time, his intended profession Avas teach
ing, and it is possible that the presidency of a Christian college
was " the summit Avhere the sunbeams fell," but in the light of
events the last lines seem almost prophetic.
MEMORY.
' Tis beauteous night; the stars look brightly down
Upon the earth, decked in her robe of snow.
No light gleams at the window save my own.
Which gives its cheer to midnight and to me.
And, now, with noiseless step, sweet Memory comes
And leads me gently through her twilight realms.
What poet's tuneful lyre has ever sung,
Or delicatest pencil e'er portrayed,
The enchanted, shadowy land where Memory dwells?
It has its valleys, cheerless, lone, and drear.
Dark shaded by the mournful cypress tree,
And yet its sunlit mountain-tops are bathed
In heaven's own blue. Upon its craggy cliffs.
Robed in the dreamy light of distant years,
Are clustered joys serene of other days;
Upon its gentle, sloping hillside bend

68 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The weeping willow o'er the sacred dust
Of dear departed ones: and yet in that land,
Where'er our footsteps fall upon the shore.
They that were sleeping rise from out the dust
Of death's long, silent years, and 'round us stand,
As erst they did before the prison tomb
Received their clay within its voiceless halls.
The heavens that bend above that land are hung
With clouds of various hues; some dark and chill,
Surcharged with sorrow, cast their somber shade
Upon the sunny, joyous land below :
Others are floating through the dreamy air.
White as falling snow, their margins tinged:
With gold and crimsoned hues ; their shadows fall
Upon the flowery meads and sunny slopes,
Soft as the shadow of an angel's wing.
When the rough battle of the day is done,
And evening's peace falls gently on the heart,
I bound away across the noisy years.
Unto the utmost verge of Memory's land,
Where earth and sky in dreamy distance meet :
And memory dim, with dark oblivion joins ;
Where woke the first remembered sounds that fell
Upon the ear in childhood's early morn ;
And wandering thence, along the rolling years,
I see the shadow of my former self
Gliding from childhood up to man's estate.
The path of youth winds down through many a vale
And on the brink of many a dread abyss,
From out whose darkness comes no ray of light.
Save that a jjhantom dances o'er the gulf
And beckons toward the verge. Again the path
Leads o'er a summit where the sunbeams fall ;
And thus in light and shade, sunshine and gloom.
Sorrow and joy, this life-path leads along.
It is said that every one has in some degree a prophetic instinct;
that the spirit of man reaching out into the future apprehends more
of its destiny than it admits even to itself. If ever this premoni
tion finds adequate expression, it is in poetry. On the following
page will be found a gem, torn from the setting of Garfield's col
lege life, which was published during his senior year, and is
equally suggestive.

MORNING OF POWER.— AUTUMN. 69

AUTUMN.
Old Autumn, thou art here ! Upon the earth
And in the heavens the signs of death are hung;
For o'er the earth's brown breast stalks pale decay.
And 'mong the lowering clouds the wild winds wail.
And sighing sadly, shout the solemn dirge,
O'er Summer's fairest flowers, all faded now.
The winter god, descending from the skies,
Has reached the mountain tops, and decked their brows
With glittering frosty crowns, and breathed his breath
Among the trumpet pines, that herald forth
His coming. Before the driving blast
The mountain oak bows down his hoary head.
And flings his withered locks to the rough gales
That fiercely roar among his branches bare,
Uplifted to the dark, unpitying heavens.
The skies have put their mourning garments on.
And hung their funeral drapery on the clouds.
Dead Nature soon will wear her shroud of snow
And lie entombed in Winter's icy grave.
Thus passes life. As heavy age comes on.
The joys of youth — bright beauties of the Spring —
Grow dim and faded, and the long dark night
Of death's chill winter comes. But as the Spring
Rebuilds the ruined wrecks of Winter's waste,
And cheers the gloomy earth with joyous light.
So o'er the tomb the star of hope shall rise
And usher in an ever-during day.
There is considerable poetic power here. The picture of the
mountain oak, with its dead leaves shattered by the November
blasis, and its bare branches uplifted to the dark unpitying heav
ens, is equal to Thomson. This poem, like the one on Memory,
is full of sympathy with nature, and a somber sense of the sor
rowful side of human nature.
But a college boy's feelings have a long range upAvard and down-
Avard. Nobody can have the " blues " more intensely, and nobody
can have more fun. We find several comic poems by Garfield in
his paper. One of them is a parody on Tennyson's "Light Bri-

70 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
gade," and served to embalm forever in the traditions of Williams
a rascally student prank which the Freshmen played upon their
Sophomore enemies. One stanza must suffice for these pages. It
was called " The Charge of the Tight Brigade":
Bottles to right of them,
Botdes to Ufl of them,
Bottles in front of them,
Fizzled and sundered,
Ent'ring with shout and yell.
Boldly they drank and well,
They caught the Tartar then ;
Oh, what a perfect sell!
Sold — the half hundred.
Grinned all the dentals bare.
Swung all their caps in air.
Uncorking bottles there.
Watching the Freshmen while
Every one wondered ;
Plunged in tobacco-smoke.
With many a desperate stroke.
Dozens of bottles broke.
Then they came hack, but not,
Not the half hundred.
The winter vacation of his senior year Garfield spent at Poesten-
kill, a little place a few miles from Troy, New York. While teaching
his writing school there, he became acquainted with some members
of the Christian Church and through them Avith the officers of the
city schools in Troy. Struck by his abilities, they resolved to
offer him a position in the schools at a salary of $1,500 a year.
The proposition Avas exciting to his imagination. It meant much
more money than he could hope for back in Ohio; it meant the
SAvift discharge of his debt, a life in a busy city, Avhere the roar of
the great Avorld was never hushed. But on the other hand, his
mother and the friends among whom he had struggled through
boyhood, Avere back in Ohio.
The conflict Avas severe. At last his decision was made. He
and a gentleman representing the Troy schools were walking on a

THE MORNING OF POWER.— POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. 71
hill called Mount Olympus, Avhen Garfield settled the matter in
the following Avords :
" You are not Satan, and I am not Jesus, but we are upon the
mountain, and you have tempted me poAverfully. I think I must
say, ' Get thee behind me.' I am poor, and the salary would soon
pay my debts and place me in a position of independence; but
there are tAvo objections. I could not accomplish my resolution
to complete a college course, and should be crippled intellectually
for life. Then my roots are all fixed in Ohio, Avhere people knoAV
me and I know them, and this transplanting might not succeed
as well in the long run as to go back home and Avork for smaller
pay." During his tAvo years at Williams, a most important phase of
Garfield's intellectual development Avas his opinion upon questions
of politics. It will be remembered that in 1855, the volcanic flames
from the black and horrible crater of slavery began to burst
through the crust of compromise, which for thirty years had hidden
the smoldering fires. In Kansas, civil war Avas raging. Deter
mined men from all parts of the country had gone there to help
capture the State for their side, and in the struggle betAveen the
two legislatures, the slavery men resolved to drive the Free-soilers
from the State. The sky Avas red Avith burning farm houses.
The woods Avere full of corpses of antislavery men Avith knives
sticking in their hearts. Yet the brave Free-soilers held their
ground. One man Avho had gone there from Ohio, had two sons
literally chopped to pieces. His name was John BroAvn. He also
remained, living six Aveeks in a swamp, in order to live at all.
The entire country was becoming aroused. Old political parties
were breaking up, and the lines reformed upon the slavery question.
Garfield, though tAventy-three years old, had never voted. Nom
inally he was an antislavery Whig. But he took little interest in
any party. So fer, the struggle of his oavu life and the study of
literature had monopolized his mind.
In the fall of 1855, John Z. Goodrich, a member of Congress
from the western district of Massachusetts, delivered a political
address in WilliamstoAvn. Garfield and a classmate attended the

72 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
speaking. The subject was the Kansas-Nebraska struggle, and the
efforts of the antislavery minority in Congress to save Kansas for
freedom. Says the classmate, INIr. LaA'allette Wilson, of Ncav
York : " As Mr. Goodrich spoke, I sat at Garfield's side, and saAV
him drink in CA'ery Avord. He said, as Ave passed out, ' This subject
is entirely ucav to me. I am going to know all about it.' "
The folloAving day he sent for documents on the subject. He
made a profound and careful study of the history of slavery, and
of the heroic resistance to its encroachments. At the end of that
iuA'estigation, his mind was made up. Other questions of the day,
the dangers from foreign immigration, and from the Roman Catholic
Church, the Crimean Avar, the adA'antage of an elective judiciary,
were all eagerly debated by him in his society, but the central
feature of his political creed Avas opposition to slavery. His vicAvs
Avere moderate and practical. The type of his mind gave his opin
ions a broad conservatism, rather than a theoretical radicalism.
Accordingly, Avhen on June 17, 1856, the neAv-born Republican
party unfurled its young banner of opposition to slavery and
protection for Kansas, Garfield Avas ready for the party as the
party Avas ready for him.
It Avas shortly before his graduation, Avhen ncAvs of Fremont's
nomination came, that the liA-ely and enthusiastic collegians held
a ratification meeting. There were several speakers, but Garfield,
with his matured convictions, his natural aptitude for political
debate, and his enthusiastic eloquence, far outshone his friends.
The speech Avas received Avith tremendous applause, and it is most
unfortunate that no report of it Avas made. It was natural that
much should have been expected of this man by the boys of
Williams. He seemed to be cast in a larger mold than the
ordinary. The prophecy of the class was a seat in Congress
Avithin ten years. He reached it in seven.
At graduation he received the honor of the metaphysical oration,
one of the highest distinctions awarded to graduates. The subject
of his address Avas : " Matter and Spirit; or. The Seen and Unseen."
One Avho Avas present says:
"The audience Avere Avonderfully impressed Avith his oratory.

THE MORNING OF POWER.— GRADUATES AT WILLIAMS. 73
and at the close there was a wild tumult of applause, and a shoAver-
ing down upon him of beautiful bouquets of flowers by the ladies ;"
a fitting close to the two years of privation, mortification and toil.
Speaking of his mental characteristics, as developed at Williams,
Ex-President Hopkins, one of the greatest metaphysicians of the
age, writes:
"One point in General Garfield's course of study, worthy of
remark, was its CA'enness. There Avas nothing startling at any one
time, and no special preference for any one study. There was a
large general capacity applicable to any subject, and sound sense.
As he Avas more mature than most, he naturally had a readier and
firmer grasp of the higher studies. Hence his appointment to the
metaphysical oration, then one of the high honors of the class.
What he did was done Avith facility, but by honest and avoAved
work. There was no pretense of genius, or alternation of spas
modic effort and of rest, but a satisfactory accomplishment in all
directions of Avhat was undertaken. Hence there Avas a steady,
healthful, onward and upward progress."
To pass over Garfield's college life without mention of the
influence of President Hopkins upon his intellectual growth,
Avould be to omit its most important feature. No man liveth to
himself alone. The intellectual life of great men is largely deter
mined and directed by the few superior minds with Avhich they
come in contact during formative periods. The biograj^hy of
almost any thinker will shoAV that his intellectual growth Avas by
epochs, and that each epoch AA-as marked out and created by the
influence of some maturer mind. The flrst person to exercise this
poAver is, in most cases, the mother. This was the case with
Garfield. The second person who left an indelible impression on
his mental life, and supplied it with ucav nourishment and
stimulant, Avas Miss Almeda Booth. The third person who exer
cised an overpowering personal influence upon him was Mark
Hopkins. When Garfield came to Williams, his thought was
strong, but uncultured. The crudities and irregularities of his
unpolished manners were also present in his mind.
He had his mental eye-sight, but he saAV men as trees Avalking.

' 4 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
But under the influence of Hopkins, the .scales fell from his eyes.
The A-ast and powerftil intellect of the man who was stepping to
the front rank of the world's thinkers, imparted its wealth of ideas
to the big Ohioan. Through President Hopkins, Garfield's thought
rose into the upper skA-. Under the inspiration of the teacher's
lectures and priA-ate couA-ersation, the pupil's mind unfolded its
immense calyx toward the sun of speculatiA-e thought. From this
teacher Garfield derived the great ideas of law, of the regularity
and system of the L'niA'erse, of the analogy between man and nature,
of God as the First Cau^e, of the foundation of right conduct, of
the correlation of forces, of the philosophy of history. In after
years, Garfield always said that whatever perception he had of gen
eral ideas came from this great man. One Avinter in Wa.?hington
the National Teachers' Association was in session, and Garfield fre
quently dropped in to take a share in the discussion. One day he
said : " You are making a grand mistake in education in this country.
You put too much money into brick and mortar, and not enough
into brains. You build palatial school-houses with domes and
towers ; supply them As-ith every thing beautifiil and luxuriant, and
then put puny men inside. The important thing is not what is
taught, but the teacher. It is the teacher's personality which is
the educator. I had rather dwell six months in a tent, Avith Mark
Hopkins, and live on bread and water, than to take a six years'
course in the grandest brick and mortar uniAcrsity on the conti
nent." With graduation came separation. The fevorite walk; around
William.stoAm were taken for the last time. The last farewells were
said, the last grasp of the hand giAen, and Garfield turned his fece
toward his Ohio home. He was at once elected instructor in the
ancient languages at the Western Eclectic Institute, later known
as Hiram College. Two years later he became president of this
institution, overrun with its four hundred pupils. The actiA-ities
of the man during thLs period were immense. FolloAving his OAvn
ideas of teaching, he surcharged the institution vrith his personality.
The younger student, on entering, fdt the basy life Avhich animated
the place. With his teaching, Garfield kept up an enormous

A MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE PRESIDENT. 75
amount of outside reading; he delivered lectures on scientific and
miscellaneous subjects, making some money by it; he engaged in
public debates on theologic and scientific questions; he took the
stump for the Republican party ; on Sundays he preached in the
Disciples Church ; in 1857 he took up the study of the law, mas
tered its fundamental principles, and was admitted to practice at
the Cleveland bar on a certificate of two years' study. Yet Avith
all this load on him, he impressed himself on each pupil in Hiram
College as a personal friend. One of these. Rev. J. L. Darsie,
gives a vivid picture of Garfield at this time :
" I recall vividly his method of teaching. He took very kindly to me,
and assisted me in various ways, because I was poor and was janitor of the
buildings, and swept them out in the morning and built the fires, as he
had done only six years before, when he Avas a pupil at the same school.
He was full of animal spirits, and he used to run out on the green almost
every day and play cricket with us. He Avas a tall, strong man, but
dreadfully aAvkward. Every now and then he Avould get a hit on the nose,
and he muffed his ball and lost his hat as a regular thing. He was left-
handed, too, and that made him seem all the clumsier. But he Avas most
powerful and very quick, and it was easy for us to understand how it was
that he had acquired the reputation of whipping all the other mule-drivers
on the canal, and of making himself the hero of that thoroughfare Avhen
he followed its tow-path ten years earlier.
" No matter how old the pupils were, Garfield always called us by our
first names, and kept himself on the most familiar terms with all. He
played Avith us freely, scuffled with us sometimes, walked Avith us in
walking to and fro, and we treated him out of the class-room just about
as we did one another. Yet he Avas a most strict disciplinarian, and en
forced the rules like a martinet. He combined an affectionate and con
fiding manner with respect for order in a most successful manner. If he
wanted to speak to a pupil, either for reproof or approbation, he Avould
generally manage to get one arpi around him and draw him close up to
him. He had a pecuhar way of shaking hands, too, giving a twist to
your arm and drawing you right up to him. This sympathetic manner
has helped him to adA'ancement. When I was janitor he ii.=ed sometimes
to stop me and ask my opinion about this and that, as if seriously ad
vising Avith me. I can see now that my opinion could not have been of

76 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
any value, and that he probably asked me partly to increase my self-
respect, and partly to shoAV me that he felt an interest in me. I certainly
Avas his friend all the firmer for it.
" I remember once asking him what Avas the best way to pursue a cer
tain study, and he said : ' Use several text-books. Get the views of
different authors as you advance. In that way you can ploAV a broader
furroAV. I ahvays study in that Avay.' He tried hard to teach us to
observe carefully and accurately. He Avas the keenest observer I eA-er
saAv. I think he noticed and numbered every button on our coats.
' ' Mr. Garfield was very fond of lecturing to the school. He spoke
tAvo or three times a week, on alh manner of topics, generally scientific,
though sometimes literary or historical. He spoke Avith great freedom,
never Avriting out Avhat he had to say, and I now think that his lectures
were a rapid compilation of his current reading, and that he threAV it
into this form partly for the purpose of impressing it on his own mind.
" At the time I Avas at school at Hiram, Principal Garfield was a great
reader, not omnivorous, but methodical, and in certain lines. He Avas
the most industrious man I ever kneAV or heard of. At one time he
delivered lectures on geology, held public debates on spiritualism,
preached on Sunday, conducted the recitations of five or six classes
every day, attended to all the financial affairs of the school, Avas an active
member of the legislature, and studied law to be admitted to the bar.
He has often said that he never could have performed this labor if it had
not been for the assistance of tAvo gifted and earnest Avomen, — Mrs. Gar
field herself, his early schoolmate, who had followed her husband in his
studies ; and Miss Almeda A. Booth, a member of the faculty. The
latter Avas a graduate of Oberlin, and had been a teacher of young Gar
field when he Avas a pupil ; and now that he had returned as head of the
faculty, she continued to serve him in a sort of motherly way as tutor
and guide. When Garfield had speeches to make in the legislature or on
the stump, or lectures to deliver, these two ladies ransacked the library
by day, and collected facts and marked books for his digestion and use
in the preparation of the discourses at night."
In the canvass of 1877, after one of his powerful stump speeches,
Garfield Avas lying on the grass, talking to an old friend of these
Hiram days. Said he:
" I have taken more solid comfort in the thing itself, and received more

A MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE PRESIDENT. 77
moral recompense and stimulus in after-life from capturing young men
for an education than from any thing else in the world."
"As I look back over my life thus far," he continued, "I think of
nothing that so fills me with pleasure as the planning of these sieges, the
revolving in my mind of plans for scaling the walls of the fortress ; of
gaining access to the inner soul-life, and at last seeing the besieged party
Avon to a fuller appreciation of himself, to a higher conception of life,
and to the part he is to bear in it. The principal guards which I have
found it necessary to overcome in gaining these victories are the parents
or guardians of the young men themselves. I particularly remember
two such instances of capturing young men from their parents. Both of
those boys are to-day educators of wide reputation — one president of a
college, the other high in the ranks of graded school managers. Neither,
in my opinion, Avould to-day have been above the commonest walks of
life unless I or come one else had captured him. There is a period in
every young man's life Avhen a very small thing Avill turn him one way or
the other. He is distrustful of himself, and uncertain as to what he
should do. His parents are poor, perhaps, and argue that he has more
education than they ever obtained, and that it is enough. These parents
are sometimes a little too anxious in regard to what their boys are
going to do when they get through Avith their college course. They talk
to the young men too much, and I have noticed that the boy Avho Avill
make the best man is sometimes most ready to doubt himself. I always
remember the turning period in my own life, and pity a young man at
this stage from the bottom of my heart. One of the young men I refer
to came to me on the closing day of the spring term and bade me good
bye at my study. I noticed that he aAvkwardly lingered after I expected
him to go, and had turned to my writing again. ' I suppose you will be
back again in the fall, Henry,' I said, to fill in the vacuum. He did not
answer, and, turning toward him, I noticed that his eyes Avere filled with
tears, and that his countenance was undergoing contortions of pain.
" He at length managed to stammer out : ' No, I am not coming back
to Hiram any more. Father says I have got education enough, and
that he needs me to Avork on the farm ; that education don't help along
a farmer any.'
" ' Is your father here?' I asked, almost as much affected by the state
ment as the boy himself. He Avas a peculiarly bright boy — one of those
strong, awkAvard, bashful, blonde, large-headed fellows, such as make

78 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
men. He Avas not a prodigy by anj' means. But he knew what work
meant, and when he had won a thing by the true endeavor, he knew its
value. " ' Yes, father is here, and is taking my things home for good,' said
the boy, more affected than ever.
" ' Well, don't feel badly,' I said. ' Please tell him that Mr. Garfield
would like to see him at his study before he leaves the village. Don't
tell him that it is about you, but simply that I want to see him.' In
the course of half an hour the old gentleman, a robust specimen of a
Western Reserve Yankee, came into the room, and awkwardly sat doAvn.
I knew something of the man before, and I thought I knew how to
begin. I shot right at the bull's-eye immediately.
" ' So you have come up to take Henry home Avith you, have you?'
The old gentleman answered : ' Yes.' ' I sent for you because I wanted
to have a little talk with you about Henry's future. He is coming back
again in the fall, I hope?'
"'Wal, I think not. I don't reckon I can afford to send him any
more. He's got eddication enough for a farmer already, and I notice
that when they git too much they sorter git lazy. Yer eddicated farmers
are humbugs. Henry 's got so far 'long now that he 'd rother hev his
head in a book than be workin'. He don't take no interest in the stock,
nor in the farm improvements. Every body else is dependent in this
world on the farmer, and I think that we've got too many eddicated
fellows settin' round now for the farmers to support.'
" ' I am sorry to hear you talk so,' I said ; ' for really I consider Henry
one of the brightest and most faithful students I ever had. I haA'e taken
a very deep interest in him. What I wanted to say to you was, that
the matter of educating him has largely been a constant out -go thus far;
but, if he is permitted to come next fall term, he will be far enough
advanced so that he can teach school in the winter, and begin to help
himself and you along. He can earn very little on the farm in winter,
and he can get very good wages teaching. How does that strike you ? '
" The idea was a new and a good one to him. He simply remarked :
' Do you really think he can teach next Avinter ?'
" ' I should think so, certainly,' I replied. ' But if he can not do so
then, he can in a short time, anyhoAV.'
" ' Wal, I Avill think on it. He wants to come back bad enough, and I
guess I'll have to let him. I never thought of it that way afore.'

A MORNING OF POWER.— COLLEGE PRESIDENT. 79
" I kneAV I Avas safe. It Avas the financial question that troubled the
old gentleman, and I knew that Avould be overcome when Henry got to
teaching, and could earn his money himself. He Avould then be so far
along, too, that he could fight his own battles. He came all right the
next fall; and, after finishing at Hiram, graduated at an Eastern college."
" The other man I spoke of was a different case. I knew that this youth
was going to leave mainly for financial reasons also, but I understood his
father Avell enough to knoAV that the matter must be managed Avith ex
ceeding delicacy. He Avas a man of very strong religious convictions,
and I thought he might be approached from that side of his character ;
so when I got the letter of the son telling me, in the saddest language
that he could muster, that he could not come back to school any more,
but must be content to be simply a farmer, much as it was against his
inclination, I revolved the matter in my mind, and decided to send an
appointment to preach in the little country church Avhere the old gentle
man attended. I took for a subject the parable of the talents, and, in the
course of my discourse, dwelt specially upon the fact that children Avere
the talents Avhich had been intrusted to parents, and, if these talents Avere
not increased and developed, there was a fearful trust neglected. After
church, I called upon the parents of the boy I was besieging, and I saAV
that something was weighing upon their minds. At length the subject of
the discourse was taken up and gone over again, and; in due course, the
young man himself was discussed, and I gave my opinion that he should,
by all means, be encouraged and assisted in taking a thorough course of
study. I gave my opinion that there Avas nothing more important to the
parent than to do all in his power for the child. The next term the young
man again appeared upon Hiram Hill, and remained pretty continuously
tiU graduation."
One relic of his famous debates at this time, on the subject of
Christianity, still exists in a letter written to President Hinsdale,
which we give: "HlEAM, January 10, 1859.
"The Sunday after the debate I spoke in Solon on 'Geology and
Religion,' and had an immense audience. Many Spiritualists Avere
out. . . . The reports I hear from the debate are much more de
cisive than I expected to hear. I received a letter from Bro. Collins,
of Chagrin, in which he says: 'Since the smoke of the battle has par
tially cleared away, we begin to see more clearly the victory we have

80 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
gained.' I have yet to see the first man who claims that Denton ex
plains his position ; but they are aU jubilant over his attack on the Bible.
What you suggest ought to be done I am about to undertake. I go there
next Friday or Saturday evening, and remain over Sunday. I am boimd
to carry the war into Carthage, and pursue that miserable atheism lo its
hole. " Bro. Collins says that a few Christians are quite unsettled because
Denton said, and I admit, that the world has existed for milli* ns of years.
I am astonished at the ignorance of the masses on these subjects. Hugh
Miller has it right when he says that ' the battle of the evidences must
now be fought on the field of the natural sciences.'"
In the year preceding the date which this letter bears, the sweet
romance of his youth reached its fiTiition, in the marriage of Gtar-
field to Lucretia Rudolph. During the years which of necessity
elapsed since the first-whispered vows, on the eve of his departure
to Williams, the loving, girlish heart had been true. They began
life, " for better for worse," in an humble cottage fronting on the
waving green of the college campus. In their happy hearts rose
no picture of another cottage, fix)nting on the ocean, where, in the
distant years, what God had joined man was to put asunder. Well
fi)r them was it that God veiled the ftiture from them.
But the enormous activities already enumerated of this man did
not satisfy his unexhausted powers. The political opinions formed
at college began to bear fruit. In those memorable years just pre
ceding the outbreak of the Rebellion — ^the years " when the grasp
ing power of slavery was seizing the virgin territories of the West,
and dragging them into the den of eternal bondage;"' the years
of the underground railroad and of the fiigitive slave law ; of
the overseer and the blood-hound ; the years of John Brown's he
roic attempt to incite an insurrection of the slaves themselves, such
as had swept every shackle from San Domingo ; of his mockery
trial, paralleled only by those of Socrates and .lesus, and of his
awfiil martyrdom, — ^the genius of the man, who^e historv this is,
was not asleep. The instincts of resistance to oppression, and of
sympathy for the oppressed, which he inherited from his daunt
less ancestry, began to stir within him. As the times became

THE MORNING OF POWER.— STATE SENATOR. 81
more and more stormy, his spirit rose Avith the emergency, and
he thrcAV his .strength into political speeches. Already looked upon
as the rising man of his portion of the State, it Avas natural that
the people should turn to him for leadership. In 1859, he was
nominated and elected to the State Senate, as member from Port
age and Summit counties.
The circumstances attending Garfield's first nomination for office
are Avorthy to be recounted. It was in 1859, an off year in poli
tics. Portage County AA'as a doubtful battle-field ; generally it had
gone Democratic, but the Republicans had hopes when the ticket
Avas fortified Avith strong names. The convention was held in Au
gust, in the toAvn of Ravenna. There was a good deal of beating
about to find a suitable candidate for State Senator. At length a
member of the convention arose and said : " Gentlemen, I can
name a man whose standing, character, ability and industry will
carry the county. It is President Garfield, of the Hiram school."
The proposition took Avith the convention, and Garfield Avas there
upon nominated by acclamation.
It Avas doubtful whether he would accept. The leaders of the
church stoutly opposed his entering into politics. It Avould ruin
his character, they said. At Chagrin Falls, at Solon, at Hiram
and other places Avhere he had occasionally preached in the Dis
ciples' meeting-houses, there Avas alarm at the prospect of the pop
ular young professor going off into the vain struggle of worldly
ambition. In this juncture of affairs, the yearly meeting of the
Disciples took place in Cuyahoga County, and among other topics
of discussion, the Garfield matter Avas much debated. Some re
gretted it ; others denounced it ; a few could not see why he should
not accept the nomination. " Can not a man," said they, " be a
gentleman and a politician too?" In the afternoon Garfield him
self came into the meeting. Many besought him not to accept
the nomination. He heard Avhat they had to say. He took counsel
Avith a few trusted friends, and then made up his mind. " I believe,"
said he, " that I can enter political life and retain my integrity, man
hood and religion. I believe that there is vastly more need of manly
men in politics than of preachers. You knoAv I never deliberately

82 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
decided to follow preaching as a life work any more than teaching.
Circumstances have led me into both callings. The desire of breth
ren to haA'e me preach and teach for them, a desire to do good in all
Avays that I could, and to earn, in noble callings, something to pay
my Avay through a course of stud}', and to discharge debts, and
the discipline and cultivation of mind in preaching and teaching,
and the exalted topics for iiiA-estigation in teaching and preaching,
have led me into both callings. I have ncA'cr intended to deA'ote
my life to either, or both ; although lately ProA'idence seemed to
be hedging my way and crowding me into the ministry. I have
always intended to be a lawyer and perhaps to enter political
life. Such has been my secret ambition CA-er since I thought of
such things. I have been reading laAv for .some time. This nom
ination opens the way, I belicA'e, for me to enter into the life work I
have ahvays preferred. I have made up my mind. Mother is at Ja
son Robbins'. I Avill go there and talk Avith her. She has had a hope
and desire that I Avould devote ray life to preaching ever since I
joined the church. My success as a preacher has been a great
satisfaction to her. She regarded it as the fulfillment of her wishes,
and has, of late, looked upon the matter as settled. If she will
give her consent, I will accept the nomination."
He accordingly Avent to his mother, and received this reply :
"James, I have had a hope and a desire, ever since you joined the
church, that you Avould preach. I have been happy in your suc
cess as a preacher, and regarded it as an ansAver to my prayers.
Of late, I had regarded the matter as settled. But I do not Avant
my wishes to lead you into a life work that you do not prefer to
all others — much less into the ministry, unless your heart is in it.
If you can retain your manhood and religion in political life, and
believe you can do the most good there, you have my full consent
and prayers for your .success. A mother's prayers and blessing
Avill be yours." AVith this ansAver as his assurance, he accejited
the nomination, and placed his foot on the first round in the
aspiring ladder.
From this time on, Garfield ceased forever to be a private citizen,
and must thereafter be looked on as a public man. TAventy-eight

THE MORNING OF POWER.— ORATION AT RAVENNA. 83
years of age, a giant in hody and mind, of spotless honor and tire
less industry; it was inevitable that Garfield should become a leader
of the Ohio Senate. During his first winter in the legislature, his
powers of debate and his A'aried knoAvledge gaA'e him conspic
uous rank. A committee report, draAvn by his hand, upon the
Geological Survey of Ohio, is a State document of high Ofder,
revealing a scientific knoAvledge and a poAver to group statistics and
render them effective, which would be looked at with wide-eyed
wonder by the modern State legislator. Another report on the
care of pauper children ; and a third, on the legal regulation of
weights and measures, presenting a succinct sketch of the attempts
at the thing, both in Europe and America, are equally notable as
completely out of the ordinary rut of such papers. During this
and the folloAving more exciting winter at Columbus, he, somehoAV,
found time to gratify his passion for literature, spending many
evenings in the State library, and carrying out an elaborate sys
tem of annotation. But Garfield's chief activities in the Ohio leg
islature did not lie in the direction of peace. The times became
electric. Men felt that a terrible crisis upon the slavery and States-
rights questions was approaching. The campaign of 1860, in Avhich
Abraham Lincoln, the Great UnknoAvn, Avas pu' forward as the
representative of the anti-slavery party, Avas in progress. In the
midst of the popular alarm, which was spreading like .sheet lightning
over the Republic, Garfield's faith in the perpetuity of the nation
was unshaken. His oration at Ravenna, Ohio, on July 4, 1860,
contains the folloAving passage :
"Our nation's future — shall it be perpetual? Shall the expanding
circle of its beneficent influence extend, Avidening onward to the farthest
shore of time? Shall its sun rise higher and yet higher, and shine with
ever-brightening luster? Or, has it passed the zenith of its glory, and
left us to sit in the lengthening shadoAvs of its coming night? Shall
poAver from beyond the sea snatch the proud banner from us? Shall
civil dissension or intestine strife rend the fair fabric of the Union f The
rulers of the Old World have long and impatiently looked to see fulfilled
the prophecy of its doAvnfall. Such philosophers ns Coleridge, Alison
and Macaulay have, severally, set forth the reasons for this prophecy—

84 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the chief of Avhich is, that the element of stability" in our Government
will sooner or later bring upon it certain destruction. This is truly a
grave charge. But Avhether instability is an element of destruction or of
safety, depends wholly upon the sources whence that instability springs.
" The granite hills are not so changeless and abiding as the restless
sea. Quiet is no certain pledge of permanence and safety. Trees may
flourish and flowers may bloom upon the quiet mountain side, while
silently the trickling rain-drops are filling the deep cavern behind its
rocky barriers, which, by and by, in a single moment, shall hurl to wild
ruin its treacherous peace. It is true, that in our land there is no such
outer quiet, no such deceitful repose. Here society is a restless and
surging sea. The roar of the billows, the dash of the wave, is forever in
our ears. Even the angry hoarseness of breakers is not unheard. But
there is an understratum of deep, calm sea, Avhich the breath of the
wUdest tempest can never reach. There is, deep down in the hearts of
the Americiin people, a strong and abiding love of our country and its
liberty, which no surface-storms of passion can ever shake. That kind
of instnbility which arises from a free movement and interchange of
position among the members of society, Avhich brings one drop to glisten
for a time in the crest of the highest Avave, and then gives place to another,
Avhile it goes down to mingle again with the millions beloAV ; such insta
bility is the surest pledge of permanence. On such instability the
eternal fixedness of the universe is based. Each planet, in its circling
orbit, returns to the goal of its departure, and on the balance of these
Avildly-rolling spheres God has planted the broad base of His mighty
Avorks. So the hope of our national perpetuity rests upon that perfect
individual freedom, Avhich shall forever keep up the circuit of perpetual
change. God forbid that the Avaters of our national life should ever
settle to the dead level of a Avaveless calm. It Avould be the stagnation
of death — the ocean grave of individual liberty."
Meanwhile blacker and blacker grew the horizon. Abraham
Lincoln Avas elected President, but it brought no comfort to the
anxious North. Yet, even then, but few men thought of war.
The winter of 1860-'61 came on, and Avith it the reassem
bling of the State legislatures. Rising Avith the emergency
Garfield's statesmanship forcsaAV the black and horrible fate of
civil Avar. The following letter by him to his friend, President

THE MORNING OF POWER. 85
Hinsdale, Avas prophetic of the Avar, and of the rise of an Unknown
to " ride upon the storm and direct it " : Columbus, January 15, 1861.
" My heart and thoughts are full almost every moment with the terrible
reality of our country's condition. We have learned so long to look upon
the convulsions of European states as things wholly impossible here, that
the people are slow in coming to the belief that there may be any break
ing up of our institutions, but stern, awful certainty is fastening upon
the hearts of men, I do 7iot see any way, outside a miracle of God, which
can avoid civil war, with all its attendant horrors. Peaceable dissolution is
utterly impo.ssible. Indeed, I can not say that I Avould wish it possible.
To make the concessions demanded by the South would be hypocritical
and sinful; they would neither be obeyed nor respected. I am inclined
to believe that the sin of slavery is one of which it may be said that
without the shedding of blood there is no remission. All that is left us
as a State, or say as a company of Northern States, is to arm and
prepare to defend ourselves and the Federal Government. I believe the
doom of slavery is drawing near. Let war come, and the slaA'es will get
the vague notion that it is Avaged for them, and a magazine Avill be
lighted Avhose explosion will shake the Avhole fabric of slavery. Even
if all this happen, I can not yet abandon the belief that one government
will rule this continent, and its people be one people.
"Meantime, what will be the influence of the times on individuals?
Your question is very interesting and suggestive. The doubt that hangs
over the whoie issue bears touching also It may be the duty of our
young men to join the armj', or they may be drafted Avithout their own
consent. If neither of these things happen, there Avill be a period, when
old men and young will be electrified by the spirit of the times, and one
result Avill be to make every individuality more marked, and their
opinions more decisive. I believe the times will be even more favorable
than calm ones for the formation of strong will and forcible characters.
********
"Just at this time (have you observed the fact?) we have no man
who has power to ride upon the storm and direct it. The hour has come,
but not the man. The crisis will make many such. But I do not love to
speculate on so painful a theme. I am chosen to respond to a toast on
the Union at the State Printers' Festival here next Thursday evening.
It is a sad and difficult theme at this time,''

86 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
This* letter is the key to Garfield's record in the Ohio Senate.
On the 24th of January he championed a bill to raise and equip
6,000 State militia. The timid, conservative and politically blind
members of the legislature he worked with both day and night,
both on and off the floor of the Senate, to prepare them for the
crisis Avhich his genius foresaw. But as his prophetic vision leaped
from peak to peak of the mountain difficulties of the future, he
saAV not only armies in front, but traitors in the rear. He drew up
and put through to its passage a bill defining treason — " providing
that Avhen Ohio's soldiers go forth to maintain the Union, there
shall be no treacherous fire in the rear."
In the hour of darkness his trumpet gave no uncertain sound.
He was for coercion, without delay or doubt.
He Avas the leader of Avhat Avas known as the " Radical Trium
virate," composed of J, D. Cox, James Monroe, and himself — the
three men Avho, by their exhaustless efforts, Avheeled Ohio into
line for the Avar, The Ohio legislature was as blind as a bat.
Two days after Sumtet had been fired on, the Ohio Senate, over the
desperate protests of the man who had for months fweseen the war,
passed the Corwin Constitutional Amendment, providing that Con
gress should have no power ever to legislate on the question of slavery !
Notwithstanding this blindness, through the indomitable zeal of
Garfield and his colleagues, Ohio was the first State in the North
to reach a Avar footing. When Lincoln's call for 75,000 men
reached the legislature. Senator Garfield was on his feet instantly,
moving, amid tumultuous cheers, that 20,000 men and $3,000,000
be voted as Ohio's quota. In this ordeal, the militia formerly
organized proved a valuable help.
The inner history of this time Avill probably never be fully writ
ten. Almost every Northern legislative hall, particularly in
border States, Avas the scene of a coup d'etat. Without laAV or
precedent, a fcAv determined men broke doAvn the obstacles Avith
which treason hedged the path of patriotism. As Ave have said,
the inner history of those high and gallant services, of the midnight
counsels, the forced loans, the unauthorized proclamations, will
never be Avritten. All that will be known to history Avill be that,

THE MORNING OF PO^\'ER.— CTV'IL WAR. 87
when the storm of treason broke, ever}- Northern State wheeled
into line of battle; and it is enough.
Of Garfield it is known that he became at once Governor Den-
nison's valued adA-i.-er and aid. The story- of one of his services
to the Union has leaked out. After the attack on Sumter, the
State capital w-as thronged with men ready to go to war, but there
were no guns. ^^ol'liL¦^s Avithout guns A\-ere a mocker}'. In this
extremity it Avas found out that at the Illinois arsenal was a
large quantit}- of muskets. Instantly, Garfield started to IllinoLs
Avith a requisition. By .swift diplomacy he secured and shipped
to Columbus five thousand stand of arms, a prize valued at the
time more than so many recruits. But while the interior history
of the times will never be fully knoAvn, the exterior scenes are
-till fresh in memorv'. The opening of the mu.~ter-roll.s, the inces-
.-ant masic of martial bands, the Avaving nf banners, the shouts of
the drill-sergeant, the departure of croAvded trains carrying the
brave ami true to aA\-ful fields of blood and glor}', — all thLs Ave
know and remember. The CiA'il War was upon u.<, and James
A. Garfield, in the morning of his pow-er, was to become a soldier
of the Union.

88 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

CHAPTER IV.
A SOLDIEE OF THE LtxioX.
And there was mounting in hot haste — the steed,
The mustering squadron, and the clattering car
Went pouring forward with impetuous speed
And swiftly forming in the ranks of Avar! — Byron.
HONOR to the West Point soldier! War is his business,
and, Avicked though Avars be, the Avarrior shall still receiA-e
his honor due. By his devotion to rugged discipline, the pro
fessional soldier preserves war as a science, so that armies may
not be rabbles, but organizations. He divests himself of the full
freedom of a citizen, and puts himself under orders for all time.
One of our ablest leaders in the CiA'il W^ar Avas General George
H, Thomas. Of Thomas we learn, from an address of Grarfield,
that " in the army he never leaped a grade, either in rank or com
mand. He did not command a company until after long service
as a lieutenant. He commanded a regiment only at the end of
many years of company and garrison duty. He did not command
a brigade until after he had commanded his regiment three years
on the Indian frontier. He did not command a division until after
he had mustered in, organized, disciplined, and commanded a
brigade. He did not command a corps until he had led his di
vision in battle, and through many hundred miles of hostile
country. He did not command the army until, in battle, at the
head of his corps, he had saved it from ruin." This is* appren
ticeship with all its hardships, but Avith all its benefits.
In our popular praises of the Avonders performed by the great
armies of citizens Avhich sprang up in a fcAV days, let it never be
forgotten that the regular army, Avith its discipline, Avas the " little
leaven " Avhich spread its martial virtues through the entire forces ;
that the AVest Point soldier was the man Avhose skill organized

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— THE VOLUNTEER.

89

these grand armies, and made it possible for them to gain their
victories. Honor to the A'olunteer soldier ! He is history's greatest hero.
What kind of apprenticeship for Avar has he served? To learn
this, let us go back to the peaceful time of 1860, AA'hen the grim-
A- i s a g e d mo li
ster's " Avrinkled
front " Avas yet
smooth. Noav,
look through
the great iron-
AA'orking district
of Pennsyh-ania,
Avith its miles of
red-mouthed fur
naces, its thou
sand kinds of
manufactures,
and its ten thou
sands of skilled
workmen. Num
ber the civil engi
neers ; count the
miners; go into
the various
places Avhere
crude metals and
other materials
are Avorked up into every shape knoAvn, to meet the necessities of
the modern arts. These are the sources of military poAver. Here
are the men Avho Avill build bridges, and equip railroads for army
transportation, almost in the twinkling of an eye. Cast your
mind's eye back into all the corners of the land, obscure or con-
.spicuous, and in every place you shall see soldiers being trained.
They are not yet in line, and it docs not look like a military array;
the farmer at his ploAV, the scholar and the professional man at

GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS.

90 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the desk, are all getting ready to be soldiers. No nation is better
prepared for Avar than one Avliich has been at peace; for war is a
consumer of arts, of life, of physical resources. And we had a
reserve of those A'erA- things accumulating, as we still haA'e all the
time. Europe, Avith its standing armies, stores gunpowder in guarded
magazines. America has the secret of gunpoAvder, and uses the
saltpeter and other elements for ciA'il purposes; believing that
there is more explosive poAver in knoAving hoAv to make an ounce
of powder than there is in the actual OAvnership of a thousand
tons' of the A'ery stuff itself. The Federal army had not gone
through years of discipline in camp, but it Avas no motley croAvd.
Its units were not machines ; they Avere better than machines ; they
Avere men.
James A. Garfield became a A'olunteer, a citizen soldier. The
manner of his going into the army Avas as strikingly characteristic
of him as any act of his life. In a letter Avritten from CleA-eland,
on June 14, 1861, to his life-long friend, B. A. Hinsdale, he said:
"The Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the TAventy-fourth Regiment has been
tendered to me, and the Governor urges me to accept. I am greatly
perplexed on the question of duty. I shall decide by Monday next."
But he did not then go. For such a man, capable of so many
things, duty had many calls, in so many different directions, that
he could not easily decide. Hoav Garfield Avas affected by the
temptation to go at once may be seen in a letter of July 12, 1861,
Avritten from Hiram, to Hinsdale, Avherein he says : " I hardly
kncAV myself, till the trial came, hoAV much of a struggle it Avould
cost me to give up going into the army. I found I had so fully
interested myself iu the Avar that I hardly felt it possible for me
not to be a part of the moA'ement. But there Avere so many Avho
could fill the office tendered to me, and Avould coA'ct the place,
more than could do uia- Avork here, perhaps, that I could not but
feel it Avould be to some extent a reckless disregard of the good
of others to accept. If there had been a scarcity of A'olunteers I
should have accepted. The time may yet come Avhen I shall feel

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— RAISING TROOPS. 91
it right and necessary to go ; but I thought, on the whole, that
time had not yet come."
But the time Avas at hand. Garfield had become knoAvn and appre
ciated, and he Avas Avanted. On July 27, Governor Dennison wrote
to him : " I am organizing some new regiments. Can you take a
lieutenant-colonelcy ? I am anxious you should do so. Reply by
telegraph." Garfield Avas not at home Avhen this letter was sent, but
found it waiting for him on his return, August 7, That night was
passed in solemn thought and prayer ; face to face Avith his country's
call, this man began to realize as he had not before done, Avhat
"going to Avar" meant. He began to consider the sacrifice Avhich
must be made, and found that in his case there was more to give
up than Avith most men. How many thousands of volunteers haA'C
thought the same ! Garfield's prospects iii life Avere very fine in
the line of Avork for Avhich he had prepared himself. He Avas a
fine scholar, and on the road to distinguished success. Moreover,
he had a dearly loved Avife and a little child, his soul's idol, AA^ho
would provide for them after the war if he should fall victim to a
Southern bullet? He had only three thousand dollars to leaA'e
them. After all, willing as he Avas, it Avas no easy thing to do.
So it took a night of hard study ; a night of prayer, a night of
Bible reading, a night of struggle Avith the aAvful call to arms; but
when the morning dawned, a great, crisis had passed, and a final
decision had been made. The letter of Governor Dennison Avas
answered that he Avould accept a lisutenant-colonelcy, provided the
colonel of the regiment was a AVest Point graduate. The condition
was complied with already. On the 16th of August, Garfield re
ported for duty, and received his commission. His first order Avas
to " report in person to Brigadier-General Hill, for such duty as he
may assign to you in connection with a temporary command for pur
poses of instruction in camp-duty and discipline." In pursuance of
these instructions he Avcnt immediately to Hill's head-quarters at
Camp Chase, near Columbus. Here he staid during the next four
months, studying the art of war; being absent only at short periods
when in the recruiting serA'ice. In the business of raising troo])s
he Avas very successful. The Forty-second O, V. I. was about

92

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

to be organized, and Garfield raised the first company. It was in
this wise: Late in August he returned to Hiram and announced
that at a certain time he would speak on the subject of the Avar and
its needs, especially of men. A full house greeted him at the ap
pointed hour. He made an eloquent appeal, at the close of Avhich
a lai'ge enrollment took place, including sixty Hiram students. In
a fcAv days the company was full, and he took them to Camp Chase,
Avliere they Avere named Company A, and assigned to the right of
the still unformed regiment. On September 5th, Garfield Avas made
Colonel, and pushed forAvard the Avork, so that in November the
requLsite number was secured.
Meanwhile the work of study and discipline Avas carried on at
Camp Chase Avith even more than Garfield's customary zeal. The
new Colonel was not an unwilling citizen in a soldier's uniform.
He had been transformed through and through into a military man.
He himself shall tell the story:
"I have had a curious interest in watching the process in my own mind,
by AA'hich the fabric of my life is being demolished and reconstructed, to
meet the new condition of affairs. One by one my old plans and aims,
modes of thought and feeling, are found to be inconsistent Avith present
duty, and are set aside to giA'e place to the new structure of military life.
It is not Avithout a regret, almost tearful at times, that I look upon the
ruins. But if, as the result of th^ broken plans and shattered individual
lives of thousands of American citizens, we can see on the ruins of our
old national errors a new and enduring fabric arise, based on larger free
dom and higher justice, it will be a small sacrifice indeed. For myself I
am contented Avith such a prospect, and, regarding my life as given to
the country, am only anxious to make as much of it as possible before
the mortgage upon it is foreclosed."
During the fall of 1861, Colonel Garfield had to perform three
duties. First, to learn the tactics and study the books on military
affairs; second, to initiate his officers into the like my.steries, and
see that they became Avell informed; and, finally, to so discipline and
drill the whole regiment that they Avould be ready at an early day
to go to the front. In pursuance of these objects he devoted to
their accomplishment his entire time. At night, AA'hen alone, he

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— JOINS GEN. BUELL. 93
studied, probably even harder than he had ever done as a boy at
Hiram. For there he had .studied Avith a purpose in vieAv, but
remote; here the end Avas near, and knoAvledge Avas power in deed
as Avell as AVord. Evcrv-day recitations Avere held of the officers,
and this college President in a few Aveeks graduated a avcII-
trained military class. The Forty-.second Regiment itself, thus
Avell-officered, and composed of young men of intelligence, the
A-cry floAver of the AA'estern Reserve, Avas drilled several hours
CA'cry day Avith the most careful attention. EA-ery thing Avas done
2)romptly, all things Avere in order, for the Colonel had his eye on
each man, and the Colonel kncAV the equipments and condition of
his regiment better than any other man. After all, great events
generally have A'isibly adequate causes; and Avhen avc see Garfield's
men Avin a victory the first time they see the enemy, avc shall not
be surprised, for Ave can not think hoAV it could be otherAvise.
On December loth an order came Avhich indicated that the
Forty-second Avas Avanted in Kentucky. General Buell Avas Com
mander of the Department of the Ohio. His head-quarters Avere
at Louisville. At nine o'clock on the evening of the 16th
they reached Cincinnati. From this point, in compliance with
UCAV orders received, the regiment Avas sent on down the Ohio to Cat
lettsburg, Avhere a few hundred Union troops Avere gathered already ;
and Garfield himself Avent to Louisville to learn the nature of the-
AA'ork he had before him. Arriving on the evening of the 16th,
he reported to his superior at once.
Don Carlos Buell AA'as at this time forty-three years of age ; a
man accomplished in military science and experienced in Avar,
He had first learned the theory of his business at AA^est Point,
Avhere he had graduated in 1842; and besides other service to his
country he had distinguished himself in the Avar Avith Mexico.
What a contrast to Garfield ! The latter Avas only thirty years of
age, and just five years out of college. The only knoAvledge he
possessed to prepare him for carrying out the still unknoAvn duty,
had been gathered out of books; Avhich, by the way, are not equal
to West Point nor to a war for learning how to fight. Noav Avhat
could be the enterprise in which the untried Forty-second should

94 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
bear a part? And Avho is the old head, the battle-scarred hero,
to lead the expedition? AVe shall see.
Taking a map of Kentucky, Buell briefly shoAved Garfleld a
problem, and told him to solve it. In a Avord, the question was,
hoAV shall the Confederate forces be chased out of Kentucky?
The rebels bacfly needed Kentucky; so did the Union. Having
shoAvn Garfield Avhat the business Avas, Buell told him to go to his
quarters for the nigh't, and at nine o'clock next morning be ready
to submit his plan for a campaign. Garfield immediately shut
himself up in a room, Avith no company but a map of Kentucky.
The situation AAas as follows: Humphrey Marshall, with several
thousand Confederate troops, Avas rapidly taking jwssession of east
ern Kentucky. Entering from Virginia, through Pound Gap, he
had quickly crossed Pike County into Floyd, where he had forti
fied himself, somcAvhere not far from Prestonburg, and Avas prepar
ing to increase his force and adA-ance farther. His present situa
tion Avas at the head of the Big Sandy River, Catlettsburg, Avhere
the Forty-second had gone, is at the mouth of this river.
Also, on the southern border, an invasion from Tennessee was
being made by a body of the Confederates, under Zollicoffcr.
These were advancing toAvard Mill Spring, and the intention was
that Zollicoffcr and Marshall should join their forces, and so in
crease the rebel influence iu the State that secession would immedi
ately folloAv. For Kentucky had refused to secede, and this inva
sion of her soil Avas a violation of that very cause of State's Rights
for Avhich they Avere fighting,
Garfield studied this subject Avith tireless attention, and Avhen
day daAvned he Avas also beginning to see daylight. At nine o'clock
he reported. The plan he recommended Avas, in substance, that a
regiment be left, first, some distance in the interior, say at Paris or
Lexington, this mainly for effect on the people of that section.
The next thing Avas to proceed up the Big Sandy River against
Marshall, and run him back into Virginia; after Avhich it Avould be
in order to move Avestward, and, in conjunction with other forces,
keep the State from falling into hostile hands. Meanwhile, ZoUi •
coffer would have to be taken off by a separate expedition.

A SOLDIER OF THE U^^ON.— ACTIVE SERVICE. 9o
Buell .stood beside his young Colonel and listened. He glanced
at the outline of the proposed campaign and .saw that it AAas Avisely
planned. ,\s a result — for Buell did nothing hastily — Colonel Gar
field Avas told that his instructions Avould be prepared soon, and
he might call at six that cA-ening. ' That evening he came, and
learned the contents of Order No. 35, Army of the Ohio, AA-hich
organized the Eighteenth Brigade, under the command of James
A, Garfield, Colonel of the Forty-second O. V. I. The brigade
itself was made up of the last-named regiment, the Fortieth
O. V. I., Colonel J. Cranor; Fourteenth K. V. I., Colonel L, D. F.
Moore; TAventy-second K. V. I., Colonel D. AV. Landsay, and
eight companies of cavalry.
Buell's instructions Avere contained in the folloAving letter:
" Headquarters Department of the Ohio, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 17, 1861.
" Sir: The brigade organized under your command is intended to op
erate against the rebel force threatening, and, indeed, actually commit
ting depredation- in Kentucky, through the valley of the Big Sandy.
The actual force of the enemy, from the best information I can gather,
does not probably exceed two thousand, or twenty-five hundred, though
rumors place it as high as seven thousand. I can better a.seertain the
true state of the case when you get on the ground.
" You are apprised of the condition of the troops under your command.
Go first to Lexington and Paris, and place the Fortieth Ohio Regiment
in such a pf)sition as Avill best give a moral support to the people in the
counties on the route to Prestonburg and Piketon, and oppose any
further advance of the enemy on the route. Then proceed with the least
possible delay to the mouth of the Sandy, and move with the force in
that vicinity up that river and drive the enemy back or cut him off.
Having done that, Piketon will probably be in the best position for you to
occupy to guard against future incursions. Artillery Avill be of little, if
any, serA-ice to you in that country. If the enemy have any it Avill in
cumber and Ave.iken rather than strengthen them.
"Your supplies must mainly be taken up the river, and it ought to he
done as soon as possible, Avhile navigation is open. Purchase what you
can in the cnuntrv' through Avhich you operate. Send your requisitions
to these head-quarters for funds and ordnance stores, and to the quarter
masters and commissary at Cincinnati for other supplies.

96 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"The conversation I have had Avith you Avill suggest more details than
can be given here. Report frequently on all matters concerning your
command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ^
"D. C. Buell,
"Brigadier-General commanding."
On receipt of these instructions, Garfield began instantly to carry
them out. He telegraphed his forces at Catlettsburg to advance
up the Big Sandy towards Paintville, Marshall's advance post.
This he did that no delay should be occasioned by his absence.
He then visited Colonel Cranor's regiment, and saAV it Avell estab
lished at Paris. Returning thence, he proceeded to hasten after
his OAVU regiment, and reached Catlettsburg on the 20th of De
cember. Here he stopped to forward supplies up the river to
Louisa, an old half-decayed village of the Southern kind, Avhere he
learned that his men Avere Avaiting for him. i
It Avas on this march from Catlett.sburg to Louisa that the For
ty-second Ohio began, for the first time, that process of seasoning
which soon made veterans out of raAV ciA'ilians. The hardships of
that march Avere not such as an old soldier Avould think terrible;
but for men Avho but five days before had left Columbus Avithout
any experience Avhatever, it Avas very rough. On the morning of the
eighteenth the first division started, tAventy-fiA'e mounted on
horses, and one hundred going by boat. The cavi\lry got on very
Avell ; but the river was quite Ioav, and after a few miles of bump
ing along, the old boat finally .stuck fast. Leaving this Avrecked
concern, the men started to tramp it overland. The country Avas
exceedingly Avild ; the paths narrow, leading up hill and down
hill Avitli monotonous regularity. That night Avhen the tired fel
lows stopped to rest, they had advanced only eight miles. The
next day, however, they reached Louisa, Avhere the mounted com
pany had taken possession and prepared to stay ; meauAvhile the
remaining companies were on the road. Rain set in ; the north
Avind blew, and soon it Avas very cold. The steep, rocky paths
'scarcely afforded room for the Avagon-train, Avhose conveyances Averc
lightened of their loads by throAving off many articles of comfort
which these soldiers, Avith their uuAvarlike notions of life, hated

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— ADVANCE ON PAINTVILLE. 97
to lose. But advance they must, if only Avith knapsacks and
muskets ; and on the twenty-first all Avere togctlier again. About
this time Garfield arrived.
Paintville, where it Avas intended to attack Marshall, is on
Painter Creek, near the Avest fork of the Big Sandy, about thirty
miles above Louisa. The fir.st thing to be done, therefore, was to
cross that intervening space, very quickly, and attack the enemy
Avithout delay. A sIoav campaign would result in disaster. While
this advance Avas being made, it would also be necessary to see
to the matter of reenforccnieuts; for Marshall had thirty-five hun
dred, Garfield not half as many. The only possible chance Avould
be to communicate an order to the Fortieth Ohio, under Colonel
Cranor, at Paris, one hundred miles away; that hundred miles
was accessible to Marshall, and full of rebel sympathizers. The
man Avho carried a dispatch to Cranor from Garfield, Avould carry
his life in his hand, with a liberal chance of losing it. To find
such a one, both able and Avilling for the task, Avould be like
stumbling OA-er a diamond in an Illinois corn-field. In his per
plexity, Garfield Avent to Colonel Moore, of the Fourteenth Ken
tucky, and said to him: "I must communicate with Cranor; some
of your men knoAV this section of country well ; have you a man
we can fully trust for such a duty?" The Colonel kncAV such
a man, and promised to send him to head-quarters. Directly the
man appeared. He Avas a native of that district, coming from
the head of the Baine, a creek near Louisa, and liis name Avas
John Jordan. AA'hat kind of a man he Avas has been well told by
a writer in the Atlantic Monthly for October, 1865:
" He Avas a tall, gaunt, salloAV man of about thirty, Avith small gray
eyes, a fine falsetto voice, pitched in the minor key, and his speech Avas
the rude dialect of the- nojatains. His face had as many expressions as
could be found in a regiment, and he seemed a strange combination of
cunning, simplicity, undaunted courage, and undoubting faith ; yet,
though he might pass for a simpleton, he had a rude sort of wisdom,
Avhich, cultivated, might have given his name to history.
"The young Colonel sounded him thoroughly, for the fate of the little
army might depend on his fidelity. The man's soul was as clear as
7

98 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
crystal, and in ten minutes Garfield saw through it. His history is
stereotyped in that region. Born among the hills, where the crops are
stones, and sheep's noses are sharpened before they can nibble the thin
grass between tliem, his life had been one of the hardest toil and priva
tion. He kneAV nothing but Avhat Nature, the Bible, the Course of Time,
and two or three of Shakespeare's plays had taught him ; but, somehoAv,
in the mountain air he had grown up to be a man^a man, as civilized
nations account manhood.
" ' AA'hy did you come into the Avar?' at last asked the Colonel,
" 'To do my sheer fur the kentry, Gin'ral,' answered the man. 'And
I didn't druv no barg'in Avi' th' Lord, I gu7 him my life squar' out ; and
ef he's a mind ter tack it on this tramp, Avhy, it's a his'n ; I've nolhin'
ter say agin it.'
" 'You mean that you've come into the war not expecting to get out
of it?'
'"That's so, Gin'ral.'
" ' Will you die rather than let the dispatch be taken ?'
'"I will.'
"The Colonel recalled Avhat had passed in his OAvn mind Avhen poring
over his mother's Bible that night at his home in Ohio, and it decided
him. ' Very well,' he said ; ' I will trust you.'"
Armed Avith a carbine and a brace of revolvers, Jordan mounted
the swiftest horse in the regiment, and was off at midnight. The
dispatch Avas Avritten on tissue paper, then folded closely into a
round shape, and coated with lead to resemble a bullet. The car
rier rode till daylight, then hitched his horse in the timber, and
went to a house Avhere he kncAv he Avould be Avell received. The
lord of that house was a soldier in Marshall's little army, Avho
served the Union there better than he could have done with a
blue coat on. The lady of the house was loyal in a more open
manner. Of course, the rebels knew of this mission, as they had
spies in Garfield's camp, and a squad of cavalry were on Jordan's
trail. They came up Avith him at this house ; hastily giving the
precious bullet to the woman, he made her swear to see that it
reached its destination, and then broke out toAvard the Avoods.
Two horsemen Avere guarding the door. To get the start of them,
as the door opened, he brandished a red garment before the horses,

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— ON THE MARCH. 99
which scared them so that they Avere, for a moment, unmanagea
ble. In an instant he Avas over the fence. But the riders Avere
gaining. Flash, Avent the .scout's revolver, and the one man Avas
in eternity ! Flash, again, and the other man's horse fell ! Before
the rest of the squad could reach the spot, Jordan Avas .safely out
of their poAver, That night the Avoman AA'ho had sheltered him
carried the dispatch, and a good meal, to a thicket near by, Avhither
she Avas guided by the frequent hooting of an oavI ! And, after a
ride of forty miles more, with several narrow escapes, the Colonel
of the Forty-second at last read his orders from a crumpled ^jiece
of tissue paper. As for Jordan, he Avas back in Garfield's tent
again tAvo Aveeks later; but the faithful animal that carried him
had fallen, pierced by a rebel ball.
AVhat, meanAvhile, had been the progress of Garfield's forces in
their attempt to reach Paintville ? On the morning of December
23d, the first day's march began. The rains of the preceding days
had been .stopped by extreme cold, and the hills Avere icy and
slippery. The night before this march A-ery fcAV of the men had
slept; but, in.stead of that, had crouched around camp-fir6s to keep
from freezing. During the day they only advanced ten miles. In
half that distance, one crooked little creek, which Avound around in
a labyrinth of coils, was crossed no less than tAvcntv-six times.
This AA'as sIoav progress, but the following days A\'cre sloAver still.
Provisions were scarce. Most of the wagon-train and equipments
had been loaded on boats to be taken up the river, and the sup
plies that had started Avith them Avere far in the rear. To meet
their necessities, the men captured a farmer's pigs and poultry witii-
out leave. Garfield, hoAvever, Avas no plunderer; he Avas a true
soldier ; and, after reprimanding the offenders, he repaid the farmer.
On the 27th, a squad of Marshall's force was encountered, and
tAVO men captured. The next day the compliment Avas returned,
and three Union .soldiers became nuAvilling guests of the too hos
pitable South, Thus sloAvly advancing, in spite of bad Aveather
and bad roads, skirmishing daily with the enemy, as the opposing
forces neared each other, on the 6th day of January, 1862, the
Eighteenth Brigade, except that portion Avhich Avas coming from

100 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Paris, Avas encamped Avithin seven miles of Paintville ; and at last
it had become possible to bring things to a crisis, and determine,
by the solemn wage of battle, Avho Avas entitled to this portion
of Kentucky.
Up to this time, Garfield had been moving almost in the dark.
He did not knoAV Avhat had become of his message to Cranor; he
did not knoAV the exact position of his enemy ; he did not knoAV
the number of the enemy. Noav avc shall see good fortune and
good management remedy each of these Aveaknesses in a single
day, Harry Brown had been a canal hand Avith Garfield in 1847, and
the latter, Avith his genial Avays, had made BroAvn his friend. At
this time. Brown was a kind of camp-folloAver, and not very Avell
trusted by the officers. But he kncAv the region Avell Avhere these
operations Avere going on, and hearing that his old comrade Avas
commander, he hastened to offer his services as a scout. Garfield
accepted, told him what he Avanted, and through him learned very
accurately the situation of the Confederate forces. On the night of
the sixth, Jordan also appeared on the scene, Avith the information
that Cranor Avas only tAvo days' march behind. To crown all, a
dispatch came from Buell, on the morning of the seventh, Avith a
letter A\-hich had been intercepted. This letter AA-as from Humphrey
Marshall to his Avife, and rcA-ealed the fact that his force w-as less
than the country people, Avith their rebel sympathies, had repre
sented. It AA-as determined to adA'ance that day and attack the
enemy at Paintville, Avhere about one-third of them Avere posted.
This attack on Paintville Avas a hazardous enterprise. In main
strength, Marshall was so superior that Garfield's only hope Avas
in devising some plan to outAvit him. From the point of starting,
there Avere three accessible paths; one on the Avest, striking Painter
Creek opposite the mouth of .lenny Creek, three miles to the right,
from the place to be attacked; one on the east, approaching that
point from the left; and a third road, the most difficult of the
three, straight across. Rebel pickets were thrown out on each
road, Marshall Avas prepared to be attacked on one road, but
never dreamed of a simultaneous approach of the enemy on all at

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— PAINTVILLE CAPTURED. 101

once ; and it Avas this misapprehension Avhich defeated him. First,
a small detachment of infantry, supported by caA'alry, attacked on
the Avost, Avhereupon almost the entire rebel force Avas sent out to
meet them. Shortly, a similar adA-ance Axas made on the east,
and the enemy retraced their steps for a defense in that direction.
AVhile they Avere thus held, the re
maining Union force drove iu the
pickets of the central path, Avho,
finding the village empty, rushed
on three miles further, to a partially
fortified place Avhere Marshall him
self Avas Avaiting, Thinking that
Paintville Avas lost, he hastily or
dered all his forces to retreat, Avhich
they did, as far as this fortified camp.
Garfield entered Paintville at the
same time, haA'ing Avith him the
Forty-second Ohio, Fourteenth Ken
tucky, and four hundred Virginia
cavalr}-, A portion of the caA-alry Avere chasing the rebel horse, Avhom
they folloAA-ed five miles, killing three and Avounding scAcral.
The Union force lost tAvo killed and one Avoundcd. The next da}-,
the eighth of -Tanuary, a few hours rest Avas taken, Avhile preparations
Avere being made for another fight. But toAvards evening it Avas
determined to advance. Painter Creek \A'as too high to ford. But
there Avas a saw-mill near by, and in an hour a raft Avas made
upon Avhich to cross. ^Marshall, being po.sted concerning this
movement, AA'as deliberating Avhat to do, when a spy came in Avith
the information that Colonel Cranor Avas approaching, Avith .3,300
men. Alarmed at .such an overpowering enemy, he burnt his
stores and fled precipitately toAvard Petersburg. At nine o'clock that
night, the Eighteenth Brigade Avas snugly settled in the late Con
federate camp. Here it appeared that every thing had been left
suddenly, and in confusion; meat Avas left cooking before the fire,
and all preparations for the evening meal abandoned. This place

OPEEATIONS IN WEST VIEGINI.i.

102 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avas at the top of a hill, three hundred feet high, covering about
tAvo acres, and Avould .soon have been a strong fortification.
On the ninth, Colonel Cranor did at last arrive, Avith his regi
ment, eight hundred strong, completely Avorn out Avith the long
march. But Colonel Garfield felt that the present advantage must
be pursued, or no permanent gain could result. So he raised
1,100 men, Avho stepped from the ranks as volunteers, and imme
diately started on the trail of the enemy.
The action Avhich folloAved is known as the battle of Middle
Creek. Eighteen miles further up the West Fork, along Avhich
they marched, tAvo parallel creeks floAV in betAveen the hills; the
northernmost one is Abbott's Creek, tho next Middle Creek, It
was evident that ^Marshall Avould place himself behind this double
barrier and make a stand there, if he should endeavor to turn the
tide of defeat at all. ToAvard this point the Aveary troops, there
fore, turned their steps. The Avay Avas so rough and the rains so
heaA'y that they did not near the place until late in the day. But
about nine o'clock in the evening they climbed to the top of 5 hill,
Avhose further slope led doAvn into the valley of Abbott's Creek.
On this height the enemy's pickets Avere encountered and driven
in. Further investigation led to the conclusion that the enemy
was near, in full force. That night the men slept on their arms in
this exposed position ; the rain had turned to sleet, and any degree
of comfort was a thing they ceased to look for. Perceiving the
necessity for reinforcements. Colonel Garfield sent Avord to Colonel
Cranor to send forAvard all available men. MeauAvhile, efforts
were made to learn Marshall's position, and arrange for battle.
Our old friend John Jordan visited the hostile camp in the mealy
clothes of a rebel miller, avIio had been captured, and returned
with some A-ery A-aluable information. Morning daAvned, and the
little Federal army proceeded cautiously doAvn into the A-alley, then
OA'cr the hills again, until, a mile beyond, they Avere ready to
descend into the valley of Middle Creek, and charge against the
enemy on the opposite heights. Garfield's plan Avas to avoid a
general engagement, until about the time for his reinforcements to
appear, because otherwise it Avas plainly suicidal to attack such a

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— FIGHT AT MIDDLE CREEK. 103
large force. On this plan skirmishing continued from eight till
one o'clock, the only result being a better knowledge of the situa
tion. Noav it was high time to begin in earnest. In the center
of the strip of meadoAv-land, which stretched betAveen Middle
Creek and the opposite hills, was a high point of ground, crowned
by a little log church and a small graveyard. The first movement
Avould be to occupy that place, in order to have a base of operations
on that side. The rebel cavalry and artillery Avere each in posi
tion to control the church. But the guns were badly trained, and
missed their mark; the cavalry made some shoAV, but, for some
reason, retired Avithout much fighting.
Keeping a reserve here, a portion of the brave eleven hundred
Avere now to stf ike a decisive blow ; but the enemy's infantry was
hidden, and they did not knoAV just how to proceed. On the south
side of Middle Creek, to the right of the place Avhere the artillery
Avas stationed, rose a high hill. Around it AVOund the creek, and
folloAving the creek ran a narrow, rocky road. The entire force of
Ma»sliall, except his reserve, Avas in fact hidden in the fastnesses
of that irregular, forest-covered hill, and so placed as to command
this road, by Avhich it Avas expected that the Federal troops Avould
approach. But "the best laid plans" sometimes go Avrong. The
Yankee Avas not to be entrapped. Suspecting some such situation,
Garfield sent his escort of twelve men doAvn the road ; around the
hill they clattered at a gallop, in full vieAV of the enemy. The
ruse Avorked Avell, and the sudden fire of several thousand mus
kets revealed the coveted secret. The riders returned safely, and
then tho battle began. Four hundred men of the Fortieth and
Forty-second Ohio, under jNIajor Pardee, quickly advanced up the
hill in front, Avhile two hundred of the Fourteenth Kentucky, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Monroe, Avent doAvn the road some distance and
endeavored, by a flank movement, so to engage a portion of the
rebels that not all of them could be turned against Pardee. The
latter now charged up the hill under a heavy fire. They were in
ferior in numbers, but determined to reach the summit some way.
So they broke ranks at the cry of " Every man to a tree," and
faught after the Indian fashion. After all, the Union boys Avero

104 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
not altogether at a disadvantage. Their opponents Avere raw
troops, and after the manner of inexperienced men they aimed too
high, while the Federals did much better execution. But Mar
shall meant business at this important hour, and sent his reserve
to swell the number. A charge Avas made down the hill. Noav
the boys in blue retreat; but not far. Garfield goes in with his
reserves. Captain AVilliams calls, "To the trees again, my boys;" '
they rally; the fight grows hotter and whistling death is in the
air. The critical moment is here, and tho.se poor fellows down be
low are about to be crushed. The exultant Confederates rush
down in SAvclling A'olume; the Avolf is about to seize his prey.
But now a fajnt, though cheerful shout rings across the narrow
A'alley; then louder it groAVS Avhile the echoes clatter back from
hillside to hillside like the tumult of ten thou.sand voices. The
Confederates above peer out through the branches and view the
opposite road. Every face, just flushed Avith hopes of victory, now
turns pale at the sight. The force from Paintville has come at last.
The hard-pressed men of Pardee can see nothing, but they catch
new inspiration from the sound. They ansAver back ; Avhile to the
thousand voices and the ten thousand echoes on the Union side,
one word of reply is given from the rebel commander's mouth.
And the word he utters is — RETRiiAT,
This ended the struggle, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheldon, Avith his
seven hundred men, after a hard day's march of tAventy miles,
came down on the scene of action at a run, and found that their
approach had .saved the day. Garfield and his men Avere already
occupying the hill-top, and a detachment Avas following the fleeing
troops of the enemy. The policy adopted, however, Avas not to
follow the enemy very far, as it Avas not known in hoAV bad a con
dition they were. The Union loss in this battle Avas two killed
and twenty-five Avounded. The rebels left twenty-seven dead on
the field, and had carried off about thirty-five more.
The captures Averc, tAventy-fivc men, ten horses, and a quantity
of army supplies. Toward midnight a bright light appeared iu
the sky in the direction Marshall had taken. It was the light of
his blazing wagons and camp equipments, burned by his men to

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— THE FIGHT AT MIDDLE CREEK. 105

Garfield drttes Humphrey Marshall out op Kentucky.

106 LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD.
keep them from doing any body else any good, while they them
selves made their enforced visit to Virginia by way of Pound Gap.
The field Avas avou; and Buell's commission to Garfield had been
faithfully performed.
On the foUoAving day Colonel Garfield addressed his victorious
men as folloAvs:
" Soldiers of the Eighteenth Brigade: I am proud of you all! In four
Aveeks you have marched, some eighty and some a hundred miles, over
almost impassable roads. One night in four you have slept, often in the
storm, with only a Aviutry sky above your heads. You have marched in
the face of a foe of more than double your number — led on by chiefs
who have Avon a national renoAvn under the Old Flag — intrenched in
hills of his own choosing, and strengthened by all the appliances of mili
tary art. AVith no experience but the consciousness of your own man
hood, you have driven him from his strongholds, pursued his inglorious
flight, and compelled him to meet you in battle. AVhen forced to fight,
he sought the shelter of rocks and hills. You drove him from his posi
tion, leaving scores of his bloody dead unburied. His artillery thun
dered against you, but you compelled Kim to flee by the light of his
burning stores, and to leave even the banner of his rebellion behind him.
I greet you as brave men. Our common country Avill not forget you.
She will not forget the sacred dead Avho fell beside you, nor those of
your comrades who won scars of honor on the field.
"I have recalled you from the pursuit that you may regain vigor for
still greater exertions. Let no one tarnish his well-earned honor by any
act unworthy an American soldier. Remember your duties as American
citizens, and sacredly respect the rights and property of those Avith Avhom
you may come iu contact. Let it not be said that good men dread the
approach of an American army.
" Officers and soldiers, your duty has been nobly done. For this I
thank you."
On (his day, January lllh, the troops took possession of Pres
tonburg, and (he remaining duties of the cami)aign wore only the
working out in detail of results already secured. As to the merits
of the decisive little fight at Middle Creek, Garfield .said at a later
time : " It was a very rash and imprudent affair on my part. If

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— A BRAVE DEED. 107
I had been an officer of more experience, I probably should not
have made the attack. As it Avas, having gone into the army Avith
the notion that fighting was our business, I did n't knoAV any bet
ter." And Judge Clark, of the Forty-second Ohio, adds : "And dur
ing it all, Garfield Avas the soldiers' friend. Such Avas his affection
for the men that he Avould divide his last rations with them, and
nobody ever found any thing better at head-quarters than the
rest got,"
Indeed, there Avas one occasion, I believe ju.st after this engage
ment, Avhen the Eighteenth Brigade OAved to its brave commander
its possession of any thing at all to eat. The roads had become
impassable, rations Avere groAving scarce, and the Big Sandy, on
Avhich they relied, Avas so high that nothing could be brought up
to them; at least the boatmen thought .so. But our old acquaint
ance, the canal boy, still survived, in the shape of a gallant colo
nel, and Avith his admirer and former canal companion, BroAvn,
Garfield boldly .started doAvn the raging stream in a skiff. ArriA'
ing at Catlettsburg, he found a small steamer, the Sandy Valley,
which he loaded with proA-ision.s, and ordered captain and crew to
get up steam and take him back. They all refused, on the ground
that such an attempt would end in failure, and probably in loss of
life. But they did not knoAV their man. His orders were re
peated, and he Avent to the wheel himself It was a wild torrent
to run again.st. The river AA'as far out of its natural limits, rush
ing around the foot of a chain of hills at sharj) curves. In some
places it Avas over fifty feet deep, and where tho opposite banks
rose close together the half-undermined trees would lean inward,
their interlocking branches making the i)a.ssage beneath both dif
ficult and dangerous. But the undaunted leader pressed on, him
self at the Avheel forty hours out of the forty-eight. Brown
.stood steadfa.stly at tlie bow, carrying a forked pole, Avith which
to ward off the big logs and trees which constantly threatened to
.strike the boat and stave in the bottom. The piost exciting in
cident of all occurred the .second night. At a sliar]) turn the
narrow and impetuous flood whirled round and round, a boiling
whirlpool; and iu spite of great care the boat turned sidewise,

108

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

and stuck fast in the muddy bank. Repeated efforts to pry the
boat off were unavailing, and at last a new plan was suggested.
Colonel Garfield ordered the men to lower a small boat, carry a

line across, and pull
the little steamer
out of difficulty.
They said no liv
ing mortal could
attempt that feat
and not die. This
Avas just Avhat they
had said about
starting the steam
er from Catletts
burg, and the answer was similar. Our hero leaped into the
skiff himself, the faithful Brown folio Aving.

GARFIELD'S EXPLOIT ON THE BIG SANDY.

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— ON THE BIG SANDY. ,109
Sturdily and steadily they pulled aAvay, and in half an hour
were on terra firma once more. Line in hand, they Avalkcd up to
a place opposite the Sandy Valley, fixed the rope to a rail, and
standing at the other end Avith an intervening tree to give leverage,
soon had the satisfaction of seeing, or rather in the darkness feel
ing, the steamer SAving out again into the current. After this impos
sibility had been turned into history, there Avas no more doubting
from the incredulous crcAV, They concluded that this man could
do any thing, and henceforth helped him willingly. At the end
of three days, amid prolonged and enthusiastic cheering from the
half-starA'ed Avaiting brigade, the Sandy Valley arrived at her des
tination, and James A, Garfield had finished one more of his
great life's thousand deeds of heroism.
Immediately after the battle of Middle Creek great consterna
tion seized the minds of that ignorant population Avhich filled the
valley of the Big Sandy, The flying rebels, the dead and the
d(?bris of a fugitiA'e army, and Avild .stories of saA'age barbarities
practiced by an inhuman Yankee soldiery, had been more than
enough for their fortitude. They fled like frightened deer at the
blast of a hunter's horn, and sought safety in mountain fast
nesses. It Avas therefore necessary by some means to gain their
confidence, and for this purpose the folloAving proclamation Avas
issued from the Federal head-quarters:
" Head-Quartees Eighteen'th Brigade, 1
" Paintville, Ky.. January 16, 1862. )
"Citizens of the Sandy Valley: 1 have come among you to restore the
honor of the Union, and to bring back the Old Banner which you aU
once loved, but which, by the machinations of evil men, and by mu
tual misunderstandings, has been dishonored among you. To those
Avho are in arms against the Federal Government I offer only the alterna
tive of battle or unconditional surrender ; but to those who have taken
no part in this war, who are in no Avay aiding or abetting the enemies
of the Union, even to those Avho hold sentiments adverse to the Union,
but yet give no aid and comfort to its enemies, I offer the full protection
of the Government, both in their persons and property.
" Let those who have been seduced aAvay from the love of their coun-

110 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
try, to follow after and aid the destroyers of our peace, lay doAvn their
arms, return to their homes, bear true allegiance to the Federal Govern
ment, and they also shall enjoy like protection. The army of the Union
Avages no Avar of plunder, but comes to bring back the prosperity of
peace. Let all jjcace-loving citizens Avho have fled from tlieir homes
return, and resume again the pursuits of peace and industry. If citi
zens have suffered from any outrages by the soldiers under my com
mand, I invite them to make known their complaints to me, and their
Avrongs shall be redies.sed, and the offenders punis;:ed. I expect the
friends of the Union in this valley to banish from among them all pri
vate feuds, and to let a liberal-minded love of country direct their con
duct toward those who have been so sadly estranged and misguided. I
hope that these days of turbulence may soon end, and the better days of
the Republic may soon return.
"[Signed], "James A. Garfield,
" Colonel Commanding Brigade."
After the true character of the invaders became knoAvn, the
natives were as familiar as they had been shy, and multitudes of
them came into camp. From their reports, and from the indus-
trj of the small parties of cavalry which scoured the country in
all directions, it Avas established beyond doubt that the rebel army
had no more foot-hold in the State ; although sundry small par
ties still remained, endeavoring to secure recruits for the forces in
Virginia, and destroying many things Avhich could be of use to the
Union soldiers. In order to be nearer the scene of these petty
operations. Colonel Garfield moved his head-quarters to Piketon,
thirty miles further up the riA'er. From this point he effectually
stopped all further depredations, except in one locality. And it
was in removing this exception to their general supremacy that
the Eighteenth Brigade performed its last notable exploit in East
ern Kentucky.
The principal pathway between Virginia and South-Eastern
Kentucky is by means of Pound Gap. This is a rugged pass in
the Cumberland Mountains, through which Marshall had in the
fall of 1861 made his loudly-heralded advance, and later 'his in
glorious retreat. Here one Major Thomas had made a stand, with

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— CAPTURES POUND GAP. Ill

CT,

about six hundred men. Log huts Avere built by them for shelt
the narroAV entrance to tli<'ir camp Avas aa'cU fortified, and for snug
Avinter-quarters they could Avant nothing better. A\'hen in need of
provisions a small party A\duld .sally forth, dash down into the
valleys, and return Avell laden Avith plunder. Garfield soon de
termined to break up this mountain nest; and early in March Avas
incited to immediate action by a report that Humphrey Marshall
Avas making that place the starting point for a noAV expedition.
He had Issued orders for all available forces to be gathered there
on the 15th of March, preparatory to the intended re-iuA'asion of
Kentucky. To frustrate this scheme, Garfield started for Pound
Gap Avith six hundred infantry and a hundred caA'alry. It Avas a
march of forty-five miles from Piketon in a south-Avesterlv direc
tion. Deep snoAvs covered the ground, icy hillsides Avcre hard to
climb, and progress Avas difficult. On the evening of the second
day, hoAvever, they reached the foot of the ascent Avhieh led up to
the object for Avhich they had come. Here they stopped until
morning, meauAvhile endeavoring to discover the number and con
dition of the mountain paths. The information obtained AA'as
meager, but sufficient to help form a plan of attack. One main
path led directly up to the Gaj). AVhen morning came, Garfield
sent his euAalry straight up in this direction, to occupy the enemy's
attention, Avhile Avith the infantry he Avas climbing the mountains
and endeavoring to surprise them in the rear. After a long and
perilous scramble, they reached a point Avithin a quarter of a mile
of the rebel camp. They were first apprized of their nearness to
it by the sight of a picket, who fired on them and hastened to
give the alarm. But the eager troops were close after him, and the
panic-stricken marauders vanished hastily Avithout a struggle, and
were chased by the Union cavalry far into Virginia.
After resting a day and night in these luxurious quarters, the huts
Avere burned, the fortifications destroyed, and in less than five days
from the start, the successful Colonel Avas back again in Piketon,
This Avas the end of Garfield's campaign in ea.stern Kentucky.
Theve Avas no mfu-e fighting to be done ; and after a fcAV days he
was called into another field of action.

112 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
AVhen Colonel Garfield's official report of the battle of Middle
Creek reached Louisville, General Buell replied by the folloAving,
which tells the story of his delight at the result :
" Head-Quarters Depaktmext of the Ohio,
Louisville, Ky., January 20th, 1862.
"General Orders, No. 40.
" The General Commanding takes occasion to thank Colonel Garfield
and his troops for their successful campaign against the rebel force un
der General Marshall, on the Big Sandy, and their gallant conduct in
battle. They have overcome formidable difficulties in the character of
the country, the condition of the roads, and the inclemency of the season;
and, without artillery, have in several engagements, terminating Avith the
battle on Middle Creek on the lt)th inst., driven the enemy from his in
trenched positions, and forced him back into the mountains with the
loss of a large amount of baggage and stores, and many of his men killed
or captured.
" These services have called into action the highest qualities of a sol
dier — fortitude, perseverance, courage.
" By command of General Buell. " James B. Fry,
"A. A. G., Chief of Staff"
But this was not the only reward. The ucavs Avcnt on to AA"a,sh-
ington, and in a few days Garfield reeeiA'ed his commission as a
Brigadier-General, dated back to January 10th.
The defeat of Marshall Avas conspicuous on account of its place
and time. Since the defeat of the Union army at Bull Bun, in July
of the preceding year, no important A'ictory had been gained. The
confidence of the North In its- military leaders had begun to AA'aver,
General ]McClellan had turned himself and his army into a gigan
tic encampment and patriots were getting discouraged. No Avonder
that Lincoln and Buell AVcre grateful for a man who was willing to
wade through difficulties, and disturb the stagnant pool of listless
war I
On the night of January 10th, an interview occurred between the
President and several persons, one of Avhoni, General MeDoAvell,
has presefA'ed the knoAvledge of A\'hat occurred in a memorandum
made at the time. He says :

A SOLDIER OF THE UNION.— KENTUCKY CAMPAIGN. 113
" The President Avas greatly disturbed at |;he state of affairs. Spoke
of the exhausted condition of the treasury ; of the loss of public credit ;
of the Jacobinism of Congress; of the delicate condition of our foreign
relations ; of the bad news he had received from the AVest, particularly
as contained in a letter from General Halleck on the state of affairs in
Missouri ; of the want of cooperation between Generals Halleck and
Buell; but, more than all, the sickness of General McClellan. The
President said he Avas in great distress ; and, as he had been to General
McClellan's house, 'and the General did not ask to see him, and as he must
talk to somebody, he had sent for General Franklin and myself to obtain
our opinion as to the possibility of soon commencing active operations
Avith the Army of the Potomac. To use his OAvn expression, if some
thing Avas not soon done, the bottom Avould be out of the whole affair ;
and if General McClellan did not Avant to use the army, he would like to
borrow it, provided he could see how it could be made to do something."
This shoAVS how necessary some decisive action now waS to the
safety of the Union. And to Garfield belonged the honor of ush
ering in an era of glorious successes.
On the 19th of January, General- Thomas defeated Zollicoffer's
army, killed its general, and chased the remnants into Tennessee.
This gave us Kentucky, and completed the break in the extreme
right wing of Johnston's Confederate army. Just after this came
Grant's successful move on the left Aving of that army. Proceed
ing rapidly up the Tennessee, he took Fort Henry, then crossed
over to the Cumberland, and, on February 16th, captured Fort
Douelson. Other actions followed in quick succession. The South,
fallen into false security during our long inactivity, was completely
astonished. The North, thoroughly aroused, believed in itself
again ; and, Avith exultant tread, our armies began to march rapidly
into the enemy's country.
Colonel Garfield's career in the Sandy Valley Avas not the cause
of all these good things. The first faint light which Avarns a
Avatcher of the daAvn of day, is not the cause of day. But that
early light is looked for none the less eagerly. Middle Creek Avas
greeted by a Nation Avith just such sentiments.
Historians of the Civil War will not Avaste much time in con-
8

114 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
sidering this Kentucky campaign. Its range was too small; the
student's attention is naturally draAvn to the more striking fortunes
of the greater armies of the Republic. But, as we have seen, the
intrinsic merits of Colonel Garfield's AVork here Averc such as forced
it upon the attention of his official superiors. As avc have also seen,
this campaign occurred at a time when small advantages could be
appreciated, because no great ones Averc being secured. And the ]
hand of Time, which obliterates campaigns, and effaces kingdoms,
and sinks continents out of sight, Avill never quite neglect to keep
a torch lighted here, until the starry light of all our triumphs shall
go out in the darkness together.

HERO A2fD GENERAL.— AT PITTSBURG LANDING. IU

CHAPTER V,
HEEO AND GENERAL,
Hark to that roar whose swift and deafening peals
In countless echoes through the mountains ring,
Startling pale Midnight on her starry throne 1
Noav swells the intermingling din — the jar,
Frequent and frightful, of the bursting bomb.
The falling beam, the shriek, the groan, the shout.
The ceaseless clangor, and the rush of men 1 — Shelley.
ON the 23d of March, 1S62, orders reached General Grarfield,
iu Eastern Kentucky, to report at once, Avith his command,
to General Buell at Louisville. It had been determined to con
centrate the Army of the Ohio under Buell, move southAvard to
Savannah, Tennessee, there effect a junction Avith the Army of
the -Tennessee, which, under General Grant, AA'as on its Avay up
the Tennessee RiAcr, after the victories at Forts Douelson and
Henry, and, Avith the united force, move forAvard to Corinth,
Mississippi. Garfield ceased, from that time, to be a commander
of an independent force, and became merged, Avith others of his
rank, in the great Army of the Ohio. Ho proceeded to Louis
ville with all possible dispatch. But Buell Avas already far on
the road to Savannah. Finding orders, he at once hurried
soutliAvard, and OA'ertook Buell at Columbia, Avhere the army
had to construct a bridge over Duck River, The rebels had
burned the old bridge; and, at that stage of the Avar, jDontoon
bridges Avere not to be had, Garfield Avas at once assigned to
the command of the TAA'entieth Brigade, of General Thomas J.
AVood's dlA'ision. During this delay at Duck River, General
Nelson, hearing that Gi-ant had already reached Savannah, asked
permissiou of Buell to let his division ford or SAvim the river and
hurry on to Grant, As there was no knoAvn reakon for hurrying
to Grant, who sent Avord that he was in no danger of attack, the

116 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
permission was coldly given. But it Avas this impatience of Nel
son which saved Grant's array at Shiloh. AVith Nelson's division a
day in advance, the remainder of the aimy folloAved at intervals —
with Crittenden's division second, McCook's third, then AVood's —
to which Garfield belonged — and last Thomas's, It had been in
tended to halt at AVaynesboro for a ' day's rest, but the impetuous
Nelson Avas beyond the town before he had heard of it, and his
speed had communicated itself to the succeeding divisions. In
this Avay Nelson reached Savannah on the 5th of April. Grant's
army was at Pittsburg Landing, ten miles up the river. The
world knoAvs of the unexpected and terrific battle, beginning on
the 6th and lasting two days. Nelson reached Grant at 5 p, m. of
the first day's fight, Crittenden during the night, and McCook
about 9 A, M, of the next day. These reinforcements alone saved
Grant's army from destruction, AVood, impeded by the baggage
trains abandoned in the road by the preceding divisions, who Avere
straining every nerve to reach Grant in time, only reached the
battle-field as the fighting closed, Garfield's brigade and some
other troops were sent in pursuit of the flying enemy; but their
great fatigue from continuous marching, and the darkness of the
night, soon recalled the pursuit. On the following morning, Gar
field's brigade took part in' a severe fight with the enemy's cavalry,
but it Avas only a demonstration to cover retreat,
Halleck, Commander-in-Chief, reached Pittsburg Landing April
11th, and began a remarkably slow advance upon Corinth, the ob
jective point of the campaign. The army was required to con
struct parallels of fortification to cover each day's advance; and,
in this way, it took six weeks to march the thirty miles Avhich lay
between the army and Corinth, AVhile lying before Corinth, as
throughout his career in the army, Garfield gratified, as much as
possible, his love of literature. He had with him several small
volumes of the classics, Avhich he read every day. He rather pre
ferred Horace, as being " the most jihilosophic of the pagans."
During this time an incident occurred Avhich showed well the
character of Garfield. One day a Southern ruffian, a human blood
hound, came riding into camp, demanding that the soldiers hunt

HERO AND GENERAL.— SIEGE OF CORINTH. 117
and deliver to him a Avretched fugitive slave AA'ho had preceded
him. The poor negro, Avho AA'as badly Avounded from the bloAvs
of the bully's whip, had sought the blue-coats for protection, and
had succeeded iu concealing himself from his relentless pursuer
among Grarfield's command. The SAA'earing braggart, being mis
led and foiled by the soldiers, AA'ho not only sympathized Avith the
slave, but enjoyed the SAvaggerer's Avrath, at length demanded to
be shoAA'u to the head-quarters of the diA'ision commander. The
latter, after hearing the complaint, Avrote an order to Garfield to
require his men to hunt out and surrender the trembling A'aga-
bond. Garfield took the order from the aid, read it, quietly re
folded it, and indorsed on it the foUoAving reply:
"I respectfully, but positively, decline to allow my command to search
for, or deliver up, any fugitive slaves. I conceive that they are here for
quite another purpose. The command is open, and no obstacle Avill be
placed in the Avay of the search."
It w-as a courageous act, but he had never knoAvn fear. A court-
martial, Avith a SAvift sentence of death, Avas the remedy for refusals
to obey orders, AA'hen told of his danger, he said :
" The matter may as Avell be tested first as last. Right is right, and I
do not propose to mince matters at all. My soldiers are here for far other
purposes than hunting and returning fugitive slaves. My people on the
AVestern Reserve of Ohio did not send my boys and myself down here
to do that kind of business, and they Avill back me up in my action."
But no court-martial was held. A short time afterwards the
AA^ar Department issued a general order embodying the principle
of Garfield's refusal ; and from that time it Avas the rule in all the
armies of the Republic that no soldier should hound a human being
back to fetters.
After the six weeks' preparation for the siege of Corinth, Halleck
found that duly the hull of the nut Avas left for him, ' The wily enemy
had evacuated the place without a struggle. The vast Union army,
which had been massed for this campaign, having no foe to oppose
it, was resoh^ed into its original elements. The Army of the Ohio,
under Buell, was ordered to East Tennessee, preparatory to an at-

118 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
tack on Chattanooga, The advance to the east, was along the line
of the Memphis and Chattanooga Railroad. This road had to be
almost entirely rebuilt, as the supplies for the army Avcre to come
along its line. The work of rebuilding was assigned to AA'^ood's
division, and Garfield's brigade laid down the musket to handle
the .spade and hammer. Here, Garfield's boyhood experience with
tools was of incalculable value. If a culvert was to be built, his
head planned a swift, but substantial way, to build it. If a bridge
had been burned, his eye saw quickly hoAV to shape the spans, and
secure the braces. His mind was of the rare sort which combines
speculative with practical powers. His spirit electrified his men,
as it had the school at Hiram ; and, in the drudgery of the work,
from which the inspiration of battle was wholly wanting, it was he
who cheered and encouraged their unwonted toil. The work, for
the time, having been finished, Garfield's head-quarters were es
tablished at Huntsville, Alabama, perhaps the most beautiful town
in America. But the exposures of army life, the tremendous ex
ertions put forth in rebuilding the railroad, and the fierce rays of
the summer sun, in the unaccustomed climate, laid hold on his
con.stitution, in which the old boyhood tendency to ague Avas all
the time dormant; and in the latter part of July, 1862, he was
attacked with * malarial fever. In the rough surroundings of
the camp, as he tossed on his feverish couch, his thoughts turned
longingly to the young Avife and child in that humble northern home.
Procuring sick-leave, he started north about the first of August.
The AVar Department had an eye upon Garfield, and determined
to give his abilities free scope. Five divisions of Buell's army
we have followed to Corinth, and thence, along the tedious march
to Chattanooga, A sixth division had been sent on a separate ex
pedition to Northern Mississippi, and a scA'enth, under General
Geo, AV, Morgan, to occupy East Tennessee, and, in particular, Cum
berland Gap, In the early part of August, orders reached Garfield
to proceed to Cumberland Gap and take command of the seventh
division of the Army of the Ohio, relieving General Morgan, But
when the order reached Garfield, he was already on his way north,
fiist held by the malignant clutch of low fever.

HERO AND GENERAL.— PORTER COURT-MARTIAL. 119
AVhile Garfield had been Avith the army before Corinth, and on
the line of march toAvard Chattanooga, the general discipline Avas
very loose. The army camp is the most demoralizing place in the
Avorld. The men lose all self-restraint, and lapse into ferocious
and barbarous manners. The check for this is discipline; but the
volunteer troops, in the early stages of the war, utterly scouted the
idea of discipline. To render it effective, the Army of the Ohio
had to be reduced to a basis of strict military order. Courts-mar
tial were frequent. Garfield's judicial mind and sound judgment,
combined with the knowledge of discipline which his experience
as a teacher had given him, caused him to be sought for eagerly,
to conduct these courts-martial. He was idolized by his own men,
but his ability in the drum-head courts spread his fame through
out the division. The trial of Colonel Turchin, for conduct unbe
coming an officer, Avas the one Avhich attracted most attention.
The report of the trial to the AVar Department, prepared by
Garfield, had served to still further heighten the opinion of his
abilities entertained there. Garfield had been at home, on his
sick leave, about a month, and had begun to rally from the fever,
when he reeeiA'ed orders to report at AA^ashington City as soon as
his health Avould permit. Shortly after this he again bade fare-
Avell to his girlish Avife, and started to the Capital. The service for
Avhich he was required there, was none other than to sit on the
memorable court-martial of Fitz-John Porter, the most important
military trial of the war. The charges again.st Porter are Avell
knoAvn, He Avas accu.sed of having disobeyed fiA'c distinct orders
to bring his command to the front in time to take part in the.
second battle of Bull Run, The trial lasted nearly tAvo months.
Garfield was required to pass upon complicated questions, involv
ing the rules of war, the situation and surroundings of Porter's
command previous to the battle, the duties of subordinate com
manders, and the military possibilities of the situation. In such a
trial, the common sense of a strong, but unprofessional mind, was
more valuable than the technical training of a soldier. The ques
tion at issue was, whether Porter had kept his own opinions to
himself and cheerfully obeyed his superior's orders, even if he did

120 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
not approA'e them, or whether, through anger or jealousy, he had
sulked in the rear, so as to insure the defeat which he proph
esied. Garfield thrcAV all his powers into the investigation, and
at last was convinced that Porter was guilty. Such was the ver
dict of the Court; such, the opinion of Presidents Lincoln and
Grant, and such is likely to remain the opinion of posterity.
During this trial, Garfield became a Avarm friend of Major-Gen-
eral Hunter, the presiding officer of the court, and in command of
our forces in South Carolina. After the adjournment, Huntei
made an application to Secretary Stanton to have Garfield assigned
to the Army of South Carolina. The appointment was made. It;
was gratifying to Garfield, because Hunter Avas one of the strong
antislavery generals, who, at that time, Avere few enough. Gar
field felt that the Avar, though being fought on the technical ques
tion of a State's right to secede, Avas really a war to destroy the
hideous and bloody institution of slaA'cry, and he wished to see it
carried on Avith that avoAved purpose, ifc he afterwards expressed
it : " In the very crisis of our fate, God brought us face to face
with the alarming truth, that we must lose our oavu freedom or
grant it to the slave."
In the same address from which the above is taken, AA'hich was
delivered before the war had actually closed, Garfield declared that
slavery was dead, and the Avar had killed it. Said he :
"AVe shall never know why slavery dies so hard in this Repubhc
and in this hall till Ave know Avhy sin has such longevity and Satan is
immortal. AVith marvelous tenacity of existence, it has outlived thi5
expectations of its friends and the hopes of its enemies. It has been
declared here and elsewhere to be in all the several stages of mortality,
wounded, moribund, dead. The question has been raised, whether in
was indeed dead, or only in a troubled sleep. I know of no better illus
tration of its condition than is found in Sallust's admirable history of
the great conspirator Catiline, who, Avhen his final battle was fought
and lost, his army broken and scattered, was found far in advance of
his own troops, lying among the dead enemies of Rome, yet breathing a
little, but exhibiting in his countenance all that ferocity of spirit which
had characterized his life. So, sir, this body of slavery lies before ua

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHIEF OF STAFF. 121
among the dead enemies of the Republic, mortally wounded, impotent
in its fiendish Avickedness, but Avith its old ferocity of look, bearing the
unmistakable marks of its infernal origin." — House of Representalives,
January 13, 1865.
But in Avar it is always the unexpected which happens. Pend
ing Garfield's departure to Hunter's command, his old army — then
merged with the Army of the Cumberland, under the command
of General Rosecrans, who relieved Buell — had, on the last day
of the year of 1862, plunged into the battle of Stone River,
During the day a cannon-ball took off the head of the beloved
Garesehe, chief of General Rosecrans's staff. The place was im
portant, and hard to fill. It required a man of high military
ability to act as chief confidential adviser of the commanding
general, both as to the general plan of a campaign, and the im--
perious exigencies of battle. Rosecrans had relied much on Gar
esehe, and, just when so much was exjjected of the Army of the
Cumberland, the AVar Department feared the testy General might
become unmanageable, and, though well versed in the practice of
Avarfare, give Avay just at the crisis. The chief of staff also had
to be a man of pleasant social qualities to fit him for the intimate
relation. Much as the AVar Department at AVashington thought of Rose
crans at this time, his violent temper and invincible ohstinacy
rendered it imperative that some one should be with him Avho
would prevent an absolute rupture upon trifling grounds. But in
addition to these things, the chief of staff had to be a man of
faultless generosity and unselfishness; he had to be a man Avho
Avould exert his oavu genius for another's glory ; he had to be Avill-
ing to see the plans of brilliant campaigns, which Avere the product
of his own mind, taken up and used by another ; he had to be Avill-
ing to see reports of victories, which were the results of his oavu
military skill, sent to AVashington over the name of the command
ing general, in Avhich his oavu name was never mentioned. He AA'as
to do the Avork and get no glory for it. All this he had to do
cheerfully, and Avith a heart loyal to his superior. There must be
no division of counsel, no lukcAvarm support, no heart-burnings

122 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
at head-quarters. To the army and the world there Avas but one
man — the general. In reality there were two men — the general
and his chief of staff.
A minister of state sometimes succeeds in erecting for himself a
fame separate, and not merged in the splendor of his sovereign,
AVolsey and Richelieu and Talleyrand all did so. But the chief
of staff was to knoAV no fame, no name for himself. His light
was merged and lost in the corruscations of the man above him.
To find a soldier who united the highest military ability with a
genial nature, and who was Avilling himself to go utterly without
glory, was a difficult task. In a moment Stanton fixed his eye
on Garfield. AVithout Avarning, the commission to South Carolina ¦
was revoked. Garfield Avas ordered to report at once to General
Rosecrans, whose head quarters were at Murfreesboro, Tennessee,
as a result of the victory at Stone River.
Rosecrans has said that he was prejudiced against Garfield before
his arrival. He had heard that he Avas a Campbellite preacher,
and fond of theological debate, and a school teacher. These three
things were enough to spoil any man for Rosecrans, So he gave
Garfield a cool enough reception on the January morning when
the latter presented himself at head quarters, Rosecrans, of course,
had the option of taking the man Avhom the Department had sent
him, to be his confidential adviser or not, Garfield's appearance,
to be sure, was not that of the pious fraud, or the religious wran
gler, or the precise pedagogue. In the book, Down in Tennessee,
we find the following superb description of his appearance at this
time, by one Avho saw him :
" In a corner by the AvindoAV, seated at a small pine desk — a sort of
packing-box, perched on a long-legged stool, and divided into pigeon
holes, with a turn-down lid — was a tall, deep-chested, sincAvy-built man,
with regular, massive features, a full, clear blue eye, slightly tinged
• with gray, and a high, broad forehead, rising into a ridge over the eyes,
as if it had been thrown up by a plow. There Avas something singularly
engaging in his open, expressive face, and his whole appearance indi
cated, as the phrase goes, 'great reserve poAver.' His uniform, though
cleanly brushed and sitting easily upon him, had a sort of democratic

HERO AND GENERAL.- AT HEAD-QUARTERS. 123
air, and every thing about him seemed to denote that he Avas ' a man of
the people.' A rusty slouched hat, large enough to have fitted Daniel
AVebster, lay on the desk before him; but a glance at that Avas not
needed to convince me that his head held more than the common share
of brains. Though he is yet young — not thirty-three — the reader has
heard of him, and if he lives he will make his name long remembered
in our history.''
After some conversation, Rosecrans concluded to go a little
slow before he rejected his services. He kept Garfield around
head quarters for a day or two, quizzing him occasionally, and try
ing to make up his estimate of the man. This sort of dancing
attendance for a position he did not Avant, would have galled a
man of less ability and cheaper pride than Garfield; but he had
the patience of a planet. "" Rosey," as his soldiers called him,
soon found himself liking this great AA'hole-souled Ohioan, and,
Avhat Avas still more significant, he began to reverence the genius
of the man. He Avas unable to sink a plumb-line to the bottom
of Garfield's mind. After each conversation, the depths of reserve
power seemed deeper than before. Rosecrans decided Avithin him
self to take him, if possible. Only one thing stood in the Avay,
If Garfield preferred to go to the field, as he had himself proph
esied from his name (Guard-of-the-field) just before leaving col
lege in 1856, Rosecrans Avas not the man to chain him up at head
quarters. The choice Avas open to Garfield to take a division or
accept the position of chief of staff. The latter had fifty times the
responsibility, and no opportunity AA-hatev2r for fame. But Avith
out a moment's struggle, Garfield quietly said : " If you Avant my
services as chief of staff, you can haA-e them."
The opinion in the army of the selection of General Garfield to
succeed the lamented Garesehe, may be gathered from a volume
called: "Annals of the Army of the Cumberland," published shortly
after Garfield's appointment, and Avritten by an officer in the army;
" AVith the .seleclion of General Garfield, universal satisfaction is
everywhere expressed. Pos.sessed of sound natural sense, an
excellent judgment, a highly cultivated intellect, and the deserA'ed
reputation of a successful military leader, he is not only the

1 24 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Mentor of the staff, but his opinions are sought and his counsels
heeded by many Avho are older, and not less distinguished than
himself" An incident Avhich occurred soon after his appointment, illus^
trates Avell the aspect of his many-sided character, as presented to
the common soldier. Civilians have little idea of the gulf Avhich
military discipline and etiquette places betAveen the regular army
officer and the priA-ate .soldier. NcA-er Avas a Russian czar more of
a despot and autocrat than a AA^est Point graduate. It seems to
be an unavoidable outgroAA-th of the profession of arms and mili
tary discipline that the officer should be a sultan and the priA'ate
a slave. One night, at Rosecrans's head quarters in Murfrees
boro, the officers' council la.sted till the small hours of the
morning. Tlie outer hall, into Avhich the room used by the council
opened, Avas occupied by a dozen orderly-sergeants, who Avere
required to be there, ready for instant service all the time. As
the hours advanced, and there was no indication of an adjourn
ment Avithin, this outer council got sleepy, and selecting one of
i{s number to keep AA'atch, rolled itself up in various ragged army
blankets and tumbled on the floor. It Avas not long till the air
trembled Avith heavy blasts from the leaden trumpet of sleep. The
unlucky felloAv, Avho AA'as left to guard, Avas envious enough of his
sleeping comrades. Tilting his seat back against the Avail, he sank
into deep meditation upon the pleasures of sleep. A feAV minutes
later, sundry sudden jerks of his head, from side to side, told that
he, too, had found surcea.se from sorroAV in sonorous slumber. Just
at this unlucky moment the door opened, and General Garfield
stepped out into the dimly-lighted passage, on his Avay to his
quarters. The sleeper's legs Avero stretched out far in front of
him with lofty negligence; his arms hung by his side; his head,
from Avhich the Cap was gone, hung doAvn in an alarming manner,
as if he Avere making a profound and attentiA'e investigation of his
boots. At this unlucky moment, Garfield stumbled over the ser
geant, and fell Avith his full weight upon the frightened orderly.
]\Iilitary discipline required that Garfield should fire a volley of
oaths at the poor felloAV, supplemented by a heavy cannonade of

HERO AND GENERAL.— AN INCIDENT. 125
kicks in the enemy's rear, and the cutting doAvn of his supplies to
bread and Avater for a Aveek, Orderlies at head-quarters kncAv this
to be the plan of battle. General Garfield rose to his feet as
quickly as possible, gave the unfortunate and trembling sergeant
his assistance to rise, and after a kindly " excuse me. Sergeant, I
did not see you. I 'm afraid you did not find me very light,"
passed on his Avay. It is easy to see Avhy the common soldiers
loA-ed a chief of staff in whom the gentleman AA-as stronger than
the officer.
During the tedious delay at Murfreesboro, the officers and
men exercised their ingenuity in inventing games to pass aAvay
the time. Phil. Sheridan, out at his quarters in the forest sur
rounding the town, had invented a game Avhich he called Dutch
ten-pins. Out in front of his cabin, from the limb of a lofty tree,
yas suspended a rope. At the end Avas attached a cannon-ball,
small enough to be easily grasped by the hand. Underneath the
rope were set the ten-pins, Avith sufficient spaces betAveen them for
the ball to pass Avithout hitting. At first the fun-loving little
General only tried to throw the ball between the pins Avithout
knocking any. But as his skill increased, he enlarged the oppor
tunity for it by making the game to consist not only in avoiding
the pins on the throw, but in making the ball hit them on the
return. Sheridan became vei-y fond of the exercise, and in the
three throws allowed each player for a game, he could bring doAvn
twenty pins out of the thirty possible. The reputation of the
novel game and Sheridan's skill reached the commanding General's
head-quarters. One day Rosecrans, Garfield, and a fcAv brother
officers, rode out to see " little Phil," as Sheridan Avas called, and
take a hand in the game which had made for itself .such a name.
The guests were cordially received, and after a good many jokes
and much bantering, Sheridan began the game. At the first throAv
the returning ball brought doAvn six pins; at the second, seA-en;
and the third the same number, making a score of tAventy. Several
tried with more or less success, but not approaching the host's
score. AVhen Rosecrans took the ball, the merry company laughed
at his nervous AA-ay of handling it. After a lengthy aim, he thrcAV

126 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and knocked down every pin by the throAV. Again he tried it, and
again the ball failed even to get through the wooden line. Sheridan
nearly exploded with laughter. A third time he met Avith the same
ill-luck, failing to make a single tally. Then General Garfield
stepped forAvard, saying : " It's nothing but mathematics. All you
need is an eye arid a hand," So saying, he carelessly threw the
ball, safely clearing the pins on the forAvard swing, and bringing
doAvn seven on the return. Every body shouted "Luck! luck I
Try that again." The chief of staff laughed heartily, and with
still greater indifference, tossed the ball, making eight; the third
throw had a like result, scoring Garfield twenty-three, and giving
him the game. It was no wonder that an officer said of him,
" That man Garfield beats every thing. No matter what he does,
he is the superior of his competitors, Avithout half trying,"
On the 25th of April, 1863, Garfield issued a circular to the
Army of the Cumberland, upon the barbarities and unspeakable
outrages of the Southern prison-pens. The circular contained a
verbatim statement by an escaped prisoner of his treatment by the
rebels. After a few burning Avords, General Garfield concluded:
" AVe can not believe that the justice of God will allow such a
people to prosper. Let every soldier knoAV that death on the
battle-field is preferable to a surrender folloAved by such outrages
as their comrades have undergone,"
Every Avord of the circular Avas true. The time may come,
Avhen the South will be forgiven for fighting for principles Avhich
it believed to be right. The time may come when the sorroAvs of
the North and South Avill become alike the sorroAvs of each other,
over the ruin wrought by human folly. The right hand of felloAV-
ship will be extended. The Southern people, as a people, may be
relieved of the fearful charge of the assassination of Abraham Lin
coln, and posterity may come to look at it as the infernal offspring
of a few hell-born spirits. The day is upon us Avhen much of
this is already true. But the men Avho directly or indirectly
caused or countenanced the starvation, the torture, the poisoned
and rotten food, the abandonment to loathsome disease, the croAvd-
ing of thousands of Union prisoners into stockades, opening only

HERO AND GENERAL.— "A COPPERHEAD." 127
heavenward, and all the other unparalleled atrocities of the South
ern prisons — atrocities that violated every rule of warfare ; atroci
ties, to find the equals of which the history of barbarous and
savage nations, without the light of religion or the smile of civil
ization, Avill be ransacked in vain — shall be handed down to an
eternity of infamy ! They shall take rank Avith the Caligulas, the
Neros, the inquisitors, the historic monsters in human form, Avhose
names and natures are the common dishonor and disgrace of
mankind. About this time there appeared in Rosecrans's camp, Avith droop
ing feathers, but brazen face, the thing Avhich j)atriotism denomin
ated " a copperhead," He Avas a northern citizen by the name of
Vallandigham from Garfield's own State, who had been ostra
cised by his neighbors for his treason, and compelled to leave the
community of patriots to seek congenial company within the rebel
lines. He Avas to have an escort to the enemy's camp. A squad
Avaited outside to perform this touching task, under the cover of
a flag of truce. Vallandigham, Avho had the mind, if not the
heart, of a man, in forced jocularity dramatically spoke the lines
from Romeo and Juliet —
" Night's candles are burnt out, and jocund day
Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops."
Quick as thought Garfield completed the quotation —
" I must begone and live, or stay and die."
The joke was funny to every one but Vallandigham, but he
was the only man in the room who laughed aloud.
A little later President Hinsdale wrote to General Garfield about
the treasonable views of some copperhead students at Hiram.
Above all things Garfield detested a foe in the rear. He respected
a man who aA'owed his principles on the crimsoned field, but a
traitor, a coAA'ard, Avas to his candid nature despicable beyond lan
guage. His letter in reply is characteristic:
" Head-Quarters Department op the Cumberland, )
Mukpeeesboro, May 26, 1863. j
" Tell all those copperhead students for me that, Avere I there in charge
of the school, I would not only dishonorably dismiss them from the

128 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
school, but, if they remained in the place and persisted in their cowardly
treason, I would apply to General Burnside to enforce General Order No.
38 iu their cases. . . .
"If these young traitors are in earnest they should go to the Southern
Confederacy, where they can receive full sympathy. Tell them all that
I will furnish them passes through our lines, Avhere they can join Vallan.
digham and their other friends till such time as they can destroy us, and
come back home as conquerors of their oavu people, or can learn wisdom
and obedience.
" I know this apparently is a small matter, but it is only apparently
small. AVe do not know what the developments of a month may bring
forth, and, if such things be permitted at Hiram, they may anywhere.
The rebels catch up all such facts as sweet morsels of comfort, and every
such influence lengthens the Avar and adds to the bloodshed."
It was about the same time the above letter was written that a
letter Avas brought to Rosecrans's head-quarters, detailing an exten
sive plan for a universal insurrection of the slaves throughout the
South. The rising was to take place August 1st. The slaves
Avere to arm themselves with Avhatever they could get, and their
especial Avork Avas to cut off the supplies of the rebel forces, " An
army is dependent on its belly," said Napoleon, To destroy, the
bridges and railroads Avithin fhe Confederacy AVOuld sAviftly under
mine the rebel armies, whose rations and ammunition came along
those routes, AVith the universal cooperation of the Union forces,
it was thought the Rebellion might be crushed. To secure the
cooperation of Rosecrans Avas the apparent object of the letter.
General Garfield talked it over Avith his chief, and denounced the
plan in the most unmeasured terms. He said that if tlie slaves
Avanted to revolt that was one thing. But, for the Union army to
violate the rules of Avarfare by encouraging and combining Avith a
AA'ar upon non-combatants was not to be thought of The colored
people Avould have committed every excess upon the innocent
Avomen and children of the South. The unfortunate country Avould
not only be overrun Avith Avar, but Avith riot. Rosecrans resolved
to have nothing to do Avith it. But Garfield still Avas not satisfied.
The letter said that several commanders had already given their

HERO AND GENERAL.— ORGANIZES ARMY POLICE. 129
assent. He scut the letter to President Lincoln Avith a statement
of the results Avhich AA-ould follow such irregular Avarfare. A letter
of Garfield, Avritten on the sulycct, says :
" I am clearly of opinion that the negro project is in every Avay bad, and
should be repudiated, and, if possible, thAvarted. If the slaves should,
of their own accord, rise and assert their original right to themselves, and
cut their Avay through rebeldom, that is their own affair; but the Gov
ernment could have no complicity Avith it Avithout outraging the sense of
justice of the civilized Avorld. AVe Avould create great .sympathy for the
rebels abroad, and God knows they have too much already."
Lincoln gaA-e the matter his attention, and the slave rcA-olt
never took place in any magnitude. It AA-as an ambitious scheme
on paper, and yet Avas not utterly impracticable. It Avas a thing
to be crushed in its infancy, and Garfield's action AA-as the proper
way to do it,
AA'^hile Garfield Avas Avith Ro.secrans, he Avas addressed by .some
prominent Xortherners upon the subject of running Rosecrans for
the Presidency, Greeley and many leading Republicans Avere dis
satisfied Avith Lincoln in 1862-'63, and AA-anted to AA-ork up another
candidate for the campaign of '64, Attracted by Rosecrans's suc
cesses, they put the plan on foot by opening communication Avith
Garfield, in AA-hom they had great confidence, upon the feasibility
of defeating jNIr. Lincoln in the convention, Avith Rosecrans. Gar
field, hoAvever, \mt his foot on the Avhole ambitious scheme. He
said that no man on earth could equal Lincoln in that trying hour.
To take Rosecrans Avas to destroy both a vA'onderful President and
an excellent soldier. So effectually did he smother the plan, that
it is said Rosecrans never heard a whi.sper of it.
A most important AA'ork of General Garfield, as chief of staff,
was his attack upon the corrupting vice of smuggling, and his de
fense of the army police. AVhen an army is in an actiA'e cam
paign, marching, fighting, and fortif}'ing, there is but little corrup
tion developed. But in a large A-oliinteer army, Avitli its neces.sarily
lax discipline Avhcn lying idle for a long time, its quarters become
infested Avith all the smaller vices. The men are of every sort ;
9

1.30 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and, as soon as they are idle, their heads get full of mischief.
The Army of the Cumberland, during its long inactivity at Mur
freesboro, soon began to suffer. The citizens Avcre hostile, and
had but tAvo objects — one to serve the Confederacy, the other to
make money for themselves. They thus all became spies and
smugglers. Smuggling Avas the great army vice. The profits of
cotton, smuggled contraband through the Union lines to the North,
and of medicines, arms, leather, Avhisky, and a thousand North
ern manufactures, through to the South, Avere simi^ly incalculable.
Bribery Avas the most effective, but not the only Avay of smuggling
articles through the lines. The Southern Avomen, famous the Avorld
over for their beauty and their captivating and passionate manners,
Avoukl entangle the officers in their meshes in order to extort
favors. To break up this smuggling, and get fresh information
of any plots or pitfalls for the Union army, a sy.stem of army
police had been organized at XashA'ille and IMurfrecsboni. This
AA-as in a fair state of efficiency Avhen Garfield Avas appointed chief
of staff. To improA-e it and make its AA-ork more available. Gen
eral Garfield founded a bureau of military information, Avith Gen
eral D. G. Swaim for its head. For efficiency, it AA'as ncA'er again
equaled or approached during the Avar, Shortly after the estab
lishment of this bureau of information, a determined attack Avas
made on the Avhole institution, " It marshaled its friends and
enemies in almost regimental numbers. Ea'cu in tho army it has
been violently assailed, not only by the A'icious in the ranks, but
by officers Avhose evil deeds Avere not past finding out." The
accusations Avhich Avere laid before Garfield AAcrc alwav.-^ iuA'csti-
gated immediately, and always to the v-indication of the police
department. A .special officer Avas at last detailed to investigate
the entire dejiartment. His report of the AA'onderfui achievements
of the army police is monumental. Garfield Avas inexorable,
E\'ery officer guilty of smuggling had to come doAvn, no matter
hoAv prominent he Avas. The chief of staff set his face like
brass against the corruptions. The opportunities open to him for
wealth Avere immense. All that AA-as necessary feu- him to do AA'as
to Avink at the smuggling. He had absolute poAver in the matter.

HERO AND GENERAL.— AT MURFREESBORO. 131
Rut he fought the CA'il to its graA'C. He broke up .stealing among
the men. He established a .--ivsteni of regular reports from ,^pies
on the enemy. His police furnished him Avith the political status
of CA-ery family in that section of the State. He knew just the
temper of Bragg's troops, and had a fair idea of their number.
He kncAV jirst Avhat corn Avas selling at i.i the cncniy'.s lines.
Located in a hostile country, honeycombed Avith a sy,stem of rebel
spies, he outspicd the enemy, putting spies to Avateli its spies. In
CA-ery public capacity, ciA-il or military, A-irtue is more rare and
more necessary than genius. General Garfield's incorruptible
character alone sa\-ed the army police from destruction, and re
stored the Array of the Cumberland to order and honesty. He
had, long before entering the army, shoAvn Avonderful ability for
using assistants to accumulate facts for him. The police institu
tion AA'as an outcropping of the same thing. No commander dur
ing the Avar had more exact and detailed information of the enemy
than Garfield had at this time.
AVhen General Garfield reached the Army of the Cumberland,
it Avas in a shattered and exhausted condition. It had no cavalr}-,
the arms Avere inferior, and the terrible pounding at Stone River
had greatly Aveakened it. General Rosecrans insisted on its recu
peration and reinforcement before making another advance. The
Department at AVashington and Halleck, Commander-iii-chief of
the Union forces, Avere of the opinion that an advance should be
made. Ro.secrans, though possessing some high military skill, was
sensitiA-e, headstrong, absorbed in details, and A-iolcnt of .speech.
He demanded cavalry, horses, arms, equipments. Dispatch after
dispatch came insisting on an adA-ance. Sharper and sharper
became the replies. Garfield undertook to soften the A-enomous
correspondence. Angry messages Avere sometimes suppressed alto
gether. But he could not control the Avrathy commander. Rose
crans held a different, and, as it turned out, an erroneous theory
of the best military policy. At fir.st, Garfield's a'Icavs harmonized
Avith those of his superior ; but, as the month of April passed
without movement, as his secret service informed him of the con
dition and situation of the enemy, he joined his oavu urgent ad-

132 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
vice to that of the Department f!)r an advance. Rosecrans Avas
immovable. The army of 60,000 men had been in quarters at
Murfreeslioro since January 6th Avithout striking a bloAV at the
rebellion. The month of May, Avith its opening floAvers, its fra
grant breezes and blue skies, came and Avent Avithout a move.
General Garfield Avas sick at heart, but he could do nothing. The
more Rosecrans Avas talked to, the more obstinate he became,
Crarfield had certain information that Bragg's army had been
diA'ided by sending reinforcements to Richmond, but nobody be
lieved it. Besides, Rosecrans Avas supj^ortcd in his position by all
tho generals of his army. Two of these Avcre incompetent — Crit
tenden and !McCook. They had behaA'ed shamefully at Stone
RiA-er. (general Garfield urged their remoA'al, and the sub.stitu-
tion of McDoAvcU and Buell. Rosecrans admitted their ineffi
ciency, but said he hated to injure " tAvo such good felloAVS." He
kept them till the " good felloAA'S " injured him.
At last, on the 8th of June, 1863, Rosecrans, yielding .some-
Avhat to the pressure Avithout, and still more to the persuasion of
his chief of staff, laid the situation before the seventeen corps,
diA'ision and cavalry generals of his army, and requested a Avrit
ten opinion from each one upon the advisability of an adA'ance.
It is to be remembered that among the .seA'enteen generals Avcro
Thoindfi, Sheridan, Ncgley, Jeff. C Davis, Hazen and Granger.
Each of these studied the situation, and presented a Avritten in
dividual opinion. With astonishing unanimity, every one of the
seventeen opposed an advance. Ro,secrans read the opinions. They
coincided Avith his oavu. But there Avas a man of genius at his
side. Garfield, his confidential adviser, looked at the opinions of
the generals in utter dismay. He saAV that a crisis had arriA'ed,
The Department of AVar peremptorily demanded an advance; and
to let the vast army, Avith its then excellent equipment, lie idle
longer, meant not only the speedy reinoA-al of Rosecrans from
command, but the greatest danger to the Union cause. He asked
Rosecrans time to prepare a Avritten reply to the opinions opposing
an adA'ance. Permission AA'as given, though Ro.secrans told him it
Avould be wasted AVork, Collecting all his poAvers, he began his

HERO AND GENERAL-URGES AN ADVANCE. 133
task. Four days and nights it occupied him. At the end of that time,
on June 12th, he presented to Rosecrans the ablest opinion knoAvn
to have been giA-en to a commanding officer by his chief of staff dur
ing the entire Avar. The paper began with a statement of the ques
tions to be discussed. Next it contained, in tabulated form, the opin
ions of the generals upon each question. Then folloAved a swift
summary of the reasons presented in the seventeen opinions against
, the advance. Then began the answer. He presented an elaborate
estimate of the strength of Bragg's army, probably far more accurate
and complete than the rebel general had himself. It Avas made up
from the official report of Bragg after the battle of Stone River,
from facts obtained from prisoners, deserters, refugees, rebel news
papers, and, aboA-e all, from the reports of his army police. The
argument show-ed a perfect knoAvledge of the rules of organization
of the Confederate army. The mass of proofs accomjDanying the
opinion Avas overAvhelming, Then followed a summary and anal
ysis of the Army of the Cumberland. Summing up the relative
strength of the tAvo armies, he says, after leaving a strong garri
son force at Murfreesboro, "there Avill be left .-^ixty-five thousand
one hundred and thirty-seven bayonets and sabers to throw again.st
Bragg's forty-one thousand six hundred and eighty."
He concludes Avith the folloAving general obscrA'ations :
" 1, Bragg's army is now weaker than it has been since the battle of
Stone River, or is likely to be again for the present, Avhile our array has
reached its maximum strength, and Ave have no right to expect reinforce
ments for several months, if at all.
"2, AVhatever be the result at Vicksburg, the determhiation of its fate
will give large reinforcements to Bragg. If Grant is successful, his army
will require many weeks to recover from the shock and strain of his late
campaign, Avhile Johnston will send hack to Bragg a force sufficient to
insure the safety of Tennessee. If Grant fails, the same result Avill in
evitably follow, so far as Bragg's army is concerned.
" 3. No man can predict with certainty the result of any battle, hoAV-
ever great the disparity in numbers. Such results are in the hands of
God. But, viewing the question in the light of human calculation, I
refuse to entertain a doubt that this army, Avhich ' in January last de-

134 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
feated Bragg's superior numbers, can overwhelm his present greatly
inferior forces.
"4. The most unfavorable course for us that Bragg could take Avould
be to fall back Avithout giving us battle; but this Avould be very disas-
trou,> to him. Betides, the loss of materiel of Avar and the abandonment
of the rich and abundant harvest now nearly ripe in iliddle Tennessee,
he Avould lose heavily by desertion. It is Avell known that a widespread
dissatisfaction exists among his Kentucky and Tennessee troops. They
are already deserting in large numbers. A retreat would greatly in
crease both the desire and the opportunity for desertion, and Avould very
materially reduce his physical and moral strength. AA'^hile it Avould
lengthen our communications, it Avould give us possession of McMinnville,
and enable us to threaten Chattanooga and East Tennessee ; and it Avould
not be unreasonable to expect an early occupation of the former place.
"5. But the chances are more than even that a sudden and rapid move
ment Avould compel a general engagement, and the defeat of Bragg Avould
be in the highest degree disastrous to the rebellion.
" 6. The turbulent aspect of politics in the loyal States renders a de
cisive blow against the enemy at this time of the highest importance to
the success of the Government at the polls, and in the enforcement of the
conscription act. '
" 7. The Government and the AVar Department believe that this army
ought to move upon the enemy. The army desires it, and the country
is anxiously hoping for it,
"8, Our true objective point is, the rebel army, Avhose last reserA'es
are substantially in the field ; and an effective bloAV Avill crush the shell,
and soon be folloAved by the collapse of the rebel government.
" 9. You have, in my judgment, Avisely delayed a general movement
hitherto, till your army could be massed and your caAalry could he
mounted. Your mobile force can noAV be concentrated in tAventy-four
hours; and your cavalry, if not equal in numerical strength to that of
the enemy, is greatly superior in eificiency. For these reasons I believe
an immediate adA'ance of all our available forces is advisable, and, under
the providence of God, Avill he successful."
Rosecrans read the opinion, examined the proofs, and AA-as con
vinced. " Garfield," said he, " you have captured me, but hoAv
shall the advance be made?"
The situation Avas about as folloAA'S : Imagine an isosceles triangle,

HERO AND GENERAL.— POSITION OF BRAGG'S ARMY. 135
with its apex to the north at Murfreesboro. Here the Army of
the Cumberland Avas situated. The base of the triangle Avas about
fifty miles long, and constituted the enemy's front, Avith its right
terminating at McMiniiville, the south-east corner of the triangle,
and its left at Columbia, the south-west corner of the figure. At
the middle of tho base Avas the A-illage of AVartrace ; and almost
due Avest of AVartrace, but a little beloAv the base of the triangle,
Avas ShelbyA-ille, Avhere the enemy's center Avas situated, behind
massive fortifications. Between ShelbyA-ille and A\'artrace Avas
massed the enemy's infantry, the extreme Avings being composed
of caA-alry. At a. little distance north of the enemy's front, and
forming the base of the triangle, Avas a " range of hills, rough and
rocky, through Avhose depressions, called gai)s, the main roads to
the South passed. These gaps Avere held by strong detachments
Avitli heavy columns Avithin supporting distance," Any one can
see the enormous strength of the enemy's position for defense. But
it had still other sources of strength. Behind the enemy's left and
center Avas Duck River, a deep torrent, Avith tremendous banks.
If they Avere pressed in front, the rebel army could fall back south
of the river, burn the bridges, and gain ample time for retreat to
the lofty range of the Cumberland Mountains, Avhich Avere only a
day's march to the rear. On a direct line Avith Murfreesboro and
AVartrace, and at the same distance south of AA^artrace, as Mur
freesboro Avas north of it, was Tullahoma, the dep6t of the enemy's
supplies, and hence the key to the situation. Posted in this almost
impregnable situation, Bragg's array Avas the master of Central Ten
nessee, It is evident that the campaign, which Garfield so poAver-
fully urged, Avas a great undertaking. The narroAV mountain gaps
heavily fortified ; behind the range of hills the great body of the
rebel army intrenched in heavy fortifications ; behind them the
natural defense of Duck River, and still to the south, the Cumber
land Mountains, formed an aggregation of obstacles almost insu
perable. The plan of the campaign Avhich folloAved must, in military
history, be accredited to Rosecrans, because he Avas the General in
command; but biography cares not for military custom, and names
its author and originator the chief of staff. The reason Garfield

136 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
urged the advance, Avas that he had a plan, the merits of which we
Avill examine hereafter, by Avhich he was convinced it might be
successfully made.
There Avere substantially three ways by Avhich the Union army
might advance: one lay along the west side of the triangle to
Columbia, there attacking the enemy's left Aving; another to march
directly south to Shelbyville, and fall upon the enemy's center; al
third, to advance by tAVO roads, cutting the base of the triangle
about midAvay between the enemy's center and extreme right. A
fourth route Avas possible, along the eastern side of the triangle to
McMinnville; but if the enemy's right Avas to be attacked, the
Manchester roads Avere every Avay preferable, as being more direct.
General Garfield's selection Avas the third route. His plan was to
throAv a heavy force forAvard on the road to ShelbyA-ille, as if in
tending to attack the rebel center. Then, under cover of this feint,
swiftly throAv the bulk of the army upon the enemy's right, turn
the flank, cross Duck River, and march SAviftly to the enemy's
rear, threatening his supplies, thus compelling Bragg to fall back
from his tremendous stronghold at Shelbyville, and either give
battle in the open country or abandon the entire region.
On the 23d of June the movement Avas begun by the advance of
General Granger's division tOAvard Shelbyville, At the same time
a demonstration Avas made toAvard the enemy's left, to create the
belief that feints were being made to distract the enemy's atten
tion from Avhat Avould be supposed the main attack on Shelbyville.
MeauAvhile the bulk of the army Avas advanced along the two roads
leading to the middle of the enemy's right — the east road leading
through Liberty Gap, and the Avest through Hoover's Gap, a defile
three miles long. On the tAventy-fourth a terrible rain began,
continuing day and night, for over a Aveek, It rendered the
Avretched roads almost impassable, and terribly increased the diffi
culties of the army. The artillery sunk hub-deep in the almost
bottomless mire. Great teams of tAvelve and fourteen powerful
horses " stalled " Avith small field-pieces. NcA-er a minute did the
rain let up. The men's clothing Avas so drenched that it Avas not
dry for tAVO Aveeks. The army Avagons, hundreds in number.

HERO AND GENERAL.— THE TULLAHOMA CAMPAIGN. 137
carrying the precious bacon and hard-taek, stuck fast on the roads.
So fearful Avas the mire that on one day the army only advanced
a mile and a-half.
But the advance Avas pushed as rapidly as possible. Liberty
Gap and Hoover's were both captured. The demojistrations on
the enemy's left and center were kept up Avith great vigor. Bragg/
was wholly deceived by the numerous points of attack. On the'
tAventy-seA'enth the entire army Avas concentrated, and passed
rapidly through Hoover's Gap, and on to Manchester, AVhile the
army Avas concentrating at Manchester, General Thomas, on the
tAventy-eighth, began the final move in the game — the advance
upon Tullahoma, Bragg had retreated from Shelbyville, OAving to
the danger AA'hich threatened his supplies. On the tAventy-ninth
he evacuated Tullahoma for the same reason. An attempt Avas
made to intercept his retreat and force him to battle. But the
terrible condition of the roads and riA-ers rendered the effort futile.
Bragg crossed the Cumberland Mountains, and Central Tennessee
Avas once more in the hands of the Union army. Had the
Tullahoma campaign been begun a Aveek earlier, before the rains
set in, Bragg's array Avould inevitably haA-e been destroyed. The
rebel army, of 50,000 A-eterans, had been driven from a natural
stronghold of the most formidable character ; and had lost all the
fruits of a year's victories by a single campaign of nine day.s, con
ducted in one of the most extraordinary rains ever knoAvn in
Tennessee. There were 1,700 rebel prisoners taken, several parks
of artillery, and an enorraous amount of Confederate army stores
at Tullahoma, This campaign and its victory was not the result of
battle, but of pure strategy, confessedly the highest art in Avar.
As to Avhom the credit of the plan of the campaign belonged,
there could be no question. As Ave have shown, it is impo.ssible
to separate the double star of Garfield and Roscerans by military
etiquette. But aside from the facts that the camjiaign Avas begun
as a result of Garfield's argument, in the face of unanimous oppo
sition, the following fact is conclusive as to whom belongs the
glory. On fhe morning of the twenty-third, when the movement
was begun. General Thomas L. Crittenden, one of the corps

138 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
commanders, went to head-quarters and said to General Garfield:
" It is understood, .^ir, by the general officers of the army that this
movement is your ivork. I ivish you to understand that it is a rash
and fated move, for irhieh you will be held responsible."
The lips ofi an enemy are uoav made to bear unAvilling testimony
to the glory and the credit of the chief of staff. In his report to
the AVar Department, just as this campaign Avas getting started.
General Rosecrans says: "I hope it Avill not be considered invid
ious if I specially mention Brigadier-General James A. Garfield,
an able soldier, zealous, devoted to duty, prudent and sagacious.
I feel much indebted to him both for his counsel and assistance
in the administration of this array. He posses,ses the instincts and
energy of a great commander."
Historians are unanimous in their opinion that the Tullahoma
campaign Avas one of the most masterly exhibitions of strategic
genius possible to the commander of a great array. INIahan, au
thor of iheCritical Hidory of the Civil War, Avho is ever ready to
attack and expose the blunders of the Union generals, declares
that this Tullahoma campaign shows " as skillful combinations as
the history of war presents."
But the Tullahoma campaign was not the conclusion of the ad
vance which General Garfield had so persistently urged, and the
success of Avhich had been so triumphantly demonstrated. An im
portant line of defense had been broken through ; an enormous piece
of territory had been captured. But Bragg still held Chattanooga,
AA'hich Avas the objectiA'e point of the Army of the Cumberland.
In his arguraent of June 12, to induce an advance, Garfield had
said : '" AA'hile it Avould lengthen our coraraunicatious, it AA'Ould
give us possession of jMcAIinuA-ille, and enable us to threaten Chat
tanooga and East Tennessee; and it would not be unreasonable to
expect an early occupation of the former place." It is yet to be
seen Avhat fulfillment there Avas of this prophecy.
After the Tullahoma victory, and Bragg's retreat behind the
Tennessee River, Rosecrans stopped. Again, the AVar Department
ordered an advance. Again, the conimander-in-chief refu.sed.
Again, Garfield urged that no delay take place. Rosecrans was

HERO AND GENERAL.— ROSECRANS'S ADVANCE. 139
immovable. The Department waited ; the army Avaited ; the coun
try Avaited. At last the folloAving dispatch Avas received :
" Washington, August 5, 1863.
" The orders for the advance of your army, and that its progress be re
ported daily, are peremptory. H. AV. Halleck,"
The thing required Avas stupendous, but the results show it was
not impossible. Sixty miles from the Union army Avas the Ten
nessee River and Curaberland jMountains. Both run frora north-
ea-st to south-west. There are in these lofty mountain ranges
occasional gaps, through AA'hich the great east and Ave.st traffic of
the country takes 'place. Chattanooga, in 1863 a toAvn of fifteen
hundred inhabitants, is in the most important of these gaps — the
one through Avhich passes the Tennessee River and an important
net-Avork of railroads. The toAvn is right in the mountains, tAventy-
five hundred feet above the sea-level, and was strongly fortified, and
practically impregnable to assault. Along the north-Avest front of
the toAvn runs the river, Avhich Avould have to be crossed by the
Union forces. On the southern side of the river, beloAV Chatta
nooga, are three parallel ranges: Sand Mountain, Lookout Mount
ain, and Pigeon Ridge, — the valleys between the ridges running
up to the gap a£ Chattanooga. North-east of the town the ridges
begin again, and the general configuration of the country is sim
ilar. Chattanooga Avas south-east from Avhere the Union array Avas
situated. The town was the lock, and Bragg's army the key, to
the door to Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. To unlock this
door Avas the task before the Army of the Cumberland,
But the problem of Rosecrans's advance contained other com
plications beside the deep river, the lofty mountains, and the heavy
fortifications. His army had to depend for its supplies upon Louis
ville, Kentucky, and the slender line of railway from that place.
Every advance necessitated the Aveakening of his army by leaving
strong detachments to preserve this communication; Avhile, on
the other hand, Bragg, already reinforced, Avould groAV stronger all
the time as he fell back on his reserves.
It is reasonable to suppose that the reason Garfield had urged

140 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the advance toward Chattanooga Avas that he saAv a Avay in which it
could be made. AVhen the peremptory order came, a plan for the
advance Avas projected, Avhich, though vaster and more complicated
than that of the Tullahoma campaign, contains the same elements,
and shoAVS itself to have been the Avork of the same mind. .It Avas,
indeed, a continuation of the same campaign. The plan Avas Rose
crans's, because he adopted it. It Avas Garfield's, because he origin
ated it. The theory of the adA'ance Avas to pass the enemy's flank,
march to his rear, threaten his line of supplies and compel him,
by military strategy, to evacuate Chattanooga, as he had Shelby
ville and Tullahoma, The door Avould thus be unlocked, and
Bragg's army driven from its last fortification to- the open country.
The details of the plan, as prepared by Garfield, Avill appear as the
adA'ance is explained. On August 16th began the movement of
the army across the mountains toAvard the Tennessee River, The
paramount effort in the manner of the advance Avas to deceive the
enemy as to the real intention.
The army made the movement along three separate routes.
Crittenden's corps, forming the left, Avas to advance by a circuitous
route, to a point about fifteen miles south-Avest of Chattanooga, and
make his crossing of the Tennessee River there. Thomas,, as our
center, Avas to cross a little farther doAvn stream, and McCook,
thirty miles farther to the right. These real moA'craents Avere to
be made under the cover of an apparent one. About seA'en thou
sand men marched directly to the river shore, opposite Chattanooga,
as if a direct attack Avere to be made on the place. " The extent
of front presented, the shoAV of strength, the vigorous shelling of
the city by AVilder's artillery, the bold expression of the AA-hole
movement, constituted a brilliant feint." Bragg Avas deceived again.
Absorbed in the operations in front of the place, he offered no re
sistance to the crossing of the Tennessee River by the main army.
By September 3d, the Union forces were all on the southern side
of the Tennessee, Sand Mountain, the first of the ridges on that
side of the river, rises abruptly from the bank. The repair and con
struction of roads occupied a little time ; but Thomas and McCook
pushed forAvard yigorou.sly, and by the evening of the 6th of Sep-

HERO AND GENERAL.— CAPTURE OF CHATTANOOGA. 141
tember had crossed Sand Mountain, and occupied the valley be
tAveen it and the Lookout Range, Each of these corps had
crossed the range at points opposite their crossings of the river,
and, though in the same A-alley, AA'cre thirty-five miles apart,
Crittenden, instead of crossing, turned to his left, and marched
up the river bank toward Chattanooga, and crossed into the Look
out Valley by a pass near the toAvn. On the 7th the next stage of
the movement began, viz : the cro,ssing of Lookout Range, in order
to pass to the enemy's rear, and, by endangering his supplies, com
pel him to abandon Chattanooga.
As soon as Bragg's spy-glasses on Lookout Mountain, at Chat
tanooga, disclosed this raoA'ement, the order to evacuate the place
was giA'cn. Shelbyville and Tullahoma were repeated, and ou the
morning of September 9th Crittenden marched in and took the
place Avithout the discharge of a gun. Strategy had again tri
umphed. The door Avas unlocked. The fall of Chattanooga was
accoraplished.- The plan of the campaign had been carried out
successfully. The North AA'as electrified. The South utterly dis
comfited. Of the fall of Chattanooga, Avhich, as Ave liaA'c shown,
was but the continuation of the plan of the Tullahoma campaign,
and was predicted by Garfield, even to the manner of its accom
plishment, in his argument to Rosecrans in favor of an adA-ance,
Pollard, the Confederate historian, Avrites :
" Thus we were maneuvered out of this strategic stronghold.
Two-thirds of our niter beds Avere in this region, and a large pro
portion of the coal Avhich supplied our foundries. It abounded in
the necessaries of life. It Avas one of the strongest mountain
countries in the AA-orld ; so full of lofty mountains that it has been
not inaptly called the Switzerland of America. As the possession
of Switzerland opened the door to the invasion of Italy, Germany,
and France, so the possession of East Tennessee gave easy access
to Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama."
It is easy to see that behind this masterly strategy there Avas
a masterly strategist. That man Avas Rosecrans's chief of .staff.
AVhat had become of Bragg's army of fifty thousand men?
Rosecrans thought it AA'as in full retreat, Halleck, Commander-

¦•&*

142 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
in-chief, telegraphed from AVashington, on the 11th, that infor
mation had been received that Bragg's army was being used to re
inforce Lee, a certain indication of retreat. The fact was that Lee
Avas reinforcing Bragg, Halleck also telegraphed on the same
day that reinforcements Av-ere coming to Rosccrans, and -that it
would be decided Avhether he should move further into Georgia
and Alabama. This telegram completed the delusion of Rose
crans. He believed Bragg was many miles to the south. The
campaign planned by Garfield had been completed. But Rose
crans made a fatal blunder. Instead of marching the corps of
Thomas and McCook up the Lookout Valley to Chattanooga, and
uniting them Avith Crittenden's, he ordered the crossing of the
range as a flank movement to be continued in order to intercept
Bragg's sujjposed retreat. Accordingly, on the 11th and 12th,
Thomas recommenced to push OA'er Lookout Mountain through a
pass, tAventy-five miles south-east of Chattanooga ; and thirty-five
miles beyond Thomas, McCook AA'as doing the same thing.
AA'ith the Union army thus divided, Bragg Avas Avaiting his ter
rible opportunity. Instead of being in full retreat, many miles
aAvav, his entire army occupied Pigeon Ridge along the A'alley on the
southern side of Lookout Range, into Avhich Thomas and McCook
must descend from the Mountain passes. Down the center of this
valley runs a little river, the Chickamauga. On the southern
side of this stream, just opposite the pass from which Thomas's
corps of eighteen thousand devoted men Avould emerge, Avas con
centrated the entire rebel army, Avaiting to destroy the isolated
parts of the Army of the Cumberland in detail. The region oc
cupied by Bragg Avas covered Avith dense forests, and he Avas
further concealed by the low heights of Pigeon Ridge. When
Thomas's corps should have debouched from the pass through
Lookout Range, and crossed the Chickamauga to ascend -Pigeon
Ridge, it Avas to be oVerAvhelmed. Then McCook and Crittenden,
sixty-five miles apart, Avould be separately destroyed. It fortu
nately happened that General Negley's division descended from
the gap on the 12th, and crossed the Chickamauga several miles
in advance of the main body of Thomas's corps. Unexpectedly,

HERO AND GENERAL.— A CRISIS. 143
finding the enemy in great force on the opposite ridge, he SAviftly
AvithdrcAv, checked Thomas from further advance, and enabled the
corps to take up an impregnable position in the gap through
Lookout Range.
Thus foiled, Bragg then resolved to strike Crittenden, but
eventually failed in this also. These failures gave the alarm.
Bragg's army Avas not ready for flight but for fight. It Avas now
a matter of life and death for Rosecrans to concentrate his army
before battle. Couriers Avere dispatched at break-neck speed to
McC!ook, sixty-five miles aAvay, and to Crittenden Avho had pushed
on tAVcnty miles beyond Chattanooga, in imaginary pursuit of
Bragg, In sorae absolutely inexplicable Avay, Bragg failed for
four days to raake the attack. In those precious days, from Sep
tember 13th to 17th, Garfield worked night and day, as chief of
staff, to reach the scattered divisions, explore the shortest roads
through those lofty mountains, and hasten that combination Avhich
alone could save the army from destruction. The suspense Avas
terrible. But Bragg lost his opportunity by delaying too long.
HeaA'y reinforcements for him AA'ere arriA'ing, and he thought he
Avas groAving stronger. On the 17th and 18th Bragg A\as found to
be moving his army up the valley tOAvard Chattanooga, thus ex
tending his right far beyond Rosecrans's left,Avith the eA'ident object
of throwing his army upon the roads bctLAveen the Union army and
Chattanooga. To meet this, the Union army AA'as inoA'cd in the
same direction.
These movements of both armies up the valley, Bragg being
south of the Chickamauga and Rosecrans north, AA'ere continued
until the position Avas almost south of Chattanooga, instead of
south-Avest. Parallel with our army, and immediately in its rear,
Avere two roads leading to Chattanooga, — the one immediately in
the rear knoAvn as the Lafayette or Rossville road; the other a
little further back, as the Dry Valley road. At the junction of
these roads, half way to Chattanooga, itself eight miles distant, Avas
the town of Rossville, These roads Avere the prizes for Avhich Avas
to be fought one of the most bloody and aAvful battles of the war.
The loss of either Avas equally fatal, but the main Ro.ssville road.

144 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
being the most exposed, was the principal object of the enemy's
attacks. The efforts of the enemy at first Avere to overlap or turn
the left flank. This Avould have given them the Rossville road.
Failing in this they drove the center back, the center and left
turning like a door upon the hinge at the extreme left, until the
line of battle Avas formed directly across the roads instead of par
allel Avith thera. This was accomplished during the second day's
flght. General Thomas commanded the left wing, Crittenden the cen
ter, and McCook the right. The front of the army, facing almost
east, Avas ranged up and down the valley from north to south, with
the river in front and the roads in their rear. The whole valley
Avas covered with dense forests, except Avhere a farm had been
made, and AA'as full of rocky hills and ridges. So much concealed
Avas one part of the valley from another, that the rebel army of
fifty thousand men Avas formed in line of battle Avithin a mile of
the union lines on the same side of the river, Avithout either army
suspecting the other's presence.
Such Avas the situation on the morning of September 19th, 1863.
The Avorld knoAA's of the aAvful conflict Avhich foUoAved. General
Garfield Avas located at AA^idoAv Glenn's house, in the rear of the
right Aving. This Avas Rosecrans's head-quarters. General Thomas
located himself at Kelley's farm-house in the rear of the left Aving.
For three nights General Garfield had not slept as many hours.
Every anxious order, for the concentration of the army, had
come from him; cA'ery courier and aid during those days and
nights of suspense reported to him in person; before him lay his
maps; each moment since the thirteenth he had knoAvn the exact
position of the different corps and diA'isions of our vast army.
Looking for the attack at any moment, it AA-as necessary to con
stantly knoAV the situation of the enemy among those gloomy mount
ains and sunless forests. AA^hen the red tide of battle rolled
through the A-alley, each part of the line Avas ignorant of all the
rest of the line. The right wing could not ca-cu guess the direc
tion of the left Aving. The surrounding forests and the hills shut
in the center so completely that it did not knoAV Avhere either of

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 145
the Avings AA'ere. Every division commander simply obeyed the
orders from head-quarters, took his position, and fought. The
line of battle Avas formed in the night. To misunderstand orders
and take the Avrong position Avas easy. But so lucid Avere the com
mands, so particular the explanations Avhich came from the man
at head-quarters, that the line of battle Avas perfect. Many battles
of the war were fought with but few orders from head-quarters;
some without any concerted plan at all. Pittsburgh Landing, of
the latter sort ; Gettysburg, of the former sort. At Gettysburg,
the commander-in-chief. General Meade, had little to do Avith the
battle. The country was open, the enemy's whereabouts Avas A'is-
ible, and each division commander placed his troops just where they
could do the most good. Not so at Chickamauga. No battle of
the Avar required so many and such incessant orders from head
quarters. The only man in the Union army Avho kncAV the Avhole
situation of our troops was General Garfield, Amid the forests,
ravines and hills along the five miles of battle front, the only
possible Avay to maintain a unity of plan and a concert of action
was for the man at head-quarters to knoAv it all. General Gar-.
field knew the entire situation as if it had been a chess-board, and
each division of the army a man. At a touch, by the player, the
various brigades and divisions assumed their positions.
Every thing thus far said has been of the combatants. But there
Avere others on the battle-field. There were the inhabitants of
this valley, non-combatants, inviolate by the rules of civilized Avar-
fare, Of this sort AA'ere the rustic people at AVidoAV Glenn's, Avhere
General Garfield passed the most memorable days of his life. The
house Avas a Tennessee cabin. Around it lay a little farm with
small clearings. Here the AvidoAV lived with her three children,
one a young man, the others a girl and boy of tender age. As
General Garfield took up his head-quarters there it is said to have
reminded him poAverfuUy of his own childhood home Avith his
toiling mother. All the life of these children had been passed in
this quiet valley. Of the outside Avorld they kncAV little, and cared
less. They did not know the meaning of the Avord war. They
Avere ignorant and poverty-stricken, but peaceful. Shut in by the
10

146 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
mountains of ignorance, as Avell as the; lofty ranges along the valley,
they had knoAvn no event more startling than the flight of birds
through the air or the rustle of the Avind through the forest. The
soil Avas rocky and barren like their minds; yet, unvisited by ca
lamity, they Avere happy.
But suddenly this quiet life Avas broken into. The forests Avere
filled AA'ith armed men. The cabin was taken possession of by the
officers. A sentinel stood at the door. Outside stood dozens of
horses, saddled and bridled. Every moment some one mounted
and dashed awav ; every moment some other dismounted from his
breathless and foam-flecked steed and rushed into the cabin. The
widoAv, stunned and frightened, sat in the corner Avith an arm
around each of her children. The little girl cried, but the boy's
curiosity got someAvhat the better of his fear, A time or two
General Garfield took the little felloAv on his knee, and quieted his
alarra. The fences Avere torn doAvn and used for camp fires.
Great trees Avere hastily felled for barricades. In front of the
house passed and repassed bodies of troops in uniform, and Avith
deadly rifles. Noav and then a body of cavalry dashed by in a
whirhvind of dust. Great cannon, black and hideous, thundered
down the rocky road, shaking the solid earth in their terrible race.
The cabin-yard Avas filled Avith soldiers. The avcU Avas drained
dry by them to fill their canteens. It Avas like a nightmare to
the trembling inhabitants of the cabin. Their little crops were
tramped into dust by the iron tread of Avar. On a hill in front
of the cabin, where nothing more dangerous than a ploAv had CA'er
been, a battery froAvned. The valley which had never been dis
turbed by any thing more startling than the screech of an owl, or
the cackle of the barn-yard, was filled with a muffled roar from the
falling trees and the shouts of men.
AVhen morning broke on the 19th of September, 1863, on this
secluded spot, the clarion of the strutting cock Avas supplanted by
the bugle-call. The moaning of the wind through the forest was
drowned in the incessant roll of the drums. The movement of
troops before the cabin from right to left became more rapid. The
consultations Avithin became more eager and hurried. Mysterious

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 147
notes, on slips of Avhite paper, Avere inces.santly Avritten by General
Garfield and handed to orderlies, Avho galloped aAvay into the for
est. Spread out before him, on an improvised table, lay his maps,
which he constantly consulted. At one time, after a long .study
of the map, he said to General Rosccrans: "Thomas Avill have the
brunt of the battle. The Ros.sville road must be held at all haz
ards." Rosecrans replied: "It is true. Thomas must hold it, if
he has to be reinforced by the entire army." At another time, a
messenger dashed into the room, and handed the chief of .staff an
envelope. Quietly opening it, he calmly read aloud : " Longstreet
has reinforced Bragg Avith seventeen thousand troops from Lee's
Virginia army,"
ToAvard nine o'clock in the morning, the movement of troops
along the road ceased. The roar in the forest subsided. No more
orders Avere sent by General Garfield, There Avas suspense. It
Avas as if every one were Avaiting for something. The drums no
longer throbbed; the bugle-call ceased from echoing among the
mountains, A half hour passed. The silence AA'as death-like.
As the sun mounted up\A'ard it .seemed to cast darker shadoAvs
than usual. The house-dog gave utterance to the most plaintive
hoAvls, The chickens Avere gathered anxiously together under a
shed, as if it Averc about to rain. It Avas. But the rain Avas to
be red. Passing over through the forest, one saAV that the troops
Avere drawn up in lines, all Avith their backs toward the road and
the cabin, and facing the direction of the river. That Avas half a
mile away, but its gurgle and plashing could be easily heard in the
silence. It sent a shudder through one's frame, as if it Avere the
gurgle and plashing of blood. The only other sound that broke
the quiet Avas the whinnying of cavalry horses far off to the light.
The dumb brutes .seemed anxious, and nervously ansAvered each
other's eager calls.
Just as the hand of the clock reached ten there Avas a report
from a gun. It came from the extreme left, miles away. Gen
eral Garfield stepped quickly to the door, and listened. There
was another gun, and another, and fifty more, sAvelling to a roar.
Turning to Rosecrans, Garfield said : " It has begun." To A\'hich

148 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the commander replied: "Then, God help u.s, " Heavier and
heavier became the roar. The engagement on the left Avas evi
dently becoming heavier, A quarter of an hour later messengers
began to arrive. The enemy was endeavoring to turn the left-
flank, but AA-as being repulsed with heaA'v loss. A fcAV moments
later came the Avord that the enemy had captured ten pieces of
artillery. The order had been given for one division of the
troops to fall back. It Avas obeyed. But the artillerymen had
been unable to move the guns back in time. The heaA'y under-
groAvth in the forest, the fallen and rotting logs, had made it slow
Avork to drag back the ponderous cannon. The red-shirted
cannoneers Avere still bravely Avorking to moA'c their battery to
the rear after the line had fallen back frora thera a long distance.
Suddenly, Avith a fierce yell, the rebel column poured in upon
them. Guns and gunners Avere captured.
At 11 : 30 came a call from General Thomas for reinforcements.
General Garfield sAviftly Avrote an order for divisions in the center
to march to the left and reinforce General Thomas, Another
courier Avas dispatched to the right, ordering troops to take the
place of those removed from the center. At half-past tAvelve
these movements Avere completed. So far, the only attack had
been on the left, though the tide of battle Avas rolling sloAvly
down the line, .General Rosecrans and General Garfield held an
earnest consultation. It Avas decided to order an advance on the
right center, in order to prevent the enemy from concentrating
his whole army against our left Aving.
Before long the din of conflict could be heard opposite the
cabin. The advance Avas being fiercely contested. Messengers
one after another came asking for reinforcements. General Gar
field received their messages, asked each one a question or two,
turned for a few moments to his map, and then issued orders for
support to the right center. As the battle raged fiercer in front
of the cabin, the sounds from the extreme left grcAv lighter. At
two o'cock they ceased altogether. The battery had been recapt
ured, and the enemy silenced for the time being. Meanwhile,
the battle at the center became more terrible. Ambulances hur-

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 149
ried along. Poor fellows, pale and bleeding, staggered back to
the road. Occasionally a shell dropped near the cabin, exploding
with frightful force. The roar Avas deafening. General Garfield
had to shout to General Resecrans in order to be understood.
The domestic animals around the cabin Avere paralyzed with
fright. No thunder-storm, rattling among the mountain peaks,
had ever shaken the earth like the terrific roar of the shotted guns.
A half mile in front of the cabin, a dense smoke rose over the
tops of the trees. All day long it poured upAvard in black vol
umes. The air became stifling Avith a sulphurous smell of gun
powder. The messengers hurrying to and from the cabin had
changed in appearance. The bright, clean uniforms of the morn
ing were torn and muddy. Their faces Avere black Avith smoke ;
their eyes bloodshot Avith fever. Some of them came up Avith
bleeding wounds, AVhen General Garfield called attention to the
injury, they Avould .say: " It is only a scratch," In the excite
ment of battle men receive death Avounds Avithout being conscious
that they are struck. Some of the messengers sent out came back
no more forever. Their horses Avould gallop up the road riderless.
The riders had found the serenity of death. " They Avere asleep
in the windowless palace of rest."
It was impossible to predict the issue of the conflict in the cen
ter. At one minute, a dispatch was handed Garfield, saying that
the line Avas broken, and the enemy pouring through. Before he
had finished the reading, another message said that our troops
had rallied, and were driving the enemy. This Avas repeated sev
eral times.
The scene of this conflict Avas Vineyard's farm. It Avas a clear
ing, surrounded on all sides by the thickest woods. The troops
of each army, in the alternations of advance and retreat, found
friendly cover in the Avoods, or fatal exposure in the clearing. It
Avas this configuration of the battle-field Avhich caused the fluctua
tions of the issue. Time after time a column of blue charged across
the clearing, and was driven back to rally in the sheltering forest.
Time after time did the line of gray adA-ance from the shade into
the sunlight only to retire, leaving half their number stretched

150 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
lifeless on the field. It Avas a battle Avithin a battle. The rest of
the army could hear the terrific roar, but Avcre ignorant of the
whereabouts of the conflict. The farm and the surrounding AA'Oods
was a distinct battle-field. The struggle upon it, though an im
portant element in a great battle on a A-ast field, AA'as, during the
later hours of its continuance, a separate battle, mapped upon the
open field and forest in glaring insulation by the bodies of the
slain. MeanAvhile, in hurrying reinforcements to this portion of the line
of battle, a chasm AA-as opened betAveen the center and left. Troops
Avere throAvn forAvard to occupy it, but the enemy had discoA'ered
the weakness, and hurled forAvard heaA'y columns against the de
voted Union lines. The struggle here Avas the counterpart of the
one at the Vineyard farm. At the latter place the line Avas, at one
time in the afternoon, driA-en back to the Lafayette road; but,
towards CA'cning, the divisions Avhich had repulsed the attack on
General Thomas's extreme left Avere shifted down to the scene of
these other conflicts, and the enemy was finally driven back with
heavy loss.
A\'hen this AA'as accomplished, the sun had already sunk behind
the Avestern range. Night SAviftly drcAV her mantle over the angry
field, and spread above the combatants her canopy of stars, 'The
firing became weaker ; only noAV and then a sullen shot was fired
into the night. The first day of Chickamauga was done. In a
little Avhile ten thousand camp-fires blazed up in the forest, throAV-
ing .somber .shadoAvs back of every object. At every fire could be
seen the frying bacon and the steaming coffee-pot, singing as mer
rily as if war and battle Avere a thousand miles away. The men had
eaten nothing since five o'clock in the morning. They had the
appetites of hungn- giants. Many a messmate's place was empty.
Many a corpse lay in the thicket, Avith a ball through the lieart.
But in the mid,st of horror the men Avere happy. The coffee and
bacou and hard-tack tasted to the heroes like a banquet of the
gods. AVith many a song and many a jest they finished the meal,
rolled, up in their blankets, and, lying doAvn ou the ground, Avith
knapsacks for pillows, Avere fast asleep in the darkness. The red

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 151
embers of the camp-fires gradually Avent out. The darkness and
the silence Avere unbroken, save by the gleam of a star through
the overarching branches, or the tramp of the Avatchful sentinels
among the rustling leaves.
But at AVidoAV Glenn's cabin there Avas no sleep. General Gar
field dispatched messengers to the different generals of the army
to assemble for a council of Avar. It Avas eleven o'clock before
all Avere present. Long and anxious Avas the session. The chief
of staff marked out the situation of each division of the army upon
his map. The losses Avere estimated, and the entire ground gone
OA'cr, On the Avhole, the issue of the day had been faA'orable.
The army having been on the defensiA-e, might be considered so
far A-ictorious in that it had held its f)wn. The line of battle AA'as
noAV continuous, and much shorter than in the morning. The
general moA-ement of troops during the day had been frora right
to left. The battle front Avas still parallel Avith the Chattanooga
roads. General Thomas still held his OAvn. The losses had been
heavy, but not .so severe as the enemy's. But it Avas evident that
the battle Avould be renewed on the inorroAV, The troops, already
exhausted by forced raarches in the effort to concentrate before
attack, had all been engaged during the day. It Avas tolerably
certain. General Garfield thought, from the reports of his scouts,
that the enemy Avould have fresh troops to oppose to the wearied
men. This Avould necessitate all the army being brought into
action again on the next day. In case the enemy should succeed
in getting the roads to Chattanooga, there AA'as no alternative but
the entire destruction of the splendid Army of the Cumberland.
Still further concentration of the forces on the left, to reinforce
General Thoma.s, Avas decided on. Many of the tired troops had
to be roused from their sleep for this moA'ement, There was no
rest at head-quarters, AVhen morning daAvned the light still shone
from the cabin AvindoAv.
On the morning of September 20, 1863, a dense fog rose from
the Chickamauga River, and, mixing Avith the smoke from the
battle of the day before, filled the valley. This fact delayed the
enemy's attack. The sun rose, looking through the fog like a vast

152 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
disk of blood. General Garfield noticed it, and, pointing to the
phenomenon, said : " It is ominous. It Avill indeed be a day of
blood." By nine o'clock the fog lifted sufficiently for the attack.
As on the day before, it began on the left, rolling doAvn the line.
-From early morning General Thomas Avithstood the furious as
saults of the constantly reinforced enemy. The change of the line
in the night had been such that it Avas the right Aving instead of i
the center Avhich Avas uoav in front of the AA^idow Glenn's, The
battle Avas fierce and more general than the day before. The de
mands for reinforcements on the left came faster and faster. Di
vision after division Avas moved to the left. In the midst of a
battle these raoA-ements are dangerous. A single order, given from
head-quarters Avithout a perfect comprehension of the situation of
the troops, a single ambiguous phrase, a single erroneous punctua
tion mark in the hastily-Avritten dispatch, may cost thousands of
lives in a feAV minutes. In a battle like Chickamauga, Avhere the
only unity possible is by perfect and swift obedience to the com
mands from head-quarters, a single misunderstood sentence may
change the destiny of empires.
The information received at AVidoAV Glenn's up to ten o'clock
of the 20th shoAved that the troops, though Avearied, AA'ere holding
their own. Up to this time General Garfield, appreciating each
emergency as it occurred, had directed every movement, and Avrit
ten every order during the battle. Not a blunder had occurred.
His clear, unmistakable English, had not a doubtful phrase or a
misplaced comraa. Every officer had understood and executed
just AA-hat was expected of him. The fury of the storm had so far
spent itself in A-ain.
At half-past ten, an aid galloped up to the cabin and informed
General Rosecrans that there Avas a chasm in the center, between
the divisions of General Reynolds on the left and General AVood
on the right. Unfortunate moment ! Cruel fate ! In a moment
a blunder was committed Avhich Avas almost to destroy our heroic
army. In the excitement of the crisis, Rosecrans A'aried from his
custom of consulting the chief of staff. General Garfield was
deeply engaged at another matter. Rosecrans called another aid

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 153
to write an order instantly directing AVood to close the gap by
moving to his left. Here is the document as it Avas dashed doAvn
at that memorable and awful moment:
" Head-Quarters Department op Cumberland, ¦)
" September 20th— 10.45 A. M. J
"Brigadier-General Wood, Commanding Division:
"The general commanding directs that you close up on Reynolds as
fast as possible, and support him. Respectfully, etc.,
" Frank S. Bond, Major and Aid-de-camp."
Had General Garfield been consulted that order Avould never
have been Avritten. TFoorf was not next to Reynolds. General
Brannan's division was in the line between them. Brannan's force
stood back from the line somcAvhat. The aid, galloping rapidly over
the field, did not knoAV that a little farther back in the forest stood
Brannan's division. It looked to him like a break in the line.
General Rosecrans Avas either ignorant, or forgot that Brannan
Avas there. General Garfield alone knew the situation of every
division on the battle-field. This fatal order n-a.s the only one of
the entire battle which he did not write himself. On receipt of the
order. General AVood Avas confused. He could not close up on
Reynolds because Brannan AA'as in the AA'ay. Supposing, hoAvever,
from the AVords of the order, that Reynolds Avas heavily pressed, and
that the intention Avas to reinforce him, and knowing the extreme
importance of obeying orders from head-quarters, in order to pre
vent the army from getting inextricably tangled in the forest, he
promptly marched his division baclvAvard, pa.ssed to the rear of
Brannan, and thus to the rear of and support of Reynolds.
The fatal AvithdraAval of AA'^ood from the lino of battle Avas sim
ultaneous Avitb a Confederate adA'ance. Failing in his desperate
and bloody attacks upon the left, Bragg ordered an advance all
along the line. Right opposite the chasm left by AVood Avas Long-
street, the most desperate fighter of the Confederacy, Avith seA'en
teen thousand veteran troops from Lee's army. Formed in solid
column, three-quarters of a mile long, on they came right at the
gap. Tavo brigades of Federal troops, under General Ly tie, reached

154 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the space first, but Avere instantly ground to poAvder beneath this
tremendous ram. Right through the gap came the Avedge, splitting
the Union army in two. In fifteen minutes the entire right wing
was a rout. One-half the army Avas in a dead run toward Ross
ville. Guns, knapsacks, blankets, Avhatever could impede them,
Avas hastily throAvn aAvay,
So sudden Avas the rout that the stream of fugitives, swarming
back from the Avoods, Avas the first information received at AVidoAv
Glenn's that the line had been pierced. There Avas no time to be
lost. Behind the fleeing troops came the iron columns of the en
emy. In five minutes more the cabin Avould be in their hands.
Hastily gathering his precious maps, Garfield followed Rosecrans
on horseback, over to the Dry Valley road. Here General Gar
field dismounted, and exerted all his poAvers to stem the tide of
retreat. Snatching a flag from a flying color-bearer, he shouted at
the deaf ears of the mob. Seizing men by their shoulders he Avould
turn them around, and then grasp others to try and form a nucleus
to resist the flood. It Avas u.seless. The moraent he took his
hands off of a man he Avould run.
Rejoining Rosecrans, Avho believed that the entire army Avas
routed, the commander said: " Garfield, Avhat can be done?" Un
dismayed by the panic-stricken army croAvding past him, AA-hicli is
said to be the most demoralizing and unnerA-ing sight on earth,
Garfield calmly said, " One of us should go to Chattanooga, se
cure the bridges in case of total defeat, and collect the fragments
of the army on a ucav line. The other should make his Avay, if
po.ssible, to Thomas, explain the situation, and tell him to hold his
ground at any cost, until the army can be rallied at Chattanooga."
" AVhich Avill you do ?" asked Rosecrans. " Let me go to the
front," Avas General Garfield's instant reply. " It is dangerous,"
said he, " but the array and country can better afford for me to be
killed than for you." They dismounted for a hurried consulta
tion. AA'ith ear on the ground, they anxiously listened to the sound
of Thomas's guns. " It is no use," said Rosecrans. "The fire is
broken and irregular. Thomas is driven. Let us both hurry to
Chattanooga, to save Avhat can be saved." But General Garfield

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA.

had a better ear, " You arc mistaken. The fire is .still in regular
volleys. Thomas holds his own, and must be informed of the
situation. Send orders to Sheridan, and the other commanders of
the right wing, to collect the fragments of their commands and

GAKFIELD AT THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.

move them through Ross-
A'ille, and back on the La
fayette road, to Thomas's
support," There were a
fcAV more hurried words ;
then a grasp of the hand
and the commander and his chief of staff separated, the one to go
to the rear, the other to the front. Rosecrans has said that he
felt Garfield Avould never come back again.
Then began that Avorld-famous ride. No one kncAV the situation
of the troops, the cause of the disaster, and the way to retrieve it
like the chief of staff. To convey that priceless infi)rraation to
Thomas, Garfield determined to do or to die. He Avas accompa
nied by Captain Gano, Avho had come from General Thomas before
the disaster, and knew how to reach him ; besides these tA\o, each

156 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
officer had an orderly. On they galloped up the Dry Valley road,
parallel with, but tAvo miles back of, the morning's line of battle.
After reaching a point opposite the left wing, they expected to
cross to General Thomas. But Longstreet's column,, after passing
the Union center, had turned to its right at AVidoAV Glenn's,
to march to the rear of General Thomas, and thus destroy that
part of the army which still stood fighting the foe in its face.
The course of Longstreet Avas thus parallel Avith the road along
Avhich Garfield galloped. At cA'ery effort to cross to the front he
found the enemy betAveen him and General Thomas.
It Avas a race betAA'een the rebel column and the noble steed
on Avhich Garfield rode. Up and doAvn along the stony valley-
road, sparks flying from the horse's heels, tAvo of the party hat-
less, and all breathless, Avithout delay or doubt on dashed the
heroes. Still the enemy was between them and Thomas. They
Avere compelled to go almost to Rossville. At last General
Garfield said : " AA'e must try to cross uoav or ncA-er. In a half
hour it will be too late for us to do any good." Turning sharply
to their right, they found themselves in a dark-tangled forest.
They were scratched and bleeding from the brier thickets and the
overhanging branches. But not a rider checked his horse.
General Garfield's horse seemed to catch the spirit of the race.
Over ravines and fences, through an almost inpenetrable under
growth, sometiraes through a marsh, and then over broken rocks,
the smoking steed plunged Avithout a quiver.
Suddenly they came upon a cabin, a Confederate pest-house. A
croAvd of unfortunates, in various stages of the small-pox, Avere sit
ting and lying about the lonely and avoided place. The other
riders spurred on their Avay, but General Garfield reined iu sharp
ly, and, calling in a kind tone to the strongest of the Avrecks,
asked, " Can I do any thing for you, my poor felloAV?" In an in
stant the man gasped out, " Do not come near. It is small-pox.
But for God's sake give us money to buy food," Quick as thought
the great-hearted chief of staff dreAv out his purse and tossed it to
the man, and Avith a rapid but cheerful "good-bye" spurred after
liis companions. Crashing, tearing, plunging, rearing through the

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 157
forest dashed the .steed. Poet's song could not be long to cele
brate that daring deed.
Twice they stopped. They Avere on dangerous ground. At
any moment they might come upon the enemy. They were right
on the ground for Avhich Longstreet's column was headed. AVhich
Avould get there first ? A third time they stopped. The roar of
battle Avas A'ery near. They Avere in the greatest peril. Utterly
ignorant of the course of events, since he had been driven frora
A\'idoAy Glenn's, General Garfield did not knoAv but what the
rebel column had passed completely to Thomas's rear and lay di
rectly in front of thera. They changed their course slightly to
the left. Of his own danger Garfield never thought. The great
fear in his mind Avas that he Avould fail to reach Thomas, Avith the
order to take command of all the forces, and with the previous
information of the necessity of a change of front. At last they
reached a cotton field. If the enemy AA'as near, it Avas almost cer
tain death. Suddenly a rifle-ball Avhizzed past Garfield's face.
Turning in his saddle he saAV the fence on the right glittering
Avith murderous rifles. A second later a shower of balls rattled
around the little party. Garfield shouted, " Scatter, gentlemen,
scattei;," and Avheeled abruptly to the left. Along that side of the
field Avas a ridge. If it could be reached, they Avere safe. The
two orderlies never reached it. Captain Gano's horse Avas shot
through the lungs, and his OAvn leg broken by the fall. Garfield
Avas now the single target for the enemy. His oavu horse received
tAVO balls, but the noble animal kept straight on at its terrific
speed. General Garfield speaking of it afterwards said that his
thought Avas divided betAveen poor Thomas and his young wife
and child in the little home at Hiram. AVith a fcAv more leaps he
gained the ridge, unhurt. Captain Gano painfully crawling on the
ground finally gained the ridge himself
General Thomas Avas still a mile aAvay. In ten minutes Gar
field Avas at his side, hurriedly explaining the catastrophe at noon.
They stood on a knoll overlooking the field of battle. The horse
Avhich had borne Garfield on his memorable ride, dropped dead
at his feet while the chief of staff told Thomas the situation.

158 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
There Avas no time to be lost. Hurrying down to his right, Gen
eral Thomas found that a considerable portion of the center had
sAvung around like a door to oppose Longstreet's advance. For
an hour or more his columns had flung themselves Avith desper
ate fury on this line so unexpectedly opposed to them. Hour after
hour these lines had held hira at bay. The slaughter Avas terri
ble. But this could not last. There was no uniforra jjlan in this
accidental battle front. There AA'ere great chasms in it. The Con
federate forces Avere diverging to their left toAvard the Dry Valley
road, and AVOuld soon flank this line. But Thomas Avas a great
commander. AVithout a moment's delay his line of battle Avas
AvithdraAvn to a ridge in the form of a horse-shoe. The main front
was iiOAV at right angles Avith that of the morning; that is, it lay
across the RossA'ille road instead of parallel Avith it, Thomas's
troops Avere uoav arranged in a three-quarter circle. They scarce
ly numbered twenty-flA-e thousand. Around this circle, as around
a little island, like an ocean of fire, raged a Confederate army of
sixty thousand troops. OverAvhelmed by numbers. General
Thomas still held the horse-shoe ridge, through Avhich lay the
RossA-ille road. The storm of battle raged Avith fearful poAver,
The line of heroes seemed again and again about to be SAvalloAved
up in the encircling fire. Again and again Longstreet's troops
charged Avith unexampled impetuosity, and as many times Avere
beaten back bruised and bleeding. The crisis of the battle at
half past four in the afternoon, Avhen Longstreet hurled forAvard
his magnificent reserA^e corps, is said to ha\-e rivaled, in tragic im
portance and far-reaching consequences, the supreme moment in
the battle of Gettysburg, Avhen Pickett's ten thousand Virginians,
in solid column, charged upon Cemetery Ridge.
But all the valor and all the fury Avas in vain. " George A.
Thomas," in the Avords of Garfield, " was indeed the ' rock of
Chickamauga,' against which the Avild Avaves of battle dashed in
vain." General Garfield, from the moment of his arrival, had plunged
into the thickest of the fray, AVhen at last the thinned and
shattered lines of gray withdrcAv, leaving thousands of their dead

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA. 159
upon the bloody field, smoked and poAvder-griraed, he Avas person
ally managing a battery of Avhich the chief gunners had been
killed at their post. ToAvards the close of the fight Thoma,s's am
munition ran very Ioav. His ammunition trains had become in
volved with the rout of the right, and Avere miles in the rear at
Rossville. This Avant of ammunition created more fear than the
assaults of the enemy. The last charge Avas repelled at portions
of the line Avith the bayonet alone.
But the hard-earned A'ictory AAas won. The Rossville road
Avas .still held. The masterly skill and coolness of Thomas, Avhen
General Garfield reached him Avith information as to the rest (if
the army, Avhich, it must be remembered, Avas never visible through
the dense forests and jagged ridges of the valley, had saA'cd the Army
of the Cumberland from destruction. After night the exhausted
men AvithdrcAV to Rossville and subsequently to Chattanooga,
A great battle is a memorable experience to one Avho takes part.
There is nothing like it on earth. Henceforth the participant is
different from other men. All his preceding life becomes small and
forgotten after such days as those of Chickamauga. From that day he
feels that he began to Ha'c. AVhen the flames of frenzy Avith Avhich he
Avas possessed subside, they haA-e left their mark on his being. Ordi
narily the fliunes of battle have burnt out many .sympathies. His nat
ure stands like a forest of charred and blackened trunks, once green
and beautiful, A\-aA-ing in their leafy splendor, but through which
the destroying tempest of flre has passed in its mad career of A'enge-
ance. He can neither forget nor forgiA'e the murderous foe. Be
fore the battle he might have exchanged tobacco plugs Avith the man
Avith Avhom he Avoukl have, Avith equal readiness, exchanged shots.
But after the carnage of the battle, after the day of blood and fury,
all this is passed. The last gun is flred on the field of battle.
The last shattered line of heroes AvithdraAvs into the night. The
earth has reeeiA'ed its last baptism of blood for the time-being.
Only burial parties, with Avhite flags, may be .seen picking their
AA'ay among the fallen brave. The actual battle is OA'er forever.
Not so is it Avith the combatant. In his mind the battle goes on
and on. He is perpetually training masked batteries on the foe.

160 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The roar of conflict ncA'er ceases to reverberate in his brain.
Throughout his life, Avhenever recalled ' to the subject of the war,
his mental attitude is that of the battle-field. In his thought the
columns are still charging up the hill. The earth still shakes with
an artillery that is never silenced. The air is still sulphurous with
gunpoAvder smoke. The ranks of the brave and true still fall
around him. Forever is he mentally loading and firing; forever
charging bayonets across the bloody field; forever burying the
fallen heroes under the protection of the flag of truce.
This is the law of ordinary minds. The red panorama of the
Gettysburg and the Chickamauga is forever moving before his
eyes. The Avrench or strain given to his mental being by those
days is too terrific, too aAvful, for any reaction in the average mind.
This fact has been abundantly proven in the history of the last
tAventy years. Chickamauga thus became a new birth to many a ¦
soldier. His life, henceforward, seemed to date from the 19th of
September, 1863. His life AA'as ever aftei-Avard marked 'off by
anniA'er.saries of that day. It is found that many soldiers die on
the anniversary of some great battle in Avhich they Avere partici
pants. Such is the influence mental .states bear upon the physical
organism. Chickamauga AA'as all this to General Garfield. It Avas more
than this to him. He Avas not merely a participant in the battle
of bullets. He Avas also in the battle of brains. The field soldier
certainly feels enough anxiety. His mental experience has enough
of torture to gratify the monarch of hell himself. But the anxieties
of the man at head-quarters are unspeakable. He sees not merely
the actual horrors and the individual danger. He carries on his heart
the responsibility for an army. He is responsible for the thousands
of Ha'cs. a single mistake, a single blunder, a single defectiA'e
plan, Avill forever desolate unnumbered firesides. More than this
he feels. Not only the fate of the army, but the fate of the
country rests in his hand. The burden is crushing. It may be
.said this is only upon the Commander-in-chief. But General
Garfield, as chief of staff, Ave have seen, Avas no figure-head, no
amanuensis. He took the responsibilities of that campaign and

HERO AND GENERAL.— CHICKAMAUGA.

161

battle to his oavu heart. At cA'ery step his genius grappled Avith
the situation. Rosecrans Avas a good soldier; but in nothing A\'as
his ability so exhibited as in selecting Garfield for his confidential
adviser and trusting so fully to his genius.
Thus the battle of Chickamauga entered into Garfield's mental
experience in its greatest
aspects. His profoundly
sympathetic nature Avas
subjected to an incalcu
lable strain. The struggle
of the first day, the begin
ning of the second, the
fatal order, the appalling
catastrophe, the f e a r f u 1
ride, the invincible cour
age of Thomas, the costly
victory, all these things
were incorporated into his
life. He lived years in a
single hour. He Avas only
thirty-one years old. It Avas
only nine years since the
boys at AVilliams College
had laughed at him as a
green-horn ; only seven
years since he had gradu
ated. But the education of Chickamauga gave him age. The maturity
of the mind is not measured by time, but -by experience. Previous
to the Chattanooga campaign. General Garfield Avas a clever man.
After the battle of Chickamauga he was a great man.
Of the general results of the battle, Ave quote from Van Horn's
magnificent but critical History of the Army of the Cumberland :
" AVhatever were the immediate and more local consequences of
" the battle, in its reraote relations and significance, it has claims to
historic grandeur. The Army of the Cumberland, Avithout support
on either flank, had leaped across the Tennessee River and the
11

DIAGRAM OF THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.

162 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
contiguous mountains, and yet escaped destruction, though the
armies of the enemy, east and Avest, Avere made tributary to a com
bination of forces to accomplish this end. Paroled prisoners from
Vicksburg, regular troops from Mississippi and Georgia, a veteran
corps from Lee's army in Virginia, and Buckner's corps from East
Tennessee, joined Bragg on the banks of the Chickamauga, not
simply to retake Chattanooga, but to annihilate the Army of the
Cumberland. Nearly half of Bragg's army consisted of recent
reinforcements, sent to Northern Georgia while the authorities at
Washington, perplexed with the military situation, were resting under
the delusion that General Bragg was reinforcing Lee. But this
heaA'y draft upon the resources of the Confederacy was burdened
Avith the fatality which clung to all the grander efforts of the insur
gents in the Avest, And General Bragg's broken and exhausted
army was a symbol of the fast-coming exhaustion of the Confeder
acy itself The issue of the battle was not thus defined to the
consciousness of the Southern people, but Avas, doubtless, one of the
most emphatic disappointments of the struggle, and intensified the
gloom produced by previous defeats,"
In his report of the battle to the Department of AA'^ar, General
Rosecrans said :
"To Brigadier-General James A. Garfield, chief of staff, I am es
pecially indebted for the clear and ready manner in which he seized the
points of action and movement, and expressed in orders the ideas of the
general commanding."
In relating the historv of General Garfield's military career, no
mention has been made of a fact AA'hich w-as destined to affect his
future. In the fall of 1862, he had been nominated and elected to
Congress from his own district. The thing had been accomplished
in his absence, and almost without his knowledge. His term did
not begin till December, 1863, and his constituents supposed the
war would be over before that time. Garfield himself looked at
the thing with indifference. It did not interfere Avith his service
in the army, could not do so for a long time, and there Avas noth
ing to hurry his decision in the matter. After the Tullahoma

HERO AND GENERAL.— CONGRESS OR THE ARMY ? 163
campaign, in the summer of 1863, Avhen he had had a taste of
successful military strategy, the Congressional question began
to force itself to the surface of his thought. There Avas no
prospect of peace. All his inclinations persuaded him to remain
in the army. But Congress met in December, and he Avould have
to decide.
In this frame of mind, he had a long confidential talk Avith
Rosecrans on the subject. Rosecrans told him he ought to enter
Congress, " I am glad for your sake," said Rosecrans, " that you have a new
distinction, and I certainly think you can accept it with honor ; and, what
is more, I deem it your duty to do so. The Avar is not over yet, nor
Avill it be for some time to come. There Avill be, of necessity, many
questions arising in Congress Avhich will require not alone statesmanlike
treatment, but the advice of men having an acquaintance Avith military
affairs. For this, and other reasons, I believe you Avill be able to do
equally good service to your country in Congress as in the field."
Still General Garfield was undecided, except on one thing:
that Avas to Avait. Meantime the Chattanooga campaign came on,
terminating at Chickamauga. Garfield Avas consumed with mili
tary zeal. He could hardly bear to think of chaining him.self up
to a desk for the monotonous sessions of Congress. All the mil
itary spirit Avhich had blazed in his ancestors reasserted itself in
him. His mind Avas absorbed with the stupendous problems of
Avar which the Rebellion presented. Recognizing Avithin himself
an ability superior to many around and above him for grappling
with questions of strategy, he Avas loath to abandon its exercise.
It was evident, too, that in the presence of the commanding pro
portions of the military fame of successful LTnion generals, any
merely Congressional reputation would be dwarfed and over
shadowed. On the other hand, his brother officers urged him to go to Con
gress. There Avas a painful need of military men there. The
enormous necessities of the army seemed too great to be compre
hended by civilians. All men of soldierly instincts and abilities

164 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avere at the front, and there was danger that the fountain of sup
plies in the Lower House of Congress Avould dry up.
In the midst of these doubts, two Aveeks after the battle of
Chickamauga, he was sumraoned to AVashington. The AVar De
partment demanded a full explanation of the battle which had
cost so many thousand IIa'cs. Garfield Avas knoAvn at AVashington,
and they determined to have from him the complete history of
the campaign, and an explanation of the necessities of the situa
tion. On his way to the Capital he, of course, Avent by the vine-
covered cottage at Hiram, After the carnage and havoc of Avar,
the peaceful fireside seemed a thousand times more dear than ever,
Avorth all the blood and all fhe tears that Avere being shed for it.
During his brief stay at home, his first born, " Little Trot," only
three years of age, was seized with a fatal illness, and carried to the
quiet village cemetery. Oppressed with the priA'ate as Avell as the
public sorroAV, he continued on his journey to AVashington. In
NeAV York City he staid over night Avith an old college friend,
Henry E. Knox, Again he talked over the Congressional ques
tion iu all its bearings. The conversation lasted far into the
night. The friend kneAV the feeling of the country; he kncAV the
need for military men in Congress, and he Avas Avell acquainted
Avith Garfield's ability. His advice to General Garfield Avas to
accept the Congressional seat as a public duty.
But never was a man so unAvilling to accept a place in Congress.
General Garfield felt that he had a career before him if he re
mained in the army, and he wanted to do so. At last he agreed
to submit the question to Mr. Lincoln. " I Avill lay it before him
when I reach AVa.shington, and let his decision settle the matter,"
said he. Garfield felt that his mission to the Capital Avas to save
Rosecrans. AVhen he called on Secretary Stanton, he Avas notified
of his promotion to the rank of major-general, " for gallant and
meritorious services at Chickamauga." This added further com
plexity to the Congressional question. Every detail of the moA'e-
ments of the Army of the Cumberland Avas gone through with by
him before the AVar Department. AVith the aid of maps he made

HERO AND GENERAL.— INTERCEDES FOR ROSECRANS. 165
an elaborate presentation of the facts, from the long delay at Mur
freesboro clear through the Tullahoma and Chattanooga cam
paigns. His expose was masterly. Every thing he could do Avas
done to save his chief. Montgomery Blair, one of the ablest men
at the Capital, after listening to General Garfield's presentation of
the facts, said to a friend, "Garfield is a great man," President
Lincoln said : " I haA'e ncA'cr understood so fully and clearly the
necessities, situation, and movements of any army in the field,"
But it Avas in \-ain. Stanton Avas firm, Rosecrans had. to go.
His obstinate refusals to advance from Murfreesboro ; his testy
and almost insulting letters ; his violent temper, and uncontrol
lable stubbornness had ruined him long before Chickamauga. He
had broken Avith the Commander-in-chief as well as Avith Secre
tary Stanton. He had said that he regarded certain suggestions
fVom the Department " as a profound, grievous, cruel, and ungener
ous official and personal Avrong." The powerful enemies which he
thus made only Avaited for an opportunity to destroy him. That
opportunity came Avith the fatal order at Chickamauga, the rout
of the right Aving, the loss of presence of mind, and the ride to
the rear. This last stood in painful contrast Avith General Gar
field's dangerous and heroic ride to the front. It Avas admitted
that the strategy of the campaigns was splendid, Napoleonic, It
could not be denied that the mistake as to the enemy's Avhere-
abouts after the evacuation of Chattanooga originated in the dis
patches from AVashington. No matter. Rosecrans Avas relieved,
and the chief of staff, whom Stanton correctly belicA'cd to have
been very largely the originator of the strategic advance, Avas pro
moted. His immediate duty at AVashington being discharged, General
Garfield laid the question of the seat in Congress before the man
who, perhaps, felt more sympathy and appreciation for and with
him than any other, because, like himself, Garfield sprang from
poverty, Abraham Lincoln. The great, grave President thought
it over, and finally said:
"The Republican majority in Congress is very small, and it is often
doubtful whether avb can carry the necessary war measures; and, besides.

166 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Ave are greatly lacking in men of military experience in the House to regu
late legislation about the army. It is your duty, therefore, to enter
-Congress, at any rate for the present.''
This, for the time being, settled the matter, AVith the under-
standins: that his rank Avould be restored if he desired to return
to the army, General Garfield reluctantly resigned his new major-
generalshij), a position Avhose salary Avas double that of a Congress
man, in order to enter on the following day the House of Repre-
scntatiA-es, The greatest men seem often to have been those Avho were
suddenly lifted out of the career of life Avhich they had chosen,
and to Avhich they seemed to be preeminently adapted, and forced,
as it Avere, by th^ exigencies of the times, into a new channel,
Julius Csesar, Avhose lofty character, unapproachable genius, and
sorroAvful death, are hardly equalled in the annals of any age or
country, had chosen for himself the career of a civil and religious
officer of state. His chosen field was in the stately .sessions of
the Roman Senate, or before the turbulent multitudes of the
forum. It Avas said of hiin by his enemies, that in speaking he
excelled those Avho practiced no other art. It was said that, had
he continued in his chosen career, he Avould have outshone, in his
eloquence, every orator whose name and fame has been transmitted
by Rome to later generations. But from this career he was unex
pectedly taken. The dangers to the state from the Gallic tribes,
and the restless Roman appetite for conquest, required a military
leader. ^Vlmo-t by accident Caesar was draAvn aAvay from the sen
ate and the forum to take up the profession of arms.
Unlike the great Roman, Garfield, under the stress of public
necessity, AA-as almost by accident withdraAA'u from the career of
arms, in AA-hich it may be truly said of him that he, too, excelled
those Avho practiced no other art, to enter upon the career of a
legislator. Ca?sar exchanged the assembly for the camp, Avhile the
great American left the camp for the assembly. Each did so at
the call of the state, and each Avas to become, in his new field, the
master spirit of his generation.

IN THE ASCENDANT.-IN CONGRESS. 167

CHAPTER VI,
IN THE ASCENDANT,
In the New World man climbs the rugged steep
And talces the forefront by the force of will
And daring purpose in him.
ON the 5th of December, 1863, General Garfield took his seat
in the Thirty-Eighth Congress. The reader who has gone
over the preceding chapter will knoAV in part what brought him
there, and will be prepared to judge what Avas expected of him.
But in order clearly to understand what actually was to be looked
for from this Congressional neophyte, it will be of advantage to
consider ivho sent Garfield to the House. Congressmen generally
represent their districts; and a people may not unfairly be judged
by their average representation in Congress.
AA'hat kind of a constituency, then, Avas that Avhich, for nine
times the space that measures the term of a Congressman, and an
equal number of times the space that raeasures the political life
of many a Congressman, kept James A. Garfield in that place
without a moment's intermission? AVe would probably make no
mistake if Ave should describe them from our knowledge of him.
But let us take the mathematician's method and verify our conclu
sion by a reverse process.
Twelve counties in the north-eastern corner of the State of Ohio
are popularly grouped together and called the AVestern Reserve.
They are the very Canaan of that great commouAvealth ; or, at
least, corae so near it that they can be described as a land Aoav-
ing with wine and railk, — for grape culture is one of their im
portant industries, and their dairies are famous. Of the nearly
tAventy-five million pounds of cheese annually produced in Ohio,
ninety-five per cent, is made in the AVestern Resei'A-e.
The Greeks had a story that their god Jupiter, Avhen an infant,

168 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD. .
Avas tumbled doAvn from the heavens to a secluded place on earth,
where he Avas carefully Avatched Avhile he grew. It shall be our
easy task to shoAv that the AVestern Reserve is a good place for a
public man to groAv in and make preparation to rule in a higher
sphere. The Reserve is a place of great natural resources, and, under
almost any conditions, AA'ould have a Avell-to-do population. Butj
it is not advantages of this kind Avhicli make it an unusually good
place for the growth of a great man. If Ave should presume to say
so, all the facts of hi.story would rise to protest its falsity. The arts
and literature and eloquence and political glory of Athens and
her sister states clung close to barren hill-sides. Switzerland rose
to be the first free state of Europe among the ivild fastnesses of
her unfertile mountains. The American Revolution was fought
out and the Union established by the finest generation of states
men and Avarriors ever produced on the continent, before the ex
tent or the Avealth of our broad, level empire was dreamed of.
NeAV England and Virginia were not rich; but they Avere great,
and they Avere free, and so were their statesmen in those days.
The AVestern Reserve Avas largely settled by people of Noav En
gland. And, since it is not the character of the soil, but the com
position of the people, Avhich chiefly influences the man who grows
there, it will be profitable to see of Avhat sort these settlers and
their descendants Avere,
One of the first things the first settlers of the AA^estern Reserve
did Avas to build a church. They brought the plan of their
altars with them. Religion Avas the corner-stone of their neAV
civilization. Religion Avas the solid rock on which they built a
high morality and an earnest intelligence, SomehoAV or other
they rested calmly on a God avIio made the forest his temple, and
walked through it Avith them to the very end of the earth. They
have their religion Avith them to this day, and it seems to round
out their lives to a fuller completeness, and gives them solidity of .
character, and with its divinely sanctioned maxims creates such a
standard of morality as a good man Avould aspire to to make his
rule of life. This kind of community is a good place in which

IN THE ASCENDANT.— THE WESTERN RESERVE. 169
to 'groAV a public man, if you want him to hold fast to principle
unchangeably at all times.
The very next thing after a church, Avhen this district Avas set
tled, came the common school. The race of Avhich the settlers
came Avas brainy. TTieir families always had more than a thim
bleful of sense apiece. Hence the demand for education, and,
therefore, a school-house and a school-teacher. These schools
have grown and multiplied. The Reserve has not only common-
schools, but colleges, Avhich are already first-class, and are des
tined to become famous seats of learning. The nation itself has
corae to recognize iu the people of the Reserve a higher average
of intelligence than exists anyAvhere in the Union, except in a
very few sections. Here is a very good place to seek for a public
man who shall have the kind of intellect to grapple with great
questions of statesmanship, and master them.
The Reserve was first peopled by a set of men Avho were not
only religious, moral, and intelligent ; but Avho possessed in them
selves two requisites of a great people — courage and strength.
Their oavu ancestors had braved untold dangers in coming to the
American shores, and had endured hardships and privations in
numerable to gain a footing on the rocky coast. Upborne by the
tradition of these experiences, the pilgrimage and the Avork of
founding a new State had been gone over by them again. They
were a race Avho sailed unknoAvn .seas, climbed unexplored mount
ains to get into a ucav country, and cut doAA'ii a primeval forest.
Their descendants Avould be neither pigmies nor poltroons. This
Avould certainly be a fine place for the production of a statesman
Avho Avould haA'e the courage to stand by his convictions and the
poAver to successfully push his measures through.
The political institutions and political habits of this people de
serve consideration. They brought their ideas of how to con
struct and conduct a State frora Ncav England, Avhere the town is
a political unit, and the tOAvn-meeting a great event. So, from
the very earliest time, the Reserve has been a region Avhere every
body Avas personally interested in public affairs. They put a man
in office because they thought, on actual investigation, that he Avas

170 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
equal to its duties. And, more than that, they held their appoint
ees to strict account. The unfortunate man who proved incapable
or dishonest never got their support again, and never heard the
last of their censures. These causes have made their political his
tory good reading. Its chapters are pure and strong and healthy.
The Nineteenth Congressional District of Ohio,, at the time of
Garfield's election, included six counties — Portage, Ashtabula,
Lake, Geauga, Trumbull, and Mahoning. They are the eastern
half of the AA'estern Reserve, Before Garfield's first election this
district had been represented for many years by Joshua R. Gid-
dings, "one of the ablest antislavery leaders of the period just be
fore the Avar.
In 1858, Giddings Avas displaced. Overconfidence in his hold
on the people had made him a little reckless, and an ambitious
politician took advantage of the opportunity, A flaAV, very slight
indeed, AAas searched out in Giddings's record. It was proved
that his mileage fees Avere in excess of what the shortest route
to AVashington required. He had raade the people pay his ex
penses to New York. The convention having been skillfully
Avorked up on this peccadillo of its old favorite, a Mr. Hutchins
Avas sent to Congress in his stead.
A little time only Avas required to display the difference betAveen
Mr. Hutchins and his predecessor. Mr. Giddings Avas requested
at the next election to return. But that old patriot had been re
warded by the Government Avith a consulate at Montreal, and pre
ferred to remain there; Avhich he did until his death in 1864. In
this situation the people of the Nineteenth District began to
search for a man who could represent them according to their de
sire. They felt that it Avas due to themselves and to the Nation
that they send to Congress a leader; some man Avith ability and
force sufficient to deal Avith the great questions of the day, and
solve the problems of the Avar.
At such a time as this, all eyes turned to the brilliant young
General, James A. Garfield. His legislative abilities had been
tested in the Ohio legislature just before the Avar, and his record
there was an assurance of his fitness. He was a scholarly man ; a

IN THE ASCENDANT.— REVIEW OF CONGRESSES. 171
forcible speaker; and one Avhose experience in the field was not
only honorable to himself, but gave him a knoAvledge of military
affairs Avhich would be exceedingly useful in the condition of na
tional affairs at that time. The election occurred in 1862, more
than a year before the man elected could take his place. The
war, they supposed, would be over by that time, so that Garfield's
service in the field Avould not be left incomplete. He Avas himself
a perfect illustration of his oavu saying, " Be fit for more than the
thing you are uoav doing." And thus it happened that, Avithout
the least expression of such a desire, General Garfield Avas sent to
Congress by the general and hearty Avishes of his constituents.
Now into what kind of an arena Avas it that these people sent
their champion to stand for them? AVhat Avas its composition, and
what had been its character in past times? In ansAvering these
questions, Ave are helped by an article Avritten by Garfield for the
Atlantic Monthly of July, 1877, wherein he says:
"The limits of this article will not allow me to notice the changes in
manners and methods in Congress since the administration of the elder
Adams. Such a revicAV would bring before us many striking characters
and many stirring scenes.
" In the long line of those who have occupied seats in Congress, we
should see, here and there, rising above the undistinguished mass, the
figures of those great men Avhose lives and labors ha\-e made their country
illustrious, and whose influence .upon its destiny will be felt for ages to
come. AVe should see that group of great statesmen whom the last war
with England brought to public notice, among whom Avere Ames and
Randolph, Clay and Webster, Calhoun and Benton, AVright and Prentiss,
making their era famous by their statesmanship, and creating and de
stroying political parties by their fierce antagonisms. AVe should see the
folly and barbarism of the so-called code of honor, destroying noblemen
in the fatal meadow of Bladensburgh. AVe should see the spirit of lib
erty awaking the conscience of the nation to the sin and danger of slav
ery, whose advocates had inherited and kept alive the old anarchic spirit
of disunion. AVe should trace the progress of that great struggle from
the days Avhen John Quincy Adams stood in the House of Representa
tives, like a lion at bay, defending the sacred right of petition; Avhen,
after his death, Joshua R. Giddings continued the good fight, standing

172 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
at this post for twenty years, his white locks, like the plume of Henry
of Navarre, always showing where the battle for freedom raged ^ost
fiercely; when his small band in Congress, reinforced by Hale and
Sumner, AVade and Chase, Lovejoy and Stevens, continued the struggle
amid the most turbulent scenes ; Avhen daggers were brandished and pis
tols were drawn in the halls of Congress; and, later, when, one by one,
the senators and representatives of eleven States, breathing defiance and
uttering maledictions upon the Union, resigned their seats and left the
Capitol to take up arms against their country. AVe should see the Con
gress of a people long unused to Avar, Avhen confronted by a supreme
danger, raising, equipping, and supporting an army greater than all the
armies of Napoleon and Wellington combined : meeting the most diffi
cult questions of international and constitutional law; and, by new forms
of taxation, raising a revenue which, in one year of the war, amounted
to more than all the national taxes collected during the first half century
of the Government."
All this we should see, and more. And it Avas to help com
plete the gigantic tasks of Congress during this momentous time
that Garfield was sent there. The House of Representatives con
tained many able men, but raost of these belonged to a closing pe
riod. They had groAvn up in opposition, not in administration.
A neAV group of men was uoav about to take the lead, and recon
struct the Union on a foundation AA-hose corner-stone should be
Union and Liberty, instead of Slavery and State Rights. The
old generation of leaders Avere still there Avith their Avisdom and
valuable experience; but the spirit of a ucav era uoav came in,
Avhich should outlive Thaddeus StcA^ens and his compeers. About
this time there came into Congress, Blaine and Boutwell and
Conkling and — Garfield, destined to do more than any of them in
restoring prosperity, peace, public justice, and, above all, a har
monious Union, Avhich this age shall not again see broken.
The usefulness of a legislator has in all times been popularly
ascribed to his work in the open assembly. But this was never
Avholly true, and in no existing legislature in the Avorld is it even
half true at this day. Public business of this sort is so vast and
so complicated that no assembly can give it all a fair considera
tion. To remedy this trouble we have the committee .system,

IN THE ASCENDANT.— ON THE MILITARY COMMITTEE. 173
whereby special study by a feAV informs the many Avho rely upon
their reports and merely pass upon their recommendations.
A member of Congress can not be judged by the figure he presents
on the floor of the House. He may say nothing there, and yet be
author of important measures the mere public advocacy of Avhich
is making some other man a national reputation. James A. Gar
field Avas, from the first of his Congressional career, a leader in
debate; but the story Avould be only half told if mention Avere
omitted of the Avonderful industry displayed by him on the vari
ous great committees Avhere his abilities gave, him place.
AVhen the Thirty-Eighth Congress opened, the Avar Avas not yet
ended — a fact Avhich many an utterer of unfulfilled prophecy and
many a broken heart deplored. The most important committee
of all Avas still the Military Committee. It Avas composed as fol-
loAVS : Robert C. Schenck, of Ohio ; John F. Farnsworth, of Illi
nois; George H. Teaman, of Kentucky; James A. Garfield, of
Ohio ; Benjamin Loan, of Missouri ; Moses F. Odell, of Ncav
York; Henry C. Doming, of Connecticut; F, AV, Kellogg, of
Michigan ; Archibald McAllister, of Peun.sylvania.
Although Garfield's name comes fourth here, he really Avas in
tended as second by the Chairman. Mr. Schenck had requested
Speaker Colfax to put him on, under a belief that he Avould be
an invaluable heljj to himself AVe have been scA'cral times re
quired to notice a happy faculty AA'hich Garfield had of inspiring
the faith in himself of those Avith Avhom he came in contact, by
some striking act Avhich shoAved them that he AA'as not an ordinary
man. This Avas not intentional, but simply the spontaneous shin
ing forth of light Avhich Avas in the man. Almost the first session.
of the Committee on Military Affairs brought out just such an
incident :
It had then been only a .short time since the science of anaes
thetics had groAvn into some importance by the use of chloroform
and ether. In the hospitals of the army it was very common.
As is usual with inventions and discoveries, there Avas a struggle
going on for the profit and honor of the discoA'cry. Dr. Morton,
a dentist, and others, were petitioning Congress, each as the dis-

174 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
coverer of chloroform, for some kind of appropriation or arrange
ment by Avhich they might be rcAvarded for the services they had
done for our soldiers in thus alleviating their sufferings. The
petitions Avere referred to this committee. The members all, ex
cept Garfield, declined to investigate it, on the ground that they
kncAV nothing about such an obscure topic. Garfield only ob
served that he thought the claim remarkable. Not knoAving what
else to do, the Chairman referred it to him, expecting not to hear
of it again.
At the next meeting he had a scientific and thoroughly Avritten
report ready, exhausting the Avhole subject. On request, the mat
ter Avas explained. Garfield had a Avay of supplementing his reg
ular line of studies by having always some unusual and out-of-the-
way topic on hand to amuse his leisure hours. Not long before
this he had accidentally come across a book on anaesthesia, and
his investigations had made him ready for the unforeseen report
in committee. All knoAvledge is useful. After this the committee
was not afraid of strange topics. They Avere given over to the man
Avho kncAv anaesthesia, and then they considered the subject set
tled. As one man said, — " Good Lord ! Avhat AA'ould he not knoAv?"
General Garfield's time was uoav devoted to public business.
Every subject likely to come before his committee was investi
gated through all the avenues of information. He set himself a
Avide course of reading on finance, on constitutional law, and a
great group of kindred subjects. These Avere studied in the Gar
field Avay, Avhich Avas to read all the literature he could find on a
topic, or that could in any way affect the discussion thereof It
AA'as this prodigious labor, matching his capacity for keeping the
run of what would have overwhelmed most men with confusion,
that made him at the same tirae a remarkably ready and a won
derfully reliable man, either in committee or as a speaker on the
floor of the House.
General Garfield had not been in Congress two Aveeks before
his occasional brief statements began to attract attention. Of
course it was not till after a considerable period that he became a
recognized leader; but his force began to be felt very soon, and

IN THE ASCENDANT.— THE BOUNTY QUESTION. 175
greAV every day until, by .steady development of his abilities and
his influence, he flnally reached the summit of poAver, as leader of
his party in the Lower House of Congress.
AVe have seen that he was not a politician in the popular meaning
of the Avord. He had been sent to Congress rather against than Avith
his inclinations, and Avas above posturing and plotting for reelection.
Even after he had reluctantly given up his commission as Major-
General in the army, he AAas ready to return on call. In fact, he
did once almost determine on going back. General Thomas, having
succeeded Rosccrans in his command, Avrote a private letter asking
Garfleld to accept the command of a corps in his army. The offer
was tempting, ^and duty seemed to point the Avay. Mr. Lincoln,
hoAvever, Avas having trouble to get his measures through Con
gress, and needed support. On his statement that Garfield Avould
confer a personal favor by remaining Avhere he Avas, the change
was not made.
This Avas not the kind of man to stultify himself for the sake
of public favor; and therefore it is not surprising to find his
first speech on record opposed to the Avhole House, It was on
the " Bounty Question." At this tirae in the Avar, volunteering
had become so rare a thing that new measures had to be devised
to keep up the ever-dAvindling ranks of the army. Tavo methods
were advocated. One was to draft men forcibly, and put thera
into the service; the other Avas to induce men to A'olunteer by
payment of a bonus for enlistment. Out of these two principles
a hybrid policy had been formed, resulting in the Conscription
Act, of March 3, 1863, This act provided for a draft, but allowed
a commutation in money, which Avas fixed at three hundred dol
lars. In addition, thirteen exceptions Avere alloAved by which the
draft could be escaped. To compensate for these losses, three hun
dred dollars bounty money A\'as given to every raw recruit, and
four hundred dollars to every reenlisted veteran. The result of all
which was a rapidly decreasing army. The Government urged
stronger measures ; and it Avas before these measures had been
perfected that an incident occurred in which General Garfield first
indicated his opinions on the subject.

176 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
According to a laAV passed, the bounties above mentioned could
be paid only up to. January 5, 1864. On January 6th, the Military
Committee reported a joint resolution to continue this limit over
till March 1st. Mr. Garfield did not approve of the resolution,
although "eyery man in the House seemed against him. His rea
sons are given in the Congressional Globe, Avherein the following
is reported :
Me. Garfield. — " Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was not able to
meet Avith the Military Committee Avhen this resolution Avas under con
sideration. I did not reach the city until a few hours before the House
met this morning; but if I understand the matter correctly from the
public journals, the request of the President and the War Department
Avas to continue the payment of bounties until the 1st of February
next ; but the resolution before the House proposes to extend the pay
ment until the 1st of Jlarch. And Avhile the President asks us to
continue the payment of bounties to veteran \-olunteers only, the reso
lution extends it to all volunteers, whether veterans or raw recruits.
If the resolution prevails, it seems to me Ave shall swamp the finances
of the GoA-ernment before the 1st of March arrives. I can not consent
to a measure which authorizes the expenditure of so vast a sum as
Avill be expended under this resolution, unless it be shown absolutely
indispensable to the AVork of filling up the army. I am anxious that
A-eteraus should volunteer, and that liberal bounties should be paid to
them. But if we extend the payment to all classes of volunteers for
two months to come, I fear Ave shall swamp the Government.
"Before I vote for this resolution, I desire to know whether the Gov
ernment is determined to ibandon the draft. If it be its policy to raise
an army solely by volunteering and paying bounties, Ave have one line
of policy to pursue. If the conscription laAv is to be any thing but a
dead letter on the statute book, our line of policy is a very different
one. I ask the gentleman from Illinois to inform me what course is to
be adopted. I am sorry to see in this resolution the indication of a timid
and vascillating course. It is unAvorthy the dignity of our Govern
ment and our army to use the conscription act as a scarecrow, and the
bounty system as a bait, to alternately scare and coax men into the army.
' ' Let us give liberal bounties to veteran soldiers who may reenlist,
and for raAv recruits use the draft."

IN THE ASCENDANT.— DISSATISFIED CONSTITUENTS. 177
After some further discussion the vote Avas taken, resulting in
yeas 112, nays 2. iNIr. Grinnell, of loAva, made the second nega
tive, changing his vote after Garfield had voted.
Soon afterAvards a letter came to General Garfield, signed by
tAventy of his constituents, censuring his action, and demanding
his resignation. They Avere only ansAvered that he held their let
ter, and that Avithin a year they Avould all agree with Avhat he had
done. Before the year clo.sed, there AA-as a cr(),ss opposite each
man's name, denoting the fulfillment of the General's prophecy.
This action also attracted the admiring attention of Salmon P,
Chase, Avho soon afterward congratulated him, but at the same time
coupled his praises Avitli a good piece of advice. ^Ir. Chase liked
to see a man exhibit great firmness, but Avarned his young friend
that such antagonism to his party Avould better be indulged spar
ingly. It Avould seem that the advice Avas unnecessary to Garfield,
however, as he AA-as not a factious man. He simply had the courage
of his convictions. On this point Ave find that Garfield never fails
to meet our expectations, no matter Avhat the opposition :
" But, lilie a rock unmoved, a rock that braves
The raging tempest and the rising waves,
Propp'd on himself, he stands."
Legislation on the enrollment of soldiers Avas yet to come, Avhich
should be more seA-ere than any Ave had known. The .system of
bounties proved a failure. We had attempted coercion on the
States, and the only AAay to succeed Avas by further coercion of our
OAvn citizens. It AA'as a hard thing to corae to, and the people Avere
unwilling. Congressmen Avere afraid of the coming fall election
of 1864. Finally, early in June, Mr. Lincoln sought an intervicAV
with the INIilitary Committee. He told them that the army had
in it only three-quarters of a million men ; three hundred and eighty
thousand were Avithin a fcAv months of the end of their term of
service. These places must be filled, and a laAV framed for the pur
pose at once. The committee expressed its opinion of the political
danger : " Mr. Lincoln, such a laAv Avill defeat you for President."
Then a light shone out from that great homely countenance, the
12

178 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
tall form Avas draAvn grandly to its full height, as the answer was
given. ]Mr. Lincoln said that his business was to put down the
Rebellion, no matter Avhat the danger. Grant and Sherman were
on the verge of victory; their strength must be kept up, and the
struggle ended quickly.
Accordingly, a bill Avas prepared after the President's oavu plan.
Many of the draft exemptions of the existing hiAV Avere taken away
by it ; commutation-money AA-as no longer to be reeeiA'ed, and CA-ery
possible facility Avas to be afforded for compelling men to enlist.
But peace Democrats, united Avith coAA'ardly Congressmen of the
Republican party, together voted out the most effectiA'e clauses of
the UCAV bill. ^
This would ncA'er do. The friends of the bill reconstructed it,
and determined to put it through. On the 21st of June, the effort
Avas made. General Garfield was, perhaps, more intensely wrought
up on the subject, than any man except Lincoln ; and he made a
great speech, a speech replete Avith learning, logic, and eloquence.
This bill Avas the result of conditions in national affairs AA'hich he
had long foreseen; he had prophesied, at the time of his A'ote
against extending bounties, that the end of such extension would
be ruin to the Union cause. That ruin Avas uoav impending, and
all his energies Avere bent toAA'ard averting the CA'il, Hear this
closing appeal:
"I ask gentlemen who op])ose this repeal, Avhy they desire to make it
easy for citizens to escape from military duty ? Is it a great hardship
to serve one's country? Is it a disgraceful service? AVill you, by your
action here, say to the soldiers in the field, ' This is a disreputable busi
ness ; you have been deceived ; you have been caught in a trap, and Ave
Avill make no law to put any body else in it'? Do you thus treat your
soldiers in the field? They are proud of their voluntary service, and if
there be one Avish of the army paramount to all others, one message
more earnest than all the others Avhieh they send back to you, it is that
you Avill aid in filling up their battle-thinned ranks by a draft Avhich
Avill compel lukewarm citizens Avho prate against the Avar to go into the
field. They ask that you Avill not expend large bounties in paying men
of third-rate patriotism, while they went Avith no other bounty than their

IN THE ASCENDANT.— SPEECH UPON CONFISCATION. 179
love of country, to Avhich they gave their young lives a free offering, but
that you will compel these eleventh-hour men to take their chances in
the field beside them. Let us grant their request, and, by a steady and
persistent effort, Ave shall, in the end, be it near or remote, be it in one
year or ten, croAvn the nation Avith victory and enduring peace.''
In the sequel, this bill passed; a grand reinfnrcenient of fiA^e
hundred thousand men soon secured the supremacy of the Union,
and Father Abraham Avas thus enabled to finish his immortal
work. Early in the first session of the Thirty-Eighth Congress, the
subject of confiscation was pretty thoroughly discussed. House
Resolution No, 18 was offered, so amending a resolution of the
preceding Congress that no punishment or proceeding under it
should be so construed as to make a forfeiture of the estate of
the offender, except during his life. Out of this little motion there
grcAv a great crop of controversy, and among others, General
Garfield took part. His main speech, the first lengthy address he
ever raade in Congress, Avas delivered on January 28, 1864. Mr,
Finck, of Ohio, had just sat down at the close of a long set
speech, Av-hen Garfield arose and began in these Avords :
"Mr. Speaker, I had not intended to ask the attention of the House
or to occupy its time on this question of confiscation at all, but some
things have been said, touching its military aspects, which make it proper
for me to trespass upon the patience of the House. Feeling that, in some
small degree, I represent on this floor the Army of the Republic, I am
the more emboldened to speak to this subject before us.
"I have been surprised that in so lengthy and able a discussion, so
little reference has been made to the merits of the resolution itself. In
the wide range of discussion, the various theories of the legal and polit
ical status of the rebeUiQus States have been examined. It Js, perhaps,
necessary that we take ground upon that question, as preliminary to the
discussion of the resolution itself. Tavo theories, widely differing from
each other, haA'e been proposed; but I can not consider either of them as
wholly correct. I can not agree with the distinguished gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Stevens,) who acknowledges that these States are out
of the Union, and now constitute a foreign people ; nor can 1, on the

180 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
other hand, agree Avith those Avho believe that the insurgent States are
not only in the Union, but have lost none of their rights under the Con
stitution and laAvs of the Union.
" AVhen the Government of the United States declared that Ave were
in a ,?tate of war, the rebel States came under the laAVS of Avar. By their
acts of rebellion and Avar, they had sAvept aAvay every vestige of their
civil and political rights under the C(mstitution of the United States.
Their obligations still remained; but the reciprocal rights, Avhich usually
accompany obligations, they had forfeited.
"The question then lies open before us: In a state of Avar, under the
laws of Avar, is this resolution legal and politic ? I insist, Mr. Speaker,
that the question involved in the resolution before this House, is Avhether
this Government, in its exercise of its rights of a belligerent under the
laws of war, can not punish these rebels and confiscate their estates, both
personal and real, for life and forever. That is the only question
before us.
"I conclude by returning once more to the resolution before us. Let
no weak sentiments of misplaced sympathy deter us from inaugurating a
measure, which Avill cleanse our nation and make it the fit home of free
dom and glorious manhood. Let us not despise the severe Avisdom of
our reA'olutionary fathers Avhen they served their generation in a similar
way. Let the Republic dri\'e from its soil the traitors that haA'e con
spired against its life, as God and His angels drove Satan and his host
from heaven. He Avas not too merciful to be just, and to hurl down in
chains and everlasting darkness the 'traitor angel' Avho rebelled against
Him." In tlicse clear words Ave may find already a development of that
independent, yet ahvays moderate AA-ay of regarding things AA-hich
no reader of Garfield's great speeches of later date can fail to
notice. AVhile other men Avasted time in reasoning on the Avords
of the Constitution, and their effect on the status of the Southern
States, this incisive intellect cut right through all extremes, and
from a plain view of the facts, he said that the South Avas not out
of the Union ; and although it was in the Union, it did not have
"the reciprocal rights which usually accompany obligations." And
this was statesmanship.

IN THE ASCENDANT.- SPEECH OF THE SESSION. 181
In March, 1864, the Committee on Military Affairs reported
a bill " to declare certain roads military roads, and post roads, and
to regulate commerce," Its principal object, as far as the Gov
ernment was concerned, Avas to enlarge its facilities of communi
cation betAveen AVashington, Philadelphia, and New York, The
only existing postal route betAveen the commercial Capital and
the political Capital, Avas by the Camden and Amboy Railroad.
This bill was presented on petition of the Raritan and Delaware
Bay Railroad Company, asking that it be given similar rights to
those held by the Camden and Amboy; Avhich latter road of
course used all its influence to defeat the measure. .Both the
poAver and the duty of Congress to pass the bill were violently
assailed and denied.
Mr. Garfield faA-ored its passage, and made a speech on the sub
ject which ran through parts of tAvo days, March 24 and 31,
This address Avas A-ery poAverful, and Avas called by some mem
bers " the speech of the session."
The main question, as raised by the friends of that road them
selves, was Avhether Congress could rightfully interfere Avith a
State railroad monopoly which did not confine its operations
within the limits of that State. The GoA'ernor of Ncav Jersey had
issued a proclamation referring to this matter, and speaking of his
State as " soA'ereign." These were but the first mutterings of a
great storm Avhich Avas to follow. Their significance ^vas recog
nized. It was to these points that Mr, Garfield addressed himself. The
Camden and Amboy Company he named as a sweeping and com
plete monopoly, made so by the State of Ncav Jersey, The State's
right to create corporations was undoubted. But it could haA'e
no sovereignty sufficient to destroy the power of the United States,
and especially so outside of the State limits. Equal rights with
this monopoly should be given to the Raritan and DelaAvare Bay
Company at any time on petition, and certainly now when the fa
cilities for transportation Avere not equal to the needs of the Gov
ernment.

182 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Surely the GoA-ernment, at such a tirae as this, had paramount
authority to jirovide for its oavu necessities.
Ou the 8th of April, 1864, the House of Representatives re
solved itself into the Committee of the Whole upon the State of
the Union, Avhereupon ilr. Alexander Long, of Cincinnati, Ohio,
• took the floor, and, iu a speech of much bitterness, arraigned the
administration, not for its conduct of the war, tut for carrying on
the Avar at all. "An unconstitutional war can only be carried on in
an unconstitutional manner," said Mr. Long. His demand now
AAas for peace. This Avas the first sound of Democratic prepara
tion for the Presidential election, the key-note of their campaign.
Mr. Long said :
"Mr. Chairman, I speak to-day for the preservation of the Govern
ment. In the independence of a representative of the people I intend to
proclaim the deliberate convictions of my judgment in this fearful hour
of the country's peril.
" The brief period of three short years has produced a fearful change
in this free, happy, and prosperous government, — so pure in its restraiu-
ments upon personal liberty, and so gentle in its demands upon the re
sources of the people, that the celebrated Humboldt, after traveling
through the country, on his return to Europe said, 'The American people
haA'e a government which you neither see nor feel.' So different is it
now, and so great the change, that the inquiry might Avell be made
to-day, 'Are we not in Constantinople, in St. Petersburg, in A'ienna, in
Rome, or in Paris?' Military governors and their provost marshals over
ride the laAvs, and the echo of the armed heel rings forth as clearly now
in America as in France or Austria ; and the President sits to-day guarded
by armed soldiers at every approach leading to the Executive Mansion.
So far from crushing the rebellion, three years haA'e jiassed away, and
from the day on Avhich the conflict began, up to the present hour,
the Confedei ate army has not been forced beyond the sound of their guns
from the dome of the Capitol in which Ave are assembled."
The remainder of the .speech continued in the same spirit. The _
war could not be put down. Moreover, it was wrong and ought
not to be put doAvn :
"Can the Union be restored by war? I answer most unhesitatingly

IN THE ASCENDANT.— A FIRE IN THE REAR. 183
and deliberately : No, never. War is final and eternal separation. My
first and highest ground against its further prosecution is, that it is wrong.
It is a violation of the Constitution and of the fundamental principles on
which this Union was founded. My second objection is, that as a policy,
it is not reconstructive, but destructive, and Avill, if continued, result speed
ily in the destruction of the Government and the loss of civil liberty, to
both the North and the South, and it ought therefore to immediately
cease  "
These were the sentiments of a Democratic politician in Con
gress; they Avould be scattered broadcast over the Avhole land.
Some of the arguments Avere specious ; they would be echoed from a
thousand platforms during the summer. It Avas incumbent on the
oppo.sition to furnish a speedy and strong reply. AVhen Mr. Long
took his seat, Mr. Garfield arose and said :
"Mr. Chairman: I should be obliged to you if you would direct the
sergeant-at-arms tft bring a white flag and plant it in the aisle between
myself and my colleague who has just addressed you.
"I recollect on one occasion Avhen two great armies stood face to face,
that under a white flag just planted, I approached a company of men
dressed in the uniform of the rebel Confederacy, and reached out my
hand to one of the number, and told him I respected him as a brave
man. Though he Avore the emblems of disloyalty and treason, still, un
derneath his vestments I beheld a brave and honest soul.
"I would produce that scene here this afternoon. I say, were there
such a flag of truce — but God forbid me if I should do it under any
other circumstances — I would reach out this right hand and ask that
gentleman to take it; because I honor his bravery and his honesty. I
believe what has just falten from his lips are the honest sentiments of
his heart, and in uttering it he has made a new epoch in the history of
this war; he has done a neAv thing under the sun; he has done a braA'e
thing. It is braver than to face cannon and musketry, and I honor hira
for his candor and frankness.
"But now, I ask you to take away the flag of truce; and I will go
back inside the Union lines and speak of what he has done. I am re
minded by it of a distinguished character in Paradise Lost. AVhen he
had rebelled against the glory of God, and 'led aAvay a third part of

184 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
heaven's sons, conjured against the Highest;' when, after terrible battles
in Avhich mountains and hills were hurled down ' nine times the space
that measures day and night,' and after the terrible fall lay stretched
prone on the burning lake, — Satan lifted up his shattered bulk, crossed
the abyss, looked down into Paradise, and, soliloquizing, said :
'Which wav I fly is hell, myself am hell;' i
it seems to me in that utterance he expressed ti.e very sentiments to
Avhich you have just listened; uttered by one not less brave, malign, and
fallen. This man gathers up the meaning of this great contest, the
philosophy of the moment, the prophecies of the hour, and, in sight of
the paradise of victory and peace, utters them all in this wail of terrible
despair, ' AVhich Avay I fly is hell.' He ought to add, ' Myself am hell.'
"For the first time in the history of this contest, it is proposed in this
hall to give up the struggle, to abandon the Avar, and let treason run
riot through the land! I Avill, if I can, dismiss feeling from my heart
and try to consider only Avhat bears upon the logic of the speech to Avhich
Ave have just listened.
" First of all, the gentleman tells us that the right of secession is a
constitutional right. I do not propose to enter into the argument. I
have hitherto expressed myself on State sovereignty and State rights,
of Avhich this proposition of his is the legitimate child.
" But the gentleman takes higher ground — and in that I agree Avith
him, namely, that five million or eight million people possess the right
of revolution. Grant it; Ave agree there. If fifty-nine men can make a
revolution successful, they have the right of revolution. If one State
Avishes to break its connection with the Federal Government, and does it
by force, maintaining itself, it is' an independent State. If the eleven
Southern States are resolved and determined to leave the Union, to se
cede, to revolutionize, and can maintain that revolution by force, they
have revolutionary right to do so. I stand on that platform Avith the
gentleman. "And now the question comes, is it our constitutional duty to let them
do it? That is the question. And in order to reach it, I beg to call
your attention, not to argument, but to the condition of affairs that
Avould result from such action — the mere statement of Avhich becomes
the strongest possible argument. AVhat does this gentleman propose?
AVhere will he draAv the line of division? If the rebels carry into seces-

IN THE ASCENDANT.— THE RETURN SHOT. 185
sion what they desire to carry ; if their revolution envelops as many States
as they intend it shall envelop; if they draw the line where Isham G.
Harris, tlie rebel governor of Tennessee, in the rebel camp near our lines,
told Mr. A^allandighani they Avould draw it, — aloni; the line of the Ohio
and Potomac, — if they make good their statement to him, that they Avill
never consent to any other line, then I ask, what is the thing the gen
tleman proposes to do?
"He proposes to leave to the United States a territory reaching from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, and one hundred miles Avide in the center!
From Wellsville on the Ohio to Cleveland on the lakes, is one hundred
miles. I ask you, Mr. Chairman, if there be a man here so insane as to
suppo.se that the American peojile Avill alloAV their magnificent national
proportions to be shorn to so deformed a shape as this?
"Suppose the policy of the gentleman Avere adopted to-day. Let the
order go forth ; sound the 'recall' on your bugles, and let it ring from
Texas to the far Atlantic, and tell the armies to come back. Call the
victorious legions back oyer the battle-field of blood forever now dis
graced. Call them back over the territory Avhich they have conquered.
Call them back, and let the minions of secession chase them with deri
sion and jeers as they come. And then tell them that the man across
the aisle, from the free State of Ohio, gave birth to the monstrous
proposition. "j\[r. Chairman, if such a word should be sent forth through the
armies of the Union, the Avave of terrible vengeance that would sweep
back over this land could never find a parallel in the records of history.
Almost ill the moment of final victory, the 'recall' is sounded by a
craven people not desiring freedom. AVe ought, every man, to be made
a slave should we sanction such a sentiment.
"The gentleman has told us there is no such thing as coercion justifi
able Under the Constitution. I ask him for one moment to reflect, that
no statute ever was enforced without coercion. It is the basis of every
law in the universe, — God's law as well as man's. A law is no law with
out coercion behind it. When a man has murdered his brother, coercion
takes the murderer, tries him, and hangs him. AVhen you levy your
taxes, coercion secures their collection ; it folloAvs the shadow of the thief
and brings him to justice; it accompanies your diplomacy to foreign
courts, and backs a declaration of the nation's right by a pledge of the
nation's poAver. Again, he tells us that oaths taken under the amnesty

186 LIFE OF JAMFS A. GARFIELD.
proclamation are good for nothing. The oath of Galileo Avas not binding
upon him. I am reminded of another oath that Avas taken ; but perhaps
it was an oath on the lips alone to Avhich the heart raade no response.
'• I remember to haA'e stood in a line of nineteen men on that carpet
yonder on the first day of the session, and I remember that another oath
Avas passed round and eacli member signed it as provided by law, utterly
repudiating the rebellion and its pretenses. Does that gentleman not
blush to speak of Galileo's oath? AVas not his own its counterpart?
" He says that the Union can never be restored because of the terri
ble hatred engendered by the war. To prove it, he quotes what some
Southern man said a icAV years ago, that he knew no hatred betAveen
people in the world like that between the North and the South. And
yet that North and South have been one nation for eighty-eight years !
" Have Ave seen in this contest any thing more bitter than the Avars
of the Scottish border ? Have Ave seen any thing more bitter than those
terrible feuds in the days of Edward, Avhen England and Scotland Avere
the deadliest foes on earth? And yet for centuries those countries have
been cemented in an indissoluble union that has made the British nation
one of the proudest of the earth !
" I said a little Avhile ago that I accepted the proposition of the gen
tleman that rebels had a riuht of revolution ; and the decisive issue
between us and the rebellion is, Avhether they shall revolutionize and
destroy, or Ave shall subdue and preserve. AVe take the latter ground.
We take the common Aveapoiis of war to meet them ; and if these be
not sufficient, I would take any element Avhich will overwhelm and
destroy; I Avould sacrifice the dearest and best beloved; I would take
all the old sanctions of law and the Constitution and fling them to the
winds, if necessary, rather than let the nation be broken in pieces and
its people destroyed with endle.^s ruin.
"AVhat is the Constitution that these gentlemen are perpetually fling
ing in our faces whenever Ave desire to strike hard blows against the
rebellion ? It is the production of the American people. They made
it; and the creator is mightier than the creature. The power Avhich
made the Constitution can also make other instruments to do its great
work in the day of dire necessity."
The Presidential campaign of 1864 invoh'ed, in its tremendous
issues, the fate of a Republic. All the forces AA'hich had CA-er an-

IN THE ASCENDANT.— THE WADE-DAVIS MANIFESTO. 187
tagonized the war for the Union Avcre arrayed on the one side;
those Avhich demanded that the Avar be vigorously pursued until
rebellion Avas forever put down, withstood them on the other side.
It Avas a hand-to-hand struggle. Garfield took the stump and ably
advocated the Republican causi'. He traveled nearly eight thou
sand miles, and made sixty-five speeches. Late in the season his
constituents met to nominate a Congressman. Garfield Avas very
popular in the district, which had been pleased Avith his ability
and the patriotic^ s])irit of his conduct.
But, after tho adjournment of Congress, an incident occurred
which caused trouble in the Republican ranks, and seemed likely
to drive him out of the field. The subject of the readmis.sion
of conquered Southern States to the full enjoyment of their politi
cal rights, had occupied the attention of the Thirty-Eighth Con
gress ; and that body, on the day of its adjournment, had passed and
sent for the President's approA'al, a bill providing for the govern
ment of such States. Mr. Lincoln had let the bill go over un
signed till after adjournment; and soon issued a proclamation
referring to the subject, Avhich offended many of the friends of
the bill. Among these were Ben. Wade and AVinter DaA'is, Avho
issued to the public a reply to Mr. Lincoln, censuring hira in very
severe language. The President was therein charged Avith favor
ing a policy subversive of human liberty, unjust to the friends of
the administration, and dangerous to the Republic. This AVade-
Davis manifesto caused a great furore of excitement. AVade and
Davis Avere denounced ; the people Avould hear nothing against
Mr. Lincoln.
AVhen the couA'cntion met at AVarren, Mr. Garfield Avas sent
for. He had been charged by some A\ith the authorship of the
Wade-Davis paper, and by many Avith holding to its views. AVhen
he appeared before them, the chairman stated to hira the charge,
Avith a strong intimation that if he cared for a renomination he
must declare Avar against all disagreement Avith the President's
policy. Then the young general and statesman arose, and steppfed for
ward to face the assembly. They listened to hear their former

188 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
hero explain aAvaA- the terrible opinion attributed to him, and, like
the faAvniug politician he Avas not, trim his sails according to the
jjopular pleasure.
^Ir. Garfield said that he Avas not the author of the manifesto
Avhicli the chairman had mentioned. Only of kite had he read
that great protest. But, having read, he approved; and only re
gretted that there had been any necessity for such a thing. The
facts alleged AVcre ti-uly asserted. This Avas his belief. If they
preferred a represcntatiA'c not of the same mind as himself, they
should by all means hasten to nominate their man.
HaA'ing .somewhat haughtily spoken these braA-e Avords, Ciarfield
took his hat and strode out, Avith the intention <>f returning to his
hotel. As he reached the street, a great sliout Avas heard. "That
sound, no doubt, means my defeat and another's nomination," he
muttered. But, Avith nothing to regret, he Avcnt his Avay.
IMeaiiAvhile, Avhat did the conAciition actually do ".' They Avere
dumb Avith astonishment for a raoment ; a heroic deed had been
done before them, and admiration for the chief actor Avas the up
permost sentiment in OA-ery heart. Then a young man from Ash
tabula called out : " ^Ir. Chairman, I say that the man Avho has
courage enough to oppose a coiiA'cntion like that ought not to be
discarded. I move that James A. Garfield be nominated by ac
clamation," AVithout a dissenting A-oice it Avas done. AVhen elec
tion day came, his majority Avas nearly twelve thousand.
The session of Congress Avliich met in December of 1S(^4 Avas
marked by the great debates on the Thirteenth .Vmendmcnt to the
Constitution, Avliich Avas presented to the States for ratification on
the first of February, ISO-j. Perhaps the strdugcst opposition to
that amendment Avas from George H. Pendleton, nf Ohio. He
spoke against it on the 13th of January. The chief argument Avas
that purely State institutions could not properly be interfered Avith
by the Nation, Avithout the consent of the State or States enncerned.
That this right of a State Avas reserA-ed in the spirit of the ('(in
stitution, just as equal representation iu the Senate Avas secured,
beyond recall, by the letter of that instrument.
To this speech Mr. Garfield made a reply. So ranch of this

IN THE ASCENDANT.— DENOUNCES SLAVERY. 189
reply as touched upon the constitutional power of making such an
amendment may be given further on ; the remainder is such a de
nunciation of slavery, as an institution, as has rarely been equaled
by any of those eloquent men Avhy devoted their lives to its ex
termination. On taking the floor, Mr. Garfield began :
" 3fr. Speiiker: AVe shall never know Avhy slavery dies so hard in this
Republic and in this hall till we know Avhy sin is long-lived and Satan
is immortal. AVith marA'elous tenacity of existence, it. has outlived the
expectations of its friends and the hopes of its enemies. It has been de
clared here and elsewhere to be in the several stages of mortality —
Avounded, moribund, dead. The question Avas raised liy my colleague
[Mr. Cox] yesterday Avhether it Avas indeed dead, or only in a troubled
sleep. I kuow of no better illustration of its condition than is found in
Sallust's admirable history of the great conspirator, Catiline, Avho, Avhen
his final battle Avas fought and lost, his army broken and scattered, Avas
found, far in advance of his OAvn troops, lying among the dead enemies
of Rome, yet breathing a little, but exhibiting in his countenance all the
ferocity of spirit which had characterized his life. So, sir, this body of
slavery lies before us among the dead enemies of the Republic, mortally
Avounded, impotent in its fiendish wickedness, but Avith its old ferocity of
look, bearing the unmistakable marks of its infernal origin.
" AVho does not remember that thirty years ago — a short period in the
life of a nation — but little could be said with impunity in these halls on
the subject of slavery? We can hardly realize that this is the same peo
ple and these the same halls, where now scarcely a man can be found
who Avill venture to do more than falter out an apology for slavei'v, pro
testing in the same breath that he has no love for the dying tyrant.
None, I believe, but that man of more than supernal boldness, from the
city of New York [JNlr. Fernando AVood], has ventured, this session, to
raise his voice in favor of slavery for its own sake. He still sees in its
features the reflection of beauty and divinity, and only he. 'How art
thou fallen from heaA'en, 0 Lucifer, .son of the morning ! Hoav art thou
cut down to the ground, which didst Aveaken the nations ! ' jNIany mighty
men have been slain by thee ; many proud ones have humbled them.selA'es
at thy feet! All along the coast of our political sea these victims of
slavery lie like stranded Avrecks, broken on the headlands of freedom.

190 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
How lately did its advocates, Avith impious boldness, maintain it as God's
own, to be A-enerated and cherished as divine? It was another and higher
form of civilization. It Avas the holy evangel of America, dispensing its
mercies to a benighted race, and destined to bear countless blessings to
the wilderness of the AVest. In its mad arrogance it. lifted its hand to
strike doAvn the fabric of the Union, and since that fatal day it has been a
' fugitive and a vagabond upon the earth.' Like the spirit that Jesus cast
out, it has, since then, ' been seeking rest and finding none.'
"It has s6ught in all the corners of the Republic to find some hiding-
place in Avhich to shelter itself from the death it so richly deserves.
"It sought an asylum in the untrodden territories of the Avest, but,
with a whip of scorpions, indignant freemen drove it thence. I do not
believe that a loyal man can noAV be found who would consent that it
should again enter them. It has no hope of harbor there. It found
no protection or favor in the hearts or consciences of the freemen of the
Republic, and has fled for its last hope of safety behind the shield of the
Constitution. AVe propose to foUoAV it there, and drive it thence, as
Satan was exiled from heaA'en. But uoav, in the hour of its mortal agony,
in this hall, it has found a defender.
" My gallant colleague [Air. Pendleton], for I recognize him as a gallant
and able man, plants himself at the door of his darling, and bids defiance
to all assailants. He has folloAved slavery in its flight, until at last it has
reached the great temple where liberty is enshrined — the Constitution of
the United States — and there, in that last retreat, declares that no hand
shall strike it. It reminds me of that celebrated passage in the great
Latin jjoet, in which the serpents of the Ionian sea, when they had de
stroyed Laocoon and his sons, fled to the heights of the Trojan citadel and
coiled their slimy lengths around the feet of the tutelar goddess, and
Avere covered by the orb of her shield. So, under the guidance of my
colleague [^Ir. Pendleton], slavery, gorged with the blood often thousand
freemen, has climbed to the high citadel of American nationality, and
coiled itself securely, as he believes, around the feet of the statue of
Justice and under the shield of the Constitution of the United States. AVe
desire to folloAv it even there, and kill it beside the very altar of liberty.
Its blood can never make atonement for the least of its crimes.
"But the gentleman has gone further. He is not content that the
snaky sorceress shall be merely under the protection of the Constitution.
In his vieAV, by a strange metamorphosis, slavery becomes an invisible

IN THE ASCENDANT.— WHY SLAVERY SHOULD DIE. 191
essence, and takes up its abode in the very grain and fiber of the Consti
tution, and Avhen we would strike it he says, ' I can not point out any
express clau,=e that prohibits you from destroying slavery; but I find a
prohibition in the intent and meaning of the Constitution. I go under
the surface, out of sight, into the very genius of it, and in that invisible
domain slavery is enshrined, and there is no power in the Republic to
drive it thence.'
" But he has gone even deeper than the spirit and intent of the Con
stitution. He has announced a discovery, to Avhich I am sure no other
statesman will lay claim. He has found a domain Avhere slavery can no
more be reached by human law than the life of Satan by the sword of
Michael. He has marked the hither boundary of tiiis newly discovered
continent, in his response to the question of the gentleman from Iowa.
" Not finding any thing in the words and phrases of the Constitution
that forbids an amendment abolishing slavery, he goes behind all human
enactments, and far away among the eternal equities, he finds a primal
law Avhich overshadoAvs States, nations, and constitutions, as space eiiA-el-
ops the universe, and by its solemn sanctions one human being can hold
another in perpetual slavery. Surely, human ingenuity has never gone
farther to protect a malefactor, or defend a crime. I shall make no ar
gument with my colleague on this point, for in that high court to Avhich
he appeals, eternal justice dwells Avith freedom, and slavery has never
entered. " On the justice of the amendment itself no arguments are necessary.
The reasons crowd in on every side. To enumerate them Avould be a
work of superfluity. To me it is a matter of great surprise that gentle
men on the other side should Avish to delay the death of slavery. I can
only account for it on the ground of long-continued familiarity and friend
ship. I should be glad to hear them say of slavery, their beloved, as did
the jealous Moor: " Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men."
"Has she not betrayed and slain men enough? Are they not strewn
over a thousand battle-fields ? Is not this Moloch already gorged with the
bloody feast? Its best friends knoAV that its final hour is fast approach
ing. The avenging gods are on its track. Their feet are not now, as
of old, shod Avith Avool, for slow and stately stepping, but Avinged, like
Mercury's, to bear the swift message of vengeance. No human power
can avert the final catastrophe."

192 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Five days after this address, Mr. Garfield, together Avith Henry
AVinter Davis, made a lively attack on the War Department. At
this time the Avrit of habeas corpus Avas sufsi^ended, and the art of
imprisoning men Avithout Avarrant or accusation Avas reaching a
high state of perfection. The Carroll and Old Capital prisons were
full of vlctiras Avho could not find out Avhy they Avere thus arbitra
rily confined.
This tyrannical practice having been brought before the commit
tee on military affairs, some of them investigated the subject. As a
result, a resolution Avas offered calling for a public inquiry, Avhich
resolution passed. The next day Thaddeus Stevens attempted to
get it rescinded, Avhereupon he was met by a fiery speech from Mr.
Garfield, Avhich .saved the resolution ; and in a fcAV days there Avas
a general freeing of all prisoners against A\'hom no sufficient charges
could be made.
In his speech, Mr. Garfield graphically told of the great in
justice Avhich was being done, especially to raen Avho had .serA'ed
the country in the field. One of these Avas a colonel in the Union
army, Avho had been AA'ounded and discharged from the service,
but noAv, for some unknown reason, perhaps maliciously, had been
deprived of his liberty. Mr. Garfield had been an admirer of
Stanton, and recognized the great Secretary's ability and patriot
ism; but this could not save either him or his subordinates from
just cen.sures.
This action Avas the occasion of much admiring notice from the
public, and even from Stanton himself. For such was the reputed
roughness of Stanton's temper that fcAV men ever had enough
temerity to criticise him.
On the nigh't of April 14, 1865, the Avar-heated blood of this
nation Avas frozen Avith sudden horror at a deed Avhich then had
no parallel in American history — the murder of Abraham Lincoln.
That night General Garfield Avas in Ncav York City.
In the early morning hours a colored servant came to the door
of his room at the hotel, and in a heart-broken voice announced
that Mr. Lincoln, the emancipator of his race from bondage, had
been shot down by a traitor to the country.

IN THE ASCENDANT.— DEATH OF LINCOLN. 193
Morning Mme; but dark Avere the hours whose broken Avings
labored to bring the light of day. Soon the streets were filled
Avith people. Every body .seemed to have come out and left the
houses empty. It Aias not a holiday, and yet all seemed to be
doing nothing. No business Avas transacted, yet mirth and laugh
ter Avere unheard. Such silence and such multitudes never before
were met together.
Garfield A\-andercd out into the streets, and noted these ominous
appearances. The city ^vas like Paris, just before its pavements
are to be torn up for a barricade battle in some revolutionary
outbreak. Great posters, fixed in prominent places, called for a nine o'clock
meeting of citizens at AVall Street Exchange Building. The news
paper bulletins, black, brief recorders of fate as they are, Avere
surrounded Avith crushing croAvds Avaiting for the latest Avord from
Washington. Arriving in the region of Wall Street, General Garfield made
his Avay through the mass of men Avho surrounded the Exchange
Building, until he reached the balcony. Here Benjamin F. But
ler A\-as making an address. Fifty thousand people Avere crowding
toAvard that central figure, frora whose left arm waA-ed a yard of
crape Avhich told the terrible story to multitudes aa'Iio could not
hear his Avords.
General Butler ceased speaking. AVhat should be done Avith
this great crowd of desperate men? AA^hat Avould they do with
themselves ?
Lincoln Avas dead ; Avord came that ScAvard, Avith his throat cut,
was dying. Men feared some dread conspiracy AA'hich would red
den the North Avith innocent blood, and hand over the Government
to treason and traitors,
Tavo men in this croAvd said that " Lincoln ought to have been
shot long ago," A minute later one of them Avas dead ; the other
lay in the ditch, bleeding and dying. Thousands of raen clutched,
in their pockets, reA'olvers and knives, to be used on Avhoever said
a AVord against the martyred President,
Suddenly from the extreme right Aving of the croAvd rose a cry:
13

194 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" The World ! " " The office of the AVorld I " " The World ! "—and
the mass began to move as one man toward that office. Where
would this end? Destruction of property, lo.ss of life, violence
and anarchy, were in that movement, and apparently no human
power could now check its progress.
Then a man stepped to the front of the balcony' and held his
arm aloft. His commanding attitude arrested universal attention.
Perhaps he was going to give them the latest news. They waited.
But while they listened, the voice — it Avas the voice of General
Garfield — only said :
"Fellow-citizens: Clouds and darkness are around about Him! His
pavilion is dark Avaters and thick clouds of the skies ! Justice and judg
ment are the establishment of His throne! Mercy and truth shall go
before His face! Fellow-citizens: God reigns, and the Government at
Washington still lives !"
The tide of popular fury AA'as stayed. The impossible had
been accomplished. " The AVorld " was saved ; but that was not
much. The safety of a great city Avas secured; and that Avas
much. Other meetings were held in Ncav York City on that memora
ble day, and the magnetic .speaker of the morning was called out
again. In the course of an address that afternoon he uttered
these Avords:
" By this last act of madness, it seems as though the Rebellion had
determined that the President of the soldiers should go Avith the soldiers
Avho have laid doAvn their lives ou the battle-field. They slew the noblest
and gentlest heart that ever put doAvn a rebellion upon this earth. In
taking that life they have left the iron hand of the people to fall upon
them. Love is on the front of the throne of God, but justice and judg
ment, Avith inexorable dread, follow behind ; and ^Ivhen law is slighted
and m'^rcy despised, Avhen they have rejected those Avho would be theh
best friends, then comes justice Avith her hoodwinked eyes, and with th»
sword and scales. From every gaping Avound of your dead chief let th»
voice go up from the people to see to it that our house is swept and gar
Dished. I hasten to say one thing more, felloAV-citizens. Foi mere

IN THE ASCENDANT.— TRIBUTE TO LINCOLN. 195
vengeance I Avould do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere
revenge. But for security of the future I \vould do every thing."
It is a remarkable fact that Avhen the nation gave expression to
its sorroAv over Lincoln's death, Garfield should have been .so nota
bly the voice Avhich spoke that sorrow,
A year pa.ssed on. In April of 1866, Congress, busy with the
important legislation of that period, neglected to remember the
approaching anniversary. On the morning of April 14, the ncAvs- •
papers announced that, according to President Johnson's order, the
Government offices Avould be closed that day out of respect to
murdered Lincoln.
Congressmen at the breakfast table read this annotincement, and
hurried to the Capitol, inquiring Avhat corresponding action should
be taken by the two Houses of Congress,
General Garfield AVas in the coramittee room, hard at Avork on
the preparation of a bill, when, shortly before tirae for the House
to come to order. Speaker Colfax came hurriedly in, saying that
Mr, Garfield must be in the House directly and move an adjourn
ment. At the same time Garfield should make an address appro
priate to such an anniversary. That gentleman protested that the
time was too short, but Colfax insisted, and left the room.
Remaining there alone for a quarter of an hour, the Genera,l
thought of the tragic event, and what he should say. Is there not
something weirdly prophetic, to us who live under the reign of
Arthur, in the picture of that silent man of serious mien and
thoughtful broAV, sitting alone, and thinking of our first assassinated
President ?
Just as the clerk finished reading the previous day's Journal of
the House, Mr, Garfield arose and said :
"Mr. Speaker: I desire to move that this House do now adjourn; and
before the vote upon that motion is taken, I desire to say a few words.
" This day, Mr. Speaker, will be sadly memorable so long as this nation
shall endure, which, God grant, maybe 'till the last syllable of recorded
time,' when the volume of human history shall be sealed up and deliv
ered to the Omnipotent Judge,

196 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" In all future time, on the recurrence of this day, I doubt not that
the citizens of this Kej^-'blic Avill meet in solemn assembly to reflect on
the life and character of Abraham Lincoln, and the awful tragic event
of April 14, 1865, — an event unjjaralleled in the history of nations, cer
tainly unparalleled in our own. It is eminently proper that this House
should this day jilace upon its records a memorial of that event.
"The last five years have been marked by wonderful developments
of human character. Thousands of our people before unknoAvn to fame,
have taken their places in history, crowned Avith immortal honors. In
thousands of humble homes are dAvelling heroes and patriots Avhose
names shall never die. But greatest among all these developments were
the character and fame of Abraham Lincoln, Avhose loss the nation still
deplores. His character is aptly described in the words of England's
great laureate — Avritten thirty years ago — in which he traces the upward
steps of some " ' Divinely gifted man.
Whose life in low estate began,
And on a simple A-illage green :
Vilw brealcs his birth's invidious bar.
And grasps the skirts of liappy chance,
And breasts the blows of circumstance.
And grapples with his evil star :
Who makes by force his merit known,
And lives to clutch the golden keys
To mold a mighty State's decrees.
And shape the Avhisper of the throne:
And moving up from high to higher.
Becomes on Fortune's crowning slope,
The pillar of a people's hope.
The center of a world's desire.''
" Such a life and character Avill be treasured forever as the sacred pos
session of the American people and of mankind. In the great drama of
the rebellion, there were two acts. The first Avas the Avar, with its
battles and sieges, victories and defeats, its sufferings and tears. That
act was closing one year ago to-night, and just as the curtain was lifting
on the second and final act, the restoration of peace and liberty,— just
as the curtain was rising upon- ncAV events and neAV characters,— the evil
spirit of the rebellion, in the fury of despair, nerved and directed the
hand of the assassin to strike down the chief character in both.

IN THE ASCENDANT.— A PROPHETIC ADDRESS. 197
"It was no one man Avho killed Abraham Lincoln; it Avas the em
bodied spirit of treason and slavery, inspired with fearful and despairing
hate, that struck him doAvn in the moment of the nation's supremest joy.
"Ah, sirs, there are times in the history of men and nations Avhen
they stand so near the veil that separates mortals from immortals, time
from eternity, and men from their God, that they can almost hear the
beatings and feel the pulsations of the heart of the Infinite ! Through
such a time has this nation passed. AVhen two hundred and fifty thou
sand brave spirits passed from the field of honor through that thin veil
to the presence of God, and Avhen at last its parting folds admitted the
martyr President to the company of the dead heroes of the Republic,
the nation stood so near the veil that the Avhispers of God Avere heard
by the children of men.
"Awe-stricken by His voice, the American people knelt in tearful
reverence and made a solemn covenant Avith Him and Avith each other
that this nation should be saved from its enemies, that all its glories
should be restored, and on the ruins of treason and slavery the temples
of freedom and justice should be built, and should survive forever. It
remains for us, consecrated by that great event, and under a covenant
with God, to keep that faith, to go forAvard in the great Avork until it
shall be completed.
" Following the lead of that great man, and obeying the high behests
of God, let us remember that —
" ' He has sounded forth a trumpet that shall never call retreat ;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat.
Be swift, my soul, to answer him, be jubilant at my feet ;
For God is marching on.'
" I move, sir, that this House do noAV adjourn."
The motion being agreed to, the House Avas declared adjourned.
It is UOAV necessary to hasten on to the Thirty-Ninth Congress,
Avherein General Garfield, no longer under the disadvantages of a
neAV member, continued to develop rapidly as an able Avorker.
General Garfield Avas a thorough-going temperance man. On
returning to his house in Painesville, Ohio, in the summer of 1865,
he found the good people of that place in trouble on account of a
brewery Avhich had been established in their midst. All efforts

198 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
to hav6 it removed had been unaA'ailing. Public meetings were
held. Garfield attended one of these, and Avhile there announced
that he Avould that day remove the brcAvery.
He just went over to the brewer and bought him out for $10,000,
The liquor on hand, and such brcAving machinery as could not
be used for any thing else, he destroyed, AA'hen autumn came
he used his ucav establishment as a cider-raill. The cider Avas kept i
till it became good A'inegar, and then sold. The General thus did
a good thing for the public, and, it is said, made money out of the
investment, until, after several years, he sold the building.
AVhen Congress met in Deceraber, 1865, it had to face a great
task. The rebellion had been put doAvn, but at great cost; and
they had an enorraous debt to proA'ide for. Four years of Avar had
disorganized CA'ery thing, and great questions of finance, involving
tariffs, and taxation, and a thousand vexed theraes of public policy,
hung Avith leaden Aveight over the heads of our national legislators,
Garfield Avas one of the fcAV "men Avho Avere both able and Avill
ing to face the music and bury themselves in the bewildering Avorld
of figures Avhich loomed in the dusky foreground of coming events.
The interest alone on our liabilities amounted to $150,000,000.
When Speaker Colfax raade up his committees, he asked Gar
field Avhat he aa'ouM like. Garfield replied that he Avould like to
have a place Avhich called for the study of finance. Justin S.
Mofrill, Chairman of the Committee on AA'^ays and Means, also
a.sked for him.
He Avas, accordingly, put apon that committee, and immediately
began to study the subjects which Avere connected Avitli its pros
pective Avork.
Conceiving that our financial condition AA-as in some respects
parallel to that of England at the close of the Napoleonic Avars, he
carefully investigated the conditions, policy, and progress of that
Government from the tirae of Waterloo until the resumption of .spe
cie payments. The most remarkable periods of our oavu financial
history Avere also studied, especially that Avherein the great Alex
ander Hamilton appears the master mind.
These pursuits, and a Avide-reaching knoAvledge of the existing

IN THE ASCENDANT.— AS A L.VWYER. 199
conditions in our own country, were the foundations on which
Garfield built the structure of a set of opinions Avhich Avere then
, received as good, and AA'hich still withstand the test of time.
Garfield AA-as a splendid laAvyer. It is only because his course
Avas pushed aside into the great lines of AA'ar and of politics that
his history is not largely /he .story of great triumphs at the
bar, AVhen he AA'as examined for admission to the bar of Ohio,
the lawyers Avho examined him pronounced his legal knoAvledge
phenomenal for a man to have acquired in the short time he had
been reading.
But he ncA'er practiced in any court until 1866. In this place
there can be mentioned only his first case, in Avhich he argued be
fore the United States Supreme Court. Afterwards he had about
thirty cases in that court, and often appeared in State coiu'ts.
At one time Judge Jeremiah S. Black, a laAvyer of National rep
utation, offered him a partnership. Financially it Avould have
been a good thing for Garfield, but fortunately for his constitu
ents and for the country, he refused. Yet, in the language of
Stanley Matthews, uoav of the U. S. Supreme Court, Mr. Garfield
actually ranked "as one of the very best laAvyers at the bar of
the Avhole country."
In 1864, L. P. INIilligan, AA'". A. Bowles, and Stephen Horsey,
three citizerts of Indiana, Avere arrested in that State on charges
of treason. There Avas no doubt that they Avere guilty of the
crime. But, unfortunately, they Avere not tried according to lavv.
No government can long hold such absolute powers as A\-ere giA-en
to our government during the rebellion, Avithout deA^eloping in
some degree a carelessness of the, forms of law Avhich is fatal
to liberty. Indiana A\-as not the scene of Avar. Her crjnrts, and
the United States courts there were open for the prosecution of
criminals. Yet these men Avere arrested by the military depart
ment, tried bv a military coraraission, and condemned to be hanged.
Lincoln commuted their sentence to impri.sonment for life, and
they were sent to the State penitentiary. At this juncture a pe
tition AA'as presented to the U. S. Circuit Court for a Avrit of
habeas corpus, to test the legality of these arbitrary proceedings.

200 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The judges of that court not agreeing, the points on Avhich they
disagreed were certified up to the Supreme Court, These points
Avere :
"1. On the facts stated in said petition and exhibits, ought a Avrit of
hahcii.< corpu.-i to be issued according to the prayer of said petition? 2.
On the facts stated in said petition and exhibits, ought the petitioners to
be discharged from custody, as in said petition prayed? 3. On the facts
stated ill said petition and exhibits, had the military commission men
tioned therein jurisilietion legally to try and sentence said petitioners in
manner and form as in said petition and exhibits is stated?"
This Avas the case. On March 6, 1866, it Avas to be argued,
Tho eminent counsel engaged therein were : Hons, Joseph E, Mc
Donald, Jere. S. Black, James A. Garfield, and David D, Field,
for petitioners; Plons. Benjamin F, Butler, James Speed, and
Henry Stanbcr}', for the Government.
Garfield had been invited to appear in this case by Air. Black,
Avho had observed that, although a patriotic friend of the Admin
istration, Garfield had often sternly opposed its tendency to break
all restraints of law in the exercise of its poAvcrs. So he expected, —
and found it true, — that Garfield's judgment would be Avith his
side of the Milligan case. Of course that Avas the unpopular side.
For Mr. Garfield to defend Milligan and his fellow-traitors Avould
perhaps again endanger his reelection ; but he was not the man to
hesitate Avhen he saAV himself in the right.
One of Garfield's Democratic co-counsel in this case has called
this act the greatest and bravest of Garfield's life. Like old John
Adams, defending British soldiers for the Bo.ston mas.sacre, storms
of obloc|ny and the sunshine of favor he alike disregarded for the
sake of principle.
After tAVO da}'s and nights of preparation, Mr, Garfield had de
cided upon the points of his argument. Needless to say, it Avas a
coin]ilcte and unanswerable jn-esentation of those great English
and American enustitutional jirinciples Avhicli secure the free peo-
])le of those countries from star chambers and military despotisms.
It showed forth clearly the limits of military j>t?wpr^ «rd demon-

IN THE ASCENDANT.— SPEECH ON HABEAS CORPUS. 201
straicd the utter Ava.iit of jurisdiction of a military court over civil
ian citizens.
When Garfield finished, he had established every essential point
of his case beyond a pcradventure. His speech closed Avith these
eloquent words, in ajjpeal to the court:
" Your deci-^ion will mark an era in American history. The just and
final settlement of this great question Avill take a high place among the
great achievements which have immortalized this decade. It Avill estab
lish forever this truth, of inestimable value" to us and to mankind, that
a Republic can wield the A'ast enginery of Avar Avithout breaking down the
safeguards of liberty ; can suppress insurrection and put down rebellion,
however formidable, Avithout destroying the bulwarks of law ; can, by
the might of its armed millions, preserve and defend both nationality
and liberty. Victories on the field Avere of priceless value, for they
plucked the life of the Republic out of the hands of its enemies ; but
' Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than Avar;'
and if the protection of law shall, by your decision, be extended over
every acre of our peaceful territory, you will have rendered the great
decision of the century.
" AV^hen Pericles had made Greece immortal in arts and arms, in
liberty and law, he invoked the genius of Phidias to devise a monument
which should symbolize the beauty and glory of Athens. That artist
selected for his theme the tutelar divinity of Athens, the Jove-boi-n God
dess, protectre.ss of arts and arms, of industry and law, who typified the
Greek conception of composed, majestic, unrelenting force. He erected
on the heights of the Acropolis a colossal statue of Alinerva, armed Avith
spear and helmet, Avhich towered in aAvful majesty above the surrounding
temples of the gods. Sailors on far-off ships beheld the crest and spear
of the Goddess, and bowed Avith reverent awe. To every Greek she Avas
the .symbol of power and glory. But the Acropolis, Avith its temples and
statues, is now a heap of ruins. The visible gods have vanished in the
clearer light of modern civilization. AVe can not restore the decayed
emblems of ancient Greece, but it is iu your power, 0 Judge, to erect
in this citadel of our liberties a monument more lasting than brass ; in
visible, indeed, to the eye of flesh, but visible to the eye of the spirit

202 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
as the awful form and figure of Justice crowning and adorning the Re
public; rising above the storms of political strife, above the din of
battle, above the earthquake shock of rebellion; seen from afar and
hailed as i^rotector by the oppressed of all nations ; dispensing equal
blessings, and covering Avith the protecting shield of laAV the Aveakest, the
humblest, the meanest, and, until declared by solemn law unworthy of
protection, the guiltiest of its citizens."
Other and very able arguments were raade on both sides of the
case ; but the laAV Avas sustained and the prisoners set free.
For this act Garfield Avas denounced by many ncAvspapers and
many individuals in his oavu State and elscAA-here. But, as usual,
he Aveathered it all, and Avas reelected to Congress in the fall; for
the Reserve people had come to the point of belicA'ing in Garfield,
though he did not folloAV their opinions. In from one to three
years afterwards they generally discovered that he had been right
from the start.
On February 1, 1866, Garfield raade that masterly address on the
Freedmen's Bureau, in which he so clearly set forth his vicAvs on
the nature of the Union, and the States of Avhich it is composed.
This speech Avill be more fully mentioned in another place.* On
March 16, 1866, he made a remarkably able sjjeech on "The Cur
rency and Specie Payments," farther reference to Avhich must, for
the present, be deferred. f
A man of Mr. Garfield's intellect and scholarly acquirements,
could not fail to be interested in the cause of education, ahvays
and every-Avhere. He AA'as himself a splendid result of the free-
school system of Ohio, and had been an enthusiastic teacher.
What, then, more natural than that as a public man he should try
to interest Congress in the condition of Araerican schools ?
At the request of the American xVssuciation of School Superin
tendents, INlr. Garfield, in February, 1S66, prepared a bill for the
establishment of a National Bureau of Education. The principal
object of this bureau Avas to collect statistics and other facts, and
so to arrange and to publish them as to enlighten the people as to
our progress in the means of education. The bill Avas opposed on

IN THE ASCENDANT.— A BUREAU OF EDUCATION. 203
account of the expense, as it called for an appropriation of fifteen
thousand dollars !
Speaking on this bill, June 8, 1866, Mr. Garfield called atten
tion to the subject of national expenditures for extra govern
mental purposes. AA^e had expended millions on a Coast Survey
Bureau, on an Astronomical Observatory, on a Light-House Board,
on Exploring Expeditions, on the Pacific Railroad Survey, on
Agriculture, on the Patent Office, — why not a fcAV dollars on Ed
ucation ? "As man is greater than the soil, as the imraortal spirit
is nobler than the clod it animates, so is the object of this bill of
more importance than any mere pecuniary interest."
The National Bureau of Education Avas established, and the re
sults of its work have fully vindicated the opinions of its founders.
Garfield's idea of Avhat should be taught in our schools and col
leges Avas as broad and deep as the domain of knoAvledge ; but,
Avithal, very practical. That he loA'ed the classics, his oavu study
of thera demonstrates ; but he saAV that something better adapted
to the scientific and practical character of our country Avas needed.
In an address at Hiram, on June 14, 1867, he gave emphatic ex
pression to this idea.
"A finished education is supposed to consist mainly of literary culture.
The story of the forges of the Cyclops, Avhere the thunderbolts of Jove
were fashioned, is supposed to adorn elegant scholarship more gracefully
that those sturdy truths Avhich are preaching to this generation in the
Wonders of the mine, in the fire of the furnace, in the clang of the iron-
mills, and the other innumerable industries, Avhich, more than all other
human agencies, have made our civilization Avhat it is, and are destined
to achieve Avonders yet undreamed of This generation is beginning to
understand that education should not be forever divorced from industry;
that the highest results can be reached only Avhen science guides the
hand of labor. AVith Avhat eagerness and alacrity is industry seizing
every truth of science and putting it in harness ! "
Moreover, Mr. Garfield believed strongly in a liberal political
education for the youth of the land. On this point, in the address
aboA'e mentioned, he said:

204 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"It is well to kuoAV the history of these magnificent nations, whose
origin is lost in fable, and Avhose epitaphs Avere written a thousand years
ago ; but, if Ave can not know both, it is far better to study the history
of our OAvn nation, Avhose origin Ave can trace to the freest and noblest
aspirations of the human heart — a nation that Avas formed from the
hardiest, purest, and most enduring elements of European civilization;
a nation that by its faith and courage has dared and accomplished more
for the human race in a single century than Europe accomplished in the
first thousand years of the Christian era. The New England township
Avas the type after which our Federal Government Avas modeled ; yet it
would be rare to find a college student Avho can make a comprehensive
and intelligible statement of the municipal organization of the township
in Avhich he was born, and tell you liy Avhat officers its legislative, judi
cial, and executiA-e functions are administered. Oiie half of the time
Avhich is noAV almost Avholly Avasted in district schools on English gram
mar, attempted at too early an age, would be sufficient to teach our
children to love the Republic, and to become its loyal and life-long sup
porters. After the bloody baptism from Avhich the Nation has risen to
a higher and nobler life, if thi3 shameful defect in our system of educa
tion be not speedily remedied, Ave shall deserve the infinite contempt of
future generations. I insist that it should be made an indispensable con
dition of graduation in every American college, that the student must un
derstand the history of this continent since its discovery by Europeans,
the origin and history of the United States, its constitution of govern
ment, the struggles through which it has passed, and the rights and
duties of citizens who are to determine its destiny and share its glory.
" Having thus gained the knoAvledge Avhich is necessary to life, health,
industry, and citizenship, the student is prepared to enter a Avider and
grander field of thought. If he desires that large and liberal culture
which Avill call into activity all his powers, and make the most of the
material God has given him, he must study deeply and earnestly the in
tellectual, the moral, the religious, and the aesthetic nature of man ; his
relations to nature, to civilization past and present; and, aboA'e all, his
relations to God. These should occupy, nearly, if not fully, half the time
of his college course. In connection Avith the philosophy of the mind, he
should study logic, the pure mathematics, and the general laws of thought.
In connection with moral philosophy, he should study political and social
ethics — a science so little knoAvn either in colleges or Congresses. Promi-

IN THE ASCENDANT.-THE FORTIETH CONciRESS. 205
nent among all the rest, should be his study of the wonderful history of
the human race, in its sIoav and toilsome march across the centuries — noAV
buried in ignorance, superstition, and crime ; now rising to the sublimity
of heroism and catching a glimpse of a better destiny; now turning re
morselessly aAvay from, and leaving to perish, empires and civilizations
in which it had invested its faith and courage and boundless energy for a
thousand years, and, plunging into the forests of Germany, Gaul, and ,
Britain, to build for itself new empires better fitted for its new aspirations;
and, at last, crossing three thousand miles of unknown sea, and building
in the wilderness of a new hemisphere its latest and proudest monuments."
AVhen the Fortieth Congress met, in December of '1867, INIr,
Garfield Avas, contrary to his Avishes, taken off the Committee
on AVays and Means and raade Chairman of the Committee on
Military Affairs. In the line of this Avork he pursued sorae A-ery
important investigations of both military and political character.
Among his most important .speeches, in this connection, A\-ere
that on the " INIilitary Control of the Rebel States," made in Feb
ruary, 1867 (during the Thirty-Ninth Congress), and that cleliA'-
ered January 17, 1868, on the then all-absorbing theme, "Recon
struction." In the conflict betAveen President Johnson and the majority in
Congress, about the goA-ernraent of the late rebel States, Mr. Gar
field Avas, of course, sternly opposed to that outrageous policy of
the President, Avhose main object seemed to be the undoing of all
the beneficial results of the Avar,
When the articles of impeachment against Johnson Avere passed,
Garfield Avas not in AVashington; but on his return, February 29,
1868, he took occasion to .say that if he had been present he should
have voted for them. He had formerly opposed such action be
cause he thought it Avould be unsuccessful. Johnson's later ac
tions, hoAvever; especially his arbitrary dismissal of Secretary
Stanton, Avere such clear violations of the Constitution that he
supposed the President's guilt could be judicially established,
and therefore he favored the attempt.
On the 15th of May of this same year, ]\Ir. Garfield delivered
another address on the currency. His financial vIcaa's Avere still

206 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
in advance of his party, and the unsound vicAvs advanced by A'arious
politicians gaA'e opportunity for many a Avell-directed shot from hi?
Avell-stored armory of facts, figures, and principles. His speeches
on this topic alone would fill a large A'olume.
In 18Q8 occurred one of the many attempts made by politicians
to reduce the public debt by extorting money from the Nations
creditors. On July 15, 1868, Mr. Garfield discussed, at con.sid.er-
able length and Avith all his usual clearness and ability, one of
these raeasures, Avhich, in this case, Avas a bill for the taxation of
bonds. He Avas too honest a man, and, at the same time, ,too
sound a financier, to be blind to the Avrong as \vel\ a.^ the im •
politic character of such a law. Taa'o paragraphs Avill suffice 1a3
exhibit these two points:
"Nobody expects that Ave can pay as fast as the debt matures, but v/&
shall be compelled to go into the market and negotiate new loans. Let
.this system of taxation be pursued; let another Congress put the tux ai;
twenty per cent., another at forty per cent., and another at fifty per ceut.,
or one hundred per cent. ; let the principle once be adopted — the rate is
only a question of discretion — and Avhere Avill you be able to negotiate a
loan except at the most ruinous sacrifice? Let such legislation prevail as
the gentleman urges, and can Ave look any man in the face and ask hira
to loan us money? If we do not keep faith to-day, how can Ave expect
to be trusted hereafter?
" There Avas a declaration made by an old English gentleman in the
days of Charles II. which does honor to human nature. He said he was
Avilling at any time to give his life for the good of his country ; but he
Avould not do a mean thing to save his country from ruin. So, sir, ought
a citizen to feel in regard to our financial affairs. The people of the
United States can afford to make any sacrifice for their country, and the
history of the last war has proved their willingness; but the humblest
citizen can not afford to do a mean or dishonorable thing to save even this
glorious Republic."
It Avas in 1867 that Garfield made his only trip to Europe.
AA^hen the summer of that year came, the hard year's Avork, just fin
ished, had made considerable inroad on his health, and he thought
a sea voyage would bring back his strength. On July 13, Mr. and

IN THE ASCENDANT.— VISITS EUROPE. 207
Mrs. Garfield sailed from Ncav York in the " City of London,"
which carried them across the Atlantic in thirteen days.
Remembering the arabitions of his boyhood to become a sailor,
Garfield enjoyed his voyage as few men do Avho cross the sea.
They reached Liverpool ou the 26th, and as they steamed up the
jMcrsey, General Ciarfield significantly remarked, looking doAvn
into its muddy Avaters, "The quality of Mersey is not strained."
From LiA'erpool they Avent to London, stopping at tAvo or three
interesting places by the way. At London he visited both Houses
of Parliament, heard debates on the great reform bill Avhich passed
at that time; saAV Gladstone, Disraeli, Bright, and other great
Englishmen, and after a Aveek of sight-seeing and studying here,
A'isited other parts of England, and then Avent to Scotlaiid. Mr,
Blaine and INIr. jMorrill, Avere with them in Scotland. There the
General visited the home of Burns and re-read " Tain O'Shanter."
Leaving Scotland at Leith, they crossed the North Sea to Rot
terdam, Avent to Brussels and Cologne, and thence up the Rhine to
Mayence, Thence by A-arious stages, reveling in old AA'orld glories, he
reached Italy — Florence and Rome. Here a year of life Avas
croAvded into a AA'eek, AA'hile Garfield liA'ed amid the Avrecks of
antiquity and the decayed remnants of that dead empire AA'hose
splendid history can not be forgotten till " the last syllable of re
corded time."
On October first they proceeded, by a circuitous route, to make
their A\'ay to Paris, Avhere' they met several Araerican friends,
among them the artist, IMiss Ransom. After a short stay there,
and a fcAv excursions to other places, they finally started for home,
and by November 6th they were once more standing on Araerican
soil. General Garfield's health Avas by this raeans thoroughly restored,
and he had realized in sorae degree one of the sincerest Avishes of
his life, — a more familiar acquaintance with some places across the
sea than books could give.

208 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
On jNIay 30, 18GS, occurred the first general obserA'ance of thai
beautiful national custom, the annual decoration of the soldiers'
graves. On that day, the President and his Cabinet, with a large
number of Congressmen and other distinguished persons, and about
fifteen thousand people, met on Arlington Heights to pay their re
spects to the Nation's dead, and listen to an address. The orator
of the day Avas Garfield.
No more touching and sincere exjjression of patriotic .sentiments
AA-as CA'er uttered than he spoke there that day. Indeed, his rev
erence for the time and place Avas deeper than his words could tell.
To this he referred in the beginning, saying:
" If silence is CA-er golden, it must be here, beside the graves of fifteen
thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and Avhose
death Avas a poem the music of Avhich can never be simg. AVith AVords
Ave make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. Promises may not be
kept; plighted fiiitli may be broken; and A-aunted virtue may be only
the cunning mask of vice. AVe do not knoAV one promise these men
made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but Ave do know they
summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of
men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death; and thus
resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.
" For the noblest man that Ha'cs there still remains a conflict. He
must still Avithstand the assaults of time and fortune ; must stfll be as
sailed Avitli temptations before Avhich lofty natures have fallen. But with
tJicse, the conflict ended, the victory Avas Avon, when death stamped on
them the great seal of heroic character, and closed a record which years
can never blot."
This memorable address closed thus:
"And now, consider this silent assembly of the dead. AVhat does it
represent? Nay, rather, Avhat does it not represent? It is an epitome
of the war. Here are sheaves reaped, in the harvest of death, from
every battle-field of A'irginia. If each grave had a voice to tell us Avhat
its silent tenant last saw and heard on earth, Ave might stand, Avith un
covered heads, and hear the Avhole story of the war. AVe should hear
that one perished Avhen the first great drops of the crimson shower began
to fall, Avhen the darkness of that first disaster at Manassas fell like an

IN THE ASCENDANT.— CROWNING THE VICTORS. 209
eclipse on the Nation ; that another died of disease while Avearily waiting
for winter to end ; that this one fell on the field, in sight of the spires of
Richmond, little dreaming that the flag must be carried through three
more years of blood before it should be planted in that citadel of treason ;
and that one fell when the tide of war had swept us back, till the roar
of rebel guns shook the dome of yonder Capitol, and re-echoed in the cham
bers of the Executive Mansion. AVe should hear mingled voices from the
Rappahannock, the Rapidan, the Chickahominy, and the James ; solemn
voices from the Wilderness, and triumphant shouts from the Shenandoah,
from Petersburgh, and the Five Forks, mingled Avith the wild acclaim
of victory and the sweet chorus of returning peace. The voices of these
dead AviU forever fiU the land, like holy benedictions.
" What other spot so fitting for their last resting-place as this, under
the shadow of the capitol saved by their valor? Here, where the grim
edge of battle joined ; here, where all the hope and fear and agony of
their country centered ; here let them rest, asleep on the Nation's heart,
entombed in the Nation's love! *
" The view from this spot bears some resemblance to that which greets
the eye at Rome. In sight of the Capitoline Hill, up and across the
Tiber, and overlooking the city, is a hill, not rugged or lofty, hut known
as the Vatican Mount. At the beginning of the Christian Era, an im
perial circus stood on its summit. There, gladiator slaves died for the
sport of Rome, and wild beasts fought Avith wilder men. In that arena,
a Galilean fisherman gave up his life, a sacrifice for his faith. No human
life was ever so nobly avenged. On that spot Avas reared the proudest
Christian temple ever built by human hands. For its adornment, the
rich offerings of every clime and kingdom had been contributed. And
now, after eighteen centuries, the hearts of tAvo hundred million people
turn toward it with reverence when they Avorship God. As the traveler
descends the Apennines, he sees the dome of St. Peter rising above the
desolate Campagna and the dead city, long before the Seven Hills and
ruined palaces appear to his view. The fame of the dead fisherman has
^utlived the glory of the Eternal City. A noble life, crowned Avith he
roic death, rises above and outlives the pride and pomp and glory of the
mightiest empire of the earth.
" Seen from the Avestern slope of our Capitol, in direction, distance, and
appearance, this spot is not unlike the Vatican Mount, though the river
that flows at our feet is larger than a hundred Tibers. Seven years ago
14

210 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
this was the home of one Avho lifted his sAvord against the life of his
country, and Avho became the great imperator of the rebellion. The soil
beneath our feet was Avatered by the tears of slaves, in whose hearts the
sight of yonder proud Capitol aAvakened no pride, and inspired no hope.
The face of the goddess that croAvns it was turned toward the sea, and not
toward them. But, thanks be to God, this arena of rebellion and slav
ery is a scene of violence and crime no longer ! This will be forever the
sacred mountain of our capital. Here is our temple; its pavement is
the sepulcher of heroic hearts ; its dome, the bending heaven ; its altar
candles, the Avatchiug stars.
" Hither our children's children shall come to pay their tribute of grate
ful homage. For this are we met to-day. By the happy suggestion of
a great society, assemblies like this are gathering at this hour in every _
State in the Union. Thousands of soldiers are to-day turning aside in
the march of life to visit the silent encampments of dead comrades Avho
once fought by their sides.
" From many thousand homes', Avhose light Avas put out when a soldier
fell, there go forth to-day, to join these solemn processions, loving kindred
and friends, from whose hearts the shadoAV of grief Avill never be Iffted
tUl the light of the eternal Avorld daAvns upon them,
"And here are children, little children, toAvhom the Avar left no father
but the Father above. By the most sacred right, theirs is the chief
place to-day. They come with garlands to crown their victor fathers. I
will delay the celebration no longer."

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— ANTI-INFLATION. 211

CHAPTER VII.
LEADER AND STATESMAN.
To be more wise than other men — to stand
When others quail and Avaver, and to fling
Aside expedients, nor be unmanned
When perils gather and dissensions spring
And treason's brood thrust out the venomed sting.
To dare the anger of the populace
That shouts and gibes Avhile Clamor spreads her wing.
To meet unmoved the tides that rush apace, —
Such is the statesman's work, — behold him face to face.
AS a politician. General Garfield was peculiar. In fact, he
Avas scarcely a politician at all. The title of this chapter
tells Avhat he Avas, AA'^hile he AA'as in Europe the cry of' inflat
ing the currency Avas raised. The AA^e.st, and particularly Ohio,
seized this idea with avidity, Ohio Republicans took it up as
a battle-cry. Many of General Garfield's constituents Avere for
inflation Avith all their hearts. As for himself, he had, in March,
1866, declared for hard money, and for the payment of the bonds
in gold. Congressmen have to go to the country every two years,
so that the popular sentiment may be constantly represented in the
LoAver House of Congress. Garfield had been reelected three
times. To secure another election, raost men Avould have found
their political opinions, about election time, gradually coming
around to those of the people. Read the folloAving extract from
a letter by General Garfield to his confidential friend, Hinsdale,
Avritten March 8, 1868:
" Tlie State convention at Columbus has committed itself to some financial
doctrines that, if I understand them, I can not and will not indorse. If my

212 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
constituents approve them, they can not approve me. Before many Aveeks my
immediate political future Avill be decided. I care less about the result
than I have ever cared before."
Hoav is that for independence?
But the private letter Avas only the preface to an expression of
the same thing in public. AVhen General Garfield came home his
friends found that he AA'as immovable on the financial question, A
short tirae before the nominating convention he was about to return
to Washington, Some friends at Jefferson arranged to give him a
reception on the eve of his departure. There was to be some
speech-making. His friends had urged him to let the financial
question alone. The Avelcoming address contained sorae broad hints.
The speaker hinted at the greenback platforra, and delicately inti
mated that General Garfield's return was conditioned upon his
indorsement of the platforra. Then the thunderer let fly. Gar
field took up the question of finance, and, in the boldest terms, de
nounced the party platform as dishonest and despicable. He de
clared that if a life-time of office Avere offered him, with the
understanding that he Avas to support the platform, he would refuse
it at once. Then he took himself off to AVashington. AA^hen the
tirae for the convention came he Avas renominated, and a short time
later elected.
It is impossible to even sketch the varied activities of the man
from this time on, in Congi-ess. His voluminous reports, his compre
hensive debates on every leading subject, his immense and A'aried
committee Avork, comprise a vast field, the A'ery outline of which
Avould surpass the limits of this work. No subject of national
importance escaped his attention. Reconstruction, pensions, nav
igation, tariff, internal improvements, the census, education, the
Indian question, corporations, the currency, national banks, pub
lic expenditures, civil service reform, railways, civil rights, po
lygamy, the Chinese — these are only a few of the great subjects
Avhich he mastered. His speeches are incomparable for their pro
found learning, their exhaustive research, their gloAving rhetoric.
They might serve as text-books upon the great governmental
problems of the age. In looking over the record of the proceed-

LEADER AND STATESMAN,— THE NINTH CENSUS. 213
ings in Congress at this period, one can but be impressed with
the marked superiority of his efforts over those of the large ma
jority of his compeers, HoAvever worthy the utterances of these
latter may be vieAved alone, they are dAvarfed by the forced com
parison with the productions of his majestic mind. These speeches
mark the man as a carefully trained intellectual giant, perfectly
at home and a terror in the field of debate. They are of inesti
mable value now, as giving his intellectual biography.
On December 14, 1868, he introduced a bill "To .strengthen
the public credit," This subsequently became a part of the great
bill making our bonds payable in gold. Around this fortification
of the public credit, for ten years, political Avarfare raged the
fiercest, but the rampart AA'as-v never taken ; and, in 1879, AA'hen
resumption Avas accomplished, the laAv still remained on the statute
book. Every attempt to repeal it Avas fought by Garfield on the
principles of political science, and his name must be placed Avith
those of Grant and Sherman on this question.
February 26, 1869, General Garfield, as Chairman of the Mili
tary Committee, made the monster report upon the reorganization
of the army. It contains one hundred and thirty-seven printed
pages. The stupendous problem of readjusting the armies of the
republic to a peace footing, had occupied Garfield for years. His
report was the result of examinations of all the leading army
officers. It contained the history of each department of the army.
It illuminated all the dark corners, the secret channels, the hid
den chambers of corruption Avhich had been constructed in the
military policy of the country, and Avas the product of enorraous
labor. In the spring of 1869 General Garfield introduced a resolution
for the appointment of a committee to examine into the necessities
for legislation upon the subject of the ninth census, to be taken the
following year. He was appointed chairman. His speeches on
the great subject of statistics are most characteristic. They are
wholly out of the rut of Congressional speeches. They shoAV
Garfield in the light of a political scientist. Nothing could more
strikingly prove the enormous reach of his mind. He showed him-

214 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
self abreast of the scientific thought of the age. Volume after
A'olume of the Congressioncd Globe Avill be searched in vain to find
speeches frora any other man which ca-cu approximate these studies
in the region of social science. NoAvhere in or out of Congress
can be found so succinct and admirable a statement of the impor
tance of statistics. Here is an extract from his first speech, made
April 6, 1869 :
" This is the age of statistics, Mr. Speaker. The word ' statistics' it
self did not exist until 1749, whence Ave date the beginning of a new
science on Avhich modern legislation must be based, in order to be per
manent. The treatise of Achenwall, the German philosopher who origin
ated the word, laid the foundation of many of the greatest reforms in
modern legislation. Statistics are state facts, facts for the considera
tion of statesmen, such as they may not neglect with safety. It has been
truly said that ' statistics are history in repose ; history is statistics in mo
tion.' If Ave neglect the one, we shall deserve to be neglected by the other.
The legislator Avithout statistics is like the mariner at sea without the com
pass. Nothing can safely be committed to his guidance. A question of
fearful importance, the well-being of this Republic, has agitated this
House for many Aveeks. It is this: Are our rich men groAving richer,
and our poor growing poorer? And hoAV can this most vital question
be settled, except by the most careful and honest examination of the
facts? AVho can doubt that the next census Avill reveal to us more im
portant truths concerning the situation of our people than any census ever
taken by any nation ? By what standard could Ave measure the value
of a complete, perfect record of the condition of the people of this coun
try, and such facts as should exhibit their burdens and their strength?
Who doubts that it would be a document of inestimable value to the
legislator and the nation? Hoav to achieve it, how to accomplish it, is
the great question.
"We are near the end of a decade that has been full of earthquakes,
and amid the tumult Ave have lost our reckoning. We do not yet com
prehend the stupendous changes through which we have passed, nor can
we until the Avhole field is resurveyed. _ If a thousand volcanoes had been
bursting beneath the ocean, the mariner would need new charts before
he could safely sail the seas again. We are soon to set out on our next
decade with a thousand ncAV elements thrown in upon us by the war.

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— SCIENCE OF STATISTICS. 215
The way is trackless. AVlio shall pilot us? The war repealed a part of
our venerable census law. One schedule Avas devoted to slaves. Thank
God ! it is useless now. Old things have passed away, and a multitude
of ncAV things are to be here recorded ; and not only the things to be
taken, but the manner of taking them, requires a thorough remodeling
at our hands. If this Congress does not Avorthily meet the demands of
this great occasion, every member must bear no small share of the odium
that justly attaches to men Avho fail to discharge duties of momentous
importance, which once neglected can never be performed."
On December 16, 1867, General Garfield raade a second speech
on the subject, so elaborate and reraarkable, so unlike any thing to
be found elsewhere in all the annals of the Araerican Congress,
that we yield large space to it. The latter part of the speech
relates to the defects of the old laAV, and the advantages of the
proposed new one:
" The modern census is so closely related to the science of statistics
that no general discussion of it is possible Avithout considering the prin
ciples on which statistical science rests and the objects which it proposes
to reach.
" The science of statistics is of recent date, and, like many of its sister
sciences, owes its origin to the best and freest impulses of modern civiU-
zation. The enumerations of inhabitants and the appraisements of prop
erty made by some of the nations of antiquity were practical means
employed sometimes to distribute political poAver, but more frequently to
adjust the burdens of Avar, but no attempt Avas made among them to
classify the facts obtained so as to raake thera the basis of scientific in
duction. The thought of studying these facts to ascertain the wants of
society bad not then dawned upon the human mind, and, of course, there
Avas not a science of statistics in this modern sense,
"It is never easy to fix the precise date of the birth of any science,
but Ave may safely say that statistics did not enter its scientific phase
before 1749, when it received from Professor AcheuAvall, of Gottingen,
not only its name, but the first comprehensive statement of its princi
ples. Without pausing to trace the stages of its growth, some of the
results of the cultivation of statistics in the spirit and methods of science
may be stated as germane to this discussion:
"1, It has developed the truth that society is an organism, whose ele-

216 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ments and forces conform to laws as constant and pervasive as those
which govern the material universe; and that the study of these laws
will enable man to ameliorate his condition, to emancipate himself
from the cruel dominion of superstition, and from countless evils which
were once thought beyond his control, and Avill make him the master
rather than the slave of nature. Mankind have been slow to beheve
that order reigns in the universe — that the world is a cosmos and not a
chaos. " The assertion of the reign of law has been stubbornly resisted at every
step. The divinities of heathen superstition still linger in one form or
another in the faith of the ignorant, and even intelligent men shrink from
the contemplation of one supreme Avill acting regularly, not fortuitously,
through laAvs beautiful and simple rather than through a fitful and ca
pricious systerb of intervention,
" Lecky tells us that in the early ages it was believed that the motion
of the heavenly bodies, as well as atmospheric changes, was affected by
angels. In the Talmud, a special angel was assigned to every star and
every element, and similar notions were general throughout the Middle
Ages. "The scientific spirit has cast out the demons, and presented us with
nature clothed and in her right mind and living under the reign of law.
It has given us, for the sorceries of the alchemist, the beautiful laws of
chemistry; for the dreams of the astrologer, the sublime truths of
astronomy ; for the Avild visions of cosmogony, the monumental records
of geology ; for the anarchy of diabolism, the laAvs of God. But more
stubborn still has been the resistance against every attempt to assert the
reign of laAv in the realm of society. In that struggle, statistics has been
the handmaid of science, and has poured a flood of light upon the dark
questions of famine and pestilence, ignorance and crime, disease and death.
"We no longer hope to predict the career and destiny of a human
being by studying the conjunction of planets that presided at his birth.
We study rather the laAvs of life Avithin him, and the elements and forces
of nature and society around him. AVe no longer attribute the untimely
death of infants wholly to the sin of Adam, for we knoAV it is the result
of bad nursing and ignorance. We are beginning to acknowledge that —
" ' The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars.
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.'
Governments are only beginning to recognize these truths.

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— INFLUENCE OF STATISTICS. 217
" In 1853 the Presbytery of Edinburgh petitioned the British ministry
to appoint a day of national fasting and prayer, in order to stay the
ravages of cholera in Scotland. Lord Palmerston, the Home Secretary,
replied in a letter Avhich a century before no British statesman would
have dared to Avrite. He told the clergy of Scotland that: 'The plague
being already upon them, activity Avas preferable to humiliation; that
the causes of disease should be removed by improving the abodes of the
poor, and cleansing them from those sources of contagion which Avould
infallibly breed pestilence and be fruitful in death in spite of all the
prayers and fastings of a united but inactive nation.' Henry Thomas
Buckle expressed the belief that this letter will be quoted in future ages
as a striking illustration of the progress of enlightened public opinion.
But that further progress is possible is seen in the fact that within the
last three years an English bishop has attributed the rinderpest to the
Oxford essays and the Avritings of Colenso.
"In these remarks I disclaim any reference to the dominion of the
C-eator over his spiritual universe, and the high and sacred duty of all
his intelligent creatures to reverence and worship him. I speak solely of
those laws that relate to the physical, intellectual, and social life of man.
"2. The dcA'elopment of statistics are causing history to be rewritten.
Till recently the historian studied nations in the aggregate, and gave us
only the story of princes, dynasties, sieges, and battles. Of the people
themselves — the great social body Avith life, growth, sources, elements, and
laAVS of its own — he told us nothing. Now statistical inquiry leads him
into the hovels, homes, Avorkshops, mines, fields, prisons, hospitals, and
all places Avhere human nature displays its Aveakness and its strength.
In these explorations he discovers the seeds of national groAvth and de
cay, and thus becomes the prophet of his generation.
"Without the aid of statistics, that most masterly chapter of human
history, the third of Macaulay's first volume, could never have been
Avritten. " 3. Statistical science is indispensable to modern statesmanship. In
legislation as in physical science it is beginning to be understood that Ave
can control terrestial forces only by obeying their laws. The legislator
must formulate in his statues not only the national will, but also those
great laws of social life revealed by statistics. He must study society
rather than black-letter learning. He must learn the truth ' that society
usually prepares the crime, and the criminal is only the instrument that

218 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
accomplishes it ; ' that statesmanship consists rather in removing causes
than in punishing or evading results.
"Light is itself a great corrective. A thousand Avrongs and abuses
that grow in the darkness disappear like owls and bats before the light
of dav. For example, Avho can doubt that before many months the press
of this country will burn down the whipping-posts of Delaware as effect
ually as the mirrors of Archimedes burned the Roman ships in the har
bor of Syracuse?
"I know- of no writer A\-ho has exhibited the importance of this science
to statesmanship so fully and so ably as Sir George CoruAvall Lewis, in his
treatise On the 3Iethods of Observation and Reasoning on Politics.
" After showing that politics is noAv taking its place among the sciences,
and as a science its superstructure rests on observed and classified facts,
he says of the registration of political facts, Avhicli consists of history and
statistics, that ' it may be considered as the entrance and propylsea to
politics. It furnishes the materials upon Avhich the artificer operates,
which he hews into shape and builds up into a symmetrical structure.'
" In a subsequent chapter, he portrays the importance of statistics to
the practical statesman iu this strong and lucid language:
" ' He can hardly take a single safe step without consulting them.
AVhether he be framing a plan of finance, or considering the operation
of an existing tax, or folloAving the variations of trade, or studying the
public health, or examining the effects of a criminal law, his conclusions
ought to he guided by statistical data.' — A'"ol. i, p. 134.
"Napoleon, Avith that wonderful A-ision vouchsafed to genius, saw the
importance of this science when he said : «
" ' Statistics is the budget of things; and Avithout a budget there is no
pubhc safety.'
" AVe may not, perhaps, go as far as Goethe did, and declare that
'figures govern the Avorld;' but Ave can fuUy agree with him that 'they
shQAv how it is governed.'
"Baron Quetelet, of Belgium, one of the ripest scholars and profound-
est students of statistical science, concludes his latest chapter of scientific
results in these words :
"'One of the principal results of civilization is to reduce more and
more the limits Avithin Avhich the different elements of society fluctuate.
The more intelligence increases the more these limits are reduced, and the
nearer we approach the beautiful and the good. The perfectibiUty of the

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— ANALYZES THE CENSUS. 219
human species results as a necessary consequence of all our researches.
Physical defects and monstrosities are gradually disappearing ; the fre
quency and severity of diseases are resisted more successfully by the
progress of medical science ; the moral qualities of man are proving
themselves not less capable of improvement ; and the more we advance,
the less we shall have need to fear those great political convulsions and
Avars and their attendant results, Avhich are the scourges of mankind.'
"It should be added that the growing importance of political science,
as Avell as its recent origin, is exhibited in the fact that nearly every
modern nation has established Avithin the last half century a bureau of
general statistics for the uses of statesmanship and science. In the
thirty states of Europe they are now assiduously cultivating the science.
Not one of their central bureaus Avas fully organized before the year
1800. ' ' The chief instrument of American statistics is the census, Avhich should
acco-mplish a two-fold object. It should serve the country by making a
full and accurate exhibit of the elements of national life and strength,
and it should serve the science of statistics by so exhibiting general
results that they may be compared with similar data obtained by other
nations. " In the light of its national uses and its relations to social science,
let us consider the origin and development of the American census.
" During the colonial period, several enumerations of the inhabitants
of the Colonies Avere made by the order of the British Board of Trade ;
but no general concerted attempt Avas made to take a census until
after the opening of the Revolutionary AVar. As illustrating the practical
difficulty of census-taking at that time, a passage in a letter, written in
1715 to the Lords of Trade, by Hunter, the colonial governor of New
York, may be interesting:
" ' The superstition of this people is so unsurmountable that I believe
I shall never be able to obtain a complete list of the number of inhab
itants of this province.'— iVew York Colonial MSS., vol. v, p. 459.
" He then suggests a computation, based upon returns of militia and
of freemen, afterward the women and' children, and then the servants
and slaves.
"AVilliam Burnet, colonial governor of New Jersey, to the Lords of
Trade, June 26, 1726, after mentioning returns made in 1723, says :
" ' I would have then ordered the like accounts to be taken in New

220 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Jersey, but I Avas advised it raight make the people uneasy, they being
generally of a NeAV England extraction, and thereby enthusiasts ; and
that they Avould take it for a repetition of the same sin that David com
mitted in numbering the people, and might bring on the like judgments.
This notion put me off from it at the time, but since your lordships desire
it, I Avill give the orders to the sheriffs, that it may be done as soon as
may be.'
" That this sentiment has not wholly disappeared, may be seen from
the following : At a public meeting held on the evening of November 12,
1867, in this city, pending the taking of the census of the District of
Columbia by the Department of Education and the municipal author
ities, a speaker, whose name is given in the reported proceedings, said :
" ' I regard the Avhole matter as illegal. Taking the census is an im
portant matter. In the Bible we are told David ordered Joab to take
the census Avhen he had no authority to do so, and .loab Avas punished
for it.' He thought these parties, the Metropolitan police, should be
enjoined from asking questions, and he advised those who had not
returned the blank, not to fill it up or answer a single question.
" As early as 1775 the Continental Congress resolved that certain of
the burdens of the war should be distributed among the Colonies, ' accord
ing to the number of inhabitants of all ages, including negroes and
mulattoes, in each colony;' and also recommended to the several colonial
conventions, councils, or committees of safety, to ascertain the number of
inhabitants in each colony, and to make returns to Congress as soon as
possible. Such responses as Avere made to this recommendation, were
probably of no great value, and are almost wholly lost.
"The Articles of Confederation, as reported by John Dickinson, in
July, 1776, provided for a triennial enumeration of the inhabitants of
the States, such enumeration to be the basis of adjusting the 'charges
of war and all other expenses that should be incurred for the common
defense or general Avelfare.' The eighth of the articles, as they were
finally adopted, provided that these charges and expenses should be
defrayed out of a common treasury, to be supplied by the several States
in ' proportion to the value of land Avithin each State granted to or sur
veyed for any person ; and such land and the buildings and improve-
' ments thereon shall be estimated according to such mode as the United
States, in Congress assembled, shall from time to time direct and appoint'
"The ninth article gave Congress the authority 'to agree upon the

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— GROWTH OP THE CENSUS. 221
numbers of land forces, and to make requisitions from each of its quota
in proportion to the number of Avhite inhabitants in such State.' These
articles, unquestionably contemplated a national census, to include a
valuation of laud and an enumeration of population, but they led to no
substantial results. AVhen the blank^ in the revenue report of 1783
Avere filled, the committee reported that they had been compelled to
estimate the population of all the States except Ncav Hampshire, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, and Maryland.
"The next step is to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The
charter of Government, framed by that body, provided for a national
census to be taken decennially. Moreau de Jonnes, a distinguished French
writer on statistics, in his ' Elements de Statistique,' refers to the consti
tutional provision in the following elevated language :
" 'The United States presents in its history a phenomenon which has
no parallel. It is that of a people who instituted the statistics of their
country on the very day Avhen they formed their Government, and who
regulated in the same instrument the census of their citizens, their civil
and political rights, and the destinies of the country.'
" De Jonnes considers the American census the more remarkable be
cause it Avas instituted at so early a date by a people very jealous of
their liberties; and he gives emphasis to his statement by referring to
the heavy penalties imposed by the fi_rst laAV of Congress to carry these
provisions into effect.
" It must be confessed, hoAvever, that the American founders looked
only to practical ends. A careful search through the ' Madison Papers '
has failed to show that any member of the Convention considered the
census in its scientific bearings. But they gave us an instrument by
Avhich those ends can be reached. 'They builded Aviser than they knew,'
" In pursuance of the requirements of the Constitution, an act pro
viding for an enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States was
passed March 1, 1790,
" As illustrating the growth of the American census, it is AVorth ob
serving that the report of the first census Avas an octavo pamphlet of
fifty-two pages, and that of 1800, a folio of seventy-eight pages.
" On the 23d of January, 1800, a memorial of the American Philo
sophical Society, signed by Thomas Jefferson as its President, Avas laid
before the Senate. In this remarkable paper, Avritten in the spirit and
interest of science, the memorialists prayed that the sphere of the census

(222)

THE CAPrrOL AT WASHINGTON.— THE SCENE OF GARFIELD'S LABOBS FOB SIXTEEN YEAES.

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— STATISTICAL SUGGESTIONS. 223
might be greatly extended; but it does not appear to have made any
impression on the Senate, for no trace of it is found in the annals of
Congress. "The results attained by the first six censuses Avere meager for the
purposes of science. That of 1790 embraced population only, its single
schedule containing six inquiries. That of 1800 had only a population
schedule Avith fourteen inquiries. In 1810, an at-tempt was made to
supei-add statistics of manufiictures, but the results were of no value.
In 1820 the statistics of manufactures were again worthless. In 1830
the attempt^ to take them Avas abandoned. Id 1840 there Avere schedules
of population and manufactures, and some inquiries relating to educa
tion and employment,
" The law of May 23, 1850, under which the seventh and eighth cen
suses were taken, marks an important era in the historj- of American
statistics. This law owes many of its AA-isest provisions and much of the
success of its execution to Mr. Joseph C. G. Kennedy, under Avhose in
telligent superintendence the chief work of the last census Avas accom
plished. This law marks the transition of the American census from
the merely practical to the scientific phase. The system thus originated
needs correction to make it conform to the later results of statistical
sci'-nce and to the wants of the American people. Nevertheless, it de
serves the high commendations passed upon it by some of the most emi
nent statisticians and publicists of the Old World."
In continuing his speech, General Garfield considered the de
fects in the method of taking the census. Among the many im
provements suggested are the folloAving :
"The war has left us so many mutUated men, that a record should
be made of those who have lost a limb or have been otherwise disabled,
and the committee have added an inquiry to show the state of public
health and the prevalence of some of the principal diseases. Dr. Jarvis,
of Massachusetts, one of the highest living authorities on vital statistics,
in a masterly paper presented to the committee, urged the importance
of measuring as accurately as possible the effective physical strength of
the people.
"It is not generally known how large a proportion of each nation is
wholly or partially unfitted by physical disability for self-support. The
statistics of France show that, in 1851, in a population of less than

224 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
thirty-six millions, the deaf, dumb, blind, deformed, idiotic, and those
otherwise mutilated or disabled, amounted to almost two millions. We
thus see that in a country of the highest civilization the effective strength
of its population is reduced one-eighteenth by physical defects. AVhat
general Avould venture to conduct a campaign without ascertaining the
physical qualities of his soldiers as well as the number on his rolls ? In
this great industrial battle, Avhich this nation is now fighting, Ave ought
to take every available means to ascertain the effective strength of the
country." Farther on he says:
"An inquiry was also added in regard to dwellings, so as to exhibit
the several principal materials for construction, as wood, brick, stone, etc.,
and the value of each. Fevf things indicate more fully the condition of
the people than the houses they occupy. The average home is not an
imperfect picture of the Avealth, comfort, refinement, and civilization of
the average citizen."
The next paragraph is devoted to the question of deter
mining the number of A'oters. The Fourteenth Amendment to
the Constitution reduced a State's representation iu Congress
to the measure of its votes. This AA'as thought at the time to
refer merely to the States where negroes were not alloAved to
vote, but Garfield found that in all the States, there were
eighty restrictions in the right to vote, besides color and crime, rang
ing all the Avay from residence to education and character.
Under the topic of agricultural products, he said :
"It is believed that the schedule thus amended will enable us to
ascertain the elements of those Avonderful forces which have made our
country the granary of the civilized world ; will exhibit also the defects of
our agricultural methods, and stimulate our farmers to adopt those means
which have doubled the agricultural products of England since the days
of the Stuarts, and have more than doubled the comforts of her people.
The extent of that great progress can be seen in such facts as these:
that 'in the reign of Henry VII. fresh meat was never eaten even by
the gentleman attendant on a great earl, except during the short interval
between midsummer and Michaelmas,' because no adequate means were

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— "BLACK FRIDAY." 225
knoAvn of fattening cattle in the winter, or even of preventing the death
of one-fifth of their whole number each year; that Catharine, queen
of Charles II. sent to Flanders for her salad, Avhich^the wretched gar
dening of England did not sufficiently provide."
Under the head of corporation statistics, he makes the fol-
loAving significant statement:
"Noav that the great question of human slavery is removed from the
arena of American politics, I am persuaded that the next great question
to he confronted, ivill be that of corporations, and their relation to the inter
ests of the people and to the national life. The fear ('.•> now entertained by many
of our best men, that the National and State legislatures of the Union, in cre
ating these vast corporations, have evoked a spirit which may escape and defy
their control and which may wield a power greater than legislatures themselves.
The rapidity Avith which railroad corporations have been consolidated and
placed within the power of a few men, during the past year, is not
the least alarming manifestation of this power. Without here discussing
the right of Congress to legislate on all the matters suggested in this di
rection, the committee have provided in this bill to arm the census office
Avith the power to demand from these corporations a statement of the ele
ments of Avhich they are composed and an exhibit of their transactions,"
The learning, the philosophic and advanced views, the mas
terly grouping of social phenotnena throughout this speech are
absolutely novel and unique in the wilderness of Congres
sional oratory. After all the Avealth of industry and thought
expended on the subject, the bill failed to pass the Senate, so
that the ninth census had to be taken under the old law.
The body of the bill, however, eventually became the law
under Avhich the unequaled census of 1880 was taken.
As Ave advance through the multitude of General Garfield's
congressional speeches, selecting here and there some typical
extract, his report on " Black Friday" attracts attention. Ev
ery one remembers the gold panic of September 24, 1869.
It was- the greatest financial conspiracy known to history.
Wall Street, the scene of innumerable frauds, snares, conspir
acies, and panics, never saw any thing to compare with the
historic " Black Friday." The House of Representatives ap-
15

226 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
pointed the Committee of Banking and Currency of which
General Garfield had been made chairman at the opening of
the Forty-First Congress, to investigate the causes of that finan
cial convtilsion. He Aveiit to New York, incog., managed to get
into the private room of the Gold Board, Avhere the matter was
undersroino: a secret investigation. Here General Garfield
made notes, and got his clue. AVhen he could stay no longer,
he left a clever substitute. Each Avitiiess was attached as he
left the building and hurried down to AVashington before he
could be primed. General Garfield's examination of the wit
nesses was adroit and successful. The taciturn and self-poised
Gould, the AA'ily and exuberant Jim Fisk, alike were compelled
to lay open the full details of the scheme. General Garfield's
report, made March 1,1870, goes to the bottom of this the dark
est conspiracy eA'er planned. It reads like a novel, and contains
the material for a Avhole library of fiction. Some idea of the
foul plot may be had from the following summary and extracts :
BLACK FRIDAY.
"On the first of September, 1868, the price of gold Avas one hundred
and forty-five. During the autumn and Avinter it continued to decline,
interrupted only by occasional fluctuations, till in March, 1869, it touched
one hundred and thirty and one-fourth (its loAvest point for three years),
and continued near that rate until the middle of April, the earliest period
to which the evidence taken by the committee refers. At that time,
Mr. Jay Gould, president of the Erie Railroad Company, bought seven
millions of gold, and put up the price from one hundred and thirty-two
to one hundred and forty. Other brokers followed his example, and by
the twentieth of May had put up the price to one hundred and forty-
four and seven-eighths, from Avhich point, in spite of speculation, it
continued to decline, and on the last day of July stood at one hundred
and thirty-six.
"The first indication of a concerted movement on' the part of those
Avho were prominent in the panic of September was an effort to secure
the appointment of some person who should be subservient to their
schemes, as Assistant Treasurer at New York, in place of Mr. H. H.
A^'an Dyck, who resigned in the month of June. In this effort Mr.

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— "BLACK FRIDAY" REPORT. 227
Gould and Mr. A. R. Corbin, a brother-in-laAv of President Grant, appear
to have been closely and iutimately connected. If the testimony of the
witnesses is to be believed, Mr. Corbin suggested the name of his step-
son-in-law, Robert B. Catherwood, and Mr. Gould joined in the sugges
tion. "Ou Avhat grounds Mr. Catherwood declined to be a candidate does
not appear. The parties next turned their attention to General Butter-
field, and, both before and after his appointment, claimed to be his sup-'
porters. Gould and Catherwootl testify that Corbin claimed to have
secured the appointment, though Corbin swears that he made no recom
mendation in the case. General Butterfield was appointed Assistant
Treasurer, and entered upon the duties of that office on the first of July.
It is, however, proper to state that the committee has no evidence that
General Butterfield Avas in any Avay cognizant of the corrupt schemes
which led the conspirators to desire his appointment, nor that their rec
ommendations had any weight in securing it. In addition to these
efforts, the conspirators resolved to discover, if possible, the purposes of
the President and the Secretary of the Treasury in regard to the sales of
gold. The first attempt in this direction, as exhibited in the evidence,
Avas made on the 15th of June, Avhen the President Avas on board one of
Messrs. Fisk and Gould's Fall River steamers, on his Avay to Boston. At
nine o'clock in the evening, supper was served on board, and the pres
ence at the table of such men as Cyrus AV. Field, Avith several leading
citizens of Ncav York and Boston, Avas suflficient to prevent any suspicion
that this occasion Avas to be used for the benefit of private speculation ;
but the testimony of Fisk and Gould indicates clearly the purpose they
had in vicav. Fisk says:
" ' On our passage over to Boston with General Grant, Ave endeavored
to ascertain what his position in regard to finances was. AVe went down
to supper about nine o'clock, intending, while we were there, to have this
thing pretty thoroughly talked up, and, if possible, to relieve him from
any idea of putting the price of gold down.'"
" Mr, Gould's account is as follows :
" ' At this supper the question came up about the state of the country,
the crops, prospects ahead, etc. The President was a listener; the other
gentlemen were discussing ; some were in favor of Boutwell's selling
gold, and some opposed to it. After they had all interchanged views,
some one asked the President what his vieAV was. He remarked that he

228 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
thought there Avas a certain amount of fictitiousness about the prosperity
of the country, and that the bubble might as well be tapped in one way
as another. We supposed, from that conversation, that the President was a
contractionist. His remark struck across us like a Avet blanket.'
"It appears that these skillfully-contrived efforts elicited from the
President but one remark, and this opened a gloomy prospect for the
speculators. Upon their return to Ncav York, Fisk and Gould deter
mined to bring a great pressure upon the administration, to prevent, if
po.ssible, a further decline in gold, Avhich would certainly interfere Avith
their purposes of speculation. This was to be effected by facts and ar
guments presented iu the name of the country and its business interests;
and a financial theory was agreed upon, Avhich, on its face, Avould appeal
to the business interests of the country, and enlist in its support many
patriotic citizens, but Avould, if adopted, incidentally enable the conspira
tors to make their speculations eminently successful. That theory was,
that the business interests of the country required an advance in the
price of gold ; that, in order to move the fall crops and secure the for
eign market for our grain, it Avas necessary that gold should he put up
to 145. According to Mr. Jay Gould, this theory, for the benefit of
American trade and commerce, was suggested by Mr. James McHenry,
a prominent English financier, who furnished Mr. Gould the data Avith
Avhich to advocate it."
This plan was tried vigorously. Hired newspapers filled their
editorial pages with arguments. Every mail brought pamphlets,
papers, memorials, arguments, etc., to the silent Presideat.
Wherever he turned, some one Avas at hand to pour into his ear a
plea for the poor country. If the Government Avould sell no gold,
the conspirators would have the market in their oAvn hands. Men
having contracts to furnish gold Avould huA-e to buy of them at
any price. There Avas no Avord from Grant, but the conspirators
continued to buy up gold. Gould took in a partner :
"Fisk was told that Corbin had enlisted the interests of persons high
in authority, that the President, Mrs. Grant, Genera) Porter, and Gen
eral Butterfield were corruptly interested in the moA'ement, and that the
Secretary of the Treasuiy had been forbidden to sell gold. Though these
declarations were wickedly false, as the evidence abundantly shows, yet

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— "BLACK FRIDAY" REPORT. 229
the compounded villainy presented by Gould and Corbin was too tempt
ing a bait for Fisk to resist. He joined the movement at once, and
brought to its aid all the force of his magnetic and infectious enthusiasm.
The malign influence Avhich Catiline wielded over the reckless and
- abandoned youth of Rome, finds a fitting parallel in the power whieh
Fisk carried into AVall Street, when, followed by the thugs of Erie and
the debauchees of the Opera House, he sAvept into the gold-room and de
fied both the Street and the Treasury. Indeed, the whole gold move
ment is not an unworthy copy of that great conspiracy to lay Rome in
ashes and deluge its streets in blood, for the purpose of enriching those
who Avere to apply the torch and wield the dagger.
" With the great revenue of the Erie Railway Company at their com
mand, and having converted the Tenth National Bank into a manufac
tory of certified checks to be used as cash at their pleasure, they terri
fied all opponents by the gigantic jjower of their combination, and amazed
and dazzled the dissolute gamblers of Wall Street by declaring that they
had in league with them the chief officers of the National Government,
" They gi-adually pushed the price of gold from one hundred and
thirty-five and one-half, where it stood on the morning of the thirteenth
of September, until, on the evening of Wednesday, the twenty-second,
they held it firm at one hundred and forty and one-half.
"The conspirators had bought sixtjr millions of gold up to that date.
Every thing depended on Giant's preventing the sale of gold by the
Treasury. Brother-in-law Corbin Avas to manage that. Ev-ery cent ad
vance in gold added $15,000 to Corbin's profit. On the 17th, it was de
termined to have Corbin write a long letter to the President.
" The letter contained no reference to the private speculation of Corbin,
but urged the President not to interfere in the fight then going ou be
tween the bulls and bears, nor to alloAV the Secretary of the Treasury to
do so by any sales of gold. The letter also repeated the old arguments
in regard to transportation of the crops.
" While Corbin was writing it, Gould called upon Fisk to furnish his
most faithful servant to carry the letter. AV. O. Chapin was designated
as the messenger, and early on the following morning went to Mr. Cor
bin's house and received it, together with a note to General Porter. He
was instructed to proceed with all possible haste, and telegraph Fisk as
soon as the letter was delivered. He reached Pittsburgh a little after
midnight, and, proceeding at ouce by carriage to Washington, Pennsyl-

230 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
vania, thirty miles distant, delivered the letter to the President, and,
after waiting some time, asked if there was any answer. The President
told him there was no ansAver, and he hurried away to the nearest telegraph
oifice and sent to Mr. Fisk this dispatch : ' Letters delivered all right,' and
then returned to New York. Mr. Fisk appears to have interpreted the
•all right' of the dispatch as an answer to the doctrine of the Corbin
letter, and says he proceeded in his enormous purchases upon that suppo
sition. This letter, which Corbin had led his co-conspirators to trust
as their safeguard against interference from Mr. Boutwell, finally proved
their ruin. Its ieffect was the very reverse of Avhat they anticipated.
The letter would have been like hundreds of other letters received by
the President, if it had not been for the fact that it Avas sent by a special
messenger from New York to AVashington, Pennsylvania, the messenger
having to take a carriage and ride some twenty-eight miles from Pitts
burgh. This letter, sent in that Avay, urging a certain policy on the ad
ministration, taken in connection Avith some rumors that had got into the
newspapers at that time as to Air. Corbin's having become a great bull
in gold, excited the President's suspicions, and he believed that Mr.
Corbin must have a pecuniary interest in those speculations ; that he was
not actuated simply by a desire to see a certain policy carried out for the
benefit of the administration. Feeling in that way, he suggested to Mrs.
Grant to say, in a letter she was Avriting to Mrs. Corbin, that rumors had
reached her that Mr. Corbin was connected Avith speculators in New
York, and that she hoped that if this Avas so he would disengage himself
from them at once; that he (the President) was very much distressed at
such rumors. She Avrote a letter that evening. It Avas received in New
York on the evening of Wednesday, the twenty-second. Late that night
Mr. Gould called at Corbin's house. Corbin disclosed the contents of the
letter, and they sat down to consider its significance. This letter created
the utmost alarm in the minds of both of these conspirators. The
picture of these two raen that night, as presented in the evidence, is a re
markable one. Shut up in the library, near midnight, Corbin Avas bend
ing over the table and straining with dim eyes to decipher and read the
contents of a letter, Avritten in pencil, to his Avife, Avhile the great gold
gambler, looking over his shoulder, caught with his sharper vision every
word." Corbin tried to get Gould to buy hira out, so as to tell the Presi
dent he had no interest in the market. Gould, too, plotted to save

LEADER AND STATESMAN.—" BLACK FRIDAY " REPORT. 231
himself by ruining his co-conspirators. They held a meeting,
Gould secretly sold to Fisk and his as.'^ociates. The latter, of
course, had no idea that it Avas Gould they Avere buying out. The
meeting resolved to force gold up to 160 on the next day ("Black
Friday"), publish a list of all firms who had contracts to furnish
gold, offer to settle Avith thera at the price named before three
o'clock, but threatening higher prices to all Avho delayed :
" AV^hile this desperate work was going on in New York, its alarming
and ruinous effects were reaching and paralyziiig the business of
the whole country, and carrying terror and ruin to thou.sands. Busi
ness men everywhere, from Boston to San Francisco, read disaster
in every new bulletin. The price of gold fluctuated so rapidly that
the telegraphic indicators could not keep pace with its movement. The
complicated mechanism of these indicators is moved by the electric cur
rent carried over telegraphic Avires directly from the gold-room, and it
is in evidence that in many instances these wires were melted or burned
off in the efforts of the operators to keep up Avith the news.
"The President returned from Pennsylvania to Washington on Thurs
day, the twenty-third, and that evening had a consultation with the Sec
retary of the Treasury concerning the condition of the gold market. The
testimony of Air. Boutwell shows that both the President and himself
concurred in the opinion that they should, if possible, avoid any inter
ference on the part of the Government in a contest where both parties
were struggling for private gain ; but both agreed that if the price of
gold should be forced still higher, so as to threaten a general financial
panic, it would be their duty to interfere and protect the business inter
ests of the country. The next morning the price advanced rapidly, and
telegrams poured into AVashington from all parts of the country, exhib
iting the general alarm, and urging the Government to interfere, and, if
pos.«ible, prevent a financial crisis.
At 11:42 A. M. came the crack of doom.
Tke.asury Department, September 24, 1869.
" Daniel Butte field. Assistant Treasurer, United Statei, New York:
"Sell four millions (4,000,000) gold to-morroAv, and buy four millions
(4,000,000) bonds. George S. Boutwell, Scc'y Treasury.
" Charge to Department. Sent 11 : 42 A. m."
"AVithin the space of fifteen minutes the price fell from one hundred

232 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and sixty to one hundred and thirty-three, and in the language of one
of the Avitnesses, half of Wall Street was involved in ruin.
" It was not without difficulty that the conspirators escaped frora the
fury of their victims and took refuge in their up-toAvn stronghold— the
office of the Erie Railroad Company.
"During the day and morning previous, the conspirators had succeeded
in forcing many settlements at rates ruinous to their victims."
On i\Iarch 14, 1870, General Garfield spoke on the subject of
the civil service. The speech abounded in details, and Avas pointed
Avith references to classes of salaries Avhich were too high. On
April 1st of the same session, he delivered a great speech on the
tariff question. It was characterized by its conservatiA'e avoid
ance of extreraes, and Avill stand as the best expression of modern
scholarship, practical statesmanship on this most important public
question, ,It is probable that there can noAvhere be found an
argument on the subject of the tariff Avhich more nearly approaches
perfect legislative Avisdom.
In 1870, the total amount of national bank circulation being
limited by laAAS' to 1300,000,000 and largely absorbed in the East,
a cry arose in the South and West against this injustice. General
Garfield drcAV up and presented a bill Avhich became a laAv, increasing
the limit $54,000,000, and providing for the cancellation of the
surplus of notes in States having more than their quota, as fast as
the Southern and AVestern States, having less than their quota, or
ganized national banks and commenced to issue currency. It Avas
a just measure, and Avas exactly in the line of future legislation,
but the Western and Southern States had no capital to invest for
banking purposes, and consequently availed themselves but slightly
of the opportunity. The measure, hoAvever, Avas of a character to
allay public clamor, demonstrate the folly of the outcry against the
existing laAV, and facilitate the progress toAvard resumption. It
Avas the forerunner of the laAv, removing all limit to national bank
circulation, and making the volume of the currency adjustable to -
the demand. General Garfield's great speech on the bill, deliv
ered June 7, 1870, has been the inexhaustible quiver frora Avhich
most of the arroAvs of financial discussion have since been drawn

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— HOUSE vs. SENATE. 233
by all sraaller raarksraen. A second speech on the same subject
on June loth, was but little its inferior.
The last day of the Forty-First Congress Avitnessed a remarkable
attempt of the Senate to encroach upon the constitutional prcrog-
atiA'c of the House to originate all bills for raising revenues, the
claim being that the measure Avas one to reduce reAenue instead of
raising it. It Avas a bill to abolish the income tax. Garfield
favored the reduction, but an encroachment which raight become a
dangerous precedent had to be resisted. His argument covered the
vast field of the history of the House of Commons, the debates of the
Constitutional Convention, and the precedents of Congress. His
conclusions were:
First. — That the exclusive right of the House of Commons of Great
Britain to originate money bills, is so old that the date of its origin is
unknown; it has ahvays been regarded as one of the strongest bulwarks
of British freedom against usurpation of the King and of the House of
Lords, and has been guarded with the most jealous care ; that in the
many contests which have arisen on this subject between the Lords and
Commons, during the last three hundred years, the Commons have never
given Avay, but have rather enlarged than diminished their jurisdiction
of this subject; and that since the year 1678, the Lords have conceded,
with scarcely a struggle, that the Commons had the exclusive right to
originate, not only bills for raising revenue, but for decreasing it; not
only for imposing, but also for repealing taxes; and that the same ex
clusive right extended also to all general appropriations of money.
Second. — The clause of our Constitution, now under debate, was bor
rowed from this feature of the British Constitution, and was intended to
have the same force and effect in all respects as the corresponding clause
of the British Constitution, Avith this single exception, that our Senate is
permitted to offer amendments, as the House of Lords is not.
Third.— In addition to the influence of the British example, was the
further fact, that this clause was placed in our Constitution to counter
balance some special privileo-es granted to the Senate. It Avas the com
pensating Aveight thrown into the scale to make the two branches of
Congress equal in authoritv and power. It was first put into the Con
stitution to compensate the large States for the advantages given to the
small States in alloAving them an equal representation in the Senate;

234 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and, Avhen. subsequently it Avas thrown out of the original draft, it came
near unhinging the whole plan.
"It was reinserted in the last great compromise of the Constitution, to
offset the exclusive right of the Senate to ratify treaties, confirm appoints
ments, and try impeachments. The construction given to it by the mem
bers of the Constitutional Convention, is the same Avhich this House now
contends for. The same construction was asserted broadly and fully, by
the First Congress, many of the membejs of Avhich Avere framers of the
Constitution. It has been asserted again and again, iu the various Con
gresses, frora the First till now ; and, though the Senate has often at
tempted to invade this privilege of the House, yet in no instance has
the House surrendered its right Avhenever that right has been openly
challenged; and, finally, whenever a contest has arisen, many leading
Senators have sustained the right of the House as now contended for.
"Again, if the Senate may throAV their Avhole Aveight, political and moral,
into the scale in favor of the repeal or reduction of one class of taxes,
they may thereby compel the House to originate bills, to impose new
taxes, or increase old ones to make up the deficiency caused by the re
peal begun in the Senate, and thus accomplish by indirection, Avhat the
Constitution plainly prohibits. What Mr. SeAvard said in 1856, of the
encroachment of the Senate, is still more strikingly true to-day.
"The tendency of the Senate is constantly to encroach, — not only up
on the jurisdiction of the House, but upon the rights of the Chief Ex-
eeutiA'e of the nation. The power of confirming appointments is rapidly
becoming a means by Avhich the Senate dictates appointments. The
Constitution gives to the President the initiative in appointments, as it
gives to the House the initiative in revenue legislation. Evidences are
not Avanting that both these rights are every year subjected to new inva
sions. If, in the past, the ExecutiA-e has been compelled to give way to
the pressure, and has, in some degree yielded his constitutional rights,
it is all the more necessary that this House stand firm, and yield no jot
or tittle of that great right intrusted to us for the protection of the
people." This speech Avas absolutely conclusive on the question, and must
take its place Avith all the immortal arguments and efforts put

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— COMMITTEE OF APPROPRIATIONS. 235
forth in the past to preserve the rights of the popular branch of
national legislature, February 20, 1871, General Garfield deliv
ered a poAverful speech against the AIcGarraghan claim, one of the
many jobs of Avhich Congress Avas the victim.
General Garfield Avas by this time recognized as the highest au
thority on the intricate subjects of finance, revenue, and expendi
ture, in the House, It Avill be seen that these topics fall Avithin
the general head of political economy, " the dismal science." Of
these he Avas the acknoAvledged master. Accordinglv, at the be
ginning of the Forty-Second Congress, in 1871, Garfield Avas made
chairman of the Committee of Appropriations, It is probable
that in this capacity he never had an equal. Something must be
said of his Avork,
In order to master the great subject of public expenditures, he
studied the history of those of European nations. He read the
" budget speeches " of the English chancellors of the exchequer
for a long period. He refreshed his German, and studied French,
in order to read the best Avorks in the Avorld on the subjects, the
highest authorities being in those languages. He examined the
British and French appropriations for a long period. After
an exhaustive study of the history of foreign nations, he com-
raenced Avith our OAA'n country at the time of the Revolution,
Charles Sumner Avas the greatest reader, and had the longest book
list at the Congressional Library of any man in Washington. The
library records shoAv that General Garfield's list was next to Sum
ner's, being but slightly beloAV it. After Sumner's death, the man
Avho Avas second became first. This gathering of facts AA'as fol-
loAved by Avide inductions. National expenditures Avere found by
him to be subject to a laAV as fixed as that of gravitation. There
was a proportion betAA'cen population, area of country, and the
necessary outlay for public expenses, Avhich Avas fixed. Any thing
beyond this Avas Avaste. No covering could hide ofificial robbery
from the reach of such a detective as the . establishment of this
law. Every miscreant left a tell-tale track.
The results of his studies Avere embodied in an elaborate speech

236 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
on January 22, 1872, in the introduction of his appropriation bill.
The^close study of political economy, however, did not diA'ert him
from other questions. He kept himself thoroughly A-ersed on every
question of public importance and AA'as ahvays equal to every de
mand. On April 4, 1871, he delivered a speech in opposition to a Re
publican bill for the enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment,
At the tirae it brought down upon hira the censure of his party.
But he A\as firm. There could be no doubt of his loyalty to the
nation, and his distrust of the malignant South. But he Avas too
conservative for the war leaders and politicians. A compromise
was effected, with Avhich, however, his opponents were much dis
satisfied. Another notable speech was raade on the bill to establish an
educational fund frora the proceeds of the sale of public lands.
The speech abounded in citations from English, French, and
German authorities on the subject of education. One doctrine
enunciated was that matters of education belong to the State gov
ernments, not to the nation ; that Congress raade no claim to inter
fere in the method, but only to assist in the AVork.
In the suraraer of 1872, General Garfield undertook a delicate
mission to the Flat-Head Indians. Their removal wa? required
by the Government. But the noble red man refused to stir an inch
from his ancestral hunting-grounds, Garfield's mis.sion was to be
the last pacific effort. He Avas successful Avhen the department
had given up hope in any resource but AA'ar.
On his return from the West, General Garfield found the Credit
Mobilier scandal looming up like a cyclone in the Congressional
sky. Living a life of study, research, and thought, of spotless
character and the purest intention, he Avas inexpressibly pained.
A private letter of December 31, 1872, to his bosom friend Hins
dale, is indicative of his feelings :
"The Credit Mobilief scandal has given me much pain. As I told
you last fall, I feared it Avould turn and that the company itself Avas a
bad thing. So I think it Avill, and perhaps some members of Congress
were conscientiously parties to its plans. It has been a neAV form of trial

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— CREDIT MOBIIJER. 237
for me to see my name flying the rounds of the press in connection with
the basest of crimes. It is not enough for one to know that his heart
and motives have been pure and true, if he is not sure but that good
men here and there, Avho do not knoAV him, will set him down among
the loAvest men of doubtful morality. There is nothing in my relation
to the case for which the tenderest conscience of the most scrupulous
honor can blame me. It is fortunate that I never fully concluded to
accept the offer made me ; but it grieves me greatly to have been
negotiating Avith a man Avho had so little sense of truth and honor as to
use his proposals for a purpose in a way now apparent to me. I shall
go before the committee, and in due time before the House, witii a full
statement of all that is essential to the case, so far as 1 am concerned.
You and I are noAV nearly in middle life, and have not yet become
soured and shriveled Avith the wear and tear of life. Let us pray to
be delivered from that condition where life and nature have no fj'esh,
sweet sensations for us."
His correspondence at this time Avith President Hinsdale, in
Avhich he uncovers his secret heart, is fiill of expressions of disgust
Avith politics, " AA'here ten years of honest toil goes for naught in
the face of one vote," as he says. Once he declares: "A\'ere it not
for the Credit Mobilier, I believe I Avould resign." Hoav plainly
his character appears in the following little extract :
"You knoAV that I have ahvays said that ray whole public life Avas
an experiment to determine Avhether an intelligent people would sustain
a man in acting sensibly on each proposition that arose, and in doing
nothing for mere shoAV or for demagogical effect. I do not now remember
that I ever cast a vote of that latter sort. Perhaps it is true that the
demagogue Avill succeed when honorable statesmanship Avill fail. If so,
public life is the holloAA'est of all shams."
In another letter to Colonel RockAvell, he speaks from his heart :
"I think of you as away, and in an elysium of quiet and peace, Avhere
I should love to he, out of the storm and in the sunshine of loA'e and
books. Do not think from the above that I am despondent. There is
life and hope and fight in your old friend yet."
It is hardly po.ssible to understand the tortures which his sensi
tive nature underAvent at this time. To an honest man the worst

238 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
pain comes from the poisoned dagger of mistrust. At a later day.
General Garfield Avas to make his defense to his constituents.
During this plague of heart and brain, there Avas no remission
of the enormous activity in the chosen field of finance, revenue,
and expendi*^iire. But Ave can only plant foot upon the mountain
peaks as A\-e pass OA-cr the Alps of General Garfield's Congressional
labors. March 5, 1874, he delivered another great speech on
"Revenues and Public Expenditures."
On April 8, 1874, the first great " inflation" bill, by Avhich the
effects of the terrible panic of 1873 AA-ere to be relicA-ed or cured,
came up for discussion. General Garfleld exhausted hi.story in
his opposition to the bill. It must be remembered that his con
stituents Avere clamoring for the passage of this bill which Avas
to make money plenty. Taking his political life in his hand, he
fought it with all his poAver. As in 1866, 1868, 1869, 1870, and
1871, so, in 1874, he .said that " next to the great achievements of
the nation in putting doAVii the rebellion, destroying its cause, and
reuniting the Republic on the principle of liberty and equal
rights to all, is the task of paying the fabulous expenses of the
Avar, the funding of the debt, the maintenance of public credit, and
the launching of the nation on its career of prosperity," The
speech contains citations of authority against inflation and irre
deemable paper currency from John Stuart Mill, Benjamin Frank
lin, R. H, Lee, AVashington, Adams, Peletiah AVebster, Alexander
Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, AVebster, Gouge, Calhoun, and
Chase, The reader Avill remember that the measure passed the
House and the Senate by overwhelming majorities, but was struck
dead by the veto of President Grant.
On June 23, 1874, General Garfield spoke at length on the
subject of appropriations for the year. In this address, as in aU
others upon this topic, he handled figures and statistics Avith the
greatest skill and familiarity. The House had come to rely upon
his annual speech on this subject for its information on the ex
penses of the Government.
Almost at the same tirae he delivered a speech on the Raihvay
Problem, The pending question was upon making certain appro-

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— RAILWAYS. 239
priations for River, Harbor, and Canal Surveys, as a preliminarv
to cheaper transportation. General Garfield endeavored to have a
similar commission organized on the Raihvay question. He felt
that any investigation of cheap transportation Avas lame Avhich did
not include " the greatest of our modern raeans of transportation,
the Raihvay." AVe tiuote a part of his discussion, Avhich must be
of interest to every reader: THE EAILAVAY PROBLEM.
" AVe are so involved in the events and movements of society that we do
not stop to realize — Avhat is undeniably true — that during the last forty
years all modern societies have entered upon a period of change, more
marked, more pervading, more radical than any that has occurred during
the last three hundred years. In saying this, I do not forget our OAvn polit
ical and military history, nor the French ReA'olution of 1793. The changes
noAV taking place have been Avrought, and are being wrought, mainly,
almost Avholly, by a single mechanical contrivance, the steam locomo
tive. There are many persons noAV living Avho Avell remember the day
Avhen Andrew Jackson, after four Aveeks of toilsome travel from his home
in Tennessee, reached AVashington and took his first oath of oifice as
President of the United States. On that day, the railway locomotive did
not exist. During that year, Henry Clay Avas struggling to make his
name immortal by linking it Avitli the then vast project of building a
national road — a turnpike — from the national capital to the banks of the
Mississippi. "In the autumn of that very year George Stephenson ran his first
experimental locomotive, the ' Rocket,' from INlanchester to Liverpool
and back. The rumble of its Avheels, redoubled a million times, is echo
ing to-day on every continent.
"In 1870, there Avere about 125,000 miles of railroad on the two hem
ispheres, constructed at a cost of little less than $100,000 per mile, and
representing nearly $12,000,000,000 of invested capital.
"A parliamentary commission found that during the year 1866 the
railway cars of Great Britain carried an average of 850,000 passengers
per day ; and during that year the work done by their 8,125 locomotives
would. haA'e required for its performance three and a half miflion horses
and nearly two million men.
" What have our people done for the locomotive, and what has it

240 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
done for us? To the United States, Avith its vast territorial area, the
railroad Avas a vital necessity.
"Talleyrand once said to the first Napoleon that 'the United States
Avas a giant without bones.' Since that time our gristle has been rapidly
hardenin . Sixty-seven thousand miles of iron track is a tolerable
skeleto:i, even for a giant. AVhen this new power appeared, our people
everywi-ere felt the necessity of setting it to work ; and individuals,
citie-. States, and the nation lavished their resources without stint to
ma^ce a pathway for it. Fortunes Avere sunk under almost every mile
of our earlier roads in the effort to capture and utilize this new poAver.
If the State did not head the subscription for a new road, it usually
came to the rescue before the AVork Avas completed.
" The lands given by the States and by the national Government to
aid in the construction of railroads, reach an aggregate of nearly two
hundred and fifty million acres^a territory equal to nine times the area
of Ohio. With these vast resources Ave have made paths for the steam
giant; and to-day nearly a quarter of a million of our business and Avork
ing men are in his immediate service. Such a poAver naturally attracts
to its enterprise the brightest and strongest intellects. It AA'Ould be diffi
cult to find in any other profession so large a proportion of men pos
sessed of a high order of business ability as those avIio construct, manage,
and operate our railroads.
" The American people have done much for the locomotive ; and it has
done murh for them. AVe have already seen that it has greatly reduced,
if not wholly destroyed, the danger that the Government will fidl to pieces
by its own weight. The railroad has not only brought our people and their
industries together, but it has carried civilization into the Avilderness, has
built up States and Territories, Avhich but for its poAver Avould have
remained deserts for a century to come. ' Abroad and at home,' as Mr.
Adams tersely declares, ' it has equally nationalized people and cosmop-
olized nations.' It has played a most important part in the recent
movement for the unification and preservation of nations.
"It enabled us to do Avhat the old military science had pronounced
impossible — to conquer a revolted population of eleven miflions, occu
pying a territory one-fifth as large as the continent of Europe. In an
able essay on the railway system, Mr. Charles F. Adams, Jr., has pointed
out some of the remarkable achievements of the railroad in our -recent
history. For example, a single railroad track enabled Sherman to main-

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— RAILWAYS. 241
tain eighty thousand fighting men three hundred miles beyond his base
of supplies. Another line, in a space of seven days, brought a reinforce
ment of two fully-equipped array ccjrps around a circuit of thirteen hundred
miles, to strengthen an army at a threatened point. He calls attention
to the .still more striking fact that for ten years past, with fifteen hundred
millions of our indebtedness abroad, an enormous debt at home, unpar
alleled public expenditures, and a depreciated paper currency, in defiance
of all past experience, we have been steadily conquering our difficulties,
have e,-caped the predicted collapse, and are promptly meeting our en
gagements ; because, through energetic railroad development, the country
has been producing real Avealth, as no country has produced it before.
Finally, he sums up the case by declaring that the locomotive has
'dragged the country through its difficulties in spite of itself
"In discussing this theme, we must not make an indiscriminate attack
upon corporations. The corporation limited to its proper uses is one of
the most valuable of the many useful creations of law. One class of
corporations has played a most important and conspicuous part in
securing the liberties of mankind. It was the municipal corporations —
the free cities and chartered towns — that preserved and developed the
spirit of freedom during the darkness of the Middle Ages, and power
fully aided in the overthrow of the feudal .system. The charters of
London and of the lesser cities and towns of England made the most
effective resistance to the tyranny of Charles II. and the judicial sav
agery of Jeffries. The spirit of the free town and the chartered colony
taught our own fathers how to Avin their independence. The New En
gland township was the political unit Avhich formed the basis of most of
our states.
" This class of corporations have been most useful, and almost always
safe, because they have been kept constantly within the control of the
community for whose benefit they were created. The State has never
surrendered the power of amending their charters.
" Under the name of private corporations organizations have grown
up, not for the perpetuation of a great charity, like a college or hospital,
not to enable a company of citizens more conveniently to carry on a pri
vate industry, but a class of corporations unknown to the early law
writers has arisen, and to them have been committed the vast powers of
the railroad and the telegraph, the great instruments by whieh modern
communities live, move, and have their being.
16

242 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" Since the daAvn of history, the great thoroughfares have belonged to
the people, have been knoAvn as the king's highAvays or the public high
ways, and have been open to the free use of all, on payment of a
small uniforra tax or toll to keep them in repair. But now the most
perfect and by far the most important roads known to mankind are
OAvned and managed as private property by a comparatively small num
ber of private citizens.
"In all its uses the railroad is the most public of all our roads; and
in all the objects to which its AVork relates, the raihvay corporation is as
public as any organization can be. But in the start it was labeled a
private corporation ; and, so far as its legal status is concerned, it is noAV
grouped With eleemosynary institutions and private charities, and enjoys
similar immunities and exemptions. It remains to be seen how long
the community will suffer itself to be the victim of an abstract definition.
" It will be readily conceded that a corporation is strictly and really
private when it is authorized to carry on such a business as a private
citizen may carry on. But Avhen the State has delegated to a corporation
the sovereign right of eminent domain, the right to take from the pri
vate citizen, without his consent, a portion of his real estate, to build its
structure across farm, garden, and laAvn, into and through, over or under,
the blocks, squares, streets, churches, and dAvellings of incorporated
cities and towns, across navigable rivers, and over and along public high
ways, it requires a stretch of the common imagination and much refine
ment and subtlety of the law to maintain the old fiction that such an
organization is not a public corporation.
" In vieAV of the facts already set forth, the question returns, what is
likely to be the effect of raihvay and other similar combinations upon
our community and our political institutions? Is it true, as asserted by
the British Avriter quoted above, that the state must soon recapture and
control the railroads, or be captured and subjugated by them ? Or do
the phenomena Ave are Avitnessing indicate that general breaking-up of the
social and political order of modern nations so confidently predicted by a
class of philosophers Avhose opinions have hitherto made but little impres
sion on the public mind?
"The analogy between the industrial condition of society at the pres
ent time and the feudalism of the Middle Ages is both striking and in
structive. "In the darkness and chaos of that period the feudal system was the

LEADER AND STATESMAN.- RAILWAYS. 243
first important step toAvard the organization of modern nations. PoAver-
ful chiefs and barons entrenched themselves in castles, and in return for
submission and service gave to their vassals rude protection and ruder
laws. But as the feudal chiefs greAV in poAver and Avealth they became
the oppressors of their people, taxed and robbed them at Avill, and finally
in their arrogance, defied the kings and emperors of the meditcval states.
From their castles, planted on the great thoroughfares, they practiced
the most capricious extortions on commerce and travel, and thus gave to
modern language the phrase, ' levy black-mail.'
"The consolidation of our great industrial and commercial companies,
the poAver they Avield and the relations they sustain to the state and to
the industry of the people, do not fall far short of Fourier's definition of
commercial or industrial feudalism. The modern barons, more powerful
than their military prototypes, own our greatest highAvays and levy tribute
at Avill upon all our vast industries. And as the old feudalism was finally
controlled and subordinated only by the combined efforts of the kings and
the people of the free cities and towns, so our modern feudalism can he
subordinated to the public good only by the great body of the people,
acting through the government by wise and just laAvs.
" I shall not now enter upon the discussion of methods by which this
grand AVork of adjustment may be accomplished. But I refuse to believe
that the genius and energy Avhich ha\-e developed these tremendous forces
will fail to make them, not the masters, but the faithful servants of
society," This chapter has so far been devoted to General Garfield's pub
lic life during this period. One Avould think that Avhat has been
recounted occupied all his tirae and powers. Not so. AVith his
political and financial studies he kept up his literary life. On
June 29, 1869, he delivered an oration, before the Comraercial
College in AVa.shington City, on the " Elements of Success." AVe
select a fcAV thought-flowers frora the blooraing garden of the ad
dress. At the outset he said :
" I feel a profounder reverence for a boy than a man. I never meet a
ragged boy on the street Avithout feeling that I OAve him a salute, for I
know not Avhat possibilities may be buttoned up under his shabby coat.
When I meet you in the full flush of mature life, I see nearly all there
is of you; but among these boys are the great men of the future — the

241 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
heroes of the next generation, the philosophers, the statesmen, the phi
lanthropists, the great reformers and molders of the next age. There
fore, I say, there is a peculiar charm to me in the exhibitions of young
people engaged in the business of education." . . .
Speaking of the modern college curriculum, he said:
"The prevailing system was established at a time ivhen the learning
of the world Avas iu Latin and Greek ; Avhen, if a man would leani
arithmetic, he must first learn Latin ; and if he Avould learn the history
and geography of his OAVn country, he could acquire that knowledge only
through the Latin language. Of course, in th(v<e days it Avas necessary
to lay the foundation of learning in a knowledge of the learned lan
guages. The universities of Europe, from Avhich our colleges were copied,
were founded before the modern languages were born. The leading lan
guages of Europe are scarcely six hundred years old. The reasons for a
course of study then are not good now. The old necessities have passed
away. AVe noAV have strong and noble living languages, rich in litera
ture, replete Avith high and earnest thought, — the language of science,
religion, and liberty, — and yet Ave bid our children feed their spirits on
the life of dead ages, instead of the inspiring life and vigor of our own
times. " The present Chancellor of the British Exchequer, the Right Honor
able Robert Lowe, one of the brightest minds in that kingdom, said, in
a recent address before the venerable University of Edinburgh : ' I Avas
a few months ago in Paris, and two graduates of Oxford Avent with me
to get our dinner at a restaurant, and if the Avhite-aproned waiter had
not been better educated than all three of ns, Ave might have starved to
death. We could not ask for our dinner in his language, hut fortu
nately he could ask us in our own language Avhat we Avanted.' There
was one test of the insufficiency of modern education. , , .
" Let me beg you, in the outset of your career, to dismiss from your
minds all idea of succeeding by luck. There is no more common thought
among young jjeojile than that foolish one that by-and-by something will
turn up ])y which they Avill suddenly achieve fame or fortune. No,
young gentlemen; things don't turn up in this Avorld unless somebody
turns them up. Inertia is one of the indispensable laAvs of matter, and
things lie flat Avhere they are until by some intelligent spirit (for noth
ing but spirit makes motion in this world) they are endowed with ac-

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— LITERARY LIFE. 245
tivity and life. Luck is an ignis fatuus. You may follow it to ruin,
but not to success. The great Napoleon, who believed in his destiny, fol
lowed it until he saw his star go down in blackest night, when the Old
Guard perished round him, and AVaterloo was lost, A pound of pluck
is Avorth a ton of luck. , , .
" Poverty is uncomfortable, as I can testify ; but nine times out of ten
the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard,
and compelled to sink or swim for himself In all my acquaintance I
have never known one to be drowned Avho Ava.s worth .saving. This Avould
not be wholly true in any country but one of political equality like our.s.
The editor of one of the leading magazines of England told me, not i«any
months ago, a fact startling enough in itself, but of great significance to
a poor man. He told me that he had never yet known, in all his ex
perience, a single boy of the class of farm-laborers (not those Avho OAvn
farms, but mere farm-laborers) who had ever risen above his class. Boys
from the manufacturing and commercial clas-ses had risen frequently, but
from the farm labor class he had never known one.
"The reason is this: in the aristocracies of the Old AVorld, Avealth
and society are built up like the strata of rock which compose the crust
of the ejirth. If a boy be born in the loAvest stratum of life, it is almost
impossible for him to rise through this hard crust into the higher ranks;
but iu this country it is not so. The strata of our society resembles
rather the ocean, where every drop, even the loAvest, is free to mingle
with all others, and may shine at last on the crest of the highest wave."
His correspondence is full of glimpses of literary life. At one
time he breaks into glee over a ucav book. At another he solemnly
urges the necessity of his friend Hinsdale and himself mastering
French and German, Again he sighs for more time to read, and,
with the reader's inconsistency, giA-es an elaborate criticism of some
book he had just finished. Once he says:
" I can't see that John Stuart Mill ever came to comprehend human
life as a reality from the actual course of human affairs beginning with
Greek life doAvn to our OAvn, Men and Avoraen were always, Avith him,
more or less of the nature of abstractions ; Avhile, with his enormous mass
of books, he learned a Avonderful power of analysis, for which he AA'as by
nature surprisingly fitted. But his education Avas narrow just Avhere his
own mind was originally deficient. He was educated solely through

246 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
books; for his father Avas never a companion. His brothers and sisters
bored him. He had no playfellows, and of Im motlier not a word is said
in hii autobiography."
The last fact mentioned must have seemed remarkable to Gar
field. In another letter, he says:
"Permit me to transcribe a metrical version Avhich I made the other
day of the third ode of Horace's first book. It is still in the rough,"
And then he actually gives a full translation of the poem : " To the
Ship Avhich carried Virgil to Athens," At the close, he naively
says: " I can better most of the verses." Every peep of his private
life has an exquisite charm. It perpetually surprises one Avith its
frankness, its simplicity, and artless affection. In Homer's Miad,
the great Hector, clad in dazzling armor and helmet, stoops to kiss
his child before going forth to mortal combat. But t^e child drew
back, afraid of his strange and terrible aspect. Swiftly the father
removed the panoply of war, and then stooped to the child to be
received with outstretched arms. In the fierce arena of debate
we see Garfield clad with the stern helmet and buckler of battle.
But in his private life he laid aside the armor, and stood forth in
all the beauty of a grand, simple, and affectionate nature.
During the period covered by this chapter his home re
mained at Iliram, Ohio, where he spent his vacations from
Congress. Here he lived in a very modest manner, keeping
neither carriage nor horse, and borroAA'ing or hiring when he
desired to be conveyed to the railroad station, four miles ofl'.
Mr, Frederick E. Warren, an attorney of Cincinnati, Ohio,
was a student at Hiram College from 1869 to 1875. During
this time he became acquainted with General Garfield. Of his
impressions and acquaintance he furnishes a vivacious narra
tive. He says:
"General Garfield's return home Avas always an event with the college
boys, by whom he was greatly admired and beloved. My earliest im
pressions of him, as he came one morning striding up the old plank walk
that stretched across the college campus, realized all that I had heard

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— REMINISCENCES. 247
spoken of him as to his appearance and bearing. Even God had seemed
to set his seal upon him, ' to give the world assurance of a mail.' Sub
sequent ac(|u.iintance merely ripened this impression. None of us re
quired a formal introduction to him. The boys and he instinctively knew
each other. He took the stranger cordially by the hand, gave him a
kindly and encouraging word, and made him feel at once that he was
his friend, and you may rest assured that the boy was forcA'er his.
"We learned much from the General's 'talks,' as he styled them.
Whenever at home, he regularly attended the chapel exercises each
morning. As soon as the religious services Avere concluded, he invaria
bly was called upon to say something; to give us a 'talk.' He never
failed to respond. His remarks were usually brief, but delightfully in
structive, and there Avas a freshness and novelty Avhicli characterized
them that I have never met with in any other public speaker or teacher.
" On one occasion, Avhen going to chapel, he saAV a horse-shoe lying at
the side of the path, which he picked up, and carried along Avith him.
After prayer, when asked, as usual, to say something to us (I must sor
rowfully confess that a majority of the boys Avere impatient of prayers
when the General Avas about), he produced the horse-shoe, and proceeded
to explain its history and use from the remotest period, in so entertain
ing a manner that I am sure that no one AA'ho Avas present has ever for
gotten it. At another time he delivered a similar off-hand lecture upon
the hammer, suggested by one he had found somewhere about the college
premises. In all he said to the students he was eminently practical, and
it seemed to us that he could convey more information in fifteen minutes'
talk than the combined faculty could have done in an hour.
"The general effect of these frequent brief discourses can readily be
imagined. The more thoughtful vacated the playground, and gathered
in groups about the boarding places, to discuss some question of interest
suggested by the General, or retired to their rooms for reading and
reflection upon the subject, inspired Avith a rencAved love of knoAvledge,
and desire for improvement.
"His application to business and study Was extraordinary. It ap
peared to make no difference at Avhat hour of the day or night one called
upon him, he Avould be found in his library at Avork. If there AA'as a
'night ow-l'jjar excellence in Hiram College from the winter of 1869 until
the Avinter of 1875, it Avas myself, yet however late the hour I retired
might be, I had but to look three doors westAvard to see the light still burn-

248 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
ing in General Garfield's Avindow, and he Avas nearly always up with the
sun. It was often asked if he ever slept.
"Apropos of this, I am able to recall a very agreeable incident, and
one highly characteristic of the man. I Avas reading late one night
Momssen's ' History of Rome,' and several times came across the Avord
' syramaehy,' which 1 failed to find in the English dictionary. Somewhat
puzzled with its frequent recurrence, and seeing that the General Avas
still up, I decided, although it Avas tAvo o'clock in the morning, to caU'
upon him for the meaning of the Avord. I found him hard at AVork, and
after excusing mvself for the interruption, explained the object of my
unseasonable visit. He immediately replied: 'It is coined from the
Greek, a fi-equent practice Avith Momssen; ' and taking from a book-case
a Greek lexicon, he quickly furnished me Avith the information I Avas in
quest of. He then insisted upon my sitting doAvn, and for a couple of
hours entertained me Avith an account of a recent trip to Europe.
"Leaving this topic, he returned to Momssen, Avhom he pronounced
eccentric and tedious, and indulged in a lengthy and learned comparison
betAveen him and Niebuhr.
" 1 noticed upon his shelves a copy of Bryant's translation of Homer.
He complained that the book-seller had sent him an imperfect copy,
there being one hundred and ninety lines at the beginning of the first
volume omitted through the carelessness of the binder. He repeated
some of the omitted lines, and spoke of them in terms of high critical
eulogy. It Avas quite daylight before he alloAved" me to depart.
"The General AA-as very peculiar in the discipline of his children. One
evening an agent for a Babcock Fire Extinguisher Avas exhibiting the
machine ou a pile of lighted tarred boxes, on the public square, in the
presence of a large crow-d, r.mong them General Garfield and his little
son Jim, who is a chip off the old block, as the saying is. A gentleman
accidentally stepped on the boy's foot. He did not yell, as most boys
might have done under such a pressure, but savagely sprang at the gen
tleman and dealt him a blow Avith his fist somewhere in the region of the
abdomen, about as high as he could reach. The father observed it, and
immediately had the crowd open and ordered the fireman to turn the hose
upon Jim, Avhich was done, and the boy Avas extinguished in less than a
minute. " When he was in AVashington, and we wanted — as frequently happened
— any public documents or any facts to aid us in our society debates.

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— LITERARY HABITS. 249
Avhlch Avere not accessible from any other source, all Ave had to do was to
write to the General for them, and it Avas flattering to us how promptly
he complied with these requests.
"AVhile apparently of the most amiable temper, he taught us the duty
of self-defense, and the right to resist aggression. He Avas not by any
means a non-combatant, and Avhen aroused must have borne some resem
blance to an enraged lion. I understand he entered the Avar as a soldier
Avith extraordinary zeal, and the country knows Avith what gallantry he
fought its battles. He Avas naturally a belligerent, but discipline, the
habitual practice of self-command, and a strong religious sense, enabled
him to keep this warlike disposition under perfect control. He Avas an
excellent boxer and fencer, a good shot with both rifle and pistol, and
took a lively interest in all manly exercises. He was a skillful croquet
player, and enlivened the game with constant convcrsaiion, Avhich made
it a most agreeable pastime to the other players and lookers on."
Can biography anywhere present a more simple, manly nat
ure? Is there a better sign of it than to be beloved by col
lege boys?
In AVashington, up to 1869, he boarded a part of the time,
and lived in a rented house for the remainder. In that year
he built the comfortable residence on the corner of Thirteenth
audi Streets, opposite Franklin Square, Avhich be continued to
occupy till his election to the Presidency. The Avhole house
OA-erflowed Avith books, but the library Avas the most charac
teristic room. General Garfield's reading Avas in special fields
of investigation. At one tirae he explored and studied the
entire subject of Goethe and his contemporaries and critics.
Horace Avas also the subject of enormous study. Of all that he
read he made elaborate notes. He made a Avliole library of
scrap books, all perfectly indexed. The habit Avas begun on
his first entrance into public life. These Avere supplemented
by prodigious diaries. Probably no man ever left such a
complete record of his intellectual life upon paper. In addi
tion to all this, he kept a scries of labeled draAvers, in Avhich
Avere filed aAA-ay ncAvspaper cuttings, items, pamphlets, and
documents. This collection was most carefully classified and

250 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
indexed by subjects. It is easy to see why Garfield was known
as the best posted and readiest man iu Congress. His mar
velous memory and splendid system enabled him, on short
notice, to open the draAver containing all the material on al
most any subject, and equip himself in an hour for battle. No
encyclopedia could compare in value with this collection to
its OAvner. It made Garfield absolutely terrible in debate, A
charge Avoukl be made, a historical reference indicated by
some poorly-posted antagonist ; at the next session Garfield
Avas on hand with the documents to overAvhelm his opponent.
Among the many literary and other miscellaneous addresses
delivered during this period, Avas one of November 25, 1870,
before the Army of the Cumberland, on the "Life and Char
acter of George H. Thomas," and one on " The Future of
the Republic," delivered July 2d, 1873, before the students
of Hudson College. From the former we give extracts,
although to give any thing less than the entire address is
spoliation. As an argument defending Thomas from Robert
E. Lee's charge of disloyalty, it is overwhelming. Garfield
loved Thomas as a brother; and with the dead hero for a
theme, the orator rose to the loftiest heights. Among his
opening remarks were the foUoAving:
"There are now living not less than tAvo hundred thousand men Avho
served under the eye of General Thomas; Avho saAV him in sunshine and
storni^— on the march, in the fight, and on the field Avheu the victory had
been Avon. Enshrined in the hearts of all these, are enduring images and
raost precious memories of their commander and friend. AVho shall col
lect and unite into one worthy picture, the bold outhnes, the innumerable
fights and shadows which make up the life and character of our great
leader? Who shall condense into a single hour the record of a life Avhich
forms so large a chapter of the Nation's history, and whose fame fills and
overfills a hemisphere? No line can be omitted, no false stroke made, no
imperfect sketching done, Avhich you, his soldiers, wifl not instantly de
tect and deplore. I know that each of you here present sees him in
memory at this moment, as Ave often saAV him in life; erect and strong,
Hke a tower of solid masonry ; his broad, square shoulders and massiA'e
head; his abundant hair and full beard of light brown, sprinkled with

LEADER AND STATESMAN.— TRIBUTE TO THOilAS. 251
silver;, his broad forehead, full face, and features that Avould appear
colos,-al, but for their perfect harmony of proportion; his clear com
plexion, with just enough color to assure you of robust health and a well-
regulated life ; his face lighted up by an eye Avhich Avas cold gray to his
enemies, but warm, deep blue to his friends; not a man of iron, but of
live oak. His attitude, form, and features, all assured you of inflexible
firmness, of inexpugnable strength ; Avhile his Avelcoming smile set every
feature agloAV with a kindness that Avon your manliest affection. If thus
in memory you see his form and features, even more vividly do you re
member the qualities of his mind and heart. His body Avas the fitting
type of his intellect and character; and you saw both his intellect and
character tried, again and again, iu the fiery furnace of war, and by other
tests not less searching. Thus, comrades, you see him; and your mem
ories supply a thousand details Avhieh complete and adorn the picture."
In closing what might be called more particularly the bio
graphical portion of the address he said:
"Thomas's life is a notable illustration of the virtue and power of hard
work ; and in the last analysis the power to do hard AVork is only another
name for talent. Professor Church, one of his instructors at AVest Point,
says of his student life, that ' he ilever allowed any thing to escape a
thorough examination, and left nothing behind that he did not fully com
prehend.' And so it was in the army. To him a battle Avas neither an
earthquake nor a volcano, nor a chaos of brave men and frantic horses,
involved in vast explosions of gunpoAvder. It Avas rather a calm, rational
concentration of force against force. It was a question of lines and posi
tions ; of weight of metal and strength of battalions. He knew that the
elements and forces which bring victory are not created on the battle
field, but must be patiently elaborated in the quiet of the camp, by the
perfect organization and outfit of his army. His remark to a captain of
artillery, while inspecting a battery, is worth remembering, for it exhibits
his theory of success: ' Keep every thing in order, for the fate of a battle
may turn on a buckle or a linch-pin.' He understood so thoroughly the
condition of his army, and its equipment, that Avhen the hour of trial
came, he knew how great a pressure it could stand, and how hard a blow
it could strike. , -n ^ i •
"His character was as grand and as simple as a colossal pillar ot cli.s-
eled granite. Every step of his career as a soldier was marked by the
most loyal and unhesitating obedience to law-to the laws of his govern-

252 LEFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD,
ment and to the commands of his superiors. The obedience which he
rendered to those above him he rigidly required of those under his
command. '•His influence o\-er his troops grew steadily and constantly. He won
his ascendancy over them, neither by artifice nor by any one act of
special daring, but he gradually filled them with his OAvn spirit, until
their confidence in him knew no bounds. His power as a commander
Avas developed slowly and silently; not like volcanic land lifted from the
sea by sudden and violent upheaval, but rather like a coral island, Avhere
each increment is a growth — an act of life and A\-ork.
"Power exhibits itself under two distinct forms — strength and force —
each possessing peculiar qualities, and each perfect in its own .sphere.
Strength is typified by the oak, the rock, the mountain. Force em
bodies itself in the cataract, the tempest, the thunderbolt. The great
tragic poet of Greece, in describing the punishment of Prometheus for
rebellion against Jupiter, represented A'ulcan descending from heaven,
attended by two mighty spirits. Strength and Force, by whose aid he
held and bound Prometheus to the rock.
"In subduing our great rebellion, the Republic called to its aid men
who represented many forms of grc^t excellence and poAver, A very
feAV of our commanders possessed more force than Thomas — more o-enius
for planning and executing bold and daring enterprises; but, in my judg
ment, no other was so complete in embodiment and incarnation of
strength — the strength that resists, maintains, and endures. His power
was not that of the cataract which leaps in fury down the chasm, but
rather that of the river, broad and deep, Avhose current is steady, silent,
and irresistible."
From the peroration the following is taken :
"The language applied to the Iron Duke, by the historian of the
Peninsular AVar, might also be mistaken for a description of Thomas.
Napier .says:
'"He held his army in hand, keeping it, Avith Unmitigated labor,
always in a fit state to march or to fight  Sometimes he was
indebted to fortune, sometimes to his natural genius, always to his un
tiring industry; for he was emphatically a painstaking man.'
^ "The language of Lord Brougham, addressed to AVellington, is a fit
ting description of Thomas :
"'Mghty captam! who never advanced except to coA-er his arms Avitb

LEADER AND STATESMAN.- TRIBUTE TO THOMAS. 253
glory; mightier captain! who never retreated except to eclipse the glory
of his advance.'
"If I remember correctly, no enemy Avas ever able to fight Thomas
out of any position he undertook to hold.
" On the Avhole, I can not doubt that the most fitting parallel to Gen
eral Thomas is found in our greatest American, the man Avho Avas 'first
in Avar, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.' The
personal resemblance of General Thomas to AVashington Avas often the
subject of remark. Even at AVest Point, Rosecrans Avas accustomed to
call him General AVashington. He resembled Washington in the gravity
and dignity of his character ; in the solidity of his judgment ; in the
careful accuracy of all his transactions ; in his incorruptible integrity,
and in his extreme, but unaffected, raodesty.
"But his career is ended. Struck dead at his post of duty, a be
reaved nation bore his honored dust across the continent and laid it to
rest on the banks of the Hudson, amidst the tears and grief of millions.
The nation stood at his graA'e as a mourner. No one knew until he Avas
dead how strong was his hold on the hearts of the American people.
Every citizen felt that a pillar of state had fallen; that a great and
true and pure man had passed from earth.
"There are no fitting Avords in Avhich I may speak of the loss which
every member of this society has sustained in his death.
" The general of the array has beautifully .said, in his order announc-
ing the death of Thomas:
" 'Though he leaves no child to bear his name, the Old Army of the
Cumberland, numbered by tens of thousands, called him father, and Avill
weep for him in tears of manly grief.'
"To us, his comrades, he has left the rich legacy of his friendship.
To his country and to mankind, he has left his character and his fame
as a priceless and everlasting possession.
"'O iron nerve to true occasion true!
O fallen at length that tower of strength
Which stood four-square to all the winds that blewl'
 'His work is done;
But while the races of mankind endure.
Let his great example stand
Colossal seen of every land.
And keep the soldier iirm, the statesman pure,
Till in all lands and through all human story,
The path of Duty be the Avay to Glory.'"

264 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE NOONTIDE.
In troublous times Avhen tides and Avinds blew high,
And one stood peerless in the public gaze,
A sentinel upon the battlements
Of state, the babbling miscreants said. Go to !
Let us assail him !
JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD was an honest man. You
could not have knoAvn him and thought otherwise; you can
not knoAV the story of his life, and think him ever dishonored.
His character was as clear as crystal; truth illumined his soul al-
way, and there the shadoAvs of insincerity never fell.
Nevertheless, General Garfield could not escape the slime of the
mud-slingers. Charges Avere made against him which, if true,
Avould have raade our Hyperion a degraded and filthy Satyr.
The time has come when Garfield's character needs no defense.
To-day the Avhole world believes in him. AVhen the hurricane
came he boldly and successfully vindicated himself. Then the
people ratified his declarations by their suffrages. Finally, History
has set her great seal upon the judgment in his favor.
The three principal accusations made against Mr. Garfield were
in their day knoAvn respectively" as the Credit Mobilier Steal, the
Salary Grab, and the De Gollyer Bribery. A formidable array!
There was a time Avhen the biographer of Garfield would have
been forced to devote a volume to the.se charges in order to refute
them. Now a fcAV pages Avill suffice ; and their chief purpose, in
deed, must only be to shoAv hoAV Garfield himself treated them.
The charges all came upon him at once. When elected to Con
gress in 1872, for the sixth time, Garfield seemed to have a life
estate in his office. Before the next election came, it looked as
if he never could be elected again.

THE NOONTIDE.— THE CREDIT MOBILIER. 255
In the Avinter of 1872-3, came the Credit Mobilier exposure;
early in '73, folloAved the Salary Grab; and finally, in 1874, the
De Gollyer scandal appeared.
These troubles were met in the only Avay that could have suc
ceeded, and also in the only Avay possible to Garfield's nature —
openly and manfully. AVriting to his friend Hinsdale, he said :
" The district is lost, and as soon as I can close up affairs here I ¦
am coming home to capture it."
AVhile at AVashington, in 1873, he prepared tAA-o exhaustive
paraphlcts — one entitled " RevicAV of the Transactions of the
Credit Mobilier Corapany," and the other "The Increase of
Salaries." These papers, and the general discussions AA'hich were
going on at the sarae time, thrcAV much light on the subjects.
But the opportunity -ivas too gootl for politicians to lose, and it
was only after a desperate struggle that Mr. Garfield was renom
inated and reelected in 1874.
But the victory Avas gained, and from that tirae on the ReserA-e
never ceased to groAV stronger, year by year, in faith in General
Garfield. Instead of a reproduction of the extensive literature on these
subjects, AA'hich political necessities alone occasioned, it Avill suf
fice here to quote from a speech Avhich in brief covered the Avhole
field. This address Avas raade to his constituents, at AA^arren, O.,
on September 19, 1874. September 19 — anniversary of Chicka
mauga, and of the day of his death !
The reply proper began thus:
"There are three things Avhich I propose to discuss; two of them may
hardly be said to refer to my public career, one of them directly to my
official work. The first one I refer to is my alleged connection with
THE CREDIT MOBILIER.
" There is a large number of people in the United States who use these
Avords Avithout any adequate idea of what they mean. I have no doubt
that a great many people feel about it very much as the fishwoman at Bil
lingsgate market felt Avhen Sidney Smith, the great humorist of England,
came along and began to talk with her. She answered back in a very

256 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
saucy Avay, and he finally commenced to call her mathematical names;
he called her a parallelogram, a hypothenuse, a parallelopipedon, and
other such terms, and she stooil back aghast and said she never heard
such a nasty talking man in her life — never Avas abused so before. Noav
people think they have said an enormous thing when they say that
somebody had something to do with aie Credit Mobilier. I ask your
attention just for a few moments to Avhat that thing is, and in the
next place to understand precisely what it is that I am supposed to have
had to do Avith it.
" The Credit Mobilier was a corporation chartered in 1859 by the State
of Penn,<ylvania, and authorized to build houses, buy lands, loan money,
etc. Nothing of con.sequence Avas done Avith that company until the year
1867, Avhen a number of men bought up Avhatever stock there Avas in it,
and commenced to do a very large business. In the winter of 1867, Mr.
Train came to me and showed me a list of names and subscribers to the
stock of the Credit Mobilier Company, and asked me to subscribe $1,000.
I should say there Avere fifteen or twenty members of Congress on the
list, and many more prominent business men. He said that the com
pany was .going to buy lamls along the lines of the Pacific Railroad at
places Avhere they thought cities and villages AA'ould groAV up, and to de
velop them, and he had no doubt that the growth of the country would
make that inA'estment double itself in a very short time.
"That was the alleged scheme that the Credit Mobilier Company had
undertaken — a thing that if there is any gentleman in Warren who would
feel any hesitancy in buying, it would be because he didn't believe in the
growth of the country where the business was to be done. That stock
Avas offered to me as a plain business proposition, Avith no intimation what
ever that it was offered because 'the subscribers Avere members of Con
gress, for it was offered to many other people, and no better raen liA'ed
than at least a large number of the gentlemen to Avhom it Avas offered.
Some of them took it at once. Some men are cautious about making an
investment; others are quick to determine. To none of those men was
any explanation made that this Credit Mobilier Company was in any Avay
connected with a ring of seven men Avho OAvned the principal portion of
the stock and who had contracted with tho directors of the Union Par
cific road for building six or seven hundred miles at an extravagant price,
largely above what the work was worth. That was a secret held only by
those seven men who owned the principal portion of the stock. It is

THE NOONTIDE.— THE CREDIT MOBILIER. 257
now understood that iMr. Oakes Ames, Avho was the center of the com
pany of seven men, sought to gain the friendship of fifteen or twenty
prominent Congressmen Avith the vieAV of protecting himself and the Pa
cific Railroad against any investigations which might be made ; hut it
Avas a necessary part of his plan not to divulge that purpose or in any
way to intimate to them that he might draw upon them for favors.
" Long before any such purpose was realized, long before any pressure
came upon Mr. Ames, most of the men who had been invited to purchase
that stock had either declined to purchase or had purchased and realized,
or had purchased and sold out. But in 1872, in the midst of the Pres
idential campaign, an article Avas published in the public journals charg
ing that sixteen prominent members of Congress — Senators and Repre
sentatives — had sold their votes for money or stock ; that • they had
accepted bribes. You remember that I Avas running for Congress in this
district at that time. AVhen that neAvs came I was aAvay in the Rocky
Mountains. I came home, and the first day after my arrival at AVash
ington I authorized to be published a statement concerning what I knew
about the Oakes Ames business. A great many people suppose now and
say — and it has been repeated a hundred times in this district, and
especially in this town during the last two weeks — that Mr. Garfield hedged
and denied any knowledge of the Credit Mobilier business, until finally
the investigation brought it out. I repeat that immediately on my ar
rival in AVashington I made a statement to the correspondent of the Cin
cinnati Gazette, of which the following is a copy ;
" ' Washington, September 15, 18*2.
" 'General Garfield, Avho has just arrived here from the Indian countr/,
has to-day the first opportunity of .seeing the charges connecting his
name Avith receiving shares of the Credit Mobilier from Oakes Ames.
He authorizes the statement that he never subscribed for a single share
of the stock, and that he never received or saAv a share of it. When the
company was first formed, .George Francis Train, then active in it,
came to Washington and exhibited a list of subscribers, of leading capi
talists and some members of Congress, to the stock of the company. The
subscription was described as a popular one of 31,000 cash. Train urged
General Garfield to sul)«cribe on two occasions, and each time he declined.
Subsequently he was again informed that the fist was nearly completed,
but that a chance remained for hira to subscribe, when he again declmed,
17

258 LITE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and to this day he has not subscribed for or received any share of stock
or bond of the company.'
" Now I want my audience to understand that in the midst of that
storm and tempest of accusation, and only a little while before the elec
tion, I started it and let it go broadcast to the daily press, that I did
know something about the Credit Mobilier ; that I had on two occasions
discussed the matter ; that I had taken it into consideration, and that
finallv I had declined to subscribe; that I never had owned or held a
share ; had never seen a certificate of the stock. Now, I am not asking
you at this moment, to discus the truth of that statement, but only to say
that I stated it long before there was any investigation talked of; that I
never dodged or evaded or denied ha\-iiig knowledge on the subject, but
at the first declared plaiuly and finally what I did know about it
" When Congress met, Speaker Bbine and the rest of us whose names
were concerned in it, at once, ou the first morning of the sesion, de
manded a committee of investigation to go through with the whole sub
ject from beginning to end. I want those gentlemen who talk about
Mr. Grarfield being got after by committees of investigation to know that
no investigation into any public affair has been held in the last three
years in AVashington that I have not helped to organize and bring about
[Applause.] THE COJOnrXEE OF IXVESTIGATIOX.
" Now what was the investigation ? You will remember that beforft
the investigation had gone far a feeling of alarm and excitement swept
ove* the whole country that has hardly been paralleled in American his
tory. Some men whose names were connected with the charges of the
Credit Mobilier matter, shocked at the terrible charge of bribery thrown
at them, in the hurry of the moment so far forgot themselves as to give
equivocal answers as to whether they knew anv thing about the matter
or not, and the impression was made throughout the country that most of
them had denied that they knew any thing about it. The fact was that
the country was settling down to the belief that the whole thing was a
mere campaign slander, and had no foundation in fiict. Looking at the
subject from this distance, I am inclined to believe that the impr^on
left upon the American mind is that the faults of those who were charged
with buying stock was not that they did any thing wrong in reference to
the stock, but that afterwards they prevaricated, or Hed about it Now,

THE NOONTIDE.— THE CREDIT MOBILIER. 269
without discussing any body else, I call you to Avitness that I stated at
once Avhat I knew about it the first time that I kncAV the thing was going
the rounds of the newspapers. When the committee of investigation
came to make up THEIR REPORT
there was one thing in that report to which I personally took exception,
and only one. I understand that a gentleman occupied this room a few
nights ago who undertook to make the impression upon his audience that
Mr. Garfield was found guilty of some improper relation Avith the Credit
MobiUer, Let me read you a sentence or two from that report. The
committee say :
" Concerning the members to whom he had sold or offered to sell
the stock, the committee say that they 'do not find that Mr. Ames, in
his negotiations with the persons above named, entered into any detail
of the relations between the Credit Mobilier Company and the Union
Pacific Company, or gave them any specific information as to the amount
of dividends they would be likely to receive further than has been al
ready stated, viz., that in some cases he had guaranteed a profit of ten
per cent  They do not find as to the members of the pres
ent House above named, that they Avere aAvare of the object of Mr. Ames,
or that they had any other purpose in taking this stock than to make a
profitable investment. . . . They have not been able to find that any
of these members of Congress have been affected in their ofiicial action
in consequence of interest in the Credit Mobilier stock. . . . They do
not find that either of the above-named gentlemen, in contracting with
Mr. Ames, had any corrupt motive or purpose himself, or Avas aAvare
that Mr. Ames had any. Nor did either of them suppose he was guilty
of any impropriety or even indelicacy in becoming a purchaser of this
stock.' And, finally, ' that the committee find nothing in the conduct or
motives cf either of these merabers in taking this stock, that calls for
any recommendation by the committee of the House.' (See pp. vm , ix, x.)
"In Mr. Ames's first testimony he names sixteen members of Con
gress to whom he offered the stock, and says that eleven of them bought
it, but he sets Mr. Garfield down among the five who did not buy it.
" He says : ' He (Garfield) did not pay for it or receive it. . . He
never paid any money on that stock or received money on account of
it.' Let me add that the last grant to the Union Pacific Railroad was

260 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
by the act of July, 1864, and that Oakes Ames had nothing to do witfi
the Credit Mobilier till more than tAvo years after that date.
"The point to Avhich I took exception to the report of the committee
was this : the report held that Mr. Ames and Mr. Garfield did agree
upon the purchase of the stock, and that Mr. Garfield received three hun
dred and tjventy-nine dollars on account of it. I insisted that the evi
dence did not Avarrant that conclusion, and rose in my place in the House,
and announced that I should make that statement good before the Amer
ican public; that I held myself responsible to demonstrate that the
committee Avas Avrong; that although they charged me with no wrong,
they still had made a mistake of fact, Avhich Avas against the eA'idence
and an injustice to me. Soon after, I published a pamphlet of tAventy-
eight pages, in Avhich I carefully and thoroughly revicAved all the testi
mony relating to me. I have now stood before the American people,
since the eighth day of May, 1873, announcing that the foUoAving pro
positions were proven concerning myself: that I had never agreed even to
take the stock of Mr. Ames; -that I never subscribed for it, never did
take it, never received any dividends from it, and Avas never in any Avay
made a beneficiary by it. Seven thousand copies of that pamphlet have
been distributed through the United States. Almost every newspaper
in the United States has had a copy mailed to it. Every member of
the Forty-Second Congress — Democrat and Republican — had a copy, and
there is not knoAvn to me a man Avho, having read my review, has de
nied its conclusiveness of those propositions after having read them. I
have seen no nevt'spaper revieAv of it that denies the conclusiveness of
the propositions. It is for these reasons that a great public journal, the
New York Evening Post, said a fcAV days ago that on this point ' General
Garfield's answer had been received by the Araerican people as satisfac
tory.' [Applause.J If there is any gentleman in this audience, Avho de
sires to ask any question concerning the Credit Mobilier, I shall be glad
to hear it. [No response.] If not, Avould it not be about as Avell to
modify the talk on that subject hereafter? [Applause.]
"Now the next thing I .shall mention is a question purely of official
conduct — and that is a subject Avhicli has groAvn threadbare in this com
munity, and yet I desire your attention to it for a few moments. I refer to
THE INCREASE OF OFFICIAL SALARIES,
one year and a half ago. First, Avhat are the accusations concerning me?

THE NOONTIDE.-THE SALARY GRAB. 261
"There are several citizens in this toAvn Avho have signed their names
to statements in the neAvspapers during that discussion, declaring that Mr.
Garfield had committed a theft, a robbery ; that, to use the plain Saxon
word, he was a thief, — that any man Avho took, or voted for a retroactive
increase of salary, was a thief. Iu one of these articles it Avas argued in
this Avise : ' If I hire a clerk in my bank on a certain salary, and he,
having the key to my safe, takes out five hundred or five thousand dollars
more than Ave agreed for, and puts it in his pocket, it is simply theft or
robbery. He happened to have access to the funds, and he got hold of
them ; so did Congress. You can't gloss it over,' says the writer. ' it is
robbery.' "Now, fellow-citizens, I presume you will agree that you can Avrong
even the devil himself, and that it is not right or manly to lie, even about
Satan. I take it for granted that Ave are far enough past the passion of
that period to talk plainly and coolly about the increase of salaries.
"Now, in the first place, I say to-night, Avhat I have said through all
this tempest that for a Congress to increase its OAvn pay and make it retro
active, is not theft, is not robbery, and you do injustice to the truth Avhen
you call it so. There is ground enough in Avhich to denounce it without
straining the truth. Now if Congress can not fix its OAvn salary, Avho
can? The Constitution of your country says, in unmistakable words,
that 'Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation, to be
ascertamed by law, and paid out of the National Treasury.' Nobodj
makes the laAV but Congress. It was a very delicate business in the be
ginning, for our fathers to make a law paying themselves money. They
understood it so, and when they sent the Constitution out to the several
States, the question Avas raised, Avhether it would not be better to put a
curb upon Congress in reference to their OAvn pay ; and in several of the
States suggestions were sent in. AVhen the First Congress met, James
Madison offered seventeen amendments to the Constitution ; and, finally.
Congress voted to send twelve of the proposed amendments to the country :
one of them Avas this : ' No laAV varying the compensation of the Senators
or Representatives in Congress shall take effect until an election has inter
vened.' In other Avords, the First Congress proposed that an amendment
should be made to the ncAV Constitution, that no Congress could raise its own
pay, and make it retroactive. That Avas sent to the States for their ratifica
tion. The States adopted ten of those amendments. Two, they rejected;
and this was one of the tAVO. They said it should not be in the Consti-

262 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
tution. The reason given for its rejection, by one of the wisest men of
that time, was this. He said : ' If Ave adopt it, this may happen ; one
party wUl go into poAver in a new Congress, but, just before the old Com
gress expires, the defeated party may pass a law reducing the pay of
Congressmen to ten cents a day.'
"It will never do thus to put one Congress into the power of another,
it Avould be an engine of AA'rong and injustice. For this reason, 6ur
fathers refused to put into the Constitution a clause that Avould prevent
back pay. Now it will not do to say that a provision that has been de
liberately rejected from the Constitution, is virtually there, and it will
not do to say that it is just to call it theft and robbery for Congress to
do Avhat it has plainly the constitutional right to do. I use the word
right in its legal sense.
" Noav, take another step. I hold in my hand here, a record of all
the changes of pay that have been made since this Government was
founded, and in every case, — I am not arguing now that it is right at
all, I am only giving you a history of it — in every single instance when
Congress has raised its pay, it has raised it to take effect from the first
day of the session of the Congress. Six times Congress has increased
its own pay, and every time it made the pay retroactive. I say again,
I am not arguing that this Avas right and proper; I am only arguing
that it was laAvful and constitutional to do it. In 1856, the pay was raised,
and was made retroactive, for a year and four months, and the member
of Congress from this district threw the casting vote that made it a law.
That act raised the pay by a larger per cent, than the act of last Congress.
Joshua R. Giddings was the one-hundredth man that voted aye. Nine
ty-nine voted no. Joshua R. Giddings's vote the other way would have
turned the score against it. That vote gave back pay for a year and four
months. That vote gave Congress nine months' back pay for a time Avhen
members Avould not have been entitled to any thing whatever, because,
under the old laAV, they were paid only during the session. What did
this district do ? Did it call him a thief and a robber ? A few weeks
after that vote this district elected him to Congress for the tenth time.
Have the ethics of the Avorld changed since 1856? Would I be a thief
and robber in 1873, if I had done Avhat my predecessor did in 1856?
In 1866, the pay was raised; that time it was put in the appropriation
bill (a very important appropriation bill), a bill giving bounties to sol
diers. It passed through the Senate and came to the House; there was

THE NOONTIDE.— THE SALARY GRAB. ' 263
a disagreement about it. Senator Sherman, of Ohio, had charge of the
bill in the Senate, and voted against the increase of pay every time Avheu
it came up on its OAvn merits, but he Avas out-voted. Finally it Avent to
a committee of conference, and he was raade chalrm,an of the committee
of conference. The conference report betAveen the two houses Avas made
in favor of the bill. Mr. Sherman brought in the report, saying when
he brought it in, that, he had been opposed to the increase of pay, but
the Senate had overruled him. He voted for the conference report, voted
for the final passage of the biU. That bill gave back pay for a year and
five months. Was John Sherman denounced as a thief and robber for
that? Was Benjamin F. Wade called a thief and robber?
"At that time I Avas not chairman of the committee, and had no other
responsibility than that of an individual representative. I voted against
the increase of salary then ; at all stages I voted against the conference
report, but it passed through the House on final vote by just one major
ity, I don't remember that any body ever praised me, particularly, for
voting against that report, and I never heard any body blaming John
Sherman for voting for it.
" Now, in 1873, the conditions were exactly the reverse. I was chair
man of the committee that had charge of the great appropriation bill.
There was put upon that bill, against my earnest protest, a proposition
to increase salaries. I take it there is no one here Avho will deny that
I AVorked as earnestly as I could to prevent the putting of that increase
upon the bill. I did not work against it because it Avas a theft or robbery
to put it on there ; I worked against it because I thought it Avas indecent,
unbecoming, and in the highest degree uuAvise and injudicious to increase
the salaries at that time. First, because they had been increased in 1866,
and in proportion to other salaries. Congressmen Avere paid enough—paid
more in proportion than most other officials Avere paid. Second, the glory
of the Congress had been that it was bringing down the expenditures of
the Government, from the highest level of war to the lowest level of
peace; and that if we raised our own salaries, unless the rise had been
made before, it Avould be the key-note on Avhich the whole tune of extrav
agance would be sung. I believed, too, that it would seriously injure the
Republican party, and on that score I thought Ave ought to resist it. I
did all in my power to prevent that provision being added to the bill.
I voted against it eighteen times. I spoke against it, but by a very large
vote in the House, and a still larger vote in the Senate, the salary clause

264 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avas put upon the bill. I Avas captain of the ship, and this objectionable
freight had been put upon my deck. I had tried to keep it off. AVhat
should I do ? Burn the ship ? Sink her ? Or, having washed my hands
of the responsibility for that part of her cargo I had tried to keep off,
navigate her into port, and let those Avho had put this freight on be
responsible for it? Using that figure, that Avas the course I thought it
my duty to adopt. Noav on that matter I might have made an error of
judgment. I believed then and now that if it had been in my poAver to
kiU this bill, and had thus brought on an extra session, I believe to-day,
I say, had I been able to do that, I should have been the Avorst blamed
man in the United States. Why? During the long months of the
extra session that Avould have followed, Avith the evils Avhich the country
Avould have felt by having its business disturbed by Congress, and the
uncertainties of the result, men Avould have said all this has come about
because we did not have a man at the head of the Committee on Appro
priations Avith nerve enough and force enough to carry his bill through
by the end of the session. The next time Ave have a Congress, Ave had
better see if we can not get a man who Avill get his bills through. Sup
pose I had answered there Avas that salarj- increase — ' That Avon't do.
You had shown your hand on the salary question ; you had protested
against it and you had done your duty.' Then they Avould have said,
there Avere six or seven sections in that bill empoAvering the United States
to bring the railroads before the courts, and make them account for their
extravagance. They Avould have said Ave have lost all that by the loss
of this bill, and I Avould haA'e been charged Avith acting in the interest
of railroad corporations, and fighting to kill the bill for that reason. But
be that as it may, fellow-citizens, I considered the two alternatiA'es as
Avell as I could. I believed it Avould rouse a storm of indignation and ill
feeling throughout the eounti-y if that increase of salary pagsed. I be
lieved it would result in greater evils if the Avhole failed, and an extra
session came on. For a little Avhile I Avas tempted to do Avhat Avould
rather be pleasing than what Avould be best in the long run. I believe
it required more courage to vote as I voted, than it Avould to have A'oted
the other Avay, but I resolved to do Avhat seemed to me right in the case,
let the consequences be Avhat they Avould. [Applause.] I may have
made a mistake in judgment; I blame no one for thinking so, but I fol
lowed what I thought Avas the less bad of tAvo courses. My subsequent
conduct Avas consistent with my action on the bill.

^HE NOONTIDE.-THE SALARY GRAB. 265
" I did not myself parade the fact, but more than a year ago the New
York World published a list, stating in chronological order the Senators
and Representatives Avho covered their back pay into the Treasury. My
name Avas first on the list. [Applause.J
" I appeal to the sense of justice of this jieople, whether they Avill
tolerate this sort of political Avarfare. It has been proven again and
again that I never drew the back pay, never saw a dollar of it, and tookj
no action in reference to it except to sign an order on the sergeant-at-
arms to cover it into the general Treasury, anil this was done before the
convention at AVarren. I say more. Some of these raen Avho have been
so long pursuing me, have knoAvn these facts for many months. During
the stormy times of the salary excitement, a citizen of this county wrote
a letter to a prominent official in the Treasury of the United States,
Avanting to knOAV Avhether Mr. Garfield drew his pay or not, and received
a very full and circumstantial reply stating the facts. That letter is in
this toAvu, I suppose, to-day, but those who have had jiossession of it haA'e
been careful never to shoAV it. I have a copy of it here, and if these
men continue lying about it, I Avill print it one of these days. [Sensation
and great applause. Cries of ' Let us have that letter read now, Gen
eral Garfield.'] I Avill not give the name of the party. The name I
have not to Avhom it is addressed.
[The audience here absolutely insisted on haA-ing the letter read,
some demanding the name, and all positively refusing to allow the
speaker to proceed Avithout reading the letter in justice to himself and
for the information of the audience.]
" ' Teeasuky Department, AVashington, June 9, 1873.
" ' Dear Sir : Your letter written early in jMay Avas forAvarded to me
at Youngstown, Avhere it could not be ansAvered for Avant of accurate
data. AVhen about to return to AVashington, I searched for the letter
but could not find it. My recollection of its ec^ntents is that you inquired
as to the repayment into the Treasury by General Garfield of the addi
tional compensation due him as a member of the Forty-Second Congress,
under the provisions of the general appropriation act of March 3, 1873.
" ' The additional compensation due General Garfield was draAvn by
Mr. OrdAvay., sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, and by
him paid into the Treasury as a miscellaneous revenue receipt. The'
money was drawn by Mr. OrdAvay on the order of General Garfield.
The practice of the sergeant-at-arms is to take receipts from members

266 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
m blank in anticipation of the dates at which they are to become due,
and to pay their check on him by drawing the money from the Treasury
on those receipts. In this way he is, in a measure, the banker of the
members. General Garfield has signed such receipts month after month
at the beginning of the month, one of which was filled up by Mr. Ord-
way and presented to the Treasury. At that time, I believe. General
Garfield was out of the city, but I happen to know that as early as the
22d day of March this written order Avas delivered to Mr. Ordway, viz:
if he had not drawn any money frora the Treasury on ^ his account to
close the account without drawing it, and if he had drawn it to return
it. Mr. Ordway then informed him that it Avas necessary for him to
sign a special order on the Treasury if he wished it drawn out and cov
ered in, otherwise Air. Garfield could draw it at any time within two
years ; whereupon Mr. Garfield drew an order for $4,548, payable to the
order of Mr. Ordway, to be by him covered into the Treasury. This
Avas presented to the Treasurer and the money turned over from the
appropriation account to the general account, so that no portion of it
ever left the Treasury at all. It was simply a transfer from the appro
priation account to the general funds of the Treasury.
' ' ' Very respectfully, " ' Robert AV. Tayler.'"
"[Applause.] "Question. — What was the date of the adjourment of Congress?
" General Garfield. — Congress adjourned on the 3d of March.
"Question. — AVhat Avas the date of your letter?
" General Garfield. — The 22d day of March Avas the date of my letter,
"A voice. — Give us some of the De Gollyer matter.
"General Garfield. — AVe will take each particular thing at the proper
time and place. A note is handed me of Avhich I will speak in this con
nection. It is that during the debate Mr. Garfield ansAvered a question
of Mr. Hibbard, of Ncav Hampshire, Avho said, ' How about this plunder?
How much plunder will it take out of the Treasury?' And that Mr,
Garfield's answer seemed to imply that he did not regard it as plunder.
I believe there has been as much said on that particular reply of mine
in connection with this salary business as any thing else that has been
said. Now I have already answered that in the general remarks I have
made this evening, namely, Avhen a Democrat from Ncav Hampshire
rose in his place and put a question to me, inquiring hoAV much money

THE NOONTIDE.— De GOLLYER PAVEMENT. 267
ft would take out of the Treasury if this salary act passed, and put it in
the form of saying how much 'plunder' it Avould take, I did not at first
notice that he used the Avord ' plunder,' and 1 ansAvered it would take a
,minion and a half dollars out qf the Treasury. Then Mr. Dawes rose and
said, 'Did my friend from Ohio notice the Avord 'plunder?' Does he
acknowledge this to be 'j^lunder?' I then said, 'No, I don't aeknoAvl-
edge that this is plunder. If any gentleman thinks that he is taking
more than is justly due him in his conscience, let him call it plunder if
he pleases,'
" Now, an attempt has been made to make it appear that Mr. Garfield
approved the salary act because he ansAvered this man that he didn't
regard it as robbery. I ansAver now, I do not, regard it as robbery, and
never have.
"Now, one word more before I leave this question. I am glad the
American people rose up in indignation against that salary increase.
There were some unkind and unjust things said by the people in their
uprising, but they rose against it and rebuked it Avith a poAver and might
that has been of very great service to the country during the last winter.
It could not have been repealed but for the rebuke of the people, and I
could not have led as I did lead in more than $20,000,000 reduction of
public expenses, if I had not felt behind rae the weight, and help, and
reinforcement of the indignation of the people in regard to that salary
increase. I say it was an indecent thing to do, to increase the salary
thus, and it Avas a great conservative thing for the people to do to de
mand its repeal ; and it was repealed. But let us, in discussing it, deal
with the subject according to the truth. I now pause to inquire if any
gentleman in the audience has any questions to ask touching this salary,
or any thing concerning it? If he has, I shall be very glad to hear
it. [The speaker here paused, but no questions being asked, he pro
ceeded as follows:] If not, I pass to the subject my friend over yonder
seemed to be so anxious I should get to before I finished the last; and
here I approach a question that in one sense is not a question at all, and
in another sense it may be. I understand that several persons in the dis
trict are. saying that Mr. Garfield has taken a fee for a so-called law
opinion, but Avhich, in fact, was something he ought not to have done—
Avhich was in reality a kind of fee for his official influence as a member
of the Committee on Appropriations ; or, to speak more plainly, that I
accepted pay for a .service as a kind of bribe, and that too, in

268 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
THE SO-CALLED DE GOLLYER PAVEMENT.
"Noav, I have tried to state that in the broadest Avay, Avith the broad
est point forward. I ask the attention gf this audience for a few mo
ments to the testimony. In the first place, I AA'ant the audience to under
stand that the city of AVashington is governed, and has ahvays been gov
erned so far as its own improvements are concerned, by its OAvn laAVS and
its own people, just as much as AVarren has been governed by its OAvn
corporate laws and authority. I remember perfectly Avell Avhat has been
paraded in the papers so much of late that Congress has full power to
legislate over the District of Columbia. AVell, Congress has full juris
diction over Avhat is now called the District of Columbia, and Congress
could, I suppose, make all the police regulations for the city of Washing
ton ; but Congress ahvays has allowed the city of Washington to have its
city council, or a legislature, until the present time. AVe have abolished
it, because we had a cumbrous machine. In the year 1871 a laAV Avas
passed by Congress creating the board of public Avorks, appointing a gov
ernor, and creating a legislature for the District of Columbia. That act
stated Avhat the board of public Avorks could do and what the other
branches of the District government could do; and among other things,
it erapoAvered the legislature to levy taxe» to make improvements on the
streets. The legislature met. The board of public works laid before
them an elaborate plan for improving the streets of AVashington, a plan
amounting, to six million dollars in the first place, and the legislature
adopted the plan and provided that one-third of the entire cost of carrying
out that plan should be raised by assessing the front foot on the property
holders, and the other two-thirds should be paid by money to be bor
rowed by the city government; in other Avords, by the issuing of their
bonds. The city government of Washington borrowed money and raised
by special taxation enough to carry on a vast system of improvement.
AVhen they got ready to execute their plan one of the questions that
came before them Avas, AVhat kind of pavement shall Ave put in? and in
Avhat Avay shall we go about the business of letting our paving contracts?
In order to settle that question they Avrote to all the principal cities and
fnind out all the methods pursued by thera, and finally appointed from
leading officers of tlie army — General Humphreys, chief engineer ; Gen
eral Meigs, quartermaster-general; the Surgeon-General, and General
Babcock of the engineer corps ; and those four men sat as an advising
board, having no power but merely to advise. They took up aU kinds

THE NOONTIDE.- De GOLLYER PAVEMENT. 269
i)f pavement ever made ; specimens Avere sent in ; they looked over the
^/hole, and as a result recommended this: 'AVe recommend you, instead
of letting this Avork be done by the lowest bidder, Avith all the scheming
"straw-bids" that may come in, to fix a tariff' of prices you Avill pay for
different kinds of pavement, and Ave recommend as folloAvs : If you put
down concrete paA'ement you had better say you Avill pay so much per
square yard for putting it down. AVe have looked the cities all over
and find that it is the proper amount to pay; but for stone so much;
for graA'el so much; for asphaltum so much; and for Avood so much.'
Now, that board of public Avorks adopted the plan and that schedule of
prices, and having elected if they put those A'arious kinds of pavements
down, they Avould put them doAvn at those rates, they then said to all com
ers 'bring in your various kinds of paA'ements and shoAV us their merits,
and when Ave have examined them Ave Avill act.'
"Then the various paA'ing companies and patentees all OA-er the coun
try Avho had what they called good pavements, jiresented themselves;
hut in almost all cases by their attorneys. They sent men there to rep
resent the relative merits of the paveraents. A pavement corapany in
Chicago employed Mr. Parsons, of Cleveland, as early as the month of
April, 1872, to go before the board of public AVorks and present the mer
its of their pavements. Mr. Parsons had nothing Avhatever to do Avith
the question of prices ; they had already been settled in advance by the
board. Mr. Parsons was marshal of the Supreme Court at that tirae,
and was just about running for Congress. He asked the Chief Justice of
the United States Avhether there Avas any impropriety in his taking that
case up and arguing it, merely because he Avas an appointee and under
his direction, and the Chief Justice responded : ' There Avas none in the
world.' He proceeded Avith the case until the 8th day of June, Avhen,
for the first time, I heard any thing about it. This Avas tAVO days before
the adjournment of Congress. On that day IMr. Parsons came to me
and said to me he had an important case ; he had Avorked a good Avhile
on it but was called aAvay. He must leave. He did not Avant to lose
his fee in it — was likely to lose it unless the AVork was completed ; he
must go at any rate. He asked me if I Avould argue the case for him ;
if I would examine into the merits of this pavement and make a state
ment of it before the board. I said, ' I Avill do it if I, on examination,
find the patent Avhat it purports to be — the best Avood pavement patent
there is, but I can't do it until after Congress adjourns.' Congress ad
journed two days later ; the papers of patents Avere sent to me, modeled

270 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
specimens, and documents shoAving where pavement had been used were
forwarded to me. The investigation of the patents and the chemical
analysis representing all the elements of the pavement Avas a laborious
task and I worked at it as faithfully as any thing I ever Avorked at. I
did it in open daylight. I liaA-e never been able to understand how any
body has seen any thing in that on Avhich to base an attack on me. I
say I am to-day intellectually incapable of understanding the track of a
man's mind Avho sees in this any ground for attacking me. I made the
argument; there were two patents contained in that pavement itself; there
Avere some forty different Avood pavements proposed, and to carefully and
analytically examine all the rclatiA'e merits of those Avas no small Avork.
Mr. Parsons was to get a fee providing he was successful, and not any if
he was not successful, and hence the sum offered was large — a contingent
fee, as every lawyer knows."
This is enough to shoAv Mr, Garfield's relation to the De Gollyer
affair. After some further discussion of it this Warren speech
closed as folloAvs :
" If no further questions are to be asked I will conclude with a few
general reflections on the Avhole subject.
' ' Nothing is more distasteful to me than to speak of my own work-
but this disscussion has been made necessary by the persistent misrepre
sentations of those who assail me
" During my long public service the relation between the people of this
district and myself has been one of mutual confidence and independence.
I have tried to follow my own convictions of duty with little regard to
personal consequences, relying upon the intelligence and justice of the
people for approval and support. I have sought to promote, not merely
local and class interests, but the general good of the whole country, be
lieving that thereby I could honor the position I hold and the district I
represent On the other hand my constituents have given me the great
support of their strong and intelligent approval. They have not always
approved my judgment, nor the wisdom of my public acts. But they
have sustained me because they knew I was earnestly following my con
victions of duty, and because they did not want a representative to '
the mere echo of the public voice, but an intelligent and independent
judge of public questions.
"In conclusion, I appeal to the best men of the district-to men who

THE NOONTIDE.— CLOSING APPEAL. 271
ire CA'ery Avay Avorthy and every way capable to judge my conduct — nor
do I hesitate to refer all inquiries to those noble men with Avhom I have
acted during my public life. They have Avorked Avith me as representa
tives during all these years, and knoAV the character and quality of my
AVOrk. I have sought to make myself worthy of an honorable fame among
them, and have not sought in vain. They have placed me in many po
sitions of large trust and responsibility, and in the present Congress I
again hold the chairmanship of the committee of the second if not the
first importance in the House of Representatives. I fearlessly appeal
to the honorable members of the present Congress, and of all the Con
gresses in Avhich I have served, to say if my conduct has not been high
and AVorthy — the very reverse of Avhat these home eneraies represent it to
he. [Applause.] All this time it has been a source of great strength
and confidence to knoAV that here in this district there has been a strong,
manly, intelligent constituency Avilling to hold up my hands and enable
me more effectually to serve the country and honor them by my service.
While this has been true, a bitter fcAv have long been doing all in their
power to depreciate my work and weaken my support.
"Mr. AVilkins. — You are rising too fast; they are afraid of being
eclipsed. "Mr. Garfield. — In all this I have relied upon the good sense and
justice of the people to understand both my motives and the motives and
efforts of my enemies. On some questions of public policy there have
been differences between some of my constituents and myself. For ii.-
stance, on the currency. question, I have followed Avhat seemed to me to
be the hue of truth and duty, and in that course I believe that the ma
jority of the people of this district now concur. Whether right or wrong
in opinions of this sort, I have believed it to be my duty to act independ
ently, and in accordance Avith the best light I could find.
Fellow-citizens, I believe I have done my country and you some serv
ice, and the only way I can still continue thus to serve you is by enjoy
ing, in a reasonable degree, your confidence and support. I am very
grateful for the expression of confidence which you have again given me
by choosing me a seventh time as your candidate. It was an expression
whieh I have reason to believe was the result of your deliberate judg
ment, based on a full knowledge of my record ; and it is all the more
precious to me because it came after one of those storms of pubhc feel
ing which sometimes SAveeps away the work, of a Ufe-time.

272 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Aside from Avhat has been here recounted, Garfield did not speak
much on these unpleasant topics. Having put himself on record,
he did not convict himself by protesting overmuch.
That he felt these things deeply one can not doubt. In a letter
of January 4, 1875, Avritten to B. A. Hinsdale, he said:
" AVith me the year 1874 has been a continuation, and in sorae respects
an exaggeration, of 1873. That year brought me unusual trials, and
brought me face to fiice Avith personal assaults and the trial that comes
from calumny and public displeasure. This year has perhaps seen the
culmination, if not the end, of that kind of experience, 1 have had
much discipline of mind and heart in living the life Avhich these trials
brought me. Lately I have been studying rayself A\ith some anxiety to
see how deeply the shadows have settled around my spirit. I find I
have lost much of that exuberance of feeling, that cheerful spirit Avhich
I think abounded in me before. I am a little graver and less genial than
I Avas before the storm struck me. The consciousness of this came to me
slowly, but I have at last given in to it, and am trying to counteract the
tendency." These efforts Averc successful ; for prosperity and popularity re
turned to him; and even if they had not, General Garfield Avas
not the man to acquire bitterness of spirit.
In fact, if there Avas one thing Avherein Garfield Avas greater than
any man in the illustrious group, Avhose names form a matchless
diadem for the epoch in Avhich he liA'ed, it Avas in a SAveetness of
temper, a loftiness of spirit, the equal of A\-hich can hardly be
found in secular history. His spirit kncAv no malice ; his heart no
revenge, A distinguished man Avho served Avith him in Congress,
but who was not a great friend, told the Avriter that in this re
gard Garfield inspired hira Avith aAve. His conservative views
made him many party enemies. Time after time these brilliant
debaters — FarnsAvorth and the rest — AA-ould attack Garfield, No
sarcasm Avas too cutting, no irony too cold. At times the speaker
seeraed to leave the quiver of ridicule Avithout an arrow. When
Garfield rose to reply, it AA'as in a tone of calm discussion. He
would proceed to the subject in hand in the friendliest and most
earnest manner. No attack could provoke him to reply to per-

THE NOONTIDE.— IN THE MINORITY. 273
sonalities or invective. Never did he lose self-poise for a moment.
It was said that a stranger entering the House after Garfield had
begun his speech in ansAver to some most galling attack would
never suspect that the speech was a reply to hostile and malignant
assault. '
The elections of 1874 having resulted favorably to the Demo
cratic party, the Republicans found themselves with only a minority
in the House in the Forty-Fourth Congress. Blaine lost his position
as Speaker, and Michael C. Kerr, of Indiana, presided. Committees
Avere all reorganized Avith Democratic chairmen and majorities.
Garfield, after having been four years Chairman of the Com
mittee on Appropriations, noAV found himself near the foot of the
Committee of AV^ays and Means, with a Aveighty group of Demo
crats above hira on the list. During his last four terms, Garfield
Avas a member of the House Coraraittee on Rules. His knowledge
of Parliaraentary LaAv amounted to a mastery of the subject.
In consequence of this change. General Garfield, suddenly re
lieved of his usual large responsibility in the work of legislation,
was turned into a coraparatiA'ely new field of public life. Relieved
of the real work of legislation, for the first time he had a good
opportunity to observe how others Avould do that Avork.
A very brief season of such observation on the part of Garfield
and his fellow-partisans was enough to make them dissatisfied with
Democratic statesraanship. The neAV majority began to destroy
Avhat Republicans had spent so many years in building up. Then
came organized opposition.
The first great collision occurred in January, 1876, This first
Democratic House since the war was, very naturally, led by South
ern members. Many late rebel generals had been sent to it. It
was popularly named the Confederate Congress — the rule of rebel
brigadiers. Of course, it was not long till they began to propose
measures peculiarly favorable to themselves.
When, at the close of the civil Avar, the Southern States were
restored to their right places in the Union, many of their citizens,
guilty of treason, had lost their political privileges. By acts of
legislation and presidential proclamations, most of these disabilities
18

^74 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
had been removed. Early in the Forty-Fourth Congress the Am
nesty Bill was proposed, extending pardon to all ex-Confederates
unconditionally. It had been the policy of the Government to restore the South
completely in this respect, as fast as it was expedient to Jo so ; but
this was, as yet, too sweeping a measure. The Republican leaders
were opposed to it; and Mr. Blaine proposed an amendment, except
ing Jefferson Davis absolutely and by name, and excepting seven
hundred and fifty others until they should renounce their treason by
taking the oath of allegiance to the United States. The friends
of the bill Avould not except even Davis, and on this point there
arose one of the most exciting debates ever held in Congress.
The attack was first made by Mr, Blaine, iu the course of a
series of sharp thrusts betAveen himself and Samuel J. Randall, of
Pennsylvania, who had charge of the bill. Finally the " plumed
knight " rushed to the front and dealt his heavy blows. It was
a terrible arraignment of the Confederate President, making him
responsible for the savage cruelties practiced on Union prisoners.
All the horrors of Andersonville and Libby prisons were described.
He read the celebrated order " Number Thirteen," directing rebel
guns to be turned on the suffering thousands at Andersonville, on
the approach of Sherman, Davis, he said, was a party to these
proceedings, and the American people would not, should not
sanction any act Avhich made it possible for this man ever again to
hold any honorable public position Avithin the gift of his Southern
friends. After Blaine's speech, the debate was continued by Mr. Cox.
Then came Benjamin Hill, of Georgia, and James A. Garfield, of
Ohio. Hill took up the charges of Blaine, parried them skillfully
without answering them, made counter-charges against the Gov
ernment in its treatment of rebel prisoners, and, in fine, succeeded
in his attempt to overcome the impression made by the Blaine attack.
In this emergency, Avhile the whole Democracy was exulting, and
Hill was the hero of the hour, all eyes turned toAvards Garfield,
for he promised a reply, and \A'as known to be better able for that
task than any other man.

THE NOONTIDE.-THE AMNESTY BILL. 275
On the next day, January 12, Mr. Garfield Avas given the floor,
and began. After stating his regret that such an unpleasant dis
cussion had arisen, he made a brief review of the situation, and
proceeded thus :
"Let me say in the outset that, so far as I am personally concerned, I
have never voted against any proposition to grant amnesty to any hu
man being who has asked for it at the bar of the House. Furthermore,
I appeal to gentlemen on the other side who have been with me in this
haU many years, whether at any time they have found me truculent in
spirit, unkind in tone or feeling tOAvard those Avho fought against us in
the late war. Twelve years ago this very month, standing in this place,
I said this : ' I believe a truce could be struck to-day between the rank
and file of the hostile armies uoav in the field, I believe they could meet
and shake hands together, joyful over returning peace, each respecting
the courage and manhood of the other, and each better able to live in
amity than before the war.'
"I am glad to repeat word for word what I said that day. For the
purposes of this speech I Avill not even claim the whole ground which
the Government assumed toward the late rebellion. For the sake of the
present argument, I wiU view the position of those Avho took up arms
against the Government in the light least offensive to them.
" Leaving out of sight for the moment the question of slavery, which
evoked so much passion, and Avhich Avas the producing cause of the late
war, there were still tAvo opposing political theories which met in con
flict. Most of the Southern statesmen believed that their first obedi
ence was due to their State. We believed that the allegiance of an
American citizen was due to the National government, not by the way
of a State capital, but in a direct line from his own heart to the govern
ment of the Union. Now, that question was submitted to the dreadful
arbitrament of war, to the court of last resort— a colirt from which there
is no appeal, and to which all other powers must bow. To tha^t dread
court the great question was carried, and there the right of a State to
secede was put to rest forever. For the sake of peace and union, I am
willing to treat our late antagonists as I would treat litigants in other
courts, who, when they have made their appeal and final judgment is
rendered, pay the reasonable costs and bow to its mandates. Our ques
tion to-day is not that, but is closely connected with it. AVhen we have
made our argument and the court has rendered its judgment, it may he

276 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
that in the course of its proceedings the court has used its discretion to
disbar some of its counselors for malpractice, for unprofessional conduct.
In such a case a motion may be made to restore the disbarred members.
Applying this illustration to the present case, there are seven hundred
and fifty people who are yet disbarred before the highest authority of the
Republic — the Constitution itself. The proposition is to offer again the
privileges of official station to these people ; and we are all agreed as to
every human being of them save one.
"I do not object to Jefferson Davis because he AA'as a conspicuous
leader. AVhatever we may believe theologically, I do not believe in the
doctrine of vicarious atonement in politics. Jefferson Davis was no more
guilty for taking up arms than any other man Avho Avent into the rebellion
with equal intelligence. But this is the question : In the high court of
war did he practice according to its well-knoAvn laAVS — the laws of nations?
Did he, in appealing to war, obey the laws of Avar ; or did he so A'iolate
those laws, that justice to those who suffered at his hands demands that
he be not permitted to come back to his old privileges in the Union?
That is the whole question ; and it is as plain and fair a question for de
liberation as was ever debated in this House."
From this point Mr, Gai-field proceeded by a long argument,
well supported by authorities, to show forth the real history
of the atrocities mentioned, and to demonstrate the responsi
bility of Jefferson Davis for them. He ended this portion of
the discussion in these words :
"It seems to me incontrovertible that the records I have adduced lay
at his door the charge of being himself the author, the conscious author,
through his own appointed instrument, of the terrible work at Anderson
ville, for which the, American people still hold him unfit to be admitted
among the legislators of this Nation.
"And noAV, Mr. Speaker, I close as I began. Toward those men who
gallantly fought us on the field I cherish the kindest feeling. I feel a
sincere reverence for the soldierly qualities they displayed on many a well-
fought battle-field. I hope the day will come when their SAVords and ours
will be crossed over many a doorway of our children, who Avill remember
the glory of their ancestors with pride. The high quahties displayed in
that conflict now belong to the Avhole Nation. Let them be consecrated

THE NOONTIDE.-THE AMNESTY BILL. 277
to the Union, and its future peace and glory. I shall hail that conse
cration as a pledge and symbol of our perpetuity.
"But there Avasa class of men referred to in the speech of the gentle
man yesterday for whom I have never yet gained the Christian grace
necessary to say the same thing. The gentleman said that, amid the
thunder of battle, through its dim smoke, and above its roar, they heard
a voice from this side saying, 'Brothers, come!' I do not knoAv Avhether
he meant the same thing, but I heard that voice behind us. I heard that
voice, and I recollect that I sent one of those Avho uttered it through
our lines — a voice OAvned by Vallandigham. General Scott said, in the
early days of the Avar, 'AVhen this war is over, it will require all the
physical and moral poAver of the Government to restrain the rage and
fury of the non-combatants.' It was that non-combatant voice behind us
that cried ' Halloo ! ' to the other side ; that always gave cheer and en
couragement to the enemy in our hour of darkness. I have never for
gotten, and have not yet forgiven, those Democrats of the North whose
hearts were not Avarmed by the grand inspirations of the Union, but who
stood back, finding fault, always crying disaster, rejoicing at our defeat,
never glorying in our victory. If these are the voices the gentleman
heard, I ara sorry he is now united with those who uttered them.
" But to those most noble men. Democrats and Republicans, who tO'
gether fought for the Union, I commend all the lessons of charity thai
the wisest and most beneficent men have taught.
"I jomyou all in every aspiration that you may express to stay in
this Union, to heal its wounds, to increase its glory, and to forget the
evils and bitterness of the past ; but do not, for the sake of the three
hundred thousand heroic men Avho, maimed and bruised, drag out their
weary lives, many of them carrying in their hearts horrible memories of
what they suffered in the prison-pen— do not ask us to vote to put back
into power that man who Avas the cause of their suffering— that man still
unaneled, unshriven, unforgiven, undefended."
As the autumn of 1876 approached, it became evident that the
Democratic party, already dominant in the House, would raake a
desperate struggle at the Noveraber elections to get coraplete con
trol of the Government.
Before the long session of that hot summer ended, Mr. Lamar,
of Mississippi, took occasion to deliver in the House a powerful

278 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
campaign speech, attempting to prove that the Republican party
did not deserve further support from the people, and that the De
mocracy was eminently Avorthy to rule in their stead. The next
day, August 4, Mr. Garfield replied. A part of this reply is here
given :
"Mr. Chairman: I regret that the speech of the gentleman from
Mississippi [Mr. Lamar] has not yet appeared in the Reeord, so that I
might have had its full and authentic text before offering my own re
marks in reply. But his propositions were so clearly and so very ably
stated, the doctrines that run through it were so logically connected, it
will be my own fault if I fail to understand and appreciate the general
scope and purpose of his speech.
" In the outset, I desire for myself and for a majority at least, of those
for whom I speak, to express my gratitude to the gentleman for all that
portion of his speech which had for its object the removal of the preju
dices and unkindly feelings that have arisen aniong citizens of the Re
public in consequence of the late Avar. Whatever faults the speech may
have, its author expresses an earnest desire to make progress in the di
rection of a better understanding between the North and the South; and
in that it meets my most hearty concurrence and approval.
" I will attempt to state briefly Avhat I understand to be the logic of
the gentleman's speech.
" Now I have stated — of course very briefly, but I hope with entire
fairness — the scope of the very able speech to which we listened. In a
word, it is this: The Republican party is oppressing the South; negro
suffrage is a grievous evil ; there are serious corruptions in public affairs
in the national legislation and administration; the civil service of the
country especially needs great and radical reform; and, therefore, the
Democratic party ought to be placed in control of the GoA'ernment at
this time.
"It has not been my habit, and it is not my desire, to discuss mere
party politics in this great legislative forum. And I shall do so now
only in so far as a fair review of the gentleman's speech requires. My
remarks shall be responsive to his ; and I shall discuss party history and
party policy only as the logic of his speech leads into that domain.
"From most of the premises of the gentleman, as matters of fact and
history, I dissent; some of them are undoubtedly correct. JBut, for th»

THE NOONTIDE.-REPLY TO LAMAR. 279
sake of argument only, admitting that all his premises are correct, I deny
that his conclusion is Avarranted by his premises; and, before I close, I
shall attempt to show that the good he seeks can not be secured by the
ascendency of the Democratic party at this time.
"Before entering upon that field, however, I must notice this remark
able omission in the logic of his speech. Although he did state that the
country might consider itself free from some of the dangers Avhich are
apprehended as the result of Democratic ascendency, he did not, as I re
member, by any Avord attempt to prove the fitness of the Democracy as
u political organization to accomplish the reforms Avhich he so much de
sires ; and without that affirmative proof of fitness his argument is neces
sarily an absolute failure.
" It is precisely that fear Avhieh has not only made the ascendency of
the Democratic party so long impossible, but has made it incompetent to
render that service so necessary to good government— the .service of main
taining the position of a Avise and honorable opposition to the dominant
party. Often the blunders and faults of the Republican party have been
condoned by the people because of the violent, reactionary, and disloyal
spirit of the Democracy.
" He tells us that it is one of the Avell-knoAvn lessons of political his
tory and philosophy, that the opposition party comes in to preserve and
crystallize the measures Avhich their antagonists inaugurated ; and that a
conservative opposition party is better fitted to accomplish such a Avork
than an aggressive radical party, Avho roughly pioneered the Avay and
brought in the changes. And to apply this maxim to our OAvn situation,
he tells us that the differences between the Republican and the Democratic
parties upon the issues Avhich led to the war, and those Avhich grew out of
it, were rather differences of time than of substance; that the Democracy
folloAved more sloAvly in the Republican path, but have at last arrived, by
prudent and constitutional methods, at the same results; and hence they
Avill be sure to guard securely and cherish faithfully Avhat the Republicans
gained by reckless and turbulent methods. There is some truth in these
'glittering generalities,' but, as applied to our present situation, they are
entitled only to the consideration Avhich Ave give to the bright but fantas
tic pictures of a Utopian dream.
" I share all that gentleman's aspirations for peace, for good government
at the South ; and I believe I can safely assure him that the great ma
jority of the nation shares the same aspirations. But he will allow me

280 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
to say that he has not fully stated the elements of the great problem to
be solved by the statesmanship of to-day. The actual field is much broader
than the vieAv he has taken. And before Ave can agree that the remedy he
proposes is an adequate one, we must take in the whole field, comprehend
all the conditions of the problem, and then see if his remedy is sufficient.
The change he proposes is not like the ordinary change of a ministry in
England when the government is defeated on a tax-bill or some routine
measure of legislation. He proposes to turn over the custody and man
agement of the Government to a party vA'hich has persistently, and with
the greatest bitterness, resisted all the great changes of the last fifteen
years ; changes which Avere the necessary results of a vast revolution — a
revolution in national policy, in social and political ideas — a revolution
whose causes Avere not the work of a day nor a year, but of generations
and centuries. The scope and character of that mighty revolution must
form the basis of our judgment when we inquire whether such a change
as he proposes is safe and Avise.
" In discussing his proposition we must not forget that, as the result of
this revolution, the South, after the great devastations of .war, the great
loss of life and treasure, the overthrow of its social and industrial system,
Avas called upon to confront the ucav and difficult problem of two races —
one just relieved from centuries of slavery, and the other a cultivated,
brave, proud, imperious race — to be brought together on terms of equality
before the law. New, difficult, delicate, and dangerous questions bristle
out from every point of that problem.
" But that is not all of the situation. On the other hand, we see the
North, after leaving its 350,000 dead upon the field of battle and bring
ing home its 500,000 maimed and Avounded to he cared for, crippled in its
industries, staggering under the tremendous burden of public and private
debt, and both North and South weighted Avith unparalleled burdens and
losses — the whole nation suffering from that loosening of the bonds of
social order which ahvays folloAvs a great Avar, and from the resulting cor
ruption both in the public and the private life of the people. These,
Mr. Chairman, constitute the vast field Avhich we must survey in order
to find the path which Avill soonest lead our beloved country to the high
way of peace, of liberty and prosperity. Peace from the shock of battle;
the higher peace of our streets, of our homes, of our equal rights, we
must make secure by making the conquering ideas of the Avar cA'ery-where
dominant and permanent.

THE NOONTIDE.-REPLY TO LAMAR. 281
" With all my heart I join with the gentleman in rejoicing that —
" ' The Avar-drums throb no longer, and the battle-flags are furled '—
and I look forward with joy and hope to the day when our brave peo
ple, one in heart, one in their aspirations for freedom and peace, shall
see that the darkness through which we have traveled Avas a part of that
stern but beneficent discipline by Avhrch the Great Disposer of events
has been leading us ou to a higher and nobler national life.
" But such a result can be reached only by comprehending the whole
meaning of the revolution through Avhich we have passed and are still
passing. I say still passing; for I remember that after the battle of
arms comes the battle of history. The cause that triumphs in the field
does not always triumph in history. And those Avho carried' the war
for union and equal and universal freedom to a victorious issue can never
safely relax their vigilance until the ideas for Avhich they fought have
become embodied in the enduring forms of individual and national life.
'' Has this been done ? Not yet.
" I ask the gentleman in all plainness of speech, and yet in all kind
ness, is he correct in his statement that the conquered party accept the
results of the war? Even if they do, I remind the gentleman that accept
is not a very strong Avord. I go further. I ask him if the Democratic
party have adopted the results of the Avar? Is it not asking too much
of human nature to expect such unparalleled changes to be not only ac
cepted, but, in so short a time, adopted by men of strong and independ
ent opinions?
" The antagonisms Avhich gave rise to the war and groAV out of it were
not born in a day, nor can they vanish in a night.
"Mr. Chairman, great ideas travel slowly, and for a time noiselessly,
as the gods, whose feet were shod with wool. Our Avar of independence
was a war of ideas, of ideas evolved out of two hunded years of sIoav and
silent growth. When, one hundred years ago, our fathers announced as
self-evident truths the declaration that all men are created equal, and the
only just power of governments is derived from the consent of the gov
erned, they uttered a doctrine that no nation had ever adopted, that not
one kingdom on the earth then believed. A"et to our fathers it Avas so
plain that they would not debate it. They announced it as a truth ' self-
evident.' "Whence came the immortal truths of the Declaration? To me this
was for years the riddle of our history. I have searched long and

282 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
patiently through the books of the doctrinaires to find the germs from
which the Declaration of Independence sprang. I found hints in Locke,
in Hobbes, iu Rousseau, and Fenelon ; but they were only the hints of
dreamers and philosophers. The great doctrines of the Declaration ger
minated in the hearts of our fathers, and Avere developed under the neAv
influences of this Avilderness world, by the same subtle mystery Avhich
brings forth the rose from the germ of the rose-tree. Unconsciously to
themselves, the great truths Avere growing under the new conditions until,
like the century-plant, they blossomed into the matchless beauty of the
Declaration of Independence, whose fruitage, increased and increasing,
Ave enjoy to-day.
"It will not do, Mr. Chaiiman, to speak of the gigantic revolution
through Avhich we have lately passed as a thing to be adjusted and settled
by a change of administration. It Avas cyclical, epochal, century-wide,
and to be studied in its broad and grand perspective — a revolution of even
Avider scope, so far as time is concerned, than the Revolution of 1776.
AVe haA'e been dealing Avith elements and forces Avhich have been at Avork
on this continent more than two hundred and fifty years. I trust I shall
be excused if I take a few moments to trace some of the leading phases
of the great struggle. And, in doing so, I beg gentlemen to see that
the subject itself Ufts us into a region Avliere the individual sinks out of
sight and is absorbed in the mighty current of great events. It is not the
occasion to award praise or pronounce condemnation. In such a revolu
tion men are like insects that fret and toss in the storm, but are swept on-
Avard by the resistless movements of elements beyond their control. I
speak of this revolution not to praise the men Avho aided it, or to censure
the men Avho resisted it, but as a force to be studied, as a mandate to be
obeyed. In the year 1620 there Avere planted upon this continent tAVO ideas irre
concilably hostile to each other. Ideas are the great Avarriors of the
Avorld ; and a Avar that has no ideas behind it is simply brutality. The
tAVO ideas Avere landed, one at Plymouth Rock from the Maifioiver, and
the other from a Dutch brig at JamestoAvn, Virginia. One Avas the old
doctrine of Luther, that private judgment in politics as well as religion,
is the right and duty of every man; and the other that capital should
own labor, that the negro had no rights of manhood, and the Avhite man
might justly buy, own, and sell him and his offspring forever. Thus
freedom and equality on the one hand, and on the other the slavery of

THE NOONTIDE.— REPLY TO LAMAR. 283
one race and the domination of another, Avere the two germs planted on
this continent. In our vast expanse of Avilderness, for a long time, there
Avas room for both ; and their advocates began the race across the conti
nent, each developing the social and political institutions of their choice.
Both had vast interests in common ; and for a long time neither Avas con
scious of the fatal antagonisms that were developing.
"For nearly tAvo centuries there Avas no serious collision; but when
the continent began to fill up, and the people began to jostle against
each other ; Avhen the Roundhead and the Cavalier came near enough to
measure opinions, the irreconcilable character of the two doctrines
began to appear. ]Many conscientious men studied the subject, and
came to the belief that slavery Avas a crime, a sin, or as AVesley said,
' the sum of all villainies.' This belief dwelt in small minorities for a
long time. It lived in the churches and vestries, but later found its way
into the civil and political organizations of the country, and finally
found its Avay into this chamber. A few brave, clear-sighted, far-seeing
men announced it here, a little more than a generation ago. A prede
cessor of mine, Joshua R. Giddings, following the lead of John Quincy
Adams, of Massachusetts, almost alone held up the banner on this floor,
and from year to year comrades came to his side. Through evil and
through good report he pressed the question upon the conscience of the
nation. "And so the contest continued ; the supporters of .slavery believing
honestly and sincerely that slavery Avas a divine institution; that it
found its high sanctions in the living oracles of God and in a Avise polit
ical philosophy ; that it Avas justified by the necessities of their situation ;
and that slave-holders were missionaries to the dark sons of Africa, to
elevate and bless them. We are so far past the passions of that early
time that we can now study the progress of the struggle as a great and
inevitable development, Avithout sharing in the crimination and recrim
ination that attended it. If both sides could have seen that it was a
contest beyond their control; if both parties could have realized the truth
that ' unsettled questions have no pity for the repose of nations,' much
less for the fate of political parties, the bitterness, the sorrow, the tears,
and the blood might have been avoided.. But we walked in the darkness,
our paths obscured by the smoke of the conflict, each following his OAvn
convictions through ever-increasing fierceness, until the debate culminated
in ' the last argument to Avhich kings resort.'

284 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" This conflict of opinion Avas not merely one of sentimental feeling ;
it involved our Avhole political system ; it gave rise to two radically dif
ferent theories of the nature of our Government: the North beheving
and holding that Ave Avere a Nation, the South insisting that Ave were only a
confederation of sovereign States, and insisting that each State had the
right, at its own discretion, to break the Union, and constantly threat
ening secession Avhere the full rights of slavery were not acknowledged.
"Thus the defense and aggrandizement of slavery, and the hatred of
Abolitionism, became not only the central idea of the Demociatic party,
but its master-passion — a passion intensified and inflamed by twenty-five
years of fierce political contest, which had not only driven from its ranks
all those Avho preferred freedom to slavery, but had absorbed all the ex
treme pro-slavery elements of the fallen Whig party. Over against this
Avas arrayed the Republican part}', asserting the broad doctrines of nation
ality and loyalty, insisting that no State had a right to secede, that
secession was treason, and demanding that the institution of slavery
should he restricted to the limits of the States where it already existed.
But here and there, many bolder and more radical thinkers declared,
with Wendell Phillips, that there never could be union and peace, free
dom and prosperity, until Ave were willing to see John Hancock under a
black skin.
*******
"Mr. Chairman, after the facts I have cited, am I not warranted in
raising a grave doubt whether the transformation occurred at all except
in a few patriotic and philosophic minds? The light gleams first on the
mountain peaks ; but shadows and darkness linger in the valley. It is
in the valley masses of those lately in rebellion that the light of this
beautiful philosophy, Avhich I honor, has not penetrated. It is safer to
withhold from them the custody and supreme control of the precious
treasures of the Republic until the midday sun of liberty, justice, and
equal laws shall shine upon them Avith unclouded ray.
" In view of all the facts, considering the centuries of influence that
brought on the great struggle, is it not reasonable to suppose that it will
require yet more time to effect the great transformation? Did not the dis
tinguished gentleman from Massachusetts [:Mr. George F. Hoar] sum up
the case fairly and truthfully Avhen he said of the South, in his Louis
iana report of 1874 : ' They submitted to the national authority, not
because they Avould, but because they must. They abandoned the doc-

THE NOONTIDE.-REPLY TO LAMAR. 285
trine of State sovereignty, which they had claimed made their duty to
Ae States paramount to that due to the nation in -case of conflict, not'
because they would, but because they must. They submitted to the
constitutional amendments which rendered their former slaves their
equals in all political rights, not because they Avould, but because they
must. The passions which led to the Avar, the passions Avhich the Avar
excited, Avere left untamed and unchecked, except so far as their exhibi
tion was restrained by the arm of power.'
"Mr. Chairman, it is now time to inquire as to the fitness of this
Democratic party to take control of our great nation and its vast and im
portant interests for the next four years. I put the question to the gentle
man from Mississippi [Mr. Lamar], what has the Democratic party done
to merit that great trust ? He tried to shoAV in Avhat respects it would
not he dangerous. I ask him to show in what it Avould be safe. I affirm,
and I believe I do not misrepresent the great Democratic party, that in
the last sixteen years they have not advanced one great national idea that
is not to-day exploded and as dead as Julius Caesar. And if any Demo
crat here will rise and name a great national doctrine his party has ad
vanced, within that time, that is now alive and believed in, I Avill yield
to hear him. [A pause.] In default of an ansAver, I Avill attempt to
prove my negative.
"What were the great central doctrines of the Democratic party in
the presidential struggle of 1860? The folloAvers of Breckinridge said
slavery had a right to go wherever the Constitution goes. Do you be-
fieve that to-day? Is there a man on this continent that holds that doc
trine to-day ? Not one. That doctrine is dead and buried. The other
wing of the Democracy held that slavery might be established in the ter
ritories if the people Avanted it. Does any body hold that doctrine to-day?
Dead, absolutely dead !
"Come doAvn to 1864. Your party, under .the lead of Tilden and
Vallandigham, declared the experiment of war to save the Union was a
failure. Do you believe that doctrine to-day ? That doctrine was shot
to death by the guns of Farragut at Mobile, and driven, in a tempest of
fire, from the valley of the Shenandoah by Sheridan less than a month
after its birth at Chicago.
"Come down to 1868. You declared the Constitutional Amendments
revolutionary and void. Does any man on this floor say so to-day? If
so, let him rise and declare it.

286 ¦ LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"Do you believe in the doctrine of the Broadhead letter of 1868. that
the so-called Constitutional Amendments should be disregarded? No;
the gentleman from Mississippi accepts the results of the war! The
Democratic doctrine of 1868 is dead!
" I walk across that Democratic camping-ground as in a graveyard.
Under my feet resound the hollow echoes of the dead. There lies slavery,
a black marble column at the head of its grave, on which I read : Died in
the flames of the Civil AVar ; loved in its life ; lamented in its death ; fol
lowed to its bier by its only mourner, the Democratic party, but dead !
And here is a double grave : Sacred to the memory of Squatter Sov
ereignty. Died in the campaign of 1860. On the reverse side: Sacred
to the memory of the Dred Scott-Breckinridge doctrine. Both died at
the hands of Abraham Lincoln! And here a monument of brimstone:
Sacred to the memory of the Rebellion; the Avar against it is a failure;
Tilden et Vallandigham fecerunt, A. d. 1864. Dead on the field of battle;
shot to death by the million guns of the Republic. The doctrine of Se
cession ; of State Sovereignty. Dead. Expired in the flames of civil
Avar, amidst the blazing rafters of the Confederacy, except that the mod
ern Jilneas, fleeing out of the flames of that ruin, bears on his back
another Anchises of State Sovereignty, and brings it here in the person
of the honorable gentleman from the Appomattox district of Virginia
[Mr. Tucker]. [Laughter.] All else is dead.
"Now, gentlemen, are you sad, are you sorry for these deaths? Are
you not glad that Secession is dead? that slavery is dead? that Squatter
Sovereignty is dead ? that the doctrine of the failure of the war is dead ?
Then you are glad that you Avere out-voted in 1860, in 1864, in 1868,
and in 1872. If you have tears to shed over these losses, shed them in
the graveyard, but not in this House of living men. I knoAV that many
a Southern man rejoices that these issues are dead. The gentleman frora
Mississippi has clothed, his joy with eloquence.
"Now, gentlemen, if you yourselves are glad that you have suffered
defeat during the last sixteen years, will you not be equally glad when
you suffer defeat next November? [Laughter.] But pardon that re
mark ; I regret it ; I would use no bravado.
"Now, gentlemen, come with me fi)r a moment into the camp of t'' '
Republican party and review its career. Our central doctrine in l&oU
was that slavery should never extend itself over another foot of American
soil. Is that doctrine dead? It is folded away hke a victorious banner;

THE N(30NTIDE.— REPLY TO LAMAR. 287
its truth is alive fjr evermore on this continent. In 1864 Ave declared
that we Avould put down the Rebellion and Secession. And that doctrine
fives, and will Ha'o Avhen the second Centennial has arrived! Freedom,
national, universal, and perpetual — our great Constitutional Amend
ments, are they alive or dead? Alive, thank the God that shields both
liberty and Union. And our national credit, saved from the assaults of
Pendleton; saved from the assaults of those who struck it later, rising
higher and higher at home and abroad; and only noAV in doubt lest its
chief, its only enemy, the Democracy, should triumph in November.
"Mr. Chairman, ought the Republican party to surrender its trun
cheon of command to the Democracy ? The gentleman from Mississippi
says, if this Avere England, the ministry Avould go out in twenty-four
hours with such a state of things as we have here. Ah, yes! that is an
ordinary case of change of administration. But if this Avere England,
what Avould she have done at the end of the Avar ? England made one
such mistake as the gentleman asks this country to make, Avhen she
threw away the achievements of the grandest man that ever trod her
highway of power. Oliver Cromwell had overturned the throne of
despotic poAver, and had lifted his country to a place of masterful great
ness among the nations of the earth; and when, after his death, his
great scepter Avas transferred to a Aveak though not unlineal hand, his
country, in a moment of reactionary blindness, brought back the Stuarts.
England did not recover frora that folly until, in 1689, the Prince of
Orange drove frora her island the last of that Aveak and wicked line.
Did she afterAvard repeat the blunder ?
"For raore than fifty years pretenders Avere seeking the throne; and
the Avars on her coast, in Scotland and in Ireland, threatened the over
throw of the new dynasty and the disruption of the empire. But the
solid phlegra, the magnificent pluck, the roundabout common-sense of
Englishmen steadied the throne till the cause of the Stuarts was dead.
They did not change as soon as the battle Avas over and let the Stuarts
come back to poAver.
"And hoAV Avas it in our own country, when our fathers had triumphed
in the war of the Revolution? AVhen the victory Avas won, did they
open their arms to the Loyalists, as they called themselves, or Tories, as
our fathers called them ? Did they invite thera hack ? Not one. They
confiscated their lands. The States passed decrees that no Tory should
live on our soil. And Avhen they Avere too poor to take themselves away.

288 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
our fathers, burdened as the young nation was Avith debt, raised the
money to transport the Tories beyond seas or across the Canada border.
They Avent to England, to France, to Nova Scotia, to New Brunswick,
and especially to Halifax ; and that town was such a resort for them,
that it became the swear-Avord of our boyhood. 'Go to Halifax!' was a
substitute for a more impious, but not more opprobrious expression.
The presence of Tories made it opprobrious.
"Now, I do not refer to this as an example Avhich we ought to folloAV,
Oh, no. AVe live in a inikhir era, in an age softened by the more genial
influence of Christian civilization. AVitness the sixty-one men Avho
fought against us in the late Avar, and Avho are now sitting in this and
the other chamber of Congress. Every one of them is here because a
magnanimous nation freely voted that they might come; and they are
Avelconie. Only please do not say that you are just now especially fitted
to rule the Republic, and to be the apostles of liberty and of blessings to
the colored race.
"(ientlenien, the North has been asked these many years to regard
the sensibilities of the South. AVe have been told that you Avere brave
and sensitive men, and that Ave ought not to throAV firebrands among
you. Most of our {)eople have treated you Avith justice and magnanimity.
In some things we have given you just cause for complaint; but I Avant
to remind you that the North also has sensibilities to be regarded. The
ideas Avhich they cherished, and for Avhicli they fought, triumphed in the
highest court, the court of last resort, the field of battle. Our people
intend to abide by that verdict and to enforce the mandate. They re
joice at every evidence of acquiescence. They look forward to the day
when the distinctions of North and South shall have melted aAvay in the
grander .sentiment of nationality. But they do not think it is yet safe to
place the control of this great work in your hands. In the hands of
some of you they Avould be safe, perfectly safe; but into the hands of the
united South, joined with the most reactionary elements of the Northern
Democracy, our people Avill not yet surrender the government.
"I am aware that there is a general disposition 'to let hy-gones be
by-gones,' and to judge of parties and of men, not by what they have
been, but by what they are and Avliat they propose.
"That view is partly just and partly erroneous. It is just and Avise to
bury resontnionts and animosilies. It is erroneous in this, that parties
have an organic life and spirit of their own — an individuality .and char-

THE NOONTIDE.— AN ELOQUENT TRIBUTE. 289
acter Avhich outlive the men Avho compose them ; and the spirit and tra
ditions of a party should he considered in determinmg their fitness for
managing the affairs of a nation. For this purpose I haA'e reviewed the
history of the Democratic party."
Long ago an arrangement Avas perfected by which each
State of the Union should be alloAved to place in the halls
of Congress two statues of distinguished citizens. On Decem
ber 19, 1876, the State of Massachusetts announced its read
iness to comply with this arrangement, by presenting two
statues, one of John Winthrop and one of Samuel Adams.
Speaking on the resolution of that day, accepting this gift,
Mr. Garfield made one of the most felicitous of the many
speeches of this kind that he has left on record. One para
graph from this address can not be omitted here :
"As, from time to time, our venerable and beautiful Hall has been
peopled with statues of the elect of the States, it has seemed to me that
a Third House Avas being organized Avithin the Avails of the Capitol — a
house whose members have received their high credentials at the hands of
history, and whose term of office Avill outlast the ages. Year by year Ave
see the circle of its immortal membership enlarging ; year by year Ave
see the elect of their country, in eloquent silence, taking their places in
this ,A.mericaa Pantheon, bringing within its sacred circle the wealth of
those immortal memories which made their lives illustrious ; and year
by year that august assembly is teaching a deeper and grander lesson to
all who .serve their brief hour in these more ephemeral Houses of Con
gress. Ajid now two places of great honor have just been most nobly
filled." Of a truth, General Garfield understood and appreciated the
greatness of the Republic, and the grandeur of the character
which belonged to its founders!
The election for President, in 1876, and the difficulty which
arose in deciding its results, will not be forgotten by this gen
eration, or left out of the studies of American statesmen in
the future, AVe still vividly recollect how narrow the majority,
and how uncertain ; how all depended on three doubtful
19

290 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Southern States ; how the " visiting statesmen " went to New
Orleans to watch the count before .the Returning Board; how
the nation Avaited breathless while these momentous calcula
tions were being made. And finally, we long shall remember
that famous Electoral Commission Avhich by an eight to seven
vote made R. B. Hayes President of the United States.
Arriving at AVashington early in November, General Gar
field was requested by President Grant to go to New Orleans
with the little company of Democratic and Republican lead
ers who were there. General Garfield arrived in Ncav Orleans
on November fourteenth. In common Avith other me.mbers of
the Republican Committee, he refused to unite in any move
ment to in any Avay influence the Returning Board in its can
vass of the vote. He was there simply to witness what was
done; not to take part in the proceedings.
These visitors of both parties were given opportunities to
witness the count, five of each party being there all the time.
They were furnished with copies of all testimony taken;
and to simplify the work, the study of this testimony was dis
tributed out among individuals. General Garfield AA'^as given
all the papers regarding East Feliciana parish, which he thor
oughly examined, and even recalled and re-examined some of
the witnesses.
In the Avork before the Returning Board, that Board allowed
these Avitnesses to ask questions, and to take copies of all the
papers. Each party was also represented by counsel, Avho ar
gued the disputed points.
This was the work of the " visiting statesmen." AVhen the can
vassing of votes was completed, without Avaiting for or trying to in
fluence the result. General Garfield returned to Washington, as
did nearly all the others.
It has been a question whether outsiders ought to have been at
New Orleans at all in this emergency. Certainly a public man
ran great risk of doing himself harm by going, and it required the
utmost circumspection to get out of it, clear from suspicion of evil.
A year afterward this affair was examined by the Potter Committee,

TiUE NOONTIDE.-THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. 291
and of Garfield, the worst they could say Avas this : " A\'e found no
fault in hira,"
But the struggle at New Orleans did not decide it all. A\nien
January came it was seen that there would still be trouble in de
ciding Avho Avcre elected. It Avas feared by all that an attempt to
decide by the existing laAv.s, without the help of further provisions,
might lead to .serious difficulties.
Accordingly, on January 29, 1S77, there Avas passed in the House
a laAV providing for the Electoral Commission, a body to be com
posed of five A.ssociate Justices of the Supreme Court, five Senators
and fiA-e Representatives, to whom should be committed the duty of
deciding, by their rccomraendatio,n, the votes of any di.sputed States.
General Garfield was opposed to this commission, Avhicli he thought
an unhappy way of ending the trouble. His views arc given in a
speech made to the House, on January 25, wherein he said: .
" What, then, are the grounds on which we should consider a bill like
this? It would be unbecoming in me or in any member of this Con
gress to oppose this bill on mere technical or trifling grounds. It should
be opposed, if at all, for reasons so broad, so Aveighty, as to overcome
all that has been said in its favor, and all the advantagi's Avhich I have
here admitted may follow from its passage. I do not wish to diminish
the stature of my antagonist ; I do not wish to underA'alue the points of
strength in a measure before I question its propriety. It is not enough
that this bill Avill tide us over a present danger, hoAvever gieat. Let us
for a moraent forget Hayes and Tilden, Republicans and Democrats; let
us forget our OAvn epoch and our OAvn generation ; and, entering a broader
field, inquire hoAV this thing which we are about to do will affect the
great future of our republic, and in Avhat condition, if we i)ass this hill,
we shall transmit our institutions to those who shall come after us. The
])resent good which we shall achieve by it may be very great ; yet if the
evils that will floAV from it in the future must be greater, it Avould be
base in us to flinch from trouble by entailing remediless evils upon our
children. "In my view, then, the foremost question is this: What Avill be the
effect of this measure upon our institutions? I can not make that inquiry
intelligibly without a brief reference to the history of the Constitution,
and to some of the formidable questions which presented themselves to

292 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
our fathers nearly a hundred years ago, Avhen they set up this goodly
frame of Government.
"Among the foremost difficulties, both in point of time and magni
tude, was hoAV to create an executive head of the Nation. Our fathers
encountered that difficulty the first morning after they organized and
elected the officers of the Constitutional Convention. The first resolution
introduced by Randolph, of A''irginia, on the 29th day of May, recog
nized that great question, and invited the Convention to its examina
tion. The men Avho made the Constitution Avere deeply read in the pro-
foundest political philosophy of their day. They had learned from Mon
tesquieu, from Locke, from Fenelon, and other good teachers of the human
race, that liberty is impossible without a clear and distinct separation oi'
the three great powers of government. A generation before their epoch,
Montesquieu had said :
" ' AVhen the legislative and executive powers are united in the sams
person or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty, be
cause apprehensions may arise lest the same monarch or senate should
enact tyrannical laws and execute them in a tyrannical manner.
********
" ' There Avould he an end of every thing Avere the same man or the same
body, Avhether of the nobles or of the people, to exercise these three
powers, that of enacting the laAvs, that of executing the public resolu
tions, and of trying the causes of individuals.'
"This was a fundamental truth in the American mind, as it had long
been cherished and practiced in the British empire.
" There, as in all monarchies, the creation of a chief executive Avas
easily regulated by adopting a dynasty, and folloAving the laAV of primo
geniture. " But our fathers had drawn the deeper lesson of liberty from the in
spirations of this free New World, that their Chief Executive should be
born, not of a dynasty, but of the will of a free people regulated by law.
" In the course of their deliberations upon this subject, there were sug
gested seven different plans, Avhich may be grouped under two principal
heads or classes. One group comprised all the plans for creating the
Chief Executive by means of some one of the preexisting political organ
izations of the country. First and foremost was the proposition to
authorize one or both Houses of the National Legislature to elect the
Chief Executive. Another was to confer that poAver upon the governors

THE NOONTIDE.-THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. 293
of the States, or upon the legislatures of the States. Another, that he
should be chosen directly by the people themselves under the laws of the
States. The second group comprised all the various plans for creatmg a
new and separate instrumentality for making the choice.
" At first the proposition that the Executive should be elected by the
National Legislature Avas received by the Convention Avith almost unan
imous approval ; and for the reason that uj) to that time Congress had
done all that was done in the way of national government. It had created
the nation and led its fortunes through a thousand perils, had declared
and achieved independence, and had preserved the liberty of the people
in the midst of a great Avar. Though Congress had failed to secure a
firm and stable Government after the Avar, yet its glory was not forgotten.
As Congress had created the Union, it Avas most natural that our fathers
should say Congress should also create the Chief Executive of the nation.
And within two weeks after the Convention assembled, they voted for
that plan with absolute unanimity.
"But Avith equal unanimity they agreed that this plan Avould be fatal
to the stability of the Government they Avere about to establish, if they
did not couple with it some provision that should make the President's
functions independent of the power that created him. To effect this,
they provided that the President should be ineligible for reelection. Thej
said it would never do to create a Chief Executive by the voice of tin;
National Legislature, and then allow him to be reelected by that samt
voice ; for he would thus become their creature.
"And so, from the first day of their session in May, to within five
days of its close in September, they grappled Avith the mighty question.
I have many times, and recently very carefully, gone through all the
records that are left to us of that great transaction. I find that more
than one-seventh of all the pages of the Madison papers are devoted to
this Samson of questions, how the Executive should be chosen and made
independent of the organization that made the choice. This topic alone
occupied more than one-seventh of all the time of the Convention.
" After a long and earnest debate, after numerous votes and recon
siderations, they Avere obliged utterly to abandon the plan of creating
the Chief Executive by means of the National Legislature. I Avill not
stop now to prove the statement by a dozen or more pungent quotations
from the masters of political science in that great assembly, in Avhich
they declared that it Avould be ruinous to the liberty of the people and.

294 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
to the permanence of the Republic if they did not absolutely exclude the
National Legislature from any share in the election of the President.
" They pointed Avith glowing eloquence to the sad but instructive fate
of those brilliant Italian republics that were destroyed because there Avas
no adequate separation of poAvers, and because their senates overAvhelm'ed
and swallowed up the executive power, and, as secret and despotic con
claves, became the destroyers of Italian liberty.
"At the close of the great discussion, Avhen the last vote on this
subject Avas taken by our fathers, they were almost unanimous in ex
cluding the National Legislature from any share Avhatever in the choice
of the Chief Executive of the nation. They rejected all the plans of
the first group, and created a ncAV instrumentality. They adopted the
system of electors. When that plan Avas under discussion, they used
the utmost precaution to hedge it about by every conceivable protection
against the interference or control of Congress.
"In the first place, they said the States shall create the electoral
colleges. They allowed Congress to have nothing whatever to do with
the creation of the colleges, except merely to fix the time when the
States should appoint them. And, in order to exclude Congress by
positive prohibition, in the last days of the Convention they provided
that no member of either House of Congress should be appointed an
elector ; so that not even by the personal influence of any one of its
members could the Congress interfere Avith the election of a President.
"The creation of a President under our Constitution consists of three
distinct steps : First, the creation of the electoral colleges ; second, the
vote of colleges; and third, the opening and counting of their votes.
This is the simple plan of the Constitution.
"The creation of the colleges is left absolutely to the States, within
the five limitations I had the honor to mention to the House a few days
ago. First, it must be a State that appoints electors ; second, the State
is limited as to the number of electors it may appoint; third, electors
shall not be members of Congress or officers of the United States;
fourth, the time for appointing electors may befixed by Congress; and,
fifth, the time when their appointment is announced, which must be
before the date for giving their votes, may also be fixed by Congress.
"These five simple limitations, and these alone, were laid upon the
States. Every other act, fact, and thing possible to be done in creating
the electoral colleges was absolutely and uncontrollably in the power of

THE NOONTIDE.— THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. 295
the States themselves. AVithin these limitations, Congress has no more
power to touch them in this Avork than England or France. That is the
first step.
" The second is still plainer and simpler, namely, the Avork of the
colleges. They Avere created as an independent and separate power, or
set of powers, for the sole purpose of electing a President. They were
created by the States. Congress has just one thing to do Avith thera,
and only one : it may fix the day Avhen they shall meet. By the act of
1792 Congress fixed the day as it still stands in the laAv ; and there the
authority of the Congress over the colleges ended.
"There was a later act — of 1845 — Avhich gave to the States the author
ity to provide by law for filling vacancies of electors in these colleges;
and Congress has passed no other law on the subject.
" The States having created them, the time of their assemblage having
been fixed by Congress, and their poAver to fill vacancies having been
regulated by State laws, the colleges are as independent in the exercise
of their functions as is any department of the Government Avithin its
sphere. Being thus equipped, their powers are restrained by a few simple
limitations laid upon them by the Constitution itself: first, they must
vote for a native-born citizen ; second, for a man who has been fourteen
years a resident of the United States ; third, at least one of the persons
for whom they vote must not be a citizen of their OAvn State ; fourth, the
mode of voting and certifying their returns is prescribed by the Consti
tution itself. Within these simple and plain limitations the electoral
colleges are absolutely independent of the States and of Congress.
" One fact in the history of the Constitutional Convention, Avhich I
have not seen noticed in any of the recent debates, illustrates very clearly
hoAV careful our fathers were to preserve these colleges from the interfer
ence of Congress, and to protect their independence by the bulwarks of
the Constitution itself In the draught of the electoral system reported
September 4, 1787, it was provided that Congress ' may determhie the
time of choosing and assembling of the electors and the manner of ceHi-
fying and transmitting their votes.'
"That was the language of the original draught; but our fathers had
determined that the National Legislature should have nothing to do with
the action of the colleges ; and the words that gave Congress the power
to prescribe the raanner of certifying and transmitting their votes were
stricken out. The instruraent itself prescribed the mode. Thus Con-

296 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
gress Avas wholly expelled from the colleges. The Constitution swept the
ground clear of all intruders, and placed its own imperial guardianship
around the independence of the electoral colleges by forbidding even Con
gress to enter the sacred circle. No Congressman could enter ; and, ex
cept to fix the day of their meeting. Congress could not speak to the
electors. "These colleges are none the less sovereign and independent because
they exist only for a day. They meet on the same day in all the States ;
they do their work sumraarily in one day, and dissolve for ever. There
is no power to interfere, no power to recall them, no power to revise their
action. Their work is done ; the; record is made up, signed, sealed, and
transmitted ; and thus the second great act in the Presidential election is
completed. I ought to correct myself; the second act is the Presidential
election. The election is finished the hour Avhen the electoral colleges
have cast their votes and sealed up the record.
"Still, there is a third step in the process; and it is shorter, plainer,
simpler than the other two. These sealed certificates of the electoral
colleges are forwarded to the President of the Senate, Avhere they rest
under the silence of the seals for more than two months. The Constitu
tion assumes that the result of the election is still unknown. But on a
day fixed by law, and the only day of all the days of February on which
the law commands Congress to be in session, the last act in the plan of
electing a President js to be performed.
" Hoav plain and simple are the words that describe this third and last
step. Here they are :
" ' The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of
Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.'
"Here is no ambiguity. Two words dominate and inspire the clause.
They are the Avords open and count. These words are not shrouded in the
black-letter mysteries of the law. They are plain words, understood by
every man who speaks our mother-tongue, and need no lexicon or com
mentary, "Consider the griind and simple ceremonial by Avhich the third act is
to be completed. On the day fixed by law the two Houses of Congress
are assembled. The President of the Senate, who, by the Constitution,
has been made the custodian of the sealed certificates from all the electo
ral colleges, takes his place. The Constitution requires a ' person' and a
'presence.' That 'person' is the President of the Senate; and that

THE NOONTIDE.— NATIONAL ELECTION. 297
' presence ' is the ' presence ' of the tAvo Houses. Then tAvo things are to
be done. The certificates are to be opened, and the votes are to be counted.
These are not legislative acts, but clearly and plainly executive acts. I
challenge any man to find anyAvhere an accepted definition of an executive
act that does not include both these. They can not be tortured into a
meaning that will carry them beyond the boundaries of executive action.
And one of these acts the President of the Senate is peremptorily ordered
to perform. The Constitution commands hira to ' open all the certificates.'
Certificates of what? Certificates of the votes of the electoral colleges.
Not any certificates that any body may choose to send, but certificates of
electors appointed by the States. The President of the Senate is presumed
to know what are the States in the Union, Avho are their officers, and,
when he opens the certificates, he learns from the official record Avho have
been appointed electors, and he finds their votes.
"The Constitution contemplated the President of the Senate as the
Vice-President of the United States, the elect of all the people. And to
him is confided the great trust, the custodianship of the only official rec
ord of the election of President. AVhat is it to 'open the certificates'?
It AA'ould be a narrow and inadequate view of that Avord to say that it
means only the breaking of the seals. To open an envelope is not to
' open the certificates.' The certificate is not the paper on which the rec
ord is made ; it is the record itself. To open the certificates is not a phys
ical but an intellectual act. It is to make patent the record ; to publish
it. When that is done the election of President and Vice-President is
published. But one thing remains to be done; and here the language of
the Constitution changes from the active to the passive voice, from the
personal to the impersonal. To the trusted custodian of the votes suc
ceeds the impersonality of arithmetic ; the votes have been made known ;
there remains only the command of the Constitution : ' They shall be
counted' — that is, the numbers shall be added up.
"No further act is required. The Constitution itself declares the
result :
" ' The person having the greatest number of votes for President shall be Pre.^i-
dent, if such numbei- be a majority of the Avhole number of electors appointed.'
"If no person has such majority, the House of RepresentatiAcs shall
immediately choose a President; not the House as organized for legislation,
hut a neAV electoral college is created out of the members of the House,
by means of Avhich each State has one vote for President, and only one.

298 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"To review the ground over Avhich I haA'e traveled: The seA'er.il acts
that constitute the election of a President may be symbolized by a pyramid
consisting of three massive. se)xirate blocks. The first, the creation of the
electoral college by the States, is the broad base. It embraces the legis
lative, the judicial, and the executive powers of the States. All the de
partments of the State government and all the A'oters of the State coope
rate in shaping and perfecting it.
"The action of the electoral colleges forms the second block, perfect in
itself, and independent of the others, superimposed with exactness upon
the first.
"The opening and counting of the votes of the colleges is the httle
block that crowns and completes the pyramid..
Such, Air. Speaker, Avas the grand and simple plan by Avhich the framers
of the Constitution empowered all the people, acting under the laAvs of
the several States, to create special and select colleges of independent
electors to choose a President, who should be, not the creature of Con
gress, nor of the States, but the Chief ^Magistrate of the Avhole Nation —
the elect of all the people.
But the Electoral Commission Avas constituted by law, and Gar
field himself chosen unaniinously by his party as a member thereof
He accepted, saying : " Since you have appointed me, I Avill serve.
I can act on a committee Avhen I do not believe in its validity,"
That fact could not affect the justice of his decisions.
It is impossible to even hint at more than a small portion of
the vast field of Avork AA'hich occupied General Garfield during
this and the succeeding Congress.
On November 16, 1877, he made a very able speech on the sub
ject of Resumption of Payments ; an address Avhich Avould serA'e
to perpetuate his fame, if he had no other monument.
In the Atlantic Monthly of February, 1876, appeared an article
from his pen, entitled " The Currency Conflict." On June 4, of
the same year, he opposed, in an elaborate address, a tariff bill
brought in by Mr. Morrison, of Illinois.
June 22, 1876, Avas to him the "sad t)ccasion dear" of a revival
of precious memories. In the preceding December his old friend
and felloAv-studeut of Hiram, Miss Booth, had died, and this day

THE NOONTIDE.— TRIBUTE TO MISS BOOTH. 299
in June Avas appointed there for a memorial address by General
Garfield, As at all such times when he spoke, Ave are struck Avith
a sense of the wonderful delicacy of this man's nature, Avhich re-
sjiondcd so perfectly to every delicate and holy sentiment knoAvn
to the human heart. His very first Avords AA'ere :
"Mr. Prrnident: You have called me to a duty at once most sad and
most sacred. At every step of my preparation for its performance, I
have encountered troops of thronging memoiies that swept across the
field of the last twenty -five years of my life, and so filled my heart Avith
the lights and shadows of their joy and sorroAV that I have hardly been
able to marshal them into order or give them coherent voice. I have
lived over again the life of this place. I have seen again the groups
of young and joyous students, ascending these green slopes, dAvelling for
a time on this peaceful height in happy and Avorkful companionshij), and
then, Avith firmer step, and Avith more serious and thoughtful faces,
marching aAvay to their posts in the battle of life.
"And still nearer and clearer have come back the memories of that
smaller band of friends, the leaders and guides of those Avho encamped
on this training-ground. On my journey to this assembly, it has seemed
that they, too, were coming, and that I should once more meet and
greet them. And I have not yet been able to realize that Almeda
Booth will not be Avitli us. After our great loss, hoAV shall we gather
up the fragments of the life Ave lived in this place ? AVe are mariners,
treading the lonely shore in search of our surviving comrades and the
fragments of our good ship, wrecked by the tempest. To her, indeed,
it is no wreck. She has landed in safety, and ascended the immortal
heights beyond our vision."
The death of INIichaol C. Kerr having made necessary the selec
tion of a ncAV Speaker, the Democratic majority in the House
elected Samuel J. Randall, and the complimentary vote of the
Republicans Avent to General Garfield. He Avas also their candi
date in the two succeeding Congresses. He had divided the honor
of leadership pretty evenly with Mr, Blaine, until, in 1877, the
latter gentleman Avent to the Senate, and left Garfield Avithout a
rival. Fourteen years of able and faithful service had done their
work grandly for his poAver and his fame.

300 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
On February 12, 1878, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, of New York
City, presented to Congre:^.- that great painting of Carpenter, "Lin
coln and Emancipation." At her request the presentation address
Avas made bv General Grarfield.
His important speeches during this Congress were even more
numerous than usual ; especially in the special session held in the
spring and summer of 1879. One of the best was that of February
19, 1878, on the " Policy of Pacification, and the Prosecutions in
Louisiana." At this time there were two serious political storms
brewing in the air. First, there were divisions in the RepubUcan
party, and an alienation of some of its leaders from President
Hayes; second, the Democratic party, with its cries of "fraud,"
concerning the last election, and its Potter Committee, and its
prosecutions against the members of the Louisiana Returning
Board, Avas trying to destroy t;he people's confidence in the Gov
ernment as then constituted. The latter quarrel no doubt was the
salvation of the party concerned in the former. Its members ral
lied and united, Garfield Av-as leader and chief promoter of Repub
lican harmony, as Avell as the strongest bulwark against the enemy.
This speech of Februar}' 19 contains the following pithy para
graph, descriptive of the Avay in which the nation had passed
through the transformations of war:
"There was, first, the military stage — the period of force, of open and
bloody war — in which gentlemen of high character and honor met on
the field, and decided by the poAver of the strongest the questions in
volved in the high court of war. That period passed, but did not leave
us on the calm level of peace. It brought us to the jieriod of transition,
in Avhich the elements of Avar and peace were mingled t'jgether in strange
and anarchic confiision. It Avas a period of civil and militarv elements
combined. All through that semi-military period the administration of
General Grant had, of necessity, to conduct the countrv. His admmis-
tration was not all civil, it Avas not all military; it was necessarily a
combination of both ; and out of that combination came manv of the
strange and anomalous situations Avhich always follow such a war."
Again :
"Our great military chieftain, who brought the war to a successfiil

THE NOONTIDE.— ADDRESSES. 301
conclusion, had command as chief executive during eight years of turbu
lent, difficult, and eventful administration. He saAV his administration
drawing to a close, and his successor elected — Avho, studying the question,
came to the conclusion that the epoch had arrived, the hour had struck,
when it was possible to declare that the semi-military period was ended,
and the era of peace raethods, of civil processes, should be fully inaugu
rated. With that spirit, and at the beginning of this third era, Ruther
ford B. Hayes came into the Presidency. I ought to say that, in my
judgment, more than any other public man Ave have knoAvn, the present
head of the administration is an optimist. He looks on the best side of
things. He is hopeful for the future, and prefers to look upon the
bright side rather than upon the dark and sinister side of human nature.
His faith is larger than the faith of most of us ; and Avith his faith and
hope he has gone to the very verge of the Constitution in offering both
hands of fellowship and all the olive-branches of peace to bring back
good feeling, and achieve the real pacification to this country."
After this came a brief protest against the Bland Silver Bill,
February 28, 1878, On March 6, 1878, he delivered his "New
Scheme of American Finance," being in answer to a personal
attack of AVilliam D. Kelley, the great protective tarifl' advo
cate, of Pennsylvania. Other addresses were, " The Army and
the Public Peace," May 21, 1878; reply to Mr. Tucker on the
"Tariff," June 4, 1878; "Honest Money," a speech delivered
at Boston, in Faneuil Hall, September 10, 1878; "Suspension
and Resumption of Specie Payments," at Chicago, January 2,
1879, before the Honest Money League of the North-vA'est; in
memory of Joseph Henry, January 16, 1879 ; " Relation of GoA'
ernment to Science," February 11, 1879 ; in memory of the late
Hon. Gustavo Schleicher, February 17, 1879; and a very inter
esting speech of February 26, 1879, about the " Sugar Tariff"."
When March 3,1879, came, the Forty-Fifth Congress went out
with much of its important business undone ; Iavo of the great ap
propriation bills had not passed on account of political difficul
ties. The Democrats attempted to force assent to some of
their schemes by tacking their propositions to the Approprition
hill. But this measure the Republicans resisted to the last.
And 80 it happened that in March, 1879, President Hayes was

302 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELiD.
obliged to call an extra session. But here the old fight was
reneAved, and a long " dead lock" followed.
Throughout this struggle, Garfield Avas the central figure in
the front rank of his party in the House. Scarcely had Con
gress assembled Avhen the old Army Bill was reported. Then,
in Committee of the Whole, the old "rider" was moved
as an amendment. The Chair decided this amendment in
order, Avhereupon there was great indignation on the Repub
lican side, and a remarkable debate ensued. Garfield made his
principal protest while things Avere in this situation, on March
29, 1879, in a speech entitled "ReA'olution in'Congress."
Throughout this special session the fierce heat of political
conflict groAV more intense every day, like the sun AA'hose burn
ing rays beat doAvn upon the Capitol. On April 4, Garfield
spoke again on the subject Avhich had occupied his attention
six days before. April 26, he spoke on the passage of the
Legislative Appropriation Bill; May 17, against unlimited
coinage of silver; June 19, on the Judicial Appropriation Bill;
.June 21, concerning a proposed survey of the Mississippi River,
in the course of Avhich he said :
"But for rayself, I believe that one of the grandest of our material na
tional interests — one that is national in the largest material sense of that
Avord — is the Mississippi River and its navigable tributaries. It is the
most gigantic single natural feature of our continent, far transcending
the glory of the ancient Nile or of any other river on the earth. The
statesmanship of America must grapple the problem of this mighty
stream. It is too vast for any State to handle; too much for any au
thority less than that of the nation itself to manage. And I believe the
time will come Avhen the liberal-minded statesmanship of this country
will devise a wise and comprehensive systera, that will harness the poAV-
ers of this great river to the material interests of America, so that not
only all the people Avho live on its banks and the hanks of its confluents,
but all the citizens of the Republic, whether dAvellers in the central val
ley or on the slope of either ocean, Avill recognize the importance of
preserving and perfecting this great natural and material bond of national
union between the North and the South— a bond to be so strengthened
by commerce and intercourse that it can never be severed."

THE NOONTIDE.-UNITED STATES MARSHALS. 303
Thus refreshed by something more liberal than the recent
discussions in which he had been engaged, Garfield soon re
sumed the struggle, and on June 27, 1879, gave the Demo
cratic party and the South a regular broadside on " State Sov
ereignty." The Special Session of 1879 came to an end on July 1st. At
its beginning the dominant poAver in the House loudly pro
claimed its intention to push its raeasures through at all haz
ards. The appropriation bills, Avith their ohnoxious "riders,"
were passed ; the President vetoed them. It then became a
question of revolution or yielding. There Avas no re\'olution!
Every dollar called for by the Government was voted, except
the pay of the United States marshals, Avho overcame the
difficulty by paying their oavu expenses, trusting a future ses
sion of Congress to repay them.
According to his custom, General Garfield spoke often dur
ing the Ohio campaign of 1879 ; a good specimen of his stump
speeches is the one at Cleveland, on October 11th, of this year.
At the Andersonville Reunion, held in Toledo, Ohio, on Octo
ber 3d, he had been present and addressed the throng of Union
soldiers and ex-prisoners who met there.
During the regular sessions of the Forty-Sixth Congress liis
activity was undiminished. In his speech of Alarch 17, dur
ing the discussion of a bill to pay the United States marshals
for the year ending June 30, 1880, Ave find such sterling utter
ances as these:
" Mr. Chairman : When I took my seat as a member of this House, I
took it with all the responsibilities Avhich the place brought upon rae;
and among others was my duty to keep the obligations of the laAV.
Where the laAV speaks in mandatory terms to every body else and then to
me, I should deera it cowardly and dishonorable if I should skulk behind
my legislative privilege for the purpose of disobeying and breaking the
supreme laAV of the land.
"The issue now made is somewhat different from that of the last ses
sion, but, in my judgment, it is not less significant and dangerous. I
would gladly waive any party advantage which this controversy might

304 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
give for the sake of that calm and settled peace Avhich Avould reign in
this Hall if Ave all obeyed the laAv. But if the leaders on the other side
are still determined to rush upon their fate by forcing upon the country
this last issue — that because the Democratic party happen not to like a
law they Avill not obey it — because they happen not to approve of the
spirit and character of a law they will not let it be executed — I say to
gentlemen on the other side, if you are determined to make such an issue,
it is high time that the American people should knoAV it.
" Here is the volume of our laws. i\Iore sacred than the twelve tables
of Rome, this rock of the law rises iu monumental grandeur alike above
the people and the President, above the courts, above Congress, com
manding everywhere reverence and obedience to its supreme authority.
Yet the dominant party in this House virtually declares that ' any part
of this volume that we do not like and can not repeal we Avill disobey.
AA^e have tried to repeal these election laAvs ; we have failed because we
had not the constitutional power to destroy them; the Constitution says
they shall stand in their authority and poAA'er; but Ave, the Democratic
party, in defiance of the Constitution, declare that if Ave can not destroy
them outright by the repeal, they shall be left to crumble into ruin by
Avanton and laAvless neglect.'
" Mr. Chairman, by far the most formidable danger that threatens the
Republic to-day is the spirit of law-breaking which shows itself in many
turbulent and alarming manifestations. The people of the Pacific Coast,
after tAvo years of wrestling Avith the spirit of communism in the city of
San Francisco, have finally grappled with this laAvless spirit, and the
leader of it Avas yesterday sentenced to penal servitude as a violator of the
laAV. But Av'iiat can we say to Denis Kearney and his associates if to-day
we announce ourselves the foremost laAV-breakers of the country and set
an example to all the turbulent and vicious elements of disorder to fol
low us?
"I ask, gentlemen, whether this is a time Avhen it is safe to disregard
and Aveaken the authority of laAv. In all quarters the civil society of this
country is becoming honeycombed through and through by disintegrating
forces — in some States by the violation of contracts and the repudiation
of debts ; in others by open resistance and defiance ; in still others by the
reckless overturning of constitutions and letting the 'red fool fury of the
Seine' run riot among our people and build its blazing altars to the strange
gods of ruin and misrule. All these things are shaking the good order of

THE NOONTIDE.— SENATOR. 305
society and threatening the foundations of our Government and our peace.
In a time like this, more than ever before, this country needs a body of
laAVgivers clothed and in their right minds, who have laid their hands
upon the altar of the law as its defenders, not its destroyers."
April 5, 1880, General Garfield made a trenchant argument
against a pet measure of the greenback apostle, Mr. AA'eavcr.
Five days afterward occurred a debate bctAveen Garfield and
AIcMahon, also of Ohio, on the pending Appropriation bill.
On May first he made a personal explanation, defending his
committee action in regard to the so-called Avood-pulp mo
nopoly. This pulp is obtained from soft Avood and used in
the manufacture of paper. The neAvspapers everyAvliere were
calling for a removal of the duty on this their great necessity.
Garfield stood out for a ten per cent, tariff, as a protection to
our manufacturers from the Canadian manufacturers, who had
no royalties to pay, and therefore could have undersold us.
In this speech Garfield met the charge of being a monopoly
supporter, and vindicated his policy on the disputed question.
Turning aside from this well-fought field Avhere Garfield
had so long stood, as a great representative of all that is good
in the recent legislative history of our country, it is time to
vieAV the new honors Avhich Avere now preparing for him.
On the fourteenth of January, 1880, the Ohio Legislature
elected James A. Garfield to the United States Senate, to
succeed Mr. Thurman, Avhose term was to expire in the fol
lowing March. So thoroughly had Garfield recovered from the
wave of scandal Avhich a few years earlier had swept over but
could not oA-erwhelm him, that he Avas the unanimous choice
of his party; and the Democratic minority itself cordially
united to make his election unanimous. All this came en
tirely without solicitation from him for such an honoi-.
At an informal reception held in the Capitol at Columbus, the
evening after his election, General Garfield Avas called upon for
a speech. In response, he made a brief and appropriate address.
The following is an extract therefrom :
20

306 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" Fellow-Citizens: — I should be a great deal more than a man, or a
great deal less than a man, if I Avere not extremely gratified by this mark
of your kindness you have shoAvn me in recent days. I did not expect
any such meeting as this. I knew there Avas a greeting awaiting me, but
I did not expect so cordial, generous, and general a greeting, Avithout
distinction of party, without distinction of interests, as I have received
here to-night. And you Avill alloAV me in a raoment or tAvo to speak of
the memories this chamber awakens.
"I recognize the importance of the place to which you have elected
me, and I should be base if I did not also recognize the great man whom
you have elected me to succeed. I say for him, Ohio has had few larger
minded, broader-minded men in the records of our history than that of
Allen G. Thurman. Differing widely from him as I have done in poli
tics, and do, I recognize him as a man high in character and great in in
tellect; and I take this occasion to refer to Avhat I have never before
referred to in public — that many years ago, in the storm of party fight-
inff, when the air Avas filled with all sorts of missiles aimed at the charac-
ter and reputation of public men, when it was eA'en for his party interest
to join the general clamor against me and my associates. Senator Thurman
said in public, in the carapaign, on the sturap, — Avhere men are as likely
to say unkind things as at any place in the world, — a most generous and
earnest Avord of defense and kindness for me, Avhich I shall never forget
as long as I live. I say, moreover, that the floAvers that bloom over the
garden AvaU of party politics are the sweetest and raost fragrant that bloom
in the gardens of this world ; and Avhere Ave can early pluck them and
enjoy their fragrance, it is manly and delightful to do so.
"And noAV, gentlemen of the General Assembly, Avithout distinction of
party, I recognize this tribute and compliment made to me to-night.
Whatever my OAvn course may be in the future, a large share of the in
spiration of my future public life will be draAvn from this occasion and
these surroundings, and I shall feel anew the sense of obligation that I
OAve to the State of Ohio. Let me venture to point a single sentence in
regard to, that Avork. During the twenty years that I have been in pub
lic life, almost eighteen of it in the Congress of the United States, I have
tried to do one thing. Whether I was mistaken or otherAvise, it has been
the plan of my life to folloAV my convictions at Avhatever personal cost to
myself I have represented for many years a district in Congress whose
approbation I greatly desired ; but though it may seem, perhaps, a little

THE NOONTIDE.— SENATOR. 307
egotistical to say it, I yet desired still more the approbation of one per
son, and his name is Garfield. He is the only man that I am com- .
pelled to sleep with, and eat with, and live with, and die with ; and if I
could not have his approbation, 1 should have bad companionship. And
in this larger constituency which has called me to represent thera now, I
can only do Avhat is true to my best self, applying the same rules. And
if I should be so unfortunate as to lose the confidence of this larger con
stituency, I must do what every other fair-minded man has to do — carry
his political life in his hand and take the consequences. But I must
follow what seems to me to be the only safe rule of my life; and with
that view of the case, and Avith that much personal reference, I leave
the subject,
" Thanking you again, fellow-citizens, members of the General Assem
bly, Republicans and Democrats — all, party man as I am, — thanking you
both for what you have done and for this cordial and manly greeting, I
bid you good-night."

308 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
CHAPTER IX.
GREAT QUEST rOXS AXD GREAT ANSAVEES.
"Who shall make answer on such themes as these?"
IT is noAv appropriate to consider somcAvhat in extenso the
claims of James A. Garfield to be regarded as a statesman. It
must needs be in the life of eA-ery public man, more particularly
in the life of a Congressman, and more particularly still in the life
of him who has risen to the rank of leader of the House, that he
speak much on questions of passing interest, jNIaiiv of the topics
which engage his attention flit aAvay with the occasion Avhich gave
thera birth. They are the issues of the day, creatures of prejudice
and partisanship. Hence in the history of the life of a public
man, many paragraphs will be found which merely recount the bat
tles fought and A'ictories aa'ou in the ordinary contests of the arena.
In the raost marked contrast with this, however, is another class
of questions AA'hich rise to the level of perpetual interest, affecting
not only the destinies of the hour, but pregnant Avith the fate of the
future. Not questions of the day are these, passing like a shadow
over the landscape of current events ; but shining rather like those
orbs frora Avhose disks the efftilgence is shed Avhich makes shadoAvs
possible. Albeit, there are themes of statesmanshijj A'itally affecting
the life of the nation ; and only he, vA'ho in the heated arena of
public life shows himself able to grapple with such problems, is
worthy of the name of statesman,
AVas James A. Garfield a statesman? In considering this ques
tion, and finding therefor a fitting answer, it is necessary clearly to
understand what are the leading themes of American statesman
ship. Perhaps a fair analysis of this great question will shoAV that
those topics of public discussion Avhich rise to the dignity of ques
tions of statesman.ship Avill present about four leading heads:
I. Questions affecting the Nationality of the United
States.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 309
II. Questions affecting the Financial and Monetary sys
tems OF the United States.
III. Questions affecting the Revenue and ExPENDrrrEES
OF the United States.
lA^. Questions concerning the General Character and
Tendency of American Institutions.
If it be shoAvn that James A. Garfield proved himself able to
grasp and discuss any or all of the great questions falling under
this comprehensive classification, in such a raanner as to throw new
light upon them, to fix the status of public ojjinion regarding them,
and to that extent to build raore securely than hitherto the sub-
.structure ot Araerican greatness, then indeed is he worthy of the
name of statesman. Let, us then, Avithout fear or partiality, apply
the crucial test to Garfield's public life, and see Avhether indeed he
is the peer and fit companion for the great names of our history —
for Hamilton, and Adams, and AVebster, and Sumner, and Chase,
Before beginning this discussion, hoAVCA'cr, it will be necessary
to remind the reader, that in considering the claims of Garfield to
the rank of statesman under the outline presented above, the chrono
logical order of the narrative AAiill be broken up, and such a group
ing made of his public speeches and papers as Avill best illus
trate his vicAVS and establish his rank among the great men of our
country. First, then, as to questions affecting the Nationality of the
United States. What is the record of him whose life is here re
counted concerning those great and vital themes upon Avhich rests
our perpetuity as a nation? Three utterances, his earliest, his lat
est, and his raost characteristic, raust be taken as representatives
of the entire class.
On February 1, 1866, being thirty-five years of age, he presented
his views on the general question of the restoration of the States
lately in rebellion: Tras IS A nation.
"The Avord 'State', as it has been used by gentlemen in this discus
sion, has two meanings, as perfectly distinct as though different words
had been used to express them. The confusion arising from applying

310 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the same word to two diflerent and dissimilar objects, has had very much
to do Avith the diverse conclusions Avhich gentlemen have reached. They
have given us the definition of a ' state ' in the contemplation of pubhc
or international laAV, and have at once applied that definition and the con
clusions based upon it, to the States of the American Union and the effects
of war upon them. Let us examine the two raeauings of the word,
and endeavor to keep them distinct in their application to the questions
before us.
"Phillimore, the great English publicist, says: 'For all the purposes
of international law, a state (demos, civitas, volk) may be defined to be a
people permanently occupying a fixed territory, bound together by common
laws, habits, and customs, into one body-politic, exercising through the
medium of an organized government, independent sovereignty and con
trol over all persons and things within its boundaries, capable of making
war and peace, and of entering into all international relations with the
other communities of the globe.' — Phillimo^-e's International Law, vol. i,
sec. 65.
" Substantially the same definition may be found in Grotius, hook one,
chapter one, section fourteen; in Burlaniaqui, volume two, part one,
chapter four, section nine; and in Vattel, book one, chapter one. The
primary point of agreement in all these authorities is, that in contem
plation of international law a state is absolutely sovereign, acknowledg
ing no superior on earth. In that sense the United States is a state, a
sovereign state, just as Great Britain, France, and Russia are states.
"But what is the meaning of the word State as applied to Ohio or
Alabama? Is either of them a state in the sense of international law?
They lack all the leading requisites of such a state. They are only the
geographical subdivisions of a state ; and though endowed by the people
of the United States with the rights of local self-government, yet in all
their external relations their sovereignty is completely destroyed, being
merged in the supreme Federal Government. — Halleek's International Law,
sec. 16, page 71.
" Ohio can not make war ; can not conclude peace ; can not make a treaty
with any foreign government, can not even make a compact with her sis
ter States; can not regulate commerce; can not coin money; and has no
flag. These indispensable attributes of sovereignty, the State of Ohio
does not possess, nor does any other State of the Union. We call them
States for want of a better name. We call them States, because the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 311
original Thirteen had been so designated before the Constitution Avas
formed, but that Constitution destroyed all the sovereignty which those
States Avere ever supposed to possess in reference to external affairs.
"I submit, Mr. Speaker, that the five great pubficists— Grotius, Puf-
fendorf, Bynkershoek, Burlamaqui, and Vattel, Avho have been so often
'(noted in this debate, and all of Avhom Avrote more than a quarter of a
century, and some nearly tAvo centuries before our Constitution was
formed, can hardly be quoted as good authorities in regard to the nature
iind legal relationships of the component States of the American Union.
"Even my colleague from the Columbus District [Mr. Shellabarger],
in his very able discussion of this question, spoke as though a State of
this Union was the sarae as a state in the sense of international laAV,
Avith certain qualities added. I think he must admit that nearly all the
leading attiributes of such a state are taken from it Avhen it becomes a
State of the Union.
"Several gentlemen, during this debate, have quoted the Avell knoAvn
doctrine of international law, ' that Avar annuls all existing compacts and
treaties between belligerents ;' and they have concluded, therefore, that
our Avar has broken the Federal bond and dissolved the Union. This
Avould be true, if the rebel States Avere states in the sense of interna
tional laAV — if our Government Avere not a sovereign nation, but only a
league between sovereign states. I oppose to this conclusion the unan
swerable proposition that this is a nation; that the rebel States are not
sovereign states, and therefore their failure to achieve independence was
a failure to break the Federal bond— to dissolve the Union 
"In view of the peculiar character of our Government, in Avhat condi
tion did the war leave the rebel States?"
He argued that by the admission of a State to the Union, the
laws of the United States were extended to it. A State might
violate one of these laivs, bid coidd not annul it. Each rebel State
exerted every power to break away from these laws, but was unable
to destroy or invalidate one of them. Each rebel State let go of
the Union, but the Union did not let go cf it :
"Let the stars of heaven illustrate our constellation of States. When
God launched the planets upon their celestial pathway, He bound them
aP' by the resistless power of attraction to the central sun, around which

312 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
they revolved in their appointed orbits. Each may be swept by storms,
may be riven by lightnings, may be rocked by earthquakes, may be de
vastated by all the terrestrial forces and overwhelmed in ruin, but far away
in the everlasting depths the sovereign sun holds the turbulent planet in
its place. This earth may be overwhelmed until the high hills are cov
ered by the sea ; it may tremble with earthquakes miles below the soil,
but it must still revolve in its appr)inted orbit. So Alabama may over
Avhelm all her municipal institutions in ruin, but she can not annul the
omnipotent decrees of the sovereign people of the Union. " She must be
held forever in her orbit of obedience and duty.
"Now, let us inquire how the surrender of the military power of the
rebellion affected the legal condition of those States. When the rebellion
collapsed, and the last armed man of the Confederacy surrendered to
our forces, I affirm that there was not in one of those States a single
government that Ave did or could recognize. There was not in one of
those States, from governor doAvn to constable, a single man whom we
could recognize as authorized to exercise any official function whatever.
They had formed governments alien and hostile to the Union. Not only
had their officers taken no oaths to support the Constitution of the
United States, but the}' had heaped oath upon oath to destroy it.
"I go further. I hold that there Avere in those States no constitutions
of any binding force and effect; none that we could recognize. A con
stitution, in this case, can mean nothing less than a constitution of
government. A constitution ¦ must constitute something, or it is no
constitution. When we speak of the constitution of Alabama, we mean
the constitution of the government of Alabama. AVhen the rebels sur
rendered, there remained no constitution in Alabama, because there
remained no government. Those States reverted into our hands by
victorious war, with every municijial right and every municipal authority
utterly and completely swept aAvay."
After citing frora the highest authorities on the laws of war, he
suras up the legal status of the rebellious states as follows :
"1. That, by conquest, the United States obtained complete control
of the rebel territory.
" 2. That every vestige of municipal authority in those States was, b}
secession, rebellion, and the conquest of the rebeUion, utteriy destroyed.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANS'WERS. 313
"3. That the state of Avar did not terminate Avith the actual cessation
of hostilities, but that, under the laAvs of Avar, it Avas the duty of the
President, as commander-in-chief, to establish governments over the con
quered people of the insurgent States, Avhich goA'ernments, no matter
what may be their form, are really military governments, deriving their
sole power from the President.
"4. That the governments thus established, are valid while the state
of Avar continues and until Congress acts in the case.
"5. That it belongs exclusively to the legislative authority of the
Government to determine the political status of the insurgent States,
either by adopting the governments the President has established, or by
permitting the people to form others, subject to the approval of Con
gress. "It was time for Congress to act. That action should recognize, first,
the stupendous facts of the Avar. By the Emancipation Proclamation Ave
not only declared the shiA'es free, but pledged the faith of the nation to
' maintain their freedom.' AVhat is freedom ? It is no mere negative ;
no mere privilege of not being chained, bought and sold, branded or
scourged. It is a tangible realization of the truths that ' all men are
created free and equal,' and that the sanction of just government is the
' consent of the governed.'
" These truths can never be realized until each man has a right to be
heard in all matters concerning himself. ....
." I remember an incident in the history of the eastern church, as re
corded by Gibbon, volume tAVo, chapter tAventy-eight, which illustrates
the poAver that slavery has exercised among us. The Christians of
that day, under the lead of Theophilus, undertook to destroy the heathen
temples. Gibbon says:
" ' Theophilus proceeded to demolish the temple of Serapis Avithout
any other difficulties than those which he found in the Aveight and solid
ity of the materials, but these obstacles proved so insuperable that he
was obliged to leave the foundations and to content himself Avith reducing
the edifice itself to a heap of rubbish, a part of Avhich Avas soyn after
Avard cleared away to make room for a church, erected in honor of the
Christian martyrs.
" ' The colossal statue of Serapis was involved in the ruin of his tem-
jile and religion. A great number of plates of different metals, arti
ficially joined together, composed the raajestic figure of the deity, who

314 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
touched on either side the walls of the sanctuary. The aspect of Serapis,
his sitting posture, and the scepter, Avhieh he bore in his left hand, were
extremely similar to the ordinary representations of Jupiter. He was
distinguished from Jupiter by the basket, or bushel, Avhich was placed
on his head, and by the emblematic monster Avhich he held in his right
hand, the head and body of a serpent branching into three tails, which
were again terminated by the triple heads of a dog, a lion, and a
Avolf. It Avas confidently affirmed that if any impious hand should dare
to violate the majesty of the god, the heavens and earth would instantly
return to the original chaos. An intrepid soldier, animated by zeal, and
armed with a weighty battle-ax, ascended the ladder, and even the Chris
tian multitude expected with some anxiety the event of the combat. He
aimed a vigorous stroke against the cheek of Serapis ; the check fell to
the ground ; the thunder was still silent, and both the heavens and
the earth continued to preserve their accustomed order and tranquillity.
The victorious soldier rejjcated his blows, the huge idol was overthrown
and broken in pieces, and the limbs of Serapis were ignominiously
dragged through the streets of Alexandria. His mangled carea,-s Ava."!
burnt in the amphitheater amid the shouts of the populace, and many
persons attributed their conversion to this discovery of the impotence of
their tutelary deity.'
" So slavery sat in our national Capitol. Its huge bulk filled the tem
ple of our liberty, toucliing it from side to side. Mr. Lincoln, on the 1st
of January, 18fi-'J, struck it on the cheek, and the faithless and unbeliev
ing aniong us expected to see the fabric of our institutions dissolve into
chaos because their idol had fallen. He struck it again ; Congre.ss and
the States repeated the blow, and its unsightly carcass lies rotting in
our streets. The sun shines in the heavens brighter than before. Let
us remove the carcass and leave not a vestige of the monster. We shall
never have done that until we have dared to come up to the spirit of the
Pilgrim covenant of 1620, and declare that all men shall be consulted in
regard to the disposition of their lives, liberty, and property. The Pil
grim fathers proceeded on the doctrine that every man was supposed to
know best what he wanted, and had the right to a voice in the disposi
tion of himself."
A second feiet to be recognized Avas that 7,000,000 white men
were waiting to have their case adjudged and their political status
fixed.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 315
"As to persons we must see to it that hereafter personal liberty and per-
.sonal rights arc placed iu the keeping of the nation ; that the right to
life, liberty, and property are to be guaranteed to citizens in reality, and
not left to the caprice of mobs and contingencies of local legislation.
. . . . As to )St((ti^i, the burdcm of proof rests on each one of them,
to show whether it is fit to enter the Federal ci/.le in full communion of
privileges. Men can not change their hearts — love what they hated,
and hate Avhat they loved — upon the issue of a battle; but our duty is
to demand that befon,' Ave admit them they shall give sufficient assurance
that, Avhatever they believe or Avish. their action in the future shall be
such as loyal men can ajjjirove."
How fiir docs that speech differ from the reconstruction policy
actually adopted ?
Thirteen years later, on June 27, 1879, the pending bill being
one for the appropriations for United States marshals. General
Garfield said :
"Mr. Chairman: 'To this fiivor ' it has come at last. The great
fleet that set out on the 18th of March, with all its freightage and arma
ment, is so shattered that noAV all the valuables it carried are embarked
in this little <u'aft, to meet Avhatever fate the sea and the storm may offer.
This little bill contains the residuum of almost every thing that has been
the subject of controversy at the present session. I Avill not discuss it in
detail, but will speak only of its central feature, .and especially of the
opinions which the discussion of that feature has brought to the surface
during the present session. The majority in this Congress have adopted
what I consider very extreme and dangerous opinions on certain impor
tant constitutional questions. They have not only drifted back to their
old attitude on the subject of State Sovereignty, but they have pushed
that doctrine much further than raost of their predecessors ever Avent be
fore, except during the period immediately preceding the late war.
"Let me summarize them: First, there are no national elections;
second, the United States has no voters; third, the States have the exclu
sive right to control all elections of members of Congress; fourth, the
senators and reprc^sen'atives in Congress are State officers, or, as they
have been called duilng the present session, ' erabas,>;adors' or 'agents' of
the State; fifth, the United States has no authority to keep the peace any
where within a State, and, in fiict, has no peace to keep; sixth, the

316 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
United States is not a Nation endoAved Avith sovereign poAver, but is a con
federacy of States ; seventh, the States are sovereignties possessing inherent
supreme powers; they are older than the Union, and as independent
sovereignties the state governments created the Union and determined
and limited the powers of the General Government.
" These declarations embody the sura total of the constitutional doc
trines which the Democracy has avowed during this extra session of Con
gress. They form a body of doctrines which I do not hesitate to say are
more extreme than Avas ever before held on this subject, except, perhaps,
at the very crisis of secession and rebellion.
" Firmly believing that these doctrines and attempted practice of the
present Congress arc erroneous and pernicious, I will state briefly the
counter-propositions :
"I affirm : first, that the Constitution of the United States was not cre
ated by the governments of the States, but was ordained and established
by the only sovereign in this country — the common superior of both the
States and the Nation — the people themselves ; second, that the United
States is a Nation, having a government whose powers, as defined and
limited by the Constitution, operate upon all the States in their corporate
capacity and upon all the people; third, that by its legislative, executive,
and judicial authority the Nation is armed Avith adequate power to enforce
all the provisions of the Constitution against all opposition of individuals
or of States, at all times and all places Avithin the Union.
"These are broad propositions; .and I Lake the fcAV minutes remaining
to defend them. The constitutional history of this country, or, rather,
the history of sovereignty and government in this country, is comprised
in four sharply defined epochs :
"First. Prior to the 4th day of July, 1776, sovereignty, so far as it
can be affirmed of this country, was lodged in the crown of Great Britain.
Every member of every colony (the colonists were not citizens, but sub
jects) drew his legal rights frora the crown of Great Britain. ' Every
acre of land in this country was then held mediately or immediately by
grants from that croAvn,' and ' all the civil authority then existing or ex
ercised here flowed from the head of the British empire.'
"Second. On the 4th day of July, 1776, the people of these colonies,
asserting their natural inherent right as sovereigns, withdrew th^ sov
ereignty from the crown of Great Britain, and reserved it to themselves.
In so far as they delegated this national authority at all, they delegated

GREAT QIIKSTIONS AND GRE.VT ANSWER,! 317
it to the Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia. That Con
gress, by geneial con.scnt, became the supreme government of this
country — executive, judicial, and legislative in one. During the whole
of its existence it wielded the supreme power of the new Nation.
"Third. On the 1st day of March, 1781, the same soA'ereign poAver,
the people, withdrew the authority from the Continental Congress, and
lodged it, so far as they lodged it at all, with the Confederation, Avhich,
though a league of States, was declared to be a perpetual union.
" Fourth. AVhen at last our fathers found the CJonfederation too Aveak
and inefficient for the purposes of a great nation, they abolished it, and
lodged the national authority, enlarged and strengthened by ncAv poAvers,
in the Constitution of the United States, where, in spite of all assaults, it
still remains. All these great acts Avere done by the only sovereign in
this Republic, the people themselves.
"That no one may charge that I perA'ert history to sustain my OAvn
theories, I call attention to the fact that not one of the colonies declared
itself free and independent. Neither Virginia nor Massachusetts threAv
off its allegiance to the British crown as a colony. The great declaration
w.as made not even by all the colonies as colonies, but it AA'as made in
the name and by authority of ' all the good people of the colonies ' as
one people.
"Mr. Chairman, the dogma of State Sovereignty, Avhich has re-awak
ened to such vigorous life in this chamber, has borne such bitter fruits
and entailed such suffering upon our people that it deserves more par
ticular notice. It should be noticed that the word ' sovereignty ' can not
be fitly applied to any goveniraent in this country. It is not found in
our constitution. It is a feudal AVord, born of the despotism of the
Middle Ages, and was unknown even in imperial Rome. A ' sovereign '
is a person, a prince, Avho has subjects that owe him allegiance. There
is no one paramount sovereign in the United States. There is no person
here who holds any title or authority Avhatever, except the official
authority given him by laAV. Americans are not subjects, but citizens.
Our only sovereign is the whole people. To talk about the ' inherent
sovereignty ' of a corporation — an artificial person — is to talk nonsense ;
and we ought to reform our habit of speech on that subject.
"But what do gentlemen mean Avhen they tell us that a State is soA'
ereign ? AVhat does sovereignty mean in its accepted use, but a politi
cal corporation having no superior? Is a State of this Union such a

318 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
corporation? Let us test it by a fcAv examples draAvn from the Consti
tution. No State of this Union can make Avar or conclude a peace.
AVithout the consent of Congress it can not raise or support an army or
a navy. It can not make a treaty Avith a foreign power, nor enter into
any agreement or compact Avith another State. It can not levy imposts
or duties on imports nor exports. It can not coin money. It can not
regulate commerce. It can not authorize a single ship to go into com-
raission anyAvhere on the high seas ; if it should, that ship Avould be seized
as a pirate or confiscated by the laws of the United States. A State can
not emit bills of credit. It can enact no law Avhich makes any thing but
gold and silver a legal tender. It has no flag except the flag of the
Union. And there are many other subjects on Avhich the States are for
bidden by the Constitution to legislative.
" How much inherent sovereignty is left in a corporation Avhich is thus
shorn of all these great attributes of sovereignty ?
"But this is not all. The Supreme Court of the United States may
declare null and void any laAV or any clause of the constitution of a State
Avhich happens to be in conflict with the Constitution and laAvs of the
United States. Again, the States appear as plaintiffs and defendants be
fore the Supreme Court of the United States. They may sue each other;
and, until the Eleventh Amendment was adopted, a citizen might sue a
State. These 'sovereigns' may all be summoned before their common
superior to be judged. And yet they are endowed Avith supreme inherent
sovereignty !
"Again, the government of a State may be absolutely abolished by
Congress, in case it is not republican in form. And, finally, to cap the
climax of this absurd pretension, every right possessed by one of these
' sovereign ' States, every inherent sovereign right, except the single right
to equal representation in the Senate, may be taken away, without its
consent, by the vote of tAvo-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the
States. But, in spite of all these disabilities, we hear them paraded as
independent, sovereign States, the creators of the Union and the dictators
of its powers. Hoav inherently 'sovereign' must be that State west of
the Mississippi Avhich the Nation bought and paid for with the public
money, and permitted to corae into the Union a half century after the
Constitution Avas adopted! And yet we are told that the States are in
herently sovereign and created the National Governraent.
" The dogma of State Sovereignty in alfiance with chattel slavery raade

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 319
its appeal to that court of last resort where the laAvs are silent, and where
kings and nations appear in arms for judgment. In that aAvful court of
war tAVO questions were tried: Shall slavery live? And is a State so soA'
ereign that it may nullify the laAvs and destroy the Union ? These tAvo
questions Avere tried on the thousand battle-fields of the Avar; and if Avar
ever 'legislates,' as a leading Democrat of Ohio once Avisely affirmed,
then our Avar legislated finally upon those subjects, and determined, be
yond all controversy, that slavery should never again live in this Repub
hc, and that there is not sovereignty enough in any State to authorize its
people either to destroy the Union or nullify its laAvs."
Ten years ago a biographer who loA'ed Garfield and cared for
his fame would have omitted the speech from Avhich Ave are
about to give extracts. It is, hoAvevcr, no secret that, in 1871,
General Garfield split Avith his party upon Avhat Avas knoAA'u in
contemporary politics as "The Force Bill." This bill was
drawn, under the provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment, to
protect the Republicans of the Southern States from outrage
and murder. The President had laid before Congress a most
terrible state of affairs. The Ku-Klux Klan, that bloody and
mysterious organization, Avhich Avas the terror of loyal men,
and the guilty perpetrator of unnumbered crimes, thrust its
hideous head into the face of the men who had fought for the
Union. Murder, ostracism, incendiarism, bull-dozing, intim
idation, ballot-box stuffing, and a thousand other outrages
were committed. The best picture of the time is in "The
Fool's Errand." These things, perhaps, (avc do not say so)
magnified by fear, hate, and political rancor, Avere too much
for the Republican Congress and the men Avho had Avorn the
blue under Southern skies. There was terrible bitterness.
Revenge darkened the Northern heart. The majority in Con
gress resolved to clutch the demon's throat with the iron grip
of law. In a former chapter Ave spoke of the battle as an ex
perience, and how it perpetually reproduced itself in the mind
of its participants. The illustration of that is found in the
attitude of President Grant and the soldier majority in Con
gress at the time of which we are Avriting. The "Force BiU"

320 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
was really a tremendous battery. It was surrounded AA'ith sul
phurous smoke, and was as grim as death.
But to the rule General Garfield was an exception. At the
close of the Avar, he said, Ave passed into another political
epoch. He believed in the Nation, but the calm balance of
his mind refused assent to any extreme measure. There was
no wavering on the supremacy of the Nation. But after all
this was a Republic, and despotism, the one extreme, was as
fatal as disunion, the other. General Garfield opposed the ex
treme parts of the "Force Bill." Tie looked to the future of
our country as well as the past. We summarize his elaborate
speech : THE FORCE BILL.
"Mr. Speaker: I ara not able to understand the mental organization
of the man who can consider this bill, and the subject of Avhich it treats,
as free from very great difficulties. He must be a man of very mode
rate abilities, whose ignorance is bliss, or a man of transcendant genius
Avhom no difficulties can daunt and Avhose clear vision no cloud obscures.
"The distinguished gentleman [Mr. Shellabarger] Avho introduced
the bill from the committee, very appropriately said that it requires us to
enter upon unexplored territory. That territory, Mr. Speaker, is the
neutral ground of all political philosophy; the neutral ground for which
rival theories have been struggling in all ages. There are tAVO ideas so
utterly antagonistic that, Avhen in any nation, either has gained absolute
and complete possession of that neutral ground, the ruin of that nation
has invariably followed. The one is that despotism Avhich swalloAvs and
absorbs all power in a single-central government; the other is that ex
treme doctrine of local sovereignty Avhich makes nationality impossible,
and resolves a general government into anarchy and chaos. It makes
but httle difference, as to the final result, which of these ideas drives the
other frora the field ; in either case ruin follows.
" The result exhibited by the one was seen in the Amphictyonic and
Achsean leagues of ancient Greece, of Avhich Madison, in the twentieth
number of the Federalist, says:
" ' The inevitable result of all was imbecility in the government, dis
cord among the provinces, foreign influences and indignities, a precarious
existence in peace, and peculiar calamities in war.'

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 321
"This is a fitting description of all nations which have carried the doc
trine of local self-government so far as to exclude the doctrine of nation
ality. They Avere not nations, but mere leagues, bound together by coni-
mpn consent, ready to fall to pieces at the demand of any refractory
member. The opposing idea Avas never better illustrated than Avhen
Louis XIA''. entered the French Assembly, booted and spurred, and girded
Avith the SAvord of ancestral kings, and said to the Deputies of France :
' The State I I am the State ! '
" Between these opposite and extreme theories of government, the peo
ple have been tossed from century to century ; and it has been only when
these ideas have been in reasonable equipoise, Avhen this neutral ground
has been held in joint occupancy, and usurped by neither, that popular
liberty and national life have been possible. How many striking illus
trations of this do we see in the history of France ! The deposition of
Louis XIA''., followed by the Reign of Terror, Avhen liberty had run mad
and France was a vast scene of blood and ruin ! We see it again in our
day. Only a few years ago, the theory of personal government had
placed in the hands of Napoleon III., absolute and irresponsible poAver.
The communes of France were crushed, and local liberty existed no
longer. Then followed Sedan and the rest. On the first day of last
month, when France was trying to rebuild her ruined Government,
when the Prussian cannon had scarcely ceased thundering against the
Avails of Paris, a deputy of France rose in the National Assembly and
moved, as the first step toAvard the safety of his country, that a com
mittee of thirty should be chosen, to be called the Committee of Decen
tralization. But it Avas too late to save France from the fearfal reaction
from despotism. The neWs comes to us, under the sea, that on Saturday
last, the cry Avas ringing through France: ' Death to the Priests !' and
' Death to the Rich ! ' and the SAVords of the citizens of that neAV repub
lic are now wet with each other's blood.
EQUIPOISE OF OUE GOVERNMENT.
"The records of time show no nobler or wiser work done by human
hands than that of our fathers Avhen they framed this Republic. Begin
ning in a wilderness world, they wrought unfettered by precedent, un-
trammeled by custom, unawed by kings or dynasties. With the history
of other nations before them, they surveyed the neAV field. In the pro
gress of their work they encountered these antagonistic ideas to which I
21

322 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
have referred. They attempted to trace through that neutral ground
the boundary line across which neither force should pass. The result
of their labors is our Constitution and frame of government. I never
contemplate the result without feeling that there was more than mor
tal wisdom in the men who produced it. It has seemed to me that they
borrowed their thought fi-om Hira who constructed the universe and put
it in motion. For nothing more aptly describes the character of our
Republic than the solar system, launched iuto space by the hand of
the Creator, where the central sun is the great power around which re
volve all the planets in their appointed orbits. But AvhUe the sun holds
in the grasp of its attractive poAver the whole system, and imparts its
light and heat to all, yet each individual planet is under the sway of
laAVS peculiar to itself.
" Under the sway of terrestrial laws, winds blow, waters flow, and aU
the tenantries of the planet live and move. So, sir, the States move on
in their orbits of duty and obedience, bound to the central GoA'emment
by this Constitution, w-hich is their supreme law, Avlule each State is
making laws and regulations of its own, developing its own energies,
maintaining its own industries, managing its local affairs in its OAvn way,
subject only to the supreme but lieneficent control of the Union. When
States Rights ran mad, put on the f um of secession, and attempted to
drag the States out of Union, we .«aw the grand lessons taught, in all
the battles of the late war, that a State could no more be hurled from
the Union, Avithout ruin to the Nation, than could a planet he throA\-n
from its orbit without dragging after it, to chaos and ruin, the whole so
lar universe.
" Sir, the great war for the Union has vmdicated the centripetal power
of the Nation, and has exploded, forever I trust, the disorganizuig theory
of State Sovereignty, which slavery attempted to impose upon this country.
But we should never forget that there is danger in the opposite direc
tion. The destruction, or serious crippling of the principle of local gov
ernment, would be as fatal to liberty as secession would have been fatal
to the Union.
"The first experiment which our fathers tried in government-making
after the War of Independence Avas a failure, because the central power
conferred in the Articles of Confederation Avas not stromr enough. The
second, though nobly conceived, became almost a failure, because slavery
attempted so to interpret the Constitution as to reduce the nation again

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSAVERS. 323
to a confederacy, a mere league between sovereign States. But Ave have
noAv vindicated and secured the centripetal poAver ; let us see that the
centrifugal force is not destroyed, but that the grand and beautiful equi
poise raay be maintained.
"It Avill not be denied that before the adoption of the last three amend
ments, it Avas the settled interpretation of the Constitution that the pro
tection of the life and property of private citizens belonged to the State
governments entirely. . . . Noav three amendments have been added
to the Constitution, and it Avill not be denied that each of these amend
ments has changed the relation of Congress to the citizens of the .States."
Garfield spoke with his eye on the future: "This debate Avill
become historic as the earliest legislative interpretation of the
Fourteenth Amendment," he said. He revicAved the debates ac
companying the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment. Tavo
propositions h.ad been before Congress. The essential parts of the
one adopted Avere —
"The Congress shall have poAver to enforce by appropriate legislation,
the folloAving provisions, to Avit :
"No State shall make or enforce any lawAvhich shall abridge the priv
ileges or immunities of citizens of the United States ; nor shall any State
deprive any person of life, liberty, or property Avithout due process of
law, nor deny to any person Avithin its jurisdiction the equal protection
of the laws.
" And this is the rejected clause :
"The Congress shall have power to make all laws which may be nec-
essary,and proper to secure to the citizens in these several States equal
protection in the rights of life, liberty, and property.
" The one exerts its force directly upon the States, laying restriction
and limitations upon their poAver, and enabling Congress to enforce these
fimitations. The other, the rejected proposition, Avould have bi-ought
the power of Congress to bear directly upon the citizens, and contained
a clear grant of poAver to Congress to legislate directly for the protection
of fife, liberty, and property within the States. The first limited, but
did not oust the jurisdiction of the State over these subjects. The sec
ond gave Congress plenary poAver to cover the whole subject Avith its ju
risdiction, and, as it seems to me, to the exclusion of the-State authorities.

324 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" Mr. Speaker, unless we ignore both the history and the language of
these clauses we can not, by any reasonable interpretation, give to the
section as it stands in the Constitution, the force and effect of the rejected
clause." Then followed an exhaustive discussion of the different clauses
of the Fourteenth Amendment, after Avhich he passed to the pro
visions of the pending bill. Southern outrages had been stated by
the President to exist. The trouble Avas not unequal laAvs, but
their maladministration and denial of protection under them.
This demanded legislation. But Congress had no poAver to assume
original jurisdiction of the matter. It could only define and de
clare the offense, and should employ no terms Avhich asserted the
power of Congress to take jurisdiction, until such denial of rights
was clearly made. Passing then to the extreme and most objection
able parts of the bill he said :
" But, Mr. Speaker, there is one provision in the fourth section Avhich
appears to me both uuAvise and unnecessary. It is proposed not only to
authorize the suspension of the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus, but
to authorize the declaration of martial law in the disturbed districts.
"I do not deny, but I affirm, the right of Congress to authorize the
suspension of the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus Avhenever, in cases
of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. Such action
has been, and raay again be, necessary to the safety of the Republic; but
I call the attention of the House to the fact that never but once in the
history of this Government has Congress suspended the great privileges
of this writ, and then it Avas not done until after two years of Avar had
closed all the ordinary tribunals of justice in the rebellious districts, and
the great armies of the Union, extending from Maryland to the Mexican
line, were engaged in a death-struggle with the armies of the rebellion.
It was not until the third day of March, 1863, that the Congress of the
United States found the situation so full of peril as to make it their duty
to suspend this greatest privilege enjoyed by Anglo-Saxon people. Are
Ave ready to say that an equal peril confronts us to-day?
"My objections to authorizing this suspension implies no distrust of the
wisdom or patriotism of the President. I do not believe he Avould employ
this power were we to confer it upon him ; and if he did employ it, I do
not doubt he would use it with justice and Avisdom. But what we do on

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 325
this occasion Avill be quoted as a precedent hereafter, Avhen other men
with other purposes may desire to confer this poAver on another President
for purposes that may not aid in securing public liberty and public peace.
« " But this section provides no safeguard for citizens who may be ar
rested during the suspension of the Avrit. There is no limit to the time
' during Avhich raen may be held as prisoners. Nothing in the section re
quires them to be delivered over to the courts. Nothing in it gives them
any other protection than the will of the commander Avho orders their
arrest,"

" But, sir, this fourth section goes a hundred boAV-shots farther than
any similar legislation of Congress during the wildest day of the rebel
lion. It authorizes the declaration of martial law. AVe are called upon
to provide by laAV for the suspension of all law ! Do gentlemen remem
ber what raartial law is ? Refer to the digest of opinions of the Judge
Advocate-General of the United States, and you will find a terse defini
tion which glearas like a flash of a sAvord-blade, The Judge Advocate
says : ' Martial laAv is the will of the general who commands the army.'
And Congress is here asked to declare martial law. AVhy, sir, it is the
pride and boast of England that martial law has not existed in that
country since the Petition of Right in the thirty-first year of Charles II.
Three years ago the Lord Chief-Justice of England came doAvn from the
high court over which he was presiding to review the charge of another
judge to the grand jury, and he there announced that the power to de
clare martial law no longer existed in England. In 1867, the same
judge, in the case of the Queen vs Nelson, uttered this sentence:
" 'There is no such laAV in existence as martial law, and no power in
the Crown to proclaim it.'
" In a recent treatise, entitled The Nation, a Avork of great power and
research, the author, Mr. Mulford, says: 'The declaration of martial
law, or the suspension of habeas corpus, is the intermission of the ordi
nary course of laAV, and of the tribunals to Avhich an appeal may be made.
It places the locality included in its operations no longer under the gov
ernment of law. It interrupts the process of rights and the procedure
of courts and restricts the independence of civil administration. There
is substituted for these the intention of the individual. To this there is
in the civil order no formal limitation. In its immediate action it al
lows beyond itself no obligation and acknowledges no responsibility.

326 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Its command or its decree is the only law ; its movement may be secret,
and its decisions are opened to the inquiry of no judge and the investi
gation of no tribunal. There is no positive power which may act, or be
called upon to act, to stay its caprice or to check its arbitrary career
since judgment and execution are in its own command, and the normal
action and adrainistration is suspended and the organized force of the
whole is subordinate to it.'
"Sir, this provision means war, or it means nothing; and I ask this
Hou^e Avhether we are now ready to take this step ? Shall we ' cry havoc
and let slip the dogs of war?'
" I have taken a humble part in one war, and I hope I shall always be
ready to do any duty that the necessities of the country may require of
me ; but I am not Avilling to talk war or to declare Avar in advance of
the terrible necessity. Are there no measures within our reach which
may aid in preventing war? When a savage war lately threatened our
AVestern frontiers Ave sent our Commissioners of Peace in the hope of
avoiding war. Have we done all in our power to avoid that which this
sei tion contemplates? I hope the committee will bring a corapanion
measure that looks toAvard peace and enable us to send the olive branch
with the sword."
This speech marked the separation of General Garfield from the
Stahvart wing of the Republican party. It was never forgiven nor
forgotten. It showed his balance of mind, his aA'oidance of ex
tremes. The time when he delivered it was one of extreraes. It
was an epoch of reaction. It was verging toAvard the period when
Sumner and Adams and Greeley were to forsake the party they
had helped to create. It was a time when the fierce passions of
Avar Avere beginning to find an opponent iu the struggling instinct
of reunion and peace. It was a time when the great radicals, who
had fought slavery to its death, Avcre to SAving to the other extreme
of loving gush and apologetic forgiveness tOAvard a South which
sat crouching in the Temple of Liberty, still maddened with the
wild insanity of war. It Avas a time, on the other hand, when the
great war leaders, gorged Avith the bloody spoils of A'ictory, Avere to
know no forgiveness, no forgetfulness, but to plant the iron heel of
despotism upon the prostrate and bleeding foe. In this time of ex
tremes General Garfield took the middle course. He remained a

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 327
true Republican, but he recoiled from brutalism toward the Soutl}.
Noav that the passions of the hour have passed away, we believe
that his speech on the enforcement of the Fourteenth Amendment
will stand as the Avisest utterance of the times. It rises above the
level of partisanship to that of statesmanship. In the midst of the
tempest of popular excitement over Southern outrages he was calm.
As he afterAvards said in his nominating speech at Chicago :
"It is not the billows, but the calm level of the sea from Avhich all
heights and depths are measured. When the storm has passed and the
hour of calm settles on the ocean, when sunlight bathes its smooth sur
face, then the astronomer and surveyor takes the level from Avhich he
measures all terrestrial heights and depths."
This was the secret of all of Garfield's views. In spite of
political fears and dogmas, in spite of partisan doubts and dis
may, he was right. Therefore, in his answers to the great
questions affecting the nationality of the United States, James
A, Garfield is entitled to the historic rank of statesman.
AVe will next inquire to what rank Garfield's utterances on
questions affecting the Financial and Monetary systems of the
United States belong. It has been noticed that this and the
succeeding topic formed General Garfield's specialty. In the
epoch in whieh he lived they were the paramount themes of
politics. He himself called the financial question the modern
political Sphinx. For the last eight years, inflation, hard money,
greenbacks, etc., had been discussed from every point of
the compass, in every key and to every tune. Men thought
it Avas a ucav thing. Years before the public clamor. General
Garfield took his position on the financial question. He fore-
saAv and foretold the experience of the country before the pub
lic mind had rolled its heaA'y eyes toward the subject. It
has been claimed that on the financial question Garfield was
ten years ahead of his generation; that he was a pioneer and
leader in every sense in the advance toward the resumption
of specie payments and a stable currency. Not in 1874, AA'hen
the first great inflation bill ran its rapid career, nor in 1876,

328 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
nor 1878, when the adA'Ocates of paper money had organized
themselves into a political party, did he come forAvard Avith
arguments on the currency for the first time. It avus iu 1866
that he turned the first furrow- in Congress, On Alarch 16th
of that year, he enunciated, in a short but •vigorous speech,
the basal principles of finance, which in later efforts he aa-rs
to elaborate and fortity Avith every argument or authority
tvhieh could appeal to the human understanding. From that
first position Gai-field never receded. Not for a moment did
he cease to regard irredeemable and inflated paper currency
an unmixed OA-il, and resumption as tho main end of the legis
lation of the epoch. His speeches on finaiico coA'er the en
tire field, and are very numerous. From Iavo or three aa'o pre
sent copious extracts. On Alay 15, 1868, he delivered a speech
Avhich Avas, and is, a complete manual of the principles of
sound financial policy :
"I am aAvare that financial subjects are dull and uninviting in com
parison Avith those heroic themes Avhich have absorbed the attention of
Congress for the last five years. To turn from the consideration of
armies and navies, victories and defeats, to the array of figures Avhich
exhibits the debt, expenditure, taxation, and industry of the nation, re
quires no little courage and self-denial; but to these questions Ave must
come, and to their solution Congress, political parties, and all thoughtful
citizens must give their best efforts for many years to come.
"In April, 1861, there began in this country an industrial reA'ohition,
not yet completed, as gigantic in its proportions, and as far-reaching in
its consequences, as the political and military reA'olution through Avhich
Ave have passed. As the fii-st step to any intelligent discussion of the
currency, it is necessary to examine the character and progress of that
kidustrial revolution.
" The year 1860 was one of remarkable prosperity in all branches of
business. For seventy years no Federal tax-gatherer had ever been seen
among the laboring population of the United States. Our public debt
Avas less than sixty-five million dollars. The annual expenditures of the
Government, including interest on the public debt, were less than sixty-
four million dollars. The revenues from customs alone amounted to .six-
sevenths of the expenditures. The value of our agricultural products for

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 329
that year amounted to §1,625,000,000. Our cotton crop alone Avas tAvo
billion one hundred and fifty-five million pounds, and we supplied to the
markets of the world seven-eighths of all the cotton consumed. Our
merchant marine engaged in foreign trade amounted to two million five
hundred and forty-six thousand two hundred and thirty-seven tons, and
promised soon to rival the immense carrying trade of England.
" Let us now observe the effect of the Avar on the various departments
of business. From the moment the first hostile gun was fired, the Fed
eral and State governments became gigantic consumers. As far as pro
duction was concerned, eleven States were completely separated from the
Union. Two million laborers, more than one-third of the adult popula
tion of the Northern States, were withdrawn from the ranks of producers,
and became only consumers of Avealth. The Federal Goveinment he-
came an insatiable devourer. Leaving out of account the vast sums ex
pended by States, counties, cities, toAvns, and individuals, for the payment
of bounties, for the relief of sick and Avounded soldiers and their families,
and omitting the losses, which can never be estimated, of property de
stroyed by hostile armies, I shall speak only of expenditures which appear
on the books of the Federal Treasury. From the 30th of June, 1861, to
the 30th of June, 1865, there were paid out of the Federal Treasury
$3,340,996,211, making an aggregate during these four years of more
than $836,000,000 per annum.
" From the official records of the Treasury Department it appears that,
from the beginning of the American Revolution in 1775 to the begin
ning of the late rebellion, the total expenditures of the Government for
all purposes, including the assumed war debts of the States, amounted to
$2,250,000,000. The expenditure of four years of the rebellion were
nearly $1,100,000,000 more th&n all the other Federal expenses since the
Declaration of Independence. The debt of England, Avhich had its origin
in the revolution of 1688, and was increased by more than one hundred
years of war and other political disasters, had reached in 1793 the sum
of $1,268,000,000. During the twenty-two years that followed, while
England was engaged in a life and death struggle with Napoleon (the
greatest Avar in history save our own), $3,056,000,000 were added to her
debt. In our four years of war we spent $300,000,000 more than the
amount by which England increased her debt in twenty-two years of
war; almost as much as she had increased it in one hundred and twenty-
five years of war. Now, the enormous demand which this expenditure

330 LITE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
created for all the products of industry stimulated to an unparalleled
degree every department of business. The ploAV, furnace, mill, loom,
railroad, steamboat, telegraph — all Avere driven to their utmost capacity.
AVarehouses Avere emptied; and the great reserves of supply, which all
nations in a normal state keep on hand, were exhausted to meet the de
mands of the great t'onsuiner. For many months the Government SAval-
lowed three millions per day of the products of industry. Under the
pressure of this demand, prices rose rapidly in every department of busi
ness. Labor every-Avhere found quick and abundant returns. Old debts
Avere canceled, and great fortunes were raade.
"For the transaction of this enorraous business an increased amount
of currency was needed ; but I doubt if any member of this House can
be found bold enough to deny that the deluge of Treasury notes poured
upon the country during the Avar Avas far greater even than the great de
mands of business. Let it not be forgotten, hoAvever, that the chief ob
ject of these issues Avas not to increase the currency of the country.
They Avere authorized with great reluctance, and under the pressure of
overAvhelming necessity, as a tempoi-ary expedient to meet the demands
of the Treasury. They were really forced loans in the form of Treasury
notes. By the act of July 17, 1861, an issue of demand notes Avas au
thorized to the amount of $50,000,000. By the act of August 5, 1861,
this amount Avas increased $50,000,000 more. By the act of February
25, 1862, an additional issue of $150,000,000 was authorized. Ou the
17th of the same month, an unlimited issue of fractional currency was
authorized. On the 17tli of January, 1873, an issue of $150,000,000
more Avas authorized, Avhich was increased $50,000,000 by the act of
March 3d of the same year. This act also authorized the issue of one
and tAvo years' Treasury notes, bearing interest at five per cent., to be a
legal tender for their face, to the amount of $400,000,000. By the act
of June 30, 1864, an issue of six per cent, compound-interest notes, to
be a legal tender for their face, was authorized, to the amount of
$200,000,000. In addition to this, many other forms of paper obligation
Avere authorized, which, though not a legal tender, performed many of
the functions of currency. By the act of March 1, 1802, the issue of an
unlimited amount of certificates of indebtedness Avas authorized, and
Avithin ninety days after the passage of the act there had been issued and
Avere outstanding of these certificates more than $156,000,000. Of
course these issues Avere not all outstanding at the same time, but the
acta shoAV how great was the necessity for loans during the war.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 331
"The law which made the vast volume of United States notes a legal
tender operated as an act of general bankruptcy. The man Avho loaned
$1,000 in July, 1861, payable in three years, Avas compelled by this laAV
to accept at maturity, as a full discharge of the debt, an amount of cur
rency equal in value to §350 of the money he loaned. Private indebted'
ness Avas every-where canceled. Rising prices iucreased the profits of
business, but this prosperity Avas caused by the great demand for products,
and not by the abundance of paper money. As a means of transacting
the vast business of the country, a great volume of currency was indis
pensable, and its importance can not well be overestimated. But let us
not be led into the fatal error of supposing that paper money created the
business or produced the Avealth. As Avell might it be alleged that our
rivers and canals produce the grain Avhich they float to market. Like
currency, the channels of commerce stimulate production, but can not
nullify the inexorable law of demand and supply.
"Mr, Chairman, I ha\'e endeavored to trace the progress of our in
dustrial revolution in passing from peace to Avar, In returning from Avar
to peace all the conditions were reversed. At once the Government
ceased to be an all-devouring consumer. Nearly tAvo million able-bodied
men Avere discharged from the army and navy and enrolled in the ranks
of the producers. The expenditures of the Government, Avhich, for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1865, araounted to $1,290,000,000, Avere re
duced to $520,000,000 in 1866 ; to $346,000,000 in 1867 ; and, if the
retrenchraent measures recommended by the Special Commissioner of the
Revenue be adopted, another year Avill bring them below $300,000,000.
"Thus during the first year after the war the demands of the Federal
Government as a consuraer decreased sixty per cent. ; and in the second
year the decrease had reached seventy -four per cent., with a fair pros
pect of a still further reduction.
" The recoil of this sudden change would have produced great financial
disaster in 1866, but for the fact that there Avas still open to industry the
work of replacing the Avasted reserves of supply, which, in all countries
in a healthy state of business, are estimated to be sufficient for two years.
During 1866, the fall in priee of all articles of industry araounted to an
average of ten per cent. One year ago a table Avas prepared, at my re
quest, by Mr. Edward Young, in the office of the Special Commissioner
of the Revenue, exhibiting a comparison of Avholesale prices at Ncav York
in December, 1865, and December, 1866. It shoAvs that in ten leading
articles of provisions there was an average dechue of twenty-two per

332 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
cent,, though beef, flour, and other breadstuffs remained nearly station
ary. On cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, and clothing, the decline
Avas thirty per cent. On the products of manufiicture and mining, in
cluding coal, cordage, iron, lumber, naval stores, oils, talloAV, thi, and
AVool, the decline Avas tAventy-five per cent. The average decline on all
commodities Avas at least ten per cent. According to the estimates of
the Sjiecial Commissioner of the Re\'enue in his last report, the average
decline during 1867 has amounted at least to ten per cent. more. During
the past two years Congress has provided by law for reducing internal
taxation $100,000,000 ; and the act passed a fcAV Aveeks ago has reduced
the tax on manufactures to the amount of $64,000,000 per annum. The
repeal of the cotton tax will make a further reduction of $20,000,000.
State and municipal taxation and expenditures have also been greatly re
duced. The work of replacing these reserves delayed the shock and dis
tributed its effects, but could not avert the inevitable result. During the
past tAVO years, one by one, the various departments of industry produced
a supply equal to the demand. Then folIoAved a glutted market, a fall
in prices, and a stagnation of business, by Avhicli thousands of laborers
Avere throAvn out of employment.
"If to this it be added that the famine in Europe and the drought in
many of the agricultural States of the Union have kept the price of pro
visions from falling as other commodities have fallen, Ave shall have a
sufficient explanation of the stagnation of business, and the unusual dis
tress among our people.
"This industrial re\'olution has been governed by laws beyond the
reach of Congress. No legislation could have arrested it at any stage of
its progress. The most that could possibly be done by Congress Avas, to
take advantage of the prosperity it occasioned to raise a revenue for the
support of the Government, and to mitigate the severity of its subsequent
pressure, by reducing the v.ast machinery of war to the lowest scale pos
sible. Manifestly nothing can be raore absurd than to suppose that the
abuudance of currency produced by the prosperity of 1863, 1864, and
1865, or that the want of it is the cause of our present stagnation.
"In order to reach a satisfactory understanding of the currency ques
tion, it is necessary to consider somewhat fully the natuic and func
tions of money or any substitute for it.
"The theory of money Avhich formed the basis of the 'mercantile sys
tem' of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries has been rejected by

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 333
all leading financiers and political economists for the last seventy-five
years. That theory asserted that money is wealth ; that the great object
of every nation should be to increase its amount of gold and silver; that
this Avas a direct increase of national wealth,
• " It is now held as an indisputable truth that money is an instrument
of trade, and performs but two functions. It is a measure of value and
a medium of exchange.
" In cases of simple barter, where no money is used, we estimate the
relative values of the commodities to be exchanged in dollars and cents, it
being our only universal measure of A'alue.
"As a medium of exchange, money is to all business transactions Avhat
ships are to the transportation of merchandise. If a hundred vessels of
a given tonnage are just sufficient to carry all the coVnmodities between
two ports, any increase of the number of vessels Avill correspondingly de
crease the value of each as an instrument of commerce; any decrease
below one hnndred will correspondingly increase the value of each.
"The functions of money as a medium of exchange, though more com
plicated in their application, are precisely the same in principle as the
functions of the vessels in the case I have supposed.
"If we could ascertain the total value of all the exchanges effected in
this country by means of money in any year, and could ascertain hoAv
many dollars' worth of such exchanges can be effected in a year by one
dollar in money, Ave should know hoAV much money the country needed
for the business transactions of that year. Any decrease below that
amount Avill correspondingly increase the value of each dollar as an in
strument of exchange. Any increase above that amount will correspond
ingly decrease the value of each dollar. If that amount be doubled, each
dollar of the whole mass will perform but half the amount of business it
did before; will be worth but half its former value as a medium of ex
change. "Recurring to our illustration: if, instead of sailing vessels, steam
vessels were substituted, a much smaller tonnage would be required ; so,
if it were found that $500,000,000 of paper, each worth seventy cents
in gold, were sufficient for the business of the country, it is equally evi
dent that $350,000,000 of gold substituted for the paper would perform
precisely the same amount of business.
" It should be remembered, also, that any improvement in the mode
of transacting business, by which the actual use of money is in part dis

334 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
pensed Avith, reduces the total amount needed by the country. How
much has been accomplished in this direction by recent improvements in
banking may be seen in the operations of the clearing-houses in our
great cities.
" The records of the Ncav York Clearing House show that from Oc
tober 11, 1853, the date of its establishment, to October 11, 1867, the ex
changes amounted to nearly $180,000,000,000; to effect which, less than
$8,000,000,000 of money were used, an average of about four per cent. ;
that is, exchanges were made to the amount of $100,000,000 by the pay
ment of $4,000,000 of money.
" It is also a settled principle that all deposits in banks, drawn upon
by checks and drafts, really serve the purpose of money.
"The amount of currency needed in the country depends, as we have
seen, upon the amount of business transacted by means of money. The
amount of business, however, is varied by many causes which are irregu
lar and uncertain in their operation. An Indian war, deficient or
abundant harvests, an overflow of the cotton lands of the South, a bread
famine or Avar in Europe, and a score of such causes entirely beyond
the reach of legislation, may make money deficient this year and abun
dant next. The needed amount varies also from month to month in the
same year. More money is required in the autumn, when the vast
products of agriculture are being moved to market, than when the great
army of laborers are in winter-quarters, awaiting the seed-time.
" When the money of the country is gold and silver, it adapts itself
to the fluctuations of business without the aid of legislation. If, at any
time, Ave have more than is needed, the surplus flows off to other coun
tries through the channels of international commerce. If less, the defi
ciency is supplied through the same channels. Thus the monetary
equilibrium is maintained. So immense is the trade of the Avorld that
the golden streams pouring frora California and Australia in the specie
circulation, are soon absorbed in the great mass and equalized throughout
the Avorld, as the AAiaters of all the rivers are spread upon the surface of
all the seas.
" Not so, however, Avith an inconvertible paper currency. Excepting
Ihe specie used in the payment of customs and the interest on our public
debt, Ave are cut off from the money currents of the Avorld. Our currency
resembles rather the Avaters of an artificial lake, which lie in stagnation
or rise to full banks at the caprice of the gate-keeper.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 335
"Gold and silver abhor depreciated paper money, and Avill not keep
company Avith it. If our currency be more abundant than business
demands, not a dollar of it can go abroad ; if deficient, not a dollar of
gold Avill come in to supply the lack. There is no legislature on earth
wise enough to adjust such a currency to the Avants of the country,
" Let us examine more minutely the effect of .such a currency upon
prices. Suppose that the business transactions of the country at the ,
present time require $350,000,000 in gold. It is manifest that if there
are just $350,000,000 of legal-tender notes, and no other raoney in the
country, each dollar Avill perform the full functions of a gold dollar, so
far as the Avork of exchange is concerned. Now, business remaining the
same, let $350,000,000 more of the same kind of notes be pressed into
circulation. The Avhole volume, as thus iucreased, can do no more than
all the business. Each dollar will accomplish just half the Avork that a
doUar did before the increase ; but as the nominal dollar is fixed by law,
the effect is shown in prices being doubled. It requires tAvo of these
dollars to make the same purchase that one dollar made before the
increase. It Avould require some time for the business of the country to
adjust itself to the new conditions, and great derangement of values
would ensue ; but the result would at last be reached in all transactions
which are controlled by the law of demand and supply.
"No such change of values can occur Avithout cost. Somebody must
pay for it. Who pays in this case? We have seen that doubling the
currency finally results in reducing the purchasing power of each dollar
one-half; hence every man who held a legal-tender note at the time of
the increase, and continued to hold it till the full effect of the increase
Avas produced, Buffered a loss of fifty per cent, of its value; in other
Avords, he paid a tax to the araount of half of all the currency in his
possession. This new issue, therefore, by depreciating the value of all
the currency, cost the holders of the old issue $175,000,000 ; and if the
new notes Avere received at their nominal value at the date of issue, their
holders paid a tax of $175,000,000 more. No more unequal or unjust
mode of taxation could possibly be devised. It Avould be tolerated only
by being so involved in the transactions of business as to be concealed
from observation ; but it Avould be no less real because hidden.
" But some one may say: 'This depreciation Avould fall upon capital
ists and rich men, Avho are able to bear it.'
" If this were true, it would be no less unjust. But, unfortunately,

336 • LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the capitalists Avould suffer less than any other class. The new issue
Avould be paid in the first place in large amounts to the creditors of the
Govcrimunt ; it Avould pass from their hands before the depreciation
had taken full effect, and, i)assing down step by step through the ranks
of middle-men, the dead weight would fall at last upon the laboring
classes in the increased price of all the necessaries of life. It is avoII
known that in a general rise of prices, wages are aniong tho last to rise.
This principle was illustrated in the report of the Special Commissioner
of the Kevenue for the year 1866. It is there shown that from the
beginning of the war to the end of 1866, the average price of all commo
dities had risen ninety per cent. AVages, hoAvever, had risen but sixty
per cent. A day's labor would j)urehase but two-thirds as many of the
neee.s.sarics of life as it Avould before. The Avrong is, therefore, inflicted
on the laborer long before his income can be adjusted to his increased
expenses. It was, in vicAV of this truth, that Daniel AVebster said, in
one of his ablest speeches :
" ' Of all the contrivances for cheating the laboring classes of man
kind, none has been more effectual than that Avhich deludes them Avith
paper money. This is the most effectual of inventions to fertilize the
rich man's field by the sweat of the poor man's brow. Ordinary tyranny,
oppression, excessive taxation, these bear lightly on the happiness of the
mass of the community, compared Avith a fraudulent currency and the
robberies committed by depreciated paper.'
"The fraud committed and the burdens imposed upon the people, in
the case we have supposed, Avould be less intolerable if all business
transactions could be really adjusted to the ncAV conditions ; but even
this is impossible. All debts would be canceled, all contracts fulfilled by
payment in these notes — not at their real value, but for their face. All
salaries fixed by laAv, the pay of every soldier in the army, of every
sailor in the navy, and all pensions and bounties, would be reduced to
half their former value. In these cases the effect is only injurious. Let
it never be forgotten that every depreciation of our currency results in
j-obbing the one hundred and eighty thousand pensioners, maimed heroes,
crushed and bereaved widoAvs, and homeless orphans, who sit helpless at
our feet. And who would be benefited by this policy? A pretense of
apology might be offered for it, if the Government coiild save what tho
people lose. But the system lacks the support of even that selfish and
immoral consideration. The depreciation caused by the over-issue in the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 337
case we have supposed, compels the Government to pay just that per
cent, more on all the contracts it makes, on all the loans it negotiates,
on all the supplies it purchases; and to croAvn all, it must at last redeem
all its legal-tender notes in gold coin, dollar for dollar. The advocates
of repudiation have not yet been bold enough to deny this.
"I have thus far considered the influence of a redundant paper cur
rency on the country Avhen its trade and industry are in a healthy and
normal state. I noAV call attention to its effect in producing an unhealthy
expansion of business, in stimulating speculation and extravagance, and
in laying the sure foundation of commercial revulsion and Avide-spread
ruin. This principle is too Avell understood to require any elaboration
here. The history of all modern nations is full of examples. One of
the ablest American writers on banks and banking, Mr. Gouge, thus
sums up the result of his researches :
, " ' The history of all our bank pressures and panics has been the same
in 1825, in 1837, and in 1843 ; and the cause is given in these two
simple words — universal expansion.'
" There still remains to be con-idered the effect of depreciated cur
rency on our trade with other nations. By raising prices at home higher
than they are abroad, imports are largely increased beyond the exports ;
our coin must go abroad ; or, Avhat is far Averse for us, our bonds; Avhich
have also suffered depreciation, and are purchased by foreigners at
seventy cents on the dollar. During the Avhole period of high prices
occasioned by the war, gold and bonds have been steadily going abroad,
notwithstanding our tariff duties, Avhich average nearly fifty per cent.
ad valorem. IMore than five hundred million dollars of our bonds are
now held in Europe, ready to be thrown back upon us when any Avar or
other sufficient disturbance shall occur. No tariff rates short of actual
prohibition can prevent this outfloAv of gold Avhile our currency is thus
depreciated. During these years, also, our merchant marine steadily
decreased, and our ship-building interests Avere nearly ruined.
"Our tonnage engaged in foreign trade, Avhich amounted in 1859-'60
to more than two and a-half million tons, had fallen in 1865-'66 to less
than one and a-half millions — a decrease of more than fifty per cent. ;
and prices of labor and material are still too high to enable our ship
wrights to compete with foreign builders.
" From the facts already exhibited in reference to our industrial revo
lution, and from the foregoing analysis of the nature and functions of
currency, it is manifest:
22

338

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

"1. That the remarkable prosperity of all industrial enterprises during
the war was not Aused by the abundance of currency, hut by the unpar
alleled demand for every product of labor.
" 2. That the great depression of business, the stagnation of trade, the
'hard times' Avhich have prevailed during the past year, and which still
prevail, have not been caused by an insufficient amount of currency, but
mainly by the great falling off of the demand for all the products of labor,
compared with the increased supply since the return from war to peace.
" I subjoin a table, carefully made up from the official records, showing
the amount of paper money in the United States at the beginning of each
year frora 1834 to 1868 inclusive. The fractions of raillions are omitted :

1834  $ 95,000,000
1835  104,000,000
1836  140,000,000
1837  149,000,000
1838  116,000,000
1839  135,000,000
1840  107,000,000
1841  107,000,000
1842  84,000,000
1843  59,000,000
1844  75,000,000
1845  90,000,000
1846...  105,000,000
1847  106,000,000
1848  129,000,000
1849  115,000,000
1850  131,000,000
1851  155,000,000

1852  $150,000,000
1853  146,000,000
1854  205,000,000
1855  187,000,0qp
1856  196,000,000
1857  215,000,000
1858  135,000,000
1859  193,000,000
1860  207,000,000
1861  202,000,000
1862  218,000,000
1863  529,000,000
1864  636,000,000'
¦ 1865  948,000,000
1866  919,000,000
1867  852,000,000
1868  767,000,000

"The table I have submitted shoAA's how perfect an index the currency
is of the healthy or unhealthy condition of business, and that every
great financial crisis, during the period covered by the table, has been
preceded by a great increase, and folloAved by a great and sudden
decrease, in the volume of paper money. Tlie rise and fall of mercury in
the barometer is not more surely indicative of an atmospheric storm, than is
a sudden increase or decrease of currency indicative of financial disaster.
Within the period covered by the table, there Avere four great financial and
commercial crises in this country. They occurred in 1837, 1841, 1854, and
1857. Observe the volume of paper currency for those years : On the first
day of January, 1837, the amount had risen to $149,000,000, an increase
of nearly fifty per cent, in three years. Before the end of that year, the
reckless expansion, speculation, and over-trading Avhich caused the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 339
increase, had resulted in terrible collapse ; and on the first of January,
1838, the volume was reduced to $116,000,000. AVild lands, which
speculation had raised to fifteen and tAventy dollars per acre, fell to one
dollar and a-half and two dollars, accompanied by a corresponding fle-
pression in all branches of business. Immediately after the crisis of
1841, the bank circulation decreased tAventy-five per cent., and by the
end of 1842 was reduced to $58,500,000, a decrease of nearly fifty per
cent. "At the beginning of 1853 the amount was $146,000,000, Specula
tion and expansion had SAvelled it to $205,000,000 by the end of that
year, and thus introduced the crash of 1854, At the beginning of 1857
the paper money of the country reached its highest point of inflation up
to that time. There Avere nearly $215,000,000, but at the end of that
disastrous year the A'olume had fallen to $135,000,000, a decrease of
nearly forty per cent, in less than twelve months. In the great crashes
preceding 1837 the same conditions are invariably seen — great expansion,
followed by a A'iolent collapse, not only in paper money, but in loans and
discounts ; and those manifestations have always been accompanied by a
corresponding fluctuation in prices.
" In the great crash of 1819, one of the severest this country ever
suffered, there was a complete prostration of business. It is recorded iu
Niles's Register for 1820 that, in that year, an Ohio miller sold four bar
rels of flour to raise five dollars, the amount of his subscription to that
paper. Wheat was twenty cents per bushel, and corn ten cents. About
the same tirae Mr. Jefferson wrote to Nathaniel Macon :
" ' We have now no standard of value. I am asked eighteen dollars for a yard
of broadcloth which, Avhen Ave had dollars, I used to get for eighteen shillings.'
" But there is one quality of such a currency more remarkable than all
others— its strange power to delude men. The spells and enchantments
of legendary witchcraft were hardly so wonderful. Most delusions can
not be repeated ; they lose their power after a full exposure. Not so with
irredeemable paper money. From the days of John LaAV its history has
been a repetition of the same story, with only this difference : No nation
noAV resorts to its use except from overwhelming necessity; but whenever
any nation is fairly embarked, it floats on the delusive waves, and, like
the lotus-eating companions of Ulysses, Avishes to return no more.
"Into this very delusion many of our fellow-citizens and many mem
bers of this House have fallen.

340 LIFE OP JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"The chief cause of this new-born zeal for paper money is the same
as that which led a member of the Continental Congress to exclaim :
"' Do you think, gentlemen, that I will consent to load my constituents with
taxes, when we can send to the printer and get a wagon-load of money, one quire
of which will pay for the whole ? '
"It is my clear conviction that the most formidable danger Avith which
the country is now threatened -is a large increase in the volume of paper
money. "Shall we learn nothing from experience? Shall the warnings of the
past be unheeded?"
Here followed a brilliant historical review of the experience of
the Colonies, of the Continental Congress, and of England, with
paper money
" From these considerations it appears to me that the first step toward*
a settlement of our financial and industrial affairs should be to adopt and
declare to the country a fixed and definite policy, so that industry f nd
enterprise may be based upon confidence; so that men may know Avhat
to expect from the Government; and, above all, that the course of busi
ness may be so adjusted that it shall be governed by the laws of trade,
and not by the caprice of any man or of any political party in or out
of Congress. . . .
" On the 10th of February, I introduced a bill Avhich, if it should be
come a laAV, will, I believe, go far toAvard restoring confidence and giving
stability to business, and will lay the foundation on Avhich a general finan
cial policy may be baoed, Avhenever opinions are so harmonized as to make
a general policy possible,
"As the bill is short, I will quote it entire, and call attention for a
feAV moments to its provisions:
" ' A BILI, TO PROVIDE FOB A GBADUAI, RETURN TO SPECIE PAYMENTS.
" ' Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled .• That on and after the first day of December, 1868,
the Secretary of the' Treasury be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to pay
gold coin of the United States for any legal-tender notes of the United States,
which may be presented at the office of the Assistant Treasurer, at New York, at
the rate of one dollar in gold for one dollar and thirty cents in legal-tender notes.
On and after the first day of January, 1869, the rate shall be one dollar in gold for
one dollar and twenty-nine cents in legal-tender notes ; and at the beginning of and

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GRE.VT .ANSWERS. 341
during each succeeding month, the amount of legal-tender notes required iti ex
change for one dollar in gold .shall be one cent less than the amount required dur
ing the preceding month, until the exchange becomes one dollar in gold for one
dollar in legal-tender notes; and on and after the first day of June, 1871, the Sec
retary of the Treasury shall exchange gold for legal-tender notes, dollar for dollar,
ProKided: That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to authorize the retire
ment or cancellation of any legal-tender notes of the United States.'
********
"I do not doubt that, in anticipation of the operation of this measure,
should it become a laAV, gold Avould be at 130, or lower, by the 1st of
December, and that very little would be asked for from the Treasury,
in exchange for currency. At the beginning of each succeeding month
the exchange between gold and greenbacks would be reduced one cent,
and specie payments would be fully resumed in June, 1871. That the
country is fully able to resume by that time Avill hardly be denied.
''With the $100,000,000 of gold noAy in the Treasury, and the amount
received from customs, Avhich averages nearly half a million per day, it
is not at all probable, that Ave should need to borrow a dollar in order to
carry out the provisions of the law,
" But taking the most unfavorable aspect of the case, and supposing
that the Government should find it necessary to authorize a gold loan,
the expense would be trifling compared with the resulting benefits to the
country. The proposed measure would incidentally bring all the national
banks to the aid of the Government in the work of resumption. The
banks are required by law to redeem their OAvn notes in greenbacks.
They now hold in their vaults, as a reserve required by law, $162,000,000,
of which sura $114,000,000 are greenbacks. Being compelled to pay
the same price for their own notes as for greenbacks, they would grad
ually accumulate a specie reserve, and Avould be compelled to keep
abreast Avith the Government in every step of the progress toward re
sumption. The necessity of redeeming their own notes Avould keep their
circulation nearer home, and would more equally distribute the currency
of the country Avhich noAV concentrates at the great money centers, and
produces scarcity in the rural districts.
"This measure Avould not at once restore the old national standard of
value, but it Avould give stal|ility to business and confidence to business
men everv-where. Every man who ccmtracts a debt would know Avhat
the value of a dollar would be when the debt became due. The opportu
nity noAV afforded to Wall Street gamblers to run up and run down the re-

342 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
lative price of gold and greenbacks Avould be removed. The element of
chance, Avhich uoav vitiates our Avhole industrial system, would, in great
part, be eliminated,
"If this measure be adopted it will incidentally settle several of our
most troublesome questions. It Avill end the war between the contrac-
tionists and the inflationists — a war which, like that of Marius and Sylla,
may almost prove fatal to the interests of the country, whichever side
may prevail. The amount of paper money will regulate itself, and may
be unlimited, so long as every dollar is convertible iuto specie at the wiU
of the holder.
" The still more difficult question of paying our five-twenty bonds
would be avoided — completely flanked by this measure. The money
paid to the wounded soldier, and to the soldier's widoAv, would soon be
made equal in value to the raoney paid to all other creditors of the Gov
ernment. "It Avill be observed that the bill does not authorize the cancellation
or retirement of any United States notes. It is believed that, for a time
at least, the volume of the currency may safely remain as it now is.
When the measure has been in force for some tirae, it will be seen
whether the increased use of specie for purposes of circulation wiU not
allow a gradual reduction of the legal-tender notes. This can he safely
left to subsequent legislation. It will facilitate the success of this plan
if Congress Avill pass a bill to legalize contracts hereafter made for the
payment of coin. If this be done, many business raen Avill conduct their
affairs on a specie basis, and thus retain at horae ranch of our gold that
now goes abroad, ENGLISH PRECEDENT.
"I have not been ambitious to add another to the many financial
plans proposed to this Congress, much less have I sought to introduce a
new and untried scheme. On the contrary, I regard it a strong com
mendation of this measure, that it is substantially the same as that by
which Great Britain resumed specie payments, after a suspension of
nearly a quarter of a century.
"The situation of England at that time Avas strikingly similar to our
present situation. She had just emerged frora a great war in which her
resources had been taxed to the utmost. Business had been expanded,
and high prices prevailed. Paper money had been issued in unusual
volume, was virtually a legal-tender, and had depreciated to the extent

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 343
of twenty-five per cent. Every financial evil from which we noAv suffer
prevailed there, and Avas aggravated by having been longer In operation.
Plans and theories without end Avere proposed to meet the many diffi
culties of the case. For ten years the Bank of England and the major
ity in Parliament vehemently denied that paper money had depreciated,
notAvithstanding the unanswerable report of the Bullion Committee of
1810, and the undeniable fact that it took tAventy-five per cent, more of
notes than of coin to buy an ounce of gold.
"Many insisted that paper Avas a better standard of value than coin.
Some denounced the attempt to return to specie as unAvise, others as im
possible. William Cobbett, the famous pamphleteer, announced that he
would give himself up to be broiled on a gridiron whenever the bank
should resume cash payments ; and for many years kept the picture of
a gridiron at the head of his Political Register, to remind his readers of his
prophecy. Every phase of the question was discussed by the best minds
of the kingdom, in and out of Parliament, for more than ten years; and
in May, 1819, under the lead of Robert Peel, a laAv was passed fixing the
time and raode of resumption.
"It provided that on the 1st of February, 1820, the bank should give,
in exchange for its notes, gold bullion in quantities not less than sixty
ounces, at the rate of 81s. per ounce ; that, frora the 1st of October,
1820, the rates should be 79s. 6d.; from the 1st of May, 1822, 79s. lOU.;
and on the 1st of May, 1823, the bank should redeem all its notes in
coin, Avhatever the amount presented. The passage of the act gave once
more a fixed and certain value to money ; and business so soon adjusted
itself to the measure in anticipation, that specie payments were fully re
sumed on the 1st of May, 1821, tAvo years before the time fixed by the
laAV. Forty-seven years have elapsed since then, and the verdict of his
tory has approved the wisdom of the act, notAvithstanding the clamor and
outcry which at first assailed it. So plainly does this lesson apply to us,
that in the preface to one of the best histories of England, recently pub-
fished, the author, who is an earnest friend of the United States, says :
" 'It seems to me that no thoughtful citizen of any nation can read the
story of the years before and after Peel's bill of 1819, extending over the
crash of 1825 -'26, Avithout the strongest desire that such risks and cal
amities may be avoided in his own country at any sacrifice. There are
several countries under the doom of retribution for the license of an in
convertible paper currency, and of these the United States are unhappily

344 IJFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
one. This passage of English history may possibly help to check the
levity Avith Avhich the inevitable ' crash ' is spoken of by some, Avho little
dream what the horrors and griefs of such a convulsion are. It may do
more if it should show any considerable number of observers that the
affairs of the economic Avorld are as truly and certainly under the con
trol of natural laws as the world of matter without and that of mind
Avithin.'"

This speech is remarkable. It is wonderful. Had that re
sumption bill become a laAv, it has been claimed that the panic of
1873, and the long years of subsequent distress, raight have been,
if not avoided, at least greatly shortened and alleviated. The ar
gument never Avas and ncA'er could be improved upon by any one.
In the after light that speech was thought a prophecy. Congress
procrastinated, a return to specie payment. Finally the crash
came, as he had foretold, Garfield once said, "After the battle of
arms comes the battle of history." In Avriting a historical esti
mate of the leaders of the epoch Avhich closed with the consum
mation of specie payments, the critical historian Avould rightly
claim that this speech of General Garfield, in the spring of 1868,
five and a-half years before the panic, must take rank as a triumph
of statesmanship above every argument, no matter hoAv able or
eloquent, made after thejjanic. In this speech Garfield shoAved his
conservatism again in favoring the continuation of greenbacks in
circulation, the very thing Avhich Avas done over the bitter oppo
sition of resuraptionists seven years before.
In the earlier part of the speech he shoAved the necessity of an
adjustible volume of currency. With specie this was easy. With
paper currency the volume could be made adjustable through
banks. They were the institutions to ease us through the straits
to resumption. Their mission was more fully elaborated in a
speech of June 7, 1870. The West and South having an insuffi
cient number of banks, and, consequently, lacking the currency of
checks, drafts, etc., Avere suffering. To meet this, he presented a
bill redistributing the banks. His views are what most concern us.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 346
CUEEENCY AND THE BANKS.
"I wish first to state a feAv general propositions touching the subjects
of trade and its instruments. A few simple principles form the founda
tion on which rests the whole superstructure of money, currency, and
trade. They may be thus briefly stated:
" Fii'st. Money, Avhich is a universal measure of value and a medium
of exchange, must not be confounded Avith credit currency in any of its
forms. Nothing is really money Avhich does not of itself possess the full
amount of the value Avhich it professes on its face to possess. Length
can only be measured by a standard Avhich in itself possesses length.
Weight can only be measured by a standard, defined and recognized,
which in itself possesses Aveight. So, also, value can only be measured
by that which in itself possesses a definite and knoAvn value. The pre
cious metals, coined and stamped, form the money of the world, because
Avhen thrown into the raelting-pot and cast into bars they Avill sell in the
market as metal for the same araount that they will pass for in the
market as coined raoney. The coining and stamping are but a certifica
tion by the government of the quantity and fineness of the metal
stamped. The coining certifies to the value, but neither creates it nor
adds to it.
" Second. Paper currency, when convertible at the Avill of the holder
into coin, though not in itself money, is a title to the amount of money
promised on its face ; and so long as there is perfect confidence that it is a
good title for its Avhole araount, it can be used as money in the payment
of debts. Being lighter and more easily carried, it is for many purposes
more convenient than money, and has become an indispensable substi
tute for money throughout all civilized countries. One quality Avhich it
must possess, and without Avhich it loses its title to be called raoney, is
that the promise Avritten on its face raust be good and be kept good.
The declaration on its face must be the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth. If the promise has no value, the note itself is
worthless. If the promise affords any opportunity for doubt, uncertainty,
or delay, the note represents a vague uncertainty, and is measured only
by remaining faith in the final redemption of the promise.
"Tliird. Certificates of credit under Avhatever form, are among the
most efficient instruments of trade. The most common form of these cer
tificates is that of a check or draft. The bank is the institution through
which the check becomes so powerful an instrument of exchange. The

346 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
check is comparatively a modern invention, whose functions and im
portance are not yet fully recognized. It raay represent a deposit of coin
or of paper currency, conA'ertible or inconvertible; or may, as is more
frequently the case, represent raerely a credit, secured by property in
some form, but not by money. The check is not money ; yet, for the
time being, it performs all the functions of money in the payment of
debts. No greater mistake can be raade than to suppose that the effect
ive value of currency is not directly increased by the Avhole amount of
checks in circulation.
"I would not for a moment lose sight of the great first necessity of
all exchanges, that they be measured by real money, the recognized
money of the world; nor of that other necessity next in importance,
that bank notes or treasury notes should rej)resent real money; should
be of uniform value throughout the country, and should be sufiicient in
amount to effect all those exchanges in which paper money is actually
used. I Avould keep constantly in view both these important factors. But
that is a superficial and incomplete plan of legislation which does not in
clude, in its provisions for the safe and prompt transaction of business,
those facilities which modern civilization has devised, and which have so
largely superseded the use of both coin and paper money.
"The bank has become the indispensable agent and instrument of
trade throughout the civilized Avorld, and not less in specie paying coun
tries than in countries cursed by an inconvertible paper currency.
Besides its function of issuing circulating notes, it serves as a clearing
house for the transactions of its customers. It brings the buyer and sel
ler together, and enables thera to complete their exchanges. It brings
debtors and creditors together, and enables them to adjust their accounts.
It collects the thousand little hoards of unemployed money, and through
loans and discounts converts them into active capital. It is a reservoir
which collects in amounts available for use, the rain-drops which would
otherwise be lost by dispersion.
" I find there are still those Avho deny the doctrine that bank deposits
form an effective addition to the circulation. But let us see. A hank is
established at a point thirty or forty miles distant from any other bank.
Every raan within that circle has been accustoraed tc keep in his pocket
or safe a considerable sum of money during the year. That average
amount is virtually withdraAvn frora circulation, and for the tirae being
is canceled, is dead. After a new bank is established, a large portion

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. , 34?
of that average amount is deposited Avith the bank, and a smaller amount
is carried in their safes and pockets. These accumulated deposits placed
in the bank, at once constitute a fund Avhich can be loaned to those who
need credit. At least tour-fifths of the average amount of deposits can
be loaned out, thus converting dead capital into active circulation.
"But the Avord deposits covers far more than the sums of actual money
placed in the bank by depositors. McLeod, in his great work on bank
ing, says: ' Credits standing in bankers' books, from Avhatever source, are
called deposits. Hence a deposit in banking language ahvays means a
credit in a banker's books in exchange for money or securities for money,'
—Vol. ii, p. 267.
"Much the largest proportion of all bank deposits are of this class —
mere credits on the books of the bank. Outside the bank, these deposits
are represented by checks and drafts. Inside the bank, they effect set
tlements, and make thousands of payments by mere transfer from one
man's account to that of another. This checking and counter-checking
and transferring of credit, amounts to a sum vastly greater than all the
deposits. No stronger illustration of the practical use of deposits can be
found than in the curious fact, that all the heavy payments made by the
merchants and dealers in the city of Amsterdara for half a century, Avere
made through a supposed deposit which had entirely disappeared some
fifty years before its removal was detected. Who does not know that
the six hundred millions of dollars of deposits reported every quarter as
a part of the liabilities of the national banks, are mainly credits which
the banks have given to business men?
"No currency can meet the Avants of this country unless it is fijunded
directly upon the demands of business, and not upon the caprice, the ig
norance, the political selfishness, of any party in power.
" What regulates now the loans and discounts and credits of our
National banks? The business of the country. The amount increases
or decreases^ or remains stationary, as business is fluctuating or steady.
This is a natural form of exchange, based upon the business of the coun
try and regarded by its changes. And when that happy day arrives,
Avhen the Avhole volume of our currency is redeemalsle in gold at the will
of the holder, and recognized by all nations as equal to money, then the
Avhole business of banking, the whole volume of currency, the Avhole
amount of credits, whether in the form of checks, drafts, or bills, will be
regulated by the same general law — the business of the country."

348, ^IFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
At last. Congress came up to the position taken by Garfield in
1868. In 1875, the Resumption Act was passed, providing that,
after January 1, 1879, the United States Treasury would offer one
dollar in gold for each dollar in greenbacks presented for re
demption. It was virtually the same law that Garfield had
advocated ten years before. It was, even now, all that popular
opinion Avould alloAv. In the interim between 1875 and 1879,
every effort Avas made by the paper-money men to repeal the act.
Of General Garfield's speeches in its defense, Ave select that of
November 16, 1877, as the type. The reader shall see Avhether he
had changed his views, whether the panic and hard times had dis
concerted his calculations? Let James. A. Garfield speak for him
self : THE EEPEAL OF THE RESUMPTION ACT.
"We are engaged in a debate which has lasted in the Anglo-Saxon
world for more than two centuries, and hardly any phase of it to Avhich
we have listened in the course of the last Aveek is new. Hardly a pro
position has been heard on either side Avhich Avas not made one hundred
and eighty years ago in England, and almost a hundred years ago in the
United States. So singularly does history repeat itself.
" That man makes a vital mistake Avho judges of truth in relation
to financial affairs from the changing phases of public opinion. ' He might
as well stand on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, and, from the ebb and
flow of a single tide, attempt to determine the general level of the sea,
as to stand on this floor and frora the current of public opinion in any one
debate, judge of the general level of the public raind. It is only when
long spaces along the shore of the sea are taken into account, that the
grand level is found, from which all heights and depths are measured.
And it is only when long spaces of time are considered that Ave find at
last the level of public opinion which we call the general judgment of
mankind. From the turbulent ebb and flow of the public opinion of to
day I appeal to that settled judgment of mankind on the subject-matter
of this debate.
" In the short time which is allotted to me I invite the attention of gen
tlemen, who do me the honor to listen, to a very reraarkable fact. I sup
pose it will be admitted on all hands, that 1860 was a year of unusual
business prosperity in the United States. It was at a time when the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 349
bounties of Providence Avere scattered Avith a liberal hand over the face
of our Republic. It Avas a time when all classes of our commuuity were
well and profitably employed. It was a time of peace; the apprehen
sion of our great civil war had not yet seized the minds of our people.
Great crops North and South, great general prosperity marked the era.
"If one thing was settled above all other questions of financial pohcy
in the American mind at that time, it Avas this, that the only sound,
safe, trustAvorthy standard of value is coin of a standard Aveight and
fineness, or a paper currency convertible into coin at the will of the holder.
That Avas and had been for several generations the almost unanimous
opinion of the American people. It is true there Avas here and there a
theorist dreaming of the philosopher's stone, dreaming of a time when
paper money, Avhich he Avorshiped as a kind of fetish, would be croAvned
a« a god ; but those dreamers Avere so few in number that they made
no ripple on the current of public thought, and their theories formed
no part of public opinion, and the opinion of 1860-'61 Avas the aggregated
result of the opinions of all the foremost Americans Avho have left their
record upon this subject,
"I make this statement Avithout fear of contradiction , because I have
carefully examined the fist of illustrious names and the records they
have left behind them. No man ever sat in the chair of Washington as
President of the United States who has left on record any Avord that fa
vors inconvertible paper money as a safe standard of value. Every
President who has left a record on the subject has spoken Avithout quali
fication in favor of the doctrine I have announced. No man ever sat in
the chair of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States Avho, if he
has spoken at all on the subject, has not left on record an opinion
equally strong, from Hamilton doAvn to the days of the distinguished
father of my colleague [Mr. Ewing], and to the present moment.
"The general judgment of all men Avho deserve to be called the lead
ers of Araeric m thought ought to be considered worth something in an
American House of Representatives ou the discussion of a great topic
like this. What hapjlened to cause a departure from this general level
of public opinion ? Every raan knows the history. War, the imperious
necessities of Avar, led the raen of 1861-'62 to depart from the doctrine of
the fathers ; but they did not depart from it as a matter of choice, but
compelled by overmastering necessity. Every raan in the Senate and
House of 1862 who voted for the greenback law, announced that he did

350 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
it with the greatest possible reluctance and Avith the gravest apprehension
for the result. Every man who spoke on the subject, from Thaddeus
Stevens to the humblest raemberin this House, and from Fessenden to the
humblest Senator, Avarned his country against the danger that might fol
low, and pledged his honor that at the earliest possible raoment the country
should be brought back to the old, safe-established doctrine of the fathers.
" When they raade the law creating the greenbacks they incorporated
into its essential provisions the raost solemn pledge men could devise,
that they Avould come back to the doctrines of the fathers. The very
law that created the greenback provided for its I'edemption and retire
ment; and every time the necessities of war required an additional issue,
new guarantees and ncAV limitations were put upon the new issues to in
sure their ultimate redemption. They were issued upon the fundamen
tal condition that the number should be so liraited forever that under
the law of contracts the courts might enforce their sanctions. The men
of 1862 knew the dangers frora sad experience in our history ; and, like
Ulysses, lashed themselves to the mast of public credit Avhen they era-
barked upon the stormy and boisterous sea of inflated paper money, that
they might not be beguiled by the siren song which would he sung to
them when they were afloat on the Avild waves.
" But the times have changed; new men are on deck; men Avho have
forgotten the old pledges; and noAV only twelve years have passed (for as
late as 1865 this House, with but six dissenting votes, resolved again to
stand by the old ways and bring the country back to sound money)-^only
twelve years have passed, and Avhat do we find ? We find a group of the
orists and doctrinaires who look upon the wisdom of the fathers as fool
ishness. We find some who advocate what they call "absolute money;"
who declare that a piece of paper stamped a " dollar" is a dollar; that
gold and silver are a part of the barbarism of the past, which ought to be
forever abandoned. We hear them declaring that resumption is a delu
sion and a snare. . We here thera declaring that the eras of prosperity
are the eras of paper raoney ; and they point us to all times of inflation
as a period of blessing to the people, prosperity to business ; and they ask
us no raore to vex their ears Avith any allusion to the old standard, the
money of the Constitution. Let the Avild crop of financial literature that
has sprung into life within the last twelve years Avitness how widely and
how far we have drifted. We have lost our old moorings, have thrown
overboard our old compass ; we sail by alien stars, looking not for the
haven, but are afloat on an unknoAvn sea 

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. S51
"No theory of currency that existed in 1860 can justify the volume
now outstanding. Either our laAvs of trade, our laAvs of value, our laAvs
of exchange, have been utterly reversed or the currency of to-day is in ex
cess of the legitiraate wants of trade. But I admit freely that no Con
gress is Avise enough to determine how much currency the country needs.
There never Avas a body of men wise enough to do that. The volurae of
currency needed, depends upon laws that are higher than Congress and
higher than governments. One thing only legislation can do. It can de
termine the quality of the money of the country. The laws of trade
alone can determine its quantity.
" In connection with this vieAv Ave are met by the distinguished gentle
man Irora Pennsylvania [Mr. Kelley] Avith tAVO historical references on
Avhich he greatly relies in opposing resuraption. The first is his refer
ence to France. Follow France, says the honorable gentleman from
Pennsylvania, follow France, and see how she poured out her volumes of
paper raoney, and by it survived a great crisis and raaintained her busi
ness prosperity. Oh, that the gentleman and those who vote Avith hira
would follow France! I gladly folloAv up his allusion to France. As a
proof that we have not enough money, he notices the fact that France has
ahvays used more money than either the United States or England. I ad
mit it. But does the gentleman not knoAV that the traditions and habits of
France are as unUke those of England and the United States as those of
any two nations of the world can be in regard to the use of money ? I
say to the gentleman that in France, banking, as an instruraent of trade,
is almost unknoAvn. There are no banks in France except the Bank of
France itself. The government has been trying for twenty years to es
tablish branches in all the eighty-nine departments, and thus far only fifty-
six branches have been organized. Our national. State, and private
banks nuraber nearly ten thousand. The habits of the French people
are not adapted to the use of banks as instruments of exchange. All the
deposits in all the saving-banks of France are not equal to the deposits in
the saving-banks of New York City alone. It is the frequent complaint
of Americans who make purchases in Paris that the merchants Avill not
accept drafts, even on the Bank of France.
"Victor Bonnet, a recent French writer, says: 'The use of deposits,
bank accounts, and checks, is still in its infancy in this country. They
are very little used even in great cities, while in the rest of France they
are completely unknown. It is, hoAvever, to be hoped that there Avill be
more employed hereafter, and that here, as in England and the United

352 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
States, payments will be more generally made through the medium of
bankers and by transfers in account-current. If this should be the case,
Ave shall economize both in the use of specie and of bank-notes ; for it is
to be observed that the use of bank-notes does not reach its fullest de
velopment except in countries where the keeping of bank accounts is
uuiversal, as is evident by comparing France in this respect with En
gland.' "M. Pinard, manager of the Comptoir d'Escompte, testified before the
commission of inquiry, that the greatest efibrts had been made by that
institution to induce French merchants and shopkeepers to adopt English
habits in respect to the use of checks and the keeping of bank accounts,
but in vain; their prejudices were invincible. 'It was no use reasoning
Avith them ; they Avould not do it, because they would not.'
" So long as the business of their country is thus done hand to hand
by the use of cash, they need a much greater volume of money in pro
portion to their business than England or the United States.
"How is it in England? Statistics, Avhich no man will gainsay, will
show that ninety-five per cent, of all the great mercantile transactions of
England is done by drafts, checks, and commercial bills and only five
per cent, by the actual use of cash. The great business of commerce
and trade is done by drafts and bills. Money is now only the small
change of commerce. And how is it in this country? We have adopted
the habits of England, and not of France, in this regard. In 1871,
Avhen I Avas Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Currency, I
asked the Comptroller of the Currency to issue an order naming fifty-
two banks which were to make an analysis of their receipts. I selected
three groups : The first group Avere the city banks ; not, however, the
clearing-house banks, but the great city banks not in the clearing-house
association. The second group consisted of banks in cities of the size of
Toledo and Dayton, in the State of Ohio. In the third group, if I may
coin a word, I selected the 'countriest' banks — the smallest that could
be found at points away from railroads and telegraphs.
" The order was that all those banks should analyze all their receipts for
six consecutive days, putting into one list all that can be called cash, either
in coin, greenbacks, bank-notes, or coupons ; and into the other list all
drafts, checks, or commercial bills. What was the result? During those
six days $157,000,000 were received over the counters of those fifty-two
banks ; and, of that amount, $19,370,000 was in cash — tAvelve per cent.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 353
only in cash ; and eighty-eight per cent, of that vast amount, represent
ing every grade of business, was in checks, drafts, and commercial bills.
Does a country that transacts its business in that way need as much
currency afloat among the people as a country like France, Avithout
banks, Avithout savings institutions, and Avhose people keep their money
in hoards.
"I remember in reading one of the novels of Dumas, Avhen an officer
of the French army sent home his agent to run his farm, he loaded him
down Avith silver enough to conduct the business for a year; there Avas
no thought of giving him credit in a bank ; but of locking in the till, at
the beginning of the year, enough coin to do the business of the year.
So much for the difference between the habits of France and those of
Anglo-Saxon countries. Let us now consider the conduct of France
during and since the German war. In July, 1870, the year before th?
Avar began, the Bank of France had outstanding $251,000,000 of paper
circulation, and held in its vaults $229,000,000 of coin. When the Avar
broke out, they were compelled immediately to issue more paper, and to
make it a legal tender. They took pattern by us in their necessity, and
issued paper until, on the 19th of November, 1873, four years ago next
Monday, they had $602,000,000 of paper issued by the Bank of France,
while the coin in the bank was reduced to $146,000,000.
" But the moment their great war was over, they did Avhat I recom
mended to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Kelley], they com
menced to reduce their paper circulation, and in one year reduced it
almost $100,000,000, and increased the coin circulation $120,000,000,
In the year 1876 they had pushed into circulation $200,000,000 of coin,
and retired nearly all their small notes. They are at this moment Avithin
fifty days of resumption of specie payments. Under their law, fifty days
from to-day, France will again come into the illustrious line of nations
who believe in a sound currency. 1 commend to the eloquent gentleman
from Pennsylvania [Mr. Kelley] the example of France. . , .
"The overAA'helming and fixed opinion of England is that the cash-
resumption act of 1819 Avas a blessing and not a curse, and that the
evils which England suffered frora 1821 to 1826 did not arise from the
resumption of cash payments. I appeal to every great Avriter of ac
knowledged character in England for the truth of this position. I ask
the gentleman to read the eighth chapter of the second book of Miss
Martineau's Histmy of the Peace, where the case is admirably stated.
23

354 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
I appeal also to the opinion of Parliament itself, especially to the House
of Commons, AA'hich is as sensitive an index of public opinion as En
gland knows. When they Avere within about eighteen months of re
sumption of specie payment, a motion Avas raade, like the motion of my
colleague from Ohio []\Ir. Ewing], that the resumption-act bill be re
pealed or modified, because it was producing- distress. And a number of
gentlemen in the House of Commons made speeches of the same spirit as
those Avhlch Ave ha\-e heard here Avithin the past Aveek. The distress among
the people, the crippling of business, the alarm of the mercantile classes,
all Avere paraded in the House of Commons, and were ansAvered by those
knights of finance Avhose names have become illustrious in English his
tory. And at the end of a long debate on that proposition, on the 11th
of April, 1821, a vote Avas taken, and the proposition was rejected by a
vote of 141 to 27. In other words, by a vote of 141 to 27 the House
of Commons resolved that their act for the resumption of specie pay
ments Avas not causing distress, and ought not to be repealed, and ought
not to be modified, except to make it more effective. As a matter of
fact, it was so modified as to allow resumption to take place much sooner
than was provided in the act of 1819.
"I now proceed to notice the second point that has been made in favor
of this bill. It is assumed that specie payment will injure the debtor
class of this country, and thereby oppress the poor ; in other words, that
the enforcement of the resuraption law Avill oppress the poor and increase
the riches of the rich, it is assumed that the laboring-men are in debt,
and that the rich men constitute the creditor class. I deny this proposition
in toto. I affirm that the vast majority of the creditors of this country
are the poor people; that the vast majority of the debtors of this country
are the Avell-to-do people — in fact, people Avho are moderately rich.
"As a raatter of fact, the poor man, the laboring- man, can not get
heavily in debt. He has not the security to offer. Men lend their
money on security, and in the A-ery nature of the case poor men can
borroAV but little. What then do poor men do Avith their small earnings?
When a man has earned, out of his hard work, a hundred dollars more
than he needs for current expenses, he reasons thus : ' I can not go into
business Avith a hundred dollars; I can not embark in trade; but, as I
work, I Avant my money to Avork.' And so he puts his small gains where
they will earn something. He lends his money to a wealthier neighbor,
or puts it in the savings-bank. There were, in the United States, on the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 355
first of November, 1876, forty-four hundred and seventy-five savings-
banks and private banks of deposit, and their deposits amounted to
$1,377,000,000, almost three-fourths of the amount of our national debt.
Over tAVO and a half .millions of the citizens of the United States were de
positors. In some States the deposits did not average raore than $250
each. The great mass of the depositors are men and Avonien of small
raeans — laborers, widows, and orphans. They are the lenders of this
enormous aggregate. The savings-banks, as their agents, lend it to
whom ? Not to the laboring poor, but to the business men Avho Avisli to
enlarge their business beyond their_ capital. Speculators sometimes bor
row it. But in the main, well-to-do business raen borrow these hoardings.
Thus the poor lend to the rich.
"There is another way in which poor men dispose of their money. A
man says : ' I can keep my Avife and babies from starving Avhile I live and
have my health, but if I die they may be compelled to go over the hills
to the poor-house'; and, agonized by that thought, he saves out of his
hard earnings enough to take out and keep alive a small life-insurance
policy, so that, if he dies, there may be something left, provided the in
surance company to Avhich he intrusts his money is honest enough to keep
its pledges. And how many men do you think have done that in the
United States? I do not know the number for the whole country, but I
do know this, that frora a late report to the insurance commissioner of
the State of New York, it appears that the companies doing business in
that State had 774,625 policies in force, and the face value of these poli
cies was $1,922,000,000. I find, by looking over the returns, that in my
State there are 55,000 policies outstanding; in Pennsylvania, 74,000; in
Maine, 17,000; in Maryland, 25,000; and, in the State of New York,
160,090. There are, of course, some rich men insured in these compa
nies, but the majority are poor people, for the policies do not average
more than $2,200 each. What is done with the assets of these compa
nies, which amount to 8445,000,000 ? They are loaned out. Here again
the creditor class is the poor, and the insurance companies are the agents
of the poor to lend their money for them. It Avould be dishonorable for
Congress to legislate either for the debtor class or for the creditor class
alone. We ought to legislate for the whole country. But Avhen gentle
men attempt to manufacture sentiment against the resumption act, by
saying it will help the rich and hurt the poor, they are overAvhelraingly
answered by the facts.

356 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" Suppose you undo the work that Congress has attempted — to resume
specie payment — what Avill result? You Avill depreciate the value of the
greenback. Suppose it falls ten cents on the dollar, you will have de
stroyed ten per cent, of the \'alue of every deposit in the savings-banks,
ten per cent, of every life-insurance policy and fire-insurance policy, of
every pension to the soldier, and of every day's wages of every laborer
in the nation.
"In the census of 1870, it was estimated that on any given day there
were $120,000,000 due to laborers for their unpaid wages. That is a
small estimate. Let the greenback dollar corae down ten per cent, and
you take $12,000,000 from the men who have already earned it. In the
name of every interest connected Avith the poor raan I denounce this
effort to prevent resumption. Daniel Webster never uttered a greater
truth in finance than when he said that of all contrivances to cheat the
laboring-classes of mankind, none was so effective as that which deluded
them with an irredeemable paper raoney. The rich can take care of
themselves, but the dead-weight of all the fluctuations and losses falls
ultimately on the poor man Avho has only his day's Avork to sell.
" I admit that in the passage from peace to AA'ar there was a great
loss to one class of the community, to the creditors ; and in the return
to the basis of peace some loss to debtors Avas inevitable. This injustice
was unavoidable. The loss and gain did not fall upon the same. The
evil could not be balanced nor adjusted. The debtors of 1862-65 are
not the debtors of 1877. The most competent judges declare that the
average life of the private debts in the United States is not more than
two years. Of course, obligations may be renewed, but the average
length of private debts in this country is not more than two years.
Now, Ave have already gone tAA'o years on the road to resumption, and
the country has been adjusting itself to the new condition of things.
The people have expected resumption, and have already discounted most
of the hardships and sufferings incident to the change. The agony is
almost over ; and if we now embark again upon the open sea Ave lose all
that has been gained, and plunge the country into the necessity of vent
uring once raore over the sarae boisterous ocean, with all its perils and
uncertainties. I speak the deepest convictions of my mind and heart
Avhen I say that, should this resumption act be repealed and no effectual
substitute be put in its place, the day is not far distant when all of us,
looking back on this time from the depths of the evils which will result.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 357
will regret, Avith all our poAver to regret, the day when we again let
loose the dangers of inflation upon the country.
* * * * * *,:)< ^;
"Although I do not beheve in keeping greenbacks as a permanent
currency in the United States, although I do not myself believe in the
Government becoming a permanent banker, yet I am wiUing for one that,
in order to prevent the shock to business which gentlemen fear, the
$300,000,000 of greenbacks shall be allowed to remain in circulation as
long as the wants of trade show manifestly that they are needed. Now,
is that a great contraction? Is it contraction at all?
"Why, gentlemen, when you have brought your greenback up two
and one-half cents higher in value, you will have added to your volume
of money $200,000,000 of gold coin Avhich can not circulate until green
backs are brought to par.
"Let those who are afraid of contraction consider that and answer it.
"Summing it all up in a word: the struggle now pending in the
House is on the one hand to make the greenback better, and on the
other to make it worse. The resumption act is making it better every
day. Repeal that act and you make it infinitely worse. In the name
of every man who wants his own when he has earned it, I demand that
we do not make the wages of the poor man to shrivel in his hands aftei
he has earned it; but that his money shall be made better and better,
until the plow-holder's money shall be as good as the bond-holder'.-
money; until our standard is one, and there is no longer one money for
the rich and another for the poor."
With these bits of marble chipped from the temple of his argu
ments on the currency question, we must content ourselves.
Upon this question Garfield was undoubtedly ahead of his gener
ation. The resumption bill which he introduced in 1868 was
better than the one adopted in 1875. He presented the funda
mental principles as he understood them in 1868. From thera he
never changed. All subsequent efforts were but their elaboration,
and, at this writing, history itself is their fulfillment and demon
stration. It is easy to see that his style of speaking changed someAvhat,.
He became more terse and epigrammatic. He condensed the

358 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
philosophical parts of his speeches, and enlarged the practical
parts. He became more direct in address, more sparing of orna
ment, and simpler in language. But this was all. He was never
knoAvn to be on but one side of a question. He took his position
only after the most laborious investigations and careful thought,
Ouce taken, nothing could driA'e him from it. In his answers to
the riddles propounded by the Sphinx of American currency and
finance, James A. Garfield is entitled to a place in the gallery of
fame, beside the greatest financiers known to our national history.
In the future, no authority Avill be, or can be, higher than Gar
field, Our next inquiiy relates to Garfield's record upon questions affect
ing THE ReA'EXUE and EXPENDITURES OF THE UnITED StATES.
OAving to his long service on the Committees of Ways and Means
and on Appropriations, these twin topics of surpassing importance
continually lay like couchant lions right in his political pathway.
Of the question of revenue, the tariff is the most vital branch.
On the subjects of free-trade and protection, Garfield had made up
his mind Avhile at Williams College, Professor Perry, the in
structor in political economy, was an unqualified free-trader. After
his usual careful investigation, Garfield took the opposite view.
He formulated the folloAving proposition : "As an abstract theory,
the doctrine of Free-Trade seems to be universally true, but as a
question of practicability, under a government like ours, the pro
tective system seems to be indispensable."
Into the defense of that proposition he threw all his energies.
In his speeches on the tariff we Avill find but one continual elabo
ration of this vicAv. The speeches are moderate and conser\'a-
tive, avoiding either extreme. His object was to legislate for the
Avhole country and not for any locality or class alone. On April 1,
1870, he delivered a speech on the tariff, AA'hich is of the first rank
among his earlier efforts.
It presents an interesting history of England's tariff policy to
Avard the colonies, a brilliant discussion of the trend of prices
since the Avar, and closes Avith a revicAV of the eventful history of
tariff legislation in this country, not omitting the South Carolina

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 359
nullification. The high tariffs required by the high prices pre
vailing during the AAar, he thought, should be gradually re
duced. Every one knoAvs that the advantage of a high tariff on
imports is the protection it gives to American industry by keep
ing up the prices here, and preventing competition with the cheap
labor of Europe, But it is equally true that, Avhile keeping prices
up is good for the seller, and indirectly for the laborer Avhom he
eraploys, it is bad for the buyer. Free-trade makes Ioav prices.
Avoiding alike the Scylla on the one hand and the Charybdis on
the other, Garfield cho.se a medium. He closed his sj^eech of April
1, 1870, by an appeal against either extreme:
" I stand noAv where I have ahvays stood since I have been a member
of this House. I take the liberty of quoting, from the Congressional
Globe of 1866, the folloAving remarks which I then made on the subject of
the tariff:
" ' We have seen that one extrerae school of economists Avould place
the price of all manufactured articles in the hands of foreign producers
by rendering it irapossible for our manufacturers to compete Avith them ;
while the other extreme school, by making it impossible for the foreigner
to sell his competing Avares in our market, AA'ould give the jieople no im
mediate check upon the prices Avhich our manufacturers might fix for
their products. I disagree with both these extremes. I hold that a prop
erly adjusted competition between home and foreign products is the best
gauge by which to regulate international trade. Duties should be so
high that our manufacturers can fairly compete Avith the foreign product,
but not so high as to enable them to drive out the foreign article, enjoy a
monopoly of the trade, and regulate the price as they please. This is
my doctrine of protection. If Congress pursue this line of policy stead
ily, Ave shall, year by year, approach more nearly to the basis of free-
trade, because we shall be more nearly able to compete with other nations
on equal terms. I am for that protection whieh leads to ultimate free-trade.
I am for that free-trade which can only be achieved through a reasonable
protection.' "
As the representative of General Garfield's tariff speeches in these
pages, we select the one of February 4, 1878. Of this .speech a
gentleman of high abilities and information, says : " Having read

360 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and re-read it carefully, and having read all the great speeches
made in Congress for forty years before the Avar on this difficult
question, it is my deliberate conviction that the sound American ,
doctrine of protection has never been stated Avith equal clearness,
breadth, and practicality." THE TARIFF.
" A feAV days ago, the distinguished gentleman from Virginia, Avho now
occupies the chair [Mr. Tucker], made a speech of rare ability and
poAver, in Avhieh he placed at the front of his line of discussion a question
that was never raised in American legislation until our present form of
Government Avas forty years old ; the question of the constitutionality of
a tariff for the encouragement and protection of manufacturers. The first
page of the printed speech of the gentleman, as it appears in the Con
gressional Record, is devoted to an elaborate and very able discussion of
that question.
"He insists that the two poAvers conferred upon Congress, to levy duties
and to regulate commerce, are entirely distinct from each other; that the
one can not by any fair construction be applied to the other ; that the
methods of the one are not the methods of the other, and that the capital
mistake AvhIch he conceives has been made in the legislation of the
country for many years is that the power to tax has been applied to the
regulation of commerce, and through that to the protection of manufac
tures. He holds that if Ave Avere to adopt a proper construction of the
Constitution Ave should find that the regulation of commerce does not
permit the protection of manufactures, nor can the poAver to tax be ap
plied, directly or indirectly, to that object.
" I Avill not enter into any elaborate discussion of that question, but I
can not refrain from expressing my admiration of the courage of the gen
tleman from Virginia, Avho in that part of his speech brought himself
into point-blank range of the terrible artillery of Jaraes Madison, one of
the fathers ot the Constitution, and Virginia's great expounder of its pro
visions. "In a letter addressed to Joseph C. Cabell, on the 18th of March,
1827, Avill be found one of those discussions in Avhich Mr. Madison gives
categorically thirteen reasons against the very constitutional theory ad
vanced now by the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Tucker]. It would
almost seem that the distinguished author of the book which I hold in

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 301
my hand had prophetically in his mind the very speech delivered in this
House by the later Virginian, for he refutes its arguments, point by point.
thoroughly and completely.
" I say that more than a hundred pages of JIadison's works are devoted
to discussing and exploding what Avas, in 1828, this ueAV notion of consti
tutional construction. In one of these papers he calls to mind the fact
that sixteen of the men who framed the Constitution sat in the first Con
gress and helped to frame a tariff expressly for the protection of domestic
industries ; and it is fair to presume that these men understood the mean
ing of the Constitution.
"I Avill close this phase of the discussion by calling the attention of
the coramittee to the language of the Constitution itself:
" 'The Congress shall have poAver to lay and collect taxes, duties, im
posts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense
and general welfare of the United States.'
" Language could hardly be plainer to declare the great general objects
to which the taxing j)OAver is to be applied.
" It should be borne in mind that reA'enue is the life-blood of a govern
ment, circulating through every part of its organization and giving force
and vitality to every function. The power to tax is therefore the great
motive poAver, and its regulation impels, retards, restrains, or limits all
the functions of the Government.
" What are these functions? The Constitution authorizes Congress to
regulate and control this great motive power, the poAver to levy and col
lect duties ; and the objects for which duties are to he levied and col
lected are summarized in three great groups: First, 'to pay debts.' By
this, the arm of the Governraent sweeps over all its past history and pro
tects its honor by discharging all obligations that have come down from
former years. Second, is ' to provide for the common defense.' By this,
the mailed arm of the Government sweeps the great circle of the Union
to defend it against foes fiora without and insurrection Avithin. And,
third, is to ' promote the general Avelfare.' These are the three great
objects to which the Constitution applies the power of taxation. They
are all great, beneficient, national objects, and can not be argued out of
existence. " The fifteen specifications following in the eighth section of the same
article — such as the poAver to raise armies, to maintain a navy, to establish
courts, to coin money, to regulate commerce with foreign nations and

362 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
aniong the several States, to proraote science and the useful arts by
granting patents and copyrights — are all specifications and limitations of
the methods by which this great central power of taxation is to be ap
plied to the comraon defense and the general welfare. And it is left to
the discretion of Congress to determine hoAV these objects shall be se
cured by the use of the powers thus conferred upon it,
" The men Avho created this Constitution also set it in operation, and
developed their own idea of its character. That idea Avas unlike any
other that then prevailed upon the earth. They raade the general wel
fare of the people the great source and foundation of the common defense.
In all the nations of the Old World the public defense was provided for
by great standing armies, navies, and fortified posts, so that the nation
might every moment be fully armed against danger from Avithout or tur
bulence Avithiu. Our fathers said : ' Though Ave Avill use the taxing power
to maintain a small army and navy sufficient to keep alive the kuoAvl-
edge of Avar, yet the main reliance for our defense shall be the intelli
gence, culture, and skill of our people ; a development of our oavu intel
lectual and material resources, whieh will enable us to do every thing
that may be necessary to equip, clothe, and feed ourselves in time of Avar,
and make ourselves intelligent, happy, and prosperous in peace.'
" To lay the foundation for the realization of these objects was a lead
ing motive Avhich led to the formation of the Constitution, and was the
earliest and greatest object of solicitude in the First Congress.
"Two days after the votes for president were counted, and long before
Washington was inaugurated, James Madison rose in the first House of
Representatives, and for the first time moved to go into the Committee of
the Whole on the state of the Union, for the express purpose of carrying
out the theory of the Constitution to provide for the conimon defense
and the general welfare, both by regulating commerce and protecting
Araerican manufactures. Thus, on the 8th of April, 1789, he opened a
debate which lasted several Aveeks, in Avhich was substantially developed
every idea that has since appeared save one, the notion that it Avas uncon
stitutional to protect American industry. All other .phases of the sub
ject Avere fully and thoroughly handled in that great debate.
"Our fathers had been disciplined in the severe school of experience
during the long period of colonial dependence. The heavy hand of Brit
ish repression Avas laid upon all their attempts to become a self-supporting
people. The navigation laws and commercial regulations of the mother

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 363
country were based upon the theory that the colonies were founded for
the sole purpose of raising up customers for her trade. They Avere
allowed to purchase in British markets alone any manufactured article
which England had to sell. In short, they Avere compelled to trade Avith
England on her own terms ; and Avhether buying or selling, the product
must be carried in British bottoms at the carrier's own price. In addi
tion to this, a revenue tax of 5 per cent. Avas imposed on all colonial
exports and imports.
The colonists were doomed to the servitude of furnishing, by the sim
plest forms of labor, raAV materials for the mother country, Avho arro
gated to herself the sole right to supply her colonies with the finished
product. To our fathers, independence Avas emancipation from this serv
itude. They knew that civilization adA'anced from the hunting to the
pastoral state, from the pastoral to the agricultural, Avhich has such
charms for the distinguished gentleman from Virginia. But they also
knew that no merely agricultural people had ever been able to rise to a
high civilization and to self-supporting independence. They determined,
therefore, to raake their emancipation complete by adding to agriculture
the mechanic arts, Avhich in their turn would carry agriculture and all
other industries to a still higher development, and place our people in
the front rank of civilized and self-supporting nations. This idea in
spired the legislation of all the earlier Congresses. It found expression
in the first tariff act of 1789; in the higher rates of the act of 1790;
and in the still larger schedule and increased rates of the acts of 1797
and 1800.
In 1806 the non-importation act forbade the importation of British
manufactures of silk, cloth, nails, spikes, brass, tin, and many other arti
cles ; and the eight years of embargo Avitnessed a great groAvth in Amer
ican manufactures. When the non-importation act was repealed in 1814,
John C. Calhoun assured the country that Congress Avould not fail to
provide other adequate means for promoting the development of our
industries; and, under his lead, the protective tariff of 1816 was
enacted. "I have given this brief historical sketch for the purpose of exhibiting
the ideas out of which the tariff legislation of this country has sprung.
It has received the support of the most renowned names in our early his
tory; and, though the principle of protection has sometimes been carried
to an unreasonable extreme, thus bringing reproach upon the system, it

364 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
has nevertheless borne many of the fruits Avhich Avere anticipated by those
who planted the germ.
" Gentlemen Avho oppose this vieAV of public policy tell us that they
favor a tariff for revenue alone. I therefore invite their attention to the
revenue phase of the question. The estimated expenditures for the next
fiscal year are tAvo hundred and eighty and one-half million dollars, in
cluding interest on the public debt and the appropriations required by law
for the sinking fund. The Secretary of the Treasury estimates the reve
nues Avhich our present laAvs Avill furnish at $269,000,000; from customs,
one hundred and thirty-three millions; from internal revenue, one hun
dred and twenty raillions; and from miscellaneous sources, sixteen mill
ions. He tells us that it will be necessary to cut doAvn the expenditure^
eleven millions below the estimates in order to prevent a deficit of that
amount. The revenues of the last fiscal year failed by three and a
quarter millions to meet the expenditures required by law.
" In the face of these facts can we safely diminish our reA'enues? If
Ave mean to preserve the public faith and meet all the necessities of the
Governraent we can not reduce the present revenues a single dollar. Yet
the majority of this House not only propose to reduce the internal tax on
spirits and tobacco but they propose in this bill to reduce the revenues on
customs by at least $6,000,000. To avoid the disgrace of a deficit they
propose to suspend the operations of the sinking fund and thereby shake
the foundation of the public credit. But they tell us that some of the re
ductions made in this bill Avill increase rather than diminish the revenue.
Perhaps on a fcAv articles this Avill be true; but as a Avhole it is undeniable
that this bill Avill effect a considerable reduction in the revenues from
customs. "Gentlemen on the other side have been in the habit of de
nouncing our present tariff laAvs as destructive to, rather than pro
ductive of, revenue. Let me invite their attention to a few plain
facts :
"During the fifteen years that preceded our late Avar — a period of so-
called revenue tariff's — we raised from customs an average annual revenue
of forty-seven and a half million dollars, ne\'er in any year receiving
more than .sixty-four millions. That system brought us a heavy deficit
in 1860, so th;it Congress Avas compelled to borrow money to meet the
ordinary expenses of the Governraent.
"Do they tell us that our present laAv fails to produce an adequate

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 365
revenue? They denounce it as not a revenue tariff. Let thera wrestle
with the folloAving fact: During the eleven years that have passed since
the close of the Avar we have averaged one hundred and seventy and
one-half raillion dollars of revenue per annum from customs alone. Can
they say that this is not a revenue tariff Avhich produces more than three
times as much revenue per annum as that law did Avhich they delight to
call 'the revenue tariflT?' In one year, 1872, the revenues from the cus
toms amounted to tAvo hundred and twelve millions. Can they say that
the present law does not produce revenue? It produces from textile
fabrics alone raore revenue than we ever raised frora all sources under
any tariff before the Avar. Frora this it follows that the assault upon
the present laAV fails if made on the score of revenue alone.
" I freely admit that revenue is the primary object of taxation. That
object is attained by existing laAV. But it is an incidental and vitally
important object of the laAV to keep in healthy groAVth those industries
which are necessary to the Avell-being of the whole country.
"Let us glance at the leading industries Avhich, under the provisions
of the existing laAV, are enabled to maintain themselves in the sharp
struggle of competition Avith other countries. I Avill name thera in fiA'e
groups. In the first I place the textile fabrics, manufactures of cotton,
wool, flax, hemp, jute, and silk. From these we reeeiA'ed during the
last fiscal year $50,000,000, Avhich is more than one-third of all our
customs revenue,
"It is said that A tax should not be levied upon the clothing of the
people. This would be a valid objection Avere it not for the fact that
objects of the highest national importance are secured by its imposition.
That forty -five millions of people should be able to clothe themselves
Avithout helpless dependence upon other nations is a matter of transcend
ent importance to every citizen. What American can be indifferent to
the fact that in the year 1875 the State of Massachusetts alone produced
992,000,000 yards of textile fabrics, and in doing so consumed seventy-
five million dollars' AVorth of the products of the fields and flocks, and
gave employment to 12Q,000 artisans? There is a touch of pathos in
the apologetic reply of Governor SpottsAvood, an eariy colonial Governor
of Virginia, when he Avrote to his British superiors :
" 'The people of Virginia, more of necessity than inclination, attempt
to clothe themselves with their oavu manufactures. ... It is cer
tainly necessary to divert their application to some commodity less preju-

366 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFiELD.
dicial to the trade of England.' — Bancroft's History of the United States,
vol. iv, page 104.
"Thanks to our independence, such apologies are no longer needed.
Some of the rates on the textiles are exorbitant and ought to be re
duced ; but the general principle Avhich prevades the group is wise and
beneficent, not only as a means of raising revenue, but as a measure of
national economy.
"In the second group I have placed the metals, including glass and
chemicals. Though the tariff upon this group has been severely de
nounced in this debate, the rate does not average more than thirty-six
per cent, ad valorem, and the group produced about $14,000,000 of reA'e
nue last year. Besides serving as a source of public revenue, what in
telligent man fails to see that the metals are the basis of all the machin
ery, tools, and implements of every industry? More than any other in
the Avorld's history, this is the age when inventive genius is bending aU
its energies to devise means to increase the effectiveness of human labor.
The mechanical wonders displayed at our Centennial Exposition are a
sufficient illustration.
"The people that can not make their OAvn implements of industry
must be content to take a very humble and subordinate place in the
family of nations. The people that can not, at any time, by their own
previous training, arm and equip themseh'es for Avar, must be content to
exist by the sufferance of others.
"I do not say that no rates in this group are too high. Some
of them can safely be reduced. But I do say these industries
could not have attained their present success Avithout the national
care ; and to - abandon them now Avill prevent their continued pros
perity. "In the third group I place wines, spirits, and tobacco in' its various
forms Avhich come from abroad. On these, rates of duty range from
eighty-five to ninety-five per cent, ad valorem; and from them Ave col
lected last year $10,000,000 of revenue. The Avisdom of this tax will
hardly be disputed by any one.
"In the fourth group I have placed imported provisions Avhich come in
competition Avith the products of our oavu fields and herds, including
breadstuffs, salt, rice, sugar, raolasses, and spices. On these provisions
imported into this country Ave collected last year a revenue of $42,000,000,
$37,000,000 of which Avas collected on sugar. Of the duty on the

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 367
^jrincipal article of this group I shall speak further on in the
discussion. "On the fifth group, comprising leather and manufactures of leather,
Ave received about $3,000,000 of re\'enue.
"On the imports included in the five groups I have mentioned, which
comjirise the great manufacturing industries of the country, Ave collect
8119,000,000 — more than ninety per cent, of all our customs reA'enue.
I ask if it be not an object of the highest national importance to keep
ahve and in vigorous health and groAvth the industries included in these
groups? What sort of people should Ave be if we did not keep them
alive? Suppose Ave were to follow the advice of the distinguished gen
tleman from Virginia [Mr. Tucker] Avhen he said:
" 'Why should me make pig-iron when Avith- Berkshire pigs raised
upon our farms Ave can buy more iron pigs from England than Ave can
get by trying to raake them ourselves? ^Ve can get more iron pigs from
England for Berkshire pigs than Ave can frora the Pennsylvania manu
facturers. Why, then, should I not be permitted to send there for
them? . . .
" 'What a market for our raw material, for our products, if we only
Avould take the hand which Great Britain extends to us fo;- free-trade
between us ! '
" For a single season, perhaps, his plan might be profitable to the
consumers of iron ; but if his policy Avere adopted as a permanent one,
it would reduce us to a merely agricultural people, Avhose chief bu.siness
Avould be to produce the simplest raw materials by the least skill and
culture, and let the men of brains of other countries do our thinking for
us, and provide for us all products requiring the cunning hand of the
artisan, while we would be compelled to do the drudgery for ourselves
and for them.
" The gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Tucker] is too good a logician not
to see that the theory he advocates can only be realized in a state of uni
versal peace and brotherhood among the nations ; and, in developing his
plan, he says :
"'Commerce, Mr. Chairman, links all mankind in one coramon
brotherhood of mutual dependence and interests, and thus creates that
unity of our race Avhich makes the resources of all the property of each
and every member. We can not if Ave Avould, and should not if Ave
could, remain isolated and alone. Men under the benign influence of

368 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Christianity yearn for intercourse, for the interchange of thought and
the products of thought as a means of a common progress toward a
nobler civilization-. 
'"Mr. Chairman, I can not believe this is according to the Divine
plan. Christianity bids us seek, in communion Avith our brethren of every
race and clime, the blessings they can afford us, and to bestoAV in return
u])on thera those with which our new continent is destined to fill the
world.' " This, I admit, is a grand conception, a beautiful vision of the time
Avhen all the nations shall dwell in peace ; Avhen all will be, as it Avere, one
nation, each furnishing to the others what they can not profitably pro
duce, and all working harmoniously together in the millennium of peace.
If all the kingdoms of -the world should become the kingdom of the Prince
of Peace, then I admit that universal free-trade ought to prevail. But
that blessed era is yet too reraote to be made the basis of the practical
legislation of to-day. We are not yet members of the ' parliament of
man, the federation of the world.' For the present, the world is divided
into separate nationalities; and that other divine command still applies
to our situation : ' He that provideth not for his own household has de
nied the faith, and is worse than an infidel;' and, until that better era
arrives, patriotism raust supply the place of universal brotherhood.
" For the present Gortschakoff can do more good to the Avorld by tak
ing care of Russia. The great Bismarck can accomplish more for his
era by being, as he is, a German to the core, and promoting the welfare
of the German Empire. Let Beaconsfield take care of England, and
McMahon of France, and let Americans devote themselves to the Avel
fare of America. When each does his best for his OAvn nation to pro
mote prosperity, justice, and peace, all Avill have done raore for the world
than if all had attempted to be cosmopolitans rather than patriots. [Ap
plause.] " But I Avish to say, Mr. Chairman, that I have no sympathy Avith
those who approach this question only from the standpoint of their OAvn
local, selfish interest. When a man comes to me and says, ' Put a pro
hibitory duty on the foreign article Avhich competes with my product, that
I may get rich more rapidly,' he does not excite my ^sympathy; he re
pels me ; and Avhen another says, ' Give no protection to the manufac
turing industries, for I ara not a manufacturer and do not care to have
them sustained,' I say that he, too, is equally mercenary and unpatriotic.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 369
If Ave were to legislate in that spirit, I might turn to the gentleman from
Chicago and say, ' Do not ask rae to vote for an appropriation to build
a court-house or a post-office in your city; I never expect to get any
letters from that office, and the people of my district never expect to
be in your courts.' If Ave were to act in this spirit of narroAV isolation
Ave should be unfit for the national positions Ave occupy.
" Too much of our tariff discussions have been warped by narrow and
sectional considerations. But when we base our action upon the con
ceded national importance of the great industries I have referred to,
Avhen we recognize the fact that artizans and their products are essential
to the well-being of our country, it follows that there is no dweller in the
humblest cottage on our reraotest frontier Avho has not a deep personal
interest in the legislation that shall proraote these great national indus
tries. Those arts that enable our nation to rise in the scale of civiliza
tion bring their blessings to all, and patriotic citizens Avill cheerfully hear
a fair share of the burden necessary to raake their country great and self-
sustaining. I Avill defend a tariff that is national in its aims, that pro
tects and sustains those interests without Avhich the nation can not be
come great and self-sustaining.
"So important, in my view, is the ability of the nation to manufac
ture all these articles necessary to arm, equip, and clothe our people,
that if it could not be secured in any other way I would vote to pay
raoney out of the Federal Treasury to maintain government iron and
steel, woolen and cotton mills, at whatever cost. Were Ave to neglect
these great interests and depend upon other nations, in Avhat a condition
of helplessness would Ave find ourselves Avhen we should be again involved
in war with the very nations on whom we were depending to furnish us
these supplies? The system adopted by our fathers is Aviser, for it so en
courages the great national industries as to make it possible at all times
for our people to equip themselves for Avar, and at the same time increa.se
their intelligence and skill so as to make them better fitted for all the
duties of citizenship both in war and in peace. We provide for the com
mon defense by a system which promotes the general welfare.
" I have tried thus summarily to state the grounds on which a tariff
Avhich produces the necessary revenue and at the same time promotes
American manufactures, can be sustained by large-minded men, for na
tional reasons. Hoav high the rates of such a tariff ought to be is a
question on which there may fairly be differences of opinion.
24

370 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"Fortunately or unfortunately, on this question I have long occupied
a position between two extremes of opinion. I have long believed, and
I still believe, that the AVorst evil whieh has afflicted the interests of the
American artisans and manufacturers has been the tendency to extremes
in our tariff" legislation. Our history for the last fifty years has been a
repetition of the same mistake. -One party comes into power, and believing
that a protective tariff is a good thing establishes a fair rate of duty.
Not content Avith that, they say: 'This works well, let us have more of
it,' and they raise the rates still higher, and perhaps go beyond *he lim
its of national interest.
"Every additional step in that direction increases the opposition and
threatens the stability of the whole system. When the policy of increase
is pushed beyond a certain point, the popular reaction sets in ; the oppo
site party gets into power and cuts down the high rates. Not content
with reducing the rates that are unreasonable, they attack and destroy
the whole protective system. Then folloAvs a deficit in the Treasury, the
destruction of manufacturing interests, until the reaction again sets in,
the free-traders are overthrown, and a protective system is again estab
lished. In not less than four distinct periods during the last fifty yeare
has this sort of revolution taken place in our industrial system. Our
great national industries have thus been tossed up and down between
two extreraes of opinion.
" During my term of service in this House I have resisted the effort
to increase the rates of duty Avhenever I thought an increase 'would be
dangerous to the stability of our manufacturing interests ; and by doing
so, I have soraetimes been thought unfriendly to the policy of protecting
American industry. When the necessity of the revenues and the safety
of our manufactures Avarranted, I have favored a reduction of rates; and
these reductions have aided to preserve the stability of the system. In
one year, soon after the close of the war, Ave raised $212,000,000 of rev
enue from customs.
" In 1870 we reduced the custom duties by the sum of twenty-nine
and one-half millions of dollars. In 1872 they were again reduced by
the sura of forty-four and one half raillions. Those reductions Avere in .
the main wise and judicious; and although I did not vote for them all,
yet they have put the fiur-minded raen of this country in a position
where they can justly resist any considerable reduction below the present
rates.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 377
"My view of the danger of extreme positions on the questions of tariff
rates may be illustrated by a remark made by Horace Greeley in the last
conversation I ever had with that distinguished man. Said he :
" 'My critlcisra of you is that you are not sufficiently high protectiA'e
in your views.'
" I replied :
" ' What Avould you advise?'
"He said:
" 'If I had my way — if I Avere king of this country — I would put a
duty of $100 a ton on pig-iron and a proportionate duty on every thing
else that can be produced in America. The result Avould he that our
people Avould be obliged to supply their oavu Avants ; manufactures Avould
spring up; competition Avould finally reduce prices; and we should live
wholly within ourselves.'
"I replied that the fatal objection to his theory Avas that no man is
king of this country, with power to make his policy permanent. But as
all our policies depend upon popular support, the extrerae measure pro
posed would beget an opposite extreme, and our industries Avould suffer
from violent reactions. For this reason I believe that we ought to seek
that point of stable equilibrium somewhere between a prohibitory tariff
on the one hand, and a tariff that gives no protection on the other.
What is that point of stable equilibrium? In my judgment it is this: a
rate so high that foreign producers can not flood our markets and break
doAvn our home manufacturers, but not so high as to keep them altogether
out, enabling our manufacturers to combine and raise the prices, nor so
high as to stimulate an unnatural and unhealthy growth of manufactures.
" In other Avords, I would have the duty so adjusted that every great
American industry can fairly live and make fair profits ; and yet so low
that if our manufacturers attempted to put up prices unreasonably, the
competition from abroad Avould come in and bring doAvn prices to a fair
rate. Such a tariff I believe Avill be supported by the great raajority of
Americans. We are not far frora having such a tariff in our present
law. In sorae respects we have departed from that standard. Wher
ever it does, Ave should amend it, and by so doing we shall secure stabil
ity and prosperity.
" This brings rae to the consideration of the pending bill. It was my
hope, at the beginning of the present session, that the Committee of Ways
and Means would enter upon a revision of the tariff in the spirit I have

372 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
indicated. The Secretary of the Treasury suggested in his annual report
that a considerable number of articles which produced but a small amount
of revenue, and were not essential to the prosperity of our manufacturers,
could be placed upon the free list, thus siraplifying the law and making
it more consistent in its details. I was ready to assist in such a work of
revision; but the committee had not gone far before it was evident
that they intended to attack the whole system, and, as far as possible,
destroy it. The results of their long and arduous labors are embodied in
the pending bilL
" Sorae of the rates can be slightly reduced Avithout serious harm ; but
many of the reductions proposed in this bill Avill be fatal. It is related
that Avhen a surgeon was probing an emperor's Avound to find the ball,
he said :
" 'Can your Majesty allow me to go deeper?'
" His IMajesty replied :
" ' Probe a little deeper and you Avill find the Emperor.'
" It is that little deeper probing by this bill that AviU touch the vital
interests of this country and destroy thera.
"The chief charge I make against this bill is that it seeks to cripple
the protective features of the laAV. It increases rates where an in
crease is not necessary, and it cuts thera down Avhere cutting will kill.
One of the Avisest provisions of our present law is the establishment of a
definite free list. From year to year when it has been found that any
article could safely be liberated from duty it has been put upon the free
list. jA large number of raw raaterials have thus been raade free of duty.
This has lightened the burdens of taxation, and at the sarae time aided
the industries of the country.
"To show the progress that has been raade in this direction, it should
be reraerabered that in 1867 the value of all articles imported free of duty
Avas but $39,000,000, while in 1877 the free imports amounted to
$181,000,000. "As I have already said, the Secretary of the Treasury recommends a
still further increase of the free list. But this bill abolishes the free list
altogether and imposes duties upon a large share of articles now free.
And this is done in order to raake still greater reduction upon 'articles
that must be protected if their manufacture is maintained in this country.
"Let rae notice a few of the great industries at which this bill strikes.
In the group of textUe fabrics, of Avhich I have spoken, reductions are

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 373
made upon the manufactures of cotton which will stop three-quarters of
the cotton mills of the country, and hopelessly prostrate the business.
Still greater violence is done to the wool and Avoolen interests. The at
tempt has been made to shoAV that the business of wool-growing has de
clined in consequence of our present law, and the fact has been pointed
out that the number of sheep has been steadily falling off in the Eastern
States. The truth is that sheep-culture in the United States Avas
never in so healthy a condition as it is to-day. In 1860 our total wool
product was sixty raillions of pounds. In 1877 Ave produced two hun
dred and eight millions of pounds.
" It is true that there is not now so large a number of sheep in the
Eastern States as there were a feAV years since ; but the center of that in
dustry has been shifted. Of the thirty -five and a half nullions of sheep now
in the United States, fourteen and a half millions are in Texas and the
States and Territories Avest of the Rocky Mountains. California alone
has six and a half millions of sheep. Not the least important feature of
this interest is the facility it offers for cheap animal food. A great French
statesman has said: ' It is more important to provide food than clothing,'
and the groAvth of sheep accoraplishes both objects. Ninety-five per cent.
of all the Avoolen fabrics raanufactured in this country are noAV made of
native wool.
"The tariff on wools and wooleps was adopted in 1867, after a mos;
careful and thorough examination of both the producing and manufactur
ing interests. It was the result of an adjustment between the farmers
and manufacturers, and has been advantageous to both. A small reduc
tion of the rates could be made Avithout injury.
"Both of these interests consented to a reduction, and submitted their
plan to the Committee of Ways and Means. But instead of adopting it,
the committee have struck those interests down, and put a dead level ad
valorem duty upon all wools. The chairman tells us that the committee
had sought to do away Avith the ad valorem system, because it gave rise
to fraudulent invoices and undervaluation. Yet on the interest thai
yields twenty milfions of revenue, he proposes to strike down the specific
duties and put the interest upon one dead level of ad valorem duty Avith
out regard to quality,
"I would not introduce sectional topics in this discussion, but I must
notifce one curious feature of this bill. In the great group of provis
ions, on which nearly fifty millions of revenue are paid into the Treas-

374 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ury, I find that thirty-seven millions of that amount come from imported
sugar. No one Avould defend the levying of so heavy a tax upon a nec
essary article of food were it not that a great agricultural interest is
thereby protected, and that interest is mainly confined to the State of
Louisiana. I am glad that the GoA'ernment has given its aid to the
State, for not a pound of sugar could be manufactured there if the tariff
law did not protect it.
"As the law now stands, the average ad valorem duty on sugar is
sixty-two and one-half per cent. But what has this bill done? The
complaint is made by its advocates that the rates are now too high. The
rates on all dutiable articles average about forty-tAvo per cent.; yet on
sugar the average is sixty-tAvo and one-half per cent., greatly above the
average. This bill puts up the average duty on sugar to about seventy
per cent. This one interest, Avhich is already protected by a duty much
higher than the average, is granted a still higher rate, while other inter
ests, now far below the average rate, are put still loAver. Metals, that
now average but thirty-six per cent, ad valorem, far less than the general
average — but little more than half of the rate on sugar — are cut down
still more, while the protection of the sugar interest is made still higher.
"If the planters of Louisiana Avere to get the benefit there would be
sorae excuse for the increase; but A\'hat is the fact? One thousand four
hundred and fifteen million pounds of sugar Avere imported into this
country last year, but not one pound of refined sugar ; every pound was
imported in the crude forra, going into the hands of about tAventy-five
gentlemen, mostly in the city of New York, Avho refine every pound of
this enormous quantity of imported sugar. This bill increases the rates
on the high grades of sugar far more than on the lower grades, and makes
the importation of any finished sugar impossible. It strengthens and
makes absolute the monopoly already given to the refining interest ; yet
Ave are told that this is a revenue-reform tariff.
"Before closing I Avish to notice one thing Avhich I believe has not
been mentioned in this debate. A few years ago Ave had a considerable
premium on gold, and as our tariff duties were paid in coin, there Avas
thus created an increase in the tariff rates. In 1875, for instance, the
average currency value of coin was one hundred and fourteen cents ; in
1876, one hundred and eleven cents; in 1877, one hundred and four
cents. Now, thanks to the resumption laAV and the rate of our exchanges
aad credit, the premium on gold is almost down to zero. But this fall in

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 375
the premium has operated as a steady reduction of the tariff rates, be
cause the duties Avere paid in gold and the goods Avere sold in currenc}-.
"Now, Avhen gentlemen say that the rates Avere high a feAv years ago, it
should be remembered that they have been falling year by year, as the
price of gold has been coming doAvn. When, therefore, gentlemen criti
cise the rates as fixed in the law of 1872, they should remember that
the fall in the premium on gold has wrought a virtual reduction of
fourteen per cent, in the tariff rates.
"Mr. Chairman, the Committee of Ways and Means has done a large
amount of Avork on this bill. But the views which have found expres
sion in his bill must be criticised Avithout regard to personal considera
tion. A bill so radical in its character, so dangerous to our business
prosperity, would AA'ork infinite mischief at this time, Avheu the country
is just recovering itself from a long period of depression and getting
again upon solid ground, just coming up out of the wild sea of panic
and distress which has tossed us so long.
"Let it be remembered that tAventy-two per cent, of all the laboring
people of this country are artisans engaged in manufactures. Their cul
ture has been fostered by our tariff laws. It is their pursuits and the
skill Avhich th6y have developed that produced the glory of our centen
nial exhibition. To them the country owes the splendor of the position it
holds before the Avorld more than to any other equal number of our citizens.
If this bill becomes a law, it strikes down their occupation and throws
into the keenest distress the brightest and best elements of our popula
tion. " It is not simply a stalking-horse upon which gentlemen can leap to show
their horsemanship in debate ; it is not an innocent lay -figure upon Avhich
gentlemen may spread the gaudy wares of their rhetoric Avithout harm;
but it is a great, dangerous monster, a very Polyphemus which stalks
through the land. Monstrumhorrendum, informe, ingens, cui lumen ademp-
tiim. If its eye be not out, let us take it out and end the agony." [Ap
plause on the Republican side.]
But the correlative of revenue is expenditure. Only one
other man of this age ever attempted a philosophy of national
expenditure besides Garfield — that Avas Gladstone.- No other
American ever attempted to regulate appropriations by a
philosophical principle. No other man ever attempted to re-

376 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
duce the fabulous and irregular outlay of the Government to a
science. Of Garfield's studies in this direction we have spoken
elsewhere. On January 23, 1872, upon the introduction of his
first bill as Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations he
delivered an elaborate speech on the subject of
PUBLIC EXPENDITUEES
"It is difficult to discuss expenditures comprehensively without dis
cussing also the revenues ; but I shall on this occasion allude to the reve
nues only on a single point. Revenue and the expenditure of revenue
form by far the most important element in the governraent of modern
nations. Revenue is not, as some one has said, the friction of a govern
ment, but rather its motive power. Without it the raachinery of a gov
ernment can not move ; and by it all the inoveraents of a government
are regulated. The expenditure of revenue forms the grand level from
which all heights and depths of legislative action are measured. The in
crease and the diminution of the burdens of taxation depend alike upon
their relation to this level of expenditures. That level once given, all
other policies raust conform to it and be determined by it.. The expen
diture of revenue and its distribution, therefore, form the best test of the
health, the wisdom, and the virtue of a government. Is a government
corrupt ? that corruption will inevitably, sooner or later, show itself at
the door of the treasury in demands for money. There is scarcely a con
ceivable form of corruption or public wrong that does not at last present
itself at the cashier's desk and demand money. The legislature, there
fore, that stands at the cashier's desk and Avatches with its Argus eyes
the demands for payment over the counter, is most certain to see all the
forms of public rascality. At that place, too, we may feel the Nation's
pulse; we may determine whether it is in the delirium of fever or
whether the currents of its life are floAving Avith the steady throbbings of
health. What could have torn down the gaudy fabric of the late gov
ernraent of France so effectually as the simple expedient of compiling
and publishing a balance sheet of the expenditures of Napoleon's govern
ment, as compared Avith the expenditures of the fifteen years which pre
ceded his reign ? A quiet student of finance exhibited the fact that dur
ing fifteen years of Napoleon's reign the expenditures of his government
had been increased by the enormous total of three hundred and fifty mill
ion dollars in gold per annum.

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 377
HOW SHALL EXPENDITUEES BE GAUGED?
" Such, in ray vieAV, are the relations Avhich the expenditures of the
revenue sustain to the honor and safety of the nation. How, then, shall
they be regulated ? By Avhat gauge shall we determine the amount of
revenue that ought to be expended by a nation ? This question is full of
difficulty, and I can hope to do little more than offer a fcAV suggestions
in' the direction of its solution. 4
"And, first, I remark that the mere amount of the appropriations is
in itself no test. To say that this government is expending tAvo hundred
and ninety-two million dollai-s a year, may be to say that we are penuri
ous and niggardly iu our expenditures, and may be to say that we are
lavish and prodigal. There must be some ground of relative judgment,
some test by Avhich we can determine Avhether expenditures are reasona
ble or exorbitant. It has occurred to me that two tests can be applied.
TEST OF POPULATION.
"The first and raost iraportant is the relation of expenditure to the
population. In some ratio corresponding to the increase of population it
may be reasonable to increase the expenditures of a gOA'ernment. This
is the test usually applied in Europe. In an official table I have before
me the expenditures of the British government for the last fifteen years,
I find the statement raade over against the annual average of each year
of the expenditure per capita of the population. The average expenditure
per capita for that period, was two pounds, seven shillings and seven pence,
or about twelve dollars in gold, Avith a slight tendency to decrease each
year. In our OAvn country, commencing Avith 1830 and taking the years
when the census Avas taken, I find that the expenditures, per capita, ex
clusive of payments on the principal and interest of the public debt Avere
as follows :
In 1830  SI 03
In 1840  1 41
In 1850  1 60
In 1860  1 94
In 1870  4 26
or, excluding pensions, three dollars and fifty-tAVO cents. No doubt this
test is valuable. But how shall it be applied ? Shall the increase of ex
penditures keep pace with the population? We know that population
tends to increase in a geometrical r,atio, that is, at a per cent, compounded

378 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD
annually. If the normal increase of expenditures follow the same laAv,
we might look forAvard to the future with alarm. It is manifest, how
ever, that the necessity of expenditures does not keep pace Avith the mere
increase of numbers; and Avhile the total sura of money expended must
necessarily be greater frora year to year, the amount per capita ought in
all Avell-regulated governments iu time of peace to grow gradually less.
TEST OF TEKEITOEIAL SETTLEMENT AND EXPANSION.
" But in a country like ours there is another element besides popula
tion that helps to determine the raovement of expenditures. That ele
ment can hardly be found in any other country. It is the increase and
settlement of our territory, the organic increase of the nation by the ad
dition of new States. To begin with the original thirteen States, and
gauge expenditure till now by the increase of population alone, would be
manifestly incorrect. But the fact that there have been added twenty-
four States, and that Ave now have nine territories, not including Alaska,
brings a new and important element into the calculation. It is impos
sible to estimate the effect of this element upon expenditures. But if we
examine our OAvn records from the beginning of the Government, it Avill
appear that every great increase of settled territory has very considerably
added to the expenditures.
"If these reflections be just, it will follow that the ordinary moA'ement
of our expenditures depends upon the action of two forces: first, the
natural growth of population, and second, the extension of our territory
and the increase in the number of our States. Some day, no doubt —
and I hope at no distant day — we shall have reached the limit of terri
torial expansion. I hope Ave have reached it noAV, except to enlarge the
number of States Avithin our borders ; and Avhen we have settled our un
occupied lands, when Ave have laid down the fixed and certain bounda
ries of our country, then the nioA'ement of our expenditure in time' of
peace Avill be remitted to the operation of the one law, the increase of
population. That law, as I have already intimated, is not an increase
by a per cent, compounded annually, but by a per cent, that decreases
annually. No doubt the expenditures will ahv.ays increase from year to
year ; but they ought not to increase by the same per cent, from year to
year ; the rate of increase ought gradually to grow less.
EXPENDITUEES OF ENGLAND.
"In England, for example, Avhere the territory is fixed, and they are

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 379
remitted to the single laAv of increase of population, the increase of ex
penditure during the last fifteen years of peace has been only about one
and three-quarter per cent, compounded annually. I believe nobody has
made a very careful estimate of the rate in our country; our growth has
been too irregular to afford data for an accurate estimate. But a gen
tleman Avho has given much attention to the subject expressed to me the
belief that our expenditures in time of peace have increased about eight
per cent, compounded annually. I can hardly believe it; yet I ara sure
that somcAvhere betAveen that and the English rate Avill be found our rate
of increase in times of peace. I ara aAvare that such estimates as these
are unsatisfactory, and that nothing short of the actual test of experience
can determine the movements of our expenditures; but these suggestions
Avhich have resulted from some study of the subject, I offer for the reflec
tion of those Avho care to follow them out.
EFFECTS OF AVAR ON EXPENDITUEES.
"Thus far I have considered the expenditures that arise in times of
peace. Any vieAV of this subject would be incomplete that did not in
clude a consideratio^i of the effect of Avar upon national expenditures. I
have spoken of what the rate ought to he in time of peace, for carrying
on a government. I Avill next consider the effect of war on the rate of
increase. And here we are confronted with that anarchic element, the
plague of nations, which Jeremy Bentham called ' mi.schief on the largest
scale.' After the fire and blood of the battle-fields have disappeared, no
Avhere does Avar show its destroying poAver so certainly and so relentlessly
as in the columns which represent the taxes and expenditures of the na
tion. Let rae illustrate this by tAVO examples.
" In 1792, the year preceding the commencement of the great war
against Napoleon, the expenditures of Great Britain Avere less than
twenty million pounds sterling.
"During the twenty-four years that elapsed, frora the commencement
of that Avonderful struggle until its close at Waterloo, in 1815, the ex
penditures rose by successive bounds, until, in one year near the close of
the Avar, it reached the enormous sum of one hundred and six million
seven hundrd and fifty thousand pounds.
" The unusual increase of the public debt, added to the natural groAvth
of expenditures from causes already discussed, raade it impossible for
England ever to reach her old level of expenditure. It took tAA'enty
years after Waterloo to reduce expenditures from seventy-seven million

380 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds, the annual average of , the
second decade of the century, to forty-five million seven hundred and
fifty thousand pounds, the expenditure for 1835.
"This last figure Avas the lowest England has known during the pres
ent century. Then followed nearly forty years of peace, from Waterloo
to the Crimean war in 1854. The figures for that period may be taken
to represent the natural growth of expenditures in England, During that
period the expenditures increased, in a tolerably uniform ratio, from forty-
Aa'C million seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds, the amount for
1835, to about fifty-one million seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds,
the average for the five years ending 1853-'54. This increase was about'
four raillion dollars of our money per annum. Then came the Crimean
Avar of 1854-1856, during one year of Avhich the expenditures rose to
eighty-four million five hundred thousand pounds.
"Again, as after the Napoleonic Avar, it required several years for the
expenditures of the kingdom to get down to the new level of peace,
Avhich level was ranch higher than that of the former peace.
"During the last ten years the expenditures of Great Britain have
again been gradually increasing ; the average for the six years ending
with ^Vlarch 31, 1871, being sixty-eight million seven hundred and fifty
thousand pounds. WAE EXPENDITURES OF THE UNITED STATES.
" As the second example of the effect of war on the movement of na
tional expenditures, I call attention to our own history.
"Considering the ordinary expenses of the Governraent, exclusive of
payments on the principal and interest of the public debt, the annual
average may be stated thus :
" Beginning with 1791, the last decade of the eighteenth century
shoAved an annual average of three million seven hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars. During the first decade of the present century, the average
Avas nearly five million five hundred thousand dollars. Or, commencing
Avith 1791, there folloAved tAventy years of peace, during Avhich the an
nual average of ordinary expenditures Avas more than doubled. Then
followed four years, from 1812 to 1815, inclusive, in Avhich the Avar with
England swelled the average to twenty-five million five hundred thousand
dollars. During the five years succeeding that war, the average Avas six
teen million five hundred thousand dollars, and it Avas not until 1821 that
the new level of peace Avas reached. During the five years, from 1820 to

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 381
1825, inclusive, the annual average was eleven million five hundred thou
sand dollars. From 1825 to 1830, it Avas thirteen raillion dollars.
From 1830 to 1835, it Avas seventeen raillion dollars. From 1835
to 1840, in Avhich period occurred the Seminole war, it was thirtv
million five hundred thousand dollars. Frora 1840 to 1845, it Avas
twenty-se yen million dollars. Frora 1845 to 1850, during which occurred
the Mexican Avar, it was forty million five hundred, thousand dollars.
From 1850 to 1855, it was forty-seven million fiA'e hundred thousand
dollars. From 1855 to June 30, 1861, it was sixty-seven million dol
lars. From June 30, 1861, to June 30, 1866, seven hundred and thir
teen raillion seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ; and from June
30, 1866, to June 30, 1871, the annual average Avas one hundred and
eighty-nine million dollars.
"It is interesting to inquire how far we may reasonably expect to go
in the descending scale before we reach the new level of peace. We
have already seen that it took England tAventy years after Waterloo be
fore she reached such a level. Our OAvn experience has been peculiar in
this, that our people have been impatient of debt, and have always de
terminedly set about the work of reducing it.
DURATION OF WAE EXPENDITURES.
"Throughout our history there may be seen a curious uniformity in
the movement of the annual expenditures for the years immediately fol
lowing a Avar. We have not the data to determine how long it was, after
the war of independence, before the expenditures ceased to decrease;
that is, before they reached the point where their natural growth more
than balanced the tendency to reduction of Avar expenditure ; but in the
years immediately folloAving all our subsequent Avars, the decrease has
continued for a period almost exactly twice the length of the Avar itself
"After the war of 1812-15, the expenditures continued to decline for
eight years, reaching the lowest point in 1823.
"After the Seminole war, which ran through three years, 1836, 1837,
and 1838, the new level was not reached until 1844, six years after its
close. " After the Mexican war, Avhich lasted two years, it took four years,
until 1852, to reach the new level of peaee."
Probably the most reraarkable portion of this speech is the fol
lowing prophecy:

382 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
WHEN SHALL WE REACH OUR NEAV LEVEL OF EXPENDITURES?
"It is, perhaps, unsafe to base our calculations for the future on these
analogies; but the wars already referred to have been of such varied
character, and their financial eff'ects have been so uniform, as to make it
not unreasonable to expect that a similar result will follow our late Avar.
If so, the decrease of our ordinary expenditures, exclusive of the principal
and interest of the public debt, will continue until 1875 or 1876.
"It will be seen by an analysis of our expenditures, that, exclusive of
charges on the public debt, nearly fifty million dollars are expenditures
directly for the late war. Many of these expenditures will not again
appear, such as the bounty and back pay of volunteer soldiers, and pay
ment of illegal captures of British vessels and cargoes. We may reason
ably expect that the expenditures for pensions will hereafter steadily
decrease, unless our legislation should be uinvarrantably extravagant.
We may also expect a large decrease in expenditures for the internal
revenue department. Possibly, Ave may ultimately be able to abolish the
department altogether. In the accounting and disbursing bureaus of the
treasury department, we may also expect a further reduction of the force
noAV employed in settling war clairas.
" We can not expect so rapid a reduction of the public debt and its
burden of interest as we have Avitnessed for the last three years; but
the reduction will doubtless continue, and the burden of interest Avill con
stantly decrease. I know it is not safe to attempt to forecast the future ;
but I venture to express the belief that if peace continues, the year 1876
will Avitness our ordinary expenditures reduced to one hundred and
twenty-five million dollars, and the interest on our public debt to ninety-
five million dollars ; making our total expenditures, exclusive of payment
on the principal of the public debt, two hundred and thirty miUion
dollars. Judging from our own experience and from that of other
nations, we may not hope thereafter to reach a loAver figure. In making
this estimate, I have assumed that there will be a considerable reduction
of the burdens of taxation ; and a revenue not nearly so great in excess
of the expenditures as we noAv collect."
Seven years afterwards, in the June number (1879) of the North
American Review, General Garfield quoted the above paragraphs
from the speech of January, 1872, and called attention to the ful
fillment of his prediction in the following vAOrds :

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS.

383

" Reviewing the subject in the light of subsequent experience, it will
be seen that the progress of reduction of expenditures from the war level
has been very nearly in accordance with these expectations of seven years

ago.

"The actual expenditures since the war, includuig interest on the
public debt, as sho\vn by the official record, Avere as follows :

1865  $1,297,555,224 41
18110  520,899,416 99
lS(i7  357,542,675 16
ISfis  377,340,284 86
1869  322,865,277 80
1870  399,653,660 75
1871  292,177,188 25

1872  3277,517,962 67
1873  290,345,245 33
1874  287,133,873 17
1875  274,623,:i92 84
1876  258,459,797 33
1877  238,660,008 93
1878  236,964,326 80

" Omitting the first of these years, in Avhich the enormous payments to
the array swelled the aggregate of expenses to $1,297,000,000, and begin
ning with the first full year after the termination of the war, it Avill be
seen that the expenditures have been reduced, at first very rapidly, and
then more slowly, from $520,000,000 in 1866 to about $237,000,000 in
1878. " The estimate quoted above Avas that in 1876 expenditures A\'ould be
reduced to $230,000,000, including $95,000,000 for interest on the pub
lic debt. In 1877, one year later than the estimated date, the actual
reduction had reached $238,000,000, including $97,000,000 for inter
est on the public debt. [He means the expenditures had been reduced
to $238,000,000.] " It is evident that in 1877 Ave had very nearly reached the limit of
possible reduction, for the aggregate expenditures of 1878 show a reduc
tion beloAv that of the preceding year of less than $2,000,000 ; and the
expenditures, actual and estimated, for the current year ending June 30,
1879, are $240,000,000. It thus appears that 1878 was the turning-
point from Avliich, under the influence of the elements of normal growth,
we may expect a constant, though it ought to be a small, annual increase
of expenditures." •
If anywhere there is to be found a more scientific statesmanship
than this, the average man knows not the place to seek it out,
Garfield had discovered the laAv of the increase and decrease of
national expenditures. It Avas as fixed as the laws which lengthen
and shorten the day. Scientists agree that the laAvs of society are

384 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
far more difficult of discovery and of demonstration than the laws
of nature. Only one man in a generation makes any real advance
in the study of those laws which pervade the affairs of men. In
his philosophy of public expenditures, James A. Garfield was that
man of his political generation. On March 5, 1874, in another
speech on the sarae topic, he unfolded the philosophy and laws of
growth of the public debt. As usual, it is an illumination of a
vast and foggy subject. It is impossible to give, in our already
croAvded pages, even a synopsis of this address.
There can be no question that Garfield Avas the most perfect
master of the themes of revenue and expenditure in his generation.
With the exception of the tariff, they were not questions Avhich
could be brought into politics. In their nature, they Avere so dry
and complicated that the House itself, much less the people, kncAV
but little of the enormous labor performed by General Garfield on
the subject. He applied his immense energies to the task as
cheerfully as if the questions were those of the next campaign,
instead of being known only in the committee-room. His research
Avould gain him no contemporary laurels, his toil bring him no
applause. But he grappled with the monster of public debt,
which had its clutch on England's throat, and was reaching toward
the New Republic, He who knew so well how to thrill the audi
ence and shake the building with plausiA'e thunders, embodied
the results of his Avork in speeches, which his friends possibly
thought impractical and certainly tiresome. They lie embalmed
in the mighty mausoleum of the Congressional Record, hidden
away from the prying eyes of mankind. Some future statesman,
with more industry or genius than his contemporaries, will, per
chance, come with pick and shovel to excavate and disinter the
buried children of the brain. If so, like the recently-discovered
remains at Mycenae and Thebes, ^hey will be pronounced of royal
blood. We noAv pass to the last branch of the subject discussed in this
chapter. This relates to the record of Garfield in relation to que.s-
tions concerning the General Character and Tendency op
American Institutions.

great questions and great answers. 385
This question opens the door to what Avould raake a volume of
General Garfivjld's speeches, LTnder a rigid necessity of condensa
tion, we can only give broken extracts from three addresses.
On July 2, 1873, before the students of the Western Reserve
College, at Hudson, Ohio, he spoke on —
THE FUTURE OF THE EEPUELIC.
" What do raen mean Avhen they predict the immortality of any thing
earthly? " The first Napoleon Avas one day walking through the galleries of the
Louvre, filled with the Avonders of art which he had stolen from the con
quered capitals of Europe. As he passed the marvelous picture of Peter
Martyr, one of the seven masterpieces of the Avorld, he overheard an
enthusiastic artist exclaim : ' Immortal work ! ' Turning quickly upon his
heel, the Emperor asked: ' What is the average life of an oil-painting?'
'Five hundred years,' answered the artist. 'Immortal!' the Corsican
scornfully repeated as he passed on, thinking doubtless of Austerlitz and
J»Iarengo. Six years ago the wonderful picture of Peter Martyr was dis
solved in the flames of a burning church at Venice, and, like Austerlitz,
li now only a memory and a dream.
"When the great lyric poet of Rome \'entured to predict immortality
for his AVorks, he could think of no higher human symbol of immortality
than the Eternal City and her institutions, crowded Avith seven centuries
of glorious groAvth ; and so Horace declared that his verses Avould be
remembered as long as the high-priest of Apollo and the silent vestal
virgin should climb the steps of the Capitol. Fifteen centuries ago the
iiacred fires of Vesta went out, never to be rekindled. For a thousand
years Apollo has had no shrine, no priest, no worshiper on the earth.
The steps of the Capitol, and the temples that crowned it, live only in
dreams, and to-day the antiquary digs and disputes among the ruins,
and is unable to tell us where on the Capitoline hill the great citadel of
Rome stood.
"There is much in the history of dead empires to sadden and dis
courage our hope for the permanence of any human institution. But a
deeper study reveals the fact that nations have perished only when their
histitutions have ceased to be serviceable to the huraan race; Avhen their
faith has become an empty form, and the destruction of the old is indispen
sable to the growth of the new. GroAvth is better than permanence ; and
25

386 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
permanent growth is better than all. Our faith is large in time; and Ave-
"' Doubt not through the ages, an increasing purpose runs.
And the thoughts of men are widened by the process of the suns.'
"It matters little Avhat may be the forms of national institutions, if
the life, freedom, and groAvth of society are secured. To save the life
of a nation, it is sometiraes necessary to discard the old form and make
room for the neAV growth; for —
" ' Old decays but foster new creations;
Bones and ashes feed the golden corn ;
Fresh elixirs wander every moment
Down the veins through which the live part feeds its child, the life unborn.'
"There are two classes of forces whose action and reaction determine
the condition of a nation — the forces of repression and expression. The
one acts from Avithout — ^limits, curbs, restrains. The other acts from
within — expands, enlarges, propels. Constitutional forms, statutory lim
itations, conservative customs belong to the first. The free play of indi
vidual life, the opinion and action belong to the second. If these forces
be happily balanced, if there be a Avise conservation and correlation of
both, a nation may enjoy the double blessing of progress and permanence.
"How are these forces acting upon our nation at the present time?
" Our success has been so great hitherto, Ave have passed safely through
so many perils Avhich at the time seemed almost fatal, that Ave may assume
that the Republic Avill continue to live and prosper, unless it shall be as
sailed by dangers which outnumber and outAveigh the elements of its
strength. It is idle to boast of what we are, and what we are to he,
unless at the same time we compare our strength Avith the magnitude of
our dangers.
"What, then, are our dangers: and how can they be conquered? . . .
" In the first place, our great dangers are not from Avithout. We do
not live by the consent of any other nation. We raust look Avithin to
find the elements of danger. The first and most obvious of these is ter»
ritorial expar-sion — overgrowth ; the danger that Ave shall break in pieces
by our own Aveight. This has been the commonplace of historians and
publicists for many centuries ; and its truth has found many striking
illustrations in the experience of mankind. But Ave h.ave fair ground
for believing that new conditions and new forces have nearly, if not
Avholly, removed the ground Of this danger. Distance, estrangement,
isolation have been overcome by the recent amazing groAvth in the means

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 387
of intercommunion. For political and industrial purpo.ses, California
and ^Massachusetts are nearer neighbors to-day than Avere Philadelphia
and Boston in the days of the Revolution. The people of all our thirty-
seven States knoAv more of each other's affairs than the Vermonter knew
of his Virginia neighbor's fifty years ago. It Avas distance, isolation, iL'no-
rance of separate parts that broke the cohesive force of the great em
pires of antiquity. Public affairs are now more public, and priA-ate less
private, than in former ages. The Railroad, the Telegraph, and the
Press, haA'e virtually brought our citizens, with their opinions and indus
tries, face to face ; and they live almost in each other's sight. The
leading political, social, and industrial events of this day Avill be re
ported and discussed at more than two millions of American breakfast-
tables to-morroAV morning. Public opinion is kept in constant exercise
and training. It keeps itself constantly in hand — ready to approve,
condemn, and command. It may be wrong, it may be tyrannical ; but
it is all-pervading, and constitutes, raore than ever before, a strong liand
of nationality.
"After all, territory is but the body of a nation. The people Avho
inhabit its hills and its valleys are its soul, its spirit, its life. In them
dwells its hope of immortality. Among them, if anyAvhere, are to be
found its chief elements of destruction."
In the latter part of the address, he discussed Lord ^laeaulay's
famous letter, in Avhich,he predicted that, Avitli universal suffrage,
our Republic AA'as all sail and no ballast ; that AA'hen the country
was populated like Europe, the Government would fall in the in
evitable conflict betAveen labor and capital,
" With all ray heart I repel that letter as false. My first ansAver is
this: No man who has not lived among us can understand one thing
about our institutions; no man who has been bom and reared under mon
archical governments can understand the vast difference between theirs
and ours. How is it in monarchical governments? Their society is one
series of caste upon caste. DoAvn at the bottom, like the granite rocks in
the crust of the earth, lie the great body of laboring men. An English
man told me not long ago that in twenty-five years of careful study of
the agricultural class of England, he had never known one who was
born and reared in the ranks .of farm laborers that rose above his class
and became a well-to-do citizen. That is a most terrible sentence, that

388 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
three millions of people should lie at the bottom of society, Avith no poAver
to rise. Above tliem the gentry, the hereditary capitalist ; above them,
the nobility; above them, the royalty; and, crOAvning all, the sovereign
— all impassable barriers of caste.
'' No man born under such institutions can understand the mighty
difference betAveen them and us in this country. Thank God, and thank
the fathers of the Republic Avho made, and the men Avho carried out the
promises of the Declaration, that in this country there are no classes,
fixed .and impassable. Here society is not fixed in horizontal layers, like
the crust of the earth, but as a great New England man said, years ago, it
is rather like the ocean, broad, deep, grand, open, and so free in allits parts
that every drop that mingles Avith the yellow sand at the bottom may
rise through all the waters, till it gleams in the sunshine on the crest
of the highest waves. So it is here in our free society, permeated with
the light of American freedom. There is no American boy, hoAvever
poor, however humble, orphan though he may be, that, if he have a clear
head, a true heart, a strong arm, he raay not rise through all the grades
of society, and become the crown, the glory, the pillar of the State.
"Again, in depicting the dangers of universal suffrage, Macaulay leaves
wholly out of the account the great counterbalancing force of universal
education. He contemplates the government delivered over to a vast
multitude of ignorant, vicious men, Avho have learned no self-control,
who have never comprehended the national life, and who Avill Avield the
ballot solely for personal and selfish ends. If this Avere indeed the nec
essary condition of Democratic communities, it Avould be difficult, perhaps
impossible, to escape the logic of Macaulay's letter. And here is a real
peril— the danger that we shall rely upon the mere extent of the suf
frage as a national safeguard. We can not safely, even for a moment,
lose sight of the quality of the suffrage, which is more important than
its quantity. *******
Our faith in the Democratic principle rests upon the belief that intel
ligent men will see that their highest political good is in liberty, regu
lated by just and equal laws; and that in the distribution of political
power it is safe' to follow the maxira, 'Each for all, and all for each.'
We confront the dangers of the sufirage by the blessings of universal ed
ucation."

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 389
"We present next a brief extract from an address delivered Feb
ruary 11, 1879,
ON THE RELATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO SCIENCE.
"What ought to be the i-elation of the National Government to sci
ence? What, if any thing, ought we to do in the way of promoting science?
For example, if we have the power, Avould it be wise for Congress to ap
propriate money out of the Treasury to employ naturalists to find out
all that is to be knoAvn of our American birds. Ornithology is a delightr-
ful and useful study ; but would it be Avise for Congress to make an ap
propriation for the advancemeut of that science ? In my judgment mani
festly not. We would thereby make one favored class of men the rivals
of all the ornithologists Avho in their private Avay, folloAving the bent of
then genius, may be Avorking out the results of science in that field. I
have no doubt that an appropriation out of our Treasury for that pur
pose would be a positive injury to the advancement of science, just as
an appropriation to establish a church Avould work injury to religion.
"Geneially the desire of our scientific men is to be let alone to Avork
in free competition Avith all the scientific men of the world; to develop
their OAvn results, and get the credit of them, each for himself; not to
have the Government enter the lists as a rival of private enterprise.
"As a general principle, therefore, the United States ought not to in
terfere in matters of science, but should leave its development to the
free, voluntary action of our great third estate, the i^eople themselves.
"In this non-interference theory of the Governraent I do not go to the
extent of saying that we should do nothing for education — for primary
education. That conies under another consideration — the necessity of the
nation to protect itself, and the consideration that it is cheaper and A\iser
to give education than to build jails. But I am speaking now of the
higher .sciences.
"To the general principle I have stated, there are a fcAv obvious ex
ceptions which should be clearly understood Avhen we legislate on the
subject. In the first place the Government should aid all sorts of sci
entific inquiry that are necessary to the intelligent exercise of its own
functions. "For example, as Ave are authorized by the Constitution, and com
pelled by necessity, to build and maintain light-houses on our coast and
establish fog-signals, we are bound to make all necessary scientific in-

390 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
quiries in reference to light and its laAvs, sound and its laws — to do what
ever in the way of science is necessary to achieve the best results in
lighting our coasts and Avarning our mariners of danger. So, Avhen we
are building iron-clads for our navy, or casting guns for our ai'my, we
ought to knoAV all that is scientifically possible to be known about the
. strength of raaterials and the laws of mechanics Avhich apply to such
structures. In short, Avherever in exercising any of the necessary func
tions of the Government, scientific inquiry is needed, let us make it to
fhe fullest extent, and at the public expense.
''There is another exception to the general rule of leaving science to
the voluntary action of the people. Wherever any great popular interest,
affecting Avhole classes, possibly all classes of the community, imperatively
need scientific investigation, and private enterprise can not accomplish it,
Ave may Avisely intervene and help, Avhere the Constitution gives us
authority. For example, in discovering the origin of yellow fever, and
the methods of preventing its ravages, the nation should do, for the
gi;od of all, what neither the States nor individuals can accompUsh. I
might perhaps include, in a third exception, those inquiries Avhich, incon
sequence of their great magnitude and cost, can not be successfully made
by private individuals. Outside these three classes of inquiries, the
Government ought to keep its hands off, and leave scientific experiment
and inquiry to the free competition of those bright, intelligent men whose
genius leads them into the fields of research."
Passing abruptly from valley to mountain-peak, we present the
substance of one of the raost characteristic and original speeches
raentioned in this book. It AA'as delivered March 29, 1879. 'Though
political in its immediate object, it Avill probably be remembered
and quoted from as long as the name of Garfield lingers on the
lips of men. The spealver states the question before the House
better than any one else could do.
EEVOLUTION IN CONGEESS.
"Let me, in the outset, state as carefully as I raay, the precise situa
tion. At the last session, all our ordinary legislative work was done, in
accordance Avith the usages of the House and the Senate, except as to two
bills. Two of the twelve great appropriation bills for the support of the
Government were agreed to in both Houses as to every matter of detail

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 391
concerning the appropriation proper. We were assured by the commit
tees of conference in both bodies that there Avould be no difficulty in ad
justing all dift'erences in reference to the amount of money to be appro
priated and the objects of its appropriation. But the House of Representa
tives proposed three measures of distinctly independent legislation; one
upon the Army Appropriation Bill, and two upon the Legislative Appro
priation Bill. The three grouped together are briefly these: first, the
substantial modification of certain sections of the law relating to the use
of the array; second, the repeal of the jurors' test oath ; and third, the
repeal of the laws regulating elections of merabers of Congress.
" These three propositions of legislation Avere insisted upon by the House,
but the Senate refused to adopt them. So far it Avas an ordinary pro
ceeding, one Avhich occurs frequently in all legislative bodies. The Sen
ate said to us, through their conferees : ' We are ready to pass the ap
propriation bills, but are unwilling to pass, as riders, the three legislative
measures you ask us to pass.' Thereupon the House, through its confer
ence comniittee, made the following declaration. And, in order that I
may do exact justice, I read from the speech of the distinguished Sena
tor from Kentucky [Mr. Beck] :
" ' The Democratic conferees on the part of the House seem determined
that unless those rights were secured to the people — '
"Alluding to the three points I have named — ' in the bill sent to the
Senate they would refuse, under their constitutional right, to make ap
propriations to carry on the Governraent, if the dominant majority in the
Senate insisted upon the maintenance of these laws and refused to cmsent
to their appeal.
" Then, after stating that if the position they had taken compelled an
extra session, and that the ncAV Congress would OA'er the repealing bills
separately, and forecasting what would happen when the new House
should be under no necessity of coercing the Senate, he declared that —
" ' If, however, the President of the United States, in the exercise of
the power vested in him, should see fit to veto the bills thus presented to
him, . . , then I have no doubt those same amendments Avill be
again raade part of the appropriation bills, and it Avill be for the Presi
dent to determine whether he will block the wheels of Government and
refuse to accept necessary appropriations rather than allow the represen
tatives of the people to repeal odious laAvs Avhich they regard as subver
sive of their rights and imvilcges. . . . Whether that course is

392 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
right or wrong, it will be adopted, and I have no doubt adhered to, no
matter Avhat happens Avith the appropriation bills.'
" That was the proposition raade by the Deraocracy in Congress at the
close of the Congress noAv dead.
" Another distinguished Senator [Mr. Thurraan] — and I may properly
refer to Senators of a Congress not now in existence — reviewing the situ
ation, declared, in still more succinct terms :
"'We claim the right, which the House of Commons in England
established after two centuries of contest, to say Ave Avill not grant the
raoney of the people unless there is a redress of grievances.'
"These propositions Avere repeated Avith various degrees of vehemence
by the majority in the House,
"The majority 'in the Senate and the minority on this floor expressed
the deepest anxiety to avoid an extra session and to avert the catastrophe
thus threatened — the stoppage of the Government. They pointed out
the danger to the country and its business interests of an extra session
of Congress, and expressed their Avillingness to consent to any compro
mise consistent Avith their A'ieAvs of duty Avhich should be offered — not iu
the Avay of coercion but in the way of fair adjustment — and asked to be
met in a spirit of just accommodation on the other side. Unfortunately
no spirit of adjustment Avas manifested in reply to their advances. And
now the new Congress is assembled : and after ten days of caucus delib
eration, the House of Representatives has resolved, substantially, to
reaffirm the positions of its predecessors.
THE VOLUNTAEY POWEES OF THE GOVEENMENT.
" I had occasion, at a late hour of the last Congress, to say something
on what may be called the voluntary element in our institutions. I spoke
of the distribution of the powers of Government. First, to the nation;
second, to the States ; and third, the reservation of power to the people
themselves. "I called attention to the fact that under our form of government the
most precious rights that men can possess on this earth are not delegated
to the nation, nor to the States, but are reserved to the third estate— the
people themselves. I called attention to the interesting fact that lately
the chancellor of the German Empire raade the declaration that it was
the chief object of the existence of the Gerraan government to defend
and maintain the religion of Jesus Christ — an object in reference to

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 393
which our Congress is absolutely forbidden by the Constitution to legislate
at all. Congress can establish no religion; indeed, can make no laAV
respecting it, because in the vieAv of our fathers — the founders of our
government — religion Avas too precious a right to intrust its interests by
delegation to anybody. Its maintenance Avas left to the voluntary action
of the people themselves.
" In continuation of that thought, I Avish now to speak of the volun
tary element inside our Government — a topic that I have not often heard
discussed, but one Avhich appears to rae of vital imj)ortance in any com
prehensive view of our institutions.
"Mr. Chairman, viewed from the stand-point of a foreigner, our
Government ni.ay be said to be the feeblest on the earth. From our
stand-point, and Avith our experience, it is the mightiest. But Avhy Avould
a foreigner call it the feeblest? He can point out a half-dozen Avays in
Avhich it can be destroyed Avithout violence. Of course, all governments
may be overturned by the SAVord; but there are several Avays in Avhich
our Governraent raay be annihilated without the firing of a gun.
"For exaraple, if the people of the United States should say Ave will
elect no Representatives to the House of Representatives. Of course,
this is a violent supposition; but suppose they do not, is there any
remedy? Does our Constitution provide any remedy Avhatever? In tAvo
years there would be no House of Rei^resentativcs ; o^ course no support
of the Government, and no Government. Suppose, again, the States
should say, through. their Legisl.atures, Ave Avill elect no Senators. Such
.ibstention alone would absolutely destroy this Government; and our
system provides no process of compulsion to prevent it.
" Ag.ain, suppose the tAvo Houses Avere assembled in their usual order,
and a majority of one, in this body or in the Senate should firmly band
themselves together and say, Ave Avill vote to adjourn the moraent the
hour of meeting arrives, and continue so to vote at every session during
our tAVO years of existence; the Government Avould perish, and there is
no provision of the Constitution to prevent it. Or again, if a majority
of one of either body should declare that they Avould vote down, and did
vote doAvn, every bill to support the Government by appropriations, can
you find in the Avhole range of our judicial or our executive authority
any remedy whatever? A Senator, or a member of this House is free,
and may vote ' no,' on every proposition. Nothing but his oath and his
honor restrains him. Not so with the executive and judicial officers.

394 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
They have no poAver to destroy this Government. Let them travel an
inch beyond the line of the law, and they fall within the power of im
peachment. But, against the people Avho create Representatives; against
the Legislatures Avho create Senators ; against Senators and Representa
tives in these Halls, there is no poAver of impeachment; there is no
remedy, if, by abstention or by adverse votes, they refuse to support the
Government. " At a first A'icAv, it Avould seem strange that a body of men so Aviseas
our fathers Avere, should have left a Avhole side of their fabric open to
these deadly assaults ; but on a closer vicAV of the case their wisdom Avill
appear. What Avas their reliance ? This : The sovereign of this nation,
the God-croAvned and Heaven-anointed sovereign, in Avhom resides ' the
State's collected will,' and to whora we all owe allegiance, is the people
themselves. Inspired by love of country and by a deep sense of obliga
tion to perform every public duty; being themselves the creators of all
the agencies and forces to execute their oAvn Avill, and choosing from
themselves their representatives to express that Avill in the forms of law,
it Avould have been like a suggestion of suicide to assume that any of
these voluntary powers would be turned against the life of the Govern
ment. Public opinion — th.at great ocean of thought from Avhose leA'el
all heights and depths are measured — Avas trusted as a power amply able,
and always Avilling, to guard all the approaches on that side of the Con
stitution from any assault on the life of the nation,
" Up to this hour our sovereign has never failed us. There has neA'er
been such a refusal to exercise those primary functions of soA'ereignty as
either to endanger or cripple the Government; nor have the majority
of the representatives of that sovereign in either House of Congress ever
before announced their purpose to use their voluntary poAvers for its
destruction. And now, for the first time in our history, and I wiU add
for the first time for at least two centuries in the history of any Enghsh
speaking nation, it is proposed and insisted upon that these voluntary
powers shall be used for the destruction of the Government. I want it
distinctly understood that the proposition Avhich I read at the beginning
of ray remarks, and which is the programme announced to the American
people to-day, is this : that if the House can not have its own Avay in
certain niatters, not connected with appropriations, it Avill so use, or
refrain from using, its voluntary powers as to destroy the Government.
" Now, Mr. Chairman, it has been said on the other side that wheu

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 395
a deraand for the redress of grievances is made, the authority that runs
the risk of stopping and destroying the Government, is the one that
resists the redress. Not so. If gentlemen will do rae the honor to follow
my thought for a moment more, I trust I Avill make this denial good,
FEEE CONSENT THE BASIS OF OUE LAWS.
" Our theory of law is free consent. That is the granite foundation
of our Avhole superstructure. Nothing in this Republic can be laAv
without consent— the free consent of the House; the free consent of the
Senate ; the free consent of the Executive, or, if he refuse it, the free
consent of two-thirds of these bodies. Will any man deny that ? Will
any man challenge a line of the statement that free consent is the foun
dation rock of all our institutions ? And yet the programme announced
two weeks ago Avas that if the Senate refused to consent to the demand
of the House, the Government should stop. And the proposition was
then, and the programme is now, that, although there is not a Senate
to be coerced, there is still a third independent branch in the legislative
power of the Government Avhose consent is to be coerced at the peril of
the destruction of this Government; that is, if the President, in the
discharge of his duty, shall exercise his plain constitutional right to
refuse liis consent to this proposed legislation, the Congress Avill so use
its voluntary poAvers as to destroy the Government. This is the proposi
tion Avhich Ave confront; and Ave denounce it as revolution.
" It makes no difi'ereuce, Mr. Chairman, what the issue is. If it
were the simplest and most inoffensive proposition in the world, yet if
you demand, as a matter of coercion, that it shall be adopted against
the fi-ee consent prescribed in the Constitution, every fair-minded man in
America is bound to resist you as much as though his own life depended
upon his resistance.
"Let it be understood that I ara not arguing the merits of any one
of the three amendments. I am discussing the proposed method of leg
islation ; and I declare that it is against the Constitution of our country.
It is revolutionary to the core, and is destructive of the fundamental
element of American liberty, the free consent of all the powers that
unite to raake laws.
" In opening this debate, I challenge all comers to show a single
instance in our history Avhere this consent has been coerced. This is the
great, the paramount issue, Avhich dwarfs all others uito insignificance.

396 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
»
Victor Hugo said, in his de.scription of the battle of Waterloo, that the
struggle of the two armies was like the Avrestling of two giants, Avhen a
chip under the heel of one might determine the victory. It may be that
this amendment is the chip under your heel, or it may be that it is the
chip on our shoulder. As a chip it is of small account to you or to us ;
but when it represents the integrity of the Constitution and is as.«ailed
by revolution, Ave fight for it as if it Avere a Koh-i-noor of purest water.
[Applause.J " The proposition now is, that after fourteen years have passed, and not
one petition from one American citizen has come to us asking that this
law be repealed ; Avhile not one memorial has found its way to our desks
complaining of the law, so far as I have heard, the Democratic House
of Representatives now hold if they are not permitted to force upon
another House anil upon the Executive against their consent the repeal
of a law that Democrats made, this refusal shall be considered a sufficient
ground for starving this Government to death. That is the proposition
which we denounce as revolution. [xVpplause on the Republican side.]
"And here I ask the forbearance of gentlemen on the other side Avhile
I offer a suggestion which I make Avith reluctance. They will bear me
witness that I have in many ways shown my desire that the Avounds of the
war should be healed ; that the gr.ass that has grown green over the
graves of both armies might symbolize the returning spring of friendship
and peace between citizens who were lately in arms against each other.
" But I am compelled by the necessities of the case to refer to a chapter
of our recent history. The last act of Democratic domination in this
Capitol, eighteen years ago, was striking and dramatic, perhaps heroic.
Then the Democratic party said to the Republicans, ' If you elect the
man of your choice as President of the United States Ave will shoot your
Government to death ;' and the people of this country, refusing to be
coerced by threats or violence, voted as they pleased, and laAvfully elected
Abraham Lincoln Pre.sident of the United States.
" Then your leaders, though holding a majority in the other branch of
Congress, were heroic enough to Avithdraw from their seats and fling down
the gage of mortal battle. We called it rebellion ; but we recognized it
as courageous and manly to avow your purpose, take all the risks, and
fight it out on the open field. Notwithstanding your utmost efforts to
destroy it, the Government Avas saved.
"To-day, after eighteen years' defeat, the book of your domination is

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 397
again opened, and your first act aAvakens every bitter memory, and threat
ens to destroy the confidence Avhich your professions of patrioti>ni inspired.
You turned down a leaf of the history that recorded your last act of
power in 18(31, and you have now signalized your return to power by be
ginning a second chapter at the same page; not this time by a heroic
^ct that declares Avar ou the battle-field, but you say if all the legislative
powers of the Government do not consent to let you tear certain laws
out of the statute-book, you Avill not shoot our Government to death as
"you tried to do in the first chapter; but you declare that if Ave do not
consent against our will, if you can not coerce an independent branch
of this Government against its will, to allow you to tear from the statute-
books some laws put there by the will of the people, vou Avill .starve the
Government to death. [Great applause on the Republican side.]
"BetAveen death on the field and death by starvation, I do not know
that the American people Avill see any great difference. The end, if
successfully reached, Avould be death in either case. Gentlemen, you
have it in your power to kill this Government; you have it in your
poAA'er by Avithholding these tAvo bills, to smite the nerve-centers of our
Constitution with the paralysis of death ; and you have declared your
purpose to do this, if you can not break doAvn that fundamental element
of free consent Avhich, up to this hour, has always ruled in the legisla
tion of this GoA'ernment.''
The question stated at the beginning of this chapter is : Was
Garfield a Statesman ? In vieAV of what the reader has perused
since that question was put, it must at this point be restated — Was
Garfield not a Statesman ? The burden ot proof has shifted. It
is, of course, too .soon to form a complete estimate of Garfield's
stature. We are too near to the man avc loved. It Avill be for
some future generation, farther remoA'cd from the spell of his
name, and more able calmly to contemplate his life apart from the
bloody death. This is the task for the historian of the future.
But what we say enters into the contemporary estimate of the
dead President's life and Avork. While the relative height of the
mountain peak can only be told by vicAving it from a long dis
tance, where the entire range pictures its upper outline on the eye,
the people Avho dwell at the foot of the mountain know it as the
highest of their neighborhood. Moreover, some of the strongest

398 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
objections to the contemporary estimates of a public man are en
tirely AA'anting in the present case. One of these is the popularity
of his opinions or achieveraents. Men are apt to overestiraate the
abilities of a man Avho agrees Avith them. But time and again, on
diiferent questions, as in the currency and the enforcement act, the
Wade-Davis manifesto, and the defen.se of BoAvles and Milligan,
we have seen General Garfield, not merely opposing, but openly
defying fhe opinions of the people who elected him. When he
thought a thing \A'as true, no personal consideration could affect his
public utterance. Such a spectacle is rare indeed in Araerican politics.
Another reason why the present contemporary estimate of Gar
field is more likely than usual to pass into historv is that, in a
sense, the vindication of his policy is already accomplished. When
Cromwell died his Avork Avas incomplete. It Avas only one act in
the great drama of the struggle against kings. The result was
unknown at the time. Other fields Avere to run red Avith patriot
blood, other monarchs lo expire on the .scaffold, before the solution
of the deadly struggle should appear. It was uncertain Avhether
any other government than monarchy Avas po.ssible. No man was
Avise enough to tell, at CromAvell's death, whether he had advanced
or retarded civilization and progress. But this is a more rapid
age. Events hurry on quickly. The questions growing out of the
Civil War are very largely settled already. The liistoric genius
Avliich sits m pulgmeiit upon men and institutions is no longer in
doubt as to those questions. Similarly, too, tlie .stupendous prob
lem of national finance, to which Garfield devoted such hercideaii
labor, has reached its solution. It may be that all men are not
willing to surrender yet, but beyond a doubt the return to a specie
basis, and the Avonderful improvement of the times following it,
are in part a vindication of Garfield's statesmanship. It is the
same with his position on the Force Bill and the Tariff. Some
things, howcA'cr, are still incomplete. The raihvay problem and
the perpetuity of American institutions the future alone can pass
upon; but these are the exceptions. The cximpleteness of Mr.
Lincoln's AVork at the time of his as.sa.ssination AA'as not generally
recognized, but Ave see it new. So with Garfield's labors. They

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 899
were in a sense complete. We may pa.ss judgment upon them.
The vindication of history is already at hand.
There is still another reason Avhy the contemporary estimate of
Jaines A. Garfield is likely to be(x)me permanent. It is becau.se
the field of his principal achievements was not one of popular in
terest. It Avas not one Avhich takes hold of the people's hearts,
and sweeps the popular judgment frora its moorings. It lacked '
the -glamour of military fame. The present age Avill hand doAvn
to posterity the fame of mighty .soldiers, but their glory raust be
vieAved with some reserve, some mistrust for the present.
Julius Cfflsar, Avho was assassinated as a tyrant, uoav takes his
place at the head of all .secular history. Napoleon Bonaparte, the
mention of Avho.se name has, for three quarters of a century, been
enough to convulse Paris and fill every Avail with placards and
every street with barricades, is likely to become the least lovely
figure of modern times. Garfield's chosen field of Avork, that Avhere
his fame must rest, was to the careless masses dull. Men groAV
excited over battles, but not a pulse beats higher over a computa
tion of interest on the public debt. The stories of marches and
sieges thrill the reader a thousand years after every combatant has
been vanquished by the black battalions of Death. But the most
eloquent orator in America finds it difficult to hold an audience
with the discussion of the tariff list or of public expenditures or
of the currency, even Avhen every man in the audience knows that
his pocket is touched. If such discussions are throAvn into ncAVS-
paper editorials they are but little read. No argument, however
powerfiil, on the fallacy of fiat money ever drew a tear or roused
a cheer. No table of the reduction of public expenditure is ever
greeted Avitli huzzas. When the ucavs of a victory comes, every
co.rner has a bonfire and every AvindoAV an illumination. But the
change of tlie balance of trade iu our favor only aAvakens a quiet
satisfaction in the merchant's heart as he glances through the niorn-
iug papers. A new kind of gun attracts world-Avide attention ; it
is talked over al every breakfast-table and described in every
paper, but a ucav theory of surplus and deficits in the public trea.s-
ory IB utterly unnoticed. We see no flushed assemblies straining

400 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
to catch every word that falls from the orator's lips as he discusses
the tariff on sugar or quinine. But AA'hen Kearney shouts his
hoarse note of defiance to capital, the street is packed Avith list
ening thousands.
Hence it is that the man who significantly whispers " Gar
field is overestimated " is more likely to be wrong than right.
There is no tide of popular excitement over his work. The
calm conviction of his abilities is a dift'erent thing from the fe
verish hurrahs of a campaign. In 1859 his old neighbors in
his county had this conviction when they sent him to the State
Senate. From the county, this spread to his Congressional
district ; from the district to the State of Ohio ; frora Ohio to
the Union. It was gradual, and sure.
Garfield's speeches must be the foundation for his fame. To
these history will turn as a basis for its estimate. The first
thing Avhich is cobe said of them, is that they dea,hwith Ihe real
problems of the epoch. That he was a great orator is true; that
he Avas much more than this is equally true, WTiile other men
busied themselves Avith political topics Garfield took hold of
the great non-political problems of the time. He refused to
vieAV them from a partisan or a personal stand-point. He grap
pled Avith the leviathans of reconstruction, tariff, and cur
rency in the spirit of the statesman. That he was always
right, we are not prepared to say; that he Avas right in his
views on the great questions above mentioned, that with re
gard to them he was a leader of leaders, seems hardly to admit
of a doubt. He Avas so radical in opinion that on almost e\'ery
question he Avas ahead of his party and the country. This was
the case in his arguments on the status of the rebel States, and
what ought to be done with them ; in his arguments in favor
of a reduction of the tariff' as prices declined after the Avar, and
in his discussion of the currency and banking problems. Yet
so nearly right Avas he that in every one of these instances
Congress and the country gradually moved up to and occu
pied the position AA-hich he had taken in advance of them.
On the other hand, he Avas so conservative iu practice that

GREAT QUESTIONS AND GREAT ANSWERS. 401
on no question was he ever an extremist. While he was a
strong believer in the nationality of the Republic, and its pow
ers of self-preservation, he faced the entire North in his oppo
sition to the provisions of the "Force Bill," for the suspension
of the writ of habeas corpus and the declaration of martial
laAV in a country bleeding at every wound from Avar, but iu a
state of peace. Let no reader omit his speech of April 4, 1871,
We say it the more willin^^ly because at the time we thought
Garfield Avas Avrong, While he Avas a protectionist, he believed
in a tariff Avhich avoided both extremes. While he was an
original and unintermittent hard-money man, he believed in
the necessity of an elastic volume of currency. As the end of
resumption forbade inflation, he demanded that every part
of the country should have its share of banks, and the drafts
and checks Avhicli they threw into the circulation.
At the variety as Avell as the quantity of his Avork, men will
not soon cease to Avonder. There Avere fcAV who could equal
him in the discussion of any one of the great topics of the day,
much less all of them. His name and fame can never be iden
tified with any single question or measure, for he displayed the
same ability on every subject alike.
In other respects he also diftered from the men around him.
He Avas a scholar in the broadest sense. His speeches are abso
lutely unequaled anywhere for their scientific method. In their
philosophical discussions they Avere the product of the ripest
scholarship; in their practical suggestions and arguments, they
Avere, they are the product of the highest statesmanship.
Finally, a man of more spotless honor and loftier integrity
never trod the earth than James A. Garfield. He lived in an
atmosphere of purity and unselfishness, Avhich, to the average
man, ia an unknoAvn realm. After all, there are men enough
Avith intellect in politics, but too feAV Avith character. An es
timate of Garfield Avould be incomplete Avhich failed to include
the inflexible honesty of the great orator and legislator,
whether in affairs public or private. History shoAvs that while
no institutions ever decayed because of the intellectual weak-
20

402 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ness of the people among which they flourished, empire after
empire has perishe'd from the face of the earth through the
decay of morals in its people and its public men. History
repeats itself. W^hat has been, will be. Name after name of
the great men of the new Republic is stained Avith private im
morality and public crime. The noblest part of Garfield, with
all his genius, was his spotless character. There was, there i8,j
no greater, purer, manlier man,
" His tongue was framed to music.
His hand was armed with skill.
His face was the mold of beauty.
And his heart the throne of will."

THE CLIMAX OF 1S80.— POLITICAL PARTIES. 403
CHAPTER X.
THE CLIMAX OF 1880.
The Clans are met in the prairied West,
And the battle is on, is on again,
The struggle of great and little men,
To make one victor aboA'e the rest.
THE fathers of the Republic had no suspicion of the forx[)
which American politics has assumed. The thing which
we know as a political party is uoav under the sun. No
other country or age ever had anj' thing like Avhat America
understands by the Avord party. When we speak of a party,
we do not have in mind a mere sect, or class, distinguished
by peculiar opinions, and composed of individuals whose only
bond of union is their harmony of opinion, passion, or preju
dice. We do not mean a caste, nor a peculiar section of
American society, nor a portion of the masses, whose birth,
condition, and surroundings predestine them to take a tradi
tional sort of a A'iew of political affairs, which they hold in
common with their parents and their fellows. This AA'as Avhat
Rome, in the days of her Republic, undei-stood by the name
of party. Patrician and plebeian stood not merely for opinion,
but for more — for birth, heritage, and station. When there
was an election, it Avas a rout, a rabble, AA'ithout organiza
tion, work, or object. Rich and poor were arrayed against
each other; the public offices were the glittering prize. But
they were captured more by seditions, revolts, coups d'etat,
than by the insinuating arts of the wire-puller. The same
thing is largely true of England and France, although less so
lately than formerly.
But in America by a political party, Ave mean an organism,
of which the life is, in the beginning at least, an opinion or
set of opinions. We mean an institution as perfectly organ
ized as the government itself; and taking hold of the people
much more intimately. AVe mean an organization so power-

404 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ful that the goA'ernment is in its hands but a toy; so deS'
potic that it has but one penalty for treason — political death;
so much beloved, that Avhile a I'eAv men iu a fcAV Avidely sep
arated generations make glorious and aAA'ful sacrifices for
their country, nearly all the men of every generation lend
themselves, heart and soul, to the cause of party. A political
party raises, once in four years, drilled armies, more numer
ous than any war ever called forth. If the battalions vAear
no uniform but red shirt and cap, and earrj' no more deadly
Aveapon than the flaming torch, they are, nevertheless, as
numerous, as aa'oU drilled, and as powerful as the glistening
ranks of Gettysburg or Chickamauga. They, too, fight for
the government — or against it. A, political party has its
official chief, its national legislature or "committee," its state,
county, toAvnship, Avard, and precinct organizations. It is
stupendous. The local organization has in its secret- rooms
lists containing the name of every voter, with an analysis of
his political vieAvs ; if they are Avavering, a few significant
remarks on how he can be "reached." The county and state
organizations haA'e their treasuries, their system of taxation
and reA'enue, their fields of expenditure, and their cries of rob
bery, reform, and rotrenehmeut. In the secret committee
rooms are laid deep and sagacious plans for carrying the elec
tion. In some States, the old, crude Avavs of sedition, driving
aAvay of voters, and stuffing the j)oll are still followed; hut
iu most of the States prevail arts and methods so mysterious,
so .secret, that none but the expert politician knows what
they are.
A political party has other than financial resources. It oavus
ncAA'spapers — manufacturers of public sentiment. It makes the
men that make it. It controls offices, and places of trust and
profit. It has all the poAvers of centralization. One man iu
a State is at the head of the organism. He is an autocrat,
a czar, a sultan. At the crack of his finger the political
head of his grand vizier falls under the beadsman's ax. The
party has iu its service the most plausible writers, the most

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— POLITICAL PARTIES. 405 ,
eloquent orators, the most ingenious statisticians, and the
most graphic artists. In its service are all the brilliant and
historic names and reputations. Military glory, statesman
ship, diplomacy, are alike appropriated to itself. Wealth,
genius, love, and beauty, alike Lay their treasures at its
feet. A party as avcU as the nation has its laAvs. Its delegatee
and committeemen are as certain to bo elected, and those
elections are required to occur at times and places as defi
nitely settled by imrty rule as those for Congressmen or
President, The thing which aVg haA'e been describing did not begin
Avith the Republic. It is substantially a groAA'th of the last
fifty years. Its beginning Avas marked by the rise of the
convention, its most public and prominent feature. Formerlj',
congressional and legislative caucuses nominated the candi
dates for office. But about 1831 a change began to come
about. When the first severe cold of Avinter begins, ever}''
floating straAV or particle of dust on the surface of a pond
becomes the center of a crystallization around itself. The
distances between the nearer and smaller, then tho more iso
lated and larger, centers, are gradually bridged until the icy
floor is built. So in the rise of party organism in tlie Re
public. The local organizations, the toAvn clubs, the toAvnship
conA'-entions for the nomination of trustee and road master,
became the initial centers of a process of crystallization AA'liich
was to go on until the ipy floor of party organization and
platforms covered the thousand little Avaves and ripples of
individual opinions from shore to shore.
The delegate and the convention, the permanent committee
and the caucus, became the methods by which the organiza
tion grew. Stronger and stronger have they groAvn, twining
themselves like monster vines around the central trunk of the
Republic, Every Presidential election has doubled the poAA-er,
unity, centralization and resources of the monsters. The sur
plus genius and energy of the American people for organiz-

406 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ing, being unexhausted and unsatisfied by the simple forms of
the Republic, has spent itself in the political party.
With the rise of the party as an independent, self-sustain
ing organism, which, like the government, derives its powers
from the consent of the people, two facts have become more
and more prominent: first, the struggle for the delegatesMps
to the conventions; second, the struggle to control delegates
by instructions after they were elected. While these are both
called struggles, the word ha.- a widely diftefrent meaning in
the tAVO places. In the first it stands for the contest between
candidates. Not only did the party become a nationalized
organism for a campaign against the enemy, but the candida
cies within the party for its nomination for a national office
also became nationalized. But, in the second place, the word
struggle stands for a contest, not between men, but between
principles. In every phase of this long conflict the underly
ing struggle was between two opposite tendencies. The one
was toward stronger and stronger party organization, greater
centralization, increased powers of the caucus, the absolute
tyranny of the majority, in short, the subordination of the
individual to the machine, in the name of party discipline.
The other tendency Avas toward ^less organization, less cen
tralization, less binding powers for the caucus on its members,
the representation of minorities, the subordination of the
machine to the individual.
The struggle between these tendencies, of which the unit
rule or the control of the vote of solid delegations, by in
structions or by the voice of the majority of the delegation,
was but a single aspect, reached its highest point so far, in the
Republican National Convention which assembled in Chicago,
June 2d, 1880. As will be seen, the contests of that conven
tion must make it absolutely unique. The tremendous tide
toward organization received a strong cheek. The events of
that convention are far more significant of the political life-
tendencies of the American people than the election of the
following November.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— THE GRANT MOVEMENT. 407
All other ages and countries have distrusted the people,
have concentrated power in the hands of the feAV, and perpet
uated it by the rigid forms of despotic government. In Amer
ica that tendency was defeated. But the same instincts are
still present in the hearts of men. It is not impossible that
in the struggles toward organization, discipline, party central
ization and the machine aspect of politics, Ave see the. same
devilish forces of the past at work in a new field. It is not
impossible that in party "bosses," and the tyranny of the ma
chine, we are really looking in the face of the ancient foe of
mankind, whose sole aim was to concentrate and perpetuate
power in the hands of the few.
When, after General Grant returned from his trip around
the world, he consented to become a candidate for the Presi
dency, he had a perfect right to do so. It was the privilege
of his countrymen to bring forward and support for that po
sition the great Captain of the nineteenth century. The three
men who were instrumental in bringing about his candidacy, and
who managed the campaign for him, were Roscoe Conkling, of
New York; Don Cameron, of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the
Republican National Committee; and John A. Logan, of Illi
nois. The history of the canvass for the nomination of General
Grant shows an ability so remarkable that his defeat must still
be a matter of wonder. The New York member of the triumvi
rate caused a resolution to be passed in his State convention in
structing the delegates to vote solidly for Grant. Cannferon
achieved the same thing in Pennsylvania. In Illinois, Logan,
fearing or foreseeing that instructions AA'ere a feeble reliance, at
tempted the more heroic method of electing a solid Grant dele
gation by a majority of votes in the State convention. The mi
nority, to protect itself, held meetings by congressional districts
and selected contesting delegates. Over the right to instruct and
the right to elect solid delegations the battle was fought. It was
unquestioned that with three solid delegations from the three
most populous States in the Union, and his other strong sup
port, Grant's nomination was overwhelmingly assured. The

408 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
country, in the few days preceding the convention was wrought
up to a pitch of feverish excitement.
The three principal candidates for the Presidency, whose names
were openly before the convention, Avere : Ulysses S. Grant, of
Illinois; James G. Blaine, of Maine; and John Sherman, of Ohio.
General Grant is the best known living American. His
wonderful career is familiar throughout the civilized Avorld.
Rising from the trade of a tanner in an Illinois village, he
became the commander of the armies of the Republic, the
greatest soldier of the age, President of the United States for
tAA'o terms, and the most distinguished citizen of the Union.
The foundation of his fame is his military achievements.
Taciturn, self-poised, alike unmoved by victory or defeat,
grim, immovable, bent only on achieving the thing Avhich lay
before him, of deadly earnestness, equal to every emergency,
Grant must be admitted to be a man of solitary and sublime
genius. For practical resources, the age has not produced his
equal. Grant's candidacy at Chicago, which seemed so singular to
many, Avas really the result of underlying forces, greater than
any of the men who were borne onward by the tide. First,
was the fact of his personal candidacy.
On one side was the Republican party closing its quarter of
a century — a Long Parliament of counsels, deeds, and changes;
and, on the other, the tried Cromwell of the CommouAvealth,
backed by his victories, and asking the party to recognize him
again. The party seemed almost destined to make the choice.
In asking again for the Presidency, it was natural that he
should look toAA^ard organization, discipline, and studied strat
egy as the instrumentalities of his canvass. His career as a
soldier, his mental constitution, and his political training and
experience during the arbitrary and tempestuous times of the
civil war and the epoch of reconstruction, his military habit
of relying on his subordinate generals, all were antecedents of
the memorable struggle at Chicago, and helped to give it its
character.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— THE POLITICAL MACHINE. 409
But if Grant, iu his personal canvass, naturally reached for
the party organization to make up his line of battle, the un
derlying tendency toward organization in politics, of which Ave
have spoken heretofore, seeking for its strongest personal rep
resentative, inevitably selected Grant. Ou the one side Avas
his individual Avill turning toAvard the jNIachin On the other
Avas the far more poAverful but impersonal force, in its strug- ,
gle to grasp and subordinate American politics, embodying
itself in its chosen representative. It will be remembered that
iu popular opinion Grant became a candidate as much at the
request of his friends as from any personal wi.sli. The distin
guished gentlemen who thus urged him Avere animated not
merely by personal affection and preference, but by the invin
cible tendency toAvard organization, structure, and machinery
in politics. In the organism the man found his support; in
the man, the organic force found its strongest representative.
But Avhat of the opposite tendency, the counter-current,
which set against organization, party discipline, unit rules,
the tyranny of majorities, and toAvard the freedom of individ
ual action? Who was its representative? Was it ready to
do battle with its gigantic foe? The Chicago Convention must
be viewed not as a personal struggle between rival candidates,
but as the meeting of two mighty Avaves in the ocean of
American politics, the shock of whose collision AA'as to be felt
on the farthest shores. Amid the foam which rose along the
line of breaking crests, mere men were for the moment almost
lost from view.
In the nature of the case the counter tendency could not
embody itself beforehand in a representative. To be sure there
was Blaine, the dashing parliamentary leader, the magnetic po
litician, the brilliant debater. Generous and brave of heart, su
perb in his attitude before the maligners of his spotless fame,
personally beloved by his supporters beyond any man of his
political generation, he was too independent to represent the
organism, and too much of a candidate, and had too much
inachinery, too many of the politician's arts, to fully meet the

410 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
requirements of the counter tendency in the great crisis.
Although Blaine Avas beyond question running on his personal
merits, yet the fact that he was a leading candidate, but with
out a majority, destined him to fall a prey to his competitors.
In the great political arena, when one gladiator is about tp
triumph over his divided rivals, the latter unite against him,
that all may die together, and by giving to an unknown the
palm of victory save themselves from the humiliation of a
rival's triumph,
John Sherman, the very opposite of Blaine, cold, cautious, solid,
hostile to display, was also a candidate upon personal merits, and
was also to fail from the same cause.
It can not be said that there Avas any other candidate before
the convention. Windom, Edmunds, and Washburne, had each a
small personal folloAving, but neither sought the nomination, and
all were only possible " dark horses."
On the floor of the convention. Grant was to be represented by
the triumvirate of United States Senators, Conkling, Cameron, and
Logan. Of these, Cameron, though a superb manipulator, a
splendid manager, and a man full of adroitness and resources,
was a silent man. His voice was not lifted in debate. His work
was in the secret room, planning, and not amid the clash of arms
in the open field. Logan, tall and powerful, of coppery complex
ion, and long, straight, black hair, Avhich told plainly of the In
dian blood, was a somcAvhat miscellaneous but rather powerful
debater. His tremendous voice Avas well fitted for large audiences.
That he was a man of great force is shown by his career. While
his two colleagues were descended from high-born ancestry, — Cam
eron's father having been the son's predecessor in the United
States Senate, — Logan sprang from below.
The leader of the trio, and with one exception the most dis
tinguished person in the convention, was Roscoe Conkling. Tall,
perfectly formed, graceful in every movement, with the figure of
an athlete, and the head of a statesman, surmounted with a crown
of snoAV-Avhite hair, he was a conspicuous figure in the most brill
iant assemblage of the great which could convene on any conti-

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— A STRIKING CONTRAST. 411
nent. In speaking, his flute-like tones, modulated by the highest
elocutionary art, his intensely dramatic manner, his graceful but
studied gesticulation, united to call attention to the speaker as
much as to the speech. He was dressed in faultless style, frora
the tightly-buttoned blue frock coat — the very neplus ultra of the
tailor's art, — to the exquisite fancy necktie. If it were not for his
intellect he would have been called a dandy. In his walk there
was a perceptible strut. But the matter of Conkling's speeches is
the best revelation of his character. Every sentence was barbed
with irony; every expression touched with scorn. He was the
very incarnation of pride. Haughty, reserved, imperious in man
ner, at every thrust he cut to the quick. His mastery of the sub
ject in hand was always apparently perfect, and not less perfectly
apparent. He was called " Lord Roscoe," " The Superb," " The
Duke," and other names indicative of his aristocratic bearing.
Never for a moment did he cease to carry himself as if he were on
the stage. It is said that great actors become so identified with
the characters they impersonate, that even in private life they re
tain the character Avhich they have assumed on the stage. Thus
Booth is said to order his fried eggs with the air of a Hamlet. So
Conkling never for a moment laid aside the air of high tragedy.
Nevertheless the commanding genius of the man Avas unques
tioned. He was the chief representative in the Chicago Conven
tion of the tendency to more organism, stronger party discipline, a
more perfect machine. The problem to which he applied all his
abilities, was to strengthen the party structure ; and to that end,
practically place the power of both his party and his country in
the hands of a feAV. A national party, with the consciences of its
individual members in the hands of a fcAV astute politicians, could
control the Government forever. But the end is vicious, and the
means an abomination to governments of the people, for the people,
and by the people.
The companion figure to that of Roscoe Conkling, of New York,
was James A. Garfield, of Ohio. He was there as the chief sup
porter of John Sherman. The contrast between Conkling and
Garfield was of the strongest possible kind. In person, Garfield

412 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avas a taller man than Conkling, but his size and solidity of build
made him look shorter. His figure, though less trim, had an air
of comfortable friendliness and cheer about it. He, too, had a
massive head, but it rested more easily above the broad shoulders.
His face lacked the lines of scorn traced on the other, and made
a true picture of a benevolent good nature, a generous, kindly
heart, and a great and Avise intellect. He wore a plain sack coat,
and his attire generally though neat, Avas of an unstudied sort.
He had a habit of sitting with his leg swinging over the arm of
the chair, and his manners Avere those of a big, jolly, overgrown
boy. In speaking he had a deep, rich voice, Avith a kindly accent,
in marked Contrast with the biting tones of the great Ncav York
Senator, He Avas never sarcastic, though often grave. His
speeches were conservative but earnest. Socially, his manners
Avere utterly devoid of restraint ; he was accessible to every body,
and appeared to be on good terms with himself. The dramatic
element was completely absent. He believed in Sherman heartily,
though he Avas evidently a stranger to the mysterious arts of the
Avire-puller and politician. For himself, he was well satisfied look
ing forAvard to the seat in the United States Senate, Avhich he Avas
to enter the next December, with joy and gratification.
These were the two chief figures of the Chicago Convention,
Each was there as the chief supporter of another. The one Avas the
conscious personification and representative of a tendency Avhich,
for fifty years, had been setting more and more strongly toward
party organism and permanent structure, having for its aim a per
fect power-getting and power-keeping machine. The other Avas the
unconscious personification and representatiA'e of the opposite ten
dency, the current Avhich set toAvard a flexible rather than rigid
party organization, toAA'ard ucav political ideas, and the independ
ence of individual thought. The one was a patrician, the other the
child of the people.
When the Chicago Convention met, it Avas the nature of the or
ganic tendency to have its candidate selected. On the other hand,
it was equally the nature of the opposite tendency to have no can
didate. But each force was present in the convention working in

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.-GATHERING OF THE CLANS. 413
the hearts and minds of its members. Day after day, the angry Avliite
caps rose along the line Avhere the tAvo Avaves met. As the crisis
approached the moveiuent of resistance to the strengthening and
increase of party organism, Avith that instinct Avhich belongs to every
subtle underlying tendency in human society, began to look and to
feel its way toAvard a personal representative. Having found the
man, the spirit would enter into him and possess him.
Thus it Avas that A\hcu the supreme moment came, personal can
didates and preferences, pledges and plans, leaders and followers
were suddenly lost from view. The force, which was greater than
individuals, rose up, embodied itself in the person of a protesting
and awe-stricken man AA'ithin Avhoso heart may have been some
presentiment of the tragic future, and, subordinating all to itself,
relentlessly demanding and receiA'ing the sacrifice alike of candi
dates and of the supporter, defeating for the tirae being, not so much
the silent soldier from Galena, as the political tendency which made
him its representative.
NotAvithstanding the nomination of Garfield, as the remaining
chapters of this story avIII shoAV, tho spirit of party organism Avas not
killed but stunned. Cast out from the most famous citizen of the
Republic, it was to enter into a swine. History will say of Guiteau,
that he embodied and represented a force stronger than himself.
Let us turn now from the internal philosophy to the external
facts of the Chicago Convention.
Chicago is a roomy place and well-suited for the meeting of a
large assembly, but its resources were taxed by the Convention
of 1880, By Monday preceding the Convention, its hotels were
croAvded, and thousands upon thousands were pouring in every
hour. It was a great gathering of rival clans, which did not Avait
the order of their generals to advance, but charged upon each
other the moment they came upon the field.
There were tAA'o battles in progress — the one of the masses, the
other of the leaders.
On Monday evening two public meetings of the "Grant" and
" anti-Grant " elements, respectively, were held in Dearborn Park
and in the Base Ball Park.

414 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The speakers announced for the Grant meeting were Senators
Conkling, Logan, Carpenter, SteAvart L. Woodford of New York,
Leonard SAvett, Emory Storrs, Robert T. Lincoln, and Stephen A.
Douglas, But the advertised speakers did not all appear; neither
Conkling nor Carpenter spoke. They Avere too busy plotting else-
Avhere, In fact, this Grant meeting Avas, so far as any demonstra
tion in EsLVor of the third term was concerned, an acknoAvledged
failure. The speakers, hoAvever, managed to throAV some spirit
into the affair, and aroused some enthusiasm.
But the anti-Grant meeting, as Avas quite evident, felt and fared
better. Though it had been but meagerly advertised, and but few
speakers of prominence had been announced, the grounds Avere
densely crowded. At least ten thousand persons were in at
tendance. The tone of the meeting Avas unmistakable. The raost radical
utterances were the most loudly cheered. The people declared that
" they Avould not submit to boss rule ; that they Avoiild not have a
third terra; that they would defeat the villainous attempt to de
prive them of their liberties," People came there determined to
be pleased — with every thing or any thing but Grant. But they
hissed the third terra. They shouted themselves hoarse for Blaine,
Washburne, and Edmunds,
Speakers frora New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and NeAV
Harapshire, declared that those States Avould be lost to the Repub
lican party by a third-term campaign, MeauAvhile, notAvithstand
ing the vast crowds attending the tAvo meetings, the corridors of
the hotels and streets Avere thronged. The utmost interest Avas
manifested, and every report of the Avork of the managers of the
candidates, whether reasonable or unrea.sonable, was seized and
discussed in its bearing upon the candidates. The greatest inter
est centered about the Palmer House, Avhere a secret meeting of
the National Committee was being held.
And what of this secret meeting? The National Committee
contained a majority of anti-Grant raen. At its very beginning,
William E. Chandler, of New Hampshire, took the floor and offered
the following resolutions :

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— A PRELIMINARY BATTLE. 415
"Eesolved, That the committee approves and ratifies the call for the approaching
Republican National Convention, which was issued by its chairman and secretary,
and which invites ' two delegates from each Congressional district, four delegates
at large from each State, two from each Territory, and two from the District of
Columbia,' to compose the convention.
"Resolved, That this committee recognizes the right of each delegate in a Repub
lican National Convention freely to cast and have counted his individual vote
therein, according to his own sentiments, if he so decides, against any ' unit rule'
or other instructions passed by a State convention, which right was conceded with
out dissent, and was exercised in the conventions of 1860 and 1868, and was, after
a full debate, affirmed by the convention of 1876, and has thus become a part
of the law of Republican conventions ; and until reversed by a convention itself
must remain a governing principle."
The fir.st of these passed unanimously. But not so the second.
The "unit rule" Avas not to die without a struggle. Chairman
Cameron promptly declared this resolution out of order.
Then Mr, Chaffee, of Colorado, offered a resolution approving
of the decision of the Cincinnati Convention, declaring that each
delegate should be allowed to vote on all subjects before the
couA'ention. Mr. Gorham, of California, inquired of Mr, Cam
eron if he intended to entertain these resolutions. Mr. Cameron
announced that he would not. This caused great excitement, and
Mr. Chaffee appealed from this decision. The next decision of
Mr. Cameron caused still greater commotion, this being to the
effect that there could be no appeal, as there Avas no question be
fore the committee. At this Mr. Chaffee renewed his appeal, say
ing that if the committee submitted to such tyranny it raight as
well have a king. This was roundly applauded. Mr. Cameron
again repeated that there could be no appeal, and he Avould put
none. Mr. Chandler thereupon, in a vigorous speech, demurred to
such ruling, and wound up by also appealing frora the decision of
the chair. To further aggravate matters, Cameron again refused to
entertain the appeal. This brought Frye, of Maine, to his feet,
and in a caustic speech he told the chairman that the coraraittee
had rights Avhich he (the chairman) was bound to respect.
Mr. Chandler significantly remarked that if the chairman would

416 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
not pay any respect to the committee, the same poAver that made
him chairman Avould remove hira.
Mr. Forbes, of Massachusetts, then offered a resolution appoint
ing a coramittee of six to select and present to the committee a can
didate to preside at the temporary organization. This was adopted.
A recess Avas then taken till half-past ten o'clock.
It UOAV became certain that the anti-Grant men Avere ready to
depose Cameron at once if they could not control him in any
other Avay.
The committee to select the name of a temporary chairman re
turned after a recess of fifteen minutes, and reported in favor of
Senator George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts. Senator Jones an
nounced that the minority reserved the right to name a candidate
in the convention. After sorae minor matters, Mr. Frye offered
one of the resolutions of the caucus, providing, in the case of the
absence of the chairman of the committee from sickness or from
any cause, that the chairman of the coraraittee of six (Mr. Cliand-
ler) should be authorized to call the convention to order, and per
form all the duties pertaining to the temporary organization.
Mr. McCormick folloAved Avith a second resolution of the caucus,
directing that in all questions pertaining to the temporary organ
ization the chairman shall rule that every delegate Avas at liberty
to vote as he chooses, regardless of instructions. Messrs. Gorham,
Filley, and others, made great opposition, and Mr, Cameron ruled
that this resolution Avould not be entertained, since it was not in the
power of the committee to instruct the chairman as to his rulings.
A Avarm debate followed as to the rights and poAvers of the com
mittee. Finally, the meeting attended to some routine business,
and adjourned till next day noon.
The battle uoav grcAv hotter every hour. Mr, Conkling's dele
gation broke in two, and issued the folloAving protest :
"Chicago, May 31, 1880.
"The undersigned, delegates to the Republican National Convention, represent'
ing our several Congressional districts in the State of New York, desiring above aU
the success of the Republican party at the approaching election, and realising the
hazard attending an injudicious nomination, declare our pwpose to resist the nomim-

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— A TRUCE. 417
tion of General U. S. Grant by all honorable means. We are sincere in the convic
tion that in New York, at least, his nomination would insure defeat. 'We have a
great battle to fight, and victory is within our reacli, but we earnestly protest
against entering the contest Avith a nomination which we regard as unwise and
perilous. " William H. Robertson, 12th Dist. ; William B. Woodin, 26th Dist. ; Norman
M. Allen and Loren B. Sessions, 33d Dist. ; Moses D. Stivers and Blake G. Wales,
14th Dist.; Webster Wagner and George WVst, 20th Dist.; Albert Daggett, 3d Dist.;
Simeon S. Hawkins and John Birdsall, 1st Dist.; John P. Douglass and Sidney
Sylvester, 22d Dist.; John B. Dutcher, 13th Dist.; Henry R. Jaraes and Wells S.
Dickinson, 19th Dist. ; James W. Husted, 12th Dist. ; Ferris Jacobs, Jr., 21st Dist. ;
Oliver Abell, Jr., 18th Dist. "
A similar protest Avas published by twenty-two Pennsyh'ania
delegates, headed by Mr. James McManes.
At nine o'clock on the morning of June 1st, an anti-Grant caucus
was held, Avhich determined to defeat the " unit rule " at all
hazard.s, even if Mr. Cameron must first be deposed from the chair-
ilianship. The UCAVS of the firm attitude of the caucus had reached Cam
eron, Gorham, Filley, Arthur, and their associates, and before any
movement could be made, the Grant men announced that they had
a proposition to make, looking to harmonizing all differences. A
recess Avas taken to allow a committee on the part of Cameron,
Conkling, Arthur, and Logan, to state the agreement Avhich they
were Avilling to make. It proved to be as folio avs:
"That Senator Hoar should be accepted as temporary chairman of the
convention, and that no attempt .«hould be made to enforce the unit rule,
or have a test vote in the convention, until the committee on credentials
had reported, Avhen the unit-rule question should be decided by the con
vention in its OAVn way."
This proposition was finally, in the interest of harmony, agreed
to by all parties.
On AVednesday, June 2d, after days and nights of caucusing,
serenading, speech-making, and cheering by every body, and for
nearly every body, the great convention held its first session. As
a clever correspondent wrote at the time:
27

418

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

"A raore beautiful day in June probably never rose upon a Presiden
tial Convention. The sun, the shade, the trees, the lake, the high fagades
of business buildings and palace hotels; the air cool, yet temperate; the
well-dressed, energetic people, and the signs of prosperous business,
uninfluenced even by such a convention, sent a hopeful, cheery feeling
to the heart. The rageful features of the past day or tAvo went into
their tents at such sunshine and calm godliness of sky.''
The place of meeting was in the Exposition Building, in the
south half of which vast structure there is a hall 400 feet long by

THE EXPOSITION BUILDING, WHERE GARFIELD WAS NOMINATED.
150 feet wide, with galleries all round, and ,so arranged that room
for about ten thousand people could be provided.
At eleven o'clock the band stationed on the north gallery began
olaying national airs, but nearly an hour passed before the dele
gates took their seats. The Chairman called on the Secretary to
read the call, and Secretary Keogh proceeded, in a clear voice, to
read the document.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— THE CONVENTION MEETS. 419
Mr, Cameron then arose, and, in a .short address, nominated, as
temporary chairman, the Hon. George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts,
Avho Avas elected by a unanimous vote. Mr Hoar was then con
ducted to the chair; and the preliminary organization Avas thus
peacefully resigned by the disappointed Grant faction, Avhich had
expected to control all.
On motion of Eugene Hale, of Maine, the roll of States and
Territories was called, and the comraittees made up. There Avere
four: (1) Permanent Organization; (2) Rules; (3) Credentials; and
(4) Resolutions,
After a slight stir over Utah, and a sharp encounter betAveen
Conkling and Frye, the opening business Avas completed, and the
convention adjourned for that day.
A ncAvspaper dispatch sent out of the room during this session
said: " There is a good deal of talk about Garfield. Some significance i.s
attached to the fact that Avhen the name Avas mentioned in the conven
tion to-day as a member of the Coramittee on Rules it was loudly ap
plauded." And another added:
"A prolonged contest is now certain on the floor of the couA'ention to
day over the reports from the committees on Credentials, Rules, and
Resolutions. Senator Conkling is recognized as the leader of debate on
the Grant side. Frye and Hale Avill be the principal speakers, with
Garfield and Conger on the part of the majority. The debates preced
ing the balloting promise to be the most heated and the ablest ever
heard in a Republican Convention."
That night the popular battle in the streets and lobbies con
tinued, attended with ever-growing excitement. Grant men and
Blaine men loudly proclaimed their confidence in a victory for
their respective favorites, on the first or second ballot. Each of
these two leaders claimed about three hundred reliable A'otes; but,
in fact, they had not six hundred between them.
Sherman, Edmunds, Washburne, and Windom men felt sure that
neither Blaine nor Grant could be nominated on account of the

420 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
violent opposition of their factions. This gave hope to each of
these smaller sections, and made " dark -horse " talk plausible.
At eleven o'clock of June 3d, the second day's fight of the
convention began. As the delegations took their places, the great
crowd of spectators occupied themseh'^es in getting acquainted
with the men who were to give and receive the hard blows to be
dealt by both sides when the contest opened. All these men —
Conkling, Garfield, Frye, Hale, and Logan — were cordially re
ceived, though there were degrees in the favor.
The most spontaneous of the greetings given any one of the lead
ers was to Garfield, One of the ovations to him gave rise to a
ludicrous affair for Conkling, The latter had made his usual late
and pompous entrance, had been received with much noise, and
walked slowly up to his seat near the front. Just as he rose to
show himself further and address the chair. General Garfield came
in at the rear, A tremendous and rapidly spreading cheer broke
otit, which the New York " Duke " mistook for his own property.
The second day was now passing, and the preliminaries were
not yet complete. It was the policy of the Grant men to make de
lay, and v/ear out the strength of all opponents. They had come,
as Cameron said, " to stick until we win." The Blaine leaders, on
the other hand, had no such reliable, lasting force. They must
dash in boldly and carry off their prize at once, or be forever
defeated. To-day the Blaine men came in jubilant, for they had beaten
the Grant faction in the committees. Conkling opened the pro
ceedings from the floor at the earliest moment. He moved to
adjourn until evening to await the report of the Committee on
Credentials. Hale opposed this. Conkling, in his haste, forget
ting his parliamentary knowledge, claimed that his motion to take
a recess was not debatable. The Chairman overruled this, much
to the annoyance of Conkling, He soon poured out a little vial
of wrath on Hale, and sneered at him as his " amiable friend."
To this Hale retorted that he had not spent his time in cultivating
sarcastic and sneering methods in argument; and if the Senator
from New York Avas less amiable than others this morning the

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— A SECOND ADJOURNMENT. 421
convention understood the reason well. At this reference to the
general defeat of the Granfforces in the committees during the last
evening the people laughed loudly at Conkling, and that august
gentleman himself deigned to smile.
Soon the Committee on Permanent Organization reported, the
temporary chairman and other officers were continued, and Mr.
Hoar took permanent possession of his Chairmanship. Thereupon
Mr, Frye moved that the Committee on Rules and Order of Busi
ness report at once, Mr, Sharpe, of New York, now arose and said
that he had been instructed by the delegates of nine States to pre
pare a minority report of the Committee on Rules ; that he had
not had time to do so, and this ought not to be taken advantage
of, because, by agreement in the committee, he should have had a
longer time to prepare,
Mr. Frye then said that if the chairman of that committee —
Mr. Garfield — was present, he would request that gentleman to
state what agreement had been made.
As General Garfield arose in "his seat he was greeted *Avith loud
and prolonged cheers and applause, and cries of " Platform," "Step
up on the seat." He said: \
"Mr. President, the Coramittee on Rules finished its business at about
eleven o'clock by adopting a body of rules and an order of business. A
resolution Avas then offered by one member of the committee that it was
the judgment of the cornmittee that the report ought to be made after
the report of the Committee on Credentials, and that Avas adopted,
Avhether unanimously or hot I am unable to say, for the committee Avas
about breaking up. General Sharpe requested that a minority of that
committee might have leave to offer their views as a minority, and no
objection Avas made. No vote Avas taken on that latter topic. I did
,not, therefore, and shall not tender a report of the Committee on Rules.
I am, howcA'er, like every other delegate, subject to the orders of this
convention, and Avhen they desire the report and order it, I suppose the
committee are ready to raake it, but good faith requires this certainly,
that if the minority is not ready with its report it ought to have the time."
Mr. Frye then withdrew his motion, and the convention ad
journed until evening.

422 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
At half-past five they had reassembled and the battle proceeded
at the point where it had been dropped before adjournment.
The Committee on Credentials were not ready to report, and it
was so announced. The Blaine men forced the fighting, entering
a motion by Mr, Henderson, of loAva, that the convention proceed
to consider the report of the Committee on Rules and Organization.
This the Grant men resisted, and for this reason : The rules which
had been agreed to by the committee only alloAved five minutes de
bate on the matter of each individual contested seat. The Grant
men did not want the report adopted before the Committee on Cre
dentials reported, because they wanted to ascertain just what the
latter report would be. Logan led the fight for Grant, supported
by Boutwell and others. Henderson held his own vei-y Avell. Fi
nally, after an hour of this running fire of debate, Mr. Sharpe
moved to amend the pending motion by substituting an order that
the Committee on Credentials report at once.
• On this amendraent a vote was soon reached which proA'ed to be
the raost significant event of the day ; for it was the first vote taken
by States; it was a test vote between the Grant men on the one
side and the allied anti-Grant factions on the other, and it settled
the fate of the " unit rule."
Upon Alabama being called, the Chairman of the delegation,
Mr. Dunn, announced 20 ayes.
Mr. Allen Alexander, of Alabama, a colored delegate — I desire
to vote " No."
The Chairman — Does the gentleman frdm Alabama desire that
his vote phould be received in the negative?
Mr. Alexander — Yes, sir.
The Chairman — It will be so recorded.
Several other States offered divided votes.
The result was against Sharpe's substitute, by a vote of 318 to
406. About forty delegates were absent or did not vote. There
was great rejoicing among the anti-Grant factions when it became
certain that Hoar Avould allow no "unit rule " until forced to do
80 by an. order of the couA'^^ntion.
On motion of Mr, Brandagee, of Connecticut, Henderson's mo-

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— A GLOOMY FRIDAY. 423
tion Avas laid on the table, and adjournment till the next day fol~
loAved imraediately,
Friday of convention week daAvned less delightfully than did
the first two days. There Avas a cloudy sky, an east Avind, a rheu-
raatic, chilly atmosphere penetrating every nook and corner of the
great Convention Hall, and a croAA'd of shivering mortals pushed and
elboAved each other up and doAvn the passages, delegates looking
angular, stiff, and cold, and angry, — every body denouncing the
weather. The dull light made the pictures on the Avails look sour
and stern and cross. The froAvn on the Avretched oil-painted face
of old Ben Wade VA'as deepened ; Zach Chandler's hfird mouth ap
peared more firmly set, and Sumner's jaAV AA-as more rigid and un
compromising than ever in life. The flags drooped under the de
pressing atmospheric influences, blue turned black, the red Avas dull,
and the Avhite looked dirty, and the stars AVcre dim. The opening
scenes of each day had noAV as.sumed a stereotyjied forra, Conk
ling made his arrival in state as usual, and the usual cheer went up.
General Phil Sheridan w.is greeted Avith hearty applause, and Gar
field's entrance AA'as the signal for a great ovation.
Hardly had the opening prayer of the good man of God come
to its amen AA'hen Mr. Conkling offered the folloAA'ing:
Resolved, As the sense of this Convention, that every member of it is bound in
honor to support its nominee, whoever tliat nominee may be; and that no man
should hold a seat here who is not ready to so agree.
Mr. Hale said he thought that a Republican Convention did not
need to be in.structed, that its fir.st and underlying duty, after nomi
nating its candidate, was to elect him over the Democratic candidate.
A call of the States being requested, the convention voted
unanimously in favor of Mr. Conkling's resolution, Avith the ex
ception of three hostile votes from West Virginia.
Mr. Conkling then offered the following:
"Resolved, That the delegates who have voted that they -will not abide the ac
tion of the convention do not deserve and have forfeited their votu in this con
vention." Mr. Campbell, of West Virginia — "jMr. Chairman: There are three

424 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
gentlemen from West Virginia, good and true Republicans, who have
voted in the negative in the last vote. Gentleraen, as a delegate in
a Republican Convention, I ara willing to withdraw. If it has come
to this that in the city of Chicago, Avhere I came as a young man
from the State of Virginia, after having submitted twenty years to
contumely and to violence in the State of Virginia for my Republican
principles — if it has come to this, that in the city of Chicago a dele
gate frora that State can not have a free expression of opinion, I for
one ara willing to withdraw from this convention. Mr. Chairman, I
have been a Republican in the State of Virginia from my youth.
Fcr twenty-five years I have published a Republican newt^paper in
that State. I have supported every Republican Presidential nomuiee
in that time. I expect to support the nominee of this convention.
But, sir, I shall do so as a RepubUcan, having imbibed my principles
from the great statesman from New York, William H. Seward, with
whom I had an early acquaintance by virtue of my having gone to
school with him nine years from the city of Utica, from Avhich the
Senator from NeAV York now hails. I wtis a Republican then, and
I raade the acquaintance of that distinguished gentleman, I came
home, and in my youth I became a newspaper editor. From that
day to this — from the John Brown raid on Harper's Ferry all through
the troubles of the last twenty-five years — I have consistently and
always supported our State and National Republican nominee. But,
Mr, Chairman, I feel as a Republican th.at there is a principle in this
question, and I will never go into any convention and agree beforehand
that Avhate\'er may be done by that convention shall have my indorse
ment. Sir, as a free man, whora God raade free, I always intend to
carry my sovereignty under my own hat. I never intend that any body
of men shall take it from rae. I do not, Mr, Chairman, make my
living by politics; I raake it by my labor as a newspaper editor; and
I am not afraid to go home and say that I stood up here in this con
vention, as I was not afraid to stand up in the State of West Virginia,
when but 2,900 men were found to vote for Abraham Lincoln, and
where that party has risen to-day to 45,000 votes under the training
that we received frora our early inspiration of principle. I am not
afraid to go home and face these men as I have faced them always."
The two other dissenters also stated their position as defi
antly if not as ably. After some further debate, Mr. Garfield

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— RELE YIII. 425
spoke, taking ground against Conkliug"s pending resolution.
While speaking to this, he said:
"There ncA'er can be a convention, of which I am one delegate, equal
in rights to every other delegate, that shall bind ray vote against my
will on any question Avhatever on Avhich my vote is to be given,
"I regret that these gentlemen thought it best to break the harmony
of this couveniion by their dissent ; but, Avhen they tell the conA'ention
that their dissent Avas not, and did not mean, that they would not
vote for the nominee of this convention, but only that they did not
think the resolution at this time Avise, they acted in their right, and
not by my A'ote. I do not knoAv the gentlemen, nor their afiSliations,
nor their relations to candidates, except one of them. One of them I
kncAV in the dark days of slavery, and for twenty long years, in the
midst of slave-pens and slavedrivers, has stood up for liberty Avith a
clear-sighted courage and a brave heart equal to the best Republicans
that live on this globe. And if this convention expel him, then Ave
must purge ourselves at the end of every vote by requiring that so many
as shall \'0te against us shall go out."
A fcAv minutes later Mr, Conkling withdrew the obnoxious
resolution. The first important business of the day was now transacted.
'Sh. Gai-field, as Chairman of the Committee on Rules and
Order of Business, read the report of that committee. Its
most important provision was:
"Rule VIII. In the record of the votes by States, the vote of each State.
Territory, and the District of Columbia, shall be announced by the chairman:
and in case the votes of any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia shall
be divided, the chairman shall announce the number of votes cast for any can
didate or for or against any proposition; but, if exception is taken by any del
egate to the correctnes.5 of such announcement by the chairman of his delega
tion, the president of the convention shall direct the roU of members of such
delegation to be called and the result recorded in accordance with the votes in
dividually given."
From this resolution a minority of the committee dissented,
and, through General Sharpe, presented, as Rule VIII, the
following :
"In the record of the votes by States, the vote of each State, Territory, and

426 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the District of Columbia shall be announced by the chairman; and in case the
votes of any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia shall be divided, the
chairman shall announce the number of votes cast for any candidate or for or
against any proposition."
When the final action was taken, the majority report pre
vailed. At last there came the long-delayed report of the Commit
tee on Credentials, the one great matter preliminary to the real
work of this great gathering of the people's representatives.
This committee's principal duty was to decide upon the conflict
ing claims of "regular" and "bolting" delegations from several
States, The reading of this report was painfully tedious, taking
over three hours ; and the debates AA'hich followed as the sep
arate State contests were being settled, kept any other busi
ness from being done that day.
From the State of Louisiana, the committee recommended
the admission of the delegation with their alternates headed
by Henry C, Warmouth, and the exclusion of the delegation
with their alternates headed by Taylor Beattie, This contest
arose out of two rival conventions.
The committee recommended James T, Rapier for admission
as a delegate from the Fourth Congressional District of Ala
bama, The facts found were that Rapier had been requested
to pledge support for Grant, and upon his refusal to do so the
president of the convention had been requested to Avithhold
the credentials unless he would, within twenty-four hours, give
such pledge. This, Rapier had refused to do.
The committee recommended that William H. Smith and
Willard Warner be admitted in the place of Arthur Bingham
and R. A, Mosely from the Seventh Congressional District of
Alabama. The facts in the case of Messrs. Smith and Warner
Avere substantially the same as those in the case of James T.
Rapier. The committee recommended the admission of eight del
egations from the State of Illinois, in the place of sitting

THE CLLNIAX OF 1880.— AN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION. 427
members. The Committee found that a State Convention had
been held at Springfield, on the 19th day of May, to elect
delegates to the National Convention. During the conven
tion, the delegates from eight Congressional Districts had as
sembled and organized District Conventions, each of AA'hich
had elected tAvo delegates and two alternates to the Chicago
Convention by clear majorities of all the delegates elected to
the State Convention in each of said districts, as Avas shown
by the credentials accompanying the report. The State Con
vention, by means of a committee of one from each Congres
sional District, selected, and after Avard assumed to elect, two
delegates to the National Convention, including the sitting
members from the foregoing districts, the delegates from each
of Avhich filed in the State Convention protests against said
election by the State Convention. The committee reported
against the validity of the contests in the Second District of
Illinois of the seats of sitting members, A. M. Wright and
E. S. Tuthill.
Contests were also settled by this report in cases coming
from several other States.
Iu each case of favorable consideration, the committee
ascertained that those delegates aa'Iio were recommended
were actually chosen by a proper conA'ention, represent
ing the Congressional District from Avhich they Avere accred
ited. The committee then proceeded to the justice and equity of
recognizing, securing, and protecting Congressional District
representation, as is also demonstrated by the actual prece
dents of the Republican party since its organization.
With the exception of a couple of hours for supper, this
extraordinary session kept to the subjects of this report
steadily from one o'clock in the afternoon till after tAVO in
the morning. This chapter can not find room for these de
bates, though surpassing in interest, as they do, many a
volume of the Congressional Record. The Illinois questions
caused the most intense feeling of all. At ten o'clock they

428 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avere taken up ; after a short time, on motion, the further de
bate was limited to one hour on each side.
The whole subject of this report was not fully disposed of
until early in the Saturday session. The result was that the
majority report Avas adopted, and the "machine" thus received
another solid shot, which penetrated its iron sides below water-
line ; but the leaders fired no guns to signal their distress,
Saturday, June 5th, was, like Friday, dark and gloomy.
The vast crowd, after the preceding night of excitement, was,
of course, dull and sleepy. It was noted, however, that when
Garfield came into the hall the audience waked up and gave a
hearty cheer.
The roll was called at about twelve o'clock. After finishing
the matters connected with the credentials, the Convention, on
motion of General Garfield, adopted the report of the Commit
tee on Rules. The Committee on Resolutions next reported,
and the Platform was adopted; after which the Couvention
adjourned till evening.
Skirmishing ended, now would come serious work. The
triumvirate and its legions had exhausted every pai-liamentary
resource for delay, and at last had to face "the inevitable hour"
which must lead, for them, to glory, or the common grave of
all their plans.
It was a magnificent audience Avhich poured into the great
hall that evening to witness the beginning of the end of this
tremendous political conflict. \
After some preliminaries, Mr. Hale, of Maine, moved that the
roll of States be called alphabetically and that nominations for
candidates for President be made.
General Logan inquired whether the rules permitted the sec
onding of nominations for candidates for President. The Chair
man said no, that the rules did not provide forit. Garfield thought
there would be no objection to the seconding of nominations.
Unanimous consent was accorded for five-minute speeches in
seconding nominations. Hale's motion was then adopted with
out opposition.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.-NOMINATION OF BLAINE. 429
The roll was then called down to Michigan, Avith no re
sponses. When that State was named, James F. Joy arose
and nominated, for President of the United States, James G.
Blaine. Mr. Joy Avas not the kind of a man to arouse the enthu
siasm of an audience, and AA'hen he had closed, ]Mr. Pixley, of
California, seconded the nomination. These speeches were a
great disappointment to the Blaine men. They still remem
bered Ingersoll's famous "plumed knight" speech for Blaine at
Cincinnati, in 1876, To remedy matters, Mr. William P. Frye,
of Maine, obtained the floor by consent, and delivered the fol
lowing brief, but brilliant little speech, which, in a measure,
retrieved the mistake already made. He said :
"I saw once a storm at sea in the night-time, and our staunch old ship
battfing for its life with the fury of the tempest; darkness every-where;
the wind shrieking and hoAvling through the rigging; the huge Avaves
beating upon the sides of that ship and making her shiver from stem to
stern. The lightnings were flashing, the thunders Avere rolling. There Avas
danger every-where. I saw at the helm a calm, bold, courageous, im
movable, commanding man. In the tempest, calm ; in the commotion,
quiet ; in the dismay, hopeful. 1 saAv him take that old ship and bring
her into the harbor, into still waters, into safety. That man was a hero.
I saw the good old ship, the State of Maine, within the last year, fight
ing her Avay through the same darkness, through the same perils, against
the same Avaves, against the same dangers. She was freighted with all
that is precious in the principles of our Republic — Avith the rights of
American citizenship, with all that is guaranteed to the American citizen
by our Constitution. The eyes of the Avhole Nation Avere upon her; an
intense anxiety filled every American heart, lest the grand old ship, the
State of Maine, might go down beneath the waves forever, carrying her
precious freight with her. But, sir, there was a man at the helm. Calm,
deliberate, commanding, sagacious, he made even the foolish men wise.
Courageous, he inspired the timid with courage; hopeful, he gave heart to
the dismayed, and he brought that good old ship proudly into the harbor,
into safety, and there she floats today, brighter, purer, stronger from her
baptism of danger. That man, too, Avas a hero, and his name was James
G. Blaine. Maine sends greetings to this magnificent Convention,
With the memory of her own salvation from impending peril fresh upon

430 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
her, she says to you, representatives of 50,000,000 of American people,
Avho have met here to counsel hoAv the Republic shall be saved, she says
to you, representatives of the people, take a man, a true raan, a staunch
man for your leader, Avho has just saved her, and who will bear you to
safety and certain victory."
Minnesota Avas next called; whereupon E, F, Drake placed
in nomination William Windom, of Winona, a very able and
distinguished Senator from that State.
Now was heard the call for New York ; a call Avhich meant
Roscoe Conkling and the nomination of the great General and
ex-President, Ulysses S. Grant.
As Mr. Conkling advanced to the front, he Avas greeted with
tremendous cheers. Taking a commanding position on one of
the reporter's tables, he stood a fcAv moments and regarded the
audience Avhile they grew silent at an imperious Avave of his
hand. Then he said :
"When asked Avhence comes our candidate, our sole reply shall be,
he hails from Appomattox Avith its famous apple-tree. In obedience to
instructions I should never dare to disregard, expressing also my own
firm conviction, I rise to propose a nomination with Avhich the country
and the Republican party can grandly Avin. The election before us is to
be the Austerlitz of American politics. It will decide for many years
Avhether the country shall be Republican or Cossack. The supreme need
of the hour is not a candidate who can carry jNIichigan. All Republican
candidates can do that. The need is not of a candidate popular in the
territories, because they have no vote. The need is of a candidate who
can carry doubtful States. Not the doubtful States of the North, hut
doubtful States of the South, which we have heard, if I understand it
aright, ought to take little or no part here, because the South has noth
ing to give, but every thing to receive. No, gentlemen, the need that
presses upon the conscience of this convention is of a candidate Avho can
carry doubtful States both North and South. And believing that he,
more surely than any other raan, can carry New York against any op
ponent, and can carry not only the North but several States of the South,
New York is for Ulysses S. Grant. Never defeated in peace or in war,
his name is the most illustrious borne by living man.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— NOMINATION OF GRANT. 431
" His services attest his greatness, and the country — nay, the world —
knoAVS them by heart. His fame was earned not alone in things Avritten
and said, but by the arduous greatness of things done. And perils and
emergencies will search in vain in the future, as they have searched in
vain in the past, for any other on whom the nation leans Avith such con
fidence and trust. Never having had a policy to enforce against the Avill
of the people, he never betrayed a cause or a friend, and the people Avill
ne\'er desert nor betray him. Standing on the highest eminence of human
distinction, modest, firm, simple, and self-poised, having filled all lands
with his renoAvn, he has seen not only the high-born and the titled,
but the poor and the loAvly in the uttermost ends of the earth, rise and
uncover before him. He has studied, the needs and the defects
of many systems of government ; and he has returned a better American
than ever, Avith a Avealth of knowledge and experience added to the hard
common sense whieh shone so conspicuously in all the fierce light that
beat upon him during sixteen years, the most trying, the most porten
tous, the most perilous.
"Vilified and reviled, truthless!}' aspersed by unnumbered presses, not
in other lands, but in his own, as.saults upon him have seasoned and
strengthened his hold on the public heart. Calumny's ammunition has
all been exploded ; the poAvder has all been burned once ; its force is
spent: and the name of Grant Avill glitter a bright and imperishable
star in the diadem of the Republic Aviien those who have tried to tarnish
that name have moldered in forgotten graves, and when their memories
and their epitaphs have A'anished utterly.
"Never elated by success, never depressed by adversity, he has CA'er,
in peace as in Avar, shoAvn the very genius of common sense. The terms
he prescribed for Lee's surrender foreshadoAved the wisest prophecies and
principles of true reconstruction. Victor in the greatest war of modern
times, he quickly signalized his aversion to Avar, and his love of peace by
an arbitration of international disputes, Avhich stands the wisest, the
most majestic example of its kind in the Avorld's diplomacy. When in
flation, at the height of its popularity and frenzy, had swept both Houses
of Congress, it Avas the veto of Grant which, single and alone, overthreAv
expansion, and cleared the Avay for specie resumption. To him, to him
immeasurably raore than to any other man, is due the fact that every
paper dollar is as good as gold.
"With hira as our leader Ave shall have no defensive campaign. No !

432 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
We shall have nothing to explain away. We shall have no apologies te
make. The shafts and the arrows have all been aimed at him, and they
lie broken and harmless at his feet.
' ' Life, liberty, and property Aviil find a safeguard in him. When he
said of the colored men in Florida, ' Wherever I am they may come
also ; ' Avhen he so said, he meant that had he the power, the poor dAvell
ers m the cabins of the South should no longer be driven in terror iVom
the homes of their childhood and the graves of their murdered dead.
When he refused to receive Denis Kearney in California, he meant that
Communism, laAvlessness, and disorder,' although it raight stalk high-
headed and dictate laAV to a Avhole city, Avould find a foe in him. He
meant that popular or unpopular, he Avould hcAV to the line of right, let
the chips fly where they may.
" His integrity, his conimon senae, his courage, his unequaled experience,
are the qualities oflTered to his country. The only arguraent, the only one
that the wit of man or the stress of pohtics has devised is one which Avould
dumbfounder Solomon, because he thought there Avas nothing new under
the sun. Having tried Grant twice and found him faithful, Ave are told
that we must not, even r.fter an interA'al of years, trust him again. My
countrymen! ray countryraen what stultification does not such a fal
lacy involve. The American people exclude Jefferson Davis frcm pub
lic trust. Why? Why? Because he Avas the arch -traitor and would-be
destroyer ; and now the same people is asked to ostracise Grant, and not
to trust him. Why ? Why, I repeat ? Because he avus the arch-pre
server of his country, and because not only in Avar, but twice as Civil
Magistrate, he gave hia highest, noblest efforts to the Republic. Is this
an electioneering juggle, or is it hypocrisy's masquerade? There is no
field of human activity, responsibihty, or reason, in Avhich rational beings
object to an agent because he has been weighed in the balance and not
found wanting ; no department of human reason in which sane men re
ject an agent because he has had experience, making him exceptionally
competent and fit. From the man who shoes your horse to the lawyer
who tries your cause, the officer who manages your raihvay or your mill,
the doctor into whose hands you give your life, or the minister who seeks
to save your soul, what man do you reject because, by his Avorks, you
have known him, and found him faithful and fit? What makes the
Presidential offiiie an exception to all things else in the common sense
to be applied to selecting its incumbent ? Who dares — who dares to put

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— NOMINATION OF GRANT. 433
fetters on that free choice and judgment which is the birthright of the
American people? Can it be said that Grant has used official power
and place to perpetuate his term? He has no place, and official power
has not been used for him. Without patronage and Avithout emissaries,
Arithout committees, without bureaus, Avithout telegraph Avires running
from his house to this Convention, or running from his house anyAvhere
else, this man is the Candidate whose friends have never threatened to
bolt unless this Convention did as they said. He is a Republican. who
never wavers. He and his friends stand by the creed and the candi
dates of the Republican party. They hold the rightful rule of the ma
jority as the very essence of their faith, and,jthey mean to uphold that
faith against not only the common enemy, but against the charlatans,
jayhaAvkers, tramps, and guerrillas — the men who deploy betAveen the
lines, and forage hoav on one side and then on the other. This Conven
tion is master of a supreme opportunity. It can name the next Presi
dent. It can raake sure of his election. It can make sure not only of
his election, but of his certain and peaceful inauguration. It can break
that power which dominates and mildcAvs the South. It can overthroAV
an organization whose very existence is a standing protest against prog
ress. "The purpose of the Democratic party is spoils. Its A'ery hope of ex
istence is a solid South. Its success is a menace to order and progress.
1 say this Convention can overthrow that power. It can dissolve and
emancipate a solid South. It can speed the Nation in a career of
grandeur eclipsing all past achievements. Gentleinen, we have only to
listen above the din and look beyond the dust of an hour to behold the
Republican party advancing with its ensigns resplendent Avith illustrious
achievements, marching to certain victory with its greatest Marshal at
its head."
After Mr. Bradley, of Kentucky, had seconded Grant's nom
ination, the call proceeded, and Ohio being reached. General
Garfield aro^e. Amid great applause he advanced to Mr,
Conkling's late high station on a table, and, as soon as order
was restored, said:
"Mr, President: I have witnessed the extraordinary scenes of this
Convention with deep solicitude. No emotion touches my heart more
quickly than a sentiment in honor of a great and noble character. But
28

434 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
as I sat on these seats b.nd witnessed these demonstrations, it seemed to
me you were a human ocean in a tempest. I have seen the sea lashed
into fury and tossed into spray, and its grandeur moves the soul of the
dullest raan. But I reraember that it is not the billows, but the calm
level of the sea from Avhich all heights and depths are measured. When
the storm has passed and the hour of calm settles on the ocean, when
sunshine bathes its smooth surface, then the astronomer and surveyor
takes the level frora which he measures all terrestrial heights and depths.
Gentlemen of the convention, your present temper may not mark the
healthful pulse of the people.
" When our enthusiasm has passed, when the emotions of this hour
have subsided, we shall find the calm level of public opinion, below the
storm, frora which the thoughts of a raighty people are to be measured,
and by which their final action will be determined. Not here, in this
brilliant circle, Avhere 15,000 men and women are assembled, is the des
tiny of the Republic to be decreed ; not here, where I see the enthusias
tic faces of 756 delegates waiting to cast their votes into the urn and
determine the choice of their party; but by 5,000,000 Republican fire
sides, where the thoughtful fathers, with wives and children about them,
with calm thoughts inspired by love of horae and love of country, with
the history of the past, the hopes of the future, and the knoAvledge of
the great men who have adorned and blessed our nation in days gone
by, — there God prepares the verdict that shall determine the wisdom
of our work to-night. Not in Chicago, in the heat of June, but in the
sober quiet that comes between now and Noveraber, in the silence of de
liberate judgraent, will this great question be settled. Let us aid them
to-night, "But now, gentleraen of the Convention, what do we want? Bear
with me a moment. Hear me for this cause, and for a moment, be silent
that you may hear. Twenty-five years ago this Republic Avas wearing a
triple chain of bondage. Long familiarity with the traffic in the body
and .souls of raen had paralyzed the consciences of a majority of our
people. The baleful doctrine of State sovereignty had shocked and weak
ened the noblest and most beneficent powers of the National Govern
ment, and the grasping power of slavery was seizing the virgin Territo
ries of the West and dragging them into the den of eternal bondage.
At that crisis the Republican party was born. It drcAv its first inspir
ation from the fire of liberty which God has lighted in every man's heart.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— NOMINATION OF SHERMAN. 435
and which all the poAvers of ignorance and tyranny can never wholly
extinguish. The Republican party came to deliver afid save the Re
public. It entered the arena when beleaguered and assailed Territories
Avere struggling for freedom, and drew around them the sacred circle of
liberty, which the demon of slavery has never dared to cross. It made
them free forever.
" Strengthened by its victory on the frontier, the young party, under
the leadership of that great man, Avho on this spot, twenty years ago,
was made its leader, entered the national capital and assumed the high
duties of the Government. The light which shone from its banner dis
pelled the darkness in which slavery had enshrouded the Capitol and
melted the shackles of every slave, and consumed, in the fire of liberty,
every slave-pen within the shadow of the Capitol. Our national indus
tries, by an impoverishing policy, were themselves prostrated, and the
streams of revenue flowed in such feeble currents that the treasury itself
was well nigh empty. The money of the people was the Avretched notes
of 2,000 uncontrolled and irresponsible state bank corporations, Avhich
were filling the country with a circulation that poisoned rather than sus
tained the life of business.
"The Republican party changed all this. It abolished the babel of
confusion and gave the country a currency as national as its flag, based
upon the sacred faith of the people. It threw its protecting arm around
our great industries, and they stood erect as with new life. It filled
Avith the spirit of true nationality all the great functions of the Govern
ment. It confronted a rebellion of unexampled magnitude, Avith a
slavery behind it, and, under God, fought the final battle of liberty until
victory was won. Then, after the storms of battle, were heard the sweet,
calm words of peace uttered by the conquering nation, and saying to the
conquered foe that lay prostrate at its feet, ' This is our only revenge,
that you join us in lifting to the serene firmament of the Constitution,
to shine like stars forever and forever, the immortal principles of truth
and justice, that all men, white or black, shall he free and stand equal
before the laAV.' Then came the questions of reconstruction, the public
debt, and the public faith.
"In the settlement of these questions the Republican party has com
pleted its twenty-five years of glorious existence, and it has sent us here
to prepare it for another lustrum of duty and of victory. How shall we
do this great work ? We can not do it, ray friends, by assailing our Re-

436 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
publican brethren. God forbid that I should say one word to cast a
shadow upon any name on the roll of our heroes. This coming fight is
our Thermopylffi. We are standing upon a narrow isthmus. If our
Spartan hosts are united we can withstand all the Persians that the
Xerxes of Democracy can bring against us.
" Let us hold our ground this one year, for the stars in their courses
tight for us in the future. The census to be taken this year will bring
reinforcements and continued poAver. But, in order to win this victory
now, we want the vote of every Republican, of every Grant Republican
in America, of every Blaine man and every anti-Blaine man. The vote
of every follower of every candidate is needed>to make our success cer
tain ; therefore I say, gentlemen and brethren, we are here to calmly
counsel together, and inquire what Ave shall do. [A voice: 'Nominate
Garfield.' — Great applause.]
" We want a raan whose life and opinions embody all the achieve
ments of which I have spoken. We Avant a man Avho, standing on a
mountain height, sees all the achievements of our past history, and car
ries in his heart the memory of all its glorious deeds, and who, looking
forAvard, prepares to meet the labor and the dangers to come. We want
one who will act in no s))irit of unkindness toward those we lately met
in battle. The Republican party offers to our brethren of the South the
olive branch of peace, and wishes them to return to brotherhood, on this
supreme condition, that it shall be admitted, forever and for evermore,
that, in the war for the Union, we Avere right and they Avere wrong.
On that supreme condition we meet them as brethren, and no other.
We ask them to share with us the blessings and honors of this great
Republic. "Noav, gentlemen, not to weary you, I am about to present a name
for your consideration — the name of a man who was the comrade, and
associate, and friend of nearly all those noble dead whose faces look down
upon us from these Avails to-night ; a man who began his career of pub
lic service twenty-five years ago, whose first duty Avas courageously done
in the days of peril on the plains of Kansas, when the first red drops of
that bloody shower began to fall Avhich finally swelled into the deluge
of war. He bravely stood by young Kansas then, and, returning to hi.")
duty in the national legislature, through all subsequent time his pathway
has been marked by labors performed in every department of legislation.
"You ask for his monuments. I point you to twenty-five years of the

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— ADJOURNS TILL MONDAY. 437
national statutes. Not one great beneficent statute has been placed on
our statute .books Avithout his intelligent and powerful aid. He aided
these men to formulate the laAVs that raised our great armies and carried
us through the war. His hand Avas seen in the workmanship of those
statutes that restored and brought back the unity and married calm of
the States. His hand was in all that great legislation that created the
war currency, and in a greater Avork that redeemed the prc'jiises of the
Government, and raade the currency equal to gold. And Avhen, at last,
called from the halls of legislation into a high executive office, he dis
played that experience, intelligence, firmness, and poise of character
which has carried us through a .stormy period of three years. With one-
half the public press crying 'Crucify him!' and a hostile Congress seeking,
to prevent success — in all this he remained unmoved until victory croAvned j
him. "The great fiscal affairs of the nation and the great business interests
of the country he has guarded and preserved, Avhile executing the law
of resiunption and effecting its object Avithout a jar, and against the
false prophecies of one-half of the press and all the Democracy of this
continent. He has shoAvn himself able to meet with calmness the great
emergencies of the Government for twenty-five years. He has trodden
the perilous heights of public duty, and against all the shafts of malice
has borne his breast unharmed. He has stood in the blaze of ' that fierce
light that beats against the throne,' but its fiercest ray has found no flaw
in his armor, no stain on his shield.
"I do not present him as a better Republican, or as a better man than
thousands of others Ave honor, but I present him for your deliberate con
sideration. 1 nominate John Sherman, of Ohio."
The addresses of Conkling and Garfield are given here, that the
reader raay contrast these two great leaders at their best. Gar
field's speech made a profound impression, not only on the Con
vention, but on the country, — and strengthened the already
powerful sentiment in favor of making himself the nominee.
Edmunds and Washburne were the only other nominations
proposed. They, with Sherman, were minor candidates, whose
only hope lay in the enmity of the Grant and Blaine factions,
whose evenly-bahinced powers would prevent the success of either.
At twelve o'clock the Convention adjourned over till Monday,

438 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
— but not for a Sabbath of repose ! On Sunday very few of the
delegates found time for church, but devoted the day to mustering
¦ forces, polishing arms, and a general preparation for the battle of
the ballots on Monday. Of the group of great men Avho led these
hosts of enthusiasts, Garfield was one of the very, very few, AA'ho
attended religious Avorship. Bound by the good habit of Sabbath
obserA'ance, he went his solitary way to a little congregation of
Disciples, where the tumult and turmoil of the time was smoothed
aAvay in peaceful contemplation of the eternal,
A bright, cool, and delightfiil morning made the Convention
open pleasantly on Monday, and at half-past ten the Hall was
filled with an immense croAA'd, made up largely of ladies, come
to see the climax of this great battle, and to be in at the finish.
The Blaine men were confident. Grant's followers were not so
confident, but still determined. All were hopeful, as the uncer
tain ahvays may possibly favor us, and most men believe in the
luck of their oavu stars.
On motion, Avhen called to order, the roll of States was called
for the first ballot, which appears in full on the opposite page.
After this vote it became evident that there would be no imme
diate choice, and with a long breath of resignation to its fate, the
multitude settled down to a prospectiA'cly long siege. There were
tAventy-eight successive ballots taken, when the day's work ended,
and still no choice.
On Tuesday, June 8, the sixth and last day of the Convention,
the great Avork of nomination AA'as completed, " It was done, and
well done." We give the work of the day somewhat in detail :
On the tAventy -ninth ballot Sherman's vote suddenly went up
from 91 on the previous ballot to 116, This resulted from a
change in ^Massachusetts, which broke for him to the extent of
tAventy-one votes. On the thirtieth he reached his best vote, 120,
and then steadily sank to 99 on the thirty-fifth ballot.
Finally that wonderful Grant column of three hundred and five,
Avhich had stood so nobly by their great candidate for many hours,
began to gain, Pennsylvania gave him an increase, and on the
thirty-fourth ballot he had 312 votes. It then became eA'ident
that the anti-Grant factions must combine at once, or be beaten.

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— THE FIRST BALLOT.

439

FIRST VOTE.

STATES,

a

s5'

GO •-»BVa

s trca

aa

a

Alabama 

1(>1'2

1

3

Arkansas 

California 
12
Colorado 
6
36
7
2
Florida 
s6
24 1
Georgia 
8
1026
22 6 1
2
14 7
"21"
8
¦"2"
8 1
Indiana 
Iowa 
4
20 8
36
LouiBiana 
•
Maryland ...
7
3 1
22
1
20
Minnesota

10
6
29
4
6
1
66
101617
¦¦¦9" 6
23 8
'"h" 2
l^evada ... . .
New iTeraev
¦¦'2" 14
34
2
%

1
32
\ 
3

Rhode Island
181611
11
2
'"i"
1
10
18 11
3 872 1
2.7 12 1
*7 1
1
3
9
1
Utah
1
1
1
ToTAi..  ; 
304
284
93
30
34
10
440 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
It Avas at this point that "Wisconsin pointed them the way to
victory. Garfield's manly course in the Convention had cre
ated a favorable impression on all sides, the result of which in
the Wisconsin delegation Avas that he was freely talked of for
second choice. They held no caucus, and during the night of
Monday were anxiously Avaiting to see some other State make the
break for Garfield, After the adjournment on Monday night the
matter AA'as talked up in the delegation, and it was agreed that, if
no other solution offered itself within three or four ballots, the
delegation would throAV its solid strength to Garfield. No con
sultation Avas had on the subject with the other leaders, as it was
intended to operate as a feeler, "Wisconsin being among the last
States called on the roll. The result of this feeler is now a
matter of history. The thirty-fifth ballot developed a Garfield
strength of 60" votes.
Amid the most intense excitement another call Avas ordered. It
was Grant or G.\efield — Avhich?
Here General Garfield rose to a question of order. He chal
lenged the vote on the ground that votes had been given for him
without his consent, Avhich consent he absolutely refused to give.
The point Avas overruled. The roll call proceeded. When Con
necticut was reached, eleven of the tAvelve votes were given for
Garfield. This Avas the beginning of the excitement. Then Illinois
gave seven votes for Garfield, followed by Indiana Avith tAventy-
nine votes. Next came loAva, which had voted for Blaine on
every ballot, with its full tAventy-two votes for Garfield, When
Maine was reached it voted for Garfield. This settled the ques
tion. Blaine Avas out of the field, and Garfield was speedily
norainated. Vermont, Edmunds' State, gave a solid vote for
Garfield. At this point the people could no longer be controlled. The
breeze had grown into a storm of enthusiasm. Delegates crowded
around Garfield ; the people in the galleries, ignoring the lines
that had divided them, cheered and Avaved their hats and hand
kerchiefs. In this 10,000 people were engaged. It was taken up
by almost as many people on the outside, where cannon were also

THE CLIMAX OF 1880.— GARFIELD AND ARTHUR. 441
discharged. The scene was one that will not soon be forgotten
by those who were present. Republicans, without regard to pre
vious diflerences, felt and acted as if a great and crushing Aveight
had been removed, and as if they had safely emerged from an
impending danger — a danger that threatened the very existence
of the party.
The result was read out as folloAvs : Whole nuraber of votes, '
7.5-5; necessary to a choice, 378; Grant, 306; Blaine, 42; Sher
man, 3; Washburne, 5; Garfield, 399,
There was immense cheering, and the Chairman found it diffi
cult to restore order. But order being secured, he said: "James
A . Garfield is nominated for President of ihe United States."
In the midst of all this, Garfield sat deeply moved. He was
overwhelmed. Loud calls of " Platform " and " Speech " Avere
unheard by him, and he sat silently in the heart of the hurricane
which had caught him up.
As soon as a hearing could be obtained, Mr. Conkling arose,
and, after a feAV remarks on the subject of unity and harmony, and
in praise of the nominee, moved that the nomination be made
unaniraous. This raotion was seconded, with Avarra pledges of sup
port, by several distinguished gentleraen, previous leaders of fac
tions, now leaders of a united and satisfied political party.
At half past two o'clock the Convention adjourned to meet again
at seven in the evening. In vicAv of the fact that the man nom
inated for the second place on the National ticket was, in fact, a
future president, it may be Avell to give this closing session a pass
ing notice.
When the time of reassembling came, business was begun at
once. The principal names presented for Vice-President Avere :
Elihu B. Washburne, of Illinois ; Marshall Jewell, of Connecticut ;
and Chester A. Arthur, of New York. On the first and only
ballot the NeAv York gentleman received 468 votes to 288 for all
others, A vote to make the nomination unanimous carried Avith a
good will, and Garfield and Arthur were at last before the country
on their records and their characters, both to be approved and both
to be elected.

442

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

The following table gives the results of each ballot in the well-
contested struggle, of which this brief chronicle has been trying to
tell the story:

BALLOTS.

"-1P3trf-

GO?

pOTS'a-
s5CD

o,B
c3

ao.
o B

1

a
Os
o
3.
1 O
5^
First. .
304305
305305305305305306
308305
305 sni
305305
309306303
305305- 308
305305
304305302303
306307305306308
309 309312313
284282282281281
280
281 284
282282
281283
2852852812S;!284
283279276276
275275279
281280277279278
279 276
270 276
275 257
9394
939595
95949190
929392
89898888
90919693
96
97 97
9394939391
116120
118 117
110 107 99 3
3031
3131
31 31
3132
3232
32333335
36363635
32353535
3635 35
36 36
35 353337
44 443023 5
343232
32
3232
3231
3131
3131
31
31313131
31 31
31 3131
31 31
31313131 1211 11
11 111111
10 10
1010
1010
101010
10
1010
101010
10101010101010 101010
101010 74334 4
3
—
Second .
221
22 2
Third 
....
Fourth 
Fifth 
Sixth .
Seventh 
Eighth  :
Ninth 
Tenth 
1
11
Eleventh 
Twelfth 
Thirteenth 
Fourteenth 
Fifteenth 
Sixteenth 
Seventeenth 
1
Eighteenth 
Nineteenth 

2
22 2
2222 111
17
50
399
1
Twentieth 
1
Twenty-first 
Twenty-second ....
Twenty-third 
Twenty -fourth 
Twenty-fifth 
Twenty-sixth 
1
1
Twenty-seventh.. . .
Twenty-eighth 
Twenty-ninth 
Thirtieth 
Thirty-first 
Thirty-second 
Thirty-third 
Thirty-fourth 
Thirty-fifth 
Thirty-sixth 
30
6l
4
2 1

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— POLICY OF MUM, 443

CHAPTER XI,
CANDIDATE FOK THE PRESIDENCY.
To be thus made a mark conspicuous
For Envy's shaft and brutal prejudice —
To hear above the loud huzzas the voice
Of some Satanic fool's malignity
Roaring along the wind, like a wild ass
Braying th' Assyrian desert, and to doubt
The applauding throng that gathers eagerly
To share the sunshine or perchance to weave
Some subtle scheme of selfishness, — all this
Is what the orators and poets call
The crowning honor !
A CANDIDATE for public office has a difficult part to play-
There is constant and irarainent danger that he will coinrait
some blunder, and thereby put himself on the defensive. The fear
of doing or saying something which shall put a club into the
hands of the enemy haunts both himself and his friends. He
is obliged to stand for some months on a high jjlatform in the
market-place, saying to the whole Avorld : ""Now get. out your mi
croscopes and your telescopes ; AA'ith the one examine me, and with
the other examine the heavens of my past, and see if you can't
find something that shall make me Avince — sorae tender spot Avhich
you may prod and make me cry out Avith pain."
Notably does a candidate for the presidency sufier from expos
ure to this fierce light and heat. All suraraer long he must be
scrutinized and assailed. All kinds of attack he must meet Avith
equanimity. Every sort of missile he must face, from the keenest-
barbed arrows of analysis and satire to the A'ulgarest discharges
of mud. To be angered is a sign that he is hurt; to bear it
Avithout flinching is a sign of indifferent reprobacy ; to do nothing
at all is a sign of cowardice ! Of a certainty the American people
will see their man. They will hear him, if he can be tortured
iuto opening his raouth. To all this we must add the diabolical
ingenuity of that inquisitor-general of the ages, the " intervicAver "
of the public press, who squeezes in, and bores, and pumps.

444 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and then goes aAA'ay Avith a bucket filled Avith the froth of his OAvn
imagination. All the dangers of the case considered, the candidate generally
adopts the policy of mum. He becomes p?'o tempore a uniA'ersal
knoAv-nothing, He has no ideas, no thoughts, no opinions. He
has no political preferences. He has not heard the news from
Europe.. He does not know whether the Danubian provinces can
compete with the American wheat-fields or not. He has neyer
heard that there is an English market for American beef. He has
never read a book. His family receive the newspapers; he does
not read them. The grave problem as to whether the Mississippi
runs by St. Louis he has not fully considered. The time of the
year and the day of the Aveek are open questions which he has not
investigated. Such matters should be referred to the managers of
the observatory and the bureau of statistics. Only on two things
does he plant himself firmly ; to Avit, the Nicene Creed and the
platform of his party !
Hoav Avould General Garfield, uoav that he Avas nominated, bear
himself before the country ? Could one Avho had so long been ac
customed to speaking out in meeting hold his peace, and assume
the role of the typical knoAv-nothing ? The General seems not to
have taken counsel Avith any body on this question, but simply to
have raade up his mind that the mum policy Avas pusillanimous,
and that for himself he Avould continue to talk to his neighbors
and friends and the general public just as usual. This was, ac
cording to the judgment of the trimmers, an alarming decision.
Even thoughtful politicians were doubtful Avhether the outspoken,
talking policy could be trusted. But General Garfield soon taught
them and the country at large the useful lesson that a man can
talk without being a fool. He began at once to converse freely
on all proper occasions, to make little speeches to delegations of
friends who came from all directions to pay their respects, and to
abandon, both theoretically and practically, the monastic method of
running for office.
But let us resume the narrative. In the evening after his nom
ination the General Avas called upon at the parlors of the Grand

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY. -SPEECH OF ACCEPTANCE. 44-5
Pacific Hotel, and in the presence of a great corapany of ladies and
gentlemen Avas formally notified of his nomination. Senator Hoar
headed the committee appointed to carry the news to the nominee,
and to receive, in due season, his response. The coraraittee con
fronted General Garfield, and the distinguished chairraan said: '
" General Garfield: The gentleraen present are appointed by the Na
tional Republican Convention, representatives of every State in the
Union, and have been directed to convey to you the formal ceremonial
notice of your nomination as the Republican candidate for the ofiice of
President of the United States. It is knoAvn to you that the convention
Avhich has made this nomination assembled divided in opinion and in
council in regard to the candidate. It may not be knoAvn to you Avith
what unanimity of pleasure and of hopes the convention has received the
result which it has reached. You represent not only the distinctive
principles and opinion of the Republican party, but yon represent also
its unity ; and in the name of every State in the Union represented on
the committee, I convey to you the assurance of the cordial support of
the Republican party of these States at the coming election."
At the conclusion of Senator Hoar's speech. General Garfield
replied with great gravity and composure :
" Mr. ^Chairman and Gentlemen: I assure you that the information you
have officially given to me brings the sense of very grave responsibility,
and especially so in view of the fact that I Avas a member of your body,
a fact that could not have existed with propriety had I had the slightest
expectation that my name Avould be connected with the nomination for
the office. I have felt, with you, great solicitude concerning the situa
tion of our party during the struggle ; but, believing that you are correct
in assuring me that substantial unity has been reached in the conclusion,
it gives me a gratification far greater than any personal pleasure your
announcement can bring.
"I accept the trust committed to my hands. As to the work of our
party, and as to the character of the carapaign to be entered npon, I will
take an early occasion to reply more fully than I can properly do to
night. "I thank you for the assurances of confidence and esteem you have
presented to rae, and hope Ave shall see our future as promising as are
indications to-night."

446 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
As soon as the morning broke. General Garfield made prepara
tions for starting home. It seldom falls to the lot of man to re
turn home under such circumstances. He was folloAved by the
eyes of millions, A special car Avhirled him aAvay in triumph.
By his side were a multitude of distinguished friends. A candi
date for the presidency of the United States is not likely to want
for friends. Those who accompanied General Garfield, however,
were, for the raost part, the genuine article. Many of them were
his old comrades in arms; others were prominent politicians, some
of them, no doubt, busy in constructing the fabric of a new ad
ministration with themselves for possible corner-stones.
At La Porte, Indiana, the train made a halt. That great
organ of American noise, the brass band, came doAvn the street
with a multitudinous citizenship at its heels. The huzzas called
out the General, He Avas introduced by Governor Foster, of
Ohio. Then there Avere more huzzas, and the train rolled away.
The same happened at South Bend, at Elkhart, at Goshen, and
at all the other points, great and small, betAveen Chicago and
Cleveland. At the latter city there was an immense demonstra,-
tion. The spacious depot Avas croAvded Avith an enthusiastic
throng, that burst out with far-resounding cheers as the General's
train came in. The city Avas all in a flutter, and it became evident
that the people were up and stirring. The great Ohioan was
driven to the hotel, and, in response to a speech of Avelcome, said :
"Fellow-citizens of my native county and of my State: I thank you for
this remarkable demonstration of your good-Avill and enthusiasm on this
occasion. I can not at this tirae proceed upon any speech. All that I
have to say is, that I know that all this demonstration means your glad
ness at the unity and harmony and good feeling of a great political party,
and in part your good feeling toAvard a neighbor, an old friend. For
all of these reasons I thank you, and bid you good night."
The folloAving day, the 10th of June, was passed at Cleveland,
and on the morroAV General Garfield visited his old school at
Hiram, The commencement exercises were set for that day, and
the distinguished nominee Avas under promise to speak. Here
were gathered his old friends and neighbors. Here he had first

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— SPEECH AT HIRAM. 447
met his wife. She, with the boys, Avas uoav a part of her husband's
audience. Here was the scene of his early struggles for discipline
and distinction. Here he had been a bell-ringer, a student, a col
lege professor, a president. Here he had seen the horizon of his
orphanage and boyhood sink behind him, and the horizon of an
auspicious future rise upon his A'ision. Before the vast throng of
visitors and students, at the appointed hour, he rose and delivered
his address as follows :
"Fellow-citizens, old neighbors and friends of many years: It has ahvays
given me pleasure to come back here and look upon these faces. It has
always given rae new courage and new friends, for it has brought back a
large share of that richness which belongs to those things out of which
come the joys of life.
"While sitting here this afternoon, Avatching your faces and listening
to the very interesting address which has just been delivered, it has
occurred to me that the least thing you have, that all men have enough
of, is perhaps the thing that you care for the least, and that is your
leisure — the leisure you have to think; the leisure you have to be let
alone; the leisure you have to throw the plummet into your mind, and
sound the depth and dive for things below ; the leisure you have to walk
about the toAvers yourself, and find how strong they are or how weak
they are, to deterraine Avhat needs building up; hoAV to Avork, and how
to know all that shall make you the final beings you are to be. Oh,
these hours of building !
"If the Superior Being of the uniA'erse would look down upon the
world to find the most interesting object, it Avould be the unfinished, un
formed character of the young man or young woman. Those behind me
have probably in the raain settled this question. Those who have
passed into middle manhood and middle Avoraanhood are about Avhat
they shall ahvays be, and there is but little left of interest, as their char
acters are all developed.
"But to your young and your yet unformed n.atures, no man knows
the possibilities that lie before you in your hearts and intellects ; and,
while you are Avorking out the possibilities with that splendid leisure that
you need, you are to be most envied. I congratulate you on your leisure.
I commend you to treat it as your gold, as your Avealth, as your treasure,
out of which you can draw all possible treasures that can be laid down

448 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
when you have your natures unfolded and developed in the possibilities
of the future.
"This place is too full of memories for me to trust rayself to speak
upon, and I AviU not. But I draAV again to-day, as I have for a quarter
of a century, life, evidence of strength, confidence and afiection fi'om the
people who gather in this place. I thank you for the permi.¥sion to see
you and meet you and greet you as I have done to-day."
After this reunion Avith his old friends at Hiram, General Gar
field Avas, on the morning of the 12th of June, driven to Mentor
and Painesville. At both places he Avas received with great en
thusiasm, and at the latter place, in response to the speech of
welcome, made the following characteristic address :
"Fellow-citizens and neighbors of Lake County: I am exceedingly glad
to knoAv that you care enough to come out on a hot day like this, in the
midst of your busy Avork, to congratulate me. I know it comes from the
hearts of as noble a people as lives on the earth. [Cheers.] In my
somcAvhat long public services there never has been a time, in however
great difficulties I may have been placed, that I could not feel the
strength that came from resting back upon the people of the Nineteenth
District. To know that they Avere behind me with their intelligence,
their critical judgment, their confidence and their support Avas to make
me strong in every thing I undertook that Avas right. I have always
felt your sharp, severe, and just criticism, and my worthy, noble, sup
porting friends always did what they believed Avas right. I know you
have come here to-day not altogether, indeed not nearly, for my sake,
but for the sake of the relations I ara placed in to the larger constitu
ency of the people of the United States. It is not becoming in me to
speak,- nor shall I speak, one word touching politics. I know you are
here to-day without regard to politics. I know you are all here as my
neighbors and ray friends, and, as such, I greet you and thank you for
this candid and gracious Avelcome. [Cheers.] Thus far in my fife I
have sought to do what I could according to ray light. More than that
I could never hope to do. AU of that I shall try to do, and if I can
continue to have the good opinion of ray neighbors of this district, it
will be one of ray greatest satisfactions. I thank you again, fellow-
citizens, for this cordial and generous welcorae." [Applause and cheers.]

GEN. GARFLELD ADDRESSING THE PEOPLE AT CLEVELAND.

RECEPTION TO GEN GARFIELD AFTER THE NOMINATION.

MOTHER OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT WASHINGTON. 449
After some days of rest at his home. General Garfield repaired
to Washington City, where he arrived on the 15th day of June.
Everywhere along the route the raihvay stations and toAvns Avere ,
crowded with people, anxious to catch a glimpse and hear a Avord
from the probable President. Arriving at the Capital, he was, on
the evening of the 16th, serenaded at his hotel, and, responding
to the cheers of the crowd, appeared on the balcony and made the
following happy speech :
"Fdlow-dtizens: While I have looked upon this great array, I believe
I have gotten a new idea of the majesty of the American people. When
I reflect that wherever you find sovereign power, every reverent heart
on this earth bows before it, and when I reraeraber that here for a hun
dred years we have denied the sovereignty of any man, and in place of
it we have asserted the sovereignty of all in place of one, I see before
me so vast a concourse that it is easy for me to imagine that the rest of
the American people are, gathered here to-night, and if they were all
here, every man Avould stand uncovered, all in unsandaled feet in presence
of the majesty of the only sovereign poAver in this Government under
Almighty God. [Cheers.] And, therefore, to this great audience I pay
the respectful homage that in part belongs to the sovereignty of the
people. I thank you for this great and glorious demonstration. I am
not, for one moment, misled into believing that it refers to so poor a thing
as any one of our number. I knoAV it raeans your reverence for your
Governraent, your reverence for its laAVs, your reverence for its institu
tions, and your compliment to one who is placed for a moment in relations
to you of peculiar importance. For all these reasons I thank you.
I can not at this time utter, a word on the subject of general politics.
I would not mar the cordiality of this Avelcome, to Avhich to some extent
all are gathered, by any reference except to the present moment and its
significance; but I Avish to say that a large portion of this assemblage
to-night are my comrades, late of the war for the Union. For them I
can speak Avith entire propriety, and can say that these very streets heard
the measured tread of your disciplined feet, years ago, Avhen the imperiled
Republic needed your hands and your hearts to save it, and you came
back with your numbers decimated; but those you left behind were
imraortal and glorified heroes forever ; and those you brought back came,
carrying under tattered banners and in bronze hands the ark of the covenant
29

450

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

of your Republic in safety out of the bloody baptism of the war [cheers],
and you brought it in safety to be saved forever by your valor and the
Avisdom of your brethren who were at home ; and by this you were again
added to the great civil army of the Repubhc, I greet you, comrades
and fellow-soldiers, g,nd the great body of distinguished citizens who are
gathered here to-night, who are the strong stay and support of the
business, of the prosperity, of the peace, of the civic ardor and glory of
the Republic, and I thank you for your welcome to-night. It was said
in a Avelcome to one Avho came to England to be a part of her glory — and
all the nation spoke Avhen it Avas said :
" ' Normans and Saxons and Danes are we.
But all of us Danes in our welcome of thee.'
"And we say to-night, of all nations, of all the people, soldiers and
civilians, there is cine name that Avelds us all into one. It is the name of
American citizen, under the union and under the glory of the flag that
led us to victory and to peace. [Applause.] For this magnificent wel
come I thank you with all there is iu my lieart."

VIEW OF MENTOR.

On the next evening after this address. General Garfield was
given a reception and banquet, at which Avere present many of the
most distinguished men of the nation. Then, after a brief stay at
Washington, he returned to Mentor, hoping to enjoy a respite
frora the excitements of the hour. But there Avas little hope of
rest for one Avho by the Avill of the millions had thus been whirled
into the blazing focus of expectation.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— PAINESVILLE. 451
On the 3d of July the Soldiers' Monument at Painesville, Ohio,
was formally dedicated. General Garfield was present on the
occasion, and after the principal oration, was called upon to speak.
His address created great enthusiasm, especially among the vet
erans, who were gathered in great numbers to hear their old
leader. General Garfield said:
"Fellow-citizens: I can not fail to respond ou such an occasian, in sight
of such a monument to such a cause, sustained by such men. [Applause
and cheers.] While I have listened to what my friend has said, two
questions have been sAveeping thrcfugh my heart. One was, ' What does
the monument mean?' and the other, 'What Avill the monument teach?'
Let me try and ask you for a moment, to help me answer what does the
monument mean. Oh! the monument means a world of memories, a
world of deeds, and a world of tears, and a Avorld of glories. You know,
thousands knoAV, what it is to ofier up your life to the country, and that
is no small thing, as every soldier knoAVS. Let me put the question to
you: For a moment suppose your country in the awfully embodied form
of majestic laAv, should stand above you and say : ' I Avant your life.
Come up here on the platforra and oSer it.' Hoav many Avould Avalk up
before that raajestic presence and say, 'Here 1 am, take this life and use
it for your great needs.' [Applause.] And yet alraost two raillions of
men made that answer [applause], and a monument stands yonder to com
memorate their ansAver. That is one of its meanings. But, my friends,
let me try you a little further. To give up life is much, for it is to give
up wife, and home, and child, and ambition. But let me test you this
Avay further. Suppose this awfully majestic form should call out to you,
and say, 'I ask you to give up health and drag yourself, not dead, but
half alive, through a raiserable existence for long years, until you perish
and die in your crippled and hopeless condition. I ask you to volunteer
to do that,' and it calls for a higher reach of patriotism and self-sacrifice;
but hundreds of thousands of you soldiers did that. That is what the
monument means also. But let me ask you to go one step further. Sup
pose your country should say, ' Come here, on this platform, and in my
name, and for my sake, consent to be idiots. [Voice — Hear, hear.]
Consent that your \'ery brain and intellect shall be broken down into
hopeless idiocy for my sake.' How many could be found to make that
venture ? And yet there are thousands, and that Avith their eyes Avide
open to the horrible consequences, obeyed that call.

452' LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"And let rae tell how one hundred thousand of our soldiers were
prisoners of Avar, and to many of them when death was stalking near,
when famine was clirabing up into their hearts, and idiocy was threatening
all that was left of their intellects, the gates of their prison stood open
every day, if they Avould quit, desert their flag and enlist under the flag
of the enemy ; and out of one hundred and eighty thousand not two per
cent, ever received the liberation from death, starvation and all that
might come to them; but they took all these horrors and all these sufier-
ings in preference to going back upon the flag of their country and the
glory of its truth, [Applause.J Gre^t God ! was ever such measure of
patriotism reached by any men on this earth before ? [Applause.] That
is what your monument means. By the subtle chemistry that no man
knows, all the blood that was shed by our brethren, all the lives that
were devoted, all the grief that Avas felt, at last crystallized itself into
granite rendered immortal, the great truth for Avhich they died [applause],
and it stands there to-day, and that is what your monument means.
" Now, what does it teach ? What will it teach ? Why, I remember
the story of one of the old conquerors of Greece, who, when he had
traveled in his boyhood over the battle-fields Avhere Miltiades had won
victories and set up trophies, returning said : ' These trophies of Milti
ades will never let me sleep.' Why? Something had taught him from
the chiseled stone a lesson that he could never forget; and, fellow-citizens,
that silent sentinel, that crowned granite column, will look down upon
the boys that Avill walk these streets for generations to corae, and wifl
not let them sleep when their country calls them, [Applause.] More
than from the bugler on the field, from his dead lips Avill go out a caU
that the children of Lake County will hear after the grave has covered
us and our immediate children. That is the teaching of your monu
ment. , That is its lesson, and it is the lesson of endurance for what we
believe, and it is the lesson of sacrifices for what we think — the lesson
of heroism for what AVe mean to sustain — and that lesson can not be
lost to a people like this. It is not a lesson of revenge ; it is not a lesson
of wrath ; it is the grand, SAveet, broad lesson of the immortality of the
truth that we hope will soon cover, as the grand Shekinah of light and
glory, all parts of this Republic, from the lakes to the gulf [Ap
plause.] I once entered a house in old Massachusetts, where, over its
doors, were tAvo crossed swords. One Avas the sAvord carried by the
grandfather of its owner on the field of Bunker Hill, and the other Avas

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY.— LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE. 453
the sword carried by the English grandsire of the wife, on the same
field, and on the other side of the conflict. Under those crossed SAVords,
in the restored harmony of domestic peace, lived a happy, and con
tented, and free family, under the light of our republican liberties. [Ap
plause.] I trust the time is not far distant when, under the crossed
swords and the locked shields of Araericans North and South, our peo
ple shall sleep in peace, and rise in liberty, love, and harraony under
the union of our flag of the Stars and Stripes."
The next public utterance of General Garfleld had been anx
iously aAvaited, Until now he had not found tirae to return a
forraal ansAver to the committee, whose chairman had, on the even
ing of the 8th of June, informed him of his nomination for the
Presidency, €)n the 12th of July, the General, from his home at
Mentor, issued his letter of acceptance. It Avas a document of con
siderable length, touching upon most of the political questions of
the day, and gave great satisfaction to his party throughout the
Union. The letter was as follows : " Mentor, Ohio, July 10th, 1880.
"Dear Sir: On the evening of the Sth of June last I had the honor to
receive from you, in the presence of the committee of Avhich you were
chairman, the official announcement that the Republican National Con
vention at Chicago had that day nominated me for their candidate for
President of the United States. I accept the nomination Avith gratitude
for the confidence it implies and Avith a deep sense of the responsibilities
it imposes. I cordially indorse the principles set forth in the platform
adopted by the convention. On nearly all the subjects of which it treats
my opinions are on record among the published proceedings of Congress.
I venture, however, to make special mention of some of the principal
topics Avhich are likely to becorae subjects of discussion, Avithout reviewing
the controversies which have been settled during the last twenty years,
and with no purpose or wish to revive the passions of the late war.
It should be said that while RepubUcans fully recognize and Avill
strenuously defend all the rights retained by the people and all the
rights reserved to the States, they reject the pernicious doctrine of State
supremacy, which so long crippled the functions of the National Gov
ernment and at one tirae brought the. Union very near to destruction.
They msist that the United States is a nation, with ample power of self-

454 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
preservation ; that its Constitution and the la avs made in pursuance thereof
are the supreme laAv of the land ; that the right of the nation to deter
raine the method by Avhich its own legislature shall be created can not
be surrendered Avithout abdicating one of the fundamental poAvers of the
Government ; that the national laws relating to the election of repre
sentatives in Congress shall neither be violated nor evaded ; that every
elector shall be permitted freely and Avithout intimidation to cast his
laAvful ballot at such election and have it honestly counted, and that the
potency of his vote shall not be destroyed by the fraudulent vote of any
other person. The best thoughts and energies of our people should be
directed to those great questions of national Avell-being in which Ave all
have a conimon interest. Such efforts Avill soonest restore perfect peace
to those who Avere lately in arms against each other, for justice and good
will Avill outlast passion ; but it is certain that the Avounds can not be
completely healed and the spirit of brotherhood can not fully pervade
the Avhole country until every one of our citizens, rich or poor, white or
black, is secure in the free and equal enjoyment of every civil and polit
ical right guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws. Wherever the
enjoyment of this right is not assured, discontent will prevail, inunigra-
tion Avill cease, and the social and iiulustrial forces Avill continue to be
disturbed by the migration of laborers and the consequent diminution
of prosperity. The National Government should exercise all its consti
tutional authority to put an end to these evils, for all the people and all
the States are members of one body; and no member can suffer Avithout
injury to all.
"The most serious evils Avhich now affhet the South arise from the
fact that there is not such freedom and toleration of political opinion
and action that the minority party can exercise an eftectixe and Avhole-
sorae restraint upon the party in power. Without siu'h restraint party
rule becomes tyrannical and corrupt. The prosperity Avhich is made
possible in the South, by its great advantages of soil and climate, Avill
never be realized until every A'otcr can freely and safely support any
party he pleases. Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular
education, Avithout whieh neither justice nor freedom can be permanently
maintained. Its interests are intrusted to the States and the A^oluntary
action of the people. Whatever help the nation can justly afford should
be generously given to aid the States in supporting common schools;
but it Avould be unjust to our people and dangerous to our institutions

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY.- LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE, il

00

to apply any portion of the revenues of the nation or of the States tc
the support of sectarian schools. The separation of the Church and the
State in every thing relating to taxation .should be absolute.
On the subject of national finances my views have been so frequently and
fully expressed that little is needed in the way of additional statement.
The public debt is now so well secured, and the rate of annual interest baa
been so reduced by refunding, that rigid economy in expenditures and
the faithful application of our surplus revenues to the payment of the
principal of the debt, Avill gradually but certainly free the people from
its burdens, and close with honor the financial chapter of the war. At
the sarae tirae the Governraent can provide for all its ordinary expendi
tures, and discharge its sacred obligations to the soldiers of the Union
and to the Avidows and orphans of those who fell in its defense. The
resumption of specie payments, Avhich the Republican party so coura
geously and successfully accomplished, has removed from the field of
controversy many questions that long and seriously disturbed the credit
of the Government and the business of the country. Our paper cur
rency is no*v as national as the flag, and resumption has not only made
it everywhere equal to coin, but has brought into use our store of gold
and silver. The circulating mediura is more abundant than ever before,
and we need only to maintain the f-quality of all our dollars to insure to
labor and capital a measure of value from the use of Avhieh no one can
suffer loss. The great prosperity Avhich the country is now enjoying
should not be endangeied by any violent change or doubtful financial
experiments. "In reference to our custom laAvs, a policy should be pursued which
Avill bring revenues to the Treasury, and Avill enable the labor and cap
ital employed in our great industries to compete fairly in our own mar
kets with the labor and capital of foreign producers. We legislate for
the people of the United States, not for the whole Avorld ; and it is our
glory that the American laborer is more intelligent and better paid than
his foreign competitor. Our country can not be independent unless its
people, with their abundant natural resources, possess the requisite skill
at any time to clothe, arm, and equip themselves for Avar, and in time
of peace to produce all the necossary implements of labor. It was the
manifest intention of the founders of the Government to provide for the
common defense, not by standing armies alone, but by raising among
the people a greater army of artisans, whose intelligence and skill should
powerfully contribute to the safety and glory of the nation.

456 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Fortunately for the interests of commerce there is no longer any for
midable opposition to appropriations for the iraproveraent of our harbors
and great navigable rivers, provided that the expenditures for that pur
pose are strictly limited to works of national importance. The Mississippi
River, with its great tributaries, is of such vital importance to so many
millions of people that the safety of its navigation requires exceptional
consideration. In order to secure to the nation the control of all its
waters, President Jefferson negotiated the purchase of a vast territory,
extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. The wisdom
of Congress should be invoked to devise some plan by which that great
river shall cease to be a terror to those who dwell upon its banks, and
by which its shipping may safely carry the industrial products of twenty-
five milUons of people.
" The interests of agriculture, Avhich is the basis of all our material
prosperity, and in which seven-twelfths of our population are engaged,
as well as the interests of manufactures and coraraerce, demand that the
facilities for cheap transportation shall be increased by the use of all our
great water courses. The raaterial interests of this country, the tradi
tions of its settleraent and the sentiment of our people, have led the
Governraent to offer the widest hospitality to iramigrants who seek our
shores for new and happier homes, willing to share the burdens as well
as the benefits of our society, and intending that their posterity shall
become an undistinguishable part of our population. The recent move
ment of the Chinese to our Pacific coast partakes but little of the qual
ities of such an immigration, either in its purposes or its result. It is
too much like an importation to be Avelcoraed without restriction; too
much like an invasion to be looked upon without solicitude. We can
not consent to alloAV any forra of servile labor to be introduced among
us under the guise of iraraigration. Recognizing the gravity of this
subject, the present administration, supported by Congress, has sent to
China a coraraission of distinguished citizens for the purpose of securing
such a modification of the existing treaty as will prevent the eAdls likely
to arise from the present situation. It is confidently believed that these
diplomatic negotiations will he successful without the loss of that com
mercial intercourse between the two great powers which promises a great
increase of reciprocal trade and the enlargement of our markets. Should
these efforts fail, it will be the duty of Congress to mitigate the evils
already felt, and prevent their increase by such restrictions as, without

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY.— LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE. 457
violence or injustice, Avill place upon a sure foundation the peace of our
coraraunities and the freedora and dignity of labor.
" The appointment of citizens to the various executiA'e and judicial
offices of the Governraent is, perhaps, the most difficult of all duties
which the Constitution has imposed upon the Executive. The conven
tion wisely demands that Congress shall cooperate Avith the Executive
Department in placing the civil service on a better basis. Experience
has proved that, Avith our frequent changes of administration, no system
of reform can be made effective and permanent without the aid of legis
lation. Appointments to the military and naval service are so regulated
by law and custom, as to leave but little ground of complaint. It may
not be wise to raake sirailar regulations by law for the civil service, but,.
Avithout invading the authority or necessary discretion of the Executive,
Congress should devise a raethod that Avill determine the tenure of office,
and greatly reduce the uncertainty Avhich makes that service so uncer
tain and unsatisfactory. Without depriving any officer of his rights as
a citizen, the Government should require hira to discharge all his official
duties Avith intelligence, efficiency, and faithfulness. To select Avisely
from our vast population those Avho are best fitted for the raany offices
to be filled, requires an acquaintance far beyond the range of any one
man. The Executive should, therefore, seek and receiA'e the informa
tion and assistance of those Avhose knowledge of the communities in
which the duties are to be performed, best qualifies them to aid in mak
ing the Avisest choice. The doctrines announced by the Chicago Con
vention are not the temporary devices of a party to attract votes and
carry an election. They are deliberate convictions, resulting from a
careful study of the spirit of our institutions, the eA'ents of our history,
and the best impulses of our people. In my judgment, these principles
should control the legislation and administration of the Government. In
any event, they will guide my conduct until experience points out a
better way. If elected, it Avill be my purpose to enforce strict obedience
to the Constitution and the laAvs, and to promote as best 1 may the in
terest and honor of the Avhole country, relying for support upon the wis
dom of Congress, the intelligence and patriotism of the people, and the
favor of God,
" With great respect, I am very truly yours, i
"J. A. Garfield.
"To Hon. Geo. F. Hoar, Chairman of the Committee."

458 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The battle was now fairly on. The Democracy had, on the
23d day of June, in convention at Cincinnati, nominated as their
standard-bearer the distinguished and popular soldier, Major-
General Winfield S. Hancock. This nomination was received by
the General's party with as much satisfaction and enthusiasm as
that of General Garfield had been by the Republicans. Mean
while, General James B. Weaver, of Iowa, had been chosen to
make the race by the National party, in a convention held in
Chicago, on the 9th of June. So that there were presented for
the suffrages of the people three eminent soldiers — all men of large
abilities, undoubted patriotism, and thorough soundness of char
acter. , It was evident, however, from the opening of the campaign,
that the contest was narroAved to Generals Garfield and Hancock,
with the chances in favor of the former; and as the public mind
became warmed up to the pitch of battle, the chances of Garfield
were augmented by almost every incident of the fight. The plat
forms of the two parties had both been made with a view to
political advantage rather than to uphold any distinctive prin
ciples. So the fight raged baclcAvards along the line of the history
and traditions of the tAvo parties rather than forward along the
line of the living political issues of the present and the future. In
a modified form the old questions of the war were revived and
paraded. A delegate in the Cincinnati Convention, allowing his
zeal to run aAvay with his sense, had pledged a "Solid South" to
the support of General Hancock. This sectional utterance was a
spark dropped among the old Avar memories of the Union soldiers ;
and the politicians were quick to fan the flame by suggesting that
"a Solid South" ought to be confronted by "a Solid North," This
line of argument, of course, meant ruin to the Democracy, The
Republican leaders virtually abandoned the Southern States, and
concentrated all their efforts upon the doubtful States of the
Northern border, Indiana became a critical battle-field; and here
the political fight was Avaged with the greatest spirit. Having a
gubernatorial election in October, it was foreseen that to carry this
doubtful State would be Avell nigh decisive of the contest, and to
this end the best talent of both parties was hurried into her

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.- AT GENEV.V. 450'
borders. While these great movements were taking place, General
Garfield remained, for the most part, at his quiet home at Mentor.

LAWNFIELD.— THK HOME OF PRESIDENT GABFIELD AT MENTOR.

On the 3d of August he attended the dedication ceremonies of a
soldiers' monument at Geneva, Ohio. More than ten thou.sand
people were in attendance. After the principal address of the day
had been delivered, General Garfield Avas introduced, and spoke
as foUoAvs:
"Fellow-citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen: These gentlemen had no right
to print on a paper here th.at I AA'as to make a speech, for the types should
always tell the truth. [A voice — They did it this time.] They have not
done it in this case ; but I can not look out upon an audience in Ashtabula
County, recognizing so nLiny old faces and old friends, Avithout at least
making my bow to them, and .saying 'goodbye' before I go. I can not
either hear such a speech as that to Avhich I have just listened without
thanking the man who made it [applause] and the people Avho enabled
liim to make it [applause], for after all no man can make a speech alone.
It is the great human power that strikes up from a thousand hearts that
acts upon him and makes the speech. [Applause.] It originates with

460 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
those outside of him, if he makes one at all, and every man that has
stood on this platform to-day has had a speech made out of hira by you
and by what is yonder on your square. That's the way speeches are
raade, and if I had tirae to stay long enough, these forces Avith you might
make one out of rae. [Applause.] Ideas are the only things in the
universe really immortal. Sorae people think that soldiers are chiefly
renoAvned for courage. That is one of the cheapest and coramonest
qualities; Ave share it with the brutes. I can find you dogs and bears
and lions that Avill fight, and fight to the death, and Avill tear each other.
Do you call that Avarfare ? Let me tell you the difference. They are as
courageous as any of these soldiers, if mere brute courage is what you are
after. The difference betAvecn thera and us is this: Tigers never hold
reunions [laughter] to celebrate their victories. When they have eaten
the creature they have killed, that is the only reunion they have ever
held. [Laughter.] Wild beasts never build raonuraents over their slain
comrades. Why? Because there are no ideas behind their Avarfares.
Our race has ideas, and because ideas are immortal, if they be true, Ave
build monuments to thera. We hold reunions not for the dead, for there
is nothing on all the earth that you and I can do for the dead. They are
past our help and past our praise. We can not add more glory, and we
can give them no imraortality. They do not need us, but forever and
forever raore we need them. [Applause.] The glory that trails in the
clouds behind them after their sun has set, falls Avith its benediction upon
us Avho are left [applause], and it is to coinraeraorate the imraortality of
the ideas for which they fought, that you asserable to-day and dedicate
your monument, that points up toAvard God Avho leads them in the glory
of the great Avorld beyond. Around these ideas, under the leadership of
these ideas, we assemble to-day, reverently to follow, reverently to acknoAvl-
edge the glory they achieved and the benediction they left behind them.
That is the meaning of an assembly like this, and to join in it, to meet
you, ray old neighbors and constituents, to share with you the memories
that Ave have heard rehearsed and the inspiration that this day points to,
that this monument celebrates, is to me a joy, and for it I am grateful
to you."
Immediately after this address at Geneva, General Garfield took
his departure for Ncav York, Avhere it had been determined to hold
a conference of the principal Republican leaders, relative to the
conduct of the pending campaign. The standard-bearer partic-

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT CHAUTAUQUA. 461
ipated in the council of his friends, adding not a little by his
presence and unflagging spirits to the zeal and enthusiasm of those
upon whose efforts so much depended. On the 7th he left the city
for Lake Chautauqua, Avhere he had decided to spend a day at the
great Sunday-school encampment and other lakeside resorts. He
was received Avith the greatest good-will by the thousands assem
bled at JamestoAvn and Chautauqua ; and on the CA'e of his departure
was induced, in response to salutations and cheers, to make the
following brief address:
"Fellow-citizens: You have done so much tome since I arrived on this
shore, that I am quite unable to tell what sort of raan I am this morning,
[Laughter.] I had never been here, and really did not know Avhat you
were doing. Last evening I asked Mr. Vincent, rather brusquely, to
tell me what Chautauqua means — Avhat your work here raeans — and he
filled me so full of your ideas that I have not yet assimilated it so as to
be quite sure Avhat manner of man I am since I got hold of it. But this
I see, you are struggling Avith one of the tAvo great problems of civiliza
tion. The first one is a very old question — 'How shall Ave get leisure?'
That is the object of every hammer stroke, of every blow that labor has
struck since the foundation of the Avorld. [Applause.] The fight for
bread is a great primal fight, and it is so absorbing a struggle that until
one conquers to some extent he can have no leisure. We may divide
tbe struggles of the human race into tAvo chapters : First, the fight to
get leisure, and, second, what to do Avith our leisure Avhen Ave have Avon
it. It looks to me that Chautauqua has solved the second problem.
[Applause.J Like all blessings, leisure is a very bad thing unless it is
Avell used. The man with a fortune ready raade, and Avith leisure on
his hands, is likely to get sick of the Avorld, sick of himself, tired of life,
and to become a useless, wasted man. What shall you do with your
leisure? I understand Chautauqua is trying to develop new energies,
largeness of raind and culture in a better sense, 'with the varnish
scratched off,' as our friend. Dr. Kirkwood, says. [Applause.] We
are getting over the fashion of painting and varnishing our native
woods. We are getting down to the real grain, and finding Avhatever is
best and most beautiful in it, and if Chautauqua is helping to develop
in our people the native stuff that is in them rather than to give them
varnish and gewgaAvs of culture, it is doing well, Chautauqua, there-

462' LIFE OF JAMES A. G.VRFIELD.
fore, has filled me Avith thought, and, in addition to that, you have filled
me Avith gratitude for your kindness and for this great spontaneous greet
ing in early morning, earlier than raen of leisure get up. [Laughter.]
Some of these gentlemen of the press around me looked distressed at
the early rising by Avhich you have compelled our Avhole party to look
at the early sun. [Laughter.] This greeting on the lake slope toAvard
the sun is very precious to me, and I thank you all. This is a mixed
audience of citizens, and I will not offend the proprieties of the occasion
by discussing controverted questions or entering upon any political dis
cussion. I look in the faces of men of all shades of opinion, but Avhat
ever our party affiliation, I trust there is in all this audience that love
of our beneficent institutions Avhich makes it possible for frco labor to
earn leisure, and for our institutions to raake that leisure Avorth some
thing [applause] — our Union and pur institutions, under the blessing of
equal laws, equal to all colors and all conditions, an open career for
every raan, however humble, to rise to Avhatever place the poAver of a
strong arm, the strength of a clear head, and the aspirations of a pure
heart can do to lift him. That prospect ought to inspire every young
man in this vast audience, [Applause.] I heard yesterday and last
night the songs of those who were lately redeemed from slavery, and I
felt that there, too, Avas one of the great triumphs of the Republic.
[Applause.] I believe in the efficiencj' of the forces that come down
from the ages behind us, <ind I wondered if the tropical sun had not
distilled its SAveetness, and if the sorrow of centuries of slavery had not
distilled its sadness into verses, which Avere touching, SAveet verses, to
sing the songs of liberty as they sing them Avherever they go. [Ap
plause.] " I thank that choir for the lesson they have taught me here, and now,
fellow-citizens, thanking you all, good-bye." [Applause.]
On the 9th of the month General Garfield returned to his home,
where he again sought a respite from the uproar and tumult of
publicity which folloAved him everywhere. On the 25th of Au
gust, a reunion of his old regiment, the Forty-second Ohio, Avas
held at Ashland, and the General could but accept an invitation
to share the occasion with his former comrades in arms. The old
soldiers passed a resolution, declaring it an honor that their former
Colonel had become the conspicuous man of the nation, and com-

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT ASHLAND. 463
mending him to the Avorld as a model of all soldierly virtues. He
Avas elected President of the Regimental Association for the ensu
ing year, and Avas thereupon called out for an address. The Gen
eral spoke as follows :
"Fellow-citizens : This is a family gathering, a military family, for in
Avar a regiment is to the army Avhat a family is to the Avhole civilized
community. [Here a portion of the platform fell.] A military reunion
Avithout some excitement and some accident Avould be altogether too
monotonous and tame to be interesting, and in this good-natured audi
ence we can have a good many accidents like that and still keep quiet
and be happy,
"I said this is a family reunion, an assembly of the Forty-second mil
itary family, and it is Avell for us to meet here. Nineteen years ago I
met a croAvd of earnest citizens in that court-room above stairs. Your
bell was rung, your people came out. The teacher of your schools was
among them. The boys of the school were there, and after Ave had
talked together a little while, about our country and its imperiled flag,
the teacher of the schools offered himself to his country, and twenty of
his boys with hira. Tliey never Avent back into the school-house again;
but in the dark days of November, 1861, they and enough Ashland
County boys to make one hundred went down with me to Columbus to
join another one hundred that had gone before them from Ashland
County, and these two hundred of your children stood in the center of
our military family and bore these old banners that you see tattered
before you to-day. One of them was given to our family by the ladies
of Ashland, and Company C, from Ashland, carried it Avell. It Avas
riddled by bullets and torn by underbrush. Flapped by the winds of
rebellion, it came back tattered, as you see, but Avith never a stain upon
its folds, and never a touch of dishonor upon it anywhere; and the other
of these banners Avas given us by the special friends of Company A, in
my old toAvn of Hirara, the student corapany from the heart of the
Western Reserve, and it also shared like its fellows, the fate, and came
home covered with the glory of the conflict,
" We were a family, I say again, and we did not let partisan polities
disturb us then, and Ave do not let partisanship enter our circle here
to-day. "We did not quarrel about controversies outside of our great Avork.
'\Vc agreed to be brethren for the Unicjn, under the flag, against all its

464 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
enemies everywhere, and brothers to all men who stood Avith us under
the flag to fight for the Union, Avhatever their color of' skin, Avhatever
their previous politics, whatever their religion. In that spirit we Avent
out; in that spirit Ave returned; and Ave are glad to be in Ashland to
day, for it is one of the homes of our regiment, Avhere Ave were Avel
coraed in the beginning and have ahvays been Avelcome since. We are
grateful for the welcome tendered us to-day by this great assembly of
our old neighbors and friends of Ashland County.
"Now, fellow-citizens, a regiment like a family has the right to be a
little clannish and exclusive. It does- not deny the right of any other
family to the same privileges, but it holds the members of its OAvn family
a little nearer and a little dearer than any other family in the world.
And so the Forty-second Regiment has always been a band of brothers.
I do not this day knoAV a Forty-second man in the world Avho hates
another Forty-second man. There never Avas a serious quarrel inside
the regiment. There Avas never a serious disagreement between its
officers. The Avorst thing I have ever heard said against it is that all
its three field officers came home alive. And they are all here on this
stand to-day. It Avas, perliaps, a little against us that no one of us had
the honor to get killed or seriously crippled; but Ave hold that it Avas not
altogether our fault, and avc tr\ist that some day or other you will have
forgiven us, if you have not to-day, for being alive and all here to
gether. "1 want to say another thing about the soldiers' work, I knoAV of
nothing in all the circle of human duty that so unites men as the com
mon suffering and danger and struggle that Avar brings upon a regi
ment. You can not kuow a man so thoroughly and so soon as by the
tremendous tests to Avhich war subjects him These men knew each
other by sight long before they knew each other by he.art; but before
they got back home they knew each other, as you sometimes say you
know a son, ' by heart ; ' for they had been tested by fire ; they had been
tested by starvation; they had been tested by the grim presence of
death, and each knew that those who remained Avere union men; men
that in all the hard, close chances of life, had the stuff in them that en-
iible<l them to stand up in the very extremes they did; and stand up
ready to die. And such men, so tried and so acqu.iinted, never got over
it; and the rest of the world must permit them to be just a little clannish
towards each other; the rest of the world Avill not think Ave are narroAf

J. STANLEY BROWN.
r,AEFTELD*S PRIVATE BEf/KETAfcV-

fY,[ kf^r-KWELL.

THE GARFIELD FAMILY.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT MENTOR. 465
Avhen they consider this particular fault of ours ; a little closer to us than
any of the rest of the world in a military way.
"Now, fellow-citizens, we are here to look into your faces, to enjoy
your hospitality, to revive our old memories of the place, but, for more
than any thing else,' to look into each other's faces, and revive old mem
ories of a great many places less pleasing and home-like than Ashland.
We have been meeting together in this way for nearly fifteen years, and
Ave have raade a pledge to each other that as long as there are two of
us left to shake hands, Ave will meet and greet the survivor. Some of us
felt a little hurt about ten years ago when the papers spoke of us as the
survivors of the Forty-second Regiment. We Avere survivors it was
true, but we thought we were so surviving that it need not be put at us,
as though we were about to die. Noav, I don't know how it is with the
rest of you. Most of mankind grow old, and you can see it in their
faces. I see here and there a bald head, like my own, or a white one,
like Captain Gardner's, but to me these men Avill be boys till they die.
We call them boys ; we meet and greet them as boys, even though they
become very old boys, and in that spirit of young, hopeful, daring man
hood Ave expect to raeet them so long as Ave live. Nothing can get us a
great way from each other while we live. I ara glad to meet these men
here to-day. [Here another portion of the platform broke doAvn, precip
itating General Garfield and two or three of the reporters to the ground.]
Continuing, he said : I am glad also that there was not any body hurt
when that broke, and nobody made unhappy, and I will conclude all I
wanted to say, raore than I intended to say, by adding this: These raen
went out without one single touch of revenge in their hearts. They
went out to maintain this Union and make it imraortal ; to put their oAvn
immortal lives into it, and to make it possible that the people of Ashland
should make the raonogram of the United States, as you see it up there
(pointing to the monograra on the building), a wreath of Union inside
of a very large N, a capital N, that stands for Nation, a Nation so large
that it includes the 'U. S. A.' all the people of the Republic, and will in
clude it for everraore ; that is what Ave meant then and is what we mean
now. "And now, fellow-citizens and soldiers of the Forty-second Regiment —
for I have been talking mainly to you, and if any of this crowd have
overheard I am not particularly to blame for it — I say, fellow-citizens
and comrades, I greet you to-day Avith great satisfaction and bid you a
cordial good-bye." 30

466 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Two days later General Garfield Avas present at a reunion of an
artillery company, held at Mentor, and since they had composed
a part of the force with which Thomas stayed at last the furious
onset at Chickamauga, their old chief of staff was all the more
willing to say a few words for their, edification. This he did as
follows: —
" Comrades: This is really the first time I have met this battery as an
organization since the Sunday evening of the terrible battle of Chicka-
raauga, nearly seventeen years ago. I last saAv you there in the most ex
posed angle of that unfortunate line, broken by the corabined forces of
Bragg and Longstreet. I then saw you gallantly fighting under the im
mediate direction of General Thomas, to reform that broken line, and
hold the exultant rebel host in check until the gallant Steedman Avith re
inforcements SAvept them back into the dark valley of the Chickamauga.
I ara now able to distinguish among your numbers faces Avhich I saAv there
in that terrible hour. But how changed ! I now see you here with your
wives, children, and friends, peaceably enjoying this grand reception of
your friends and neighbors here assembled to honor and entertain you.
"But nothing so attracts my attention as your young and active ap
pearance. It is more than eighteen years since you left for the Avar, and
yet you are not old. Indeed, many of you appear almost like boys.
This I am pleased to observe ; for if there be any raen upon the face of
the earth who deserve an extension of time, it is you who, in early man
hood, so freely gave your services to your country, that it might live.
Nothing can be raore proper than these annual reunions. I am aware
of the reputation Avhich this organization, as AveU as my own regiment,
always enjoyed of unity and good fellowship among its officers and men.
May you, therefore, continue to enjoy and perpetuate that friendship to
the yery latest hour of your lives."
General Garfield had now to learn that the people in their ea
gerness, and especially the politicians in their unselfish devotion,
had decreed him no further rest, even at Lawnfield. Pilgrimages
to Mentor became the order of the day. For meanwhile the Oc
tober elections had been held, and all had gone triumphantly for
the Republicans. Indiana, chief of the so-called " doubtful States,"
had whirled into line with an unequivocal majority. Ohio had put
a quietus on all hopes of the Democracy to carry her electoral

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT MENTOR. 467
votes for Hancock. The high-blown anticipations of the friends
of " the superb soldier " Avere shockingly shattered. And so all
the paths of political preferment led to. Mentor ; and all the paths
were trodden by way-worn pilgrims, Avho, with sandal-shoon and
scallop-shell urged their course thither to see hira who was noA\-
their hope. On the 19th of October a train of these pilgrims,
rather more notable than the rest, came in from Indiana. It Avas
the Lincoln Club of Indianapolis, four hundred strong. They
were uniformed, and wore grotesque cockades extemporized out
of straw hats into a sort of three-cornered conspicuity. The Gen
eral was, none the less, greatly pleased Avith his visitors, and
spared no pains to make their brief stay at Mentor a pleasure, if
not a profit. The club was formally introduced by Captain M. G.
McLean, and in response General Garfield said : —
" Gentlemen: You come as bearers of dispatches, so your chairraan tells
me. I am glad to hear the news you bring, and exceedingly glad to see
the bringers of the ncAvs. Your uniform, the name of your club, the
place from which you come, are all full of suggestions. You recol
lect the verses that were often quoted about the old Continental soldiers:
"The old three-cornered hat and breeches, and all that Avere so queer."
Your costume brings back to our memory the days of the Continentals
of 1776, whose principles 1 hope you represent. You are called the
Lincoln Club, and Lincoln Avas himself a revival, a restoration of the
days of '76 and their doctrines. The great Proclamation of Emancipa
tion, which he penned, was a second Declaration of Independence —
broader, fuller, the New Testament of human liberty; and then you
come from Indiana, supposed to be a Western State, but yet in its tradi
tions older than Ohio. More than one hundred years ago a gallant Vir
ginian went far up into your wilderness, captured tAvo or three forts, took
-down the British flag, .and reared the Stars and Stripes. Vincennes and
Cahokia, and a post in Illinois, Avere a part of the capture. Your native
State was one of the first fruits of that splendid fighting power Avhieh
gave the whole West to the United States, and now these representatives
of Indiana corae representing the Revolution in your hats, representing
Abraham Lincoln in your badges, and representing the victory both of
the Revolution and of Lincoln in the news you bring. I could not be
an American and fail to welcome your costumes, your badges, your news

468 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and yourselves. Many Indiana men were my comrades in the days of
the Avar. I remember a regiment of thera that was under my command
near Corinth, Avhen it seemed necessary for the defense of our forces to
cut down a little piece of timber — seventy-five acres. We unboxed for
my brigade about four thousand new axes, and the Fifty-first Regiment
of Indiana Volunteers chopped doAvn raore trees in half a day than I sup
posed it was possible could fall in any forest in a week. It appears that
in the great political forest frora Avhich you have just come, your axes
have been busy again. I especially welcome the axmen of the Fifty-first
Regiment, who raay happen to be here, and thank you all, gentlemen,
for the compliment of your visit, and for the good news you bring. I do
not prize that ncAvs half so rauch for its personal relations to you and
to rae, as I do because it is a revival of the spirit of 1776, the spirit of
Abrahara Lincoln, the spirit of universal liberty, and the spirit of just
and equal law all over this land. That gives your news its greatest sig
nificance. Gentlemen, I thank you again, and shall be glad to take you
by the hand."
After the speeches, the members of the Lincoln Club all had
the pleasure of shaking the hand of General Garfield, and of hear
ing an individual welcome from his lips.
Two days afterwards, the Cuyahoga Veteran Corps came on a
similar pilgrimage to Lawnfield, and were similarly well received.
General M. D. Leggett, commander of the corps, made the intro
ductory address; and, in answer. General Garfield said:
" Comrades: Any man that can see twelve hundred comrades in his
front-door yard has as much reason to be proud as for any thing that can
well happen to him in this world. After that has happened, he need not
much care what else happens, or what else don't happen. To see twelve
hundred raen, from almost every regiment of the State, and from regi
ments and brigades and divisions of almost every other State — to see the
consolidated field report of the survivors of the war, sixteen years after
it is over — is a great sight for any man to look on. I greet you all with
gratitude for this visit. Its personal compliment is great.
'•But there is another thought in it far greater than that to me and
greater to you. Just over yonder about ten miles, Avhen I was a mere
lad, I heard the first political speech of my life. It was a speech that
Joshua R. Giddings was making. He had corae home to appeal to his

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— AT MENTOR. 469
constituents. A Southern man drcAV a pistol on him Avhile he was speak
ing in favor of human liberty, and marched over toward him to shoot
him doAvn, to stop his speech and quench the voice of fiberty. 1 remem
ber but one thing that the old hero said in the course of that speech .so
long ago, and it Avas this: 'I knew I Avas speaking for fiberty, and I felt
that if the assassin had shot rae doAvn, my speech would still go on and
triumph.' Well, noAv, gentlemen, there are twelve hundred, and the
hundred tiraes twelve hundred — the raillion of men that went out into the
field of battle to fight for our Union — who felt just as that speaker felt —
that if they should all be shot doAvn the cause of liberty would still go on.
You and aU the L^nion felt that around you, and above you, and behind
you, were a force and a cause and an immortal truth that Avould outlive
your bodies and raine, and survive all our brigades and all our armies and
all our battles. Here you are to-day in the same belief. We shall all
die, and yet Ave believe that after us the immortal truths for Avhich we
fought Avill live in a united Nation, a united people against all factions,
against all section, against all division, so long as there shall be a conti
nent of rivers and mountains and lakes. It Avas that great belief that
lifted you all up into the heroic height of great soldiers iu the war, and
it is that beUef that you cherish to-day, and carry Avith you in all your
pilgrimages and in all your reunions. In that great belief, and in that
inspiring faith, I meet you and greet you to-day, and with it we will go
on to whatever fate has in store for us all.
"I thank you, comrades, for this demonstration of your faith and con
fidence and regard for me. Whj', gentleraen, this horae of mine Avill
never be the same place again. I am disposed to think that a man does
not take every thing awa}' fri jm a place when he takes his body aAvaj'. It
Avas said that long after the death of the first Napoleon, his soldiers be-
heved that on certain anniversary days he came out and reviewed all his
dead troops, he himself being dead ; that he had a midnight review of
those that had fought and fallen vftider his leadership. That, doubtless,
was a fiction of the imagination ; but I shall have to believe in all time
hereafter the character and spirit and impressions of my comrades live on
this turf, and under these trees, and in this portal ; and it will be a part
of my comradeship in all days to corae,"
On the 28th of the month a delegation of Portage County citi
zens, two hundred strong, headed by Judge Luther Day, of Ra
venna, visited Mentor, and paid the customary respects to him who

470 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
was now regarded as well nigh certain to carry away the greatest
honor known to the American people. After the company was
formally introduced by Judge Day, the General, in response, said :
" Judge Day, Ladies and Gentlemen: I once read of a man who tried to
wear the armor and wield the sword of sorae ancient ancestor, but found
them too large for his stature and strength. If I should try at this mo
ment to Avear and sway the memories which your presence awakens, I
should be overAvhelmed, and wholly unable to marshal and master the
quick-coming throng of memories Avhich this semicircle of old friends
and neighbors has brought to rae. Here are school-fellows of twenty-
eight years ago. Here are men and women who were ray pupils a quarter
of a century ago. Here are venerable men who, tAventy'one years ago,
in the town of Kent, launched rae upon the storray sea of political life.
I see others Avho were soldiers in the old regiment which I had the honor
to command, and could I listen to the teaching and thoughtful words of
ray friend, the venerable late Chief Justice of Ohio, who has just spoken,
without reraerabering that evening in 1861, of Avhich he spoke too mod
estly, Avhen he and I stood together in the old church at Hiram, and
called upon the young men to go forth to battle for the Union, and be en
listed before they slept, and thus laid the foundation of the Forty-second
Regiment? How can I forget all these things, and all that has followed?
How can I forget that tAveiity-five years of ray life Avere so braided and
intertwined Avith the lives of the people of Portage County, Avhen I see
raen and women from all its townships standing at my door? I can not
forget these things while life and conciousness remain. No other period
of ray life can be like this. The freshness of youth, the very springtide
of life, the brightening on toAvard noonday — all A\ere Avith you and of
you, my neighbors, my friends, my cherished comrades, in all the relations
of social, student, military and political life and friendship. You are here,
so close to my heart that I can not trust n)yself to an attempt to marshal
these memories with any thing like coherence. ~ It is enough to know
that my neighbors in Portage County, since the first day of my Congres
sional life, have never sent to any convention a delegate who was hostile
to me ; that through all the storm of detraction that roared around me,
the members of the old guard of Portage County have never wavered in
their faith and friendship, but have stood an unbroken phalanx with their
locked shields above my head, and have given me their hearts in every

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— THE MOREY LETTER 471
contest. If a man can carry in his memory a jewel more precious than
this, I am sure -ludge Day has never heard Avhat it is.
" Well, gentlemen, on the eve of great events, closing a great cam
paign, I look into your faces and draw from you -uch consolation as even
you can not understand. Whatever the event may be, our post is secure,
and whatever may befaU me hereafter, if 1 can succeed in keeping the
hearts of Portage County near to me I .shall knoAV that I do not go far
wrong in any thing, for they are men who love the truth for truth's sake,
far more than they love any man.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all the doors of my house are open to you. The
hand of every member of my family is out-tretched to you. Our hearts
greet you, and we ask you to come in."
In the meantime there had occurred the most remarkable episode
of the campaign. On the 21st of October appeared in the columns
of a New York ncAVspaper called Truth, a letter purporting to have
been Avritten on the 23d of January, 1880, to one H. L, ]\lorey,
of Lynn, Ma.ssachusetts. The communication Avas ostensibly a
reply to a letter written to General Garfield Avith the purpose of
obtaining his views on the great question of the Chinese in the United
States, and more particularly to extract his ideas on the subject of
Chinese cheap labor. This previous supposititious letter of ]\Iorey
was never produced, but only the alleged ansAver of General Gar
field, Avhich Avas as folloAvs : "HousK or Repkesentatives, 1
Washington, D. G, January 2.3, 1880. /
"Dear Sir: Yours in relation to the Chinese problem came duly to
hand. I take it that the question of employes is only a question of private
and corporate economy. Individuals or companies have the right to buy
labor where they can get it the cheape-t. We have a treaty with the
Chinese Government, which should be religiour-ly kept until its provisions
are abnegated by the action of the General Grivernment, and I am not
prepared to say that it should be abrogated until our great manufacturing
interests are conserved in the matter of labor.
Very truly yours, "J. A. Gaeiteld.
" To H. L. MoEEY, Employers' Union, Lynn, Mass."
It was instantly manifested, on the appearance of this letter.

472 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^.-^^ .-s'^^ ^r G<i^^^4!C

FAC-SIMILE OF THE MOBEY LETTER.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— GARFIELD'S DENIAL. 473
MENTOR. OHIO. OA2^^ ^ c3, /¦ S"^-
OdU.x^^'i'i'.^ Af(/?. -^ca^. <^U>v..--..««ZS.

FAC-SIMILE OF GARFIELDS LETTER OF DENIAL

474 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
that its almost certain effect would be to lose General Garfield the
electoral votes of the Pacific States; for the settled sentiment of
those States against Chinese immigratii)n and the consequent com
petition of that people Avith American free labor, was known to be
so pronounced as to make it sure that no party discipline could
hold them in allegiance to a candidate Avho squinted at favoring the
Celestials. There AA'as instant alarm among the General's friends,
but their fears were quickly quieted by the prompt action of Gar
field himself, Avho imraediately sent to Hon. Marshall JeAvell,
Chairman of the Republican National (Committee, the following
dispatch : " Mentor, O., October 22, 1880.
" To Hon. M. Jewell cind Hon. S. W. Dorsey :
"I will not break the rule I have adopted by making a public reply to
carapaign lies, but I authorize you to denounce the so-called Morey letter
as a bold forgery, both in its language and sentiment. Until its publica
tion I never heard of the existence of the Employers' Union of Lynn,
Massachusetts, nor of such a person as H. L. Morey. "J. A. Gaefield."
The mails of the same day brought to General Garfield a copy
of the Truth new.spaper, containing a lithographic fac-simile of his
alleged letter, and to this he made immediate answer as folloAvs:
Mentok, O., October 23, 1880.
" To Hon. Marshall Jewell:
"Your telegram of this afternoon is received. Publish my dispatch of
last evening, if you think best. Within the last hour the mail has brought
me a lithographic copy of the forged letter. It is the work of some
clumsy villain who can not spell nor write English, nor imitate ray hand-
Avriting, Every honest and raanly Democrat in America, who is familiar
Avith my handwriting, will denounce the forgery at sight. Put the case
in the hands of the ablest detectives at once, and hunt the rascal doAvn.
" J. A. Garfield."
The question of veracity was thus broadly opened between
General Garfield and the mythical Morey and his backers. It did
not take the American people long to decide between them.
Except in the columns of extreme and reckless partisan news-

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— THE CONSPIRACY. 475
.papers and in the mouths of irresponsible demagogues, the matter
was laid forever to rest. To convince the people that James A.
Garfield was a liar was an up-hill work. The Republicans simply
said that the IMorey letter was an outrageous fraud, a forged expe
dient, a last resort to stay a lost cause.
In the investigation the following facts clearly appeared :
1, That no such person as H. L, Morey lived at or near Lynn,
Massachusetts, at the time Avhen the alleged Garfield letter was
written, 2, That no such association as the supposed Morey pretended to
represent, ever existed in Lynn.
3. The fac-simile of the letter printed in the columns of Truth
showed, on close examination, all the internal CA'idences of forgery.
It was a coarse and easily detected counterfeit of the General's
handwriting and signature, and contained, among other palpable
absurdities, the word "companies," spelled companys — a blunder
utterly at variance with General Garfield's scholarship and careful
literary habit,
4, The fact that the sentiments of the letter Avere in broad and
palpable contradiction of Garfield's letter of acceptance and other
public utterances on the Chinese question,
5, General Garfield's positiv'C and unreserved denial of author
ship. This put the abettors of the Morey business on the defensive,
and they squirmed not a little. They said that Morey was dead;
which was a necessary thing to say. They declared theraselves
innocent of all complicity. The letter had come into their hands
in the regular way. They believed it to be true, etc. But all these
allegations combined would not suffice to .stay the inevitable
reaction ; for say Avhat you Avill, do not the American people believe
in fair play?
According to General Garfield's expressed desire, the Morey case
was carried to the courts. A certain Kenward Philp, a contributor
to Truth, Avas charged with the forgery and arrested.
The grand jury in General Sessions presented an indictment
against Joseph Hart, Louis A. Post, Kenward Philp and Charles A.

476 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
Bryne for publishing in the newspaper Truth a criminal libel on
General Garfield.
A long trial follpAved in the court of Oyer and Terminer, of
New York, The suit was at first directed against the editors of
Truth, and Philp was thus unearthed. As the trial progressed,
although the evidence was not conclusiA'c as to Philp's authority
of the forgery, yet every circumstance tended to shoAV unmistak
ably that the whole affair had been a cunning conspiracy of some
prodigious scoundrel to injure General Garfield's chances for the
Presidency, The production of the letter and its envelope in court betrayed
at once the tampering to which the latter had been subjected, and
settled the character of the disgraceful political maneuver which
had given it birth. The alleged forger proved to be an English
"Bohemian" who contributed to the "story papers," and who
confessedly Avrote the editorial articles defending the genuineness
of the letter in the under-ground journal AA'hich first published it.
The register of the Kirtland House, at Lynn, Massachusetts, Avas
produced by the defense, and the name "H. L, Morey" was
shoAvn there in October, 1879, and again in February of 1880.
But there Avas the most complete circumstanial evidence that the
name had been recently written on each page of the register. The
name had, undoubtedly, been added to the hotel book in each
instance by some one who was anxious to bolster up the fraud.
The discovery was raade that the envelope containing the forged
letter had originally been addressed to some one else than H. L.
Morey ; and an enlarged photographic copy of the envelope revealed
the fact that the original narae was Edward or Edwin Fox or Cox,
in care of some company in the city of New York. And in the next
place it was shoAvn that Edward Fox was employed upon Truth!
The prosecution failed to convict the publishers of Truth of
criminal libel ; but the country rendered again the old Scotch ver
dict of "Guilty — but not proved." The Presidential election,
hoAvever, was imminent, and it is not improbable that General
Garfield's vote on the Pacific Slope was injured by the base machi
nations of the Morey conspirators.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— ELECTED. 477
On the 2d of November Avas held the Presidential election.
The result had been foreseen. The Democracy could not stem
the tide. The "Solid South," the unfortunate plank in their
platform declaring in favor of " a tariff" for revenue only," and
the Morey forgery which had been charged up to their account,
wrought their ruin, Garfield was overwhelmingly elected. The
morning of the 3d revealed the general outline of the result.
For a few days it was claimed by the Republicans that they had
carried tAvo or three of the Southern States, but this idea was
soon dispelled. In a like unprofitable Avay the Democrats set up
certain and sundry clairas for some of the Northern States. One
day they had carried New York ; another day they had authentic
information that California and Oregon Avere safe for Hancock.
It was all in vain. The South all AVcnt Democratic, and all of
the Northern States, except New Jersey, Nevada, and one electoral
vote from California, had been secured by the Republicans. The
victory Avas unequivocal. The humble boy of Mother Garfield
was elected President of the United States by 214 electoral votes
against 155 for his antagonist. General Hancock, Thus, under
the benign institutions of our country, was conferred upon one
who began his life in a log cabin the highest civic honor known
among the nations of the earth.
General Garfield .spent election day at home without manifest
excitement. In the evening, and later in the night, ucavs began
to arrive indicative of the result. Still no agitation. To some
friends he said : " I have been busying myself with a calculation
to determine the rate of voting to-day. During the hours in
which the election has been in progress about 2000 ballots haA'e
dropped for every tick of the pendulum." With the morning
light there Avas no longer doubt. The title of General, avou on
the bloody field of Chickamauga, had giA'en place to that of
President-elect, won before the grandest bar of public opinion
under the circle of the sun.
On the day succeeding the election, the first delegation bearing
congratulations visited Mentor. It was composed of the Oberlin
College faculty and students, headed by President Fairchild, and

478 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
the occasion Avas one of more than usual interest. In reply to
the speech of introduction. General Garfield said :
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: This spontaneous visit is
much more agreeable than a prepared one. It comes more directly
from the heart of the people Avho participate, and I receive it as a
greater corapliraent for that reason. I do not wish to be unduly im
pressible or superstitious, but, though we have outlived the days of the
augurs, I think we have a right to think of some events as omens; and
I greet this as a happy and auspicious omen, that the first general greet
ing since the event of yesterday is tendered to rae by a venerable insti
tution of learning. The thought has been abroad in the Avorld a good
deal, and with reason, that there is a divorce betAveen scholarship and
politics. Oberlin, I believe, has never advocated that divorce. But
there has been a sort of cloistered scholarship in the United States
that has stood aloof frora active participation in public affairs, and I am
glad to be greeted here to-day by the active, live scholarship of Ohio;
and I know of no place where scholarship has touched upon the nerve
center of the public so effectually as Oberlin. For this reason I am
specially grateful for this greeting from the Faculty and students of
Oberlin College and its A'enerable and venerated President. I thank
you, ladies and gentlemen, for this "visit. WhatcA'er the significance of
yesterday's event may be, it will be all the more significant for being
immediately indorsed by the scholarship and culture of my State. I
thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and thank your President for coming
with you. You are cordially welcome."
On the 6th of November the Republican Central Committee
of Indiana repaired to Mentor and paid their respects to the
coming Chief Magistrate ; and on the 12th of the month the Pres
ident, soon-to-be, A\'as visited by the Republican Central Cora
raittee of Cuyahoga County. In answer to their salutation he
said :
" Gentlemen : I have been saying a good raany things during the past
feAV weeks, and think I should be nearly through talking by this time.
I should be the listener. But I can not refrain from saying that I am
exceedingly glad to meet with you, a company of Republicans from ray
native county, and congratulate you upon what you have done. You

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— THE OHIO ELECTORS. 47f'
have shown your strength and character in your work. You have
shoAvn that you are men of high couAdctions and observe them in all
that you do. I have always taken pride in this county and in the city
of CleA-eland. The Forest City is Avell Avorthy to be the capital of the
Western Reserve. It has the credit of our country at heart, never
losing sight of it in the heat of political Avarfare. In no city in the
country can be found more active and earnest men — solid business men.
It is an honor to any one to have the confidence of such a people. I
am glad to be here this evening to greet you and thank you for your
kind invitation." [Applause,]
Garfield had now more offices in prospect or actual possession
than usually fall to the lot of one man. He was still a member
of the House of RepresentatiA-es in the Forty -sixth Congress ; he
AA'as also United States Senator-elect for the State of Ohio ; and,
thirdly, he AAas President-elect of the United States. On the 10th
of NoA'ember, he resigned his seat in the House, presently after
wards renounced his election as Senator, and thus for about four
months became Citizen Garfield of Ohio.
The 2d of December was rather a Red-letter day at Mentor.
The Presidential electors fi;>r the State of Ohio, on that day called
on the President-elect and tendered their best regards. In answer
to their congratulations he spoke AA"ith much animation and feel
ing as folloAvs :
"GerSennen: I am deeply grateful to you for this call, and for these
personal and public congratulations. If I Avere to look upon the late
campaign and its result merely in the light of a personal struggle and a
personal success, it would probably be as gratifying as any thing could
be in the history of politics. If my own conduct during the campaign
has been in any way a help and a strength to our cause, I am glad. It
is not always an easy thing to behave well. If, under trying circum
stances, my behavior as a candidate has met your approval, I ara greatly
gratified. But the larger subject — ^your congratulations to the country
on the triumph of the Republican party — opens a 'theme too vast for me
to enter upon now.
"I venture, however, to mention a reflection which has occurred to
me in reference to the election of yesterday, I suppose that no pohtical

480 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
event has happened in all the course of the contest since the early spring,
Avhich caused so little exciteraent, and, indeed, so little public observa
tion, as the Presidential election which Avas held yesterday at midday.
The American people paid but little attention to the details of the real
Presidential election, and for a very significant reason : although you
and all the members of the Electoral Colleges had absolute constitu
tional and technical right to vote for any body you chose, and although
no Avritten laAv directed or suggested your choice, yet every American
kneAV that the august sovereign of this Republic— the 9,000,000 of vot
ers — on an early day in November had pronounced the omnipotent fiat
of choice; and that sovereign, assuming as done that which he had or
dered to be done, entertained no doubt but that his will Avould be im
plicitly obeyed by all the Colleges in all the States. That is the reason
why the people were so serenely quiet yesterday. They had never
yet found an American who failed to keep his trust as a Presidential
Elector. " From this thought I draAv this lesson : that when that omnipotent
sovereign, the American people, speaks to any one man and orders him
to do a duty, that man is under the most solemn obligations of obedience
Avhich can be conceived, except Avhat the God of the universe might
impose upon him. Yesterday, through your votes, and the votes of
others in the various States of the Union, it is probable (the returns
will shoAv) that our great political sovereign has laid his commands upon
me. If he has done so, I am as 'bound by his will and his great inspi
ration and purpose as I could be bound by any consideration that this
earth can impose upon any human being. In that presence, therefore, I
stand and am aAved by the majesty and authority of such a command.
" In so far as I can interpret the best aspirations and purposes of our
august sovereign, I shall seek to realize thera. You and I, and those
who have acted with us in the years past, believe that our sovereign
loves liberty, and desires for all inhabitants of the Republic peace and
prosperity under the sway of just and equal laAvs. Gentlemen, I thank
you for this visit ; for this welcome ; for the suggestions that your pres
ence and your words bring, and for the hope that you have expressed,!
that in the arduous. and great Avork before us Ave may maintain the
standard of Nationality and proraote all that is good and worthy in this
country, and during the coraing four years we may raise just as large a
crop of peace, prosperity, justice, liberty, and culture as it is possible
for forty -nine raillions of people to raise."

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.-CAROLINA DELEGATION. 48i
At the close of the address there AA'as a general hand-shaking
ci la Americaine; and then to add to the interest of the occasion
the President's aged mother, to whom raore than ever of late his
heart had turned with loyal devotion, Avas led into tho apartment
and presented to the distinguished guests by her more distin
guished son.
Two days afterwards there was another assembly of visitors at
Mentor. This time it was a delegation of colored Republicans —
Black Republicans in both senses of the word — from South Car
olina, headed by the negro orator, R. B. Elliott, who delivered
the congratulatory address. In ansAver, the President-elect said :
"General! Elliott and Gentlemen: 1 thank you for your congratulations
on the successful termination of the great campaign that recently closed,
and especially for your kind allusion to me personally for the part I bore
in that campaign.
"What I have done, what I have said concerning your race and the
great problem that your presence on this continent has raised, I have
said as a matter of profound conviction, and hold to Avith all the meaning
of the words employed in expressing it. What you have said in regard
to the situation of your people, the troubles that they encountered, the
evils from which they have suffered and still suffer, 1 listened to Avith
deep attention, and shall give it full measure of reflection.
"This is not the time nor the place for me to indicate any thing as to
what I shall have to say and do, by and by, in an official Avay, But
this I may say: I noted as peculiarly significant one sentence in the re
marks of General Elliott, to the effect that the raajority of citizens, as he
alleges, in sorae portions of the South, are oppressed by the rainority.
If this be so, why is it so ? Because a trained man is tAVo or three men
in one, in comparison with an untrained man; and outside of politics
and outside of parties, that suggestion is full, brim-full, of significance,
that the way to make the majority ahvays powerful over the minority, is
to make its merabers as trained and intelligent as the minority itself
That brings the equality of citizenship ; and no law can confer and main
tain in the long run a thing that is not upheld with a reasonable degree
of culture and intelligence. Legislation ought to do all it can. I have
made these suggestions simply to indicate that the education of your race,
in my judgraent, lies at the base of the final solution of your great ques-
31

482' LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
tion ; and that can not be altogether in the hands of the State or National
Government. The Government ought to do all it properly can, but the
native hungering and thirsting for knowledge that the Creator planted in
every child, must be cultivated by the parents of those children to the
last possible degree of their ability, so that the hands of the people shall
reach out and grasp in the darkness the hand of the Government ex
tended to help, and by that union of effort bring Avhat mere legislation
alone can not immediately bring.
"I rejoice that you have expressed so strongly and earnestly your
vieAvs in regard to the necessity of your education. I have felt for years
that that Avas the final solution.
"Those efibrts that are humble and comparatively out of sight are, in
the long run, the efforts that tell. I have sometimes thought that the
men that sink a coffer-dam into the river, and Avork for months in an
choring great stones to build the solid abutments and piers, whose work
is by and by hidden by the water and out of sight, do not get their share
of the credit. The gaudy structure of the bridge that rests on these
piers, and across which the trains thunder, is the thing that strikes the
eye of the general public a great deal more than the sunken piers and
hard Avork. The educational groAvth and the building up of industry,
the economy and all that can help the foundations of real prosperity is
the AVork that, in the long run, tells. Some Scotch poet said, or put it
in the mouth of some prophet to say, that the time would come ' when
Bertram's right and Bertram's might shall meet on Ellengowan's height,'
and it is Avhen the might and the right of a people meet that major
ities are never oppressed by minorities. Trusting, gentleraen, that you
may take part in this earnest work of building up your race from the
foundation into the solidity of intelligence and industry, and upon those
bases at last see all your rights recognized, is ray personal Avish and hope
for 3'our people."
About this time in November, the weather closed in stormy
and cold, and, fortunately for Garfield, the tide of. visitors ebbed,
and he found a little rest. Late in the month, he made a brief
visit to Washington, Avhere he spent a fcAV days among his friends
and political advisers. After that, he returned to Mentor, and
during December his life was passed in comparative quiet at his
home.

CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY.— OFF FOR WASHINGTON. 483
No doubt in these December days the vision of his boyhood
rose many times to view. No doubt, in the silence of the winter
evening, by his gloAving hearth at Lawnfield, Avith the wife of his
youth by his side and the children of their love around them, and
the certain Presidency of the Republic just beyond, he realized in
as full measure as falls to the lot of man that strange thing Avhich
is called success.
The New Year came in. The bleak January — bitter cold —
went by. On the 16th of February, the distinguished Senator
Conkling, of New York, made a visit to the President-elect. In
the imagination of the political busy-bodies the event was fraught
with great consequences. It was said that the haughty stalwart
leader was on a mission looking to the construction of the new
administration, to seek favor for his friends, and to pledge therefor
the support — hitherto somcAvhat doubted — of himself and his par
tisans. The intervicAV Avas named the " Treaty of Mentor ;" but
the likelihood is that the treaty consisted of no more than distin
guished civilities and informaj discussion of the personnel of the
new Cabinet, etc. A fcAV.days later the President-elect made his
departure for Washington to be inaugurated. The special train
which Avas to bear himself and family away, left Mentor on the
28th of February. Fully three thousand people Avere gathered at
the d6p6t. Cheer after cheer was given in honor of him Avho had
raade the name of Mentor for ever famous. A fareAvell .speech was
delivered by Hon. A. L. Tinker, of Painesville, and to this the
Chief Magistrate responded thus :
"FeUow-citizens and neighhors of Lake County: I thank you for the
cordial and kindly greeting and fareAvell. You have corae frora your
homes than which no happier are known in this country, from this beau
tiful lakeside full of that Avhich makes country fife happy, to give me
your blessing and farewell. You do not know how much I leave behind
me of friendship, and confidence, and home-like happiness ; but I know
I am indebted to this whole people for acts of kindness, of neighborly
friendship, of political confidence, of public support, that few men have
ever enjoyed at the hands of any people. You are a part of this great
community of Northern Ohio, which, for so many years, have had no

484' LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
pohtical desire but the good of your country ; and now wishing but the
promotion of liberty and justice, have had no scheme but the building
up of aU that Avas worthy and true in our Republic, If I were to search
over all the world I could ijot find a better model of political spirit, of
aspirations for the truth and the right, than I have found in this com
munity during the eighteen years its people have honored me with their
confidence. I thank the citizens of this county for their kindness, and
especially my neighbors of Mentor, who have demanded so little of me,
and have done so rauch to make my horae a refuge and a joy. What
awaits rae I can not now speak of, but I shall carry to the discharge of
the duties that lie before rae, to the problems and dangers I may meet,
a sense of your confidence and your love, which Avill ahvays be answered
by my gratitude. Neighbors, friends, and constituents, fareAvell," [Great
applause.] Promptly at 1 p, m, the train moved off, and the crowd dis-
jiersed. At Ashtabula, that famous old seat of abolitionism, the
President-elect was called out by the chorus of cheers, and, in
ansAver, said :
" Citizens of Ashtabula: I greatly thank you for this greeting, I can
not forget the tree that Avas planted so many years ago, and its planting
so far Avatched and assisted by the people of Ashtabula County. It has
grown to be a great tree. Its branches cover the whole Republic, and
its leaves and fruit are liberty to all men. That is a Avork for the citi
zens of Ashtabula County to be proud of to the latest generation. If I,
as your representative, have helped on the cause you so much have at
heart, I am glad; and if in the future I can help to confirm and
strengthen what you have done so rauch to build ; if I can help to garner
the harvest that you have helped to plant, I shall feel that I have done
something toward discharging the debt of gratitude Avhich I owe for
your confidence and love. I thank you, fellow-citizens, for this farewell
greeting, and I bid you good-bye." [Great cheering.]
All along the route, as far as Altoona, Pennsylvania, where
night overtook the train, the scene at Ashtabula was renewed, the
President-elect responding pleasantly to the many greetings of the
people. We are now come to the last scene in the progress of James A.

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY.— OFF FOR WASHINGTON. 48o
Garfield from the obscurity of a backAvoods horae to the high seat
of the Presidency. Wonderful career! Magnificent developraent
of American manhood and citizenship! The train carrying the
President-elect reached Washington on the evening of the 29th
of February, By the courtesy of Mrs, President Hayes the Gar
field family Avas taken at once to the White House, A press note,
speaking of the arrival, said :
" The General looks travel-tired and weary, although the excitement
keeps him well stimulated, having something of the effect of rich-living.
He says that Avhen once his Cabinet is settled, and he begins home-life
at the White House, he will have a comparative freedom from worry.
He does not sleep excellently Avell. Probably no man ever did while
engaged in making up a Cabinet."
Here, then, Ave say. Good-night; but think of To-morrow!

486 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

CHAPTER XII.
IX THE HIGH SEAT.
Not titled rank nor storied pride of birth.
But free voice of the Nation
Hath raised him to the highest place of earth,
So fit to grace the station.
THE morning of March 4, 1881, daAvned — if such days may be
said to dawn at all — dark and gloomy. The snoAV, Avhich
had been falling and melting into a very uncomfortable slush
for days before, still continued. The " weather clerk " proph
esied more snoAv and rain ; and altogether the promise of this
day AA'as not good to the unnumbered thousands of Americans
who had come to Washington to see Garfield inaugurated. The
weather was such as to giA'e a fresh impulse to the talk Avhich
is sometimes indulged about changing the date of Inauguration
Day to May 4th,
Nevertheless, fair weather or foul, blue sky or gray, the new
administration must begin. Shortly before eleven o'clock the
military escort of the President and President-elect moved up
Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol.
It was one of the finest military displays ever seen in Wash
ington. Pennsylvania Avenue was lined with a vast multitude,
whose continual cheers made a sound AA'hich could be heard
afar, like the undying voices of the ocean waves.
President Hayes and President-eledt Garfield rode in an open
barouche, drawn by four horses. The First Cleveland Troop,
splendidly equipped and drilled, marched before, as a guard
of honor. Garfield looked Aveary. He remarked during the
morning that the preceding week had been the most trying of
his life. The effect of sleepless nights and deep anxiety was
plainly visible on his countenance. Thus, with one of the four

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— DISTINGUISHED SPECTATORS. 487
grand divisions of the immense procession as his immediate
escort, heartily cheered all along the line, at half-past eleven
the new President reached the Capitol,
Meanwhile the Senate Chamber and galleries had been rap
idly filling with a distinguished throng. The center of attrac
tion was in the front seat in the galler}-, opposite the Vice-Presi
dent's desk, where sat the President-elect's mother and wife
and Mrs. Hayes. The venerable woman Avho sat at the head
of the seat was regarded Avith interest by the whole audience,
as she looked down upon the scene in Avhich her son was the
most conspicuous figure, with a quiet expression of joy that
was very delightful to behold. Next to her sat Mrs. Hayes.
Mrs. Garfield sat at her right, and was dressed very quietly.
The three ladies chatted together constantly, and the eldest
set the other tAVO laughing more than once by her quaint re
marks on the proceedings in the chamber below them.
The Senators and Senators-elect were all seated on the left
side of the chamber, and the prominent members of the body
were eagerly watched by the spectators. Among them were
David Davis and Roscoe Conkling engaged in earnest conver
sation. Near these two sat Thurman and Hamlin, tAvo able Sen
ators whose last day in the Senate had come. The venerable
Hamlin was evidently in a meditative mood as the last minutes
of his long official life passed by, and was not inclined to be
talkative. Thurman brought out the familiar snuff-box, took
his last pinch of Senatorial snuff, and flung the traditional
bandana handkerchief once more to the breeze.
Soon General Winfield S. Hancock, late Democratic candi
date for the Presidency, came in, accompanied by Senator
Blaine. Hancock was dressed in Major-General's full uniform,
looking in splendid condition, and conducted himself in a
manly, modest fashion, which called forth warm applause, and
commanded the respect of all spectators, Phil Sheridan was
heartily welcomed when he came in soon after and took his
seat by Hancock's side.
After these, the Diplomatic Corps entered, presenting a brill-

488 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
iant appearance ; and following them soon came the Judges of
the Supreme Court. Then the Cabinet appeared, and immedi
ately the President and President-elect. Vice-President-elect
Arthur came last, and was presented to the Senate by Vice-
President Wheeler. He spoke a few quiet, appreciative words
in that elegant AA-ay he has of doing things, and then took the
oath of office, after which, exactly at tAA'elve — the Senate clock
having been turned back five minutes — the Forty-Sixth Con
gress was adjourned without day.
The center of interest was now transferred to the east
front of the Capitol, whither, as soon as the new Senators had
been SAvorn in, the procession of distinguished people in the
Chamber took up the line of march.
A great platform had been erected in front of the building,
and the sight presented frora it was a most striking one, for
rods and rods in front and to either side were massed thousands
upon thousands of spectators Avedged in one solid mass, so that
nothing but their heads could be seen. It was indeed

all uplifted in eager expectancy. In the center of the platform,
at the front, was a little space raised a few inches above the
level of the rest, upon which stood several chairs, the most no
ticeable being a homely and antique one, which tradition, if not
history, says was occupied by Washington at his first inaugura
tion, and which has certainly been used for many years on such
occasions. In this chair Mr, Garfield took his seat for a few minutes
when he arrived, the others being occupied by President Hayes,
Vice-President Arthur, Mr, Wheeler, Chief-Justice Waite,
and Senators Pendleton, Bayard, and Antfiony, The elder
and younger Mrs, Garfield, Mrs. Hayes, and one or two other
ladies, were also given seats here. At about a quarter of one
o'clock General Garfield arose from the historic chair, and took
from his pocket a roll of manuscript, tied at the corner with

IN THE HIGH SEAT.-THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 489
blue ribbon. Being introduced by Senator Pendleton, he pro
ceeded to deliver the Inaugural Address.
" Fellow-Citizens — We stand to-day npon an eminence which over
looks a hundred years of national life, a century croAvded with perils, but
crowned Avith triumphs of liberty and love. Before continuing the on
ward march let us pause on this height for a moment to strengthen our
faith and reneAv our hope by a glance at the pathAvay along Avhich our
people have traveled.
" It is now three days more than a hundred years since the adoption
of the first written Constitution of the United States, the Articles of Con
federation and Perpetual Union. The new Republic was then beset Avith
danger on every hand. It had not conquered a place in the family of
Nations. The decisive battle of the Avar for independence, Avhose cen
tennial anniversary Avill soon be gratefully celebrated at YorktoAvn, had
not yet been fought. The colonists Avere struggling, not only against the
armies of Great Britain, but against the settled opinions of mankind, for
the Avorld did not believe that the supreme authority of government
could be safely intrusted to the guardianship of the people themselves.
We can not overestimate the fervent love, the intelligent courage, the
saving common sense Avith which our fathers made the great experiment
of self-government.
"When they found, after a short time, that the Confederacy of States
was too weak to meet the necessities of a glorious and expanding Repub
lic, they boldly set it aside, and in its stead established a National Union,
founded directly upon the will of the people, endoAved Avith poAvers of
self-preservation, and with ample authority for the accomplishment of its
great objects.
" Under this Constitution the boundaries of freedom are enlarged, the
foundations of order and peace have been strengthened, and the groAvth
in all the better elements of National life have vindicated the wisdom of
the founders and given new hope to their descendants.
"Under this Constitution our people long ago made theraselves safe
against danger frora without, and secured for their mariners and flag
equality of rights on all the seas. Under this Constitution tAventy-five
States have been added to the Union, Avith constitutions and laAvs framed
and enforced by their oavu citizens to secure the manifold blessings of
local and self-government.
"The jurisdiction of this Constitution now covers an area fifty times

490 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
greater than that of the original thirteen states, and a population twenty
times greater than that of 1780. The trial of the Constitution came at
last under the tremendous pressure of civil war.
' ' We ourselves are Avitnesses that the Union emerged from the blood
and fire of that conflict,, purified and made stronger for all the beneficent
purposes of good government, and now at the close of this, the first cen
tury of growth, Avith the inspirations of its history in their hearts, our
people have lately reviewed the condition of the Nation, passed judgment
upon the conduct and opinions of the political parties, and have registered
their Avill concerning the future administration of the Government. To
interpret and to execute that will in accordance Avith the Constitution is
the paramount duty of the Executive. Even from this brief review it is
manifest that the Nation is resolutely facing to the front, a resolution to
employ its best energies in developing the great possibilities of the future.
Sacredly preserving whatever has been gained to liberty and good gov
ernment during the century, our people are determined to leave behind
them all those bitter controversies concerning things which have been ir
revocably settled, further discussion of Avhich can only stir up strife and
delay the onward march. The supremacy of the Nation and its laws
should be no longer the subject of debate. That discussion, which for
half a century threatened the existence of the Union, was closed at last
in the high court of Avar by a decree from Avhich there is no- appeal :
that the Constitution and the laAvs raade in pursuance thereof shall con
tinue to be the supreme law of the land, binding alike on the States and
the people. This decree does not disturb the autonomy of the States, nor
interfere with any of their necessary rules of local self-government, but
it does fix and establish the permanent supremacy of the Union.
" The will of the Nation, speaking with the voice of battle and through
the amended Constitution, has fulfilled the great promise of 1776 hy pro
claiming ' Liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof.'
" The elevation of the negro race from slavery to full rights of citizen
ship, is the raost important political change we have knoAvn since the adop
tion of the Constitution of 1776.
"No thoughtful man can fail to appreciate its beneficent effect upon
our people. It has freed us frora the perpetual danger of war and dis
solution ; it has added immensely to the raoral and industrial forces of
our people ; it has liberated the master as Avell as the slave from a rela
tion which wronged and enfeebled both.

IN THE HIGH SEAT.^THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 491
" It has surrendered to their OAvn guardianship the manhood of more
than five raillions of people, and has opened to each of them a career
of freedora and usefulness. It has given new inspiration to the poAver
of self-help in both races by making labor more honorable to one and
more necessary to the other.
" The influence of this force Avill grow greater and bear richer fruit
with coming yf-ars. No doubt the great change has caused serious dis
turbance to the Southern community — this is to be deplored, though it
was unavoidable ; but those Avho resisted the change should remember
that in our institutions there was no middle ground for the negro race
between slavery and equal citizenship. There can be no permanent dis
franchised peasantry in the United States. Freedom can never yield its
fullness of blessing as long as law or its administration places the smallest
obstacle in the pathAvay of any virtuous citizenship.
"The emancipated race has already made remarkable progress. With
unquestionable devotion to the Union, Avith a patience and gentleness not
born of fear, ' they have followed the light as God gave them to see the
light.' "They are napidly laying the material foundation for self-.support,
widening their circle of intelligence, and beginning to enjoy the bless
ings that gather around the homes of the induiBtrious poor. They de-
serA'e the generous encouragement of all good men.
"So far as my authority can laAvfully extend, they shall enjoy full and
equal protection of the Constitution and laAvs. The free enjoyment of
equal suffrage is still in question, and a frank statement of the issue may
aid its .solution.
"It is alleged that in many communities negro citizens are practically
denied freedom of the ballot. In so far as the truth of this allegation is
admitted, it is answered that in many places honest local government is
impossible if the mass of uneducated negroes are allowed to vote. These
are grave allegations.
" So far as the latter is true, if is no palliation that can be offered for
opposing the freedom of the ballot. Bad local government is certainly a
great evil which ouglit to be prevented, but to violate the freedom and
sanctity of suffrage is raore than an evil, it is a crime, which, if persisted
in, will destroy the Government itself. Suicide is not a remedy.
" If in other lands it be high treason to compass the death of a king,
it should be counted no less a crime here to strangle our sovereign power

492 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and stifle its voice. It has been said that unsettled questions have no
pity for the repose of nations. It should be said, with the utmost em
phasis, that this question of suffrage will never give repose or safety to
the States or to the Nation, until each, within its own jurisdiction, makes
and keeps the ballot free and pure by strong sanctions of law.
" But the danger which arises from ignorance in voters can not be de
nied. It covers a field far wider than that of negro suffrage and the
present condition of that race. It is a danger that lurks and hides in the
sources and fountains of power in every State. We have no standard by
which to measure the disaster that raay be brought upon us by ignorance
and vice in citizens when joined to corruption and fraud in suffrage. The
voters of the Union, Avho make and unmake constitutions, and upon whose
Avill hangs the destiny of our government, can transmit their supreme
authority to no successor save the coming generation of voters, who are
the sole heirs of sovereign poww. If that generation comes to its inherit
ance blinded by ignorance and corrupted by vice, the fall of the Republic
will be certain and remediless. The census has already sounded the alarm
in appalling figures, which mark how dangerously high the tide of illiter
acy has arisen among our voters and their children. To the South the
question is of supreme importance, but the responsibility for its existence
and for slavery does not rest upon the South alone.
"The Nation itself is responsible for the extension of suffrage, and is
under special obligations to aid in removing the illiteracy which it has
added to the voting population. For North and South alike there is but
one remedy : All the Constitutional power of the Nation and of the States,
and all the volunteer forces of the people, should be summoned to meet
this danger by the saving influence of universal education. It is the
high privilege and sacred duty of those now living to educate their suc
cessors, and fit thera, by intelligence and virtue, for the inheritance Avhich
awaits them. In this beneficent work section and race .should be forgot
ten, and partisanship should be unknown. Let our people find a new
meaning in the divine oracle which declares that ' a little child shall lead
them,' for our little children Avill soon control the destinies of the Republic.
" My countrymen, we do not now differ in our judgment concerning the
controversies of the past generations, and fifty years hence our children
Avill not be divided in their opinions concerning our controversies; they
Avill surely bless their fathers — and their fathers' God — that the Union
was preserved ; that slavery was overthrown, and that both races were

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 493
made equal before the law. We may hasten on, Ave may retard, but we
can not prevent the final reconciliation,
" Is it not Y)'>^s'ihle for us noAv to make a truce with time by anticipat
ing and accepting its inevitable verdict? Enterprises of the highest im
portance to our moral and material well-being invite us, and offer ample
scope for the enjoyment of our best powers.
" Let all our people, leaving behind them the battle-fields of dead issues,
move forward, and in the strength of liberty and restored union win the
grandest victi^iries of peace. The prosperity which noAv prevails is with
out parallel in our history. Fruitful gea.sons have done much to secure
it, but they have not done all.
" The preservation of public credit and the resumption of specie pay
ments, 80 Buccessfully obtained by the administration of my predecessors,
have enabled our people to secure the blessings which the seasons brought,
" By the experience of commercial relations in all ages it has been
found that gold and silver afforded the only safe foundation for a mone
tary system. Confu-ion has recently been created hy variations in the
relative value of the tAvo metals; but I confidently IjelieA'e that arrange
ments can be made between the leading commercial nations which will
secure the general use of both metals. Congress should provide that the
compul-ory coinage of silver, now required by laAv, may not disturb our
monetary systera by driving either metal out of circulation.
"If pos-ible, such adjustment should be made that the purchasing
power of every coined dollar wiU be exactly equal to its debt-paying
power in all the markets of the world. The chief duty of a National
Government, in connection with the currency of the country, is to coin
and declare its value. Grave doubts have been entertained whether
Congress is authorized by the Constitution to make any form of paper
money legal-tender.
" The present issue of United States notes has been sustained by the
necessities of war; but such paper should depend for its value and cur
rency upon its convenience in use and its prompt redemption in coin at
the Avill of the holder, and not upon its compulsory circulation. These
notes are not raoney, but promises to pay money. If the holders de
mand it, the promises should be kept. The refunding of the National'
debt at a low rate of interest should be accomplished without compelling
the withdraAval of National bank notes, and thus disturbing the business
of the country.

494 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" I venture to refer to the position I have occupied on the financial
question during a long service in Congress, and to say that time and ex
perience have strengthened the opinions I have so often expressed on
these subjects. The finances of the Government shall suffer no detriment
which it may be possible for my administration to prevent.
" The interests of agriculture deserve more attention from the Gov
ernment than they have yet received. The farms of the United States
afford homes and employment for more than one-half of our people, and
furnish much the largest part of all our exports. As the Government
lights our coasts for the protection of the mariners and the benefit of our
commerce, so it should give to the tillers of the soil the lights of practical
science and experience.
" Our manufacturers are rapidly raaking us industrially independent,
and are opening to capital and labor new and profitable fields of employ
ment. This steady and healthy growth should still be maintained. Our
facilities for transportation should be promoted by the continued improve
ment of our harbors and the great interior water-ways and by the increase
of our tonnage on the ocean.
"The development of the world's coraraerce has led to an urgent' de
mand for a shortening of the great sea voyage around Cape Horn by con
structing ship-canals or railways across the Isthmus which unites the
tAVO continents. Various plans to this end haA'e been suggested and Avill
need consideration, but none of them have been sufiiciently matured to
warrant the United States in extending pecuniary aid.
" The subject is one which will immediately engage the attention of the
Government with a view to a thorough protection of American interests.
We Avill argue no narroAv policy, nor seek peculiar or exclusive privileges
in any commercial route ; but, in the language of my predecessors, I
believe it to be ' the right and duty of the United States to assert and
maintain such supervision and authority over any inter-oceanic canal
across the Isthmus that connects North and South America as Avill pro
tect our National interests.'
"The Constitution guarantees absolute religious freedom. Congress is
prohibited from making any laws respecting the establishment of religion
or prohibiting free exercise thereof,
"The Territories of the United States are subject to the direct legis
lative authority of Congress, and hence the General Government is re
sponsible for any violation of the Constitution in any of them. It is.

IN THE HIGH SEAT.-THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 495
therefore, a reproach to the Government that in the most populous of
the Territories this constitutional guarantee is not enjoyed by the people,
and the authority of Congress is set at naught. The Mormon Church
not only offends the moral sense of mankind by sanctioning polygamy,
but prevents the administration of justice through the ordinary instru
mentalities of the laAV.
" In my judgraent it is the duty of Congress, while respecting to the
utmost the conscientious convictions and religious scruples of every citi
zen, to prohibit within its jurisdiction all criminal practices, especially
of that class which destroy family relations and endanger social order.
Nor can any ecclesiastical organization be safely permitted to usurp in
the smallest degree the functions and powers of the National Government.
"The Civil Service can never be placed on a satisfactory basis until it
is regulated by laAV, for the good of the service itself For the protection
of those who are intrusted with the appointing poAver against a Avaste of
time and obstruction of public business, caused by the inordinate pressure
for place, and for the protection of incumbents against intrigue and
Avrong, I shall, at the proper time, ask Congress to fix the tenure of
minor offices of the several Executive Departments, and prescribe the
grounds upon which removals shall be made during the terms for Avhich
the incumbents have been appointed.
"Finally, acting always within the authority and limitations of the
Constitution, invading neither the rights of States nor the reserved rights
of the people, it will be the purpose of my administration to maintain
the authority, and in all places Avithin its jurisdiction, to enforce obedi
ence to all laws of the Union ; in the interests of the people, to demand
rigid economy in all the expenditures of the Government, and to require
honest and faithful service of all executive officers, remembering that
offices were created not for the benefit of the incumbents or their sup
porters, but for the service of the Government.
"And now, felloAV-citizens, I am about to assume the great trust which
you have coraraitted to my hands. I appeal to you for that earnest and
thoughtful support which makes this (government in fact, as it is in law,
a government of the people. I shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and
patriotism of Congress and of those who may share Avith me the respon
sibilities and duties of the administration, and upon our efforts to pro
mote the Avelfare of this great people and their Government I reverently
invoke the support and blessing of Almighty God.

496

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

The address was delivered in a deliberate, forcible manner. The
President's appearance was dignified, and even imposing. That
splendid voice, Avith its magnetic poAver and fine tone, captivated
his admiring audience, Avho listened patiently throughout the entire
thirty-five minutes. At
its close Garfield turned
toward the Chief Justice
who advanced and ad
ministered the oath of
office, the Clerk of the
Supreme Court holding
a beautifully-bound Bi
ble, upon which the oath
was taken. Then oc
curred as impressiA'e an
episode as Avas ever seen
in official life. After the
new President had been
congratulated by ex -
President Haves and
Chief Justice ^Vaite, Avho
stood next to him, he
turned around, took his
aged mother by the hand
and kissed her. The old
lady's cup of happiness at this moment seemed full and running
over. It is quite safe to say that nobody, not ca'cu Garfield him
self, felt more enjoyment at the spectacle of his elevation than this
woman whose mind ranged from the days of his obscure and pov
erty-stricken boyhood to his present elcA-ation, and nobody Avit
nessed the sight but rejoiced at her happiness. Mrs. Eliza Gar
field is the first example of a President's mother having a home in
the White House. And it Avas a pleasure to the people to knoAV
that special arrangements had been made there for her accommo
dation, Garfield next kissed his Avife, then shook hands with Mrs.

JAMES G. ELAINE.

m THE HIGH SEAT.— CONGRATULATIONS.

497

Hayes, and speedily found the grasp of his hand sought by every
body Avithin reach, from Vice-President doAvn through Congress
men to the unknown strangers Avho could manage to push within
reaching distance.
MeauAvhile the ele
ments had begun to
modify their rigors.
The bright sunlight
breaking through the
clouds, was reflected
from the snoAV, and nat
ure seemed less cheer
less. At last, the Presi
dential party, jostled a
good deal on the Avay,
returned through the
rotunda to the Senate
Aving of the Capitol, and
prepared for the ride to
the White House. Tak
ing their place near the
head of the procession,
they passed up to the
other end of the Ave
nue, receiving on the
way the applause of the multitude. President Garfield and party
then took position on a stand erected for the purpose in front of
a building near the Avenue, and from this point reviewed the
procession, which filed past for two full hours. There Avere over
15,000 men in line, and the Avhole number of spectators AA'as doubt
less over 100,000.
Immediately after revieAV of the procession. President Garfield
received the Williams College Association, of Washington, Avith
visiting Alumni to the number of fifty, in the East Room of the
Executive Mansion, Rev, Mark Hopkins, ex-president of the
college, eloquently presented the congratulations of the Alumni.
32

WILLIAM WINDOM,

498

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

President Garfield made an appropriate response, in which he
exhibited considerable emotion. AfterAvard the Alumni were pre
sented to the mother and wife of the President, Twenty members
of President Garfield's class were among the Alumni present. The festivi
ties of March
fourth ended
at night with
a magnificent
display of fire-
Avorks, a great
inaugural ball
in the Museum
building, and
numerous re
ceptions at the
houses of the
most distin
guished resi
dents at the
Capital. On the fifth
of March,
President
Garfield sent
to the Senate,
then in extra
session, a list
of nomina
tions for his Cabinet. These were unanimously confirmed. They
Avere : Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, of Maine ; Secretary
of the Trea.sur)', William Windom, of Minnesota ; Secretary of
War, Robert T. Lincoln, of Illinois; Secretary of the Navy, Wni.
H. Hunt, of Louisiana ; Secretary of the Interior, S. J. KirkAvood,
of Iowa; Attorney-General, Wayne MacYeagh, of Peun.sylvania;
Postma.ster-General, Thomas L. James, of Ncav York.

EOBKRT T. LINCOLN.

IN THE HIGH SEAT.-THE CABINET.

499

This proved an admirable selection. Its components are men
who stand well with the country, and Avhose services in other
positions had given sufficient evidence of honesty and capacity to
recommend them to the American people. And it involved no
antagonistic elements.
Again, this new Cab
inet did not take its bias
from any strong political
element. It was not a
Grant - Conkling selec
tion; nor even a Blaine
Cabinet. It Avas a Garfield
Cabinet, in which the
President Avas unmistak
ably the central figure
and the center of power.
James G, Blaine,
Secretary of State, Avas
leader of the group. His
prominent position in
his party and before the
country made his nomi
nation generally accept
able, and his long and
intimate acquaintance Avith affairs of state gave him the requisite
experience. Undoubtedly, Blaine is one of the most magnificently
endowed men, in intellectual power, now in public life.
Secretary Windom had a difficult place to fill in following John
Sherman as Secretary of the Treasury, Sherman had heartily rec
ommended Windom for the place, and he Avas probably the best
choice that could have been made. He had been an anti-third
term man, of course, but was very friendly with such Stahvarts as
Conkling and Arthur, and was thus a good factor in an adminis
tration which did not want to antagonize these men, although not
yielding to them.
The nomination of Robert T. Lincoln was very largely the result

5s!4.^"

WILLIAM H. HUNT.

500

LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD,

of sentiment — but a very good sentiment. He had been a respect
able lawyer, Avho attended carefully to his business, and, under
trying circumstances, had conducted himself with discretion. It
happened that 'he Avas a favorite of Senator Logan, and that
President Garfield de
sired to make his Cab
inet agreeable to the
Senator; also, that
young Lincoln had
been, according to his
opportunities, a Third-
termer, and it was the
desire of the President
to conciliate the Third-
termers, so far as it
could be done without
giving his policy an
unwarranted slant; and
it hajjpened also that
General Garfield, as Ave
have seen from his ad
dresses years previous
to this time, held the
memory of Abraham
Lincoln in the deepest reverence, and felt a solicitude to make
his OAvn elevation to the Presidency honor that memory. Under
these circumstances, and from these considerations, the appoint
ment of Mr. Robert T. Lincoln to be Secretary of War came natr
urally about.
Hunt was appointed to represent the South.
Kirkwood was a man Avhom Garfield had long held in high
esteem, and was familiar with public business.
Wayne MacVeagh, though brother-in-law to Don Cameron, did
not belong to the Cameron political clan. He was chosen as a
Republican of independent proclivities, and a laAvyer of whose
ability there could be no question.

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— ADDRESS TO TEMPERANCE LADIES. 501

Mr. James, Postmaster of Ncav York City, Avas appointed Post
master-General for purely business reasons, and because he was
not only believed to be the best man fijr the place, but Avas one
of the few first-class public men in New York not fully commit
ted to one or the
other of the per
sonal or political
factions of Re
publicans in that
State. Thus Garfield
tried, and with a
degree of success,
to appoint a Cab-
i n e t wh ich
should not give
anyone cause for
organizing an
opposition to the
Administration.He certainly had
the good will of
all Republicans,
and even his po
litical enemies
conceded that he
started out under
bright auspices.
The country itself was prosperous, and the most far-sighted men
joined the unreflecting multitude in predictions of a happy,
uneventful administration of four years, under the peaceful rule
of a popular President.
Four days after his inauguration, a company of fifty ladies,
members of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union,
called at the White House to present a portrait of Mrs. Lucy Webb
Hayes, just completed by Mr. Huntington. It Avill be remembered

WAYNE MACVEAGH.

602

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

that Mrs. Hayes had won the approval of many good people by
declining to put Avine on the table at the White House. These
ladies uoav desired to impress on the ucav incumbents the desirabil
ity of continuing that policy. In responding to the presentation
speech. President Gar
field received the por
trait, and referred to the
temperance question
thus: " Nothing I can say will
be equal to my high appre
ciation of the character of
the lady whose picture is
now added to the treasures
of this place. She is noble,
the friend of all good peo
ple. Her portrait will take,
and 1 hope Avill always
hold in this house, an hon
ored place. I have ob
served the significance
Avhich you have given to
this portrait from the
stand-point you occupy,
and in connection with the work in which you are engaged. First,
I approve most heartily what you have said in reference to the
freedom of individual judgment and action, symbolized in this
portrait. There are several sovereignties in this country. First,
the sovereignty of the American people, then the sovereignty nearest
to us all — the sovereignty of the family- the absolute right of each
family to control its affiiirs in accordance with the conscience and con
victions of duty of the heads of the family. In the picture before us
that is bravely syrabolized. I have no doubt the American people
will always tenderly regard their household sovereignty, and howeA'cr
households raay differ in their vieAvs and convictions, I believe that those
differences will be respected. Each household, by' folloAving its own
convictions, and holding itself responsible to God, will, I think, be re-

THOMAfl L. JAMES.

IN THE HIGH SE.A.T.— THE STALWARTS. 503
spected by the American people. What you have said concerning the
evils of intemperance, meets my most hearty concurrence. I have been,
id my way, and in accordance with ray oAvn convictions, an earnest adA'O-
cate of teiiqjerance, not in .so narroAV a sense as some, but in a very
definite and practical sense. These convictions are deep, and will be
maintained. Whether I shall be able to meet the views of all people in
regard to all the phases of that question remains to be seen, but I shall
do what I can to .abate the great evils of intemperance. I shall be glad
to have the picture upon these Avails ; I shaU be glad to remember your
kind expressions to rae and ray family ; and in your efforts to better mankind
by your work, I hope you Avill be guided by Avisdora and that you will
achieve a worthy success."
President Hayes had left the ncAv administration a heritage of
hatred from the stahA'art element of the Republican party. It
AAas President Garfield's chief wish, politically, to heal up the chasm
which the past had opened, and not to recognize one faction more
than another. NotAvith.standing these purposes, the deadly breach
Avhich had yaAvned apart during the Hayes administration, AAas
an ominous thing. The defeat of the Stahvarts at Chicago, by
Garfield, naturally tended to transfer their hostility from the out
going to the incoming President. For months before the inau
guration, the embarrassment AA'hich threatened Garfield Avas fore
seen by the country. On the one hand AA'ere the men Avho had
nominated him in the Chicago ConA'ention, — men AA'ho, risking every
political prospect, rebelled from the command of their leaders, such
as Conkling, Cameron, and Logan, and defeated Grant, To such,
Garfield OAved his nomination. On the other hand AA'as the stal-
Avart element, still bruised and sore from the defeat at Chicago.
Yet they had entered heartily into the campaign. They had sAval-
lowed their chagrin, and outwardly, if not inwardly, submitted
with good grace to their defeat, and Avheeled into line of battle for
the fall election. To these men, Garfield Avas largely indebted fi)r
his election. In his administration, hoAV could he recognize either
one of these elements Avithout arousing the antagonism of the
other? This A\'as the riddle Avhich he must solve.
The breach betAveen the two Avas as deadly as ever. The Cabi-

604 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
net Avas a compromise, but the Grant men Avcre afraid of it, with
Blaine so near the throne.
For a few days after the inauguration, the surface of the sea
Avas tolerably smooth ; but acute political mariners prophesied
rough Avcathcr. The tAvo Avings of the party in New York Avere
Avaiting to fly at each other's throats at the first opportunity. The
balance of poAver betAveen the tAVO elements was the official patron
age of the President. Into Avhose lap the plum was thrown, to that
wing belonged the asccndiincy.
Senator Conkling's chief jjolitical purjjose AA'as to chastise the
men Avho had deserted his standard at Chicago. This he could
best accomplish by controlling the Federal patronage himself;
but" failing in that, his next object Avas to cause the patronage
to be distributed to neutrals, thereby preventing it from becoming
an element at all in the fight.
Senators Conkling, Logan, and Cameron, as well as Sherman
and Blaine, Avere visitors at the White House, and left in pleasant
humor. In the eyes of the country it seemed plain that Conkling
had made the disposition of the New York patronage the price of
his frienship to the new adrainistration. Every body was on tip
toe to see what the President would do. On March 22d, he sent
to the Senate, for confirmation, the names of StcAvart L. Woodford,
to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of New
York, and Asa W. Tenney, for the Eastern District; Lewis F.
Payne, to be United States Marshal, for the Southern, and Clin
ton D. McDougall, for the Northern District of New York, and
John Tyler, to be Collector of Customs at Buffalo.
This move Avas interpreted by the country to mean a great
victory for Conkling, and that the New York patronage was con
trolled by him. Other nominations, in Conkling's supposed inter
est, were those of James in the Cabinet, and Morton, Minister to
France. But on the folloAving day, President Garfield nominated, for
Collector of the port of New York, William H. Robertson.
In New York, and more or less throughout the country,
this was a great surprise. But it was not an objectionable

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— NOMINATION OF ROBERTSON. 506
nomination. Then it was Robertson who headed the break in
the Noav York delegation at Chicago. He had risked much;
he had been very largely instrumental in nominating Garfield,
Gratitude is a noble quality of human nature, and the Pres
ident was a man of generous motives and impulses. The
general expression from the country upon the Robertson nom
ination was one of approval. To disinterested people, far away
IVom the heat and dust of the battle, it was, coupled with
the nominations of the preceding day, plainly a declaration
of an intention to recognize each branch of the party in
New York. Weaker men would have recognized neither,
giving the offices to neutrals, and pleasing nobody. Mere
partisan men would have recognized one faction only. Gar
field tried to recognize both. A deeper significance also lay
in the Robertson nomination. Whether Garfield meant it or
not, it was, in a sense, a declaration of independence. Gar
field, with his lion-like courage, his intellectual powers, his
moral greatness, could not, in fact or in appearance, allow
his administration to be manipulated by outside influence.
It was said that Mr. Blaine was the author of the Robertson
nomination; that it was his revenge on Conkling. Garfield
said repeatedly, even on the bed of pain, that it was his OAvn
in every sense, and that Blaine had not known that it was
intended to be made.
Whatever President Garfield intended ' by the nomination
of Robertson, Senator Conkling treated it as a declaration of
war. In their views of what followed, men will differ. It is
not for these pages, penned so soon in the darkness of an awful
assassination, to do more than relate the facts, though it is
impossible for a biographer of the dead to do other than
sympathize with him. Senator Conkling said that Haj'^es had
never done a thing so terrible. He said that the nomination
of Robertson, the most objectionable man possible — ^without
consultation with the Senators from New York, or without
their being informed of the intention to make a change in
the most important office in the State, was a grievous personal

506 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and political wrong. He said that the long dispute as to
Avhether a small faction of Yew York Republicans, or four-
fifths of the party in the State, as represented by him, were
to be treated by the Administration as the Republican party
of New York, had at last to be settled finally and forever.
The situation was one of intense interest. Popular opinion
supported the President, though not a feAv took the side of
Conkling. The latter, together with Piatt, the junior New
York Senator, resolved to fight the confirmation of Robert
son. They believed that, with the Senate evenly balanced,
they could, with the help of the Democrats, prevent Robert
son's confirmation. It was a battle of giants. Men Avon-
dered whether, when war was declared, Garfield would strike
back or not. The Stalwarts offered only one AAay of compro
mise — the withdrawal of Robertson's nomination. But the
President was firm. Efforts were made to induce Robertson
to ask the President to withdraw his name in the interest
of harmony. But he scouted the idea. The State Senate of
New York, of which Robertson was the presiding officer,
passed a resolution in support of the Administration. On be
half of the President's action it was claimed, that it was his
constitutional right to nominate ; that the New York Sena
tors overstepped their prerogative in attacking his action ;
that the office of Collector of the Port was a national office,
and not rightfully 'a part of the local patronage ; that the
Executive should select the man through whose hands passed
nine-tenths of the tariff revenues of the country.
There had been a dead-lock of the Senate over the nomina
tion of its officers, and this still continued, and the President
was, in consequence, embarrassed by the failure to act on any
of his nominations. It began to be thought that this- delay,
covered by the pretense of securing Mahone, of Virginia, to
the Republicans, Avas really a scheme to prevent any action
on the President's nominations.
Meanwhile, the administration had to deal with problems
more important to the country than the Robertson nomination.

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— GRAND FINANCIAL SCHEME. 507
Two hundred millions of six per cent, bonds were shortly to
become redeemable. It Avas every Avay desirable that the
bonds should be redeemed and the rate of interest on the
public debt reduced. To issue bonds under the existing laAvs,
in order to raise money to redeem the six per cents., would
require the new bonds to be issued at four per cent, for thirty
years, or four and a half per cent, for tAventy years. These
rates of interest were too high, and tbe time for the bonds
to run too long. In case the Government acquired the means
to pay them off before they Avere due, still the interest Avould
keep running. There Avere grave objections to calling an extra
session of Congress. Garfield and the country Avere afraid
of the unsettling influence of our national legislature. Early
in his Congressional career, Garfield had said, "if the laws
of God were as vacillating as the laws of this country, the
universe would be reduced to chaos in a single day." Above
all things, the business of the country demanded a rest from
congressional tinkering.
When powerful, and it was thought overwhelming influ
ences pressed upon President Garfield the policy of an extra
session of Congress, he sent to the Secretary of the Treasury
a call for full information as to the* powers he had under
existing laws. It Avas a wise conclusion that it might be
easier to hunt up old laws than to have ncAV ones made.
Whatever the old laAvs permitted was certain, but a fresh
Congress is uncertain, especially on finance.
The Secretary found that there Avas no law to prevent the
Government from using its credit and business foresight in
handling and refunding its indebtedness. The plan which
President Garfield and Secretary Windom evolved Avas abso
lutely original and proved to be the highest statesmanship.
Garfield was at home on questions of finance.
A circular Avas issued to the holders of the six per cents.,
saying that after the following July 1st, interest would cease,
and the bonds be redeemed as fast as presented. If, how
ever, the holders preferred to retain the bonds, and receive

508 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
three and a half per cent., at the pleasure of the Government,
they could do so.
As the event showed, hardly any bonds were presented for
redemption. And Avithout any legislation the interest on that
portion of the public debt AA-as reduced from six to three and
a half per cent,, and all that without the expense of a new
issue of bonds, or the disadvantage of a debt not maturing
till long after the Government would probably be ready to
pay it. This financial feat attracted the attention of European
States, and Avas pronounced one of the most masterly financial
schemes of history.
While the Senate was still at a dead-lock over the offices
of Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Robertson quarrel
greAV blacker and blacker. President Garfield and his cabinet
found time to commence an investigation of the alleged
gigantic frauds in the post-office department. It promised to
engulf and destroy some of the best workers of the Repub
lican party, but the President, in spite of terrific pressure, and
in spite of the battle raging over the Robertson matter, set
his face like brass against all corruption. The Star Route
contracts, though they may not fall within reach of the law,
Avere of the folloAA-ing character: In lonely mountain districts
of the West, AA-here a mail for miner's camps Avould be needed
about once in two weeks, a contract would be let for carry
ing the mail at say S500 a trip, making the cost for the line
for the year about §13,000. Then, under pretense of the need
of more mails on account of the development of the West,
Congress would be induced to order a daily instead of a bi-
AA-eeldy mail. By this "expediting," the contractor AA-as en
abled, under the old rate of $500 per trip, to make $150,000
a year out of the line. Many times the mail bags in these
" expedited " routes are said to have been empty as they Avere
carried through the mountains. Postmaster-General James
and Attorney-General MacV^eagh were the principal prose
cutors of the investigation.
Meanwhile, tbe storm raged with ever-growing fierceness

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— A CHECKMATE. 509
around the President, The Republican Senatorial caucus sent
committee after committee to him to induce the withdraAval
of Robertson's name. He was subjected to every possible
pressure and influence, but Grant himself never held a po
sition Avith greater firmness, Conkling, however, proposed
and carried through the Republican caucus the following
plan, by Avhich the dead-lock was to be broken temporarily,
allowing the Senate to go into executive session: All nomina
tions that ivere not opposed by one Senator from the nominee's State
were first to be acted upon. The rest could take care of them
selves. This admitted about every one except Robertson to
the consideration of the Senate. The plan was popularly sup
posed to mean the confirmation of all unopposed nominations,
including those of Senator Conkling's friends, and then either
an adjournment sine die, or a breaking of the quorum, by
absentees, so as to prevent any action on Robertson's name
till Deceraber. This would be a victory for the New York
Senator. But the President, though possessing too much self-respect to make
this a personal controversy, was yet brave and strategic. Shortly
after the Senate went into executive session, the President's priA-ate
secretary arrived Avith a message Avhich fell like a thunder-bolt on
that body. The message withdrew the nominations of Senator Conk
ling's friends. It was a checkmate. The plan of the caucus was
foiled. President Garfield assigned as his reason simply that the
discrimination which was attempted, in acting on all the nomina
tions from the Stahvart element and refusing to act on the solitary
representative of the opposite element, AA-as wrong and unfair. He
said that the President's duty was to nominate, and that the Sen
ate's sworn duty was to confirm or'reject. To refuse to do either
Avas surpassing their prerogative. To shoAV hoAV consistent the
President was in this struggle, with vicAvs held long years before he
ever thought of the Presidency, we insert an extract from an ar
ticle by him on "A Century of Congress," in the Atlantic Monthly,
for July, 1877:

610 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
CONGEESS AND THE EXECUTIA'E.
" In the main, the balance of powers so admirably adjusted and dis
tributed among the three great departments of the Government have
been safely preserved. It was the purpose of our fathers to lodge abso
lute poAver nowhere; to leave each department independent Avithin its
own sphere, yet, in every case, responsible for the exercise of its discre
tion. But some dangerous innovations haA'e been raade.
"And first, the appointing power of the President has been seriously
encroached upon by Congress, or rather by the members of Congress,
Curiously enough, this encroachment originated in the act of the Chief
Executive himself. The fierce popular hatred of the Federal party,
which resulted in the elevation of Jefferson to the Presidency, led that
officer to set the first example of removing raen frora office on account of
political opinions. For political causes alone he removed a considerable
number of officers who had recently been appointed by President Adams,
and thus set the pernicious example. His immediate successors made only a
few removals for political reasons. But Jackson made his political op
ponents Avho were in office feel the full Weight of his executive hand.
From that time forward the civil offices of the Government became the
prizes for which political parties strove ; and, twenty-five years ago, the
corrui^ting doctrine that ' to the victors belong the spoils ' Avas shame
lessly announced as an article of political faith and practice. It is hardly
possible to state Avith adequate force the noxious influence of this doc
trine. It was bad enough Avhen the Federal officers numbered no more
than eight or ten thousand ; but noAV, Avhen the groAvth of the country
and the great increase in the number of public offices occasioned by the
late war, have SAvelled the civil list to more than eighty thousand, and
to the ordinary motives for political strife this vast patronage is offered
as a reward to the victorious party, the magnitude of the evil can hardly
be measured. The public mind has, by degrees, drifted into an accept
ance of this doctrine ; and thus an election has becorae a fierce, selfish
struggle between the ' ins ' and the ' outs,' the one striving to keep and the
other to gain the prize of office. It is not possible for any President to
select, with any degree of intelligence, so vast an army of office-holders
without the aid of men Avho are acquainted Avith the people of the vari
ous sections of the country. And thus it has become the habit of Presi
dents to raake most of their appointments on the recommendation of
members of Congress. During the last tAventy-five years, it has been un-

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— ABUSES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. 511
derstood, by the Congress and the people, that offices are to be obtained
by the aid of Senators and Representatives, Avho thus become the dis
pensers, sometimes the brokers, of patronage. The merabers of State
legislatures Avho choose a senator, and the district electors Avho choose a
representative, look to the raan of their choice for appointments to office.
Thus, from the President dowuAvard, through all the grades of official
authority, to the electors themselves, civil office becomes a vast corrupt
ing poAver, to be used in running the machine of party politics.
"This evil has been greatly aggravated by the passage of the Tenure
of Office Act, of 1867, Avhose object was to restrain President Johnson
from making removals for political cause. But it has virtually resulted
in the usurpation, by the Senate, of a large share of the appointing
poAver. The President can remove no officer Avithout the consent of the
Senate; and such consent is not often given, unless -the appointment of
the successor nominated to fill the proposed vacancy is agreeable to the
Senator in whose State the appointee resides. Thus it has happened
that a policy inaugurated by an early President has resulted in seri
ously crippling the just powers of the Executive, and has placed in the
hands of Senators and Representatives a poAver raost corrupting and
dangerous. "Not the least serious evil resulting frora this invasion of the Execu
tive functions by raembers of Congress is the fact that it greatly irapairs
their own usefulness as legislators. One-third of the Avorking hours of
Senators and Representatives is hardly sufficient to meet the demands
made upon them in reference to appointments to office. To sum up in a
word : the present systera invades the independence of the Executive,
and makes him less responsible for the character of his appointments ; it
impairs the efficiency of the legislator by diverting him from his proper
sphere of duty and involving hira in the intrigues of aspirants for office ;
it degrades the civil service itself by desti-oying the personal independence
of those who are appointed; it repels frora the service tho.se high and
manly qualities which are so necessary to a pure and efficient adrainis
tration ; and, finally, it debauches the pubhc mind by holding up public
office as the reward of mere party zeal.
" To reform this service is one of the highest and most imperative
duties of statesmanship. This reform can not be accoraplished without a
coraplete divorce between Congress and the Executive in the matter of
appointments. It will be a proud day when an Adrainistration Senator or

512 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Representative, Avho is in good standing in his party, can say, as Thomaa
Hughes said, during his recent visit to this country, that though he Avas
on the most intimate terms with the members of his OAvn administration,
yet it was not in his power to secure the removal of the humblest clerk
in the civil service of his government,"
It is easy to see the principle which lay behind the nomination
of Robertson independently of the New York Senators, and the
demand that it should be acted upon by the Senate. It is idle
to say that INIr. Blaine or any other man made the President his
tool. President Garfield's policy Avas the logical outgroAvth of his
opinions, and it was he who, opinions and all, Avas elected by the
people. The Avithdrawal' of the other nominations, it Avas conceded, de
feated the NeAV York Senators. The country watched the situa
tion with interest, if not anxiety. The next move of Conkling
was anxiously expected. It came,
On ]May 16, 1881, Vice-President Arthur handed the Reading
Clerk a little sheet of note-paper containing these words :
Washington, May 16, 1881.
•Sir; Will you please announce to the Senate that my resignation as Senator
of the United States from the State of New York has been forwarded to the
Governor of the State.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Roscoe Conkling.
To Hon. C, A, Akthue,
He read it in the monotonous sing-song, uninflected way of
which he is master, but before he had finished all eyes Avere upon
him, and all ears were opened to receive the announcement.
Astonishment sat on every face. Each man looked to his neigh
bor in questioning wonder, A murmur of surprised comment
crept around the chamber. Then some incredulous Senators de
manded a second reading of the momentous missive. Once more
the clerk chanted its contents, Avhile the incredulous ones, con-
\-inced against their Avill, drank in the simple statement of the
startling fact. Then the Vice-President handed the clerk another
note of like tenor, running thus:

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— ROBERTSON CONFIRMED. 513
Senate Chamber, May 16, 1881.
Sir: I have forwarded to the Governor of the State of New York my resigna
tion as Senator of the United States for the State of New York. Will you please
announce the fact to the Senate?
With great respect, your obedient servant, T. C. Platt.
To Hon. C. A. Arthur.
This was read amid the increasing hum of astonishment in the
galleries and on the floor, Mr, Hill, of Georgia, had the cruelty
to suggest that the officers ought now to be elected. Then Mr.
Burnside, endeavoring very hard to look as though nothing
unusual had occurred, rose nervously and presented the report of
the Foreign Affairs Committee, recommending the adoption of
the Morgan-Monroe Doctrine resolution, Avhich he gave notice he
would call up to-morroAv, His carefully prepared report was read,
but nobody paid the slightest attention to it. All were absorbed
in the consideration of the step taken by Conkling, its meaning,
and its probable effect.
Three days after, William H. Robertson Avas confirmed Collector
of the Port of New York, with scarcely a dissenting voice.
No raore exciting and .stormy experience ever fell to the lot of
any Administration than that which marked the first seventy-five
days of Garfield's, The first days in the Presidential chair are
full enough of embarrassment Avithout a tremendous struggle with
a powerful element of the incumbent's oavu party, A new Presi
dent feels that fifty millions of people are watching him critically.
From the privacy of the citizen's life, the ucav President passes
into the most glaring sunlight. He is surrounded by hundreds of
detectives and spies, and subjected to the most impudent scrutiny.
Things which all his life have been sacredly private, the sweet
afFections of the fireside, care for parents, anxious consultations
with the wife, training of the children, all suddenly becorae pub
lic property. The number of coats he wears, the size of his hat,
the purchase of a new pair of gloves, the dpesses ^f his wife, a
walk or drive, attendance at church, all those things are spread
before the eyes of the world in the most exaggerated and distorted
form. 33

514 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
If a member of the Cabinet calls and remains in private con
sultation for two hours, the President is said to be the cat's-paw
of secretary so-and-so. If the same secretary calls again and re
mains but five minutes, it is reported that a disagreement has
occurred, and the said secretary's resignation will be demanded.
If the President, worn out and disgusted with the besetments of
office-seekers and the malignant attacks on his character, slips
away from the cares of State for a day or two, he is said not to be
earning his salary. If he does not take up with every whispered
scandal, and call upon Congresg for a committee of investigation,
he is openly charged with corruption and a disposition to cover up
frauds. If, on the other hand, he does ask for an investigation, he
is said to be using his official power to injure his enemies. The
strain, the worry, the insults, the outrages, the scrutiny, the mis
construction, which a new President has to undergo are enough
for one human heart to bear. Add to this such an unparalleled
battle as that into which Grarfield was forced almost from his in
auguration day, and one would think the burden hard to increase.
But this was not all he had to endure. In the midst of the
storm, his wife, from whom he had so long drawn consolation
and support, was stricken down with the most malignant form of
typhoid fever. Dr. Boynton, her home physician, was hastily
summoned from Ohio. But the sufferer grew worse. This was a
calamity which no courage, no calm conservatism, no intellectual
resources, no popular support, could remedy. Up to this time the
President had kept heart bravely, but the mighty shadow which
seemed about to darken his life forever, Avas too much for his
great, loving soul. Hurrying away from the crowded office of
State, he sought the sufferer, sat by her side hour after hour,
denying himself necessary sleep, and nursed her with the most
devoted care. Every day the papers told of the critical condition
of the President's wife, and it seemed that her death was an as
sured and grievous calamity. The people's hearts swelled with
sympathy for the suffering husband. I)ay after day the story of his
silent watching at the bedside of the wife brought tears unbidden
to the eye. But the calamity which seemed impending was turned

IN THE HIGH SEAT.— BRIGHT DAYS. 515
aside. On the 20th of May, Dr. Boynton announced a slight
change for the better, which proved perraanent. Days and weeks
were required before Mrs. Garfield could leave her bed, but the
shadow gradually lifted.
On the same day that her improvement was announced, the
Senate of the United States adjourned. The President had sus
tained himself. No raan ever stood higher in the hearts of the
people. After his victory, he had returned to the Senate all but
one of the nominations of Mr, Conkling's friends, Avhich had been
withdrawn in order to force action one way or the other upon
Robertson's name. As for Senators Conkling and Platt, after
their resignations, they presented themselves to the Ncav York
Legislature, then in session, as candidates ¦ for reelection. The
story of the memorable struggle at Albany is beyond the scope of
these pages, Vice-President Arthur, being so closely attached to
Conkling, was, of course, completely out of harmony Avith the
adrainistration. He Avas attached, heartily and honestly, to the
other side. At one time he said he would resign the Vice-Presi
dency if he thought it would benefit Mr. Conkling, But the calm
level of popular opinion to Avhich President Garfield was so fond
of referring, was OA-erAvhelmingly with him. The prospect Avas, for
the first time, comparatively bright. As the weeks passed, Mrs,
Garfield grcAV steadily better. The President was Avearied by the
arduous duties of the past three months, and needed a vacation. A
tirae or tAA'O, in early June, he took his children for an afternoon trip
to Mount Vernon, His face grcAV brighter and his step more elastic.
As the struggle at Albany proceeded, the Administration steadily
rose in public esteem, until the admiration of the people knew
.no bounds. The President paid especial attention to his Departs
ments. The Star Route cases Avere pushed with tremendous vigor.
Irregularities in the Treasury and Naval Departments were dealt
Avith most heroically. Altogether the sky Avas clear, and men
looked forAvard to the future with confidence, Mrs, Garfield's
health being still precarious, the question of where to spend the
summer was carefully and thoughtfully discussed.
On the 19th of June, the President and Mrs. Garfield, accom-

516 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
panied by their daughter Mollie, and their two sons, Irvin and
Abram, Colonel RockAvell and Dr. Boynton and wife, left Wash
ington for Long Branch.
The President, AA'ith a loving husband's care, secured pleasant
rooms in a quiet hotel for his wife, where she Avould get the full
benefit of the sea breezes. On the 27th of June he returned to
Washington to hold a cabinet meeting. The session Avas long, but
characterized by great cordiality. The whole situation was gone
over, and the President and his Cabinet separated for the summer,
as they thought, with kindly hope and a multitude of good wishes
for each other. The President was to return to Long Branch,
meet his wife and family, and commence a carefully laid out sum
mer trip, including a visit to Williams College. The journey to
Long Branch was not taken till two months later, and the re
mainder of the trip never was and never will be taken.

SHOT DOWN. 517

CHAPTER XIII,
SHOT DOWN.
A wasp flew out upon our fairest son.
And stung him to the quick with poisoned shaft.
The Avhile he chatted carelessly and laughed.
And knew not of th's fateful mischief done.
And so this lite, amid our love begun.
Envenomed by the insect's hellish craft.
Was drunk by Death in one long feverish draught.
And he was lost — our precious, priceless one!
Oh, mystery of blind, remorseless fate!
Oh, cruel end of a most causeless hate !
That life so mean should murder life so great!
What is there left to us Avho think and feel,
Who have no remedy, and no appeal.
But damn the wasp and crush him under heel? — Holland.
THE Senate had adjourned. The bitterness of the political
contest at Albany had subsided. Washington was deserted
for the summer, Mrs, Garfield, slowly recovering frora her long
illness, was regaining health and courage at Long Branch. It was
the purpose of the President, as soon as the pressing cares and
anxieties of his great office could be put aside, to join his wife by
the sea-side, and to enjoy with her a brief respite from the bur
dens and distractions which Aveighed hira doAvn. His brief life at
the White House had been any thing but happy. Sickness had
entered almost from the date of his occupancy. The political im
broglio in the Senate, and afterwards in New York, had greatly
annoyed him. He had had the mortification of seeing, in the A'ery
first months of his administration, his party torn with feuds, and
brought to the verge of disruption. The clamor for office was
deafening, and he had been obliged to meet and pacify the hungry
horde that swarmed like locusts around the capital. All this he
had, during the spring and early summer, met with the equanim-

518 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ity and dignity becoming his high station. So Avith the coming of
July he purposed to rest Avith his family for a brief season by the
sea. AftcrAvards he Avould visit Williams College and make ar-
rana-enients for the admission of his tAVO sons to those same classic
o
halls Avhere his oavu youthful thirst for knowledge had been
quenched. On the morning of the 2d of July — fatal day in the calendar
of American history — the President made ready to put his pur
pose into execution. ScA-eral members of the Cabinet, headed by
Secretary Blaine, Avere to accompany him to Long Branch. A fcAV
ladies, personal friends of the President's fiunily and one of his
sons, Avere of the corapany ; and as the hour for departure drcAV
near, they gathered at the d6p6t of the Baltimore and Potomac
Raihvay to aAvait the train. The President and Secretary Blaine
Avere somewhat later than the rest. On the Avay to the d6p6t the
Chief Magistrate, alvA-ays buoyant and hopeful, Avas more than usu
ally joyous, expressing his keen gratification that the relations
between himself and the members of his Cabinet Avere so harmoni
ous, and that the Administration Avas a unit.
When the carriage arrived at the station at half past nine
o'clock, the President and Mr, Blaine left it and entered the la
dies' waiting-room, A\hich they passed through arm in arm, A
moment afterAvards, as they were ])assing through the door into
the main room tAvo pistol shots suddenly rang out upon the air,
Mr, Blaine saAV a man running, and started toA\ard him, but
turned alraost immediately and .saAV that the President had
FALLEN ! It was instantly realized that the shots had been di
rected Avith fatal accuracy at the beloved President, Mr. Blaine
sprang toAvard him, as did several others, and raised his head from
the fioor. Postmaster-General James, Secretary Windom, and
Secretary Lincoln, who had arrived earlier at the train, were
promenading on the platform outside. They, together Avith the
policemen who Avcre on duty in the neighborhood, immediately
rushed to the spot Avhere their fallen chief lay Aveltering in blood.
A moment afterAA'ards the assassin Avas discovered, and before he
could lose himself in the crowd the miserable miscreant was con-

SHOT DOWN,—" ONB CHANCE IN A HUNDRED." 519
fronted by the rigid, passionate faces and .strong uplifted arms of
those to whom their oavu lives were but a bauble if they might
save the President, The dastardly Avrctch coAvered before them,
and in the middle of B Street, just outside of the depot, Avas seized
by the policemen and disarmed, A pistol of very heavy caliber
Avas AA-renchcd out of his hand, and it became clear that a large
ball had entered the President's body. The assassin gave his name
as Charles Jules Guiteau, and begged to be taken safely to jail.
He Avas instantly hurried to police headquarters and confined ; and
it was well for him that he Avas thus out of the way of the angry
populace, Avho Avould not have hesitated to put an instant and
tragic end to his despicable career.
The poor President Avas borne on a couch to a room in the
second story, and a preliminary examination of his wounds AA'as
made ; but the ball, Avhich had entered the right side of his back,
near the .spinal column and immediately over the hip bone, could
not be found. The sufferer moaned at interA'als, but otherwise ut
tered no complaint ; AA-as conscious at all times except when under the
influence of opiates, and was cheerful. When, in ansAver to his eager
question, the physicians informed him that he had "one chance in
a hundred" of liA'ing, he said calmly and braA'cly: "Then, doctor,
Ave Avill take that chance ! " Before he was remoA-ed frora the
d§p6t his heart turned anxiously to his Avife, and to her he dic
tated, by Colonel RockAvell, the following touching and loyal dis
patch :
" 3frs. Lucretia R. Garfield:
"The President wishes rae to say to you from him that he has been
seriously hurt. How seriously he can not yet say. He is himself, and
hopes you Avill come to him soon. He sends his love to you.
"A. F. Rockwell."
Colonel H, C, Corbin, Assistant Adjutant-General, immediately
telegraphed for a special train to conv-cy Mrs, "Garfield to Wash
ington, and frequent dispatches, giA'ing the latest intelligence of
the President's condition, were sent to meet her at diflPerent sta
tions. In a fcAV minutes after the shooting scA'cral physicians AA'ere
beside the wounded President, First of those AA'ho Avere summoned

,^20 LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD.
Avas Dr, D, W. Bliss, who from first to last remained in charge as
chief attending surgeon. Associated Avith him Avere Surgeon-
General J. K, Barnes and Drs. J. J. WoodAA'ard and Robert Rev-
burn. It Avas at once determined to remoA'c the President to the
White House at the earliest practicable moraent. Within a half
hour preparations to that end had been made. At ten o'clock
every thing Avas in readiness. The main room of the d6p6t build
ing A\as cleared, and in a fcAV moments the Avounded President
was borne through the building and placed in an ambulance Avhich
AA'as in Avaiting on the outside. He bore the remoA-al Avith great
fortitude, not uttering a complaint or groan. The ambulance AA'as
surrounded by a cordon of police, and the horses Avere A\hipped
into a gallop all the AA'ay to the A^'llite House, An excited croAvd
folloAVcd at a run, but Avere stopped at the ^Miite House, and none
but a select fcAV admitted,
INIeanAvhilc the excitement Avas at fcA'er heat throughout the
panic-struck city. Even before leaving the dfipot the pressure
for admittance to the room Avherc the President Avas lying Avas so
great that the police could not keep back the croAvd, Men per
sisted that they must see the President, despite the surgeons' or
ders that the room and halhvays must not be filled up. Upon
the arrival of the ambulance at the White House the gates of the
Executive grounds Avere immediately closed and guarded by sol
diers and policemen, and nobody was admitted Avithout authority
from the President's private secretary. Those members of the
Cabinet Avho Avere not at the clep6t A\hen the shooting took place
were immediately summoned, and all of them remained in attend
ance at the Executive Mansion during the day.
After the President's removal, he began to reiict from the first
shock of the AVOund. Several encouraging dispatches Averc sent
out. At 11:30 A. Ji. the first official bulletin Avas issued by the
physicians in attendance. It Avas as folloAvs :
" The President has returned to his normal condition. Will make
another examination soon. His pulse is noAV 63."
An hour later a second bulletin Avas issued:

SHOT DOWN.— THE ASSASSIN. 521
"The reaction from the shot injury has been very gradual. The
patient is suffering sorae pain, but it is thought best not to disturb him
by making an exploration for the ball until after the consultation at
3 p. M."
From that hour, however, the symptoms became unfavorable;
and at 2 : 45 p. M. the following unofficial dispatch was issued :
"Executive Mansion, 2:45 p. m.
" No official bulletin has been furnished by Dr. Bliss since 1 o'clock.
The condition of the President has been groAving more unfavorable since
that time. Internal hemorrhage is taking place, and the gravest fears
are felt as to the result."
As yet no critical knoAvledge of the President's injury had been
reached. There was nothing on Avhich the people could base a
judgment of the relative probabilities of recovery and death. The
shadows of evening gathered, and the darkness of night settled
over fifty millions of sorroAving people.
The minds of all naturally reverted to the assassin. The hope
was cherished that he Avould prove to be a lunatic or madman,
and that the American people would thus be spared the horrid
contemplation of a cold-blooded attempt against the life of the
noble statesman who had been called by the voice of his country
men to the highest place of honor. This hope, however, Avas
soon dispelled. The assassin was found to be a mixture of fool
and fanatic, who, in his previous career, had managed to build up,
on a basis of total depravity, a considerable degree of scholarship.
He was a laAvyer by profession, and had made a pretense of prac
ticing in several places — more particularly in Chicago, In that
city and elscAvhere he had made a reputation both malodorous and
detestable. In the previous spring, about the time of the inau
guration, he had gone to Washington to advance a claim to be
Consul-General at Paris. He had sought and obtained interviews
Avith both the President and Mr. Blaine, and pretended to believe
that the former was on the point of dismissing the present consul
at Paris to make a place for himself! Hanging about the Execu-

522 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
five Itlansion and the Department of State for scA-eral weeks, he
seems to hav-e conceived an intense hatred of the President, and
to have determined on the commission of the crime. Unless his
motiA-e can be found in this, it Avould seem impossible to discover
for what reason his foul and atrocious deed Avas committed. In
the Avhole history of crime, it would, perhaps, be impossible to
find a single example of a criminal with a moral nature so de
praved and loathsome as that displayed by Guiteau in the cell to
which he was consigned.
The second day. — The morning was anxiously aAvaited. The
first news from Washington gave grounds of hope. The Presi
dent's mind had remained clear, and his admirable courage had
had a marked effect in staying his bodily powers against the fear
ful effects of the wound. Mrs. Garfield had, meanw-hile, reached
Washington, and was at her husband's bed-side. Both were hope-
fiil against the dreadful odds, and both resolved to face the issue
with unfaltering trust. In the course of the early morning the
President was able to take nourishment, thus gaining a small
measure of that strength so needful in the coming struggle. The
morning bulletins from the attending surgeons were as follows:
"Washington, Jnly 3, 2:45 a. m.
"The President has been quietly sleeping much of the time since 9
p. M., awakening for a few raoments every half hour. He has not
vomited since 1 A. m. , and is noAv taking some nourishment for the first
time since his injury. Pulse, 124; temperature, normal; respiration, 18.
" D. W. Bliss, M. D.
" 4 A. M. — The President has just awakened, greatly refreshed, and
has not vomited since 1 A, M., having taken milk and lime-water on
each occasion, frequently asking for it. Pulse, 120 — fuUer and of de
cidedly more character; temperature, 98 2-10; respiration, 18. The
patient is decidedly more cheerful, and has amused himself and watchers
by telling a laughable incident of his early career.
"D. W. Bliss, M. D.
"6 A. M. — The President's rest has been refreshing during the night,
and only broken at intervals of about half hours by occasional pain in
the feet, and to take his nourishment of milk and lime-water and bits

SHOT DOWN.— QUEEN VICTORIA'S SYMPATHY. 523
of cracked ice, to relieve the thirst, Avhich has been constant. He is
cheerful and hopeful, and has from the first manifested the most remark
able courage and fortitude.
" 7 : 50 A. M.— This raorning the physicians decide that no effort will
be made at present to extract the ball, as its presence in the location de
termined does not necessarily interfere Avith the ultimate recovery of the
President. "7:57 A. M. — Most of the members of the Cabinet who Avatched
at the Executive Mansion last night remained until a late hour this
morning. " 11 A. M.— The President's condition is greatly improved. He secures
sufficient refreshing sleep ; and, during his Avaking hours, is cheerful, and
is inclined to discuss pleasant topics. Pulse, 106 — with more full and
safe expression'; temperature and respiration, normal.
" D. W, Bliss, M. D."
In the afternoon of the second raemorable day, hoAvever, the
President's symptoms grcAV worse, and new-s Avell calculated to
alarm was telegraphed to all parts of the country. Of one thing
there could be no doubt, and that Avas that the heart of the Na
tion was stirred to its profoundest depths, and that the Avhole civil
ized Avorld was in sympathy with the American people and their
stricken head. In London the ucavs created the profoundest sen
sation. The Queen, from Windsor Palace, at once telegraphed to
learn the facts, and then ordered her Minister of Foreign Affairs
to send the folloAving dispatch:
" To Sir Edward Thornton, British Embassy, Washington: The Queen
desires that you Avill at once express the horror Avith Avhich she has
learned of the attempt upon the President's life, and her earnest hope
for his recovery. Her Majesty wishes for full and immediate reports as
to his condition. Lord Granville.''
From almost CA-ery civilized nation came similar messages of
sympathy. Hardly a distinguished man in America failed to go
on record in some way to express his horror and detestation of
the crime that had been committed. The spirit of party Avas ut
terly forgotten. The South and the North Avere at last as one.

524 LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD.
The old Southern soldiers who had fought many a fierce battle
under Lee and Johnston, as well as the legionaries who sprang
up at the call of Lincoln, burst into tears at the thought of Gar
field bleeding!
The afternoon bulletins of this first sad Sunday of July were
well calculated to excite apprehension. The physicians said :
"2 p. M. — The President has slept a good deal since last bulletin,
though occasionally suffering frora pain in both feet and ankles. Pulse,
104; respiration, 18 ; teraperature, nearly normal. While the President is
by no means out of danger, yet his symptoms continue favorable.
" D. W. Bliss, M. D.
"6 p. M. — There is no appreciable danger since last bulletin. The
President sleeps well at intervals. Pulse, 108 ; teraperature and respiration
normal. " D. W. Bliss,
"J. K. Barnes,
"J. J. Woodward,
" 10: 30 p, M. — The condition of the President is less favorable. Pulse,
120 ; teraperature, 100 ; respiration, 20, He is raore restless, and again
coraplains of the pain in his feet, "D. W. Bliss,
"J. K. Barnes,
"J. J. Woodward,
"Robert Reybukn,"
The third day. — For the American people the morning sun of
the Glorious Fourth shed only a disastrous tAvilight, Never before
did this vast and sensitiA-e citizenship^ waken to the realization of
such a Fourth, In almost all parts of the country preparations
had been made to observe the day with more than the usual
outburst of patriotism. All this Avas turned to doubt and sorrow.
The orator could speak of nothing but the wounded President and
his probable fate. The people would hear nothing but dispatches
that told of either reviving hope or coming despair. In many
cities and country places the celebration was Avholly abandoned;
in others the ceremonies were changed so as to be in keeping Avith
the great national calamity. The people sat doAvn in the shadow
of their grief and Avaited for the worst.
On the morning of the Fourth the distinguished Dr. D. Hayes

SHOT DOWN.— SURGEONS' CONSULTATION. 525
Agnew, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Frank H. Hamilton, of New
York City, arrived at Washington, having been called thither as
consulting surgeons. On their arrival they made a critical exam
ination of the President's condition and the method of treatment
adopted by the physicians in charge, and thereupon issued the
folloAving bulletin : " Executive Mansion, 8:15 a. m.
" We held a consultation Avith the physicians in charge of the Presi
dent's case at 7 o'clock this raorning, and approve in every particular of
the raanagement and of the course of treatment that has been pursued.
" Frank H. Hamilton, of New York.
" D. H. Agnew, of Philadelphia."
The regular aunounceraent appeared at the same time and carried
to the people, far as the lightning's wings could bear it, the follow
ing message:
" 8 : 15 A, M. — ^The condition of the President is not materially different
from that reported in the last bidletin (12:30 A. m.). He has dozed at
intervals during the night, and at tiraes has coraplained of the pain in his
feet. The tympanitis has not sensibly increased. Pulse, 108 ; teraper
ature, 99.4 ; respiration, 19,
" D, W. Bliss, " Robert Reyburn,
"J, K, Barnes, "Frank H. Hamilton,
"J. J. Woodavaed, " D. Hayes Agnew."
To this bulletin was added the report of a free conversation with
Dr. Bliss, in which he said of the President's condition and
prospects :
" I adrait that his state is very precarious, and the balance of proba
bilities is not in his favor, and yet there is reasonable ground for hope.
We can not say that he is better or worse than he Avas last night, except
that he has gained eight hours of time, and his strength appears not to
have declined. The syraptoras of peritoneal inflararaation are not more
grave now than they were eight hours ago."
The morning wore away in suspense, and the noonday report of
the physicians was anxiously awaited. It was felt, however, that
every hour now added to the President's life was a fair indication

526 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
that he would have some chance in the final struggle for recovery.
Just after noon the following report was issued by the surgeons:
" 12 : 30 p. M. — There has been but little change in the President's
condition since the last bulletin. Complains much less of the pain in his
feet. Light, vomiting occasionally. Pulse, 110; teraperature, 100;
respiration, 24. "D. W. Bliss, " J. J. Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, " Robert Reyburn."
Meanwhile a diagnosis of the President's condition had been
made, and though there was not entire unanimity as to the course
of the ball and the consequent character of the wound, yet the
physicians gave it as their opinion — some of them positively .so
declaring — that the ball, after striking the President's back above
the tAvelfth rib and about two and a half inches to the right of the
spine, had plunged forward and doAvnward, fracturing the rib,
penetrating the peritoneal caA-ity, piercing the loAver lobe of the
liver, and lodging perhaps in the front Avail of the abdomen. The
treatment during the first week after the President Avas wounded
was based upon this diagnosis, but gradually thereafter the idea
that the ball had traversed the body in the manner indicated was
abandoned and a modified theory adopted in its stead,*
* The great error, as subsequently developed in the diagnosis of the President's
case, seems clearly to have arisen from the fact, that although the relative position
of the assassin and his victim were definitely ascertained and could be precisely
marked on the floor of the d^p6t, yet the axial position of the President's body seems
never to have been considered I It seems to have been taken for granted that because
the wound was in the back, therefore the assassin must have stood behind the
President when he fired. So, in one sense, he undoubtedly did, but in another he
did hot. The murderer's position was five feet away and rather to the right side of the
Chief Magistrate, and Guiteau should therefore be said to have stood at an acute
side-angle and a little in the rear of his victim. This being the real position of the
President and his assailant, it will readily be seen that the ball, instead of being
"deflected," as has been so many times reiterated, really was very little turned
from its course, but plunged straight across the President's back, going deeper and
deeper as it proceeded, until, having fractured the spine in front, it was lodged in
the thick tissues to tho left of the vertebral column. If the assassin had fired
square at the President's back, and the ball had struck where it did strike, the
President would have been a dead man from the start. The axial position of the
body was manifestly overlooked in making the diagnosis. /

SHOT DOWN.— MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. 527
As the Fourth Avore aAV-ay the fear of immediate death somcAvhat
subsided. At half-past seven in the evening the surgeons-" bulletin
carried the folio Aving message to the jiublic:
"7:35 p. M. — The President this evening is not so comfortable. He
does not suffer so much frora pain in the feet. The tympanitis is again
more noticeable. Pulse, 126; temperature, 101.9; respiration, 24,
Another bulletin Avill be issued at 10 p. m., after Avhich, in order not to
disturb the President unnecessarily, no further bulletins Avill be issued
until to-morrow morning.
"D. W. Bliss, "J. J. Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, "Robert Reyburn."
Taken all in all the advices during the day respecting the Pres
ident's condition had been more encouraging than those of the day
before, when despondency seemed to be raaking itself generally
felt in Washington and throughout the country.
An unofficial bulletin at midnight — the last issued for the day —
announced a further improvement, the pulse and tcmj^erature
having again changed slightly for the better. At that hour the
President Avas sleeping quietly. The peritoneal inflammation had
decreased soracAvhat during the evening, and there Avas, generally
speaking, a larger ground for hope. During the day from the
extreraes of the earth had come the profoundest expressions, of
sorroAv for the great calamity to the Republic. From Prince
Charles, of Bucharest, was received the folloAving touching
dispatch : " Bucharest, Catrocini, July 4, 1881.
" To President Garfield, Washington:
"I have learned with the greatest indignation, and deplore most
deeply, the horrible attempt against your precious life, and beg you tc
accept my warmest Avishes for your quick recovery. Charles."
Ou the same day from far-off Japan this message of symjiathy
was sent to the Minister resident of the Royal GoA-ernment at
Washington : " ToKio, July 4, 1881.
"To Yoshida, Japanese Minister, Washington:
"The dispatch announcing an attempt upon the life of the President

628 LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD.
has caused here profound sorroAV, and you are hereby instructed to
convey, in the name of His Majesty, to the Government of the United
States, the deepest sympathy and hope that his recovery will be speedy.
Make iraraediate and fuU report regarding the sad event, " WOOYERO,
"Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs."
So the sun Avent down upon the national anniversary, and the
stars of the summer night looked upon an anxious and stricken
people. The fourth^ day. — The morning of the 5tli of July broke with
a more cheerful message. The President AA'as decidedly better.
The improvement in his condition was noticed .shortly before
midnight of Monday, and had become marked. The first bul
letin of the morning was so reassuring that the feeling of relief
became general, and a cheerful hopefulness succeeded the dread
of the previous day. The crowds of anxious people in all parts
of the country returned slowly to their vocations — not, indeed,
with a feeling of security, but with a good degree of hope for the
President's ultimate recovery. The members of the Cabinet ex
perienced such a sense of relief that they were enabled to give
consideration, to their ofiicial duties. The President's physicians,
Avhile not taking a sanguine view of his case, did not discourage
the hope of final recovery. The President — so said the bulletins —
took nourishment and retained it. His pulse Avas loAver through
out the day, and altogether his symptoms were such as to afford
no little encouragement. The first official bulletin was issued at
half-past eight in the morning. It was as follows:
"8:30 A. M. — ^The President has passed a comfortable night, and his
condition this morning is decidedly more favorable. There has been no
vomiting since last evening at 8 o'clock, and he has been able to retain
the liquid nourishment administered. There is less tympanitis and no
abdominal tenderness except in the Avounded region. Pulse, 114; temper
ature, 100.5; respiration, 24.
' ' D. W. Bliss, " J. J. Woodward,
" J. K. Barnes, " Robert Reyburn,"

SHOT DOWN.— ENCOURAGING SYMPTOMS. 529
Drs, AgncAv and Hamilton had both^ in the meantime, been
called to their homes. To them the attending surgeons commu
nicated their views of the President's condition more fully in a
message during the forenoon, as follows: " Executive M.\n-ion, 9:30 A. m.
" After you left the urgent symptora continued. There Avas much rest
lessness, constant slight vomiting, and by 8 o'clock p. m. the President's
condition seemed even raore serious than Avhen you saw him. Since then
the symptoms have gradually become raore favorable. There has been
no vomiting nor regurgitation of fluid frora the stomach since 8 o'clock last
evening. "The President has slept a good deal during the night, and this morning
expresses himself as comparatively comfortable. The spasmodic pains in
the loAver extremities have entirely disappeared, leaving behind, hoAvever,
much muscular soreness and tenderness to the touch. There is less tym-
p.initis, and no abdorainal tenderness whatever, except in the hepatic
region. Since 8 p. m. he has taken an ounce and a-half of chicken broth
every two hours, and has retained all. The Avound was again dressed
antiseptically this raorning. Altogether but one-half a grain of moiphia
has been administered hypodermically during the last tAventy-four hours,
and it has been found quite sufficient. His pulse, however, still keeps
up. At 8:30 A. M. it Avas 114; teraperature, 100.5; respiration, 24.
Seventy-two hours have uoav elapsed since the Avound Avas received. We
can not but feel encouraged this raorning, although, of course, Ave do not
overlook any of the perils that still beset the path toAvard recovery. The
course of treatment agreed upon Avill be steadily pursued.
"D. W. Bliss, "J. J, Woodaa'ard,
"J. K, Barnes, " Robert Reyburn.''
In the course of the day the feeling of confidence grew apace.
There were not Avanting many grave apprehensions, the most seri
ous of all being the fear that the dreaded peritonitis Avould set iu
and destroy the President's life. But the hours crept by, and no
symptoms of such inflammation appeared. The President, though
restless and someAvhat weakened, kept in good courage ; and dur
ing the forenoon, aAvaking from sleep, denounced Avith not a little
spirit the " wishy-Avashy " food which the doctors prescribed for
him. During the day it Avas quite clearly determined from the
34

530 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
natural indications of the case, that, contrary to the previously
expressed vicAA's of the attending physicians, the President's inter
nal organs had not been perforated by the ball. This discovery
gave additional grounds of hope. The noonday bulletin .strength
ened rather than discouraged the idea of ultimate recovery:
"12:30 p. M. — The faA-orable condition of the symptoms reported in
the last bulletin continues. There has been no recurrence of the vomiting.
Pulse, 110; temperature, 101; respiration, 24. The President lies at
present in a natural sleep. No further bulletins will be issued tiU 8:30
p. M. , unless iu case of an unfavorable change,
" D. W. Bliss, " J. J. Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, " Robert Reyburn,"
Under the assurances given by the surgeons the people began
to find time to discuss the collateral circumstances of the crime,
the character of the criminal, what should be his punishment, the
course of events in case of President Garfield's death, 'and the
danger in general to be apjjrehended from political assassins. At
first it was believed that the criminal had committed the deed on
account of rebuffs received in seeking an appointment. This,
Guiteau him.self stoutly denied, declaring that he had tried to
destroy the President Av-holly and solely for the good of the coun
try, and at the command of God! He had been influenced only
by high and patriotic motiA-es ! When the people came to under
stand the reasons AA'hy he had shot the President, against Avhom
he had not the slightest enmity, they AA'ould change their mind as
to him and his deed ! Every utterance of the monstrous villain
Avas of the self-same character, and to all his loathsome speeches was
added a disgusting egotism and coAvardice which he constantly
exhibited in his cell.
Many incidents in the previous life of Guiteau came to the surface
^nd were published. It was found that he had come to Wash
ington shortly after March 4th. On April Sth, he made his appear
ance at the NaA'y Department library and registered his name on
the visitors' book. He returned on April 14, and from that time
up to the time of the adjournment of the Senate he was a daily

SHOT DOWN.— GUITEAU'S LITERARY TASTE. 531
visitor. On one occasion he had told the librarian, Captain J,
Ross BroAvne, that he Avas going to be appointed Consul to Paris,
He had been on hand every day, sometimes before the library was
opened, and remained all day. He had ne\-er shoAvn himself very
communicative, and Avhen spoken to he responded in monosyllables.
He seemed to be of a morose disposition, but Avas^quiet and orderly
in his raanner. While in the library he sat in a corner reading a
book. He had thus read Lang's American Battles, and frequently
called for the manual of the Consular Service, over Avhich he aaouM
sit pouring for hours. The last book he had read Avas John Rus5ell
Young's Tour of General Grant. Mr, Browne one day said to him :
" I should think if you wanted a place you ought to be up at the
Senate or at the State Department. Some one will get ahead of
you." "I can attend to my oavu affairs." was the rather sullen
retort, and then glancing up .suspiciously, he asked: "Have you
told any one about my place?" Further efforts at couA'ersation
he persistently repulsed.
The possible event of the President's death was a subject of the
gravest anxiety. It was well knoAvn that Vice-President Arthur
had not, in the recent imbroglio betAveen the friends of the ad
ministration and Senator Conkling, been in sympathy with the
President, It Avas to the Senator indeed that General Arthur owed
his nomination. And so among the immediate supporters of .the
President and a large part of the people generally, there were, in
prospect of the Chief Magistrate's death, deep forebodings of a dis
astrous reversal of the policy of the government and a universal
uproar in the circles of office-holding. General Arthur became
the central figure among the possibilities of the future. To the
Vice-President the situation AAas exceedingly trying ; but fortunately
for the good name of the Republic he so demeaned himself as to
win universal respect. His whole bearing from the day of the
crime to the close of the scene was such as to indicate the jirofound-
est sorroAV and anxiety. His forbearance from comment, beyond
giving expression to his grief, was noticed as the result of the ex
ercise of sound common sense under trying circumstances, and the
hasty opinions Avhich had been expressed in many quarters when the

532 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avorst was feared, were quickly revised and recalled.* General Arthur
visited the Executive Mansion on the afternoon of the 5th, and
remained for an hour in conversation with members of the Cabinet,
He did not see the President, the physicians deeming it unwise to
admit him. The members of the Cabinet, however, spoke of him
in terms of Avarm friendliness, feeling that he fully shared with them
the sympathy and sorroAV which they entertained in common with
the Nation at large.
The evening bulletin, issued at half-past eight o'clock, was briefly
as folloAvs :
" 8 : 30 p. M. — The condition of the President continues as favorable as
at the last bulletin. Pulse, 106; temperature, 100.9; respiration, 24. No
further bulletin will be issued till to-morrow morning, unless in case of
an unfavorable change.
"D. W. Bliss, "J. J. Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, " Robert Reyburn."
At eleven o'clock of this (Tuesday) evening. Secretary Blaine
sent out a dispatch announcing, as the result of the day, " a sub
stantial gain,"
The fifth day. — It AA-as now the crisis of summer. The intense
heat was an unfavorable circumstance with Avhich the physicians
in icharge of the AVOunded President had to contend, Wednesday
was ushered in Avith a fearfully high temperature. In order to
relieve the President as far as possible from the oppression caused
by the intense heat, the attending physicians put into operation a
simple refrigerating apparatus, Avhich it AA'as thought would render
the atmosphere of his room much more comfortable than it had
*The only farcical thing which has happened in connection with the dark
tragedy has been the miserable and ludicrous shuffling of the base crowd of office
holders and office-seekers which clung to General Garfield's skirts, denouncing and
abusing General Arthur and his friends until the possibility of his accession to
poAver dawned on the minds of the patriots. The quickness which they displayed
in discovering the latent virtues of the Vice-President and advancing themselves
to the rank of his most ardent supporters, even before the illustrious dead was
consigned to his grave, was a picture full of the most disgusting subserviency of
the place-hunter.

SHOT DOWN.-BETTER SYMPTOMS. 533
been hitherto. It consisted of a number of troughs of galvanized
iron, about ten inches in Avidth and fourteen feet in length, placed
on the floor along the Avails, and filled Avith water and broken ice.
Over these troughs, and corresponding Avith them in length, were
suspended sheets of flannel, the loAver edges of Avhich were immersed
in the ice-Avater Avhich filled the troughs. The water Avas thus
absorbed and carried upward by capillary attraction in the flannel,
as oil is in the Avick of a lamp, until the sheets were saturated.
This cold AA'ater, both by direct contact Avith the air, and by the
rapid evaporation Avhich took place over the extended surface of
the saturated flannel, loAvered the temperature of the room. Very
soon after this apparatus Avas put into operation, it made a per
ceptible change in the temperature, and the President was greatly
refreshed. The morning bulletin Avas given to the public at half-
jiast eight. It said :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President has passed a most comfortable night, and
has slept Avell. His condition has reraained throughout as favorable as
Avhen the last bulletin was issued. The pulse is becoraing less frequent,
and is now 98 ; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 23.
"D. W. Bliss, "J. J. Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, Robert Reyburn."
This was decidedly the best report Avhich the physicians had yet
been able to make. The effect w-as immediate and Avide-spread.
What might almost be called a feeling of confidence supervened;
the channels of trade floAved on, and the people Avere elated at the
prospect of a complete restoration to life and the duties of his
high office of him Avhom their votes had raised to that high emi
nence. In all parts of the Avorld expressions of sympathy con
tinued to be given and transmitted to our Government.
His Majesty, the Emperor of Germany, inquired with great
anxiety about the condition of President Garfield, and directed his
Charge d' Affaires, Count Beust, to inform him thereof by cable.
In consequence of Count Beust's report, His Majesty ordered him
to express to Secretary Blaine his satisfaction on account of the
favorable information, and his best wishes for the speedy recovery

534 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
of the President. Count Beust, in obedience to the wishes of his
Government, and in manifestation of his personal sympathy, called
three times during the day at the ExecutiA-e Mansion.
The noonday bulletin was brief, but satisfactory :
" 12 : 30 p. M. — The President remains quite as comfortable as at the
date of the last bulletin. He takes his nourishment Avell, Pulse, 100;
teraperature, 99.7; respiration, 23,
"D. W, Bliss, "J. J. Woodward,
"J. K, Barnes, "Robert Reyburn,"
Presently, after this report Avas made, the attending physicians
sent to the consulting surgeons a somcAvhat lengthy dispatch,
stating in detail the progress of the President's case. The general
effect of this, as Avell as of the previous bulletin, Avas further to
allay public anxiety and to strengthen the belief that the Presi
dent Avould triumph in the fearful struggle Avhich he Avas making
against the effects of his wound. And to this end, Avhatever the
faith and hope of a great and sincere people could do to alleviate
and save was gladly and earnestly given in sympathy and Avords
of cheer. The bulletin of the evening Avas in the same general
tone as the tAVO preceding. It said :
" 8 : 30 p. M, — The President's condition continues as favorable as at
last report. He has passed a very comfortable day, taking more nour
ishment than yesterday. Pulse, 104; temperature, 100.6; respiration,
23. Unless unfavorable symptoms develop, no further bulletins will be
issued until to-morrow morning,
"D, W, Bliss, "J. J, Woodward,
"J. K. Barnes, " Robert Reyburn,"
Altogether, the day was the least eventful — certainly the least
exciting — of any since the great crime was committed. Discus
sions as to the character of the President's injury, and of the
probable disposition of Guiteau, took the place of those eager
inquiries and indignant comments of the first fcAV days after the
deed Avas done.
The sixth day. — The morning brought nothing in the nature of

SHOT DOWN.— PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IMPROVED.

535

the unexpected, in relation to the President's condition or his sur
roundings. If his chances for recovery had not ad\-anced, they
had at least not become less than on the previous day. Callers at
the White Hou.se came and departed in considerable numbers, and
the natural tendency of the human mind to build high hopes upon
narroAv foundations, served to keep the general public, as Avell as
those haA'ing more intimate relations Avith the President, in ex
cellent spirits. While a
hundred dangers yet sur
rounded the path toAvard
restored health, confidence
that the courageous Chief
Magistrate Avould traA-el
that path in safety, pre
vailed more and more.
During the day Dr. Boyn
ton, of Cleveland, for a
long time the friend of
the President's family,
and recently the attend
ing physician in the case
of Mrs. Garfield's pro
tracted illness, reached
Wa shington, and al
though not invited to be
come one of the con.sult-
ing surgeons, he took his
place as an attendant upon the President, and remained near him
to the end. The morning bulletin was almost sanguine in its tone:
"The President has parsed a most comfortable night, and continues
steadily to improve. He is cheerful, and asks for additional food.
Pulse, 94; temperature, 99.1; respiration, 23. Tiiere wifl be no further
bulletins issued until 1 o'clock,"
This report incited additional hope, and the belief prevailed
more and more, both in medical circles and among the people at

DE. FBANK H. HAMILTON.

536 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
large, that the President would win the battle. One of the epi
sodes of the day was the publication of a letter from Senator Conk
ling, which, though mainly an earnest expression of sympathy for
the President and his family, was largely devoted to the question
as to Avhether a discrimination should not be made in the punish
ment of attempted murder, based on the rank of the person assailed.
The distinction Avas drawn between murder, Avhich seems to re-
• quire the same punishment- whoever may be the victim, and the
attempt to murder. The Senator's letter Avas addressed to Attorney-
General MacVeagh, and was as follows:
"Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Yokk, July 5, 1881.
"My Dear Sir: In the abhorrence with which all decent men alike
shudder at the atterapt to raurder the President, I have given thought to
a matter to which your attention may or may not have turned. Our
criminal code treats premeditated homicide in all cases alike, irrespective
of the victim. Murder being visited by the greatest penalty, perhaps no
distinction between one case and another could be founded on the public
relations held by the person slain. But in case of attempt to murder
broad distinctions can be made betAveen assailing the life of an individual,
and an atterapt to take a life of special value to the whole people. The
shocking occurrence of Saturday I think demands that the definition and
punishment of assaults aimed at high executive officers, Avhether successful
or not, should be made thoroughly rigorous. The man who attempts the
life of the President, if morally responsible, commits an ofiense which the
Nation ought to guard against, and punish by the exertion of all the
power civilized nations may employ. I suggest this as deserving consid
eration, ' ' My profound sympathies are Avith the President, and with all of you
every hour. The conflict of reports keeps hope and fear striving with
each other, with nothing stable except faith and trust, that the AVorst is
overpassed. I Avish you would express to the President my deepest sym
pathy in this hour, Avhich should hush all discords and enlist all prayers
for his safe deliverance. Please also give to Mrs. Garfield my most re
spectful condolence. Trusting that all will be Avell, cordially yours.
' "Roscoe Conkling."
In the early afternoon another bulletin was issued by the sur
geons. The report said:

SHOT DOWN.— CONDITION STILL FAVORABLE.

537

"The condition of the President continues quite as favorable as this
morning. Pulse, 100; temperature, 100.8; respiration, 23. Unless some
unfavorable change should occur no further bidletin Avill be issued until
8:30 p. M."
It was noticed during the day that the preparations made by
the surgeons in attendance on the President indicated their belief
in a long illness, and
the public came to
understand that an
indefinite period of
suspense might be
anticipated. As it re
lated to the criminal,
it Avas clear that he
would simply be held
in custody until such
tirae as might, by the
recoA'cry or death of
his victim, indicate
the technical charac
ter of the crime com
mitted, and the pun
ishment consequent
thereon. The bulle
tins sent abroad by
Secretary Blaine dur
ing the day, espe
cially the one directed
to Minister White at
Berlin, stated that for the preceding thirty-six hours the improve
ment in the President's condition had been .steady and constant^
and the cA'ening report of the attending surgeons was essentially a
repetition of that issued in the afternoon.
The seventh day. — With the morning of Friday there Avas prac
tically no change to record in the President's condition. He had
passed the night as usual, sleeping and Avaking at intervals. The

DB. D. HAYES AGNEW.

538 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
weather AA'as excessively hot. Many contrivances and machines
were invented and offered to the authorities, the purpose of Avhich
was to reduce, by mechanical means, the temperature of the Presi
dent's apartment. Several of these instruments were tried, and
one, invented by Mr. Dorsey, a skillful mining engineer, was se
lected and set up in the Executive Mansion. The temperature of
the room Avhere the patient lay Avas thus brought under control
and reduced to the desired degree. The morning bulletin of the
surgeons was considered especially favorable:
"The condition of the President continues favorable. He is more com
fortable than on any previous morning. Pulse, 96; temperature, 102;
respiration, 23. The wound is beginning to discharge laudable pus."
Soon after this report was issued, hoAvever, there was an unfa
vorable turn in the case, and one of those flurries of excitement,
so common in the subsequent history of the President's progress,
occurred. The President grew restless, and complained of weari
ness. The temperature and pulse and respiration ran up, indicat
ing the presence of considerable fever. This change, however, Avas
explained by the physicians as the necessary concomitant of sup
puration then beginning . in the wound. The noonday bulletin
was brief:
"12:30 p. M.. — The progress of the President's case continues to be
favorable. Pulse, 108; temperature, 101.4; respiration, 24."
One of the marked circumstances attending the tragic event, the
course of which is outlined in these pages, was the universal de
sire of the American people to do something, to contribute towards
the President's recovery. It would be vain to attempt to enu
merate the thousand and one expedients and suggestions which,
out of the goodness of the popular heart, came from every direc
tion. Each out of his own nature added his own gift. The poet
contributed his verse; the physician, his cure; the inventor, his
contrivance ; the gardener, his choicest cluster ; and even the
crazy beldam, her modicum of witchcraft. From the center of
the crowded city to the remotest corners of the prairie the slight
est syllable of indifference to the President's condition Avould have

SHOT DOWN.— LETTERS OF SYMPATHY. 539
been instantly resented — first w-ith a look of contempt and then
Avith a bloAv. The evening bulletin, though pitched in a tone of
encouragement, still indicated fever:
"8 p. M. — The President's condition continues favorable. He has
passed a very comfortable afternoon, and has taken more nutriment than
on previous days. Pulse, 108; temperature, 101.3; respiration, 24. The
conditions continue so favorable that there will be no further bulletin
until to-morrow morning."
During the day a brief but touching dispatch was received from
the surviving members of the family of the»Marquis de LaFayette.
Another message came from St. Petersburg expressing, as Avell it
might, the horror of the Czar and his government for the crime of
assassination.* A third was received from the minister for foreign
affairs of the Argentine Republic, expressing the sorrow of that
government for the great crime Avhich had darkened the annals of
American history.
The eighth day. — A week had now elapsed since the President
was wounded. His condition Avas not materially changed. His
Avill and courage were unimpaired, and the reports of the surgeons
and attendants indicated — indeed positively declared — a continual
improvement. During the day, for the first time since the Presi
dent was wounded, the three younger members of his family were
permitted to visit their father, one at a time. The President had
repeatedly asked for them, but it had not been thought advisable
to gratify his wish before. Vice-President Arthur also called
during the morning.
The morning bulletin appeared as usual, and was as folloAVs:
*One of the follies which prevailed to a greater or less degree in connection
with the shooting of the President, was the attempt to draw a parallel between that
event and the recent killing of the Czar Alexander. There was no parallel at all.
The Czar died in the cause of despotism ; Garfield, in the cause of liberty. The
one was killed by his own people, whose rights he and his House had trampled in
the dust; the other was shot down by a villainous fool who sprang out like a
coiled rattlesnake upon the innocent and beloved ruler ot a free people, who would
have died by thousands to save his life. Let us hear no more of the likeness be
tween the deaths of Garfield and .Alexander II.

540 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
' ' The President has passed a tranquil night, and this morning expresses
himself as feeling quite comfortable. We regard the general progress of
the case as very satisfactory. Pulse, this morning, 100; temperature,
99.4; respiration, 23."
Whatever might be the progress of the President's wound to
wards recovery, there could be no doubt that the vigor of his
mental faculties was nearly up to the standard of health. At
times, indeed, there seemed to be an unusual, and, perhaps, un
natural, exhilaration of his faculties. He heard every thing, and
Avas eager to talk and to read the papers. Of course, all exciting
causes Avcre excluded 'by the physicians, but the President Avas
restless under the restraint. Sometimes he wished to debate ques-
tion§ with his attendants, and, anon, when that was forbidden, he
would indulge in some pleasantry, as was his custom in health.
The surgeons noticed that he managed to convey a great deal in
a fcAV words. Sometimes he comprised sentences into a single
expression. When some one told him that the heart of the peo
ple was in bed with hira, he replied: "Sore heart." He did not
complain, however; not a querulous Avord esca^ied his lips. When
he was inclined to debate propositions, and reasons were given
him why a thing should be thus, he was very ready to point out
any weakness in the reasoning. In a word, the President Avas
himself, and retained possession of all his mental faculties.
The afternoon and evening bulletins Avere issued at the usual
hours. They said:
" 1 p, M. — Tbe condition of the President continues to be favorable.
Pulse, 104; temperature, 101.2; respiration, 22, The next bulletin wiU
be issued at 8 p. m."
"8:15 p. M. — The President's condition has continued favorable during
the day. The febrile reaction does not differ materially from that of yes
terday. Pulse, 108; temperature, 101.9; respiration, 24."
So, after a week of intense anxiety, the tAvilight of Saturday
evening closed around the world, hiding in its folds alike the
hopes and the fears of the people.
The ninth day. — It Avas Sunday again. The Christian jjublic
had, from the first, taken up the President's cause with heartfelt

SHOT DOWN.-THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER. 541
anxiety. Scarcely a pulpit or pew in the land had failed to re
spond in yearning and prayer for his recovery. This anxiety had
been confined to no sect or creed or party. From Romanist to
Free-Churchman it Avas all one voice of sympathy and entreaty
to heaven for the President's life. In greater or less degree, mil'-
ions of men found in themselves a change of feeling, and a groAA'th
of appreciation, of thorough trust and of high regard, as they
looked anxiously to the bedside of the President, His calm res
ignation and readiness to meet death, Avith his cool courage and
uuAvaA'ering resolution to do his best to preserve a life useful and
precious to millions ; his patient endurance of pain, and of all
the restraints deemed essential to his recovery ; his tenderness ot
feeling and his royal strength of Avill, made him loved Avith an
unspeakable love by millions of true-hearted men and Avoraen
throughout the land. It was not too much to say that the week
which had elapsed had lifted the National standard of true Chris
tian manhood for all time to come. The Avhole nation Avas edu
cated by the affliction of one. The people will, perhaps, never
realize how much they learned by the bedside of the wounded
President, In knoAA'ledge of merely material things the whole
Nation grcAv Aviser, It had been studying physical injuries, their
nature and treatment, with such intense interest, that there were
thousands of school-boys who knew more of such subjects than
their fathers did when the crime was committed. This, hoAvever,
was an insignificant part of the knOAvledge gained. Moral cult
ure was advanced; how much, the people could but surmise.
There were millions of men and AVomen Avho realized, as they had
never done before, the value of calm fortitude, resolute will, and
strict obedience in time of trial.
The first bulletin of Sunday morning Avas as folloAvs :
"The President has passed the most comfortable night he has experi
enced since he was AVOunded, sleeping tranquilly, and with few breaks.
The general prdgress of his syraptoras continues to be favorable. Pulse,
106; temperature, 100; respiration, 23."
The church services of the day Avere almo.st exclusively dcA-oted
to sermons on the lessons derived and derivable from the Nation's

542 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
sorroAV, and to prayers for the restoration of the beloved Chief
Magistrate. Lessons not a fcAV Avere draAvn frora the great national
catastrophe, and more particularly from the example which the
afflicted chieftain had set to all the people — an example so full of
patience and courage as to be cited in praise and panegyric for all
tirae to come. For more than a Aveek it had been as if the Nation
Avere sitting at the bedside of a man in sore distress, counting his
pulses, noting his temperature and breathing, and listening for
every whispered Avord. But neither the imminent presence of
death nor the agony of long-continued suffering had drawn from
the President a single Avord of anger or A-indictiveness toAvard
any one. Such a lesson Avas not to be lost on the American peo
ple, and it was clearly foreseen that if his life should be spared,
he AA'Ould rise to an influence over the public mind and destiny
not equaled in the case of any man since the days of Lincoln. In
the early afternoon, and again in the evening, the usual bulletins
came Avith brief but encouraging Avords from the surgeons :
" 1 p. M. — The President's syraptoras continue to be favorable. Pulse,
102; temperature, 100.5; respiration, 22. 7 p. m. — The President's
symptoms continue to make favorable progress. Pulse, 108; terapera
ture, 101.9; respiration, 24."
Unofficial information from the President's bedside was, hoAV-
ever, less favorable than the official reports. Many candid and
cautious observers about the sick-room Avere more apprehensive
than the physicians seemed to be, that the President Avas not so
clearly on the road to recovery as could have been hoped. Among.
the latter was Professor B, A, Hinsdale, of Hiram College, Avho
sent to Cleveland during the day a dispatch for publication among
the old friends of the Garfield family, in which he said :
"The President is by no raeans out of danger, and I do not think it
wise for people to settle down in a belief that he is. Of course Ave have
a strong reason to hope that he will recover, but people ought to reraem
ber that the road to recovery will be a long one, beset Avith many
dangers."

SHOT DOWN.-THE OPPRESSIVE HEAT. 543
One of the peculiarities of the President's case Avas the invariable
cheerfulness of the patient. He seemed to regard it as a part of
his duty to keep those about him in good spirits, and to aid the
physicians in the AA'ork of bringing him through. He frequently
asked to see the bulletins, and sometiraes raade huraorous reraarks
about their contents. His food Avas many times a subject of some
jest, and when it did not suit him, he had his revenge by perpe
trating some pleasant satire about the offending article, or the
cooks Avho had prepared it. On one occasion, the President asked
for a drink, Avhereupon Major Swaim handed him sorae railk, to
AA'hich the physicians had added a small quantity of old rum. The
President, after drinking it, looked at Major SAvaim Avith a dis
satisfied expression, and said : " SAvaim, that's a rum dose, is n't
it?" On other occasions the sufferer spoke gravely, but ahx-avs
hopefully, of his conditions and prospects, expressing the most
earnest hopes for speedy and perfect recovery.
The tenth day. — The weather was still oppressive, and the Pres
ident Avas distressed Avith the heat. The artificial contrivances
hitherto employed to reduce the teraperature of his roora, and to
maintain the same at a given degree, had been but partly success
ful. An effort AA'as uoav made on a more elaborate scale to over
come the heat by artificial means, and thus to furnish the President
as much comfort as a moderate and equable teraperature could
afford. Monday, the eleventh of July, was mostly devoted to this
AVork, Several fire-engines and large cast-iron boilers Avere put in
position near the east basement door of the AVhite House, and car
penters and machinists Avere .set to work putting up apparatus of
enormous proportions, connected with the ventilating raachinery,
Locoraotive head-lights to illurainate the scene Avere supplied, so
that there should be no interruption until the Avork Avas done. The
basis of the refrigerating apparatus was the Jennings raachinc,
heretofore referred to ; but Professor Newcorab and Major Powell
jointly assisted in perfecting some additional appliances for drying
and purifying the air to be admitted to the sick charaber. Several
other devices of an entirely different character were brought to the
attention of the physicians in attendance, and experimental ma-

544

LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.

chinery AA-as set up to exhibit some of them, but they Avere mostly
unsuccessful. The President AAas not aAvare of the efforts of their
inventors to benefit him.
But by means of the Jennings machine an even temperature
of 77° Fahrenheit was preser\'ed in the sick room, and the capacity
of the machinery Avas found
to be sufficient to reduce the
temperature several degrees
lower, if it should be thought
necessary to do so. The Avin-
dows of the President's room
remained open, so that the
air w-hich was forced into his
chamber found ready exit,
thus insuring perfect venti
lation. The bulletin issued by the
surgeons on Monday morn
ing was more encouraging.
The report said:

DK. D. W. BLISS-

provement over that of yesterday,
piration, 22."

"July 11-8 A. M.— The Pres
ident passed a comfortable night,
and his condition shows an im-
Pulse, 98;, temperature, 99.2; res-

The President continued talkative. Only the positive injunc
tion of the physicians could keep him from speaking out on all
subjects that came into his mind. During the day he indulged in
his accustomed pun. To one of his attendants he said, jocosely :
"I wish I could get up on ray feet; I Avould like to see Avhether I
have any backbone left or not ! " The sly backward look at the re
cent political struggle in Avhich his administration had been engaged,
involving the question of the presidential backbone, was not bad
for a sick man battling for his life.
Justly or unjustly, the regular bulletins came to be somewhat

SHOT DOWN.-THE TENTH DAY. 545
di,strustcd by the people. The feeling began to spread that, al
though the naked facts of temperature, pulse, and respiration re
ported in the bulletins Avcre not to be questioned as to their accu-
rac/, yet the comments and construction put by the attending sur
geons upon the facts, were too ro.se-colored to meet the conditions
of exact truth. At the same time this opinion gained ground
with the public, a feeling of quite implicit confidence sprang up
respecting the official reports of the President's condition sent
abroad, more especially in reference to those sent to Lowell, Min
ister at St. James, by Secretary Blaine, These messages from
the principal member of the President's cabinet came, by and by,
to be looked for Avith fully as much confidence as to their accu
racy as did the surgeons' official bulletins. On the 11th of July,
Secretary Blaine sent out one of these messages Avhich gave great
comfort, as follows:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"At the beginning of the tenth day since he Avas Avounded, the symp
toms of the President are all hopeful and favorable. Suppuration goes
on with no higher pulse oi; teraperature than should be expected. His
milk diet, of a pint and a half per day, is relished and digested. His
physical strength keeps up wonderfully, and his raind is entirely clear
and active, without showing excitement. His physicians do not count him
beyond danger, but the general confidence in his recovery is strength
ened every hour, "Blaine, Secretary."
Later in the day, however, the condition of the President was
less favorable than that presented in Mr. Blaine's dispatch, and the
evening bulletin Avas constrained to adrait a higher fever than at
any time previously. The afternoon and evening official reports
were as folloAVs:
" 1 p, M. — The fiivorable progress of the President continues. Pulse,
106; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 24. 7 p. m. — The President has
had rather more fever this afternoon. In other respects, his condition is
unchanged. Pulse, 108; temperature, 102.8; respiration, 24."
*
The eleventh day. — As the President's case progressed, the pub-
35

546 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
lie became diA-ided in their vIcaa-s of the prospect of recovery. Physi
cians themselves disagreed as to both the diagnosis and the treat
ment of the President's injury. The distinguished Dr. Hammond,
of NeAV York, did not hesitate openly to condemn the course pur
sued by the attending surgeons. Other noted physicians, not a
fcAV, held similar opinions ; and a series of able and exhaustive ar
ticles appeared in the New York Herald, criticising with severity
the raethods and vIcaa's of those Avho Avere immediately responsible
for the management of the case. The attending surgeons were
considerably annoyed by these strictures, and many sharp replies
Avere returned to those physicians who, without having personally
exarained the President's wound, ventured to express definite opin
ions on questions which those for more than a Aveek in iraraediate
attendance upon the patient, had been unable to decide. The news
papers also di\'ided, one part of them publishing all the faA-orable,
and the other all the unfavorable news from the sick chamber of
the White House, The former felt called upon to explain aAvay
every unfaA-orable symptom which appeared; and the latter, to be
cloud all the favorable news with doubt. This diA'crsion in public
opinion continued manifest during the remainder of the President's
illness. The first ucavs for Tuesday, the 12th of July, came in the bulle
tins of the surgeons, and Avas as follows :
"8 A. M. — The President is comfortable this morning. Pulse, 96; tem
perature, 99.6; respiration, 22."
In addition to these regular reports of the attending physicians,
much unofficial information of the President's condition Avas con
stantly given to the public through the daily press. Nearly all of
the leading neAvspapers had regular correspondents at the Capital,
and the reports which they sent each day were quite extended and
generally full of interest. These unofficial coraraunicatious were,
in large part, made up of conversations which the reporters held
frora tirae to tirae Avith the surgeons and nurses of the President;
and, although in many cases the news sent out from these sources

SHOT DOWN.-THE ELEVENTH DAY.

547

Avas conflicting and contradictory, yet the public AA'as greatly in
debted to the industry and skill Avith Avhich each morning's accounts
Avere prepared. During the 12th of July, Dr, F, H, Hamilton,
one of the consulting surgeon.s, Avas asked by a reporter of the
Ncav York Tribune to give his opinion of the President's condi
tion. He replied that nothing had occurred Avithin the preceding
tAventy-four hours to cause the alarm that some professed to feel.
The rise in temperature and
increase in pulse had oc
curred for several evenings,
and both were natural at
that time of day, even in a
AA'ell person. He added,
however, that the Presi
dent's condition AA'ould be
more favorable, if these
symptoms Avere absent al
together. There Avas noth
ing discouraging in the offi
cial bulletins, which he
thought were scrupulously
correct, as in the private
intelligence sent hira by the
attending surgeons. He re
peated the assertion that he

SURGEON-GENERAL J. K. BARNES.

made from the begin-

had ning, that every hour that elapsed Avithout more dangerous symp
toms, increased the patient's chances of recovery.
The bulletins of the afternoon and evening were couched in the
usual language ; but it AA'as evident, on critical examination of the
figures, that the construction put by the surgeons upon them, Avas
hardly justified by the facts. The reports said :
" 1 p. M. — The President is passing a comfortable day. Pulse, 100;
temperature, 100.8; respiration, 24, 7p, M,— Puke, 104; temperature,
102.4; respiration, 24."

548 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The twelfth day. — During the second Aveek of the President's
prostration the public mind settled doAvii to the expectation
of a long, tedious illness. The suspense of the first few days
had passed — as such things ahvays pass — and people came to
understand that they must wait until the silent forces of nat
ure should restore, if they ever could restore, the wounded
Chief Magistrate to health. The Wednesday morning bulletin
was of the most cheering kind — more so, for once, than was
expressed in the AVords of the surgeons :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President is doing well this morning. Pulse, 90 ; tem
perature, 98.5 ; respiration, 20. His gradual progress toward recovery is
manifest, and thus far without serious complication."
The temperature of the President's room had now been
completely mastered by artificial means. The degree finally
decided on as most favorable to the patient was 81° Fahrenheit.
About 10,000 cubic feet of fresh air was forced into the room
each hour, and this great volume making its escape through
the open windows Carried aAA'ay all odors and impurities.
The President's wound Avas uoav in full process of suppuration.
This became a heaA'y drain upon his constitutional and re
served forces, and his strength was rapidly depleted. He greAV
Avorse — unable to move his body or even his limbs without
great exertion. At intervals, moreover, the stomach refused
to perform its functions, and there was, in consequence, instant
anxiety on the question of keeping life in the President until
he could get well. The fluid food, upon which only, he Avas
nourished, neither satisfied the longings of nature nor fur
nished sufficient aliment to sustain the flagging powers of life.
Moreover, at this epoch began the great blunder in the President's
treatment. Owing to the mistaken diagnosis of the surgeons the
course of the ball had been altogether misjudged. According
to the theory of the physicians the ball had gone forward
and downward. As soon as the wound began to suppurate
it was found desirable to insert therein a drainage tube to the
end that the discharge might be perfectly free. This tube —

SHOT DOWN.-THE MISTAKEN DIAGNOSIS.

549

though pliable — was, in the process of insertion, constantly so
manipulated by the surgeons as to carry it forward and doAvn-
ward in the supposed track of the ball, rather than horizon
tally to the left, in the real course of the ball. It thus came
to pass that the natural tendency of the pus, making its Avay
to the external opening
of the wound to sink into
-the tissues before reaching
the Avound, was augment
ed by the erroneous theory
and manipulation of the
surgeons. Having once
started an opening down
ward through the tissues,
this Avas immediately
filled Avith pus, and into
this pseudo Avound, at
each insertion in the path
of the burro Aving pus, the
physician's tube AA'as
thrust further and fur
ther. This mistake — al
beit unforeseen and pos
sibly undiscoverable — Avas
the rock on Avhich all
hope of recovery Avas ultimately shivered. The noonday and
evening bulletins came at the appointed hours and were as
follows :
"1 p. M, — ^The President's condition continues favorable. Pulse, 94;
temperature, 100.6; respiration, 22. 7 p. m. — The President has had
less fever this afternoon than either yesterday or the day before. He
continues sloAvly to improve. Pulse, 100; temperature, 101.6; respira
tion, 24."
The large and not very reputable army of busybodies now
made a great discovery. It was the great question of the

DR. J. J. WOODWARD.

550 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
President's " disability " to be President any longer. Certainly
he Avas wounded, stricken down, lying at death's door. He
was disabled; there was no doubt of that. The Constitution
indicates disability of the President as one of the contingen
cies under Avhich the Vice-President shall discharge the duties
of the presidency. But was President Garfield disabled in the
sense contemplated by the framers of the Constitution? Does
that kind of prostration of the bodily poAvers, in which there
is still a prospect of recovery, which leaves the will free to
act, and the mental powers unimpaired, really involve disability?
These were the questions which now came up for public dis
cussion. However they might or should be decided as abstract
questions of constitutional construction, certain it is that, as a
practical issue, there was quite a universal judgment that, as
yet. President Garfield was not "disabled" in the sense of the
Constitution, Such was the temper of the people, moreover,
that they Avould not have patiently brooked any real effort to
make the Vice-President acting Chief Magistrate of the Nation,
The thirteenth day. — Thursday, July 14th, was a quiet day at
the White House, and a like quiet was gradually diffused
through the country. The President was reported as having
gained a little strength — a very desirable thing. The unoffi
cial accounts from the sick chamber were more than usually
encouraging. The reports of the President's condition occu
pied a less conspicuous place in the papers of the day, and
there was less popular discussion. The morning bulletin said.-
"8:30 A. M. — The President has passed a comfortable night and con
tinues to do weU. Pulse, 90; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 22."
Hardly second in interest to the regular bulletins Avere the
dispatches constantly arriving from foreign powers, expressing
either some hope of recovery or asking for the latest news.
On this day, the Secretary of State received the following tele
gram from' Mr. Lowell:
"Blaine, Secretary, Washington:
"I have received the following from the Queen: *I wish to express

SHOT DOWN.— SYMPATHY ABROAD.

551

my great satisfaction at the very favorable accounts of the President,
and hope that he Avill soon be considered out of danger.'
" Lowell, Minister, London."
The Japanese Minister also handed to the Secretary of
State a telegraphic communication which he received from his
Government, of which the following is a copy:
" Yoshida, Japanese Minister, Washington:
"His Majesty was greatly rejoiced to receive your dispatch announc
ing the steady recovery of the President, and commands you to present
his hearty congratulations. "MooYENO, Acting Minister Foreign Affairs, Tokio."
During the day Senator
Conkling, of whose atti
tude towards the Admin
istration so much had been
recently said, again visited
Washington. IntheeA'en-
ing he called at the Ex
ecutive Mansion and hand
ed the usher his card for
Mrs. Garfield, He said he
did not wish to disturb her,
but desired that his sym
pathies might be made
known to her, as well as
his gratification that the
President was recovering
from his wounds.
The afternoon and even
ing bulletins were duly
issued, and gave the following account of the President's
progress :
"1 p. M. — The progress of the President's condition continues to be
satisfactory this raorning. Pulse, 94; teraperature, 98.5 ; respiration, 22,

DR. ROBERT REYBURN.

552 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
7. p. M. — ^The febrile rise this afternoon has been less pronounced, and
has not caused the President so much discorafort. His general condi
tion is good. Pulse, 98; teraperature, 101; respiration, 23."
The interpretation put by the surgeons upon these reports,
and generally — though not universally — accepted by medical
men, was that the so-called " surgical fever," that is, a certain
exacerbation of bodily temperature ahvays noticeable in per
sons recovering from physical injury, had passed its crisis and
Avould soon disappear. This belief was strengthened during
the day by the presence of perspiration and other concomitants
of a waning fever.
For the first time in five days the patient's temperature fell
to the normal degree (98.6°), A neAV drainage pipe of rubber
w^s inserted into the wound to a greater depth than the orig
inal pipe had reached.* The President was able to move
his limbs more easily than heretofore, and in other ways mani
fested his improvement. He asked more frequently about
public affairs, and his curiosity was gratified in matters Avhich
Avould not produce excitement.
Thus day by day the battle went on between the recuper
ative forces of nature and the destructive agency of a dreadful
wound. The fourteenth day. — The improvement in the President's condi
tion, first distinctly manifested about the beginning of this week,
was noAV more marked than hitherto. The patient took food with
relish. The Avound showed signs of healing. The febrile symp
toms during most of the day were wholly AA'anting. Taken all in
all there was a distinct progress toAvard recovery. The morning
bulletin said :
"8:30 a. m. — The President has rested well during the night, is doing
admirably this morning, and takes his food with relish. Pulse, 90; tem
perature, 98.5; respiration, 18."
* Here again was the fatal mistake. Day after day the burrowing pus was aided
on its way downward among the tissues by the disturbing drainage tubes of the
surgeons.

SHOT DOWN.— FAVORABLE REPORTS. 553
The physicians, on the strength of these indications, aeclared in
unofficial conversation that the progress of their distinguished
patient toAvard recovery could not be more satisfactory. So both
surgeons and people fell to the discussion of minor topics instead
of the great question of life or death. One question about which
all were specially curious Avas the location of the ball in the Presi
dent's body. Several electricians thought to determine this matter
by a ncAV application of scientific principles. It was suggested that
the deflection of an electric needle, when brought near to the ball,
could be used as an index of the exact spot Avhere the missile Avas
tidden. Professor Bell, of New York, was specially confident of
success by this method. He Avas firm in the belief that, by the ap
plication of Hughes's induction balance to the surface of the Presi
dent's body, he Avould be able to mark definitely the spot Avhere the
ball lay imbedded. The attending surgeons gave their consent that
the attempt might be made, and it was agreed that as soon as
Professor Bell had completed some modifications in the instrument,
and some experimental tests for the discovery of leaden balls under
similar conditions, the trial should be raade.
The afternoon and evening bulletins of the fourteenth day Avere
of the most encouraging purport:
"1 p. M. — The President continues to do very well this raorning.
Pulse, 94; teraperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — The President
has continued to do Avell during the day. The afternoon fever has been
slighter than on any day since the 3d. Pulse, 98; temperature, 100.4;
respiration, 20."
There was, at this epoch in the history of President Garfield's
case, a good deal of monotony. The regular reports Avere in a
measure duplicates of each other, and the unofficial accounts Avhich
were sent out by the ncAvspaper correspondents were not charac
terized by the sensational quality Avhich marked the early reports
of the tragedy. The people, moreover — and Avith good reason —
grew somewhat suspicious of startling dispatches, for it was found
that the stock jobbers of New York City Avere not uuAvilling to use
the President's condition as a basis of speculation. With sorroAv

554 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
and mortification it Avas discovered that there were men so lost to
the sense of shame as to wager fictitious shares against the hopes
of the Nation and to speculate on a manufactured death-rattle in
the throat of the Republic !
The fifteenth day. — From the beginning of the healing of the
President's Avound, the surgeons had been more or less apprehen
sive that the blood of their patient A\'ould be poisoned by the ab
sorption of purulent matter, and his life be thereby imperiled.
There are tAvo secondary diseases thus likely to arise from the
presence of a wound in the body — pyaemia and septicaemia. The
first of these is by far the most to be dreaded. The malady re
sults from the absorption of the poisonous pus corpuscles into the
circulation Avith the consequent horrors of rigors and burning
fever. The latter disease, septicseraia, is a less fearful complication,
resulting from the absorption of the fluid ichor peculiar to healing
wounds and the infection of the blood thereby. Both of these ills
were to be feared in the case of the President, Day by day went
by, however, and the dreaded symptoms did not appear. The bul
letins of the 16th of July were of a sort to indicate that blood poi
soning was hardly to be apprehended. The reports said:
"8:30 A, M, — The President has passed another good night, and is
steadily progressing toward convalescence. Pulse, 90; temperature,
98.5 ; respiration, 18. 7 p. m, — The President has passed a better day
than any since he was hurt. The afternoon fever is still less than yester
day. His pulse is now 98 ; temperature, 100.2 ; respiration, 19."
In view of the favorable progress of the President's case the sur
geons decided, for the time, to issue bulletins only in the morning
and evening, thus dispensing with the noonday report.
One of the most interesting episodes in connection Avith the as
sassination of the President was the raising of a fund for the sup
port of his family. The enterprise was proposed by Cyrus W.
Field of New York, who headed the subscription Avith |25,000.
The fund Avas for Mrs. Garfield, and was to be hers absolutely in
dependent of any contingencies. It Avas propo.sed that any and all
who felt disposed should add to the sum until the amount conteni-

SHOT DOWN.-THE MRS. GARFIELD FUND. 555
l)lated Avas secured. Then it Avas designed to invest the whole in
Mrs. Garfield's name, the interest to go to her and her family in
perpetuity. Nothwithistanding the strong hopes Avhich were enter
tained of the President's recovery, the subscription was rapidly
augraented Until, before the President's death, the sum had reached
more than $300,000. After the tragedy A\as ended the trustees
having the fund in charge invested $275,000 of the amount in four
per cent. Government bonds, placing the whole to Mrs. Garfield's
credit. It Avas thus that the American people, of their own accord,
raade provision for the wife and children of the great citizen who
had never found time to get riches.
The sixteenth day. — The news on this day opened with the
cheering information that the President Avas now permitted to
order his own meals, and that he was making good use of the
privilege. The day at Washington was one of the least ex
citing in the whole course of the President's illness. The fu
ture was freely discussed — how soon the wounded Chief Mag
istrate might go abroad and what measures should be adopted
for his more rapid restoration to health. The morning and
evening bulletins were almost a mere matter of form :
"8: 30 A. M. — The President continues to improve. He passed an ex
cellent night and has a good appetite. This morning, pulse, 90 ; tem
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — Our expectations of favorable
progress have been fully realized by the manner in Avhich the President
has passed the day. He has taken more solid food and Avith greater rel
ish than hitherto, and his afternoon fever, which is as slight as that of
yesterday, came on later. His pulse is 98; temperature, 100.2; respira
tion, 20."
The informal reports of the day showed, from the conversa'-
tions of the surgeons, that they Avere still in some measure
under the delusion that the ball had passed through the Presi
dent's body and was imbedded in the anterior wall, in a posi
tion of easy removal in the future.
The seventeenth day. — This was similar to the day before.
Notwithstanding the febrile rise of the preceding CA-ening, the

556 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
President Avas reported as having passed a restful night. In the
morning he had a friendly altercation Av-ith the doctors, he con
tending that he raight smoke a cigar and they refusing. He Avas
cheerftil, confident, and strong in the faith that he Avas on the Avay
leading to recovery. The symptoms had a reassuring complexion
in the general view and to the immediate attendants. The Presi
dent felt that he was better, and he said so. There Avas no ques
tion about his fever ; that showed for itself; but it did not lead to
.serious apprehension. Improvement in his condition was what
the people AA'anted to hear about, and they did not expect any
thing else. The great majority had determined upon not hearing
any thing contrary to their hopes, and this feeling was participated
in by the public press. Under these conditions it is not surpris
ing that the physicians, Avho knew just how the popular heart Avas
throbbing, made extraordinary effort to respond to its require
ments. No one accuses them of deception. No one believes they
Avere actuated by any but the best motives in their examinations
and reports. Admitting that a portion of their theory Avas Avrong,
Avho Avill contend that a better theory could have resulted from the
examination of any equivalent number of physicians and surgeons?
This question has been Avidely discussed, Avithout finding a conclu
sion in anywise discreditable to the corps of eminent scientists who
ministered to the sufferings of President Garfield,
The physicians explained to the public that the present feverish-
ness of the patient had arisen from his recent over-eating of solid
food. The more thoughtful, however, who had carefully scanned
the reports for the last fcAv days, Avere not satisfied, and aAAaited
the morning bulletin with a little fear. The report ran thus:
"8 : 30 A. M.— The President has passed another comibrtable night and
is doing well this morning; pulse, 88 ; temperature, 98.4 ; respiration, 18."
This Avas reassuring ; so the people took up the subject of the
thanksgiving which had been proposed by Governor Charles
Foster, of Ohio. During the day a letter was published
from Hon. O, M, Roberts, GoA-ernor of Texas, giving his
hearty approval of what Governor Foster had proposed. An

SHOT DOWN.— SUPPOSED CONVALESCENCE. 557
interesting conversation Avith Dr. Bliss was also reported for
the Eastern press, in the course of Avhich he declared that
the President's Avound was in the healing stage, and that the
track of the ball Avas sloAvly but surely clearing by the processes
of nature. The evening bulletin, however, was not as fair as
had been hoped. It said :
"7 p, M.— The President has had a little more fever this afternoon,
Avhich is regarded as merely a temporary fluctuation. At 1 p. m. his
pulse Avas 98 ; temperature, 98.5 ; respiration, 18. At present his pulse
is 102; teraperature, 100,7; respiration, 21."
The eighteenth day. — Something has already been said of the
Hughes Induction balance with which Professor Bell Avas to
discover the position of the ball in the President's body. The
preliminary experiments had been continued, and the electri
cians had strong hopes of success, but the test had not yet been
made. The press reports of the day were largely devoted to
descriptions of the delicate apparatus which was to enable the
scientists to determine the exact location of the ball. The
great difficulty in the way was the non-susceptibility of lead
to the inductive effect of electricity. Professor Bell and his
co-electricians were, however, quite confident that this obstacle
could be overcome and the position of the ball determined. The
two bulletins of July 19th were as follows:
"8:30 a. m. — ^The President has passed a very good night, arid this
morning he is free from fever, and expresses himself as feeling quite
comfortable. Pulse, 90; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. —
The President has passed an excellent day, and the afternoon fever has
been less than on any day since he Avas Avounded. At 1 p. m. his pulse
was 92 ; teraperature, 98.5 ; respiration, 19. At present his pulse is 96;
temperature, 99.8 ; respiration, 19."
The nineteenth day. — The reports, both official and unofficial,
were of a sort to justify a belief in the early convalescence of
the President — if indeed convalescence had not already super
vened. The fever was so slight as to be scarcely any longer

558 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
noticeable. The President's appetite and spirits were of a sort
to suggest immediate recovery. It was said by the attending
surgeons on the 20th of July, that the wounded man had
passed his best day since his injury Avas received. He was still
represented as Aveak and weary from lying so long in bed. He
was looking forAvard eagerly to the time Avlien he could take
the trip upon the Potomac, and possibly a sea voyage, AA'hich
had been promised him by the middle of August, if he .should
continue to improve. Arrangements were already made so
that the trip might be as safe and comfortable as possible.
The Tallapoosa, a Hnited States steamer, underAvent repairs
and was made ready for service. The Secretary of the Navy
issued orders to put additional men at vA'ork upon her, so that
she might be ready to sail at any time after the 15th of August.
The bulletins of the surgeons were issued as usual, morning
and evening. They said :
"8:30 A. M. — The progress of the President toward recovery contin
ues uninterruptedly. He has passed another quiet night. Pulse this
morning 86; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p. m, — The Presi
dent has passed an excellent day. At 1 p. m. his pulse was 88 ; tem
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At the present time his pulse is 98;
temperature, 99.6 ; respiration, 19."
The twentieth day. — The physicians were unwilling to say that
their patient was out of danger, but they permitted the attend
ants to think so, and the people accepted it as true. At the
morning dressing of the Avound a discovery was made. It was
found that some of the clothing had entered the wound Avith
the bullet. There came away, spontaneously with the pus, from
the deeper part of the Avound, Avhat the surgeons called a
" morsel of clothing," about one-quarter of an inch square. Upon
being examined under the microscope by Dr, Woodward, it was
found to consist chiefly of cotton fibers, with a feAv Avoolen
fibers adhering. It Avas a portion of the President's shirt, with
a few fibers of wool from the coat.
The two bulletins of the day were brief but satisfactory:

SHOT DOWN.— BAD NEWS. 559
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President has had a good night and is doing excel
lently. This morning, pulse, 88; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18.
7 p. M. — The President has had another good day. At 1 p. m. his pulse
Avas 92; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 19. At 7 p. m., pulse, 96; tem
perature, 99.9; respiration, 19."
For some time past the consulting surgeons had not been
called to the President's bedside, but daily reports were made
to them by the physicians in charge. These reports, however,
were but a more extended statement of the facts contained in
the official bulletins, and generally added nothing in the way of
information. The tioenty-first day. — The recovery of the President was now
generally believed to be assured. The surgeons gave it as their
opinion that about the only danger to be apprehended Avas the
prolonged suppuration of the wound. Under the influence of
this drain the President Avas wasting from day to day, and the
amount of food Avhich he was able to take was hardly suffi
cient to supply the waste. Nevertheless he held up well under
this exhaustive process, and although greatly reduced in flesh
and strength, his vital energies did not as yet seem to be -seri
ously impaired. Almost the only item of neAvs Avhich came
from the White House was the someAvhat monotonous bulle
tins, which said :
"8:30 A, M. — The President rested well during the night and is quite
easy this morning. Pulse, 88; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 17.
7:30 p, M, — The progress of the President's case continues Avithout ma
terial change. At 1 p. M. his pulse Avas 98; temperature, 98.4; respi
ration, 18, At 7 p, M., pulse, 98; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 19."
The twenty-second day. — Bad news! The President was Avorse.
The morning bulletin did not appear. At first this fact crea
ted no anxiety, but soon there was alarm. At ten o'clock a
bulletin Avas posted by the surgeons, which said:
" 10 A. M. — ^The President was raore restless last night; but this raorn
ing at 7 A. M., while preparations Avere made to dress his Avound, his

560 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
temperature was found to be normal; pulse, 92; temperature, 98.4;
respiration, 19. At 7 : 30 he had a slight rigor, in consequence of Avhich
the dressing of his Avound was postponed. Reaction foUoAved promptly,
and the dressing has just now been completed. At present his pulse is
110 ; teraperature, 101 ; respiration, 24." .
"Rigor" Avas a bad word. Physicians understood it to por
tend blood poisoning. It Avas remembered, moreover, by the
attendants that for the last two days the President had com
plained of a sense of great fatigue. The symptoms were well
calculated to inspire a fear that the dread pyeemia had made
its appearance. The consulting surgeons Avere immediately
sent for. At half-past eleven the President had another chill,
and the news given to the people in the afternoon papers was
of a kind to create the most serious apprehensions. The even
ing bulletin Avas awaited with the utmost anxiety. In the
towns and cities crowds filled the streets as had happened three
weeks before AA'hen the news came of the assassination. At
seven o'clock the bulletin came as follows :
"7 p. M. — After the bulletin of 10 A. m. the President's fever contin
ued. At 11:30 A, M, he again had a slight rigor, and his temperature
subsequently rose, until, at 12 : 30 p, m. it Avas 104, Avith pulse 125, res
piration, 26. BetAveen this time and 1 p. m. perspiration made its ap
pearance, and the temperature began to fall gradually. It is noAv 101.7;
pulse, 118; respiration, 25."
Soon after this bulletin was made public, Drs, Agnew and
Hamilton reached Washington, but it was thought not best to
disturb the President further, and so no consultation Avas held
until the morrow.
The twenty-third day. — This was an anxious day in Washington
and throughout the country. With the coming of morning it was
learned that during the night the President had had another chill.
It also transpired that at the evening dressing of the vA'Ound, the
physicians discovered in the region below where the ball had en
tered, a pus sac, that is, an accumulation of purulent matter in a
cavity inclosed in the tissues of the back. At nine o'clock there

SHOT DOWN.— A SURGICAL OPERATION.

561

was an examination by. the attending and consulting surgeons,
an an operation Avas determined upon. An incision Avas accord
ingly made about tAvo inches in length, an inch and a half in
depth, reaching dow n
to the bottom of the
cavity or sac. It Avas
about three inches be-
loAV the AA'ound and
farther back toward
the spine, A large
drainage tube was lu-
serted, and in the after-
i

noon, when the wound
was again dressed, it
was found that the pus
Avas escaping from the
tube and not from the
old w-ound at all.
In making this arti
ficial opening some
farther discoveries
Avere made regard
ing the character o^ the wound. It Avas found that the
eleventh rib had suffered a compound fracture, being
broketi iu two places. The piece of bone thus displaced
36

SCENE IN THE SICK CHAMEEE.

562 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Avas driven iuAvards from its natural position. This the sur
geons restored to its place, and it was decided that in a few
days the old opening, AA'here the ball had entered, should be al-
loAved to heal, leaA-ing only the orifice made by the surgeons.
During the operation the President displayed his usual cour
age. He neither flinched nor moved, though nothing was
given him in the nature of an ansesthetie. Probes were thrust
doAA-n through the old wound to the bottom of the pocket, and
against these probes the surgeons cut their AA-ay to the lower
end of the sac. The operation thus performed Avas in every
way successful. The beneficial effects Avere immediately appar
ent iu an improved condition of the sufferer. The bulletin is
sued by the surgeons in the evening was as follow-s:
" 7 p. M. — The President has been much relieved by the operation of
this morning, and the pus has been discharging satisfactorily through the
new opening. At noon to-day his pulse was 118; temperature, 99.8;
respiration, 24. At present his pulse is 104 ; temperature, 99.2 ; respi
ration, 23."
The unofficial conversations of the surgoons with reporters and
others Avas to the effect that, taken all in all, the prospects for the
President's ultiraate recovery were not lessened by the cA'cnts of
the last tw-o days.
The twenty-fourth day. — The news Avas somewhat reassuring.
There had been no very marked change in the President's condi
tion, either for better or Avorse. But he had passed a compara
tively comfortable night, sleeping at intervals, and suffering no
recurrence of the chill. The operation performed had entailed no
serious consequence, and the outlook again began to be hopefiil.
The surgeon's bulletins were of a sort to cheer rather than dis
courage. They said :
"8: 30 A. M. — The President has passed a more comfortable night, and
has had no rigor since that reported in the bulletin of yesterday morning.
He is doing Avell this raorning. Pulse, 96; temperature, 98.4; respira
tion, 18. 7 p. M. — The President has done well during the day. His
afternoon fever did not come on until after three o'clock. It i« some-

SHOT DOWN.— SENSATIONAL DISPATCHES. 563
what higher than yesterday, but there has been no chill. At noon his
pulse was 104; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 20, At 7 p, M, his pulse
Avas 110 ; temperature, 101 ; respiration, 24."
The attendants upon the President who Avere often at the bedside,
and had every opportunity of judging of the general course of the
ca.se, and also the raembers of the Cabinet, reiterated in many in-
fornuil conversations the views expressed officially by the surgeons
in charge. None the less, to one who could read between the lines
and could not be bloAvn hot or cold with every rumor, it was
clear, even from the surgeons' bulletins, that the recovery of the
President Avas still problematical,
Tlie twenty-fifth day. — The reports for Tuesday, July 26th, .shoAved
that the President Avas gaining ground, and that he had in a good
measure realized the relief hoped for from the operation of the
previous Sunday, This belief Avas plainly present in the disi^atch
of the cool-headed Mr. Blaine. He said:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"At 11 o'clock p. M. the President's physicians report temperature and
respiration normal, and pulse, 96 — best report at same hour for five
nights. The entire day has been most encouraging, and a feeling of con
fidence is rapidly returning. " Blaine, Secretary."
This dispatch of the Secretary of State was, of course, based upon
the official bulletins of the surgeons, Avho said in their reports for
the day:
" 8 : 30 A. M.— The President Avas somCAvhat restless during the night,
and the fever which had subsided after the last bulletin rose again about
midnight, and continued till three o'clock, after which it again subsided.
He is now about as well as yesterday |t the sarae hour. Pulse, 102 ;
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p. m.— The President has done
Avell during the day. At noon his pulse was 106; temperature, 98.4;
respiration, 19. At 7 p. m. pulse, 104; temperature, 100.7; respiration,
22." One of the distressing features of the times was the presence
in Washington of great numbers of irresponsible newspaper cor
respondents AA'ho shamed their in-ofession by the publication of

564 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
whatever carae uppermost. The Capital appeared to be at the
mercy of sensational rumor-mongers, and they made the most of
their opportunity. According to them, the doctors had said that
the President AA'ould not live an hour; mortification had set in; an
important surgical operation had been necessary, and the result
had been unsatisfactory ; the surgeons refused to give any infor
mation concerning it or the President's condition ; it had been de
cided by the surgeons that an attempt must at once be made to
find and extract the bullet as a last desperate effort to save the
President's life ; the flag on the building occupied by the Depart
ment of Justice Avas at half-mast, as a sign of the President's
death, etc.
The. twenty-sixth day. — There could be no doubt that the reports
of the 27th indicated a marked improvement in the President's
jcondition. He continued all day Avithout fever. The bulletins
were unequivocal :
"8 A. M. — The President slept SAveetly last night frora about 8 p. ji.
to 5 A. M., Avith but a slight break of short duration at 11 p. m. There
have been no rigors. He takes his nourishment Avell, and his general
condition is iraproving. He expresses himself as feeling better and more
rested. Pulse, 94; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 12:30 p. m. —
The President's wound Avas dressed just after the raorning bulletin was
issued. Since then he has rested quietly, and takes his nourishment
readily and Avithout gastric disturbance. At present his pulse is 90;
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — The President is still rest
ing quietly. He has been able to take raore nourishment to-day than
for several days past, and, up to the present hour, has had no febrile rise
of temperature. His wound has just been dressed. It looks Avell, and
has continued to discharge healthy pus in sufficient quantity during the
day. His pulse is noAV 95; teJiperature, 98.5; respiration, 20."
The neAvs sent abroad by Secretary Blaine to Minister Lowell
was of the same tenor. The dispatch said :
"LoAVELL, Minister, London.
"At 11 o'clock p. M. the President's physicians gave a most favorable
account of his condition. There is a conspicuous improvement in his

SHOT DOWN.— CHANGE OF ROOMS. 565
digestion and in the restfulness of his sleep. We are by no means re
lieved from anxiety, but are groAving more hopeful. "Blaine, Secretary."
In a conversation during the day. Dr. Bliss, referring to the out
look, said: "There is only one more danger to be apprehended in
the President's case. That danger is pyaemia, and it is not likely
to occur for a long time ; and we are extremely confident, almost
certain, that it will not occur at all. The President is doing very,
very Avell. We could not hope to have him do better. His sleep
last night was the best that he has had since he Avas wounded."
The twenty-seventh day. — The incident of the day was the re
moval of the President from his room, in order that the apart
ment might be thoroughly cleaned and aired. The removal Avas
effected without difficulty, and the President remained in the
adjacent room until five o'clock in the afternoon, when he Avas
quietly returned to his own charaber. He greatly enjoyed the
slight change of scene thus afforded, and Avas much pleased Avith
the maneuver by Avhich his room had been brought to order. His
spirits Avere revived not a little, and an improvement in his appe
tite was again thankfully noted. The official bulletins of the day
were as follows:
"8 A. M. — The President rested well during the night, and no rigor
or febrile disturbance has occurred since the bulletin of yesterday even
ing. This morning the iraproveraent of his general condition is distinctly
perceptible. He appears refreshed by his night's rest, and expresses him
self cheerfully as to his condition. Pulse, 92; temperature, 98.4: respi
ration, 18. 12: 20 p. M. — The President bore the dressing of his Avound
this morning with less fatigue than hitherto. It appears Avell and is dis
charging sufficiently. His pulse is noAv 94; teraperature, 98.5; respira
tion, 18. 7 p. M. — The President has passed a pleasant day, and has
taken his nourishraent Avith apparent relish. His teraperature continued
normal until about 5 o'clock, Avhen a moderate afternoon rise occurred,
which, hoAvever, gives the patient but slight discomfort, and causes no
anxiety. At present his pulse is 104; temperature, 100.5; respira
tion, 20."
During the day a sensational report AA'as started to the effect that

566 LLFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Dr. Agnew — in whose skill as a surgeon the people had come to
have the greatest confidence — had said that the President's life
could not be saved unless the ball was excised at an early day.
This rumor, how-ever, w-as promptly denied, as were also some
alleged unfaA-orable remarks of Dr, Hamilton. About this tirae,
hoAvever, sorae eminent surgeons — notably Dr. Hammond, of NeAv
York City — began to express, and even to publish, A'ery serious
strictures upon the A-iews and treatment adopted by the attending
and consulting physicians of the President ; and, in some instances,
the reasoning of the critics seemed to be so well borne out by the
facts as to put the medical and surgical skill of those who managed
the President's case to a AcrA- hard strain.
The twenty-eighth day. — On the 29th of July a Cabinet meeting,
at which all the merabers except Attorney-General ^lac Veagh w-ere
present, was held at the White House, Public matters were dis
cussed, and certain routine official business disposed of in the usual
Avay, All this indicated a belief, on the part of the members, that
the President Avas on the road to recovery. There was, hoAvever,
no marked change in his condition or prospects. He had passed
a comfortable night — so said the attendants — and the afternoon
fever AAas less pronounced than on the previous day. The three
bulletins of the surgeons contained about the only information
w-hich could be obtained of the progress of the distinguished pa
tient. They were as foUoAvs:
"8: 30 A. M. — Immediately after the evening dressing yesterday the
President's afternoon fever began gradually to subside. He slept well
during the night, and this morning is free from fever, looks well, and
expresses himself cheerfully. A moderate rise of temperature in the
afternoon is to be anticipated for some days to come. At j^rcsent his
pulse is 92; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 2 : 30 p. m. — The Presi
dent bore the dressing of his wound well this morning, and exhibited
very little fatigue after its completion. He rests well, and takes an ade
quate quantity of nourishment. At present hi? pulse is 98; tempera
ture, 98.4; respiration, 19. 7 p. m. — The President has been comforta
ble and cheerful during the day, and has had quite a nap since the noon
bulletin was issued. At present his pulse is 98 ; temperature, 100 ; res
piration, 20."

SHOT DOWN.-MALARIA. 567
To these reports very little can be added for the day, except
the confiriiKitlon of their substance in the evening dispatch of
Secretary Blaine, AA-hich Avas as foUoAA's :
"Lowell, Minititer, London:
" The President's afternoon fever was less to-day than yesterday, and
at this hour — half past 11 p. m. — has almost disappeared. Temperature
very nearly normal. His Avound is in a healthy condition, and he is
doing well in all respects. His physicians are greatly encouraged.
"Blaine, Secretary."
The turnty-ninth day. — With the raorning of the 30th of July
carae the report of a farther — though slight — iraproveraent in the
President's condition. He Avas said to haA'C Avaked carlv in the
morning after a refreshing sleep. He showed no fatigue from the
dressing of the AA'Ound in the course of the forenoon, and ate Avith
relish a moderate quantity of solid food. He AA'as able, Avith the
aid of a contriA'ancc placed under the mattress, partly to sit up in
bed. The afternoon rise in temperature AA'as moderate. Several
times during the President's illness the question of malarious in
fluences about the White House, as affecting his prospects of re
covery, AA'as discussed by the physicians and the general public.
It was noticed that several of the employes had been taken sick
in a Avay to indicate malaria in the surroundings. The condition
of the ExecutiA'e Mansion itself AA'as reported as being unfavorable
to health. So the question of removing the President to a more
healthful place AA'as again raised and seriously debated by the sur
geons. Dr. Bliss, AA'ho vA-as a member of the Washington Board
of Health, Avhich several years before, after a long struggle, had
succeeded in having a large number of disease-breeding tene
ment-houses reraoA-cd, AA*as very emphatic in his condemnation
of the " conveniences " of the White House, and said the family
of the Presideut should be removed AA'hile engineers should
overhaul and renoA-ate the entire plumbing arrangements of the
premises. Of course all possible means are taken to keep the unhealthy
influence arising from this condition of affairs from the sick-room
of the President; and the closed doors, together Avith the elaborate

568 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
neAV ventilating apparatus, Avcre believed to furnish ample pro
tection. ]\Ir, Blaine, in his night dispatch to Minister Loaa'cH, spoke
encouragingly of the situation, and the official bulletins were
pitched in the usual hopeful key:
"8:30 .A. M. — The President enjoyed a refreshing sleep during the
greater part of the night. A gradual improvement of his general condi
tion in all particulars is observable, and is recognized by himself. His
pulse is noAv92; teraperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. 12:30 p. m. — The
President shoAved no fatigue frora the dressing of his AVOund this morning.
His general condition continues gradually to iraprove. A moderate
quantity of solid food has been added to his nourishment, and was eaten
Avith relish. At present his pulse is 98 ; temperature, 98.5; respiration,
20. 7 p. M. — The President has passed the day comfortably and Avithout
draAvback or unpleasant symptoms. The afternoon rise of temperature
is moderate, and did not comraence until about 5 o'clock. At present
his pulse is 104; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 20,"
The thirtieth day. — The physicians again found time to discuss
the location of the ball in the President's body. The majority had
still held the opinion that the missile had passed through the peri
toneal cavity, and was lodged in the front wall of the abdomen.
In a dispatch of the day, it Avas even alleged that the surgeons
Avere uoav agreed in this opinion.
It Avas believed that the black-and-blue spot, AA'hich had been
visible on the right side of the abdomen for several days after the
President received his injury, marked the bullet's location, and this
theory Avas apparently confirmed by such results as had thus far
been obtained with the induction balance, HoAVCA'cr this might
be, it Avas said by the physicians, with much confidence, that the
ball Avas, by this stage of progress, encysted, and that not much
further trouble would or could arise from its presence in the body.
The bulletins of the thirtieth day were as follows :
"8:30 A. M. — The President slept well during the night, and aAvoke
refreshed this morning. His appearance and expression this morning
indicate continued iraproveraent. At present his pulse is 94 ; tempera-

SHOT DOWN.-THE INDUCTION BALANCE. 569
ture, 98.4; respiration, 18. 12:30 p. m. — The President bore the morn
ing dressing of the Avound Avithout fatigue. It continues to look Avell and
discharge adequately. The quantity of nourishment noAV taken daily is
regarded as quite sufficient to support his system and favor the gradual
increase in strength, which is plainly observable. At present his pulse
is 100; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 19. 7 p. M.— The President has
passed .in excellent day. The afternoon rise of temperature has been
quite insignificant. At present his pulse is 104 ; temperature, 99 ; res
piration, 20."
On this day it was announced that Professor Bell had cora
pleted his instrument for determining the location of the ball. A
description of the apparatus was given to the public, which, though
couched in scientific language, may prove of interest to the general
reader. The induced electrical current, and the interference there
with by the presence of a metallic body, Avere the fundaraental
facts of the invention. The instruraent consisted of tAvo circular
primary coils of insulated copper three inches in diameter and
half an inch in thickness, the one being con.structed of No, 19
wire, and containing between seven and eight ohms of resistance,
forming the priraary coil, and the other of No, 28 or 30 Avirc,
giving more than eighty ohms of resistance, forming the secondary
coil, the tAVO being connected in separate raetallic circuits. In the
circuit Avith the forraer there Avas placed an electrical battery and a
spring vibrator, the latter so adjusted as to make a very rapid series
of " breaks " of the circuit, sending a hundred or more electrical
pulsations over the circuit and around the priraary coil of Avire per
second. A hand telephone only was placed in the circuit Avith the
secondary coil. The batteries being connected, and the vibrator
set in motion, the secondary coil was placed so as to cover the
primary, and the operator having the telephone at his ear, hears
the pulsations of the primary current sent through the vibrator
Avith each motion of its spring, an induced current being produced
in the secondary coil by its contiguity with the primary.
Up to this point the ground traversed had been familiar to all
electricians for many years. Professor Bell's discovery, which raade
the subject of special interest, consisted in the fact that if the

570 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
.secondary coil be gradually turned to one side, so as to uncover a
portion of its primary, the inductive effects and the resultant tone
from the vibrator diminish until a point is reached, Avhere only
about one-third of the surface of the secondary coil remaining
upon the priraary coil, the sound-producing effect of the in
duction ceased altogether. If the secondary coil be moved be
yond the point of silence the sonorous results become immedi
ately apparent.
At the point of silence it was discovered that that portion of
the secondary, which still covered an equal portion of its primary,
Avas very sensitive to the presence of metallic substances not con
nected in any Avay with the circuits of Avhich the tAvo coils formed
a portion, disclosing their proximity by making again audible
the sounds from the vibrator. The results obtained from this
instrument Avere equal to those given by the Hughes balance, but
the latter furnishing a more convenient form for general use, it
Avas first adopted as the basis of experiments.
Such was the instrument Avhich the electricians completed, but
Avould it work in practically discovering the place of the ball?
It was determined that on the morrow the apparatus should be
tested. The thirty-first day. — Tavo things on this day occupied the public
attention : First, the regular reports ; and second, the experiments
of Professor Bell. The bulletins were as folloAvs :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President slept Avell during the night, and this
raorning is cheerful, and expresses hiraself as feeling better than at any
time since he was hurt. He appears stronger, and has evidently made
progress toAvard recovery during the last few days. His pulse is noAv 94;
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 12 : 30 p. m. — The President's wound
continues to do well. At the morning dressing it Avas found to be in all
respects iu a satisfactory condition. At present his pulse is 100 ; tem
perature, 98.4; respiration, 19. 7 p. M. — The President has taken
nourishraent Avell and in sufficient quantity, and in all respects continues
to do Avell. The rise of teraperature this afternoon is slight. At present
his pulse is 104; temperature, 99.5; respiration, 20."
After the morning dressing of the President's Avound, it was

SHOT DOWN.-THE INDUCTION BALANCE. 571
decided to make a formal trial of the induction apparatus for de
termining, if pos.sible, the location of the fatal bullet. Professor
Bell was accordingly brought, Avith his instruraent, to the Presi
dent's bedside, and there conducted his experiraents. Later in
the day he wrote out and presented to the surgeons an official re
port of the results, as foUoAvs:
" VoLTA Laboratory, 1,221, Connecticut Avenue,!
" Washington, August 1, 1881. j
"To the Surgeons in attendance upon President Garfield:
•' Gentlemen — I beg to submit for your information a brief statement of the
results obtained with the new form of induction balance in the experiments made
ihis morning for the purpose of locating the bullet in the person of the President.
The instrument was tested for sensitiveness several times during the course of the
experiments, and it Avas found to respond Avell to the presentation of a flattened
bullet at a distance of about four inches from the coils. When the exploring coils
were pa.ssed over that part of the abdomen where a sonorous spot was observed in
the experiments made on July 26, a feeble tone was perceived, but the effect was
audible a considerable distance around this spot. The sounds were too feeble to be
entirely satisfactory, as I had reason to expect, from the extreme sensitiveness of the
instrument, a much more marked effect. In order to ascertain whether similar
sounds might not be obtained in other localities, I explored the whole right side
and back below the point of entrance of the bullet, but no part gave indications of
the presence of metal, except an area of about two inches in diameter, containing
within it the spot previously found to be sonorous. The experiments were repeated
by Mr. Taintor, who obtained exactly corresponding results. We are therefore
justified in concluding that the ball is located within the above-named area. In
our preliminary experiments we found that a bullet like the one in question, when
in its normal shape, produced no audible effect beyond a distance of two and a-half
inches; while the same bullet, flattened and presented with its face parallel to the
plane of the coils, gave indications up to a distance of five inches. The same flat
tened bullet, held with its face perpendicular to the plane of the coils, produced no
sound beyond a distance of one inch. The facts show that in ignorance of the
actual shape and mode of presentation of the bullet to the exploring instrument,
the depth at which the bullet lies beneath the surface can not be determined from
our experiments, I am, gentlemen, yours truly,
"Alexander Graham Bell."-
The thirty-second day. — Less space Avas given to-day in the pub
lic press to reports of the President's progress than on any previous
*In the light of the discoveries made at the examination of the President's
body, after death, it Avould not appear that the Induction Balance, viewed as an
agent to determine the position of concealed balls of metal— especially lead— ia
an instrument calculated to improve the reputation of science or scientific men.

572 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
day since the assassination. An incident of the hour was the re
ception by Mrs. Garfield of a draft for a hundred pounds sterling,
sent by the Disciples, of England, to aid in the reconstruction of
the church in Washington where the President was in the habit
of attending worship. The reports for the day were of the same
general tenor which they had borne since the surgical operation
of the 25th July. The bulletins were as follows :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President passed a very pleasant night, and slept
sweetly the greater part of the time. This morning he awoke refreshed,
and appears corafortable and cheerful. Pulse, 94 ; temperature, 98. 4 ;
respiration, 18. 12 : 30 p. m. — The President is passing the day com
fortably. At the morning dres.sing his AVOund was found to be doing
admirably. His pulse is now 99; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 19.
7 p. M. — The President has continued to progress favorably during the
day, and appears perceptibly better in his general condition than yester
day, a more natural tone of voice being especially perceptible. At pres
ent his pulse is 104; temperature, 100; respiration, 20.
The thirty-third day. — " President Garfield continues," says the
New York Tribune, "to gain steadily. In a fortnight more, if all
goes Avell with him, he will probably be able to sit up and give
some attention to the business Avhich awaits his action. He is still
very weak, but when the healing process in his wound is well
begun, he will, no doubt, gain strength rapidly," Such was the
opinion of the country. The physicians in charge, and the attend
ants upon the President, all seemed to believe confidently in his
early convalescence. The most noticeable change in his condition
was the return of his voice to its AA'onted fullness and resonance.
His attendants said that the change in this respect had been very
marked as compared Avith three or four days previous. The quan
tity of morphine given by the physicians, in order to produce
sound sleep, had uoav been reduced to one-eighth of a grain daily,
and the President waj able to take more than the usual amount
of nourishment, including beefsteak, milk, meat extract, toast sat
urated with beef juice, and a little coffee. His strength had in
creased, and he was able already to do more in the Avay of turning

SHOT DOWN.— HOPEFUL SURGEONS. 573
himself in bed, and helping others to raise his body, than* the
surgeons thought it prudent to alloAv,
The bulletins of the day were in every way satisfactory and
encouraging :
8 : 30 A. M. —The President slept tranquilly the greater part of the
night. This morning his temperature is normal, and his general condi
tion is satisfiictory. Another day of favorable progress is anticipated.
At present his pulse is 90; temperature, 96.4; respiration, 18. 12:30
p. M. — The President continues to progress steadily toward convales
cence. He has taken to-day an increased proportion of solid food. His
wound is doing well, and his general condition is better than yesterday.
At present his pulse is 100; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 19. 7 p.
M. — The President has passed a very satisfactory day. The rise of tem
perature this afternoon is slight. At present his pulse is 102 ; tempera
ture, 99.4; respiration, 19,
The proposed removal of the President from the White House
Avas again under discussion. It Avas decided, howe\'er, to do noth
ing definite in regard to such removal until he could himself be
taken into the counsel of the physicians, and indicate his prefer
ence, Tavo plans had thus far been discussed : one to take him
upon a naval vessel, and depart for any point upon the coast where
the surroundings seemed to promise most for his physical improve
ment; the other, to take him to the Soldiers' Home, three railes
from the White House, and keep him there until he should be
able to make the journey by rail to Mentor, his Ohio home.
The. thirty-fourth day. — No ncAvs of interest to-day. The space
allotted in the newspapers to accounts of the progress and condi
tion of the President was still further reduced. In conversation
about the President's condition. Dr. Hamilton was reported to
have discussed the situation quite freely, and expressed the opinion
that President Garfield Avas advancing toAvard recovery in a ver)
satisfactory manner. In reply to the direct question: "Do you
think the President will recover?" the Doctor said: "I have no
doubt whatever of his ultimate recovery." Dr, Hamilton also
.expressed the opinion that there Avas no malaria in the patient's

574 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
system. In response to interrogatories relative to moving the
patient fiom the Executive Mansion, the doctor said that nothing
could yet be determined, as the President Avas in no condition to
be moved. He thought, however, when the proper time arrived,
that a trip doAvn the Potomac would be decidedly beneficial, and
would hasten his recovery.
In accordance Avith the custom which the physicians had now
adopted, only two bulletins Avere issued during the day, and they
Avere of a sort to create no excitement,
" 8: 30 A. M. — The President continues to iraprove. He slept well dur
ing the night, and this morning looks and expresses himself cheerfully.
Another satisfactory day is anticipated. At present his pulse is 90 ; tem
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — As the raorning bulletin indi
cated Avould probably be the case, the President has passed another good
day Avithout drawback or unpleasant symptoms of any kind. At 10:30
p. M. his pulse Avas 96; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18, The after
noon rise of temperature came on late and was moderate in degree,
Noav his pulse is 102; temperature, 100.2; respiration,, 19."
Thus from day to day, and from week to week, the time wore
on, the people regarding it merely as a matter of time when their
beloved President Avould be restored to life and health. At this
date they did not anticipate an alternative issue.
The thirty-fifth day. — In the leading papers of August 5th, no
more than a quarter of a column was devoted to President Gar
field, The citizens of Newport, Rhode Island, sent, through the
mayor of the city, an invitation to the President to come to their
famous resort as soon as his wound would permit, and to remain
as their guest until complete recovery. The bulletins of the day
contained the only information. They said :
"8: 30 A, M, — The President slept natur.illy the greater part of the
night, although he has taken no morphia during the last twenty-four
hours. His improved condition warranted, several days ago, a diminu
tion in the quantity of morphia administered hypodermically at bed
time, and it Avas reduced at first to one-twelfth and after\A'ard to one-
sixteenth of a grain in the twenty-four hours, without any consequent
unpleasant result, and finally has been altogether dispensed Avith. His

SHOT DOWN.— HOPEFUL INDICATIONS. 575
vondition this raorning exhibits continued improvement, and another
good day is anticipated. At present his pulse is 88; temperature, 98.4;
respiration, 18. ,7 p. m. — The President has passed another good day.
He has taken an adequate quantity of nourishment, and has had several
l)leasant naps during the day. At 12:30 p. m. his pulse Avas 98; tera
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18, After 4 p. m. his temperature began to
rise as usual, but to a moderate degree and Avithout perceptible dryness
of skin. His pulse is 102; teraperature, 100.4; respiration, 19.
Tlie thirty-sixth day. — The public had uoav accepted, with abid
ing trust, the oft-repeated assurances of the surgeons that the
President Avas on the road to health. The White House, frora
being the center of interest for the people of the Avhole country,
as it had been tAvo Aveeks before, had becorae the dullest place in
Washington. Doctors carae in and went out, and casual inquirers
continued their visits. The military guards patrolled the space in
front of the one gate through which access Avas had to the grounds,
but beyond this nothing in the appearance or surroundings of the
place indicated that public attention was, in any ijiarked degree,
turned in that direction. Great interest in the progress of the
case continued, but it Avas not so intense and all-absorbing* as
hitherto. The bulletins Avere again the only ucavs:
"8:30 A. M. — The President has passed an excellent night, sleeping
SAveetly the greater part of the time. This raorning he is cheerful, and
all the indications promise another favorable day. Pulse, 92 ; tempera
ture, 98.4; respiration, 18. 7 p, m. — The President passed a comfort
able morning, his syraptoras and general condition being quite satisfac
tory. At 12:30 p, M. his pulse was 100; teraperature, 98.5 ; respiration,
19. The afternoon rise of temperature began as late as yesterday, but
has been higher, though unaccompanied by dryness of skin. At 7 p. m.
his pulse was 102 ; temperature, 101.8 ; respiration, 19. The appearance
of the wound at the evening dressing Avas, however, good, and there has
been no interruption to the flow of pus."
The thirty-seventh day. — The 7th of August was probably the
most quiet day since the President Avas Avounded. There Avas
some comment about the city regarding the information contained
in the morning bulletin, the language of Avhich Avas, that the Presi-

576 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
dent "this morning is in good condition, although the effects of
the febrile disturbance of yesterday are still slightly perceptible in
pulse and temperature." Many persons construed this sentence as
indicative of unfavorable symptoms; but the general public ac
cepted it as reassuring, and consequently there Avere but few inqui
ries at the Mansion in the course of the day.
Within a narroAver and better informed circle it was suspected
that another pus sac was forming in the President's body, but the
opinion did not, for the time, obtain publicity. The two' official
bulletins of the day were as folloAvs :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — Shortly after the bulletin of last evening was issued the
President fell into a pleasant sleep, during Avhich the febrile rise subsided
and Avas no longer perceptible when he awoke at 10 p. m. Subsequently he
slept well, though with occasional breaks during the rest of the night. No
morphia or other anodyne Avas administered. This morning he is in good
condition, although the effects of the febrile disturbance of yesterday are
still slightly perceptible in pulse and temperature. At present his pulse
is 96; temperature, 98.7; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — The President has
been comfortable during the day, although his temperature began to rise
earlier than yesterday, and rose almost as high. At 12 : 30 p. m. his
pulse Avas 104 ; temperature, 100 ; respiration, 20. At this hour his
pulse is 104; temperature, 101.2; respiration, 20. He has taken nour
ishment as usual, and has had several refreshing naps during the day."
One of the unofficial reports of the day Avas to the effect that an
effort Avas making to trace out exactly the course of the wound,
and that to this end an instrument, called the electric probe, Avas
to be inserted in the track of the ball. Professor Taintor Avas
called to the Executive Mansion late in the afternoon to consult
Avith the attending surgeons regarding the use of the electric probe.
After the consultation, he was requested to return in the morning
and to bring with him a battery of tAA'o cells. The purpose Avas,
should it be determined to experiment with the instrument, to
endeavor to ascertain the exact course of the Avound from the
surface of the body to the spot Avhere the ball was lodged, and if
possible to discover Avhether there Avas a pus cavity, and, if so,
its exact location.

SHOT DOWN.— ANOTHER OPERATION. 577
The thirty-tighth day. — On this morning the physicians held a
consultation. The question of the President's afternoon fever was
discussed, and Dr, AgncAV Avas reported as having urged upon
the surgeons the fact that the febrile rise Avas greater and more
persistent than it should be if occasioned by the natural and inevi
table processes of healing. The opinion Avas freely expressed that
the channel of the Avound Avas in some measure obstructed, and the
propriety of a second operation to relieve the difficulty was sug
gested as the proper remedy. Accordingly, after the raorning
dressing of the wound, a second operation Avas performed, of which
Dr, Bliss has given the following official account in the Medical
Record for October 8, 1881 :
" The necessity of the operation was plainly developed by passing a
flexible catheter through the opening previously made, Avhich readily
coursed toAvard the crest of the ilium, a distance of about seven inches.
This cavity Avas evacuated twice daily, by passing through the catheter,
previously inserted in the track, an aqueous solution of permanganate of
potash from a small hand-fountain, slightly elevated, the water and pus
returning and escaping at the opening externally,
" The indications for making a point of exit in the dependent portion
of this pus sac Avere urgent, and on August 8th the operation Avas per
formed by extending the incision previously made, doAvnAvard and for
Avard through the skin, subcutaneous fascia, external and internal oblique
muscles, to a sinus or pus channel. The exposed muscle contained a
considerable number of minute spiculse of bone. Upon carrying a long,
curved director through the opening between the fractured rib doAvnward
to the point of incision, there Avas a deeper channel Avhich had not been
exposed by the operation thus far, and the incision Avas carried through
the transversalis muscle and transversalis fascia, opening into the deeper
track and exposing the end of the director. A catheter Avas then passed
into the portion of the track below the incision, a distance of three and
one-half inches, and in a direction near the anterior superior spinous
process of the ilium. The President Avas etherized during this operation."
This description of the operation, as narrated by Dr, Bliss, may
doubtless be accepted, though involving many technical expres
sions which, under the circumstances, are unavoidable, as in every
37

578 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
way correct and adequate. The regular bulletins were issued as
usual and presented»the folloAving summary of symptoms :
"8:30 A. M. — The President passed a comfortable night and slept well
Avithout an anodyne. The rise of temperature of yesterday afternoon
subsided during the evening, and did not recur at any time through the
night. At present he appears better than yesterday morning. Pulse,
94; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18.
"10:30. — It having become necessary to make another opening to
facilitate the escape of pus, we took advantage of the improved condition
of the President this morning. Shortly after the morning bulletin was
issued he was etherized. The incision tended downward and forward,
and a counter-opening was made into the track of the ball below the
margin of the twelfth rib, Avhich it is believed will eflTect the de.-ired object.
He bore the operation well, and has now recovered from the effects of
the etherization and is in excellent condition,
7 p. M. — After the last bulletin was issued the President suffered some
what for a time from nausea due to the ether, hut this has now subsided.
He has had several refreshing naps, and his general condition is even
better than might have been expected after the etherization and opera
tion. At noon his pulse was 104; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 20,
At present his pulse is 108 ; temperature, 101.9 ; respiration, 19."
The thirty-ninth day. — The effect of the surgical operation Avaa
salutary in so far as to make it practicable to dispense with the
drainage-tube, to the great relief of the patient. The effects of the
etherization, however, were somewhat distressing, and the shock
of the operation no doubt told unfaA-orably on the President's
small reserve of vitality. None the less, his condition was so far
frora unfavorable that Dr, Agnew returned to Philadelphia and
Secretary Blaine made ' preparations to take a brief respite fi-om
care by a visit to his own State, The ripple of anxiety, excited
by the recent operation, passed away, and matters went on as be
fore. The official reports of the day were as follows :
" 8: 30 A, M. — Notwithstanding the effects of yesterday's operation, the
President slept the greater part of the night without the use of morphia.
This morning his pulse is 98; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 19. Smce
yesterday afternoon small quantities of liquid nourishment, given at short

SHOT DOWN.— BLAINE VISITS MAINE. 679
interA'als, have been retained, and this morning larger quantities are
being administered without gastric disturbance.
" 12 : 30 p. M.— At the dressing of the President's Avound this morning,
it Avas found that pus had been discharged spontaneously and freely through
the counter-opening made yesterday. He has been quite comfortable
this morning, and taken a liberal supply of liquid nourishment. His
pulse is now 104; temperature, 99.7; respiration, 19. 7 p. m. — The
President has been very easy during the day, and has continued to take
the nourishraent allowed Avithout gastric disturbance. The degree of fever
this p. Ji. differs little from that of yesterday. Pulse, 106 ; temperature,
101.9; respiration, 19."
It Avas one of the incidents .of the day, that the President wrote
his name, with the date, August 9, 1881, in a comparatively steady
hand and Avithout a serious effort,
Tlie fortieth day. — The morning ucavs recited that the President's
appetite had somewhat improved, but this cheering information was
coupled Avith the announcement that the sufferer had not recovered
sufficiently to be raised, as hitherto, into the semi-recumbent position.
It transpired that the writing of the President's name on the pre-
A'ious day had been an official act, namely, the attestation of a
paper of extradition in the case of an escaped Canadian forger,
Avho had several years yet to serve in prison. The general indica
tions were thought so favorable that Secretary Blaine did not longer
delay his departure, but left on his contemplated visit for home. In
the afternoon Mrs. Garfield .sat for a long tirae beside her husband,
talking with him, in a quiet Avay, of things most dear to each. The
physicians' official report closed the history of the day, as follows :
"8 A, M. — The President slept soundly during the night, and this morn
ing his temperature is again normal, although his pulse is still frequent.
At present it is 104; temperature, 98.5 ; respiration, 19. 12 : 30 p. m. —
The President is getting through the day in a very satisfactory raanner.
He has asked for, and taken a small quantity of solid food in addition
to the liquid nourishraent allowed. His temperature and respiration con
tinue within the normal range, though the debility folloAving the Operation
is stiU shown by the frequency of pulse. At present his pulse is 110;
temperature, 98.6; respiration, 19, 7 p. M.^The President has passed

580 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
an excellent day. The drainage of the wound is now efficient, and the
pus secreted by the deeper portions has been coming aAvay spontaneously.
The afternoon rise of temperature is almost a degree less than yesterday
and the day before. Pulse at present 108 ; temperature, 101 ; respira
tion, 19."
The forty-first day. — The passing epoch Avas again marked by a
division of opinion among the newspapers, A series of leading
articles in the New York Herald, understood to be from the pen
of Dr. Hammond, were not only despondent in tone and severe
upon the attending surgeons, but positively prophetic of a fatal
termination of the President's case: This view of the matter was,
however, ably controverted in other leading papers, and the people
were thus both led and misled. Looking to the sick room itself,
there seemed to be not much cause for alarm. The President had
improved somewhat in strength and appetite. He conversed freely.
Especially did he surprise and gratify his attendants by calling for
a Avriting tablet and penning a short but affectionate letter to his
mother, — the last he ever wrote.
Turning to the official reports of the day, the following summary
of the President's progress was presented:
"8:30 A. M. — The President has passed an exceedingly good night;
sleeping sweetly with but fcAV short breaks, and awaking refreshed this
morning at a later hour than usual. At the raorning dressing, just com
pleted, it Avas found that the deeper parts of the Avound had been emptied
spontaneously. His temperature shows an entire absence of fever this
morning, and his pulse, wffich is less frequent than yesterday, is improv
ing in quafity. At present it is 100; temperature, 98.6; respiration, 19.
12:30 p. M. — The President is doing well to-day. Besides a liberal
supply of liquid nourishraent at regular intervals, he has taken for break
fast, with evident relish , an increased quantity of solid food. He continues
free from fever, his skin is moist, but Avithout undue perspiration. Pulse,
102; teraperature, 98.6; respiration, 19.
" 7 p. M. — After the noon bulletin was issued, the President's condition
continued as then reported until about 4 p. m., when the commencement
of the afternoon febrile rise was noted. In its degree it did not differ
materially from that of yesterday. His pulse is now 108 ; temperature,
101.2; respiration, 19."

SHOT DOWN.— HIS LAST LETTER. 581
*
"K.-^ .JH^ /U^ ^^^^ ^^
FAC-SIMILE OF THE LAST LETTER WRITTEN BY GARFIELD.

582 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD,
The forty-second day. — Not much change. The President was
weary and longed for a change of scene. The day when he could
be safely removed from the White House was anxiously antici
pated both by hiraself and the physicians. The United States
steamer Tallapoosa, Avhich had been undergoing repairs and fitting
out for sea during the past month, Avas finally iu complete readi
ness, and Avould be manned on the morroAv, Assistant Paymaster
Henry D, Smith, formerly of the Dispatch, had been transferred
to the Tallapoosa, In a conversation of the morning, Mr, Smith
gave a description of the manner in which the vessel had been fit
ted out, A suite of rooms had been prepared expressly for the
use of President Garfield in the event of its being found practi
cable to take him out on the water, and at this time the suggestion
of such a cruise seemed to please him greatly. The suite con
sisted of four comparatively large rooms, including a bed-cham
ber, reception and ante-room, and a bath-room. Paymaster Smith
said further, that if it should be determined to take the President
on the vessel, a swinging bed would be hung in his chamber so
that the patient should not be annoyed by the motion of the ves
sel. Such were the plans and hopes which were never, alas, to
be realized, ,
The surgeons' reports for August 12th contained about all that
could be said concerning the President's condition for the day :
" 8 : 30 A. M. — The President slept well during the greater part of the
night. The fever of yesterday afternoon subsided during the evening,
and has not been perceptible since 10 p. m. His general condition this
morning is good. Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.6; respiration, 19.
"12: 30 p. M. — ^The President has passed a corafortable morning. He
continues to take, with repugnance, the liquid nourishment alloAved, and
ate with relish for breakfast, a larger quantity of solid food than he took
yesterday. At present his pulse is 100 ; temperature, 99.3 ; respiration, 19.
" 7 p. M. — The President has passed a comfortable day. At the even
ing dressing the Avound was found to be doing Avell. The quantity of
pus secreted is gradually diminishing. Its character is healthy. The rise
of teraperature this afternoon reached the same point as yesterday. At
present the pulse is 108; temperature, 101.2; respiration, 19."

SHOT DOWN.— GRAVE APPREHENSIONS. 583
Thus from hour to hour, from day to day, from week to week, did
the President tread the long and Aveary Avay ouAvard and — downward.
The forty -third day. — It was about this time that the attending
surgeons finally abandoned their original diagnosis of the Avound ;
that is, in so far as it concerned the direction of the ball. For
some tirae Dr. Harailton had given it as his view that the bullet,
instead of entering the peritoneal cavity, and perforating the liver,
had been turned doAvnward at nearly a right angle to its course,
and Avas lodged in the region behind the ilium. This vicAV of
the case Avas uoav accepted by the physicians in charge. In a con
versation, of the day, Dr, Bliss said that the latest examinations
of the Avound had clearly shown that the ball did not go through
the liA'er, The liver was certainly injured by the shot, either by
concussion or inflammation. At the present time, however, evei"y
indication corroborated the idea that the ball was in the region
of theiliac fossa, and also that it Avas doing no harm.
Things had not gone well during the night. The President had
been restless; and, contrary to the usual history of the case, fever
Avas reported in the raorning bulletin. The foreign dispatch of
Hon. E,, R, Hitt, Acting -Secretary of State, referred to the Presi
dent's excited condition, and could only reiterate the somewhat un
certain echo of the bulletins, that the surgeons thought him " do
ing well," The official reports themselves Avere couched in the
foUoAving language;
"8: 30 A, M. — The President did not sleep as Avell as psual during the
early part of the night. After midnight, hoAvever, his sleep was re
freshing, and broken only at long intervals. This morning he has a
little fever, nevertheless he expresses himself as feeling better than for
several days past. Pulse, 104; temperature, 100.8; respiration, 19.
12:30 p.m. — The President has been cheerful and easy during the
morning, and his temperature has fallen a little more than a degree
and a half since the morning bulletin was issued. His pulse is now
102; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 18. 6:30 p. m. — Since the last
bulletin the President has continued to dj well. The afternoon fever
has been half a degree less than yesterday. At present his pulse is
104; temperature, 100.7; respiration, 19."

584 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The forty-fourth day. — One of the difficulties with which
President Garfield had to contend Avas a certain weakness
of digestion. Notwithstanding his great bodily strength and
general robustness, it appears that never after the war were
his assimilative powers equal to superficial indications. He
had been, both by preference and necessity, a plain liver.
The "eating" of the White House had not suited him. The
French cookery of the establishment had proved at once dis
tasteful and injurious to his health and spirits. After he was
AVOunded, this Aveakness in his bodily functions became at
once more pronounced. Great difficulty Avas experienced in
securing an alimentation sufficient to sustain life and repair
the fearful Avaste to which he was subjected. The sensitive
ness of the digestive organs at times became critical. It was
so on the 14th of August, when the physicians were almost
baffled in the attempt to maintain nutrition. For the first
time there was talk of the stronger stimulants. Whisky and
brandy were both used, though not in large quantities. It
could be plainly seen that under the outwardly confident tone
of the official reports there lurked the shadow of fear. The
regular bulletins of the day came out as usual, with the fol
lowing account of the sufferer's condition :
"8:30 A, M. — The President slept well during the night, and this
morning expresses himself as feeling corafortable. His temperature is
one degree less than at the same hour yesterday. His general condi
tion is good. Pulse, 100 ; temperature, 99.8 ; respiration, 18. 12 : 30
p. M. — ^The President has done well this morning. His temperature
has fallen one-half a degree since the last bulletin Avas issued. At
the raorning dressing the condition of the Avound Avas found to be ex
cellent, and the discharge of pus adequate and healthy. Pulse, 96 ;
temperature, 99.3; respiration, 18. 6:30 p. m. — The condition of the
Presideut has not materially changed since noon. The afternoon febrile
rise is about the same as yesterday. Pulse, 108; temperature, 100.8;
respiration, 19."
The forty-fifth day. — A day of great alarm ; and the alarm
was fully justified. There was evidence of Aveakening all

SHOT DOWN.— DANGEROUS SYMPTOMS. 585
around. The respiration had gone up. The temperature had
gone up. So had the pulse to a fearful rate. The enfeebled
stomach had broken down. That was the secret of the diffi
culty. Without food a Avell man can not live. How much
less a man Avounded to death and Avasted by forty-five days
of suffering! With every attempt to feed the President, his
stomach rejected the food. If this state of things should con
tinue, life Avould go out like a taper. It was to the credit
of the surgeons in charge that they took the situation coolly
and set about devising the best possible means of triumphing
over the fearful obstacle which lay squarely across the possi
bility of recoA-ery. The plan suggested and resorted to was
artificial alimentation by the administration of enemata. In
the after part of the day, Washington, and indeed the whole
country, was filled with wild rumors which conveyed very
little information and could be traced to no authentic source.
The only trustAvorthy information was to be obtained from the
official bulletins of the surgeons, Avhich were as follows :
"8:30 a. m. — The President did not rest as well as usual last night.
Until toward three o'clock his sleep Avas not sound, and he aAvoke at
short intervals. His stomach was irritable and he vomited several
times. About three o'clock he became composed, and slept well until
after seven this raorning. His stomach is still irritable, and his tem
perature rather higher than yesterday. At present his pulse is 108;
temperature, 100.2; respiration, 20. 12:30 p. m. — Since the last bul
letin, the President has not again vomited, and has been able to retain
the nourishment administered. At the morning dressing, the discharge
of pus was free and of good character. Since then his ])ulse has been
more frequent; but the temperature has fallen to a little beloAv what
it was at this time yesterday. At present his pulse is 118; terapera
ture, 99 ; respiration, 19. 6 : 30 p. m. — The irritability of the Presi
dent's stomach returned during the afternoon and he has vomited
three times since one o'clock. Although the afternoon rise of tempera
ture is less than it has been for several days, the pulse and respiration
are more frequent, so that his condition is, on the whole, less satis
factory. His pulse is now 130; temperature, 99.6; respiration, 22."

586 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
These reports clearly indicated the most serious crisis which
had yet occurred since the President was shot. Unless the
functions of the stomach could be restored by rest, there
could be but one issue, and that Avas near at hand.
The forty-sixth day. — All that could be said was that there
had been slight improvement in some particulars. In the
main matter — that of nourishment — the case was as bad as
ever. Neither the city nor the country would have been sur
prised to hear that the President was dying or dead. The
whole question, as matters now stood, was this: How long
can he live ? He himself was conscious, in good measure, of
the appalling odds against him, but his calm heroism nev-er
wavered for a moraent. From the first he only once — and
that but for an instant — gave way to despondency, when he
said to his wife that, considering the fact that he was already
fifty years old, and that the brief remainder of his life Avould,
perhaps, be weakened — possibly helpless — from his injury, it
hardly appeared to be worth the struggle which his friends
and himself were making to save it. This thought, however,
found but a moment's lodgment; and even now, when his
vital forces seemed to be flowing out to the last ebb of de
spair, he stood up manfully and faced the eneraiy. His will
remained vigorous, and he was cheerful in spirit— this, too,
when the very water which was tendered him to refresh his
exhausted powers was instantly rejected by the stomach. It
was clear that no human vigor could long Avithstand so dread
ful an ordeal; and the physicians recognized and acknowl
edged the fact that their unnatural system of alimentation
was but a makeshift Avhich would presently end in failure.
Then death. The bulletins said:
"8:30 A, M. — The President was someAvhat restless during the early
part of the night. Since three o'clock he has slept tranquilly most of
the time. Nutritious enemata are successfully employed to sustain him.
Altogether the syraptoms are less urgent than yesterday afternoon. At
present his pulse is 110; temperature, 98.6; respiration, 18. 12: 30 p.
M. — ^The President has been tranquil since the morning buUetin, but

SHOT DOWN.-BETTER NEWS. 587
has not yet rallied from the prostration of yesterday as much as was
hoped. The enemata administered are still retained. At present his
pulse is 114; temperature, 98.3; respiration, 18. 7 p. m. — The Presi
dent's symptoms are still grave, yet he seems to have lost no ground
auring tho day, and his condition on the whole is rather better than
yesterday. The enemata are retained. At present his pulse is 120;
temperature, 98.9 ; respiration, 19."
The forty -seventh day. — Notwithstanding the desperate ex
treme to Avhich the poor President Avas reduced, the dispatches
came, on the morning of August 17th, with the news that he
AA'as better. The dreadful nausea had passed, and two or
three times some nutritive food had been swallowed and re
tained. Moreover, he had slept as much as an hour at a
time. The examination of the wound, too, showed some little
ground for encouragement, for the process of healing had
gone on, notwithstanding the terrible exhaustion of the last
three days. In the inner circle about the President's bed
there Avas a more hopeful feeling. "Little Crete," the dar
ling Avife of the suffering Chief Magistrate, ventured out, with
her three boys, to take a drive in the open air, Mr, Smalley,
of the Tribune, thus spoke of her, as her carriage passed
through the gateway:
" Her face, as she gave a nod and a smile of recognition, looked
bright and hopeful, I knew that the agony of apprehension must be
over and the President must be on the upward road again. The
brave little woman ! What a terrible strain she has endured and with
what wonderful courage and patience she has met every fresh draft
upon her strength and resolution, keeping always out of her face the
pain and dread tugging at her heart, lest the slightest glimpse of it
should discourage her husband in his long battle with death ! I re
member that at Elberon, just before the fatal journey to Washington,
General Garfield spoke of her Avith tenderness and pride, as a steel-
spring sort of a Avoman — supple, bright, enduring, and rebounding after
the severest strains. If he wins his Avay back to health again he Avill
owe his recovery, I firmly believe, as rauch to the loving and cheer
ful ministrations of his wife, as to the six doctors who wait upon him,
skillful and devoted as they are."

588 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Later in the day, Mrs, Garfield received a dispatch from
the Queen — there has been only one Queen since the Presi
dent was shot — Avhich was ansAvered by the wife in her own
way. The dispatches were as follows:
"To Mrs. Garfield, Washington, D. C:
" I am most anxious to know hoAV the President is to-day, and to
express my deep sympathy Avith you both, "The Queen, Osborne,"
"Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Osborne, England:
" Your Majesty's kind inquiry finds the President's condition changed
for the better. In the judgment of his medical advisers there is strong
hope of his recovery. His mind is entirely clear, and your Majesty's
kind expressions of sympathy are most grateful to him, as they are
gratefully acknowledged by ine. Lucretia K. Gaefield."
The regular bulletins gave the usual epitome of symptoms,
as follows:
" 8 : 30 A, M, — The President has passed a tranquil night, sleeping most
of the time. He continues to retain the nutritive enemata, and has not
vomited since the last bulletin. His general condition appears more
hopeful than at this time yesterday. Pulse, 110; temperature, 98.3;
respiration, 18. 12:30 p. m. — The President's condition has not materi
ally changed since the last bulletin. He has been tranquil and has slept
some, has not vomited, and the nutritive enemata are still retained.
Pulse, 112; temperature, 98.7 ; respiration, 18. 6:30 p.m. — The Presi
dent's condition is even better than it was this morning. The wound
continues to do Avell. At present his pulse is 112; temperature, 98.8;
respiration, 18."
Meanwhile the trusted Secretary Blaine had reached Washing
ton and was again at the bedside of his chief. In the evening he
sent abroad two dispatches containing a brief summary of the
President's condition as determined by the official reports and by
his own observation. And so the day closed in hope rather than
despair. Theforty-eighth day. — The President was still further improved —
so thought and said his physicians. The mutinous stomach, which

SHOT DOWN.— CHEERFUL AND BRAVE. 589
had threatened to end his life by refusing to perform its AVork at a
time AA'hen it Avas not possible for his Aveakened system to bear for
any lengthened period the strain of the Avound and the fever Avith
out sustenance, had rencAved its functions, and the experiments
raade during the day gave reasons to hope that nourishing food
raight UOAV be adrainistered Avith .safety. It Avas good ucavs indeed,
and it would have been better if it had not been coupled with the
statement that the President Avas reduced almost to a skeleton.
From 210 pounds — his weight when shot — he had Avasted away
till his Aveight AA'as hardly 135 pounds. Yet AA'ith only this pitiful
bony structure of him.self left he Avas reported as cheerful and brave!
He Avas able to take more nourLshment than on the previous day,
and it appeared that his alimentation Avas uoav likely to be suffi
cient; but just as this beneficial reaction became noticeable, another
complication arose which threatened to overbalance all the expected
good. On the 17th of August a slight inflararaation was noticed in
the right parotid gland. By the following raorning the swelling
was more pronounced, and imraediately became a source of annoy
ance and alarm. The tumefaction assumed the appearance of a car
buncle and there Avere indications of approaching suppuration of
the gland. The face, especially on the right side, became distorted,
and the President suffered great pain from the inflamed part. It
was clear that in some measure the blood of the sufferer had been
poisoned by the discharges of the wound, and that nature Avas at
tempting to relieve her distress by the destruction of a gland. The
official bulletins of the day, though pervaded Avith the same Spirit
of optimism Avhich characterized them all, were not of a sort to
inspire confidence. They said :
" 8 : 30 A. M, — The President has passed a very comfortable night, sleep
ing well the greater part of the time. This morning his pulse is slower
and his general condition better than yesterday at the same hour. Pulse,
104, temperature, 98.8; respiration, 17. 12:30 p. M.-^The President
is suffering sorae discomfort this morning from commencing inflammation
of the right parotid gland. He has asked for and retained several por
tions of liquid nourishment, much raore than he could swallow yesterday.
The nutritive enemata continue to be used Avith success. At present his

590 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
pulse is 108; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 6 : 30 p. m.— The Presi
dent has done Avell during the day. He has taken additional nourish
ment by the mouth this afternoon with evident relish and without sub
sequent nausea. His general condition is rather better than at this time
yesterday. Pulse, 108; temperature, 100; respiration, 18."
The forty-ninth day. — With the 19th of August a more hopeful
feeling again predominated. It was alleged by the surgeons that
the President had made some improvement. Some was better than
none. His nutriment for the day amounted to nine ounces of
liquid food. The physicians gave assurance to the public that the
inflamed gland did not necessarily imply blood poisoning. The
President slept at intervals. In his waking moments he was still
cheerful, but expressed a great yearning to get aAvay from Wash
ington and return to his home at Lawnfield.
In these days of alternate hope and anxious alarm the question
naturally arose as to what had become of the Executive Depart
ment of the Government. The President was still himself in a
certain sense, but he was without doubt utterly incapacitated to
perform any executive duty. There Avas no acting President, and
to tell the truth the people did not desire one. Some leading pa
pers advocated the assumption of certain of the duties of the Presi
dent by merabers of the Cabinet ; but this untried and — it may be
added — unconstitutional measure was not attempted ; and so all ex
ecutive functions remained in abeyance. The acts usually per
formed by the President Avere simply omitted until he should re
cover. Fortunately in a time of peace afid during a recess of Con
gress, these acts could be postponed without any great detriment to
public interests. The appointing power, except in so far as it is
delegated by laAv to the heads of Departments, Avas in a state of
complete suspension, but this fact occasioned no trouble, except to
applicants for office. Under our system, where vacancies in Presi
dential appointments occur, by death or resignation, there is usually
a deputy or some other officer who is authorized by laAV to per
form temporarily the duties of the office. In the cases of post-offi
ces where there are no deputy postmasters, the Post-Office Depart
ment is' authorized to send special agents to take charge until the

SHOT DOWN.— A "DISCOVERY." 591
vacant postmastership can be filled. If the President's prostration
should continue — so reasoned the people — until the meeting of
Congress— a contingency wholly improbable— there would be no
stoppage of any part of the machinery of Government. In short,
the Araerican people were taught by a practical, though painful,
exaraple the great lesson, how little need there is for a nation of
freemen to be governed — hoAV amply able such a people are to
adapt themselves to any emergency. The official reports of the
day gave as usual the facts on Avhich various opinions of the Presi
dent's prospects were based :
"8 a. m.— The President slept much of the night, and this morning
is more comfortable than yesterday. The swelling of the right parotid
gland has not increased since yesterday. Nutritive enemata are still
given with success, and liquid food has been sAvalloAved and relished.
Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 17.
" 12: 30 p. M. — The President's condition has perceptibly improved dur
ing the last tAventy-four hours. He is taking to-day an increased quan
tity of liquid food by the raouth. His pulse is noAv 106; temperature,
98.8; respiration, 17.
"6:30 p. M. — The President has been very easy during the afternoon
and -the favorable conditions reported in the last bulletin continue.
Pulse, 106; temperature, 100; respiration, 18."
The fiftieth day. — There could be no denial of another rally —
though slight — on the part of the President. During the day
a surgical experience occurred, Dr, Bliss, in treating the
wound, succeeded in passing with a flexible tube what he sup
posed to be an obstruction in the path of the ball. When
this Avas done, the tube suddenly dropped, almost of its oavu
Aveight, down the channel* to the depth of twelve and a half
inches! The end of the probe was thus brought, as Avas con
fidently believed, into immediate proximity with the ball. The
parotitis, from which the President was now suffering so se-
* This channel was, of course, not the track of fhe ball, but the insidious bur
row of the pus, unfortunately assisted in its downward progress by the mistaken
manipulations of the surgeons.

!i92 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
verely, Avas reported as "about the same." As a consequence
of this inflammation, though no acknowledgment of the fact
Avas made at the time, the patient's face suffered a partial
paralysis, which continued seriously to afflict him to tbe last.
The summary of symptoms was published at the usual hours
by the surgeons and presented the following statement of the
i'resident's condition,
"8:30 A. M. — The President has passed a quiet night, and this morn
ing his condition does not differ materially from what it Avas yesterday.
The swelling of the parotid gland is unchanged and is free from pain.
This morning his pulse is 98; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18.
"12:30 p.m. — The President continues to do well. He is taking
liquid food by the mouth in increased quantity and with relish. The
nutritive enemata are still successfully given, but at longer intervals.
His pulse is noAV 107; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18.
" 6 : 30 p. M. — The President has passed the day quietly. He has been
able to take more liquid food by the mouth than yesterday, and the
quantity given by enema has been proportionately diminished. The pa
rotid sAA-elling remains about the same. Pulse, 110; teraperature, 100.4;
respiration, 19."
The fifty -first day. — It was a long and sorrowful journey.
There were pitfalls in the way. That inflamed gland now be
came a source of profound anxiety. The salivary secretions
Avere so augmented and at the same time A-itiated as con
stantly to fill the patient's throat, threatening strangulation.
The tendency to nausea was thus excited, and the President's
stomach again rejected food. This fact told immediately on
the modicum of strength still remaining, and as the day pro
gressed it appeared that medical skill was about exhausted in
a hopeless struggle against the inevitable. The surgeons,
however, as is the wont with the profession, still reneAved the
battle, noAv with this expedient and now with that, but always
A\'ith the purpose of keeping the President alive until some
kind of favorable reaction could supervene. The feature of
the day's history was that the most serious alarm was spread

SHOT DOWN.-THE INFLAMED PAROTID. 593
abroad after the issuance ot the evening bulletin. The three
official reports were as follows :
"8: 30 A. M. — The President awoke more frequently than usual, yet
slept sufficiently during the night, and appears comfortable this morning.
The parotid swelling is about the same, but is not painful. He took
liquid nourishment by the raouth several times during the night as well
¦as this raorning. Pulse, 106; teraperature, 98.8; respiration, 18.
" 12 : 30 p. M. — The President's condition continues about as at the
morning bulletin, except that there is a slight rise of temperature.
Pulse, 108; temperature, 99.4; respiration, 18.
"6 : 30 p. M. — The President has voraited three times during the after
noon ; the administration of food by the mouth has, therefore, again been
temporarily suspended and the nutritive enemata will be given more fre
quently. Pulse, 108; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 18."
To these regular bulletins may Avell be added the foreign
dispatch of Secretary Blaine, who, at a late hour, sent to Min
ister LoAvell the following message :
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"The President's sleep last night was broken and restless. His symp
toms throughout the day have been less favorable, and his general con
dition is not encouraging. He is unable to retain food on his stomach,
haA'ing voraited tAvice during the afternoon, the last time at 5 o'clock.
This evening he has been able to drink water and retain it. The SAvell-
ing of the parotid gland has not increased. Pulse and temperature about
the same as yesterday. His sleep up to this hour (11 P. M.) has been
somewhat disturbed. We are all deejjly anxious. "Blaine, Secretary."
The fifty-second day. — The question Avas, how much longer
the wheels of vexed and exhausted Nature could continue to
revolve. Every poAver of life Avithin the uncomplaining man
was prostrated or dead. The inflammation in the gland had
now progressed to a terrible extent, and an oi)eratioii for its
relief was already contemplated. That blood poisoning to
some extent now existed, could hardly be controverted. Even
';he oversanguine Dr. Bliss Avas forced to admit it. In a con-
3S

594 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
versation of the day, and in reply to questions Avitli regard to
the inflamed gland, he said: "The glandular swelling is still
hard, and shows no signs of subsiding. The swelling of the
surrounding parts has pretty much ilisappeared. Whether
suppuration will take place or not Ave can not yet tell. I am
inclined to think it will, I do not, however, apprehend any
serious consequences even in that case, provided we can main-.
tain the patient's strength. The pus whieh forms is likely to
be of a healthy character, and we shall liberate it promptly
by an incision. There has been no pain in the gland this
afternoon, and it has caused the patient little annoyance."
With regard to the septic tint in the blood, Avhich was the
predisposing cause of the glandular infiammation. Dr. Bliss
said: "In cases of this kind, Avhere the patient becomes en
feebled by long-continued fever and suppuration, there is
always a low and impoverished state of the blood. It is, in
deed, a sort of mild blood poisoning, but it is ver}' different
from pyaemia. Pysemia is caused by absorption into the blood
of the disunited elements of broken down pus. Small frag
ments of fibriiic are carried into the circulation, and Avherever
such a fragment lodges in one of the minute blood-vessels it
becomes a center of suppuration. The symptoms of pypemia,
such as the disorganization and peculiar odor of the pus, the
yelloAvish tint of the skin, the odor of the breath and the in
creased temperature of tbe body, are all marked and unmis
takable, and none of them has at any time appeared in the
President's case."
Thus with vain conjectures and provisos did the distinguished
surgeon attempt to keep up his OAvn courage and that of the pub
lic. But it was UOAV Avell known that, bulletins or no bulletins,
the President, unless promptly relieved either by medical skill
or some unexpected revival of nature, AA-as down to the very door
of death. The official reports of the day Avere as follows :
"8:30 A. M. — The President has not vomited since yesterday after
noon, and this morning he has twice asked for and received a small
quantity of fluid nourishment by the mouth. He slept more quietly

SHOT DOWN.— PROSPECTS IMPROVING. 595
during the night, and this morning his general condition is more encour
aging than when the last bulletin Avas issued. Pulse, 104; temperature,
98.4 ; respiration, 18.
"12:30 p. M. — The President has continued this morning to retain
liquid nourishment taken by the mouth as AveU as by enema. There
has been no recurrence of the vomiting and no nausea. Pulse, 104 ;
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18.
"6:30 P. M. — The President has continued to take nourishment in
small quantities at stated intervals during the entire day, and has had
no return of nausea or vomiting. The nutrient enemata are also re
tained. Pulse, 110; temperature, 100.1; respiration, 19."
The fifty-third day. — Hoav is the President this morning? The
President had made a gain. Of a certainty, he was not any further
in the shadoAV of the valley than on yesterday. He had taken in
all, since the morning before, about thirty ounces of liquid food
Avithout disturbing his stomach. Several times he called for food
himself. One of the physicians said during the day that the Presi
dent had taken raore than suffici<Mit food to repair the day's Avaste.
At one time his pulse Avas doAvn to ninety-six — the loAvest jjoint
it had reached for more than a fortnight. Secretary Blaine — in
AA'hose dispatches the people had learned to place the highest re
liance — expressed himself someAA'hat raore hopefully to Minister
LoAvell, in the night message, Avhich read as tblloAvs :
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"The President's condition is raore encouraging than it Avas at this
time last night. During the last tAventy-four hours he has swalloAved
ten ounces of extract of beef and eighteen ounces of milk, retaining and
digesting both. He has tAvice asked for food, Avhich he has not done
before for several days. Pulse and temperature are both someAvhat
loAver. The swelling of the parotid gland has not specially changed.
Its long continuance at the present stage increases the fear of suppura
tion. At this hour — 11 o'clock — the physicians report that the Presi
dent has rested quietly the entire evening. Bl.aine, Secretary."
Anxious concern about the President's condition on the part of
the public was tempered with so much hopefulness that the evi-

596 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
deuces of exciteraent soracAvhat abated. The street gatherings
about the bulletin-boards in the principal cities were not so large
as they had been, although the three official bulletins frora the
physicians and Secretary Blaine's message to Minister Lowell were
eagerly waited for and much talked of in public places. These
bulletins Avere, in the usual form, as follows:
"8:30 A. M. — The President slept the greater part of the night, but
aAvoke at frequent intervals. He has taken since last evening a larger
quantity of liquid food by the mouth than in the corresponding hours
of any day during the past week. The use of nutrient enemata is
continued at longer intervals. Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.4; respira
tion, 18.
"12:30 p. M. — The President continues to take by the mouth and
retain an increased quantity of liquid food. At the raorning dressing
the wound looked Avell and the pus was of a healthy character. The
mucus accumulations in the back of the mouth are less viscid. At
present his pulse is 104; temperature, 98.9; respiration, 18.
"6: 30 p. M. — The President has continued to take liquid food by the
mouth at regular intervals during the day, and has had no recurrence
of gastric disorder. Pulse, 104; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 19."
The fifty-fourth day. — The cA-ents of the day were tAvo : First,
the lancing of the infiamed gland — an operation but partially suc
cessful in its results ; secondly, a consultation of the surgeons in
regard to removing the President from the White House. Dr.
Agnew was summoned to the city by telegram. He was driven
at once to the Executive Mansion, Avhere the cabinet and medical
council were in consultation, and remained closeted Avith them
until nearly midnight. The consultation lasted rather more than
an hour; and, so far as could be ascertained, it resulted in a dis
agreement. All of the participatuig surgeons who could be seen
refused to talk upon the subject, as did also the members of the
Cabinet, most of whom were at the White House until after eleven
o'clock, A third circumstance of the day's history was the reported de
lirium of the President, This was for awhile concealed, and then
palliated by those nearest the bedside. Colonel Rockwell, one of

SHOT DOWN.— NOT GAINING. 597
the attendants, in conversation with a reporter, described the men
tal disturbance thus: "The President is soraetimes a little incoher
ent for a moraent after he aAvakes and before he fully gets control
of his senses, just as any body Avould be in his weak and debih-
tated condition and after seven Aveeks of fever; but at all other
times his mind is as clear as ever."
The dispatch of Secretary Blaine Avas very much less hopeful
than the one of the night before. It read as follows :
" Loavell, Minider, London:
" The President has not gained to-day. He has had a higher fever,
which began earlier than is usual with his febrile rise, lii the afternoon
an incision was made in the swollen parotid gland by Dr. Hamilton.
The flow of pus therefrom Avas small. The one favorable symptom of
his swallowing Hquid food with apparent relish and digestion has con
tinued, but the general feeling up to midnight is one of increased anxiety.
" Blaine, Secretary."
To this might aa-cII be added the additional hopeful circumstance
that during the day the President's assimilative powers appeared
to be again in such condition as to warrant the physicians in dis
pensing with the system of artificial alimentation. The regular
bulletins for the day Avere as follows:
"8:30 A. M. — The President has passed a very good night, awaking
at longer intervals than during several nights past. He continues to
take liquid food by the raouth with raore relish, and in such quantity
that the enemata will be suspended for the present. No change has yet
been observed in the parotid swelling. The other symptoms are quite as
favorable as yesterday. Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 17.
"12:30 p. M. — The President continues to take liquid food by the
mouth as reported in the last bulletin. His temperature has risen slightly
since that time. In other respects his condition is about the same.
Pulse, 104; teraperature, 99.2 ; respiration, 17.
"6:30 p. M. — Shortly after the noon bulletin was issued an incision
was made into the swelling on the right side of the President's face for
the purpose of relieving the tension of the SAVollen parotid gland, and of
giving vent to pus, a small quantity of which was evacuated. He has
taken a larger quantity of liquid food by the mouth to-day than yester-

598 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
day, and has been entirely free from nausea. Pulse, 108; temperature,
100.7; respiration, 19."
The fifty-fifth day. — The first report of the morning indicated
that there Avas no more than a bare possibility of President Gar
field's recovery. His condition Avas such as to cause the gravest
apprehensions as to the immediate result. He continued to take
food, but there Avas no perceptible increase in strength. His con
dition — with his AA'asted form, distorted and half-paralyzed face,
dreadful wound, and suppurating gland — Avas pitiable in the last
degree. Hallucinations came on, and he talked incoherently —
now of his immediate surroundings, and uoav of his old home at
Mentor, There AA'as little remaining for the surgeons to do. Their
effort for the time AA'as directed chiefly to the alleviation of the in
flamed gland, Avhich AA'as uoav playing havoc with the feAV springs
of vitality yet remaining as a source of hope. The Avliole gland
Avas found to be infiltrated Avith pus, and the outlook, even for the
night, AA'as grave in the extreme. The physicians' bulletins, four
in number to-day, Avere published, as usual, and presented to the
anxious country several points of interest :
"8: 30 A. M. — The President slept most of the night. He has taken
liquid food by the mouth at stated intervals and in sufficient quantity, so
that the enemata have not been rencAved. No modification of the parotid
swelling has yet been observed. Pulse, 106; temperature, 98.5; respi
ration, 18,
" 9: 15 A. M. — ^The subject of the removal of the President from Wash
ington at the present time was earnestly c6nsidered by us last night and
again this raorning. After mature deliberation the conclusion was ar
rived at by the majority that it would not be prudent, although all agree
that it will be very desirable at the earliest time at Avhich his condition
may warrant it.
" 12: 30 p. M. — Since the issue of this morning's bulletin a rise in the
President's temperature similar to that Avhich occurred yesterday morn
ing has been observed. Pulse, 112; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 19.
"6:30 p. M, — There has been little change in the President's condi
tion since the noon bulletin Avas issued. The frequency of his pulse is
now the same as then. His temperature has risen somewhat, but it is

SHOT DOWN. -^FAILING RAPIDLY. 599
not so high as yesterday evening. No unfavorable change has been ob
served in the condition of the Avound. He has taken by the mouth a
sufficient supply of liquid food. Pulse, 112; temperature, 99.8; res
piration, 19."
The fifty-si.rth day. — The morning papers Avere alraost exclu
sively devoted to the President and the prospect of death. The
great Ncav York dailies presented page after page of dispatches,
intervicAvs, and discussions. The sura of it all AA-as this: The
President Avas aliA'e, but, in all probability, on the verge of death.
His pulse rose to a mere flutter. The ab.scess in the gland burst
into the cavity of the ear. His mind .still AAandered, but there
was slightly less aberration than yesterday, AVashington was a
strange scene. There Avas suppressed excitement, but no noise.
Little knots of people gathered in groups here and there before
the bulletin-boards, where the latest intelligence AA'as posted, Avhile
negro neAA'sboys in their picturesque costumes cried their extras in
the raelloAV Southern accent peculiar to their race. The intense
August sun poured doAvii his rays on the broad streets and as
phaltum boulcA-ards. The trees Avere broAvned Avith the dust and
heat, and the patches of grass here and there in the yards and
parks were Avithered into hay. Above it all, gleaming white and
silent, rose the great dome of the Capitol, Alas, what was it all
to him f
There was in the midst of infinite rumors and conjectures
only a modicum of iieAvs. It Avas this: the President could still
take food. His mind had cleared a little since yesterday. As
for the rest, he lay helpless, ready to die. The bulletins said :
"8:30 A. M. — The President slept raost of the night, aAvaking at in
tervals of half an hour to an hour. On first awaking there AA'as, as
there has been for several nights past, some mental confusion, which dis
appeared when he Avas fully roused, and occasionally he muttered in his
sleep. These synaptoms have abated this morning, as on previous days.
His temperature is slightly above the normal and his pulse a little more
frequent than yesterday morning. Pulse, 108; temperature, 99.1; res
piration, 17.
"12:30 P. M. — His pulse and temperature are at present higher than

600 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
at the corresponding hour for some days. He continues to take by the
mouth the liquid food prescribed; nevertheless, we regard his condition
as critical. Pulse, 118; temperature, 100; respiration, 18."
"6:30 p. M. — The President's condition has not changed materially
since the last bulletin was issued. He continues to take, by the mouth,
the liquid food prescribed, and occasionally asks for it. Since yesterday
forenoon, commencing at 11 : 30 A, M,, the enemata have again been given
at regular intervals, as a means of administering stimulants, as well as
nutrition. They are retained Avithout trouble. Pulse, 116; temperature,
99.9; respiration, 18."
The fifty-seventh day. — Another long day of suspense. It Avas
the peculiarity of President Garfield's illness that just as some
great crisis came and his constitutional forces seemed to break
hopelessly, at some other point there would be a rally. In this
last case, Avhen the distressing abscess in the parotid gland had
added its aggravating horrors to horrors already accumulated,
and just as tired nature seemed sinking to everlasting rest, there
was a rally in the assimilatiA'e i)owers. Unexpectedly, the
stomach began to perform its Avork: and thus the tree of life,
shaken back and forth by conflicting forces, still rose feebly
and stood. It Avas a melancholy sight to see this enfeebled and
wasted life, so dear to the Nation, still standing, with its glori
ous foliage torn aAvay — Avithered, blighted, dying.
The Queen on this day again expressed hor great anxiety
about the President. Her dispatch, and Mr. Blaine's answer,
were as follows: " London, Aug. 27.
" Blaine, (Secretor?/, Washington:
" I have just received from Her Majesty the Queen, at Balmoral, a tele
gram in these words : ' I am most deeply grieved at the sad news of the
last few days, and would wish my deep sympathy to be conveyed to Mrs,
Garfield.' LowisLL, Minister."
" Washington, Aug. 27.
' ' Lowell, Miniver, London :
" I have submitted to Mrs. Garfield your telegram conveying the kindly
message from Her Majesty the Queen. Mrs. Garfield is constantly by
her husband's bedside and does not give up all hope of his recovery.

SHOT DOWN.— QUEEN VICTORIA'S SYMPATHY.

601

Her request is that you will return to the Queen her most sincere thanks,
and express her heartfelt appreciation of th(; constant interest and tender
sympathy shown by Her Majesty toward the President and his family in
their deep grief and most jjuinful siispen.sc. Blaixe, Secretary."

BLAINE KEADING LETTERS OF SYMPATHY TO JIUS. GARFIELD.
The Americans, in a political point of vieAV, do not like
kings and queens; but it Avill be niany a long year before
the womanl}' greatness and tenderness of Victoria, manifested
in our hour of sorroAv, will be obliterated from the American
heart. Vivat .semper Regina!

602 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
The daily bulletins of the surgeons told all that could be
knoAvn of the beloved President :
"8:30 A. M. — The President slept from half an hour to an hour or
raore at a time throughout the night. He continues to retain the liquid
food administered by the raouth and the stiraulating enemata. Never
theless, his pulse has been raore frequent since midnight and he is evi
dently feebler this morning than yesterday. Pulse, 120; temperature,
98.4; respiration, 22.
"12:30 p. M. — There has been no improvement in the President's con
dition since the last bulletin Avas issued. He continues to retain the liquid
food administered by the mouth as well as the enemata. At present the
pulse is 120; temperature, 99.6; respiration, 22.
"6 : 30 p. M. —The President's sym})toms shoAV slight araelioration this
afternoon. His pulse is somcAvhat less frequent and his temperature
lower. The liquid food given by the mouth and the enemata continues to
be retained. Pulse, 114; temperature, 98.9; respiration, 22."
The fifty-eighth day. — The reports of the morning were briefer.
They were also more encouraging. It Avas clear that the
President, notAvithstanding his desperate condition, had held his
own for thirty-eight hours, and that there Avere some unmistaka
ble signs of improvement. It could not be said with truth that
the change was great or marked, but there had been some
amelioration. The shadoAv of death Avas lifted, at least for a
day. The people, quick to run to extremes, gave a sigh of re
lief at the more cheering reports of the morning, and went
Avhither they listed. It AA'as said that the President had had
another relapse and Avas noAv better again. Even the cautious
Secretary of State was impressed Avith the belief that the Pres
ident's improvement was more than a temporary rally. In his
foreign dispatch he summed up the case thus :
" To Lowell, Minister, London:
"The condition of the President at 10 o'clock continues as favorable as
could be expected. Within the past thirty hours his improvement has
given great encouragement to the attending surgeons. He swallows an
adequate supply of liquid food; the parotid swelling discharges freely.

SHOT DOWN.— A VALUABLE LESSON. 603
and gives promise of marked improvement. His mind is perfectly clear.
He has, perhaps, a little more fever than was anticipated, and his respi
ration is someAvhat above normal. The general feeling is one of hope
fulness. Two or three days more of improvement will be needed to in
spire confidence. Blaine, Secretary."
The monotonous official reports Avere telegraphed as usual,
in tho folloAving messages :
" 8: 30 A. M. — The amelioration of the President's .symptoms announced
in last evening's bulletin continued during the night. Since midnight
some further improvement has been observed, the pulse diminishing in
frequency. The stomach has continued to retain liquid nourishment ad
ministered, and last evening he asked for and ate a small quantity of
milk toast. Stimulating and nutrient enemata continue to be retained.
Pulse, 100; temperature, 9S.4; respiration, 17.
" 12: 30 p. M. — At the raorning dressing of the President several yel
lowish points Avere observed just below the ear over the swollen parotid,
and an incision being made, about a te.ispoonful of healthy-looking pus
escaped. Pulse, 104; temperature, 99.5 ; respiration, 18.
"7:30 p. M. — The improvement in the President's condition, declared
yesterday afternoon, is still maintained. He continues to take willingly
the liquid food given by the raouth, and is apparently digesting it. The
stimulants and nutrients given by enema are also retained. At the even
ing dressing an increased quantity of healthy-looking pus was discharged
from the suppurating parotid. But little rise in temperature or pulse has
taken place since noon. Pulse, 110; teraperature, 99.7; respiration, 20."
The fifty -ninth day. — More than eight weeks had noAv elapsed
since the President was shot. The country had become used
to alarms. It had also learned to make allowance for the
shortcomings of neAvspaper reports, born of the heat of an
oversanguine imagination. It had learned, too, the more val
uable lesson that the Government of the United States is not
to be shaken from its pedestal by the bullet of an assassin.
Guiteau was a fool. Perhaps the despicable Avretch thought
the course of events, SAveeping on like the planets, could be
changed by the crack of a pistol. He might as well have fired

604 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
into the air. The glorious institutions of the Republic will
perish Avhen Americans are no longer fit to be free ; but until
then the assassin's rage and frenzy is the most futile folly ot
the Avorld. All the officers of the United States may be mur
dered in a day, but the Nation will stand immovable as ada
mant. Let the assassin foam and gnash upon the iron bars of
the cage of fate ! It is only a mad-dog gnawing his chain.
The President, they said, Avas better. Thoughtful men doubted
it. As a matter of fact, the judgment of the country had given hira
up to die. Sentiment still kept him alive; reason said that the
tirae of the fatal foreclosure Avas near at hand. It could be said,
truthfullv, that the local .symptoms traceable to the abscess in the
President's face had measurably abated. It could also be said
that he VA'as still able to rcceiA-e food enough to sustain life — noth
ing more. jNIr. Blaine's dispatch for the evening was, hoAveA'cr,
rather hopeful than desponding. It said :
" Department or State, August 29, 10:30 p. m.
' ' Loavell, Minister, London :
" At half-past ten to-night the general condition of the President is
favorable. Late in the afternoon his pulse rose to 112 and his temper
ature to 100, both a little higher than the surgeons expected. Pulse has
now fallen to 108, and fever is subsiding. The parotid SAvelling is stead
ily improving, and is at last diminishing in size. Apprehensions of seri
ous blood poisoning grow less every hour. Blaine, Secretary.''
These dispatches of the Secretary Avere generally but the pith of
what the surgeons said in their official reports. These, for August
29th, were as folloAvs :
" 8: 30 a. m. — The President's symptoms this morning are as favorable
as yesterday at the same hour. He slejit, aAvakening at intervals, the
greater part of the night. At these intervals he took and retained the
liquid nourishment administered. His raind continues perfectly clear.
Pulse, 100; teraperature, 98.5 ; respiration, 17. 12: 30 P. m. — Nothing
new has been observed in the condition of the wound. The usual
daily rise of temperature has not yet occurred, and the general condition
has not materially changed since morning. Pulse, 106; temperature,

SHOT DOWN.-BETTER REPORTS.

605

98.6; respiration, 18. 6: 30 p. m. — The daily ri^e of the President's tem
perature began later this afternoon than yesterday, but rose eight-tenths
of a degree higher. The frequency of his pulse is now the same as at
this hour yesterday. He has taken Avillingly the liquid food prescribed
during the day, and had, besides, during the morning, a small piece of
milk toast. At the evening dressing a pretty free discharge of healthy

MORNING GREETING BY MRS. GAKFIELD AND MOLLIE.
pus took place from the parotid swelling, which is perceptibly diminish
ing in size. The wound manifests no material change. Pulse, 110 ; tem
perature, 100.5; respiration, 18."
Tlie sixtieth day.— The President still held out. All the world

606 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
knoAvs the story, how, clay after day, oAving to the native robust
ness and essential soundness of his constitution, he stood out
against the death that aAvaited. As usual there were some who
said he Avas better. Others said he AA'as not. Once for all it
may be said that such contradictions regarding the President's con
dition can easily be accounted for Avhen the surroundings of the
White House are considered. Only a fcAV persons knew of their
oAvn observation hoAv he appeared from day to day. Visitors
Avere strictly, and necessarily, excluded from the sick-room. From
the Tuesday after General Garfield was shot, not more than ten
persons in all, excluding the physicians, had seen him, and, of these
ten, some only once or tAvice. Mrs. Garfield and her children,
Mr. Blaine, General D. G. SAvaim, Colonel A. F. RockAvell, Dr.
Boynton, Dr. Susan Edson, — one of the nurses, — the President's
private secretary, Mr, J. S. BroAvn, and Mr. Pruden, completed
the list. Mr. Blaine had seen him once, Mr. Pruden once, and
Mr. BroAvn had been in Aa'c times, being usually called because
the force of persons necessary to lift the President Avas a little
short. Indeed, of all the strange impressions to be got from this
novel CA-ent, there Avas none more peculiar than to stand in the
private secretary's roora in the second story of the White House,
and feel that only a few yards aAvay Avas the sick-roora on Avhich
the eyes of the Avorld were centered, and yet that not more than
three persons besides the physicians, nurses, and family, have
passed the door in tAvo months ! It can thus be easily seen how
correspondents and reporters were generally at sea, particularly
when the physicians Avere reticent or out of sight, Mr. Blaine
continued to express all that could be rea.sonabjiy said of better
prospects. His dispatch Avas as foUoAvs :
" To Lowell, Minister, London :
The President, if not rapidly advancing, is at least holding his own.
His fever is less than last night, and his SAVollen gland steadily improves.
His pulse continues rather high, running this evening from 110 to 114.
Perhaps the best indication in the case is, that the President himself feels
better, and his mind, being now perfectly clear, he readily compares one
day's progress with another. Blaine, Secretary."

SHOT DOWN. -STILL BETTER. 607
The regular bulletins of the day were fuller if not more explicit :
"8:30 A. M. — The Piesident slept the greater part of the night, awak
ening at intervals, and retaining the fiqiiid nourishment administered.
His general condition this morning is about the same as at the same
hour yesterday. Pulse, ltl2 ; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 18.
12:30 p. .Ai. — At the moruing dres^ng another small incision Avas
made in the loAver part of the swelling on the right side of the President's
face, which Avas foUoAved by a free discharge of healthy-looking pus. A
similar discharge took place through the openings. The swelling is per
ceptibly smaller, and looks bettor. The Avound remains in an unchanged
condition. Pulse, 116; temperature, 98.9; res])iration, 18. 6:. 30 p. m.
— The President has passed comfortably through the day. He has taken
the u.sual araount of nourishment by the mouth, Avith stimulating enemata
at stated periods Pulse, 109 ; temperature. 99..") ; respiration, 18."
The sixty-first day. — In these stages of the President's illne.ss
neither the Optimist nor the pessimist ncAA'spapers were to be
trusted in their accounts of the sick man and his surroundings.
Even the dry records of the surgeons' retiorts were so raany bones
of contention aniong the Avranglers, some of whom Avould have the
President avcU Avhile others would have him dead. The optimists
on this la.st day of xVugust head-lined their reports: " On the high
road to recovery;" "Still better ;"" Almo.st out of the AvoodiS,"
etc.; Avhile the pessimist .said: "The valley and the shadoAv;"
" The end at hand," etc. Unfortunately the pessimist — not from
any virtue in hiraself — Avas the truer prophet. It could not be de
nied, hoAvever, that in some material points the President had im
proved with some steadiness for several days. These favorable
points, rather than the dark ones, were dwelt on in the official re
ports, which presented the summary of .symptoms for the day :
"8:30 A. m. — The President has passed a tranquil night, and this
morning his condition is quite as favorable as yesterday at the same hour.
Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 12:30 P. M. — At the
dressing of the President this raorning the parotid swelling was found to
be discharging freely. It looked Avell and has materially diminished in
size. The wound remains in about the same state. His general condi
tion is evidently raore favorable than at this hour yesterday. Pulse, 95 ;

608 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 17. 6:30 p. m. — The President has
passed a better day than for some tirae past. He has taken his food with
increased relish, and the usual afternoon rise of temperature did not occur.
Pulse, 109; temperature, 98.6; respiration, 18."
The .sixty-second day. — The fall month daAvned with little ad
ditional neAvs. The little that was presented was not good.
The luxuriance of the scribes Avho had Avritteu up and Avritten
down almost every circumstance and symptom Avere about
this time dipt of some of their superfluity. The public had
groAvn stern and angered at being trifled with on so graA-e a
matter as the condition of a dying President. A few manu
factured couA'ersations were still published, but the amount
of space so de\'oted in the journals of the day shoAved a
pronounced shrinkage. Mr, Blaine's dispatches, ahvays hon
est and sincere, Avere more than hitherto sought after as giv
ing the hungry and heart-sore people the most authentic in
formation concerning their stricken Chief Magistrate. The
Secretary's telegram for the evening was as folloAvs:
"To Loavell, Minister, London:
"The Presideut continues to do Avell in his eating and digestion, and
the swollen gland steadily improves, but in the past twenty-four hours
he has made no substantial progress in his general condition. In the
judgment of his physicians, however, he still holds the ground gained
on Sunday and Monday last. His pulse and temperature to-day have
shown marked increase over the record of yesterday. The weather
has been exceedingly Avarm and sultry, and this may account iu part
for the adverse changes noted. Even in the September climate of
Washington such an oppressive day as this has been is rare.
"Blaine, Secretary."
The views of the surgeons were presented as usual in their
official bulletins :
"8:30 A. M. — Toward nine o'clock last evening the President had
some feverishness, and his pulse ranged from 108 to 116. He had on
the whole a good night, and his condition is fully as favorable as yes
terday at the same hour. Pulse, 100; temperature, 98.4; respiration,

SHOT DOWN.— FURTHER IMPROVEMENT. 609
17, 12:30 r. m. — At the morning dressing of the President the ab
scess of the parotid Avas found to be discharging freely. It looks well
and continues to diminish in size. The state of the Avound remains
the same. His general condition is not materially different from what
it was at this hour yesterday. Pulse, 108; temperature, 98; respira
tion, 18. 6 : 30 p, M. — ^The condition of the President has not materi
ally changed since the last bulletin, except that there has been a mod
erate rise of temperature this afternoon. The Presideut has had no
rigors for several weeks. Pulse, 108; temperature, 99,4; respkation,
18," The sixty-third day. — It was said, in the dispatches of the
morning, that the President had still further improved, and
that he was now better than at any time since the setting in
of the parotid inflammation. Perhaps he AA'as, There was
no doubt that for some days he had held his own. The
question of the day, however, was the revival of the project
to remove the sufferer from Washington. This proposition
had been previously voted down in a consultation of the
physicians and the members of the cabinet. But since then
things were changed. Doubtless the surgeons were now con
vinced that, remaining where he was, the President must in
evitably die in a very short time. To this should also be
added the persistent entreaties of General Garfield himself,
who never forbore, on proper occasions, to urge upon those
who were in responsible charge of his case, his earnest wish
to be taken away from the scenes of his glory and grief.
By the 2d of September it Avas understood that the minds of
the physicians were about made up to attempt the hazardous
enterprise. It was known also that the Pennsylvania Railway
had already prepared a special train Avith a view to readiness
iu case the removal should be finally decided on. The train
even now stood in readiness.
A publication in the London Lancet, for the current week,
was perused with great interest by thousands of professional
and unprofessional readers. Some encouragement was gleaned
from the excerpt, which was as follows:
39

610 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" We do not think the healing of President Garfield's wound will
be promoted by probing to learn how far granulation has proceeded.
The most favorable signs are the fall of temperature to the normal,
and the frequency of the pulse. This is a thoroughly safe criterion
of increased strength and the subsidence of blood poisoning; and, to
gether with the improved power of digestion, ability to sleep soundly,
mental clearness and cheerfulness, afibrds solid grounds for the hope
of recovery.
"The case is a striking illustration of the power of a good constitu
tion to hold up against illness that Avould certainly have killed a fee
bler person; but another failure in the President's digestive powers, or
symptoms of blood poisoning, might at any tirae turn the balance
against him ; and what we have hitherto insisted upon so often we are
bound to repeat, that President Garfield will not be out of danger until
the wound is healed."
The usual bulletins, from the surgeons in charge, were pub
lished thus :
"8:30 A. M. — The President slept well during the night, and this
morning his condition is in all respects as favorable as yesterday at the
sarae hour. Pulse, 100 ; temperature, 98.4 ; respiration, 17. 12 : 30 p.
M. — The President's condition has not materially changed since the
raorning bulletin Avas issued. Pulse, 108 ; teraperature, 98,4 ; respira
tion, 18. 6:30 p. M. — ^The President has passed a corafortable day, and
this evening appears better than for some days past. This evening his
pulse is 104; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 18,"
The sixty-fourth day. — The removal of the President was
fully determined on. The surgeons were unanimous that it
should be undertaken. Long Branch was settled upon as the
resort to which the wounded man should be removed. The
phj'sicians were unanimous in tlieir selection of this place,
and all necessary precautions were taken to insure the Presi
dent's comfort during his removal. It was a perilous busi
ness, and for the remaining days of the sojourn at the White
House the energies of those who were responsible for the
President's well-being were constantly engaged in making
suitabLe arrangements for the removal. The account of the

SHOT DOWN.-PREPARING TO MOVE. 611
President's progress for the day, notwithstanding his critical
condition, Avas almost OA-erlooked in the keen interest imme
diately excited by the project now imminent. The surgeons
themselves were unusually brief in their official reports, which
ran thus: ,^
"8:30 A. M. — The President Avas someAvhat more restless than usual
during the early part of the night, but slept better after one A. M.
There is a slight increase in the frequency of the pulse. Pulse, 104 ;
temperature, 98.6 ; respiration, 18. 12 : 30 p, m. — 'The President's con
dition has not materially changed since the morning bulletin was issued.
Pulse, 104; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 6:30 p. m, — The Presi
dent has done Avell during the day, and has taken with some relish a
sufficient quantity of nutriment. Altogether, his general condition ex
hibits some improvement over yesterday. Pulse, 102 ; temperature,
99.6; respiration, 18."
The sixty-fifth day. — The President himself was someAvhat
excited about his removal. In some respects this excitement
was beneficial and in others hurtful to him. His spirits and
hopes were in some measure aroused, and, a stimulus thus
afforded to his exhausted poAvers. But the energy thus aAvak
ened was withdrawn from the long enfeebled stomach, and
twice during the day his food was rejected. Otherwise, there
were no alarming symptoms for the passing hour, and so
public attention was wholly turned to the preparation. Pres
ident Roberts, of the Pennsylvania Railroad, commissioned
George C. Wilkins, general superintendent of the Baltimore
and Potomac Railroad, to take direction of the train which
was to carry the President away. Mr. Wilkins was also di
rected to issue orders to his men, Avhich would enable him
to stop every freight and passenger train that might be on the
road betAveen Baltimore and Washington on half an hour's
notice, and to give the special train the right of AA-ay at any
hour of the day or night. On the 4th of September, Mr.
Wilkins accordingly issued orders to carry out the folloAving
arrangement: When the day and hour of departure of the

612 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
train is known, he should be informed, and a message would
be sent along the entire road, stopping all freight trains that
might be on the road. Passenger conductors would at each
station receive an order either to stop or proceed to the next
station, where the subse«|uent movements of their trains must
be governed by the orders there aAvaiting them. In this way,
which is, in fact, the "blocking" system in force on many
roads, the movements of all trains Avould be controlled from
the Union Depot, and they would be so handled as to give
the special train the right of way and at the same time pre
vent the " regulars " while in motion from passing the special.
This Avas done to prevent the President being disturbed by
any jarring or disagreeable noise.
No stops were to be made at any of the stations betAveen
Baltimore and Washington ; but should it be necessary to rest
the nerves of the patient, the special train was to be halted
in the open country, where fresh air and the absence of noise
and croAvds would be insured. Immediately on hearing of
the appointed hour, Mr. Wilkins was to leave Baltimore for
Washington in a special car, and come over to Baltimore with
the President's train. This train was to be run around the
city to Bayview, where William Crawford was to take charge
of it and convey it to Philadelphia. His arrangements Avere
like those of Mr. Wilkins, An engine of the New York di
vision of the Pennsylvania road, and two Pullman palace cars,
which were in part to compose the train, arrived at Baltimore
on the 4th, and became subject to the orders of Colonel
Wilkins whenever needed.
The reports of the surgeons contained about the only an.
thentic account of the President's condition during the day.
These were as folloAvs :
" 8 : 30 A, M. — The President vomited once last evening and once about
an hour after raidnight. Notwithstanding this disturbance, he slept well
most of the night, and this morning has taken food by the mouth with
out nausea, and has retained it. His pulse is somewhat more frequent,
but in other respects his condition ''s about the same as at this hour yes-

SHOT DOWN.— TRACK LAYING. 613
terday. Pulse, 108; teraperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 12:30 p. m.—
The President's condition has not changed materially since the last bul
letin was issued, and there has been no further gastric disturbance.
Pulse, 106; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 6:30 p. m.— The Presi
dent has passed a comfortable day. He has taken his food with some
relish, and had no return of the irritability of storaach reported in the
morning's bulletin. The parotid swelling continues to improve. The
Avouud shoAVs no material change. The rise of temperature this after
noon has been very slight, but his pulse was more frequent, and he
shoAved more fatigue after the dressmgs. Pulse, 110; temperature, 99;
respiration, 18."
The sixty-sixth day. — It is the last day in Washington!
Again the President is almost forgotten in the bustle of prep
aration. Mr, Francklyn, owner of one of the finest cottages
at Elberon, Long Branch, has tendered it as a home for the
wounded Chief Magistrate, and Colonel Rockwell has accepted
the offer with thanks. So it is thither Ave are going on the
last of our earthly pilgrimages. Every thing is ready for the
departure, and it is set for to-morrow morning at six, A
retinue of strong men has been appointed to carry the Pres
ident down stairs to a wagon specially arranged to convey
him to the depot. The day is hot; the air like a furnace,
Down at Elberon there is a weird scene to-night. Three
hundred skilled engineers and workmen — a loyal company
of sturdy patriots — are laying a temporary track to connect
the main line Avith the cottages on the beach. To perform
this work laborers have been gathered together; a supiply
of ties and rails lie AA'aiting the strong hands that are to
fling them into place. The length of the ucav track is
3,200 feet. It is to be laid directly to the hotel grounds,
lescribing a curve to the very door of Francklyn cottage,
from whose windoAA-s Ave shall once more look upon the sea.
Crowds of men and AVomen, gathered from the various hotels,
stand witnessing the scene. Anon the clouds gather. Head
lights are put in place to furnish illumination. At interA-als
the workmen are served with refreshments from the Elberon.

614 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
All night long the Avork goes bravely on, and ere the dawn
of morning the track is completed over Avliich the suffering
President is to take his last journey in the land of the living.

LAYING A SPECIAL RAILROAD TRACK TO FRANCKLYN COTTAGE.
And now, while the shadows steal across the landscape ir,
this sultry September evening, let us once more stand before
these noAV familiar bulletin boards and read:

SHOT DOWN.— READY TO GO. 615
"8:30 A. M. — The President was somewhat restless during the early
part of the night, but slept Avell after midnight. He has taken by the
mouth and retained the nutriment prescribed. This morning his pulse
is less frequent than yesterday. Pulse, 102; temperature, 99.5; respira
tion, 18, 12:30 p. M.— Pulse, 114; temperature, 99.5; respiration, 18.
r):oO P. M. — No material change has taken place in the condition of the
President since morning. The parotid abscess continues to improve, and
the AVound remains about the same. Pulse, 108; temperature, 99.8;
respiration, 18. Should no untoward symptoms prevent, it is hoped to
move the President to Long Branch to-morrow,''
And here is the faithful Mr, Blaine's dispatch to Minister
LoAvoll, in London :
"To Lowell, Minister, London:
" This has been the hottest day of the season, and the heat has told
upon the President, His pulse and temperature have been higher than
for several days past. In other respects there has been no special
change, either favorable or adverse. It is expected that he Avill be re
moved to Long Branch to-morrow. It is hoped that the sea air will
strengthen hira, Blaixe, Secretary."
Can the journey be made with safety? Tho morrow will
tell the tale. Here in the twilight of that last day in Wash
ington, as the hum of preparation settles to a calm, and as
our eyes turn toward him whom we have folloAved so long in
his heroic struggle, doubting yet hoping, we may well say with
the London Punch : ¦ '
So fit to die! With courage calm
Armed to confront the threatening dart.
Better than skill is such high heart
And helpfuller than healing balm.
So fit to live! With power cool
Equipped to fill his function great.
To crush the knaves who shame the State,
Place-seeking pests of honest rule.
Equal to either fate he '11 prove.
May Heaven's high will incline the scale.
The way our prayers Avould fain avail
To Aveight it — to long life and lovel

616 LIFE OF JAMES A, GARFIELD.

CHAPTER XIV.
GAZING ON THE SEA,
Despite the prayers and tears and earnest pleading^
And piteous protest o'er a hero's fall.
Despite the hopeful signs our hearts misleading,
Death Cometh after all !
Over the brightest scenes are clouds descending ;
The flame soars highest ere its deepest fall ;
The glorious day has all too swift an ending:
Night Cometh after all!
O'er bloom or beauty now in our posse.ssion
Is seen the shadow of the funeral pall;
Though Love and Life make tearful intercession,
Death cometh after all ! — Harper's Weekly.
THE finger of hope pointed unmistakably in the direction
of Long Branch, and as the morning of September 6th
dawned upon the AVhite House, all conditions appeared favorable
for the removal of the beloA'ed President beyond the malarial in
fluences of the Capital, Preparations for this event were complete.
The anxiety of the President to leave Washington had been im
parted to all his friends and attendants. Even the physicians
were convinced that nothing would bring relief to the sufferer so
effectively as the pure, bracing salt breezes of the Atlantic, and
their opinion increased the confidence and animated the hope of
the country.
The condition of the President seemed peculiarly fevorable for
the journey. He had eaten well on the previous day, and retained
his food. He had slept peaceftilly, and his wound was doing well.
The parotid swelling had almost disappeared, and the general con
ditions were thought to be remarkably good. It was even said
that a considerable increase of strength was manifest in his move-

GAZING ON THE SEA.— LEAVING THE WHITE HOUSE. 617
ments, but this was evidently a mistake. The excitement of the
occasion for the time overcame his Aveakness,
All necessary arrangements for the journey Avere completed on
the Sth. They Avere elaborate and well-developed. For the spe
cial railroad train the plan detailed in the previous chapter Avas
adopted and succes.sfully carried out. During the entire evening
of the 5th, trunks, boxes, and a great variety of packages, were
.sent from the White House to the depot for shipment. Messen
gers were constantly arriving and departing, Avorkmen Avere busy
in special labor connected Avith various devices' for the comfort of
the President, and every thing indicated the eve of a great event.
The crowd around the bulletin-board, at the front gate, was largely
increased, and many held their -positions there during the Aveary
Avatches of the Avhole night. Every passer-in or out, Avho was sup
posed to haA'e information regarding the Avounded man, Avas eagerly
besought to impart it. In reply to a question. Colonel Corbin said
to a reporter that the trip could not hurt the President, " because,"
he added, " he has been traveling all day," By this. Colonel
Corbin meant that the President had been talking and thinking
all day about the trip. This anxiety had characterized the Presi
dent's moods for some weeks, and it was therefore believed that
the realization of his long-cherished desire would have a salutary
effect upon his weakened system.
At a feAV minutes past five, on the morning of the 6th, several
carriages Avere grouped on the drive in front of the White House,
and near the main eutrimce stood an Adams Express wagon, of the
largest size, covered, and furnished Avith side and end curtains. It
was near 6 o'clock Avhen quite a commotion became apparent in the
Executive Mansion, and a moment later the President, lying upon
a stretcher, was borne carefully and sloAvly to the express Avagon,
Avhich had previously been connected Avith the stone steps of the
White House by a Avooden platform. It was arranged to permit
the men to walk directly into the Avagon, where they let the bed
doAvn slowly until it rested firmly upon its supports. Then the
immediate attendants of the President ranged themselves around
him, three on each side. At the head of the bed, on the right, sat

618 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Dr. Boynton, next was General Swaira, and at the foot was O. E.
Rockwell. On the left Avere Colonel RockAvell, Dr. Bliss, and Dr.
Reyburn, the other physicians having gone on before. The horses
Avere attached, and at once the little procession Avas in motion, led
by Private Secretary BroAvn, in his buggy.
As the President's A'an passed out through the gate, the eyes of
the invalid were closed, and that part of his face which could be
seen looked pinched and pallid Avith suffering. In his general
contour, there AA'as something to suggest the face of Garfield to
those who had known him long and intimately; but the change
was astounding to every one unaccustomed to the daily observa
tion of its progress. Perhaps it Avas not the face of a dying man,
but many observers thought it Avas, There was something intensely
pitiful and tear-compelling in the wasted features, aii^d quiet, pas
sive manner of the Nation's chief executive, and he Avas thus driven
away from his official home, Avith all the apparent chances largely
against his return.
The van was but fairly outside the gate when the horses were
urged to a lively AA'alk, which occasionally increased to a sIoav trot,
the pedestrians meantime keeping well up on the pavements.
Three policemen walked on either side the Avagon to keep the street
clear ; but there was no attempt at crowding. There was no bois-
terousncss;- no unseemly haste to be first; no loud talking. All
passion was hushed. The agony of the great soul now going forth
to find health for its encasement, subdued and quieted every thing
within range of its influence. At one point the President recog
nized an acquaintance on the street, and sloAvly lifting his hand,
Avaved a feeble salutation and farewell. At precisely six o'clock
this sad procession drove alongside the car, specially fitted up for
the martyred Chief Magistrate, the horses Avere detached, and
tAventy strong and willing hands backed the wagon to the opening
in the car. Then the attendants lifted the stretcher and entered
the car with its precious burden. The President was carefully
adjusted upon his new bed, the foundation of which was a mattress
of extraordinary thickness, and so constructed that the motion of
the train could not be felt, a few farewells Avere said, and then the

GAZING ON THE SEA.— THE LIGHTNING TRAIN. 619
train moved sloAvly and smoothly aAvay. AAvay, with fond hearts
full of hope, but soon to be surcharged Avith dismay and grief I
This seven hours' journey of 233 miles is noAv historical, and
its principal features are full of interest. The train came to a stop
in a fcAV minutes after leaving the Washington depot, to permit an
approaching train to move out of the Avay on a siding. " What
does this mean?" inquired the President, "Only a momentary
detention," replied Colonel Rockwell. " But important events are
ofttimes the issue of a moraent," rejoined the sufferer. This is the
only conversation he joined in during the trip. The train soon
proceeded, gradually increasing its speed where the track Avas
straight enough to permit, to fifty-five miles an hour, and for a fcAV
miles after leaving Philadelphia, it actually attained a speed of
sixty miles an hour. The President aaus Avatched very closely
during the first hour of the journey, in order to detect any symp
tom of danger from the excitement of the occasion. To the i;elief
and great satisfaction of the physicians, he seemed actually to
enjoy the ride and to be improving. His pulse, Avhlch reached
118 early in the morning, fell to 110 and then to 108, He did
not talk. His A'oice Avas too feeble to mal?e his AA'ords distinguish
able amid the noise of the running train, Avithout too much effort.
He occasionally inquired the hour, and once or tAvice desired to
knoAV the names of stopping places. Beef-tea Avas the sole nutri
ment given him during the journey, and on tAVO occasions he
relished it like a hungry man.
At every one of the forty-six cities and tOAvns and villages,
through Avhich the train passed, great croAvds thronged the streets.
They stood silently, Avith uncovered heads and eyes Avet with tears.
The grief of the people Avas too deep for other demonstration.
Words could not express it, and weeping came unbidden. Strong
men, rough men, Aveak raen and cultivated men; Avomen of all
grades and classes, and even little children, joined in their
silent anguish with each other and the Avorld, and poured their
lamentation from streaming eyes. In many places, crowds of
Avorkingmen left their mills and forges as the train approached,
and, ranging themselves alongside the track in an orderly line.

620 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
stood Avith hats in hands and heads boAved till it passed beyond
range of their vision. Then they solemnly returned to their
vocations. There Avas a feeling of awe beyond expression in the
mind of every spectator, and to some extent it entered every
thinking mind in the land. Life and death were in fierce conflict
upon that lightning train, and the madness of its speed looked
like an effort to distance the subtle foe of mortality; but it was
only in appearance. Death had long before marked our noble
President for his oavu, with the bullet of the assassin. More than
sixty days before the date which identifies this chapter with cur
rent history, he was as surely slain at Washington as was Richard
III. at BosAvorth, in 1485, Such was, in large measure, the feeling
of the people. The dark foreboding of calamity began to over-
shadoAv them Avhen the foul Avork of Guiteau's pistol was flashed
over the land on that fatal second of July, and now their hearts
were sick Avith the President's Avounds, They felt with him the
pain, and, without his hopefulness, saAv the beloved head of the
Nation approaching the last dread extremity, with faith undiramed
and bravery undaunted.
It was a time for weeping and anguish and silence. And a
time for thought. For severe self-examination. For national
inquiry, A tirae to find out for what new crime atoneraent is
required, in such measure as impoverishes all that is noble, and
all that is above reproach in our poor world ! Do Ave ever explore
the logic of crime until forced to the task? And the lesson of
Lincoln's martyrdom — how was that learned? Had it been re
membered, Avould there have been occasion for this later sacrifice
upon the altar of j^olitical acrimony ?
The lightning train sped onward. A pilot engine preceded it,
and its passage was a signal to all approaching trains to get out
of the way and remain silent until the convoy had passed. Trains
upon side-tracks, Avherever they Avere encountered, Avere crowded
AA'ith people, all desirous of obtaining a glimpse of the President,
but not obtrusive nor demonstrative beyond the overwhelming
influence of great sorroAv. Their silence was more expressive than
language. It indicated the deepest sympathy, the profoundest

GAZING ON THE SEA.— ELBERON. 621
ircspect, the heartiest love. On three or four occasions the poor
sufferer Avaved his hand feebly to the people, but the effort was
painful. The journey Avas devoid of incident beyond what has
been related. The train arrived at Elberon at three minutes pa.'-t
1 o'clock, and the tran.sfer of the President from the car to his
quarters at Francklyn Cottage Avas promptly made, Avithout trouble
or disturbance. His room had been elegantly prepared for his
occupancy, and it Avas made plea.sant Avith many beautiful bouquets
and rare plants sent by personal friends. The physicians pro
nounced the arrangements perfect, and could suggest no improve
ment. They .stated that the journey had done the patient no harm,
although in the official bulletin, issued at 6:30 p. ji. on the day
of arriA'al at Long Branch, they announced bis puhe at 124; tem
perature, 101.6 ; respiration, 18, — a condition not calculated to
reassure the country.
Prayers had been offered during the day in thousands of churches,
and by millions of people in their homes and places of business, for
the restoration of the President, Faith in the efficacy of prayer
Seemed to be almo.st universal, and it is thought that thou.sands
ujion thou.sands of people Avho had never prayed before, made
Garfield the subject of their supplications at the throne of God.
At a concert of prayer held at the Thirteenth Street Presbyterian
Church in New York City, AA'hich Avas largely attended by Chris
tians of all denominations, the folloAving extract from a letter
Avritten by the President's pastor in Washington, Rca'. Frederick
D. Power, was read:
"His life is before the Avorld, a living epistle, to be known and read
of all men. To you I may say he has had the ever-present Comforter,
the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, during all these Aveary days
and nights of suffering. He remembers the Lord's day Avhen it comes ;
on Sunday raorning last, as he opened his eyes to its holy li^t, he said;
' This is the Lord's day ; I have great reverence for it.' He takes great
comfort in prayer. Knowing that my little church Avas continuing daily
in prayer to God for him, he said : ' The dear little church on Vermont
Avenue ! They have been carrying me as a great burden so long, but
when I get up they shall have no cause to regret it,'

622 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"Of his own peril of death he has been mindful, and over and over
again has said : ' I must be prepared for either.' This has been the prin
ciple of his life, ruling in all his experience, as he explained it to me:
' When I meet the duties of each day as best I can, I cheerfully await
Avhatever result may come.' When he Avas first stricken he declared:
¦ 1 believe in God, and trust myself in his hands,' and there he is, my
l.rethreii, and God will keep him, and God will glorify His own great
narae, whether it be in his life or his death. 1 could say many things,
but my heart and hands are both too full. He is better to-day, but still
on the borderland. We are all still besieging the mercy-seat, and Ave
expect God's answer with great anxiety, but not, I trust, Avithout great
faith and subraission.
" Iu conclusion, I raay say in the Avords of President Garfield to me,
in a season of like distress — the death of his little son : ' In the hope of
the Gospel, which is so precious in this affliction,' I am affectionately your
brother in Christ."
The subjoined copies of dispatches are selected from several
hundred of a sirailar tenor, as indicative of the general solicitude:
ExEccTiA'E Chamber, Albany, Sept. 6, 1881.
For the purpose of enabling the people to unite with those of other .States in
petitioning the Ruler of the Universe for the restoration to health of the President
of the United States, the , Sth day of September, instant, I hereby set apart and
designate a^ a day of fasting and prayer. It is recommended that all ordinary
avocations be suspended, and the people, in their usual places of worship, humbly
acknowledge their faults and reverently supplicate the mercy of the Heavenly
Father that the national peril, which now appears so imminent, may be averted.
Let the prayers of all be united for the early and complete recovery of the Presi
dent's health and strength. May the blessing of Almighty God rest upon the
stricken sufferer and the afflicted family.
Given under my hand and seal at the Capitol in the City of Albany, this 6th
day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hnndred and eighty-
one. Alonzo B. Cobneli/.
By the Governor — Henry E. Abell.
The meeting for prayer in behalf of the President was largely attended. From
twenty to twenty-five prayers were ofiered by clergymen and laymen, which were
remarkable for their earnestness and importunity. The bulletins announcing the
departure of the President from the WTiite House and the progress of the train
were read at the opening and close of the meeting.
Philadelphia, Sept. 6.— In accordance with the proclamation of the Gov
ernor, the churches of the city were generally thrown open, between the hours of
10 and 12 this morning, for worship for the recovery of President Garfield. At
Harrisburg bu.siness Avas entirely suspended from 10 o'clock until noon. Services
were held in the churches and' in various industrial establishments. The dis-

GAZING ON THE SEA.— THE NATION'S PRAYER. 623
patches relative to the President's journey were read from a number of pulpits.
In niost other places in the State services were held and business Avas suspended
during the hours named.
Cincinnati, Sept. 6. — The proclamation of Governor Foster Avas observed by
meetings for prayer in the Christian churches, and a union meeting was also
held in the First Presbyterian Church from 10 to 12 o'clock. The public schools
were dismissed. The Mayor's ofiice and all the Government offices were closed, and
deep interest was felt in regard to the result of the President's journey from
^\¦ashington to Long Branch. At the Republican County Convention prayer was
offered by Dr. Kumler, who made a most fervent petitioii for the recovery of the
President. After the prayer, on motion, the convention gave three cheers for
the President. The convention also adopted a resolution condemning the at
tempted assassination, and extending sympathy to Mrs. Garfield.
Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 6. — Religious services Avere held in several of the churches
here from 10 to 12 o'clock to-day, and many prayers were ofiered for the recov
ery of the President. The bulletin-boards were eagerly Avatched by anxious
crowds, and each dispatch telling of the favorable progress in the Presidential
journey from AVashington to Long Branch was joyfully discussed. The feeling
that the President will recover seems to permeate all clas,ses, and nothing but
hopeful expressions were heard to-day.
Chicago, Sept. 6. — The church services and union meetings to-day for the pur
pose of invoking Di\'ine aid for the President's restoration to heaHh, were well
attended and fervently participated in. Business was generally suspended in the
public offices, business boards, etc. The announcement of the easy trip of the
President to Long Branch and his improved condition, is the subject of great re
joicing to thousands who eagerly inquire for accounts of his progress.
Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 6. — In response to the GoA'ernor's proclamation, the Hall
of Representatives here was filled to-day with the members of the General Assembly
and citizens, to ofier up prayers for the recovery of President Garfield. Relig
ious services were held, and addresses and prayers were made by leading min
isters of the city.
Wilmington, N. C, Sept. 6. — To-day was very generally observed here as one
of prayer for the recovery of the President. Services were held in all She chtrches
in accordance with the proclamation of the Governor, and between 10 and 12 o'clock,
the hours devoted to religious services, business was almost entirely suspended. A
feature of the day which attracted some attention was the fact that nearly all the
bar-rooms Avere closed.
Raleigh, N. G, Sept. 6. — In accordance with the Governor's proclamation, to
day Avas generally observed here as a day of prayer for the President. Federal and
State buildings and offices of manufacturers, etc., were closed. Impres.sive services
were held at the churches.
Augusta, Ga., Sept. 6. — The day of prayer was very generally observed here.
The Mayor issued a proclamation, and all the public otfices, banl;s and many stores
were closed. Services were held in the churches, and prayers offered for the resto
ration of the President to health. Some pastors mentioned that the wounding of
the President had the effect of cementing the sections together as one people.
San Francisco, Sept. 6. — A special service of prayer for the recovery of the Pres'-
dent was held this morning in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association.
The Ministerial Union was present in a body. Every seat in the hall was occupied,
and crowds were forced to stand.
Indianapolis, Sept. 6. — Religious services were held, in obedience to the Gov-

624 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ernor's proclamation, in a number of the leading churches to-day, and prayers
were ofiered in behalf of the President, Many of the business houses were closed
from 10 to 12 o'clock.
Cleveland, O., Sept. 6.— Business was generally suspended throughout North
ern Ohio between 10 o'clock and noon to-day, while people of all denominations
gathered in their houses of worship, in town and country, and joined in prayer for
the restoration of President Garfield to health.
The sixty-eighth day. — On the folloAving day, the 7th of Sep
tember, there Avas still no positive change in the President's
condition. The early morning dispatches announced : " He is
no worse than Avhen he left Washington, neither is he any
better," Such a statement was, of course, quite unsatisfactory to the
country, because, the people argued, "no better" always means
" Avorse," Thera is no neutral ground in a case of this kind. The
morning bulletin found the pulse at 106 ; temperature, 98.4 ; res
piration, 18. In the evening the pulse was 108; teraperature, 101;
respiration, 18. The day Avas very warm, the thermometer rang
ing from 90° to 100°, and the people were remarkably anxious
over the reports of the ])hysicians. When it was learned that after
the issue of the evening bulletin, the pulse ran up to 114, there
Avas Avide-spread apprehension. The gentle sea-breezes, from Avhich
so much Avas expected, were not do:ng their appointed AAork. For
most of the day there was a dead calm of the atmosphere at Long
Branch, and the teraperature was described as almost unbearable
by people in health. To the sufferer it was wonderfully oppressive,
and there were apprehensions that, unless change of temperature
in an abatement of the furnace-like heat soon came, there would
be reason to conclude that the journey of Tuesday was in A'ain.
Every body complained but the President, He proved hiraself the
most patient of invalids, and but once during the entire day made
a remark which indicated any thing like discontent with the situa
tion. Opening his eyes from a short nap, he turned them toward
the windoAVS and said to an attendant, who Avas fanning him : "Oh,
those windows are so small," For a few moments, he breathed
laboriously, and his pulse increased to a high rate, and the reaction
caused unusual Aveakness.

GAZING ON THE SEA.— " CONVALESCENCE." 625
Throughout the day the bulletin-boards at the various news
paper offices, and places of public resort in every part of the
country, Avere besieged by large croAvds of anxious men and Avomen
of every grade in the social scale, eager for the smallest scrap of
information to sustain the earnest prayer of their hearts — that the
revered President Avas uoav upon the sure course of recovery ; biit
all the facts reported by the physicians pointed to a calaraitous
result. Only their comments Avere encouraging, and Avhatever of
encouragement they conveyed was not accepted by the raind of
science. It was seen that the President's bravery had imparted a
strange degree of assurance to his immediate attendants, whose
reports were unconsciously colored by the mental force rather than
the physical condition of the sufferer; and thus at least nine-tenths
of his fellow-countryraen Avere buoyed up with hopes Avhich had
no foundation beyond the tenacity of a gigantic Avill.
Tlie sixty-ninth day. — So Avonderful was the exercise of the Pres
ident's mental force that on Thursday tAvo of his medical attend
ants announced his couA-alescence I Surgeon-General Barnes,
Surgeon J. J, WoodAvard and Dr. Robert Reyburn had been
relicA'cd from duty at Garfield's bedside on the previous day, at
the wi.sh of the President, as he expressed it, " to relieve thera of
labor and responsibility Avhich, in his iraproved condition, he could
no longer properly irapose upon thera."' Drs. Bliss and Harailton
reraained in their professional capacity, and Dr, Boynton, Mrs,
Garfield's physician, in the capacity of nurse. BetAveen nine and
ten o'clock, on the raorning of the eighth, a ncAvspaper correspon
dent said to Dr, Bliss:
"Doctor, you seem to be feeUng pretty well this morning."
"I should think I AA'as; Avhy, the man is convalescent; his pulse is
now down to ninety-six."
This announcement was astounding, but as the correspondent was en
deavoring to settle in his own mind whether the doctor was not a little
delirious himself, as a result of long watching and continued nervous
tension^ he turned to some persons who approached, and was soon assert
ing to them Avith emphasis, "This is convalescence." The good news
40

626 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
traveled with marvelous speed. " Dr. Bliss says the President is con
valescent," was soon on every lip, but Avas received Avith incredulity.
" We had better Avait awhile before Ave toss up our hats," was the
comment of a meraber of the Cabinet.
As the day wore on, confirmation frora every trustworthy source Avas
obtained of the good tidings frora the sick-room. Before noon Dr. Bliss
and Dr. Hamilton appeared together on the veranda, and Dr. Bliss re
peated his belief that the President Avas convalescent. " That is good
neAvs," said a gentleman to Dr. Harailton. " Yes," Avas the reply, "and
it is true." Dr. Boynton carae out of the President's cottage about noon
and strolled toAvard the edge of the bluff, with his hands behind him
and Avith a far-away look in his eyes, Avhich were turned to the east,
whence the rising breeze was coraing and the increasing waves were
rolling up on the beach at his feet,
"Doctor, this is a fortunate change,"
"Yes; the President is better,"
" You are, of course, hopeful, as all the rest are?"
" Yes, the change is not enough to base any medical statement of
improvement upon, but what there is is in the right direction,"
Colonel RockAvell Avas more emphatic. " Dr. Bliss says the President
is convalescent. What do you think?" asked a correspondent,
" Yes," said the Colonel, "Dr. Bliss thinks so. The doctor said to the
President this morning, in my presence: 'Mr, President, you are con
valescent; you are getting out of the woods.' He is certainly doing very
well and we shall have him propped up before many days. We
have sent to-day for his reclining chair. It is one of those chairs
which you can raake any thing of, frora an upright chair to a bed, and
is softly cushioned. With a few days raore of improvement, we Avill
have him up where Ave can roll him to the Avindows."
"And out upon the laAvn, too, I presume, after a time?"
"Well, perhaps."
" And you will, doubtless, take him to Mentor before many weeks?"
" Yes, probably he wants to get home, but he enjoys this place very
well. We turned him on his side this morning, so that he could look
out over the ocean, and he Avas very much pleased. He longed to get
here. Two or three days before we started, I remember a queer remark
he made. I said to him, 'Mr. President, how Avould you like to have
us put you on the Tallapoosa and get you down to the salt water?' 'That

GAZING ON THE SEA.— HIGH HOPES. 627
Avould be temporary, tentative and unsettled,' he said; 'put me on the
cars and take me to Long Branch.'"
" Does he read the papers?"
" No; but he could. Yesterday I read to him a number of dispatches
Ave had just received. Here is one of them now." The Colonel drew
frora his pocket a telegrara, Avhich he read as follows :
" PiTTSFiELD, Mass., September 7.
" To President GaefielI), Lmg Branch :
"The Garfield and Arthur Club, of Pittsfield, and people of the town, without
regard to party lines, in Berkshire County, to whose hospitalities you were coming
Avhen so brutally assailed, and Avhere thousands of Berkshire hearts were waiting
to welcome you, all unite in congratulations on your safe arrival at the sea-shore.
All hope for your speedy recovery, and to-day the shire toAvn suspends business to
meet and ask the Great Healer to be with you and make efficacious the efforts of
your earthly physicians. Officers and Members
of the Garfield and Arthur Club, and many others."
"The President," continued Colonel Rockwell, "was greatly pleased
by the kind expressions in the telegrara, and bade rae telegraph his
thanks." Dr. Harailton, in conversation Avitli Dr. Pancoast, spoke very
encouragingly of the prospects, saying, in effect, that he had the
strongest hopes of recovery. Celebrations and thanksgivings to
signalize the joy of the people, Avere freely discussed. The ap
parent change for the better caused a rebound in popular senti
ment, which Avas quite disproportioned to its cause. Alas ! it had
no foundation whatever.
At 8:30 in the morning the President's pulse indicated 104;
temperature, 98.7; respiration, 18. At 6:30, evening, pulse
100; temperature, 99.1; respiration, 18. Dr. Bliss declared
most emphatically that the favorable symptoms would continue.
At 10:30 p. M, Secretary Blaine cabled this hopeful message:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
" The President's rest was much broken during the first half of last
night, but to-day his condition has been more favorable. He had less
fever this afternoon than for several days past ; has better pulse and im
proved appetite. His surgeons are much encouraged. His comfort has
been promoted by a decided change in the weather. Thermometer at
this hour (10: 30) 75° Fahi'enheit; yesterday it Avas 95°."

028 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
In many of the States, in response to the proclamations of
their Governors, the people gathered at their places of worship
and oflTered prayer for the recovery of the Chief Magistrate,
In many cities business was almost wholly suspended for this
service, and there Avas hearty supplication every-where for the
Divine blessing upon the languishing President, Faith in
praj'er seemed to have become universal, and certainly the sen
timents which accompanied this faith are an honor to human
ity and a solace to the Avorld.
The seventieth day. — September 9th Avas regarded as "a favor-
ble day," and the rapid convalescence of the President Avas con
fidently announced. The cool atmosphere seemed to invigorate
him, and his appetite Avas fair. The physicians announced a de
cided improvement, but the morning bulletin did not create a
sanguine feeling in non-professional minds, and the more cautious
were scarcely satisfied with the syraptoms, but preferred to
await further developments before resting in the belief that the
favorable change Avould not be interrupted by some unforeseen
complication. Naturall}', the immediate attendants upon the
President exhibited a more decided opinion that the improvement
was likely to be permanent, than did persons not so intimately
connected with the case. Assurance from those having access
to the patient's room, that he was much better than before leav
ing Washington, was very generally and gratefully accepted.
At 8 : 30 A. M. his pulse was 100 ; temperature, 98.5 ; respira
tion, 17. At noon there was scarcely a notable change. At
6 p. M., pulse, 100; temperature, 98.8; respiration, 18, At 10
p. M,-^ecretary Blaine cabled the subjoined dispatch:
"Loavell, Minister, London:
' ' The medical reports are all favorable to-day — morning, noon , and night.
The President has not for many weeks done so well for so many consecutive
hours. He has had very little fever ; his respiration has been normal, and
his pulse has not exceeded 100, He slept without opiates, and gained
strength without stimulants. His nights are not so restful as could be de
sired ; but in the twenty-four hours he gets sufficient sleep. The Aveather,
though not excessively Avarm, continues sultry and oppressive. Much is

G.iZING ON THE SEA.— DELUSIVE HOPES. 629
hoped from the clear, bracing air which may be expected here at this
season." On the same evening, Attorney-General MacVeagh expressed
his vieAA-s in these words: "At present everything looks favor
able, and of course we hope that Avhat has been gained Avill be
maintained and added to, but the difficulty is, the President's
blood is in an unhealthy condition, and until he recuperates
sufficiently to overcome any bad eflects of blood-poisoning, it is
not safe to be sanguine," He thought, furthermore, that the
President would convalesce in ten days. This was the 9th of
September. Of course he could not foresee the 19th, and we
must not anticipate that memorable date.
The seventy-first day. — Saturday, September 10th, was ushered
in Avith favorable omens. It Avas iironounced " a satisfactory
day" by Dr. Bliss. He expressed the opinion that the wound
was healing from the bottom. The temperature Avas one degree
higher than on the previous day, and this Avas the only change
noted in the bulletins. But there Avas an undercurrent of ap
prehension more significant than any thing Avhich appeared in
print. The people had learned from an unofficial and unauthori
tative source that the President was worse, and that blood-
poisoning had shown itself in very alarming symptoms. Un
fortunately, this information Avas true. At 8 : 30 A. M, the pulse .
Avas 104; temperature, 99.4 ; respiration, 18. At noon, pulse,
100; temperature, 98,5; respiration, 18. At 5:30 p. m., pulse,
100 ; temperature, 98.7 ; respiration, 18. Secretary Blaine ca
bled as folloAA's, at 10 p. m.:
"Lowell, Mini'ier, London:
"After dispatch of last night the President had'considerable increase of
fever. Indeed, a rise of pulse and temperature cA'ery night has become
a significant feature in his case. Through the day, and especially
this afternoon, he has grown raore comfortable. A cold easterly storm
has prevailed since early morning without evil effect thus far on his con
dition. Secretary Windom had a brief intervicAV with the President at
noon. He found him much reduced in strength, but clear in his mind.

630 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
He asked the Secretary about the success of the refunding of the public
debt." The seventy -second day.— A day of anxiety. The President
was unmistakably worse. It was ascertained that a portion
of the matter discharged from the mouth was not pus i'rom,
tfie parotid gland, as had been supposed, but pus from a badly
diseased lung. The situation was regarded as critical, and es
pecially so when the patient's cough returned with considera
ble violence. At 8:30 p. m. his pulse was 104; temperature,
98,8; respiration, 19, At noon, pulse, 110; temperature, 100;
respiration, 20, At 5:30 p, m,, pulse, 110; temperature, 100.6;
respiration, 20, Tfie increase in respiration was attributed to
the affection of the lungs. At 10 : 30 p. M. Secretary Blaine ca
bled the following report :
" Lowell, 3Iinister, London:
"The President had an increase of fcA'er last night and was very restless
until 5 o'clock A. M. During the day he has been somewhat better, but
his pulse, temperature, and respiration have been higher for the entire twen
ty-four hours than on any preceding day since he reached Long Branch.
His other symptoms are not reassuring, and his general condition gives
rise to anxiety."
The seventy-third day. — Monday Avas pronounced "favorable."
A decided improvement in the President's symptoms was re
ported by the attending physicians, who pronounced the anxi
ety of the preA-ious day "a senseless panic." The lung diffi
culty was spoken of as of little importance now that it was
understood, except by Dr. Boynton, who contended very
strongly that it was an eflPect of blood-poisoning. Yet he
thought the President's vitality sufficient to overcome any seri
ous results from it, provided no further complication of a similar
nature occurred. At 8:30 a. m. his pulse was 100; tempera
ture, 98.4; respiration, 18. At noon, pulse, 106; temperature,
99.2; respiration, 20. At 5:30 p. m., pulse, 100 ; temperature,
98.6 ; respiration, 18. At 2 : 30 p. m. the following message was
cabled by Secretary Blaine :

GAZING ON THE SEA.— IN THE EASY CHAIR. 631
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"The President slept well last night, and his condition to-day is more
comfortable and more favorable. During my absence for a short time Dr.
Agnew or Dr. Hamilton will send you a daily report."
At 10 P. M. Attorney-General MacVeagh sent, by cable, the
following dispatch:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
" In the absence of Mr. Blaine, the attending physicians have requested
me to inform you of the President's condition. He has during the day
eaten sufficient food Avith relish, and has enjoyed at intervals refreshing
sleep. His wound and the incisions raade by the surgeons all look better.
The parotid gland has ceased suppuration, and may be considered as sub
stantially well. He has exhibited raore than his usual cheerfulness of
spirits. His teraperature and respiration are uoav normal, and his pulse
is less frequent and' firmer than at the sarae hour last evening. Not
Avithstanding these favorable symptoms, the condition of the lower part
of the right lung avUI continue to be a source cf anxiety for some days
to corae." The seventy-fourth day. — Tuesday, September 18th, Avas for the
most part uneventful, except that at 11 A. m. he Avas placed in a
semi- recumbent position upon an easy chair, in Avhich position
he remained half an hour without fatigue or discomfort. In
reply to a question by Dr, Bliss, President Garfield said he ex
perienced no pain and did not even feel tired. At 8 : 30 a, m,
the pulse was 100 ; temperature, 99.4; respiration, 20. At noon,
pulse, 100 ; temperature, 98,8 ; respiration, 20. At 5 : 30 p. m.
pulse, 100; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 20. A favorable
report was cabled by Attorney-General MacVeagh to Minister
Lowell. The seventy-fifth day. — "Still gaining slowly," was the raorn
ing repoHt. It was announced that the patient suffered from a
septic infection of the blood, but this was not believed to be
very serious. Dr. Boynton was the only physician who expressed
much anxiety about it, and his views were invariably soothed by
the belief that the President's robust constitution would eventually

632 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
conquer all his physical complications. At 8 : 30 A, M, the pulse
was 100; teraperature, 98.4; respiration, 19, At noon, pulse 104;
temperature, 98,8 ; respiration, 20, At 5: 30 P, m,, pulse 112; tem
perature, 99,2; respiration, 21, The bulletins looked sufficiently
unfavorable, but the physicians vicAved them Avith complaisance.
Dr. Boynton, however, informed a reporter that the pulse frequently
reached 120, but this fact Avas kept from the family and the public.
At 10 o'clock Attorney-General MacVeagh reported as folloAvs:
" Lowell, Minister, London:
"There is an increase this evening in the President's temperature,
pulse, and respiration; but it is so slight as not necessarily to indicate
that the condition of the blood is producing any ucav complications.
The trouble in the right lung is not increasing, and is causing him less
annoyance. He has taken adequate nourishment, and his sleep has
been natural and refreshing ; so that, if he has gained nothing, he has
probably lost nothing during the day."
The seventy-sixth day. — " Slight progress toward recovery " Avaii
reported. The surgeons concluded not to admit that the septic
condition of the patient's blood amounted to pysemia, and they
expressed confidence that the difficulty would be overcome. The
President took food in variety, but not with a strong appetite.
In the early morning hours he was quite Avakeflil, and gaA'e AA'ay
to fits of despondency. In one of these he called aloud to an at
tendant: "Save me; don't let me sink." Words of encourage
ment were uttered, but for a time he could not bring himself to
believe that he yet had hope of recovery, " I fear bringing me
here will prove but a roaring farce after all," said he. He was
not readily reassured, and the incident was not regarded as favora
ble. Still the physicians and newspaper correspondents sent out
fair reports to the country, and the people were therefore quite
unprepared for the events so near at hand. At 8 : 30 *.. M. the
pulse Avas 100 ; temperature, 98.4 ; respiration, 20. At noon, pulse
1 102; temperature, 98.9; respiration, 21. At 5: 30 P, M., pulse 104;
temperature, 99.2; respiration, 21, Attorney-General MacVeagh
reported to Minister Lowell that all the symptoras were substan-

GAZING ON THE SEA.— SINKING. 633
tidily the same as on the previous day, except that the expectora^
tion from the right lung Avas rather less difficult and less profuse.
Tlie seventy-seventh day. — A day of " unfavorable symptoms."
Great anxiety AA-as experienced by the immediate friends of the
honored sufferer, and the physicians acknoAvledged the gravity of
the occasion. His physical weakness had never before been so
apparent, and his utter exhaustion seemed ominous of the end.
Those Avho had never before questioned his ability to rally, uoav
began to doubt it; and, when it Avas found that the pulse fre
quently reached 130 beats, intelligent men and A\'omen Avcre struck
Avith Avonder at the persistent vitality of the man. At 8 : 30 A, M,
the pulse Avas 104; temperature, 98,6; respiration, 21. At noon,
pulse 116; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 21, At 5:30 p. m.,
pulse 104; temperature, 98.6; respiration, 22. Attorney-General
MacVeagh cabled as follows:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"There has been no very marked change in the President's condition,
but it is not at this hour reassuring. The different symptoms are almost
uU slightly aggravated. The temperature and the pulse have fluctuated
more than usual, and the respiration is rather more frequent, Avhile the
character of the discharges continues to be unsatisfactory. There is,
therefore, a sensible increase of anxiety.''
The .seventy-eighth day.—" A day of deep anxiety." The Pres
ident was worse. He was sinking beyond reach of the strong
arm of science and the willing hands of love, never to be re
claimed by earthly agencies, A chill, continuing half an hour,
was followed by perspiration and a rapid rise of temperature. The
situation AA-as alarming, although the immediate eflPects of the chill
did not appear as serious as might have been expected,— for the
pulse fell, in a few hours, from 120 to 102, the temperature from
102 to 98, and the respiration from 24 to 18, These were phe
nomenal changes. Yet the word "rigor," as translated in the
medical vocabulary, is invested with nameless terrors, and the
condition of the patient was assuraed, on all sides, to be precari
ous in the extreme. The attending physicians were startled, but

634 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
they did not fail to predict another rally, and a decided improve
ment in a few days. They did not seem to realize that the crisis
Avas upon them, and the country certainly did not. The Attorney-
General cabled to Minister Lowell that "the situation is uoav prob
ably more graA-e and critical than at any time heretofore,"
The seventy-ninth day. — Sunday was marked by an increase of
fear and anxiety. Another chill, but of shorter duration, was one
of the untoward incidents of the day, Dr, Bliss declared that the
frequent recurrence of chills would soon wear out the President's
life, but he hoped to devise some means to prevent them. Dur
ing this last attack the President's pulse reached 134, possibly 140.
Dr. Boynton had some clear ideas regarding the case. On Sun
day night he said:
" The President's condition to-day, compared with yesterday, shows a
slight iraproveraent."
" Do you not think the low pulse and temperature of last night and
this raorning were favorable indications?"
" I do not. The low pulse and teraperature, the sound sleep, and the
freedom from cough and expectoration were indications of a very low
state of vitality, and can not be considered as favorable symptoms. If
he grows stronger, there will be a rise in the pulse and temperature, and
his cough and expectoration will return."
" Is it true that you stated last night that the President's condition
was hopeless?"
" No, sir. I said his case was extremely critical, but not hopeless."
" What is your opinion to-night?"
" The same as last night. For several weeks he has at times made
satisfactory progress, but, in each instance, the iraproveraent has been
followed by a relapse, which left him on a lower plane of vitality than
before. This feature of his case is peculiar to most cases of chronic
pysemia. The President has a wonderful constitution, but it is doubt
ful if it is sufficient to carry hira on to recovery."
This conversation is interesting from the fact that it shows the
very correct logic of one of the President's most intimate atten
dants only twenty-four hours preceding the final catastrophe. Dr.
Bliss was slightly more confident than Dr. Boynton. No points

GAZING ON THE SEA.— SEPTEMBER IDth. 635
are given from the physicians' bulletins, for the reason that it was
thought best on Sunday to suppress some of the more unfavorable
indications, and the bulletins are therefore not history. At 10
p. M., Attorney-General MacVeagh cabled the folio -,ving:
"Lowell, Minister, London:
"The President passed a coraparatively quiet and comfortable day, but
this evening he had another chill of less duration than that of yesterday,
but sufficient to increase the very great anxiety already existing.' He
has also been slowly growing weaker, and his present condition excites
the gravest apprehensions."
The last day. — Monday, September 19, brought the final eclip.se
of hope. It is not easy to describe it in these pages in such Avay
as will do full justice to the subject for the American ^Jcople;
because, first, its facts are so incredible as to appear cpiite outside
the range of history ; and, second, the people, the great masses, can
not yet understand hoAV their beloved President could be so foully
murdered without the SAvift annihilation of the murderer. The
human mind does not alAA'ays remember that the methods of jus
tice must be quite distinct and Avholly dissimilar from those of
crime, and that the cause of law and order is promoted by this
distinction. And possibly it Avill never be taught to remember this
lesson invariably.
Upon this fateful Monday morning, the President Avas prostrated
by a severe chill, called " rigor " by the physicians. It proved to
be weakening beyond precedent. During its continuance, the pulse
ran up to 143, and for a long time remained above 140. It de
creased gradually in the afternoon, and when it Avas found that
there was no recurrence of the chill in the evening, the promise
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sufferer, however, for several days yet, and it was remarked that
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CHART SHOWING THE FUI^E, TEMPBBATUKE, AND RESPIRATION OF PRESIDENT GABFIELD, THROUGHOUT HIS ILLNESS
(636)
GAZING ON THE SEA.— A STARTLED NATION.

637

despondent. She could not realize that death was evcu then rob
bing her of her heart's dearest treasure.
The President rested quietly during the afternoon, and it vms
found that he had rallied from the effect of the chill in a manner
1 0 surprise the
physicians. His
mind was bright,
the dressing of
the wound did not
fatigue him, and
after it was over
he asked for a
hand-glass, taking
Avhich he examin
ed his face and
said he could not
understand how
he should be so
weak when he
looked so bright.
This was at 6 p. m.
Dr. Bliss remark
ed, that after such
a rallying there
was hope, but the
trouble was want
of strength. Af
ter the closest ex
amination, the surgeons said it was possible for the patient to live
a week, even granting that present conditions were to carry him
off. Drs. Bliss, Agnew, and Hamilton, all concurred in this view,
and it was sent out to the country in the dispatches of the asso
ciated press. Although such a message was designed to be jDaci-
fying, people every-where were .startled. It was a virtual conces
sion that all hope of recovery had been abandoned, and that the

GENERAL u. G. SWAIM.

638 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
clouds of death were already lowering. But there was something
infinitely more startling to come shortly.
At 10 P. M., while the President was asleep. General Swaim no
ticed that his limbs were cold. To warm them, he procured a
flannel cloth, heated it at the fire a..d laid it over the knees. He
heated another cloth and laid it over the President's right hand,
and then sat down beside the bed. The sad occurrences of the
night are thus related in General Swaim's words :
"I was hardly seated when Dr. Boynton came in and felt the Presi
dent's pulse. I asked him how it seemed to him. He replied : ' It is not
as strong as it was this afternoon, but very good.' I said: ' He seems to
be doing well.' ' Yes,' he answered, and passed out. He was not in the
roora more than two minutes.
"Shortly after this the President awoke. As he turned his head on
awakening, I arose and took hold of his hand. I was on the left hand
side of the bed as he lay. I remarked : ' You have had a nice comfort
able sleep.'
"He then said, 'O Swaim, this terrible pain,' placing his right hand
on his breast about over the region of the heart. I asked him if I could
do any thing for him. He said, ' Some water.' I went to the other side
of the room and poured about an ounce and a half of Poland water into
a glass and gave it to him to drink. He took the glass in his hand, I
raising his head as usual, and drank the water very naturally. I then
handed the glass to the colored man, Daniel, who came in during the
time I was getting tbe water. Afterward I took a napkin and wiped his
forehead, as he usually perspired on awaking. He then said, ' 0 Swaim,
this terrible pain — press your hand on it.' I laid my hand on his chest.
He then threw both hands up to the sides and about on a line with his
head, and exclaimed: 'O Swaim, can't you stop this?' And again, '0
Swaim ! '
" I then saw him looking at me with a staring expression. I asked
him if he was suffering much pain. Receiving no answer, I repeated the
question, with like result. I then concluded that he was either dying
or was having a severe spasm, and called to Daniel, who was at the door,
to tell Dr. Bliss and Mrs. Garfield to come immediately, and glanced at
the small clock hanging on the chandelier nearly over the foot of his bed
and^aw that it was ten minutes past 10 o'clock. Dr. Bliss came in within

GAZING ON THE SEA.— LAST SCENE OF ALL. 639
two or three minutes. I told Daniel to bring the light. A lighted candle
habitually sat behind a screen near the door. When the light shone full on
the President's face I saw that he was dying. When Dr. Bliss came in a mo
ment after, I .said : ' Doctor, have you any stimulants ? he seems to be dying.'
He took hold of the President's wrist, as if feeling for his pulse, and said :
' Yes, he is dying.' I then said to Daniel : ' Run and arouse the house.'
At that moment Colonel Rockwell came in, when Dr. Bliss said : ' Let
us rub his limbs,' which we did. In a very few moments Mrs. Garfield
came in, and said : ' What does this mean ?' and a moment after exclaimed :
'Oh, why am I made to suffer this cruel wrong?' At 10:30 p. m. the
sacrifice was complete. He breathed his last calmly and peaceably."
The great President was dead ! It could not be realized at the
moment, and yet within the ten minutes succeeding his demise the
bells in a hundred cities were tolling his solemn knell. Long be
fore the morning light of the 20th illumined the earth, the hearts
of millions throughout the world were heavy with the tidings.
Dead ! whispered the wires with lightning haste. Dead ! clanged
the bells, with their brazen tongues. Dead! was echoed around
the world, from lip to lip, until the mournful chorus resounded in
a wail of heart-piercing agony. Dead ! dead ! dead ! exclaimed all
the people. But not so. Garfield will live forever in the better
thoughts of those who loved him, and who are made better for
having loved him. The brave heart, the open hand, the great
soul, generous and true — these will bless the world for evermore!
Garfield is deathless.
" No man was better prepared for death," remarked a prominent
member of his Cabinet. " No, sir, nor for life, which requires in
finitely superior preparation," may be safely responded. The life
which he lived required the practice of all the virtues ; the cruci
fixion of all the vices; bravery of the severest type; gentleness,
trust, and clear-cut integrity. Practice had perfected in him these
rules of life, and for many years he had furnished an example of
purity and probity for his fellow-men. This is not taken away with
the removal of the body. It can not be taken away. The pages
of history will be brightened with it as long as eminent worth re
mains the goal of human ambition.

640 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
His removal has chastened and sweetened the national life.
The hearts of all men, from ever}' part}-, have been drawn together
in a common brotherhood, and the country to a man denounces
and resents " the deep damnation of his taking off." Every differ
ence is annihilated in the presence of the universal bereavement.
His death forced a cry of grief from the pained heart of every man
and woman in Christendom who loves good deeds, and reveres the
example of an honest life : who admires the power to withstand
trial, to bear suffering, and to confront danger ; who reveres those
that possess the courage of their convictions, however resisted by
menace and scorn. No mourning was ever before so universal, so
heartfelt, so spontaneous, so lasting. Every consideration of busi
ness, of pleasure, of political preferment, of social enjoyment, of
speculation, of -whatsoever men and women were engaged in, gave
way at once to the general lamentation. These things were most
observable in our own land, but in some measure they prevailed
in every civilized country, and extended even to the isles of the
.sea. His had been a precious life to his own people for many years.
It has become precious to all the world's millions now, and will
remain so through all the ages. '
He proved himself a hero many times and on many trying oc
casions before his eighty days of heroic endurance of the assassin's
stroke ; but never was there a brighter example of Christian for
titude and uncompromising submission than that furnished by him
during those eighty days. And never was there any thing more
heroic and queenly than the devotion of his noble wife from the
beginning to the close of this eventful period. Where is there a
grander picture of womanhood than Mrs. Garfield? The history
of neither ancient nor modern times furnishes its superior. What
was position to her, with its pride and circumstance, when placed
in the balance with love and duty? Elevated to the place of the
most envied woman in the land — the leader of society at the Na
tional Capital — she practiced that grand simplicity which made her
the fit companion for the eminently practical and busy President
while in health, and, when overtaken by his great calamity, nursed
him day and night with unceasing devotion. What example could

GAZING ON THE SEA.— THE HEEOIC ^VIFE. 641
be more admirable than this for the women of the present age?
Well may great queens acknowledge this true woman their peer,
and treat her as a sister.
For the two weeks at Long Branch, 'and probably for other
weeks at Washington, he was kept alive by the indomitable
power of his own will and the gentle care of those who loved
him better than life. The "little woman" to whom he sent
his love before the first shock of his wound had subsided, was
the prominent object in his heart of hearts, and well has she
proved her title to the place she occupied there, "\^"ell did she
remember her vow to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in
health, till death. With what faithfulness, Avith what untiring
devotion and pathetic zeal was that vow kept; and how holy must
be the associations which now cluster around every act and every
aspiration of the womanly faith and love which animated the noble
wife in her hour of trial. History furnishes no more prominent
example of devoted affection, forgetfulness of self, sacrifice of all
comfort, carelessness of every thing except the poor sufferer upon
the bed of pain. He was her only object in life. And to him,
she was the bright star of destiny, the ever-present angel of hope,
the trusty sentinel upon the rampart.s of eternity, who menaced
and kept at bay the arch-enemy, death. Her faith and hope and
love were the medicaments which sustained him through all those
weary days, when the services of physicians became as naught in
the process of healing. No one could perform for him the tender
offices of nursing so well as she ; no voice so sweet as hers ; no hand
so gentle nor so ready to anticipate his wants. In those other years,
when they toiled together for the mental, moral, and material ad
vancement of themselves and their children, and knew little of the
gay world, he learned this ; and now, when they had reached the
summit of the loftiest earthly ambition, and she, by right as well as
courtesy, was acknowledged the first lady in the land, he still found
her the same faithful nurse, with the old devotion to her wifely duty
which makes the true woman an angel of mercy, and of more worth
in the chamber of sickness than any physician. She never left him in
all those weaiy days of pain, and she it was who, on many occasions,

642

LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.

brought him back to consciousness and life by tender care, when
it seemed to others that the slender thread which bound him to
earth was too weak longer to hold.

ft' if'<.' iira» , -<•

THE LAST LOOK AT THE^EA.
Her loving devotion under these conditions was the subject of
daily encomiums ; and even the medical attendants were unanimous
in according her the first praise for attentions which were more
important to the patient than any they could render. Without her
soothing ministrations, it is thought the life of the President would
have been much abridged ; and when it is remembered that this toil
was constant, day by day, without intermission, except a few hours

GAZING ON THE SEA.— A SOEEOWFUL PICTUEE. 643
for sleep, wholly self-abnegating, and to the exclusion of all
thoughts for her own health or comfort, .she may well be cited as
on(; of the noblest examples of true wifehood in any age or coun-
liy. The ancients were filled with admiration at the devotion of
Penelope to Ulys.scs. How weak and tamo is tlie example when
compared with that which now causes American womanhood to be
so lovingly reverenced !
That is indeed a sorrowful picture where the President, from
his room at Elberon, takes his la.st view of the sea. Those calm
eyes surveyed the mighty waters, Avhose lashings are regular as the
movement of the pendulum, with sensations which will never
be known, for he was wholly absorbed in meditation. Once
or twice he turned to the faithful wife with a smile upon his at
tenuated features, but nothing referring to the scene or the sit
uation was said by either. With his hand locked in hei-s, they
communed in spirit, conscious of the presence of God in His
works and in His mercy. The anxiety of the people for the great
President was not shared by himself, exce2:)t as his .sympathies were
nov,', as alway.s, with the people; but ^vho shall describe the agony
of the poor wife as she noted the weakness, daily increasing, of the
noble form upon which, for .so many joyous years, she had leaned
for support ? Who shall depict her anguish as she now' realized
that the sea breezes, which had brought so much health for oth
ers, could bring none to her languishing husband? ^\'hatever
may have been the hopes of the country, there were no hopes of
recovery in this sick chamber now, — only prayers, and possibly
something like a dream of a miracle — yearned for, but impossible.
AVhat picture can be more saddening, or convey a deeper meaning
in its illustration of a holy presence in the chamber of pain, than
that individualized by the wife of the President!
The name of I^ucretia Garfield will remain linked indissolubly
with that of the great soul whose love she honored, so long as
wifely heroism is honored of man. In his youth, in the days of
his poverty, she made him rich with the countless wealth of her
woman's love. She pointed the way to a great future. To her
careful management and sound advice is much of his early success

644 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
to be attributed. Standing beside him at the coronation of his
ambition, in the hour of his glory, she looked upon him with a
pride beyond language, as, under such conditions, what wife would
not; but in the dark days, which measured the period from July
2d to September 20th, and ended so deplorably to her and the coun
try, it was a wifely love, destitute of all vainglory, with which, in
full view of Christendom, she ministered, as only angels do, to the
wounded form of her dying husband. No picture could be more
pathetic, more instructive, more valuable as an example to all
women of this day and coming ages ; and it will be so remem
bered. Garfield's struggle for a life that had become historic for its
manly courage, was brave indeed; but with the history of that
struggle there must forever be associated the imperishable name of
a wife as great as he in all that makes greatness worth living or
dying for in the eyes of men. " Man is the image and glory of
God, but the woman is the glory of the man."
Now the land was covered with a pall. The insignia of mourning
greeted the eye everywhere. It was the spontaneous expression of
the people, without premeditation or system. Concert of action in
a matter where every one moved upon the instant was not feasi
ble ; but it was as if the President were lying dead in every hab
itation. Prompted by a sentiment which defies analysis, but which
sprang from that wearisome vigil at his bedside; from those long
weeks of testing his pulse, listening to his breathings, and won
dering at his courage ; from hope deferred, gloom, despair, death-
it agitated the depths of universal humanity, and impelled a re
sponse to the holiest dictates of every heart. NotAvithstanding the
all-pervading grief, the demonstration was wonderful and without
a parallel. Quite as wonderful for its universality as for any of
its physical conformations. A poor widow, in a Western city, draped
her doorway with her one black dress. She had no other means of
joining in the general expression of grief Doubtless many other
widows did the same thing for exactly the same reason. Others,
who had not even a decent dress, hung out a single yard of black
muslin, or a less quantity of crape. The poor made as emphatic
expression of their grief as the wealthy, and the humblest offer-

GAZING ON THE SEA.— ILLIMITABLE GEIEF. 645
ing of honest poverty invariably carried to the heart of the ob
server a deeper pathos than the ornate decorations with which the
rich man symboled his lamentation. This is not said in a spirit
of criticism, but to record a fact which is a part of this history,
and which teaches a lesson germane to its object.
Not in this country alone were these things prominent, but they
were part of the mourning of every land that regards the usages
of civilization ; and Avherever there is recognition of mental and
moral worth, there Avas heartfelt grief at the death of Garfield.
The Avorld missed him. He occupied a place of great responsibil
ity, Avhich no one could be better fitted for. His administration
gave promise of good results. He Avas anxious to do good for the
sake of good, rather than for popularity. He Avas resolved to do
right regardless of those who might stand in his path. He did every
thing in his power that he believed to be right. He opposed, Avith
all his might, every thing he believed to be Avrong. He was a just
man and forgiving, Avith no hooks upon Avhich to hang grudges. He
was a Christian statesman — the highest type of a chief executive.
Hoav much the country lost in his death will never be computed.
It is beyond estimate. It is more than any one has yet attempted
to figure out. The sum of such a man's value is quite beyond the
reach of mathematics. It can not be measured; therefore grief
for his loss is illimitable.

646 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.

CHAPTER XV.
THE SOLEMN PAGEAXT.
There he lies dead beside the moaning sea!
The days of watching and the nights of pain,
The burning flush, the keen anxiety.
The ebb and flow of hope, the blinding rain
Of bitter tears that came and came again, —
All, all are ended ! O'er the sighing deep
Floats on the solemn air a sad, low strain,
A mournful dirge that seems to sob and weep!
O Nation, take your dead and lay him down to sleep 1
THE President was dead. The curtain had fallen at last
between an anxious people and the first citizen of the
Republic. It only remained for fifty millions of freemen to
take him up with tender hands and bear him away to the nar
row house prepared for all living. It Avas a sad duty which
the Nation Avas not likely to neglect or leave to others to
perform. In the preparations made for the President's funeral there
Avas neither passion nor excitement. When Csesar fell there
Avas an uproar. The benches of the Senate House were torn
up by the maddened populace to make a pyre for the burning
of the dead Jmperator's body. We have improved upon all
that. The temperate spirit and self-restraint of the American
people promise Avell for the perpetuity of the Republic. How
ever much cause there may be for anger and alarm, it
is not likely that our institutions Avill ever be endangered by
an outburst of popular fury.
The shutters of Francklyn cottage were closed. The sun's
face wore a coppery tint as he came up from the sea to look
on the. scene of death. The wind, which had bloAvn stormily

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.-.=AD PEEPAEATION.S. 647
for a week, fell to a calm. A September haze filled the air
and sky, and an indescribable quiet settled over the long, low
shores of Jersey. With the rising of the sun a .-ingle craft far out
at sea, floating, as it seemed, ou nothing, broke the line of
the horizon.
At the cottage the silence of death prevailed. At a little
distance, on all sides, armed sentinels, with fixed bayonets,
paced their beats, guardians of the border line between now
and hereafter, beyond which the living might not pass. The
flag, which, since the arrival of the President at Elberon. had
been floating from a pole thrust out of an upper window of
the cottage, was draped with black; but beyond this som
ber signal no outward sign of mourning Avas apparent. The
first comers were the journalists; but in their demeanor the
customary eagerness of competition was no longer apparent.
Fifty millions of people would, before night, read the truths
AA-hich these reporters had come to gather, but their subject
of inquiry was noAv death rather than life; and their demeanor
was calm and respectful in that shadoAvy presence.
At half-past 10, Secretaries Windom, Kirkwood, and Hunt and
Postmaster-General James arrived at Elberon. and Avere iuA'ited
at once to the Attorney-General's cottage, .situated about as far
to the north-east of the hotel as the Francklyn cottage, in
which the body of the President lay, is to the south-east. There
they remained during the forenoon discussing the details of
the events which had just transpired, in Avhich the}- Avere all so
deeply interested. A half hour later General Grant, Avith his
son and a friend, drove up and spent an hour in gathering
information of the last hours of President Garfield.
MeauAvhile, the undertaker and his assistants had arriA-ed
and were preparing the body of the President for embalming ••
and burial. The body showed the loss of flesh to a degree
painful to look upon. Only the face preseiwed any thing like
the appearance of the hving Garfield. The beard, in a measure,
contributed to this, serving to conceal the hollowness of tho
wasted cheeks. The body was laid upon rubber cloths placed

648

LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.

upon the floor to await the autopsy, Avhich was to take place
in the afternoon.
In the afternoon President Arthur arrived at Elberon. He
had already taken the oath of oflfice in New York Citj', and had
ihon <.ome immediately to Long Branch to tender condolence to

CHESTER A. AETHUR.

the friends of the dead and to confer with the Cabinet. The
question under consideration was the arrangement of a pro
gramme for the funeral of the President. After the confer
ence, the following plan for the funeral services was ordered by
the Cabinet, and was given for the information of the public
by Secretary Blaine :

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— THE AUTOPSY. 649
"Elberon, N. J., September 20, 1881.
"The remains of the late President of the United States Avill be removed to
Washington by special train on Wednesday, September 21, leaving Elberon at 10
A. M., and reaching Washington at 4 p. M. Detachments from the United States
Army and from the marines of the Navy will be in attendance on arrival at
Washington to perform escort duty. The remains will lie in state in the rotunda
of the Capitol on Thursday and Friday, and wiy be guarded by deputations from
the Executive Departments and by ofiScers of the Senate and House of Eepre-
sentatives. " Eeligious ceremonies will be observed in the rotunda at 3 o'clock on Friday
afternoon. At 5 o'clock the remains will be transferred to the funeral car and be
removed to Cleveland, Ohio, via the Pennsylvania Eailroad, arriving there Satur
day at 2 p. M. In Cleveland the remains will lie in state until Monday at 2 P. M.,
and be then interred in Lakeview Cemetery. No ceremonies are expected in the
cities and towns along the route of the funeral train beyond the tolling of bells.
Detailed arrangements for final sepulture are committed to the municipal au
thorities of Cleveland, under the direction of the Executive of the State of Ohio.
" James G. Blaine, Secretary of State."
Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 20th, a post-mortem
examination of the President's body Avas made with a vieAv
of clearing up the many uncertainties Avhich existed concern
ing the nature of the Avound and the secondary causes of
death. The autopsy lasted for about three and a half hours,
and was conducted by the attending and consulting surgeons,
assisted by Dr. D. S. Lamb, Assistant Surgeon of the j\Iedical
Museum at Washington, and Dr. A. H. Smith, of NeAv York.
The revelations made hy the examination were of an aston
ishing sort, chiefly so as it respected the diagnosis of the Pres
ident's injury, which was found to have been utterly at vari
ance with the facts. At 11 o'clock p. m. an oflfieial bulletin-
last of many— was prepared by the surgeons, setting forth the
results of the autopsy, as folloAvs :
''Elberon, New Jersey, September 20, 1881.
By previous arrangement, a post-mortem examination of the body of
President Garfield Avas made this afternoon in the presence and with the
assistance of Drs. Hamilton, Agnew, Bliss, Barnes, Woodward, Reyburn,
Andrew H. Smith, of Elberon, and Acting Assistant Surgeon D. S. Lamb,
of the Army Medical Museum of Washington. The operation was per
formed by Dr. Lamb. It was found that the ball, after fracturing the

650 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
right eleventh rib, had passed through the spinal column in front of the
spinal cord, fracturing the body of the first lumbar vertebra, driven a
nuraber of small fragments of bone into the adjacent soft parts, and lodg
ing below the pancreas, about two inches and a half to the left of the spine,
and behind the peritoneum, Avhere it had become completely encysted.
"The immediate cause of death was secondary hemorrhage from one of
the mesenteric arteries adjoining the track of the ball, the blood ruptur
ing the peritoneum, and nearly a pint escaping into the abdominal cavity.
This hemorrhage is believed to have been the cause of the severe pain in
the lower part of the chest complained of ju.st before death. An ahscess
cavity, -ix inches by four in dimensions, Avas found in the vicinity of the
gall bladder, between the liver and the transverse colon, Avhich were
strongly adherent. It did not involve the substance of the liver, and no
communication was found between it and the wound.
"A long suppurating channel extended frora the external wound, be
tween the loin muscles and the right kidney, almost to the right groin.
This channel, now known to be due to the burroAving of pus from the
Avound, Avas suppo.sed during life to have been the track of the ball.
"On an examination of the organs of the chest, evidences of severe
bronchitLs were found on both sides, with broncho-pneumonia of the lower
portion of the right lung, and, though to a much less extent, of the left.
Tlie lungs contained no absces.ses, and the heart no clots. The liver was
enlarged and fatty, but not from abscesses. Nor were any found in any
other organ except the left kidney, which contained near its surface a small
abscess about one-third of an inch in diameter.
"In revieAving tL.>. history of the case in connection Avith the autopsy,
it is quite evident that the different suppurating surfaces, and especially
the fractured, spongy tissue of the vertebra, furnish a sufiicient explana
tion of the septic condition which existed."
During the first day after the President's death several inci
dents occurred Avorthy of note. Among others, came tAvo dis
patches from Cleveland, whose people Avere profoundly touched
by the death of their friend. "The first Avas from a committee
of the city council, and said : Cleveland, Ohio, September 20, 1881.
J//-.». J. A. Gaefield, Elberon, Xew .hr?ry:
In behalf of the trii^te<?R, we tender you ground in Lakeview Cemetery for the
burial of our lamented President, such as you or your friends may select.
t Signed by Executive Committee.)

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— THE AGED MOTHEE. 651
This was supplemented by the following dispatch sent by
the Mayor of Cleveland:
J/r.5. James A. Garfield, Long Branch, y. J.:
The people of this city, who have borne such love and honor to yoor husband.
most earnestly and sincerely desire that his grave may be made here among us.
Allow me, dear madam, to add to this publicly expressed desire of our citizens my
owQ personal and ofiicial concurrence. E. E. Herbick, Mayor.
These cordial oft'ers, concurring Avith Mrs. Garfield's own
wishes and the express desire of her dead husband, determined
the choice of the spot where his body was to he laid to rest.
Another incident was the breaking of the news to the aged
mother at home. Early in the morning a message came to
Mrs. Larabee, sister of the President, who lives at Solon. Ohio,
and with whom the poor old mother was for the time residing.
The dispatch said:
To Mrs. Ft.t7.> Garfieu):
James died this evening- at 10:3-5. He calmly breathed his life away.
D. G. SwAUi.
For awhile the dreadful intelligence was held back from the
faithful heart that had sheltered James A. Garfield in his
childhood. At length, after breakfast, she sought, as usual,
the daily telegram from her son. Finding the dispatch, she
was about to read, when her granddaughter took the message
from her trembling hands.
" Grandma," she said, " would you be surprised to hear bad
news this morning? "
"WTiy, I don't know." said the old lady.
" Weil, I should not," said Mrs. Larabee, " I have been fear
ing and expecting it all the morning."
" Grandma," said Ellen Larabee, " there is sad news."
"Is he dead?" asked the old lady, tremulously.
"He is."
The quick tears started in the sensitive eyes. There was no
violent paroxysm of grief. No expression of frenzy told of the
anguish within.
"Is it true?'' she asked, with quivering lips. "Then the
Lord help me, for if he is dead what shall I do?"

652 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
It was the bitterest of all the outcries of sorrowing human
nature — the anguish of a mother's breaking heart. The morn
ing of the 21st of September broke calmly from the sea.
Every thing was in readiness for the departure. For a brief
period in the morning the people of Elberon were permitted
to view the face of the dead. The coffin rested upon supports
d[-aped in bluck. There were few decorations. Upon the top
wore two black palm leaves. Some white flowers and a hang
ing basket of ferns with some branches of cycas leaves, em
blematic of heroism, completed the decorations.
At half-past nine a brief funeral service was pronounced over
the dead by Rev. Charles J. Young, of Long Branch, and then
preparations Avere made for the immediate departure of the sad
cortege on its sorroAvful journey.
The train which was to bear away the President's remains
was backed up to the cottage on the track that had been so
magically laid over the lawns on the night before he was
brought to Long Branch. It consisted of an engine and
four cars, Avhich were all heavily and tastefully draped in
mourning. Almost all the woodwork on the sides of the cars
was covered with crape, only the number of the car being left
exposed. The front car was for the baggage. The next Avas
specially arranged for the coffin. In the center of this was
a large catafalque for the casket to rest upon. It was cov
ered with crape arranged in graceful folds. It rested upon
a raised platform also draped in mourning and surrounded at
the bottom by flags. The sides and top of the car were en
tirely covered with black cloth. Cane chairs were provided for
the military guard of honor which occupied the car with the
coffin. The third car was a combination one for members of
the Cabinet. It was also draped in mourning inside and out.
The last car was the private car of President Roberts, of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. It was reserved for Mrs. Garfield and
family, and was the same car in which she came to Long
Branch on the 6th of September. This car was also tastefulh-
draped in black.

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— DEPAETUEE FEOM ELBEEON. 653

Promptly at 10 o'clock the train moved slowly away toward
the Elberon station. At this time there were two or three
thousand persons lining the track, and the roadway was croAvded
with carriages for half a mile. Men stood with uncovered
heads Avatching the train as it disappeared from view.
It was expected that
President Arthur
would arrive at At
torney-General Mac-
Veagh's house in the
morning, and with the
Cabinet visit the
house where Presi
dent Garfield lay dead.
The mixed crowd of
city and country peo
ple who had gathered
from many miles
thought they would
witness the closing
scenes of the dead
President's career and
at the same time catch
a glimpse of his suc-

cessoK. The arrange-

MISS MOLLIE GARFIELD.

ments were subsequently changed, hoAvever. President Arthur
decided to take a special train from Jersey City and meet the
funeral procession at the Elberon station.
Without further delay the funeral train moved sloAvly along
the track which had been laid across the fields specially to con
vey President Garfield to his new home by the sea. Nearly
every hat was removed from the heads of the observers when
the train approached. It moved along the left-hand track un
til the last car was parallel with the rear car of the special
train from Jersey City, which stood on the right-hand track.
President Arthur and the rest of the party then stepped iuto

654 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
the car where the Cabinet were seated. After greeting the per
sons in the car. the President seated himself behind Secretary
Blaine, and the two engaged in conversation. General Grant
took a seat immediately behind President Arthur, when he Avas
soon joined by Chief-Justice Waite. The engine which drew
the train from the Francklyn cottage drew the train only to the
main road. Engineer Paiije and Fireman GA\nnnell, Avho had
charge of the engine when President Garfield was removed
from Washington, were waiting with the same engine on a side
track. Deep folds of mourning hung from the engineer's box
and pieces of crape covered the brass and other portions of the
engine. Paige, who has always felt great pride in the success
ful removal from Washington, backed bis engine ou the main
track and coupled it to the car which contained- the coffin. At
twelve minutes past 10 o'clock, the conductor told Paige that
all was ready. A few puft's was the only noise made, and the
funeral train moved quietly away.
At the various points en route there were tokens of the deep
est popular sorrow. At Ocean Grove, the railroad for half a
mile on both sides was lined AAith people. On the platform of
the depot were from 4.000 to 5,000 men and women. As the
train passed the men stood with uncovered heads, absolutely
silent. The bells tolled, and then the crowd dispersed. Flags
were at half-mast, and the buildings were draped in black.
There was a brief stop at Monmouth Junction, and at Prince
ton, where the students from the College of New Jersey Avere
gathered to catch a glimpse of the passing train. They stood
five hundred strong along the track, Avhich had been streAved
with flowers by the people. At Trenton, Avhich Avas passed just
before noon, an immense crowd of people had assembled. Every
man took oif his hat, and the Avomen bowed their heads as the
train went by. Many persons Avere atleeted to tears.
At 12 : 50 P. M. the cortege reached Gray's Ferry Junction, op
posite Philadelphia, Avhere a great croAA'd, standing in silence, caught
a glimpse of the casket containing the remains of the dead Presi
dent. At Wilmington, fully ten thousand people Avere assembled.

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.-AEEIVAL AT WASHINGTON. 655
The bells of the city hall, court-house, and fire-engine houses Avcre
tolled Avhile the train was jjassing through the city. At Baltimore
there Avas no stop. Several thousand persons were gathered about
the depot, who uncovered as the train passed, preserving the most
,r('sjiectf'ul silence. Only three or four persons on the train Avere
' visible and recognized, the curtains of the cars being closed.
At 4:35 i>. M. the cortege reached Wa.shington City. As the
train came into the depot, there
Avas a hu.sh among the throng,
and then every head was uncov
ered. The scene that followed
Avas impressive in the extreme.
Mrs. Garfield, heavily veiled
and dressed in deep mourning,
alighted, leaning on the arm of
Secretary Blaine on the one side,
and supported by her son Harry
on the other. INIembcrs of the
Cabinet followed, and among
them towered the fi inn of Presi
dent Arthur, on Avliose face Avere
written the A'arious emotions
which must have struggled
AA'ithin him as he Avas Avelcomed
by the sad and silent thousands of the people of' Washington.
This party Avas folloAved by the pall-bearers, consisting of trained
artillery sergeants. As the cortege reached Sixth Street, Avherc
the military was massed, the Marine Band began slowly to jday
"Nearer, my God, to Thee." As the notes of this beautiful mel
ody filled the air all heads were bowed in reverence, and even the
rabble in the streets was aAvcd into silence.
The scene at the cast front of the Capitol was an imposing one.
The wide plateau Avas filled Avith the various military organizations
in bright uniforms, conspicuous among which were the marines. The
General and .staff" officers of the Army and the officers of the Navy
formed in tAVO lines leading to the foot of the broad marble stejis

JAMES R. GARFIELD.

656 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
on the east front, standing on which President Garfield had de
livered his inaugural address. Directly in front was the hearse,
drawn by six magnificent gray horses. At the foot of the steps
stood the officers of the Senate and of the House, and the Re
ception Committee. When the band had played a dirge, the pall
bearers advanced, followed by the President, Cabinet, Justices
of the Supreme Court, Senators and Representatives, and filed
slowly and sadly up a pathway Avhich had been kept open in
the middle of the broad flight of stairs, the sides being densely
packed with people who had crowded in to see this part of the
pageant. On reaching the center of the vast rotunda, the casket Avas placed
on the catafalque which had been prepared for it, and then the Presi
dent and the Cabinet, together with General Grant, the Senators
and the RepresentatiA'cs, stood for a moment in silence. Then
a panel covering the face of the dead President Avas removed, and
they looked for the last time upon the wasted features of him Avho
so lately was chief of the Nation, and then solemnly moved -away.
The sight of the face of the dead President A\'as indeed terrible, and
upon most who saw it an impression was left Avhich time can never
eff'ace. It was pinched and haggard to the last extreme ; the skin
yellow and glistening; the eyes sunken, and the lips tightly drawn.
The nose looked unnaturally long, sharp, and hooked; and alto
gether there was but the slighest resemblance to the heroic form
and face of him who had been James A. Garfield.
The arrangement made Avas that for two days and nights the
body of the illustrious dead should lie in state in the rotunda of
the Capitol. This plan Avas carried out. A guard of honor stood
right and left, and very soon, in orderly procession past the mor
tal remains of their dead friend, the people began to pour in a
continuous stream. It was now night-fall, and the shadows came
doAvn around the magnificent structure Avhich for eighteen years
had been the scene of the toils and triumphs of Garfield, now,
alas, about to witness the last ovation in his honor.
On the morning of the 22d of September Washington City
became, at sunrise, the scene of such a pageant as had never but

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— MOUENING THOUSANDS. 657
once been beheld Avithin those spacious avenues. By six o'clock
the crowds had assembled, and Avere filing through the east door
of the Capitol. As the day advanced the throng increased; and,
as it became absolutely necessary that each person should have his
turn in the solemn procession, the latest comers Avere obliged to
take up their stations at the end of a long line to the rear. By
ten o'clock this Avas found to reach to the crosising of Second
Street and the avenue south-Avest — considerably more than a quar
ter of a mile away. All along this line policemen walked back
and forth, to prevent stragglers from the outside from coming into
the line out of turn. The people forming this procession Avere of
the highest and loAvest; among the number, thousands of women
and children.
The time required to pass from this extreme limit of the line
to the catafalque was, at the most crowded period, three hours and
a half, and this under a broiling sun and upon a broad a.sphaltum
pavement, which scorched the feet that pressed it.
During the day there were no incidents iu the rotunda Avorthy
of mention. Beyond the ceaseless tramji of the people, Avho
poured through in a continuous stream, there Avas no sound — the
desire for conversation being SAvallowed up in the awe which the
presence of the dead President inspired. Some of the people
passed the coffin without lifting their eyes from the floor, unAvil
ling to trust themselves to gaze upon the awful sight. Others,
more curious, looked as long as they could, and then reluctantly
moved aAvay. There Avere a great many colored people in the
throng, of both sexes and of all ages and conditions. Common
laborers in tattered clothing crowded upon sumptuously-dressed
ladies and gentlemen, all inspired by a common motive. At one
time during the day it was ascertained by actual count that sixty
persons passed the coffin in one minute, or at the rate of 3,600 an
hour, or more than 40,000 during the day. This is probably not
above the actual number Avhich passed through the rotunda.
At the farther end of the catafalque were some beautiful floral
decorations. There was a broken column of Avhite roses of the
Marshal Neil variety, about three feet high, surmounted by a Avhite
42

658 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
doA'e Avith AA'ings outspread, as if in the act of alighting. Next
came a lovely design representing "The Gates Ajar." These
columns Avere also of Avhite roses, and the bars of the gate were
of variegated Avhite and green. The gate-posts were surmounted
by globes of immortelles. Next to this Avas a crown of white rose
buds, the points being tipped Avith fern. Beyond this Avas a bank
of Avhite floAvers from which sprang a column on Avhich Avas perched
a Avhite doA'c. Upon the bank of Avhite Avas Avorked in green the
words : " Our Martyr President." At each end of the floral dis
play Avas a Avreath of ivy leaves lying on the floor. In the afi;er-
noon there Avas sent from the British Legation a massive wreath,
one of the most beautiful ever seen in Washington. It came
in obedience to orders telegraphed from the Queen, and the ac
companying card bore the following touching and significant in
scription :
" Queen Victoria, to the memory of the late President Gae
field. An expression of her sorrow and sympathy avith Mrs.
Garfield and the American Nation."
"September 22, 1881."
The interior of the rotunda Avas hung in black, though not so
lieaA'ily as to produce a marked effect. In all other respects this
portion of the Capitol Avas of the usual appearance.
After passing the catafalque, most of the visitors left the build
ing by the Avest staircase and departed; but many mounted to
the dome and viewed the croAvds assembled at the east front from
that point of vantage. All day the streets Avere thronged Avith
people. The street-cars, Avhich had been appropriately draped,
Avere filled to overfiowing both to and from the Capitol, and all
the conA^eyances in the city Avere brought into requisition. The
trains brought many visitors from all parts of the nation to the
city ; and many country people from Maryland and "Virginia took
advantage of the pageant to visit the city.
During the afternoon there Avere .some indications that the de
composition of the body had set in ; and, it being understood that
in such event it Avas the Avish of INIrs. Garfield that the features

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.-THE WIFE'S FAEEWELL.

659

of her husband should be shut out from the public gaze, the lid
of the casket was closed, by order of Secretary Blaine, at about
6 : 30 in the evening.
Thus, Avith the evening tAvilight, the face of James A. Garfield,

\

JAMES A. GAEFIELD.

which, for so many years, had shone Avith a great radiance among
the people, AA'as shut forever from the sight of men.
The morning of the 23d of September witnessed a rencAval of
the scene of the day before. At half-past elcA^en all the doors
and avenues of ajjproach were closed in order that IMrs. Garfield
might go in and remain for a fcAV minutes alone Avith her dead.
What passed behind those silent curtains belongs not to curious

660 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
history, peering CA'cr Avith sleepless eyes into the secrets of life
and death, but only to the stricken woman who went in alone to
her honored dead.
After this aff'ecting episode the procession Avas renewed for a
season, and then preparations Avere made for the observance ol the
formal ceremonies of the day. At tAvo o'clock the services began.
Appropriate passages of Scripture were read by Rev. Dr. Rankin,
and this Avas followed Avith a touching prayer by Elder Isaac
Errett, of Cincinnati. As the closing Avords of the invocation
died away, the Rev. F. D. Powers, of the Vermont Aa'cuuc Chris
tian Church, of Avhich President Garfield was a member, delivered
a feeling address. He spoke in a clear voice, and Avas distinctly
heard in every portion of the hall :
"The cloud so long pending over the Nation has at last burst upon our
heads. We sit half-crushed amid the ruin it has brought. A million
million prayers and hopes and tears, as far as human Avisdom sees, were
vain. Our loved one has passed from us. But there is relief. We
look away from the body. We forget, for a time, the things that are
seen. We reraember with joy his faith in the Son of God, whose gospel
he sometimes himself preached, and which he always truly loved. And
Ave see light and blue sky through the cloud structure, and beauty in
stead of ruin, — glory, honor, immortalitj^ spiritual and eternal life in the
place of decay and death. The chief glory of this man, as we think of
him now, was his discipleshiji in the school of Christ. His attainments
as scholar and statesman Avill be the theme of our orators and historians ;
and they must be worthy men to speak his praise worthily. But it is as
a Christian that Ave love to think of him now. It Avas this which made
his life to man an invaluable boon, ins death to us an unspeakable loss,
his eternity to himself an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that
fadeth not away.
" He was no sectarian. His religion was as broad as the religion of
Christ. He was a simple Christian, bound by no sectarian ties, and wholly
in fellowship Avith all pure spirits. He Avas a Christologist rather than
a theologist. He had great reverence for the family relations. His
example as son, husband, and father, is a glory to this Nation. He had
a most kindly nature. His power over human hearts was deep and
strong. He won men to him. He had no enemies. The hand that

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— BOENE AWAY. 661
struck him was not the hand of his enemy, but the enemy of the posi
tion, the enemy of the country, the enemy of God. He sought to do
right, manward and Godward.
"He was a grander man than we know. He wrought, even in his
pain, a better Avork for the Nation than we can now estimate. He fell
at the height of his achievements, not from any fault of his; but we may,
in some sense, reverently apply to him the Avords spoken of his dear Lord :
' He was Avounded for our transgressions ; he was bruised for our iniquities ;
the chastisement of our peace was upon him.' As the nations remember
the Macedonian as Alexander the Great and the Grecian as Aristides the
Just, may not the son of America be known as Garfield the Good?
" Our President rests; he had joy in the gl<iry of work, and he loA'ed
to talk of the leisure that did not come to him. Now he has it. This
is the day, precious because of the service it rendered. He is a freed
spirit; absent from the body, he is present Avith the Lord. On the
heights Avhence came his help he finds repose. What rest has been his
for these four days! The brave spirit Avhich cried in his body: 'I am
tired,' is where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at
rest. The patient soul Avhich groaned under the burden of the suffering
flesh: 'O, this pain,' is now in a Avorld Avithout pain. Spring comes, the
flowers bloom, the buds put forth, the birds sing. Autumn rolls round,
the birds have long since hushed their voices, the flowers have faded and
fallen away; the forest foliage assumes a sickly, dying hue:— so earthly
things pass away, and Avhat is true remains with God.
"The pageant moves; the splendor of arms and the banners glitter in
the sunlight ; the miisic of instruments and of oratory swells upon the
air; the cheers and praises of raen resound. But the spring and sun%-
mer pa.ss by, and the autumn sees a Nation of sad eyes and heavy hearts,
and what is true remains of God. ' The Eternal God is our refuge, and
underneath are the everlasting arras.'"
At the close of the address another prayer Avas offered by Rev.
J. G. Butler. As the last AVords of the service died aAvay a
beautifid ratnbow appeared upon a bank of clouds in the east, and
^ Avhile this arch of promise rested calmly against the background
of black, the casket was taken up by the pall-bearers and borne
away to the hearse. The funeral train was already in waiting at
the dep6t of the Pennsylvania Railway, and every thing Avas in

662 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
readiness for the departure. The streets Avere lined with people,
and no visible sign of grief was lacking to testify the sorrow of
the people for the dead, and their sympathy for the living. The
Marine Band played a solemn dirge, and at sixteen minutes past
five o'clock the train started for Cleveland.
The journey from Washington to the west Avas made Avithout re
markable incident. Crowds, large beyond all precedent, awaited
the passage of the train at every point. In Baltimore, which was
reached before dark, the Avhole city had apparently turned out to
see the draped coaches go by. As the train reached the outer
edge of the Avaiting throng, Mrs. Garfield Avas seated in her car
looking out of the AvindoAV. KnoAving her disposition to shrink
from publicity, one of her companions arose to put doAvn the shade.
But she asked that it be alloAved to remain open, saying that she
Avas glad to see the crowds Avhich had assembled to do honor to
her husband.
All on the funeral train retired early and remained in bed until
they arriA^ed in Pittsburgh. In the night, hoAvever, those aAvake
saAV everyAvhere the croAvds Avhich Avere in Avaiting. At Altoona
a Aveird scene impressed itself upon the minds of those Avho saw it.
The place was passed in the middle hours of the night. The
darkness Avas made visible by large numbers of pine torches held
by Avorkingmen stationed at intervals along the streets. At East
Liverpool the members of a Post of the Grand Army of the
Republic aAvaited the passage of the train. At another place the
track was strewn with floAvers. At Pittsburgh, which Avas reached
a little after six o'clock, the Avhole toAvn Avas astir, and the train
made its way between dense and silent masses of humanity. In
the morning all. on the train called on Mrs. Garfield to pay their
respects. She had borne the fatigue of the night and the long
journey quite Avell.
At nearly every station along the route, bells Avere h'eard tolling
as the train passed, and at one or tAvo places dirges Avere played by
brass bands. It Avas noticed by the passengers that the Avomen in
the croAvds through Avhich the train passed Avere Aveeping. Yery
good time was made as far as Pittsburgh, but at that point a dis-

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.-AT CLEVELAND. 663
patch Avas received from Cleveland asking the railroad authorities to
delay the train an hour or Iavo, as the citizens had not yet com
pleted their arrangements for the reception. On this account the
speed Avas decreased, and the train did not arrive at Cleveland until
1 : 15 in the afternoon.
The ceremony of reception at the latter city AA'as simple, and
every thing Avas decorously done. Long before the train Avas ex
pected the people of the toAvn, in carriages, street cars, and on foot,
made their Avay toward the station. Military and civic organiza
tions Avere already on the spot, and although there Avas some inev
itable bustle, every thing Avas in place Avhen the train arrived. As
the draped engine drcAv near, every head Avas uncovered. When
the train stopped, the ckizens' committee of reception, Avhich had
met the cortege as it passed into Ohio, stepped off the train, and
formed into double line. The Judges of the Supreme Court, Sen
ators and Officers of the Army and Navy followed, and took their
positions in the line without delay.
The coffin containing the body Avas then lifted from the car by
the regular soldiers Avho accompanied it on the train, and carried
to the hear.se. The personal friends and attendants of Mrs. Gar
field, including the members of the Cabinet and their Avives, then
passed between the two lines. Last came Mrs. Garfield leaning
upon the arm of her son Harry, and escorted upon the other side
by Secretary Blaine. Mrs. Garfield and her family Avere taken to
a carriage and driA'en directly to the house of James Mason, Avhich
became her temporary home.
It had been determined that the remains of the President
should be conveyed to Monument Square, and there be laid in state
until the day of interment. To this end a pavilion, perhaps the
finest structure of the kind CA'cr erected, had been built in the
middle of the square at the intersection of Superior and Ontario
Streets; and here the body of the President Avas to lie until the
26th of September, Avhich had been fixed upon as the day of sepul
ture. The pavilion, tasteful in design and rich in decoration,
Avas a fit exponent of the gorgeous solemnity of sorroAv. The
structure Avas forty feet square at the base. The four fronts Avere

664

LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.

.spanned by arches thirty-six feet high and tAventy-four feet in
Avidth. The catafalque upon Avhich the casket rested Avas five and
a half feet high, covered
Avith black velvet, and
handsomely f e s t o o n e d.
Long carpeted walks as
cended to the floor frora
the ea.st and Avest fronts.
The paAdlion was seventy-
tA\o feet high to the apex
of the roof. From the
center of the roof ro.se a
beautiful gilt sphere, sup
porting the figure of an an
gel twenty-four feet high.
The columns at each side
of the arches were orna
mented hy shields of a
beautiful design and ex
quisitely draped. Over
these Avere suspended un
furled flags. The centers
of the arches bore similar
shields. On the angles of
the roof Avere groups of
furled flags. Projecting
from the angles of the
base were elevated plat
forms, occupied by fully-
uniformed guards. Each
platform Avas provided
Avith a suitable piece of
field artillery. The structure Avas appropriately decorated, from
base to dome, with black and white crape. Flowers and flags were
displayed in various portions of the pavilion.
The interior Avas beautified with rare plants, choice flowers, and

JAMES AND HARRY GAEFIELD.

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— IN STATE. 665
exquisite floral designs, tAvo carloads of Avhich had been brought
from Cincinnati. The whole Avas a magnificent piece of Avork,
both in design and execution.
At the east and Avest entrances to Monumental Park were heavy
Gothic arches Avith drive-Avays and openings for foot passengers
on each side. They were situated at a sufficient distance from the
catafalque to appear to be a part of it. The eastern one was cov
ered Avith crape, with white and black trimmings running doAA'u
each column, and the top bordered AA'ith blue and Avhite stars.
Added to these Avere several golden shields. The western gate-
Avay was similar in construction, and seemed fairly to close up Su
perior Street to the A'iew. On the extreme outside pillars were
the names of the States in black letters.
Into this solemn and beautiful structure, at the head of an
almost endless procession, and draAvn in a beautiful hearse, sur
rounded Avith guards of honor, Avas borne the body of the dead
Garfield. Here the casket Avas laid upon the catafalque prepared
for its reception. The day was already Avorn to evening, but it
Avas decided not to admit the throng of people until the morrow.
Meanwhile, a last resting-place had been chosen Avhere the great
Ohioan should be at peace. The place selected for the tomb Avas
at the top of the most commanding knoll in Lakeview Cemetery.
Below it lie two ornamental lakes of considerable size, and on all
sides, except the south, stand the marble and granite monuments of
the dead. NorthAvard, in the distance stretching along the horizon
on either hand for twenty miles, can be seen the blue Avaters of Erie.
The selection of this site Avas made by the trustees of the ceme
tery, subject to Mrs. Garfield's approval, which Avas promptly and
thankfully given.
So one more day closed in the shadoAVS of the autumnal twilight,
and Ohio sat still beside her dead.
It was the morning of Sunday. A strange vision rose with
the sun. Cleveland was thronged Avith illimitable croAvds of
people. The murmur of the multitudes, though subdued, grew,
and became continuous. At nine o'clock the guards about the
public square made an opening in their line upon the west side

666 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
through which the multitude began to pour. They were kept
in line four and fiA-e and six abreast, marching in families,
squares, groups, and indiscriminately, but still keeping their
ranks, and SAveeping steadily and rapidly onward at the east
and Avest sides of the catafalque. Inclined planes had been
erected and carpeted so that the throngs marched easily up on
the one side and down on the other. The pace Avas too rapid to
make the visit a satisfactory one — for the exquisite floral adorn
ments Avere tempting enough to furnish pleasure for a visit of
an hour — but all had an opportunity to get one glance at the cof
fin Avliich contained the remains of him they had met to honor.
As the morning Avore on the procession grew in length and
volume. In an hour after the movement began the line
stretched aAvay to the distance of a square; then two squares;
then a half mile. The people passed at the rate of one hun
dred and forty to the minute. Still there Avas no abatement of
the tide which poured past the catafalque. In the afternoon
the immense volume of humanity Avas swollen to a river whose
surging, silent AA'aters seemed filled from fountains exhaustless
as the ocean. Later in the day came a storm of thunder and
Avind; only a few were driven from the column; others filled
the A'acant places, and still the tide surged on. As the crowds,
never ending, swept by the catafalque, every hat was raised,
and with uncovered heads, often with tears in their eyes and
half-suppressed sobs, the people moved on. Late iuto the
night they continued to come in unbroken ranks, the old and
young, the pure and vile, the lame upon their crutches, the in
firm leaning upon their companions, and babes in the arms of
their mothers. It was the day of the people. It AA'as estimated
that during the day 150,000 human beings passed silently by
the casket whose mute tenant recked no longer of earthly
pomp and pageant.
On the evening of the 25th, Monument Square Avas sat agloAv
Avith electric lights, which, from high places here and there,
threw over the strange scene their brilliant, almost unearthly,
splendor. On the outskirts of the guard-lines great masses of

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— FINAL CEEEMONIES. 667
meix and women still lingered, gazing silently towards the cata
falque surrounded by sentinels. At midnight only a few guards
and workmen remained inside the line, though many persons
were yet on the streets outside. The scene was singularly im
pressive at this hour. The almost perfect silence, the bright
glare of the lights, the ceaseless movements of the senlinels,
the sighing of the wind through the trees, combined to create
a feeling of awe in the breasts of all beholders. The massive
structure, reared so quickly in the large square, seemed the
work of magic. The fact that the noble, patriotic Garfield lay
calmly sleeping the final sleep amid the scenes of his early
manhood, carried its sad 'lesson to every heart, and then came,
quick as thought, the reflection that the morrow would hear
the mournful monologue of "Earth to earth, ashes to ashes."
It Avas the morning of the last day on earth. Well-nigh all the
formalities, many and sometimes tedious, peculiar to the burial of
one falling in high office and high honor, had been observed, and
to these had been added a thousand tokens, extemporized out of
the nation's ^rief, befitting the funeral of a beloved Chief Magis
trate. It only remained for the people- once more to lift the casket
containing the body of their friend, and to bear it to the home
prepared for all living.
At 9 o'clock on the morning of the 26th the line of people lead
ing toward the pavilion found itself suddenly confronted by a line
of muskets. The order had been given to clear the gates. Meu
and women who had been in line for hours were unable to pro
ceed further, and many Avith ill-disguised resentment turned aside
to seek a favorable point to view the exercises. The troops now
formed along each side of the Park, in a hollow square six hun
dred feet in length. The beautiful canopy stood in the center, at
the intersection of the two streets, and under it lay the casket.
An opening was made at the western end leading up to Superior
Street, and this was maintained Avith some difficulty by a regiment
of State troops. From this point to the canopy itself was stationed
a line of marines from the Washington Navy-yard — a broad
avenue, a half a mile in length, being thus kept open, so that the

S68 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
carriages of those entitled to admission could enter Avithout diffi-
culty. It was a beautiful sight from the canopy to look down
this long double file of soldiers and knights, and the photogra
phers were busy in their efforts to preserve the picture.
At 9 : 30 A. M. the funeral car, which was to convey the body
to the cemetery, was drawn into the square by twelve black horses
with black draperies fringed with silver lace. The horses were
arranged four abreast. At the head of each of the six outside
horses was a negro groom in long black coat, high silk hat, and
white gloves.
The car was elaborately decorated and surmounted by large
black-and-Avhite plumes, with folded battle flags at each corner.
Next came a procession of carriages bearing the family and inti
mate friends of the dead President. Draped chairs were arranged
about the catafalque, and here were seated not only those Avho Avere
bound to the Garfield family by the ties of nature and intimate
affection, but also a great number of the most dLstinguished states
men, jurists, and soldiers of the nation. The sound of a minute-
gun broke the silence, and the services were opened with the
reading of the Scriptures by Bishop Bedell and an invocation by
the Rev. Ross C. Houghton. At eleven o'clock the Rev. Isaac
Errett, of Cincinnati, pronounced the funeral oration, Avhich Avas
a chaste and touching tribute to the memory of the great dead.
At the close of this eloquent address. Rev. Jabez Hall an
nounced General Garfield's favorite hymn, " Ho ! reapers of life's
harvest," which was sung by the choirs gathered about the cata
falque. Then folloAved a clo.sing prayer and benediction by Rev.
Charles S. Pomeroy, and then the removal of the casket to the
cemetery. It was now noonday, and the heat Avas very oppressive.
The funeral car had been drawn up to within fifty feet of the foot
of the incline leading, from the canopy, and a roll of carpeting
covered the ground. The trained soldiers from Wa.shington stood
in line at the foot of the canopy, ready to carry out the body
whenever the word was given.
The members of the Cleveland Greys, with their high bearskin
hats, stood like statues at the four corners of the canopy. The

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.-THE PEOCESSION. 669
long line of soldiers stood, all attention, and the signal that all
was ready Avas giA'en. At the Avord of command the soldiers, Avith
their Avliite helmets, stepped briskly up the incline, and turning
" about face," readily lifted the casket to their shoulders. Then,
grasping each other by the shoulder, thus giving the casket all the
support necessary, they marched with slow and steady step down
toward the funeral car. Not a Avord Avas spoken. The men were
too well drilled to need more than a nod of command, and they
carried the body to the car and laid it on the bier in silence.
Then they marched back, and, turning again, took up their posi
tion on either side of the coffin.
A line Avas uoav formed outside of the square in order that the
cortege might pass on its way to the mansion of the dead. The
Avife and mother and children of the President, accompanied by a
great throng of intimate friends, arose to follow, and then the pro
cession began to move toAvards the cemetery, three miles aAvay.
The funeral car proceeded beyond the city hall, and stoi^ped
until the first carriage started out. As the carriages containing
the friends of the family and eminent men Avere filled, the car
continued its journey until the massive archAvay at Erie Street was
reached. Another jam of people Avere Avaiting here. And as the
procession slowly passed ouAvard these joined the ranks. Turn
ing into the broad and beautiful Euclid Avenue, the mournful
cortege Avended its way toAvard the cemetery in the distance. The
great difficulty Avith the moving pageant was its immense volume.
If all applicants had been given a place it Avould have been tAvice
the length of the entire route. The weather had been very Avarm
during the morning, but about two o'clock a refreshing breeze
cooled the atmosphere, and an hour later a heavy storm of rain
came doAvn, rendering the march very disagreeable. Then there
Avas a stampede of the croAvd for shelter. The rain lasted for about
fifteen minutes, and the bright uniforms of the soldiers, and the
feathery plumes of the Knights Templar, and other societies, Avere
drenched and soiled.
The procession continued its AA^eary march Avithout further CA'ent
until the head of the column arrived at a point about half a mile

670 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
distant from the cemetery gate, when a halt AAas ordered. The
societies then opened their ranks, and the funeral car, with escort
and folloAving carriages, passed through and ouAvard to the \'ault
Avhich Avas to receive the President's remains.
Here Avas the last scene of the solemn pageant, begun afar by
the sea. The surroundings were grand and beautiful. Art had
led Nature by the hand to this last shrine of the earthly pilgrimage.
On CA'ery side lay the soft carpet of green. Over the space from
the roadAvay to the entrance of the vault was a magnificent canopy,
draped in the gorgeous trappings of Avoe. The air Avas burdened
Avith the perfume of a thousand floAvers. Leading into the A'ault
was a dark carpet strcAvn with roses so thick that the carpet could
not be at first recognized. On entering there was presented a
somber darkness and sacred shade, equal to the catacombs of
antiquity. There Avas a vault within a vault. The interior Avas
hung all about Avith dense mourning, having large flags as a b'ack-
ground. The choicest floral designs occupied every space on the
Avails, and the floor Avas deeply bedded Avith choice flowers. A
large cross and crown, from the Belgian Legation, Avas in the
center of the south side, and an elegant lyre, sent from Washing
ton, AAas on the opposite side, AA'hile numerous designs from the
people of the city Avere placed here and there. It Avas impossible
to use all the floral offerings sent to this place of rest, and many
of them Avere kept in the boxes at the vault. The Avails of the
chamber Avere trimmed Avith smilax, and the doors Avith crape fes
tooned with trailing vines. On the first step of the entrance, at
the right door, Avas a group of three elegant crosses of roses,
jasmine, carnations, Avith the Avords, I
" DEAD, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN,"
the gift of the Bolivian Legation at Washington. The steps were
covered with evergreens and strcAvn Avith a thick carpet of rose
buds, tuberoses, and carnation. A large Avreath, presented by the
ladies of Dubuque, loAva, Avas fastened near the ceiling, so that it
could be seen at some distance. Looking through the open door

THE SOLEMN PAGEANT.— EAETH TO EAETH. 671
at the head of the bier Avas a lyre of roses, carnations, and tube
roses, bearing in immortelles the Avords :
" in memory of JAMES A. GARFIELD."
At the foot of the bier stood a heavy cross, the gift of Mrs. Gar
field herself to the DecoratiA'c Committee, for that place. The sides
of the A'ault were draped Avith rich black. The canopy of the in
terior consisted of many flags so arranged as to give the impression
of an interior roof. The inner Avest Avall Avas beautifully draped
Avith flags festooned Avith black, and ornamented Avith a Avreath of
Avhite roses. The floor was covered Avith a carpet of arbor vitse and
roses. The heaA'y doors Avere removed, and the gates were draped
AA'ith bunting and festoons of smilax. In the center of the A'ault
stood the bier, a beveled parallelogram, with a base of black \'elvet
and draped entire Avith heaA'y black broadcloth, rich fringe, and a
liberal trimming of evergreen.
The procession halted. It Avas the last stage in the journey.
The chief mourners, except Harry and James Garfield, did not
alight. The clouds still wept at intervals. The band removed to
a distance, sounding the notes of a solemn requiem. The Forest
City Guards formed on the right and the Knights on the left.
The funeral car was then draAvn up over the heavy carpeting of
evergreens and flowers. The long lines of Guards presented arms.
There was a moment of death-like silence — a most impressive
pause — Avhen the inclined plane was adjusted to the car. The
Marines marched up into the car and carefully bore the caskrt
doAvn and directly into the vault. It Avas set gently on the bier.
The Guards stood silent. A brief historical sketch of the dead
President Avas read by the Rev. J. H. Jones, former chaplain of
the old Garfield regiment. The Vocal Society of ClcA'cland then
chanted in beautiful measure the TAventy-second Ode of Horace.
The friends and attendants Avere thanked for their presence and
svmpathy, and the benediction Avas pronounced by President B. A.
Hinsdale, of Hiram College. The door Avas closed. A guard Avas
placed about the sepulcher, and all that the earth cpuld claim of
James A. Garfield Avas left to sleep the sleep that knows no Avaking.

672 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAEFIELD.
To moralize on the Life and Work of Garfield would be super
fluous. He has furnished to the people of the United States one
of the brightest and noblest examples of American citizenship.
Both in public life and private life he has contributed to the
annals of our times a record unsullied as the azure sky. His steps
Avere the steps of a pure man climbing up to greatness. His am
bitions Avere chastened — his aspirations the aspirations of a patriot.
Over his great talents Avas shed the luster of noble activities, and
his path Avas illumined with something of the eff'ulgence of genius.
His integrity was spotless, his virtue white as the snow. Of all
our public men of recent times, Garfield Avas in a certain sense the
most American. He had suffered all the hardships of the common
lot. He had knoAvn poverty and orphanage and toil. To himself
he OAved in a preeminent degree his victory over adversity and his
rise to distinction. He carried into public life, even to the highest
seat of honor, the plainness and sWplicity of a man of the people.
Ostentation Avas no part of his nature, and subtlety found no place
in his practices. In an age of venality and corruption — the very
draff" and ebb of the Civil War — he stood unscathed. He Avent up
to his high seat and down to the doorAvay of the grave without the
scent of fire on his garments. His name smells sAveet in all lands
under the circle of the sun, and his fame is a priceless legacy which
posterity Avill not willingly let die.

LIFE AND CHARACTER

OP

JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD

A MEMORIAL ADDRESS,
Delivered before the Congress of the United States, February 27, 1882.

BY JAMES G. BLAINE,
EX-SECKETAEY OF STATE.

Introductory Note.— After the first sojrow for President Garfield's death was somewhat
modified by time, what raay be called the formal sorrow of the people began to seelc a more
elaborate expression. It was felt to be fitting that tlie nation, as such, by her highest repre
sentative body, should, by some suitable memorial services, commemorate the life and death
of the late honored Chief Magistrate. A'ery soon after the opening of Congress, in December
of 1881, various resolutions were introduced, looking to a formal observance in memory of
the dead. After considerable discussion, the 27th of February, 1882, was fixed upon as the
memorial day, and ex-Secretary Blaine was chosen as speaker to pronounce a suitable eulo^'y
on the life and character of Garfield. The occasion was one of the utmost state and solem
nity. There were present, besides the two Houses of Congress, the President and his Cabinet,
the ministers resident of foreign powers, the generals of the army and commanders of the
navy, and hundreds of the most distinguished raen and women in America. The orator and
the eulogy itself were in keeping with the occasion, and it has been deemed appropriate by
the publishers to append to the Life and AVokk of Gaefield the full text of Mr. Blaine's
oration, which here follows. — J. C. R.
Mr. President : — For the second time in this generation the great depart
ments of the Government of the United States are assembled in the Hall of
Eepresentatives to do honor to the memory of a murdered President. Lin-
coin fell at the close of a mighty struggle, in which the passions of men had
been deeply stirred. The tragical termination of his great life added but
another to the lengthened succession of horrors Avhich had marked so many
lintels Avith the blood of the 'first born. Garfield was slain in a day of peace,
when brother had been reconciled to brother, and when anger and hate had
been banished from the land. " Whosoever shall hereafter draw the portrait
of murder, if he will show it as it has been exhibited where such example
was last to have been looked for, let him not give it the grim visage of
Moloch, the brow knitted by revenge, the face black with settled hate. Let
' (673)

674 LIFE OF JAMES A. GAKFIELD.
him draw, rather, a decorous, smooth-faced, bloodless demon; not so much an
example of human nature in its depravity and in its paroxysms of crime, as
an infernal being, a fiend in the ordinary display and development of his
character." From the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth till the uprising against
Charles I., about twenty thousand emigrants came from old England to New
England. As they came in pursuit of intellectual freedom and ecclesiastical
independence rather than for worldly honor and profit, the emigration nat
urally ceased when the contest for religious liberty began in earnest at home.
The mail who struck hia most efiective bloAV for freedom of conscience by
sailing for the colonies in 1620 would have been accounted a deserter to leave
after lt)40. The opportunity had then come on the soil of England for that
great contest which established the authority of Parliament, gave religious
freedom to th^ people, sent Charles to the block, and committed to the hands
of Oliver Cromwell the supreme executive authority of England. The En
glish emigration Avas never renewed, and from these twenty thousand men,
with a small emigration from Scotland and from France, are descended the
vast numbers who have New England blood in their veins.
In 1685 the revocation of the edict of liantes, by Louis XIV., scattered to
other countries four hundred thousand Protestants, who were among the
most intelligent and enterprising of French subjects — merchants of capital,
skilled manufacturers, and handicraftsmen, superior at the time to all others
in Europe. A considerable number of these Huguenot French came to Amer
ica ; a few landed in New England and became honorably prominent in its
history. Their names have, in large part, become Anglicized, or have disap
peared, but their blood is traceable in many of the most reputable families,
and their fame is perpetuated in honorable memorials and useful insti
tutions. From these two sources, the English-Puritan and the French-Huguenot,
came the late President; his father, Abraham Garfield, being descended from
the one, and his mother, Eliza Ballou, from the other. ^
It was good stock on both sides — none better, none braver, none truer.
There was in it an inheritance of courage, of manliness, of imperishable love
of liberty, of undying adherence to principle. Garfield was proud of his
blood ; and, with as much satisfaction as if he Avere a British nobleman read
ing his stately ancestral record in Burke's Peerage, he spoke of himself as
ninth in descent from those who would not endure the oppression of the Stu
arts, and seventh in descent from the brave French Protestants who refused to
submit to tyranny even from the Grand Monarque.
General Garfield delighted to dwell on these traits ; and during his only visit
to England he busied himself in discovering every trace of his forefathers in
parish registries and on ancient army rolls. Sitting with a friend, in the gal-

BL.UNE'S EULOGY OX GARFIELD. 675
lery of the Hou.se of Commons, one night, after a long day's labor in this field
of research, he said, with evident elation, that in every war in which, for thiee
centuries, patriots of English blood had struck sturdy Mows for constitutional
government and human liberty, hi.s family had been represented. They were
at Marston Moor, at Nascby, and at Preston ; they were at Bunker Hill, at
Saratoga, and at Jlonmouth, and in his own perison had battled for the same
great eause in the war which preserved the Union of the .State.s.
Losing his father before he was two years old, the early life of G,arfield was
one of privation, but its poverty has been made indelicately and unjustly
prominent. Thousands of readers have imagined him as the ragged, starving
child, who-<e reality too often greets the eye in the squalid sections of our
large cities. General Garfield's infancy and youth had none of their destitu
tion, none of their pitiful features appealing to the tender heart an(> to the
open hand of charity. He was a poor boy in the same sense in which Henry
Clay was a poor boy; in which Andrew Jackson was a poor boy ; in which
Daniel Webster was a poor boy ; in the sense in which a large majority of the
eminent men of America, in all generations, have been poor boys. Before a
great multitude of men, in a public speech, Mr, Webster bore this testimony:
" It did not happen to me to he born in a log-cabin, but my elder brothers
and sisters were born in a log-cabin raised amid the snow drifts of New
Hampshire, .at a period so early that when the smoke rose first from its rude
chimney, and curled over the frozen hills, there was no similar evidence of a
white man's habitation between it and the settlements on the rivers of Canada.
Its remains still exist. I make to it an annual visit. I carry my children to
it to teach them the hardships endured by the generations which have gone
before them. I love to dwell on the tender recollections, the kindred ties, the
early affections, and the touching narratives and incidents which mingle with
all I know of this primitive family abode.''
With the requisite change of scene the sarae words would aptly portray
the early days of Garfield. The poA'erty of the frontier, where all are engaged
in a common struggle and where a comraon sympathy and hearty co-operation
lighten the burdens of each, is a very different poverty — different in kind,
different in influence and effect — from that conscious and humili.ating indi
gence which is every day forced to contrast itself with neighboring we.alth
ou which it feels a sense of grinding dependence. The poverty of the frontier
is indeed no poverty. It is but the beginning of wealth, and has the bound
less possibilities of the future always opening before it. No man ever grew
up ill the agricultural regions of the West where a house-raising, or even a
corn-husking, is matter of common interest and helpfulness, with any other
feeling than that of broad-minded, generous indejiendence. This honorable
independence marked the youth of Garfield as it marks the youth of millions
of the best blood and brain now training for the future citizenship and future
government of the republic. Garfield was born heir to land, to the title of

676 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
freeholder which has been the patent and passport of self-respect Avith the
Anglo-Saxon race ever since Hengist and Horsa landed on the shores of Eng
land. His adventure on the canal — an alternative between that and the
deck of a Lake Erie schooner — was a farmer boy's device for earning money,
just as the New England lad begins a possibly great career by sailing be.'bre
the mast on a coasting- vessel or on a merchantman bound to the Farther India
or to the China Seas.
No manly man feels any thing of shame in looking back to early struggles
Avith adverse circumstances, and no man feels a worthier pride than Avhen he
has conquered the obstacles to his progress. But no one of noble mould
desires to he looked upon as having occupied a menial position, as having
been repressed by a feeling of inferiority, or as having suffered the evils of
poverty until relief was found at the hand of charity. General Garfield's
youth presented no hardships Avhich family love and family energy did noi
overcome; subjected him to no privations Avhich he did not cheerfully accept ;
and left no memories save those which were recalled Avith delight and were
transmitted with profit and with pride.
Garfield's early opportunities for securing an education were extremely
limited, and yet Avere sufficient to develop in him an intense desire to learn.
He could read at three years of age, and each winter he had the advantage
of the district school. He read all the books to be found Avithin the circle
of his acquaintance: some of them he got by heart. While yet in childhood
he Avas a constant student of the Bible, and became familiar Avlth its litera
ture. The dignity and earne.stness of his speech in his maturer life gaA'e evi
dence of this early training. At eighteen years of age he was able to teach
.school, and thenceforward his ambition Avas to obtain a college education. To
this end he bent all his efforts, working in the harvest field, at the carpenter's
bench, and, in the Avinter season, teaching the common schools of the neigh
borhood. While thus laboriously occupied he found time to prosecute his
studies, and was so successful, that at twenty-two years of .age he was able to
enter the junior class at Williams College, then under the Presidency of the
venerable and honored Mark Hopkins, A^•ho, in the fullness of his powers, sur
vives the eminent pupil to whom he Avas of inestim.able service.
The history of Garfield's life to this period presents no novel features. He
h.ad undoubtedly shown per.severence, self-reliance, self sacrifice, and ambition
— qualities which, be it said for the honor of our country, are everywhere to
be found among the young men of America. But from his graduation at
Williams onward to the hour of his tragical death, Garfield's career Av.as emi
nent and exceptional. Slowly working through his educational period; re-
eciving his diploma Avhen t\A'enty-four years of age, he seemed at one bound
to spring into conspicuous and brilliant success. Within six years he A\'as
suecessively President of a collejie, State Senator of Ohio, JIajor-General of
the Army of the United States, and Representative elect to the National

ELAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. 677
Congress. A combination of honors so varied, so elevated, within a period so
brief, and to a man so young, is without precedent or parallel in the history
of the country.
Garfield's army life was begun with no other military knowledge than such
as he had hastily gained from books in the few months preceding his march
to the field. Stepping from civil life to the head of a regiment, the first order
he received when ready to cross the Ohio was to assume command of a bri
gade, and to operate as an independent force in Eastej-n Kentucky. His
immediate duty was to check the advance of Humphrey Marshall, who Avas
marching down the Big Sandy with the intention of occupying, in connection
Avith other Confederate forces, the entire territory of Kentucky, and of pre
cipitating the State into secession. This Avas at the clo.se of the year 1861.
Seldom, if ever, has a young college professor been thrown into a more em
barrassing and discouraging position. He knew just enough of military
science, as he expressed it himself, to measure the extent of his ignorance,
and with a handful of men he was marching, in rough winter weather, into a
strange country, among a hostile population, to confront a largely superior
force, under the command of a distinguished graduate of West Point, Avho had
seen active and important service in two preceding wars.
The result of the campaign is matter of history. The skill, the endurance,
the extraordinary energy shown by Garfield, the courage he imparted to his
men, raw and untried as_ himself, the measures he adopted to increase his
force, and to create in the enemy's mind exaggerated estimates of his num
bers, bore perfect fruit in the routing of Marshall, the capture of his camp,
the dispersion of his force, and the emancipation of an important territory
from the control of the rebellion. Coming at the close of a long series of dis
asters to the Union army, Garfield's victory had an unusual and extraneous
importance, and in the popular judgment elevated the young commander to
the rank of a military hero. With less than 2,O0O men in his entire com
mand, Avith a mobilized force of only 1,100, Avithout cannon, he had met an
army of 5,000 and defeated them — driving ^Marshall's forces successively from
two strongholds of their own selection, fortified with abundant artillery.
M.ijor-General Buell, commanding the Department of the Ohio, an ex
perienced and able soldier of the regular army, published an order of thanks
and congratulation on the brilliant result of the Big Sandy campaign, which
Avould have turned the head of a less cool and sensible man than Garfield.
Buell declared that his services had called into action the highest qualities of
a soldier; and President Lincoln supplemented these Avords of praise by the
more substantial reward of a brigadier-general's commission, to bear date
from the day of his decisive victory over Marshall.
The subsequent military career of Garfield fully sustained its brilliant be
ginning. With his new commission, he was assigned to the command of a
brigade in the Army of the Ohio, and took part in the second and decisive

678 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
day's fight in the great battle of Shiloh. The remainder of the year 1862 was
not especially eventful to Garfield, as it Avas not to the armies with which he
Avas serving. His practical sense was called into exercise in completing the
task, assigned him by General Buell, of reconstructing bridges and re-establish
ing lines of railway communication for the army. His occupation in this
useful but not brilliant field was varied by service on court-martials of im
portance, in Avhich department of duty he won a valuable reputation, attracting
the notice and securing the approval of the able and eminent Judge Advocate-
General of the Army. That of itself was warrant to honorable fame; for
among the great men who in those trying days gave themselves, with entire
devotion, to the service of their country, one who brought to that service the
ripest learning, the most fervid eloquence, the most varied attainments, who
laliored Avith modesty and shunned applause, Avho in the day of triumph sat
reserved and silent and grateful — as Francis Deak in the hour of Hungary's
deliverance — was Joseph Holt, of Kentucky, who in his honorable retirement
enjoys the respect and veneration of all who love the Union of the States.
Early in 1863 Garfield was assigned to the highly important and responsible
post of chief-of-staff to General Rosecrans, then at the head of the Army of
the Cumberland. Perhaps in a great military campaign no subordinate officer
requires sounder judgment and quicker knowledge of men than the chiefof-
staff to the commanding general. An indiscreet man in such a position can
sow more discord, breed more jealousy, and disseminate more strife, than any
other officer in the entire organization. When General Garfield assumed his
new duties he found various troubles already well developed and seriously
affecting the value and efficiency of the Army of the Cumberland. The
energy, the impartiality, and the tact with which he sought to allay these dis
sensions and to discharge the duties of his new and trying position Avill ahvays
remain one of the most striking proofs of his great versatility. His military
duties closed on the memorable field of Chickamauga, a field Avhich, however
disastrous to the Union arms, gave to him the occasion of winning imperish
able laurels. The very rare distinction was accorded him of a great promotion
for his bravery on a field that was lost. President Lincoln appointed him a
major-general in the Army of the United States for gallant and meritorious
conduct in the battle of Chickama«ga.
The Army of the Cumberland ivas reorganized, under the command of
General Thomas, who promptly offered Garfield one of its divisions. He was
extremely desirous to accept the position, but Av.as embarrassed by the fiiet
that he had, a year before, been elected to Congress, and the time when he
must take his seat was drawing near. He preferred to remain in the military
service, and had Avithin his own breast the largest confidence of success in the
wider field which his neAV rank opened to him. Balancing the arguments on
the one side and the other, anxious to determine Avhat was for the best, de
sirous above all things to do his patriotic duty, he was decisively influenced

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. 679
by the advice of President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton, both of whom as
sured bim that he could, at that time, be of especial value in the House of
Representatives. He resigned his commission of major-general on the 5th day
of December, 1863, and took his seat in the House of Representatives on the
7th. He had served two years and four months iu the army, and had just
completed his thirty-second year.
The Thirty-eighth Congress is pre-eminently entitled in history to the desig
nation of the War Congress. It was elected while the Avar Avas flagrant, and
every member was chosen upon the issues involved in the continuance of the
struggle. The Thirty-seventh Congress had, indeed, legislated to a large extent
on war measures, but it Avas chosen before any one believed that secession of
the States would be actually attempted. The magnitude of the work which
fell upon its successor was unprecedented, both in respect to the vast sums of
money raised for the support of the array and navy, and of the new and ex
traordinary powers of legislation Avhich it Avas forced to exercise. Only
tAventy-four States were represented, and 182 members Avere upon its roll.
Among these w^ere many distinguished party leaders on both sides, veterans in
the public service, with established reputations for ability, and with that skill
which comes only from parliamentary experience. Into this assemblage of
men Garfield entered without special preparation, and it might almost be said
unexpectedly. The question of taking command of a division of troops under
General Thomas, or taking his seat in Congress, was kept open till the last mo
ment — so late, indeed, that the resignation of his military commission and his
appearance in the House were almost contemporaneous. He wore the uniform
of a major-general of the United States army on Saturday, and on Monday,
in civilian's dress, he answered to the roll-call as a Representative in Congress
from the State of Ohio.
He Avas especially fortunate in the constituency which elected him. Des
cended almost entirely from New England stock, the men of the Ashtabula
district were intensely radical on all questions relating to human rights. Well
educated, thrifty, thoroughly intelligent in affairs, acutely discerning of
character, not quick to bestow confidence, and slow to withdraw it, they were
at once the most helpful and most exacting of supporters. Their tenacious
trust in men in whom they have once confided is illustrated by the unparal
leled fact that Elisha Whittlesey, Joshua R. Giddings, and James A. Garfield
represented the district for fifty-four years.
There is no test of a man's ability in any department of public life more
severe than service in the House of Representatives; there is no place where
so little deference is paid to reputation previously acquired, or to eminence
won outside ; no place Avhere so little consideration is shown for the feelings
or the failures of beginners. What a man gains in the House he gains by
sheer force of his own character ; and if he loses and falls back he mu.st expect
no mercy, aud will receive no sympathy. It is a field in which the survival

680 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
of the strongest is the recognized rule, and where no pretense can deceive and
no glamour can mislead. The real man is discovered, his worth is impartially
weighed, his rank is irreversibly decreed.
With possibly a single exception, Garfleld was the youngest meraber in
the House when he entered, and was but seven years from his college gradua
tion. But he had not been in his seat sixty days before his ability was re
cognized and his place conceded. He stepped to the front with the confidence
of one who belonged there. The House was crowded with strong men of both
parties ; nineteen of them hijve since been transferred to the Senate, and
many of them have served with distinction in the gubernatorial chairs of
their respective States, and on foreign missions of great consequence ; but
aniong them all none grew so rapidly, none so firmly as Garfield. As is said
by Trevelyan of his parliamentary hero, Garfield succeeded "because all the
Avorld in concert could not have kept him in the background ; and because,
when once in the front, he played his part with a prompt intrepidity and a
commanding ease that were but the outAvard symptoms of the immense re
serves of energy, on Avhich it Avas in his power to draw." Indeed the appar
ently reserved force which Garfield possessed Avas one of his great character
istics. He never did so well but that it seemed he could easily have done
better. He never expended so much strength but that he seemed to be hold
ing additional power at call. This is one of the happiest and rarest distinc
tions of an effective debater, and often counts for as much in persuading an
assembly as the eloquent and elaborate argument.
The great measure of Garfield's fame A^'as filled by his service in the House
of Representatives. His military life, illustrated by honorable performance,
and rich in promise, was, as he himself felt, prematurely terminated, and
necessarily incomplete. Speculation as to what he might have done in a field
where the great prizes are so few can not be profitable. It is sufficient to say
that, as a soldier, he did his duty bravely ; he did it intelligently ; he Avon an
enviable fame, and he retired from the service without blot or breath against
him. As a lawyer, though admirably equipped for the profession, he can
scarcely be said to have entered on its practice. The fcAV efforts he made at
the bar Avere distinguished by the same high order of talent which he exhib
ited on every field where he was put to the test ; and if a man may be ac
cepted as a competent judge of his own capacities and adaptations, the law
was the profession to which Garfield should have devoted himself But fate
ordained otherwise, and his reputation in history will rest largely upon his
service in the House of Representatives. That service was exceptionally long.
He Avas nine times consecutively chosen to the House, an honor enjoyed by
not more than six other Representatives of the more than 5,000 who have
been elected from the organization of the government to this hour.
As a parliamentary orator, as a debater on an issue squarely joined, where

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. 681
the position has been chosen and the ground laid out, Garfield must be
assigned a very high rank. More, perhaps, than any man with whom he Avas
associated in public life, he gave careful, and sy.stematic study to public
questions, and he came to every discussion iu Avhich he took part with elabo
rate aud complete preparation. He was a steady and indefatigable worker.
Those who imagine that talent or genius can supply the place or achieve the
results of labor will find no encouragement in Garfield's life. In preliminary
Avork he was apt, rapid, and skillful. He possessed, in a high degree, the
power of readily absorbing ideas and facts, aad, like Dr. Johnson, had the art
of getting from a book all that Avas of value in it by a reading apparantly so
quick and cursory that it seemed like a mere glance at the table of contents.
He was a pre-eminently fair and candid man in debate, took no petty advan
tage, stooped to no unworthy methods, avoided personal allusions, rarely ap
pealed to prejudice, did not seek to influence passion. He had a quicker eye
for the strong point of his adversary than for his weak point, and on his own
side he so marshaled his weighty arguments as to make his hearers forget any
possible lack in the complete strength of his position. He had a habit of
stating his opponent's side with such amplitude of fairness and such liberality
of concession that his followers often complained that he was giving his case
away. But never in his prolonged participation in the proceedings of the
House did he give his case away, or fail in the judgment of competent and
impartial .listeners to gain the mastery.
These characteristics, which marked Garfield as a great debater, did not,
however, make him a great parliamentary leader. A parliamentary leader, as
that term is understood wherever free representative government exists, is
necessarily and very strictly the organ of his party. An ardent American
defined the instinctive warmth of patriotism when he offered the toast: " Our
country always right; but right or wrong, our country." The parliamentary
leader who has a body of followers that will do and dare and die for the ca'use,
is one who believes his party always right ; but right or wrong, is for his party.
No more important or exacting duty devolves upon him than the selection
of the field and the time for contest. He must know not merely how to
strike, but where to strike, and when to strike. He often skillfully avoids the
strength of his opponent's position and scatters confusion in his ranks, by at
tacking an exposed point when really the righteousness of the cause and the
strength of logical intrenchment are against him. He conquers often both
against the right and the heavy battalions; as when young Charles Fo.x, in
the days of his Toryism, carried the House of Commons against justice,
against its iramemoral rights, against his own convictions, and in the interest
of a corrupt administration, in obedience to a tyrannical sovereign, drove.
Wilkes from the seat to which the electors of Middlesex had chosen him and
installed Luttrell in defiance, not merely of law, but of public decency. For
an achievement of that kind Garfield was disqualified— disqualified by the

682 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
texture of his mind, by the honesty of his heart, by his conscience, and by
every instinct and aspiration of his nature.
The three most distinguished parliamentary leaders hitherto developed in
this country are Mr. Clay, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Thaddeus Stevens. Each
was a man of consummate ability, of great earnestness, of intense personality,
differing widely, each from the others, and yet with a sighal trait iu common
— the poAver to commaucl. In the give and take of daily discussion, in the art
of controlling and consolidating reluctant and refractory followers ; in the
skill to overcome all forms of opposition, and to meet with competency and
courage the varying phases of unlooked-for assault or unsuspected defection,
it Avould be difficult to rank with these a fourth name in all our Congressional
history. But of these Mr. Clay was the greatest. It Avould, perhaps, be im
possible to find in the parliamentary annals of the world a parallel to Jlr.
Clay iu 1841, when at sixty-four years of age he took the control of the
AVhig party from the President who had received their suffrages, against the
power of Webster in the Cabinet, against the eloquence of Choate in the
Senate, against the herculean efforts of Caleb Gushing and Henry A. Wise
iu the House. In unshared leadership, in the pride and plenitude of power,
he hurled against John Tyler, with deepest scorn, the mass of that con
quering column Avhich had swept over the land in 1840 and drove his ad
ministration to seek shelter behind the lines of his political foes. Mr. Doug
las achieved a victory scarcely less Avonderful, when, in 1854, against the se
cret desires of a strong administration, against the wise counsel of the older
chiefs, against the conservative instinct, and even the moral sense of the
country, he forced a reluctant Congress into a repeal of the Missouri compro'
mise. Mr. Thaddeus Stevens, in his contests from 1865 to 1868, actually ad
vanced his parliamentary leadership until Congress tied the hands of the Presi
dent, and governed the country by its own will, leaving only perfunctory duties
to be discharged by the Executi ve. With $200,000,000 of patronage in his hands
at the opening of the contest, aided by the active force of Seward in the Cabinet
and the moral power of Chase on the bench, AndrcAV .Johnson could not com
mand the support of one-third in either House against the parliamentary upris
ing of which Thaddeus Stevens was the animating spirit and the unquestioned
leader. From these three great men Garfield differed r.^dically, — differed in the
quality of his mind, in temperament, in the form and phase of ambition. He
could not do what they did, but he could do what they could not, and in the
breadth of his Congressional work he left that which will longer exert a
potential influence among men, and whieh, measured by the severe test of
posthumous criticism, Avill secure a more enduring and more enviable fame.
Those unfamiliar witli Garfield's industry, and ignorant of the details of
his work, may, in some degree, measure them by the annals of Congress. No
one of the generation of public men to which he belonged has contributed so

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. 683
much that Avill be valuable for future reference. His speeches are numerous,
many of them brilliant, all of them well studied, carefully phrased, and ex
haustive of the subject under consideration. Collected from the scattered
pages of ninety royal octavo volumes of Congressional Record, they would
present an invaluable compendium of the political history of the most im
portant era through which the national government has ever passed. When
the history of this period shall be impartially written, Avhen Avar legislation,
measures of reconstruction, protection of human rights, amendments to the
Constitution, maintenance of public credit, steps toAvard specie resumption,
true theories of revenue may be reviewed, unsurrouuded by prejudice and dis
connected from partisanism, the speeches of Garfield will be estimated at their
true value, and will be found to comprise a vast magazine of fact and argu
ment, of clear analysis, and sound conclusion. Indeed, if no other authority
were accessible, his speeches in the House of Representatives, from December,
1863, to June, 1880, Avould give a AA'eil-connected history and complete defense
of the important legislation of the seventeen eventful years that constitute
his parliamentary life. Far beyond that, his speeches would be found to
forecast many great measures yet to be completed — measures which he knew
Avere beyond the public opinion of the hour, but which he confidently believed
would secure popular approval Avithin the period of his own lifetime, and by
the aid of his own efforts.
Differing, as Garfield does, from the brilliant parliamentary leaders, it is
not easy to find his counterpart anywhere in the records of public life. He
perhaps more nearly resembles Mr. Seward in his supreme faith in the all-
conquering power of a principle. He had the love of learning and the patient
industry of investigation, to Avhich John Quincy Adams owes his prominence
and his Presidency. He had some of those ponderous elements of mind
which distinguished Mr. Webster, and which, indeed, in all our public life
have left the great Massachusetts Senator without an intellectual peer.
In English parliamentary history, as in our own, the leaders in the House
of Commons present points of essential difference from Garfield. But some
of his methods recall the best features in the strong, independent course of
Sir Robert Peel, and striking resemblances are discernible in that most prom
ising of modern conservatives, who died too early for his country and his
fame, the Lord George Bentinck. He had all of Burke's love for the sublime
and the beautiful, with, possibly, something of his superabundance; and in
his faith and his magnanimity, in his power of statement, iu his subtle
analysis, in his faultless logic, in his love of literature, in his wealth and
world of illustration, one is reminded of that English statesman of to-day,
who confronted with obstacles that would daunt any but the dauntless, re
viled by those whom he would relieve as bitterly as by those whose supposed
rights he is forced to invade, still labors with serene courage for the ameliora
tion of Ireland, and for the honor of the English name.

684 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Garfield's nomination to the Presidency, while not predicted or anticipated,
was not a surprise to the country. His prominence in Congress, his solid
qualities, his wide reputation, strengthened by his then recent election as
Senator from Ohio, kept him in the public eye as a man occupying the very
highest rank among those entitled to be called statesmen. It was not mere
chance that brought him this high honor. " We must," says Mr. Emerson,
" reckon success a constitutional trait. If Eric is in robust health and has
slept Avell, and is at the top of his condition, and thirty years old at his de
parture from Greenland, he Avill steer west, and his ships will reach New
foundland. But take Eric out and put in a stronger and bolder man, and
the ships will sail 600, 1,000, 1,500 miles further and reach Labrador and New
England. There is no chance in results."
As a candidate, Garfield steadily grew in popular favor. He was met with a
storm of detraction at the very hour of his nomination, and it continued with in
creasing volume and momentum until the close of his victorious campaign ;
No might nor greatness in mortality
Can censure 'scape ; backwounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. AA'hat king so strong
Can tic the gall up in the slanderous tongue?
Under it all he was calm and strong, and confident; never lost his self-
possession, did no unwise act, spoke no hasty or ill-considered word. Indeed,
nothing in his whole life is more remarkable or more creditable than his bear
ing through those five full months of vituperation — a prolonged agony of trial
to a sensitive man, a constant and cruel draft upon the powers of moral en
durance. The great mass of these unjust imputations passed unnoticed, and
with the general dibris of the campaign fell into oblivion. But in a few in
stances the iron entered his soul, and he died Avith the injury unforgotten, if
not unforgiven.
One aspect of Garfield's candidacy Avas unprecedented. Never before in
the history of partisan contests in this country had a successful Presidential
candidate spoken freely on passing events and current issues. To attempt any
thing of the kind seemed novel, rash, and even desperate. The older class
of voters recalled the unfortunate Alabama letter, in which Mr. Clay was sup
posed to have signed his political death-warrant. They remembered also the
hot-tempered effusion by which General Scott lost a large share of his popu
larity before his nomination, and the unfortunate speeches which rapidly con
sumed the remainder. The younger voters had seen Mr. Greeley in a series
of vigorous and original addresses, preparing the pathway for his own defeat.
Unmindful of these warning.s, unheeding the advice of friends, Garfield spoke
to large crowds as he journeyed to and from New York in August, to a great
multitude in that city, to delegations and deputations of every kind that
called at Mentor during the summer and autumn. With innumerable critics,
watchful and eager to catch a phrase that might be turned into odium or

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. 685
ridicule, or a sentence that might be distorted to his own or his party's injury,
Garfield did not trip or halt in any one of his seventy speeches. This seems
all the more remarkable when it is remembered that he did not write what he
said, and yet spoke with such logical consecutiveness of thought aiid such ad
mirable precision of phrase as to defy the accident of misreport and the
malignity of misrepresentation.
In the beginning of his Presidential life Garfield's experience did not yield
him pleasure or satisfaction. The duties that engross so large a portion of
the President's time Avere distasteful to him, and were unfavorably contrasted
with his legislative work. " I have been dealing all these years with ideas,"
he impatiently exclaimed one day, "and here I am dealing only AA'ith persons.
I have been heretofore treating of the fundamental principles of government,
and here I am considering all day whether A or B shall be appointed to this
or that office." He Avas earnestly seeking some practicable Avay of correcting
the evils arising from the distribution of overgrown and unAvieldly patronage —
evils always appreciated and often discussed by him, but Avhose magnitude
had been more deeply impressed upon his mind since his accession to the
Presidency. Had he lived, a comprehensive improvement in the mode of
appointment and in the tenure of office would have been proposed by him,
and, Avith the aid of Congress, no doubt perfected.
But while m.any of the executive duties Avere not grateful to him, he was
assiduous and conscientious in their discharge. From the very outset he ex
hibited administrative talent of a high order. He grasped the helm of office
with the hand of a master. In this respect, indeed, he constantly surprised
many Avho Avere most intimately associated A\'ith him in the government, and
especially those who had feared that he might be lacking in the executive
faculty. His disposition of business was orderly and rapid. His power of
analysis, and his skill in classification, enabled him to dispatch a vast mass
of detail with singular promptness and ease. His cabinet meetings Avere ad
mirably conducted. His clear presentation of official subjects, his well con
sidered suggestion of topics on which discussion Avas invited, his quick decision
when all had been heard, combined to show a thoroughness of mental training
as rare as his natural ability and his facile adaptation to a new and enlarged
field of labor.
With perfect comprehension of all the inheritances of the war, with a cool
calculation of the obstacles in his Avay, impelled always by a generous en
thusiasm, Garfield conceived that much might be done by his administration
toward restoring harmony between the different sections of the Union. He
was anxious to go South and speak to the people. As early as April he had
ineffectually endeavored to arrange for a trip to Nashville, Avhither he had
been cordially invited, and he was again disappointed a few weeks later to-
find that he could not go to South Carolina to attend the centennial celebra
tion of the victory of the Cowpens. But for the autumn he definitely counted

686 LIFE OF JAMES A. GABFIELD.
on being present at three memorable assemblies in the South — the celebration
at Yorktown, the opening of the Cotton Exposition at Atlanta, and the meet
ing of the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga. He was already turning
over in his mind his address for each occasion, and the three taken together,
he said to a friend, gave him the exact scope and verge which he needed. At
Yorktown he Avould have before him the associations of a hundred years that
bound the South and North iu the sacred memory of a common danger and a
common victory. At Atlanta he A\'ould present the material interests and the
industrial development Avhich appealed to the thrift and independence of
every household, and which should unite the two sections by the instinct
of self-interest and self-defense. At Chattanooga he Avould revive mem
ories of the war only to ,sho\v that after all its disaster and all its suffering,
the country was stronger and greater, the Union rendered indissoluble, and
the future, through the agony and blood of one generation, made brighter
and better for all.
Garfield's ambition for the success of his administration was high. With
strong caution and conservatism in his nature, he Avas in no danger of attempt
ing rash experiments or of resorting to the empiricism of statesmanship. But
he believed that renewed and closer attention should be given to questions
affecting the material interests and commercial prospects of 50,000,000 of peo
ple. He believed that our continental relations, extensive and undeveloped
as they are, involved responsibility, and could be cultivated iuto profitable
friendship or be abandoned to harmful indifference or lasting enmity. He be
lieved with equal confidence that an essential forerunner to a new era of na
tional progress must be a feeling of contentment iu every section of the
Union, and a generous belief that the benefits and burdens of government
would be common to all. Himself a conspicuous illustration of what ability
and ambition may do under republican institutions, he loved his country with
a passion of patriotic devotion, and every Avaking thought was given to her
advancement. He was an American in all his aspirations, and he looked to
the destiny and influence of the United States with the philosophic composure
of Jefferson and the demonstrative confidence of John Adams.
The political events Avhich disturbed the President's serenity for many
weeks before that fateful day in July form an important chapter in his career,
and, in his own judgment, involved questions of principle and of right
which are vitally essential to the constitutional administration of the Fed
eral GoA'ernment. It would be out of place here and now to speak the lan
guage of controversy, but the events referred to, however they may continue
to be a source of contention with others, have become, so far as Garfield is
concerned, as much a matter of history as his heroism at Chickamauga or his
illustrious service in the House. Detail is not needful, and personal antago
nism shall not be rekindled by any word uttered to-day. The motives of
those opposing him are not to be here adversely interpreted, nor their course

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GARFIELD. _ 687
harshly characterized. But of the dead President this is to be said, and said
because his own speech is forever .silenced, and he can be no more heard ex
cept through the fidelity and love of surviving friends : From the beginning
to the end of the controversy he so rauch deplored, the President Avas never for
one moment actuated by any motive of gain to himself or of loss to others.
Lea«t of all men did he harbor revenge, rarely did he ever show resentment,
.and malice was not in his nature. He was congenially employed only in the
exchange of good offices and the doing of kindly deeds.
There was not an hour, from the beginning of the trouble till the fatal shot
entered his body, Avhen the President would not gladly, for the sake of restor
ing harmony, have retraced any step he had taken if such retracing had
merely invoh'ed consequences personal to himself. The pride of consistency,
or any sense of supposed humiliation that might result from surrendering his
position, had not a feather's Aveight with hira. No man was ever less subject
to such influences from within or from without. But after most anxious de
liberation, and the coolest survey of all the circumstances, he solemnly believed
that the true prerogatives of the Executive were involved in the issue which
had been raised, and that he A^'ould be unfaithful to his supreme obligation if
he failed to maintain in .all their vigor the constitutional rights and dignities
of his great office. He believed this in all the convictions of conscience Avhen
in sound and vigorous health, and he believed it in his suffering and prostra
tion in the last conscious thought which his wearied mind bestowed on the
transitory struggles of life.
More than tlris need not be said. Less than this could not be said. Jus
tice to the dead, the highest obligation that devolves upon the living, demands
the declaration that, in all the bearings of the subject, actual or pos.sible, the
President was content in his mind, justified in his conscience, immovable in
his conclusions.
The religious element in Garfield's character was deep and earnest. In
his early youth he espoused the faith of the Disciples, a .sect of that great
Baptist communion which, in different ecclesiastical establishments, is
so numerous and .so influential throughout all parts of the United States.
But the broadening tendency of his mind and his active sjnritof inquiry Avere
early apparent, and carried him beyond the dogmas of sect and the restraints
of association. In selecting a college in Avhich to continue his education, he
rejected Bethany, though presided over by Alexander Campbell, the greatest
preacher of his Church. His reasons Avere characteristic : first, that Bethany
leaned too heavily toAvard slavery ; and, second, that being himself a Disciple,
and the son of Disciple parents, he had but little acquaintance with people of
other beliefs, and he thought it would make him more liberal, quoting his own
words, both in his religious and general vieAvs, to go into a new circle and be
under new influences.
The liberal tendency which he 'anticipated as the result of Avider cult-

688 LIFE OF JAMES A. GARFIELD.
ure Avas fully realized. He was emancipated from mere sectarian belief,
and with eager interest pushed his investigations in the direction of modern
progressive thought. He followed with quickening step in the paths of ex
ploration and .speculation so fearlessly trodden by Darwin, by Huxley, by
Tyndall, and by other living scientists of the radical and adA'anced type.
His own Church, binding its disciples by no formulated creed, but accepting
the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God with unbiased liberality of
private interpretation, favored, if it did not stimulate, the spirit of investiga
tion. Its members profess with sincerity, and profess only, to be of one mind
and one faith with those Avho immediately folloAved the Master, and who
were first called Christians at Antioch.
But howe\'er high Garfield reasoned of "fixed fate, free Avill, foreknowl
edge .absolute," he Avas never separated from the Church of the Disciples in
his affections and in his associations. For him it held the ark of the cov
enant. To him it Avas the gate of heaven. The Avorld of religious belief is
full of solecisms and contradictions. A philosophic obserA'er declares that
men by the thousand will die in defense of a creed whose doctrines they do
not comprehend, and whose tenets they habitually viol.ate. It is equally
true that raen, by the thousand, will cling to church organizations Avith in
stinctive and undying fidelity Avhen their belief, in maturer years, is radically
different from that which inspired them as neophytes.
But after this range of .speculation, and this latitude of doubt, Garfield
came back always with freshness and delight to the simpler instincts of re
ligious faith, which, earliest implanted, longest survive. Not many weeks
before his assassination, Avalking on the banks of the Potomac Ai'ith a friend,
and conversing on those topics of personal religion, concerning which noble
natures have an unconquerable reserve, he said that he found the Lord's
Prayer, and the simple petitions learned in infiincy, infinitely restful to him,
not merely in their stated repetition, but in their casual and frequent recall as
he went about the daily duties of life. Certain texts of Scripture had a Aery
strong hold on his memory and his heart. He heard, Avhile in Edinburgh,
some years ago, an eminent Scotch preacher who prefaced his sermon with
reading the eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, Avhich book had been
the subject of careful study with Garfield during all his religious life. He
was greatly impressed by the elocution of the preacher, and declared that it
had imparted a new and deeper meaning to the majestic utterances of St.
Paul. He referred often, in after years, to that memorable service, and dwelt
Avith exaltation of feeling upon the radiant promise and the assured hope with
which the great apostle of the Gentiles was " persuaded that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The crowning characteristics of General Garfield's religious opinions, as,

BLAINE'S EULOGY ON GAEFIELD. 689
indeed, of all his opinions, was his liberality. In all things he had charity.
Tolerance was of his nature. He respected in others the qualities whieh he
po.ssessed himself — sincerity of conviction and frankness of expression. With
him the inquiry was not so much what .i raan believes, but does he believe it?
The lines of his friendship and his confidence encircled men of every creed,
and men of no creed ; and to the end of his life, on his ever-lengthening list
of friends, were to be -found the names of a pious Catholic priest and of an
honest-minded and generous-hearted freethinker.
On the morning of Saturday, July 2, the President Avas a contented and
happy man — not in an ordinary degree, but joyfully, almost boyishly happy.
On his way to the railroad station, to Avhioh he drove slowly, in conscious
enjoyment of the beautiful morning, withan unwonted sense of leisure and a
keen anticipation of pleasure, his talk was all in the grateful and gratulatory
vein. He felt that after four months of trial his administration was strong in
its grasp of affairs, strong in popular favor, and destined to groAV stronger ;
that grave difficulties confronting him at his inauguration had been safely
passed; that trouble lay behind him and not before him ; that he was soon to
meet the wife whom he loved, now recovering from an illness which had but
lately disquieted and at times almost unnerved him ; that he was going to his
Alma Mater to renew the most cherished associations of his young manhood,
and to exchange greetings with those whose deepening interest had fijllowed
every step of his upward progress from the day he entered upon his college
course until he had attained the loftiest elevation in the gift of his country
men. Surely if happiness can ever come frora the honors or triumphs of this
world, ou that quiet July morning, James A. Garfield may Avell have been a
happy man. No foreboding of evil haunted him; no slightest premonition
of danger clouded his sky. His terrible fate was upon him in an instant.
One moment he stood erect, strong, confident, in the years stretching peace
fully out before him. The nest he lay wounded, bleeding, helpless, doomed
to weary weeks of torture, to .silence, and the grave.
Great in life, he Avas surpassingly great in death. For no cause, in the
very frenzy of wantonness and wickedness, by the red hand of murder, he
Avas thrust from the full tide. of this world's interest, from its hopes, its aspi
rations, its victories, into the visible presence of death — and he did not quail.
Not alone for the one short moment in Avhich, stunned and dazed, he could
give up life, hardly aware of its relinquishment, but through days of deadly
languor, through weeks of agony, that Avas not less agony because silently
borne, Avith clear sight and calm courage, he looked into his open grave.
What blight and ruin met his anguished eyes, whose lips may tell ! — What
brilliant broken plans ! what baffied, high ambitions! what sundering of strong,
Avarm, manhood's friendships! what bitter rending of SAveet household ties!
Behind him a proud, expectant nation, a great host of sustaining friends, a
44

690 LIFE OF JAME? A. GARFIELD.
cherished and happy mother, Avearing the full, rich honors of her early toil
and tears ; the Avife of his youth, Avhose whole life lay in his ; the little boys
not yet emerged from childhood's day of frolic; the fair, young daughter;
the sturdy sons just springing into closest companionship, claiming every day
and every day rewarding a father's love and care ; and in his heart the eager,
rejoicing power to meet all demand. Before him desolation and great dark
ness! And his soul was not shaken. His countrymen Avere thrilled Avith
instant, profound, and universal sympathy. Masterful in his mortal weak
ness, he became the center of a nation's love, enshrined in the prayers of a
world. But all the love and all the sympathy could not share with him his
suffering. He trod the winepress alone. With unfaltering front he faced
death. With unfailing tenderness he took leave of life. Above the demoniac
hiss of the assassin's bullet he heard the voice of God. With simple resigna
tion he bowed to the divine decree.
As the end drew near, his early craving for the sea returned. The stately
mansion of power had been to him the wearisome hospital of pain, and he
begged to be taken from its prison walls, from its oppressive, stifling air, from
its homelessness and its hopelessness. Gently, silently, the love of a great
people bore the pale sufferer to the longed-for healing of the sea, to live or to
die, as God should will, Avithin sight of its heaving billows, Avithin sound of
its manifold voices, with wan, fevered face tenderly lifted to the cooling breeze,
he looked out AvistfuUy upon the ocean's changing A\'onders, — on its far sails,
whitening in the morning light ; on its restless waves, rolling shorcAvard to
break and die beneath the noonday sun ; on the red clouds of evening, arch
ing low to the horizon ; on the serene and shining pathway of the stars. Let
us think that his dying eyes read a mystic meaning Avhich only the rapt
and parting soul may know. Let us believe that in the silence of the reced
ing world he heard the great waves breaking on a farther shore, and felt
already upon his Avasted brow the breath of the eternal morning.

THE

LIFE AI^D TRIAL

OF

Guiteau the Assassin.

EMBRACING

A SKETCH OF HIS EAELY CAEEEB ; HIS DASTAEDLY ATTACK UPON THE
PBESIDENT ; THE CONDUCT OF THE MUEDEEEE IN PEISON ; HIS
AUTOBIOGRAPHY ; THE STRANGE DEAMA OF THE COUET-EOOJI ;
THE TESTBIONY OF EXPERTS AND CELEBRATED AVITNESSES ;
THE PEOGEESS OF THE JUDICIAL PEOCEEDINGS ; STRIK
ING SCENES OF THE TRIAL; THE VERDICT

THE SENTENCE OF DEATH.

BY
JOHN CLARK RIDPATH, LL. D.,
AUTHOR OF LIFE AND WOEK OF GARFIELD ; A POPULAR mSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, ETG

ILLUSTRATED.

COPYRIGHTED, ia82, BY J. T. JONES.

i" A

<«-J

?»%fe). '.?^^-.^-^

/
GUITC.VU .AT TIME OF AUREST.
r.UTTFATT ATATCTNC, TITS STATKAfENT IN PRISON.

THE LIFE AND TRIAL

GUITEAU THE ASSASSIK

WHEN on the morning of July 2, immediately after Presi
dent Garfield Avas shot doAvn, Charles J. Guiteau Avas
seized as the assassin and hurried away to tho police station, a let
ter AA'as found on his person, giving his OAvn interpretation of the
.crime Avhich he had committed. It A\'as as follows: "July 2, 18S1.
" To tlie White House: The President's tragic death Avas a sad necessity;
but it will unite the Republican party and save the republic. Life is a
flimsy dream, and it matters little Avhen one goes. A human life is of
small value.' During the war thousands of brave boys Avent down with
out a tear. I presume the President was a Christian, and that he will
be happier in Paradise than here. It Avill be no worse for Mrs. Garfield,
dear soul, to part with her husband this way than by natural death. He
is liable to go at an}' time, anyway. I had no ill Avill toward the Presi
dent. His death Avas a political necessity. I am a lawyer, a theologian,
and a politician. I am a Stalwart of the Stahvarts. I Avas with Gen
eral Grant and the rest of our men in New York during the canvass. I
have some papers for the press Avhich I shall leave with Byron Andrews
and his co-journalists, at 1420 Ncav York Avenue, Avbere he and the re
porters can see them. I am going to the jail. "Charles Guiteau."
In addition to this audacious and insane communication, a letter
Ava,s found in the .street, near Avhere Guiteau Avas arrested, addre.s.sed
thus : " Please deliver at once to General Sherman (or his first as-

89^ THE LIFE AND TKIAL OF GUITEAU.
sistant in charge of the War Department)." The letter itself AA'as
a.s folloAVs:
"To General Sherman: I have just shot the President. I shot him
several times, as I Avished him to die as easily as possible. His death Avas
a political necessity. I am a laAvyer, theologian, and politician. I am a
Stalwart of the Stahvarts. I Avas Avith General Grant and the rest of our
men in New York during the canvass. I am going to the jail. Please
oi'der out the troops and take possession of the jail at once.
. "Very respectfully, Charles Guiteau."
Thus Avas the atrocious crime at once and openly avoAved by the
Avretch Avho did the deed, ^^^ithin tAVO minutes after President
Garfield fell bleeding on the floor of the depot, all doubt as to Avho
had perpetrated the crime Avas at an end. Far as the lightning's
Aving could bear the ucavs, the name of Guiteau AA'as made instantly
and forcA'er infamous. The assassin Avas hurried aAvay without re
sistance or delay to the police head-quarters, at the corner of Penn
syh'ania Avenue and Four-and-a-half Street. So rapidly Avas this
movement executed that the gathering croAvds did not appreciate
AA'ho it Avas or Avhat Avas done. On the police books in the office
the following historical entry Avas made :
"Charles Guiteau. Arrested at 9:25 a.m., July 2, 1881, for
shooting President Garfield ; aged 36 ; avhite. Born in the
United States, and a laavyer by profession; aveight 130 pounds;
has D.A.RK brown HAIR: THIN AA'HISKERS ; A SALLOAV COMPLEXION;
DEE.SSED IN A DARK SUIT, WITH A BLACK SLOUCH HAT."
The prisoner Avas carefully searched and then placed in one of
the cells. Public curiosity at once rose to the highest pitch to
learn something of the audacious villain and of the motives Avhich
had impelled him to the act. On the former subject the country in
a feAV hours became a great intelligence oflfice, and the Avhole story
of Guiteau's life Avas soon draAvn from the shadoAvs and hung Avhere
the millions could read. It Avas for the most part a tale of folly, ig
nominy, shame, crime, erratic enterprises, and sorae unmistakable
traces of in.sanity. The family home of the as.sassin was at Free-
port, Illinois. His parents and kinsfolk had been eccentric people—

LEOTUEEE AND LAWYER. 695
some of them crazy. About 1856, L. W. Guiteau, the father of the
prisoner, left Freeport, taking his .son Avith him, aud joined the
Oneida Community, in the State of New York. The Guiteaus are
all preeminently a " religious " lot, whose knowledge of God is in
finite, and Avhose sympathy with man is zero. The father of the
assassin remained Avith the Oneida Community but a .short time,
and then Avent back to his old home at Freeport. The son re
mained in the Community several years, and AA'as next found in
Chicago as a laAvyer. M'hen a boy, aud up to the time of his ar
rival in Chicago, he had been knoAvn as Charles Jules Guiteau, but
he changed his name, dropping the " Jules " soon after reaching
that city. He visited Washington about 1879, and lectured in
Lincoln Hall on " The Second Advent," in which he Avas at that
time a professed believer. Gentlemen in that city Avho met him
then pronounced him a lunatic on the subject of religion.
A short time after this episode Guiteau went to Ncav Y'ork, Avhere
he made a pretense of practicing laAv. He was l)y nature something
of a shyster — the soul of a mink inhabiting the body of a groAvn-up
gamin. His legal duties consisted chiefly in taking claims to col
lect on shares — namely, to receiA'e for his serA'ices one-half of the
proceeds. Guiteau generally managed to make suHicient collec
tions to secur&his half, but the client never obtained any thing.
By and by, the Herald exposed the AA'hole proceeding, and the re
sult AA'as that Guiteau found Ncav Y^ork an uncongenial place, and
Avent West, finally settling down in Chicago as a laAvyer. From
this point he Avrote to .lames Gordon Bennett demanding §100,000
for libel, but failed to get the money. He, hoAvever, wrote again
to Bennett, intimating that if he Avould engag'e in a certain ncAvs-
paper enterprise in Chicago Avith him (Guiteau), the- claim for
§100,000 could be Aviped out!
After a season Guiteau conceived that his legal services Avcre
needed at ISIilAAaukee. His name Avas inscribed upon an old sign as
Charles J. Guiteau. He claimed ten years' practice in New Y^ork
and Chicago. IntervicAVS with prominent gentlemen of Mihvaukee
Avho kneAV Guiteau well, established the fact that he had been gen
erally considered by the few who formed his acquaintance as either

696 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OP GUITEAU.
a very vicious person or else one Avho Avas insane. He was very
erratic in his business, talk, -and general relations. Among other
things he Avrote a good deal on questions of morals.
Indeed, he came to consider himself a great writer, a philosopher
Avhose mission it Avas to change the face of civilization. He pub
lished a pamphlet on " Tho Second Coming of Christ," which was
exposed in, the shoAv Avindow of Janseii & McClurg rather as a curi
osity than because of any possible mercantile or literary value which
the document might possess. The noted " author," Avho was de
scribed as going about Avith his hair brushed up in a wild sort of a
way, next became a lecturer. His speech, or Avhatever it was, was
advertised as being by " the Hon. Charles J. Guiteau, the eloquent
Chicago lawyer. Subject: 'A Reply to Infidelity.' An address of
profound thought, highly praised by the Eastern press." With this
piece of odd literature Avhich so thundered in the index, the uncaiight
Bedlamite Avent from- city to city, hiring halls for Avhioh he never
paid, contracting board bills for Avhich he sometimes left a coat and
sometimes merely his compliments, and generally gaining the rep
utation of being a semi-lunatic, not wholly of the harmless breed.
In this Avay he ran doAvn in spirals to the level of A\'hat is knoAvn
in the unclassical lexicography of the times as a " dead-beat " — a
gaunt creature of seedy intellect, no morals, and perennial hunger.
Such Avas the condition of Guiteau when the Presidential cam
paign of 1880 was opened. An excitement of this sort furnishes an
excellent opportunity for social corks with certain specks of rotten
ness in them to bob up to the surface. The credentials of political
evangelists are not very closely inspected. The doctrine of "Any
thing to make a vote" generally prevails over any small mutterings
of conscieiice that may yet be heard as to the means by Avhich the
vote is to be obtained. The chairman of the central committee is
expected to carry the State ; to do it honestly if he can, but to carry
the State. To this end every thing is subordinated, from the gamin
to the thug. Javert is bought up Avith a fee. Gavroche is ap
pointed to see what is going on. Eponine is sent into the room
of Marius, and Thernadier is let out of the .scAver. Charles Jules
Guiteau entered the campaign. He Avrote a speech long enough to

ELECTS GARFIELD PRESIDENT. 697
fill two pages of " brief." It Avas a speech in favor of Garfield.
Guiteau was for Garfield : aud a foreign appointment. He Avent into
New York and ofiered his services. What he did is not verv
clearly known. He drifted around to several points, hanging to
the frazzles of the political under-skirt until the campaign Avas
closed. Garfield AA'as elected, and Guiteau did it! It ouly re
mained to recognize and reward him in a manner commensurate
with his merits. The English or Austrian mission Avould suffice.
Missing that, some less conspicuous position Avould be accepted.
The Paris consulate, though not an ambassadorial office, would in
some measure compensate his serA'ices, as it would bring him into
contact with the best society of Europe, et cetera.
After tlie inauguration of President Garfield, his great supporter,
Guiteau, Avas promptly on the ground. He haunted the AVhite
House. He met the President, Avho referred him to Secretar)-
Blaine. Blaine had nothing for him. Still Guiteau hung on. Ho
oscillated betAveen the Presidential mansion and the Department
of State. He got hungry. The wolf in him began to growl. Then
he felt that he had a mission. The country Avas about to be ruined.
Especially was the Ecpubllcan party about to be disrupted, and
Guiteau must prevent it. He Avho began as a theologian, then be
came an author, an CA'angelist, a lecturer, a politician, must now
become a hero, maybe a martyr. The President of the United
States must be " removed." Garfield was the stumbling-block, aud
God had selected the toe of Guiteau to kick it out of the way.
And the rest is knoAvn. It is not the purpose at present tu discuss
in extenso the antecedent forces AA'hich induced the assassination of
the Pre.sident of the United States.
One of the first questions to Avhich public attention Avas directed,
Avas the mental condition of the man avIio committed the murderous
deed. Prima facie it was a case of insanity; for avhy should any
one shoot the President? As soon as the fact of Guiteau'.s office-
seeking came out, the conditions of the problem changed, and there
was a prima facie case of spite and revenge, the very motives of
murder. A third thought, hoAvever, contradicted this; for whv
should a disappointed office-seeker shoot the President? Mr.

69S THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Blaine was the man to shoot, and Guiteau knew this as well as any
body. He understood perfectly Avell that if the Secretary of State
Avould name him for the Paris consulate, he would be promptly
appointed. In this line also rau the fourth thought, namely, that
the as.*a.ssin had not yet abandoned his hope of the foreign mission,
and no other than a stark madman Avould have dreamed of hurry
ing up au appointment by shooting the very man who Avas to give
it! Against this, hoAvever, Avas a fifth consideration of no little
importance, to Avit, this : Lunatics, AA'hen about to perpetrate a
crime, do not, as a general rule,, forecast the results or take precau
tions against the consequences of Avhat they are about to do. This
trait of blind indifference to results Guiteau did not manifest — at least
not in full measure. He did to some extent forecast, and attempt
to trammel up the consequence of his deed. A few days before the
assassination he visited the jail and made an insj)ection of it AA'ith
an evident vieAV, as afterAvards appeared, of determining in advance
the security of the building against the possible assault of a mob.
Moreover, before the shooting he hired a hackman to be in readi
ness at the depot to carry him away rapidly to a designated spot at
the cemetery — a moA'cment which evidently contemplated a plan
of escape. Last of all, to these facts should be added Guiteau's
explanation of these precautionary measures, AA'hich Avas to the eflPect
that he only desired to be secure until public opinion, Avhich would
at the first be greatly shocked, might have time to react in his favor !
These fiA'e or six elementary considerations are, and Avill CA'cr remain,
the real fundamentals in the question of the sanity or insanity of
the man Avlio did the deed of the 2d of July. To these must, of
course, be added the story of the assassin's previous life, and to a
certain small degree the opinions of men Avho have been placed in
a ])osition to have large observation of the character and conduct
of insane people.
Guiteau Avas transferred as soon as practicable from the police
head-quarters to the jail, Avhcre he Avas put in a cell. One of the
first things he did Avas to seek an intervicAV Avith the District At
torney, Col. George B. Cerkhill, Avho at once repaired to the prison.
Herjg, together Avith a stenographer, he Avas shoAvn into the prison-

TELLS HIS MOTIVES. 699
er's cell and the three Avere locked in. Guiteau thereupon com
menced the conversation by saying that he Avanted to set the mattei'
straight in the mind of the Di.strict Attorney. Ho Avanted his
motive clearly understood as to the circumstances surrounding the
crime. "What was your motive?" asked Corkhill.
" It Avas just Avhat I said it was iu my letter to the public," re
sponded the assassin. " I attempted to kill Garfield for the good
of the Republican party, of Avhich lama member. I attempted to
kill him because I Avas a Stalwart, because I thought I Avould in
that Avay make Arthur Presideut and aid the party. I am only
sorry to hear that I Avas not at once successful. I hope, however,
that he will die, so that I may have the pleasure of success ; I did n't
Avant him to linger in pain. I Avanted to shoot him dead. I regret
his sufferings, although I Avould not regret his death."
" Do you realize Avhat a terrible crime you have attempted, per
haps succeeded in committing?" said the District Attdrney.
" Yes ; but I do not consider it a crime. It Avas a political ne
cessity." " Well, permit me to assure you," said Corkhill, " that it is re
garded outside as a dastardly crime. It is regarded as so impor
tant that every one Avho is even suspected of being your accomplice
is arrested as an accomplice. You knoAA', I siijApose, that it is be
lieved outside that you had accomplices. Y^ou knoAV the stories of
your having a carriage Avaiting, and of your haA'ing companions in
and around the .station."
"Are all those things said?" he asked.
" Yes," said Corkhill.
" Then you had better let me tell you about myself up to to
day." Thereupon he talked for three hours about his antecedents and
his actions since he had been in the city. Practically all that he
said is hereafter given in his autobiography All that passed Avas
taken doAvn by the stenographer, Avho also induced Guiteau to write
a short letter on general topics in order to secure a specimen of
his handwriting, and the intervicAV Avas ended. The information

700 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
thus obtained from the assassin Avas laid before the Cabinet, and
then filed to be used in the prosecution of the criminal.
In the early daj's of July there Avas considerable danger that
Guiteau Avould be mobbed. A mob is an animal Avhich knoAAS no
diflference betAveen a crazy man and a philosopher. It is a beast
Avhich devours alike the idiot and the sage. Fortunately the
American mob is only a specter which rarely materializes. Down
with the mob.
MeauAvhile public attention Avas directed to the Avounded Presi
dent, and the desperate Avretch Avas measurably left alone. He
Avas kept in close confiuement. No one except the officials was
alloAA'ed to see him. All his mail was arrested and examined, and
CA-ery measure was taken to determine the nature and extent ol
the alarming Avound Avliich had been inflicted on American society,
The more the matter Avas probed the more it became established
that Guiteau had acted alone. All stories about accomplices and
about men having been seen with him previous to the crime Avere
proved to be false. All such reports AA'ere traced to irresponsible
parties seeking notoriety. It Avas plain, and could be accepted as
a final fact, that the assassin had concocted the deed himself, and
never communicated by even a hint his purpose to any one. De
tectives who A'isited him in prison usually reported him crazy, but
the people generally would not accept this theory, aud there was
a loud demand that he should be held responsible for his act.
Tavo persons cultivate the acquaintance of the notorious ; namely,
the photographer and the newspaper scribe. The one comes to as
certain Avhat there is in the face of the famous (or infamous) celeb-
brity, and the other to find out Avhat there is in his brains. The
one comes to make him sit, and the other to make him talk. To
the newspaper man the talker is a Avell-spring of pleasure, and to
the photographer the sitter is an everlasting delight. Guiteau both
talked and sat. C. M. Bell, the Washington photographer, and his
assistanf. Dodge, came and drcAv his picture Avith the sunlight.
Think of Science squatting doAvn and using a pencil of sunshine
to paint the face of Charles Jules Guiteau ! Michael Augelo mold
ing the head of a toad Avith a paste of diamonds !

SITS FOR HIS PICTURE. 701
The story of the making of Guiteau's counterfeit illustrates the
man. The artist came, and the prisoner at first objected to hav
ing the picture taken, saying he desired to have the work done in
first-class style, by the best photographer in the country ; but after
being informed that Bell Avas one of the best, he consented. Bell
placed his instrument in the rotuijda of the jail and sent for Gui
teau. He was brought doAvn from his cell by General Crocker
and his assistants. He immediately Avalked up to the photog
rapher and said: "I am the person Avho Avants his photograph.
Noav I Avant you to do me full justice. See that you get the cor
rect expression of my eyes." He buttoned up his coat, brushed
back his hair Avith his hands, and arranged his necktie just as any
other person would do Avho Avas preparing for a sitting.
He took a position standing by a chair, Avith his head thrown
back; and assuming the air of a man of great importance, he in
quired if that was not an excellent position.
Dodge told him that he Avas standing rather stiflp, and that he
should place himself in a perfectly easy position.
Guiteau then remarked that he supposed he (Dodge) kncAv his
business, and that he could arrange him in such a Avay as to suit
himself. What he wanted AA'as a good picture, and that they should
be very careful about getting the correct expression of his eyes.
Eight diflPerent styles of pictures were taken, shoAviug him stand
ing Avith his hat ou and oflf", and sitting, Avith full face and profile.
After each sitting, Avhen the photographer A\ould talce out the
slides to be examined, Guiteau AA'Ould anxiously inquire hoAV that
looked — if the eyes were all right, etc.
One fly brings a SAvarm. In proportion as the people began to
belicA'e in the recovery of the President they became willing to
believe that Guiteau was a madman ; and then other madmen
swarmed out of the darkness. You can no more tell where a fool
comes from than you can tell where a centipede Avas hatched. Y'^ou
sit doAvn on a log in the Avoods to Avrite a A'erse, and here comes your
centipede. From what A'illage does he hail? Who was his ances
tor? Where does he go to if you kill him? Who made the centi
pede, anyhow? And vA'hat for? A great number of this breed

702 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
craAvled into Washington. One came on the morning of the Sth of
July. He said he Avas from King AA'illiam County, Virginia, and
that his name was Daniel McNamara. He Avent to the police head
quarters and inquired for the residence of Secretary Blaine. Some
thing in the man's manner excited susjjicioii, and the 2>olice inquired
Avhat he Avauted Avith Blaine. ]\I(jXamara said he Avas .specially com
missioned by God Almighty to kill Blaine, aud he had come to i
do it. A company of spiritualists had selected him for that high
office. The police ambulance Avas immediately summoned, and the
lunatic Avas hurried OA'cr to the Insane A.sylum. It Avas the first
of many such adventures. All the crauks Avho thus came out
into the sunshine were divinely commissioned. God had sent
them to a s'inful Avorld. Abraham oflfered up Isaac, and they
must offer up somebody. Such Avas the meter Avhich the poor
idiots piped in the streets of the Capital of the United States of
America iu the summer of 1881.
On the 7th of July it Avas given out by District Attorney Cork
hill that formal proceedings against Guiteau would not be begun
until the result of the injury done to the President should be de
termined. The assassin had meanwhile completed the recital of
the story of his life in a succession of interviews AA'ith the officers,
and the details of the crime had in like manner been developed to
the smallest particular. As for the rest, Guiteau Avas shut aAvay
from public inspection almost as completely as he AA'as excluded
from public sympathy. His confinement was rigorous. He ex
hibited a feverish anxiety to hear the ncAA's; but nothing in the
shape of papers or conversation Avas permitted. He Avas told by
the officers that the President AA'as not dead, and he expressed his
regrets. He hoped that Garfield might die, in order that the Re
publican party might be saved from disruption and the country
from anarchy. No shadoAV of regret or remorse Avas at any time
noticeable in his speech or actions. Though sore auxictv AA'as ob
served as it respected the danger of a nnib, his chief concern Avas,
and continued to be, on the question of the notoriety which the
deed had excited. In proportion as any circumstance indicated
that the people Avere talking about him, he became exhilarated, and

PROVES A COWARD. 703
as the indications pointed to a popular indifference concerning him
and his Avork, his spirits sank and he grew morose and gloomy.
Egotism Avas, and ever afterAvards remained, the sole gauge of
this strange desperado's mental state.
> One of the traits exhibited by Guiteau, both before his trial
and during its continuance, Avas cowardice. There Avas never any
shoAV of the bully about him. It Avas evident that he was below
the average in the matter of physical courage. In the transfer
from the police head-quarters to the jail, on the day of the shoot
ing, he shoAved symptoms of bodily fear. He Avas agitated. He
pulled his hat over his eyes. He liesought the officers to hurrv
forward. His glance right and left indicated alarm and excite
raent. Once safely entombed in the jail he grcAV more calm, and
sometimes exhibited the nonchalance of a loafer sitting on the
back bench in a club-room. On the Sth of July, a semi-ofiieial
report .of Mr. Brooks, Chief of the Secret Service, Avas given out
in an intervicAV, and the public Avas authoritatively informed that
Guiteau had had no confederates in the commission of the crime.
The assassin had tAvo griefs to complain of: One Avas that his
cell Avas small and hot, and the other that the food alloAved him
was not of a sort to satisfy the palate of a gentleman. Not much
attention AA'as paid to this "injustice" ou the part of the Govern
ment, and the prisoner Avas left to make the most of the situation
and surroundings. An incident of the 10th of July is AA'orth re
peating. ^ It is reported in the A\'ords of Col. Corkhill, the District
Attorney. He says :
" As I Avas writing down the words flowing from his [Guiteau's] lips,
he suddenly grasped a pen as though it Avas a dagger, and, brandishing
it in the air, brought it doAvn just in front of m}' nose. I Avas startled.
I thought he intended to stab me in the face, and jumped back sud
denly. Then I saw he had had no intention of hurting me. He had
speared on the point of the pen a spider which had spun a web around a
little fly. I said 'What are you doing?' He said 'I saw the spider
entangling the fly and I wanted to Avatch him eat it up.' So he held
them up before his face till the spider commenced to eat the fly, then I
said: 'It will take him twenty minutes to sAvallow it. I have not time

704 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
to Avait for yon. Put it doAA'n and go on Avith your story.' Very reluc-
tantly he put it down on the floor by his feet. He never lifted his eyes
from the spot until the fly had disappeared down the spider's throat,
and the spider had bobbed up serenely. He fairly gloated over the little
tragedy. 'There's something miasmatic about the Avretch,' he ran on,
' he is so sanguinary — so low-toned — so debased in his nature that he has
a debilitating effect upon you."
A special dispatch of the 11th of July to a leading ncAA'spaper
is specially interesting as tending to show the shifting and un
certain character of public opinion, in respect to the mental con
dition of Guiteau. The dispatch said :
" There is good reason to believe that should the President recover,
as seems probable, the Government Avill choose to consider Guiteau in
sane, and Avill procure his incarceration for life, in the Government
Hospital for the Insane, just outside of Washington."
Precisely how it was that the contingency of the President's
recoA'ery was to determine the question of the prisoner's sanity or
insanity is more perhaps than any uninspired layman could Avell
discover. There is, hoAvever, little doubt that this unsophisticated
dispatch AA'as a fair .statement of the truth as conditioned by ex
isting circumstances in the middle of July. If the President gets
Avell, Guiteau is insane and shall be, lodged in the asylum! If the
President dies, Guiteau is sane and shall go to the gibbet!
One of the features of the assassin's imprisonment was the receipt
of great numbers of letters. Every mail brought a large batch of
nondescript communications from all quarters of the compass.
Most of the missives AA'ere couched in the language of denuncia
tion and threats. The West contributed raore than the East.
Nearly all the epistles were characterized by the syntax of the
unhappy and the orthography of brigandage. Guiteau could
hardly have been flattered by the general tone of his correspond
ence. Chicago contributed largely to this kind of literature. One
Avriter addressed Guiteau as " Villian," and then proceeded to as
sure him that there Avere 2,500 people in that city who had deter
mined that he should die no matter Avhether he Avas insane or not.

.TUDGE WAT.TEI; S. COX.

msT. ATT'Y GEORGE B. COEKIIILL.

JUDGE J K. PORTER.

lIO\T w. w. DAA'IDGE.

THE ATTEAII'T ON GUITEAU'S LIFE.

MR. "VENGENIOUS." 705
They proposed that he should be execiited as soon as he should
make his appearance in public, by being drawn joint from joint,
till he had been divided into 10,000 bits. The blood-thirsty
writer signed himself, " Yours, Vengenious."
Mr. " Vengenious " was typical of a large class of patriots who
could be found in every depot, hotel, and railway train in the
country. It would have been amazing if it had not been horrify "
ing to hear the proposals of the angered populace respecting what
ought to be done with Guiteau. There Avere thousands of people
who seriously talked about torturing him a la Russe. Even Gen
eral Sherman was reported to have suggested some extra-judicial
proceedings in the case of this anomalous criminal. Ex-Senator
Conkling wrote a letter to the Attorney-General of the United
States hinting at the propriety of a ncAV code in which a discrimi
nation should be draAvn against him who atterapts the life of any
one in high office. As for the unthinking throng they AA'ould
apply all the methods of the Inquisition. Guiteau should be
roasted alive ; torn with pincers ; have hot lead poured down his
throat ; be starved to death j tied fast in a pit with a lot of hungry
rats, etc. — Civilization is still an experiment.
Owing to the constant stream of sensational stories which flowed
into the public press, District Attorney Corkhill determined to
make some authoritative statements, and accordingly on the 14th
of July, he gave to the agent of the Associated Press the follow
ing statement:
"Many foolish and sensational rumors are afloat, which my investiga
tions for the last ten days have shown to be without foundation. On
those points in Avhich I have arrived at the truth, and about which I
kneAV there were erroneous theories current, I decided to give an au
thoritative statement. I have also discovered one or tAVO things not in
the statement on which I have taken further testimony since it was given
to the press. For instance, I find beyond a doubt that it was the first
bullet that struck the President. This is the statement of Guiteau, and
others who saw the shooting; the second ball went in the direction of the
baggage room. Again I find that the dramatic story about the assassin's
exclamation, 'I am a Stahvart of the Stalwarts; Arthur is President
45

706 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
now,' Avas a pure fiction. His only words at the commission of the deed
were : ' Don't let them hurt me. Take me to the jail quick.' I think
I have told you this before, and you will find various facts among those
recounted in what I gave the press that I have told you at various times,
but I thought best to put it out all at once in a consecutive manner."
The following, then, are the facts as reported by Col. Corkhill :
" Charles Guiteau came to Washington City Sunday evening, March
6, 1881, and stopped at the Ebbitt House, remaining only one day. He
then secured a room in another part of the city and has boarded and
roomed at various places, full details of which I have. Wednesday, May
18, 1881, the assassin determined to murder the Presfdent. He had
neither money nor pistol at the time. About the last of May he went
into O'Meara's store, corner of Fifteenth and F Streets, this city,- and
examined some pistols, asking for the largest caliber. He Avas shoAvn
two, similar in caliber and only different in price. Wednesday, June 8,
he purohased the pistol Avhich he used, for Avhich he paid ten dollars, he
having in the meantime borrowed fifteen dollars of a gentleman in this
city, on the plea that he wanted to pay his board bill. On the same
evening, about 7 o'clock, he took his pistol and Avent to the foot of
Seventeenth Street and practiced firing at boards, firing ten shots. He
then returned to his boarding place, Aviped the pistol dry and wrapped it
in his coat, and waited his opportunity. Sunday morning, June 12, he
was sitting in Lafayette Park and saAv the President leave for the Chris
tian Church, on Vermont Avenue, and he at once returned to his room,
obtained his pistol, put it in his hip-pocket, and folloAved the President
to church. He entered the church, but found that he could not kill him
there without danger of killing some one else. He noticed that the
President sat near a window. After church he made an examination
of the Avindow, and found that he could reach it without any trouble, and
that from this point he could shoot the President through the head
without killing any one else. The folloAving Wednesday he went to the
church, examined the location and Avindow, and became satisfied that he
could accomplish his purpose, and he determined, therefore, to make the
attempt at the church the following Sunday. He learned from the
papers that the President would leave the city Saturday, 18th of June,
with Mrs. Garfield, for Long Branch. He therefore determined to meet
him at the depot. He left his boarding-place about five o'clock Satur
day morning, June 18, and went doAvn to the river at the foot ol

CORKHILL NARRATES THE CRIME. 707
Seventeenth Street, and fired five shots to practice his aim and be cer
tain his pistol was in good order. He then Avent to the depot and Avas
in the ladies' waiting-room of the d6p6t Avith his pistol ready when the
Presidential party entered. He saAv Mrs. Garfield, Avho looked so Aveak
and frail he had not the heart to shoot the President in her presence,
and as he knew he Avould have another opportunity he left the depot.
He had previously engaged a carriage to take him to the jail. Wednesday
evening, the President and his son, and, I think. United States Marshal
Henry, went out for a ride. The assassin took his pistol and followed
them, and Avatched them for some time in hopes the carriage Avould stop,
but no opportunity was given. Friday evening, July 1, he Avas sitting
on a seat in the park opposite the White House, when he saw the Presi
dent come out alone. He followed him doAvn the avenue to Fifteenth
Street, and then kept on the opposite side of the street up Fifteenth until
the President entered the residence of Secretary Blaine. He Avaited at
the corner of Mr. Morton's late residence, corner of Fifteenth and H
Streets, for some time, and then, as he was afraid he would attract atten
tion, he went into the alley in the rear of Morton's residence, examined
his pistol and Avaited. The President and Secretary Blaine came out
together, and he folloAved them over to the .gate of the White House, but
could get no opportunity to use his Aveapon. On the morning of July 2,
he breakfasted at the Eiggs House about 7 o'clock. He then walked up
into the park and sat there for an hour. He then took a one-horse
avenue car and rode to Sixth Street, Avhere he got out and went into the
d^pot and loitered around there, had his shoes blacked, engaged a hack-
man for two dollars to take him to the jail ; Avent into the water closet
and took his pistol out of his hip pocket and unwrapped the paper firom
around it, which he had put there for the purpose of preventing the per
spiration from his body dampening the powder, examined his pistol care
fully, tried the trigger and then returned and took a seat in the ladies'
waiting-room, and as soon as the President entered advanced behind him
and fired two shots. These facts, I think can be relied upon as accurate,
and I give them to the public to contradict certain false rumors in con
nection with this most atrocious of atrocious crimes."
This, then, is as nearly the true statement of the events antece •
dent to the deed of July 2, as Avill ever be elicited.
As the belief in the President's recovery became more general
Guiteau AAas in a measure thrust out of public interest. On the

708 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
19th of July, District Attorney Corkhill sent the folloAving letter
to the Warden of the jail :
"General J. S. Crocker, Warden U. S. Jail:
"Dear Sir: — The grand jury having adjourned until the 12th of Sep
tember, and it being impossible to determine the final results of the
attack by Charles Guiteau, the assassin of the President, it will be neces
sary to retain him in custody for future action by the authorities.
I desire you to place him on one side of the jail Avhere there are no
other prisoners, and where the means of escape are impossible ; that you
will alloAv him to see no other person whatever, and that he be not per
mitted to hold conversation with any of the guards, and that he be rigor
ously excluded from receiving or sending any communication except
those delivered by me or received by my direction. I desire this direc
tion to be rigidly executed. George B. Coekhill."
These orders Avere for a time rigorously enforced. None of the
guards Avere allowed to speak to Guiteau. The Warden and his
deputy and the District Attorney and his assistants Avere the only
persons who were permitted to exchange any words Avith the pris
oner. When it was deemed necessary for one of these officials to
see Guiteau he was brought into the Warden's office, locked inside
with the officer and a guard stationed at the door. This course of
proceeding was unAvarranted by laAV, and the District Attorney Avas
by and by obliged to abate a measure of the harshness exhibited
in his orders to the jailer. For a Avhile, hoAvever, Guiteau was
immured in solitary confinement with nothing but the alternation
of day and night to keep him company.
Guiteau had once been for a short time a denizen of Boston. It
Avas at the epoch when he regarded himself as a great moral re
former. While there he published a pamphlet entitled " Truth,"
a kind of rhapsodical commentary on the Bible. The author laid
great stress upon this production, evidently regarding it as the prin-
cipia of a new philosophy which Avas to regenerate the world.
Dut ing the latter part of July and the early part of August he
spent his time in jail in Avriting a new preface for " Truth," and
giving some finishing strokes to his immortal effusion. While at
this Avork he showed little disposition to talk. He was at times

CHARACTER OF A JAIL-BIRD. 709
someAvhat moro.se but did not exhibit any marked signs of despond
ency. He read his Bible daily, and Avhen the Warden of the jail
asked him if he found any thing new in that book, he replied : " I
find many things that I like to read." One thing noticeable about
his conduct was that from the time of his arrest throughout the
period of his imprisonment and the long trial that ensued he Avas
never heard to utter a profane Avord. In his conversation and de
meanor there was something of refinement though his language and
manners had at times strange symptoms of aflTectation and staginess.
A report from the jail of August 9th is interesting in its details
respecting the daily life of the prisoner. The report says :
"Guiteau is a very tractable prisoner. The re))resentations frequently
made that he is restless and querulous, are not founded on fact. His
diet has been the subject of considerable newspaper comment. When
he was first taken to jail he suffered a little with a derangement of the
bowels, and at the suggestion of the jail physician. Dr. Young, he was
given tea instead of cofiee. Coffee sweetened with molasses is served to
prisoners as a rule, molasses being administered as a laxative, as the
prisoners get little exercise. In Guiteau's case coffee was omitted from
the bill of fare for a while, but now he frequently asks for cofiee and
gets it. He evinces considerable interest in his diet, but not more so
than is customary Avith the prisoners, and he does not complain. Wheat
bread is served to the prisoners for breakfast, and corn bread for dinner.
When corn bread does not agree with a prisoner he is given wheat bread
altogether. For the same reason that tea Avas served instead of coffee,
Guiteau was to be put on the ' white bread ' list. He seems to relish
milk, and often asks for it. He takes a special gastronomic delight in
meat. Beef seems at present to be one of the main objects of his life.
He shows little concern just now about any thing, except this meat. He
has lost no flesh since his confinement, and if any thing, is in better
condition than when he Avas taken to jail. He is now apparently in ex
cellent health, eats heartily, and sleeps soundly."
On the raorning of the 1 7th of August an incident occurred
which created a buzz of exciteraent. One of the guards, named
McGill, Avent into the cell Avhere Guiteau Avas confined, at an early
hour in the morning, and finding the prisoner sitting on the edge

710 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
of the bed, imagined that he was about doing some desperate deed
or at least Avas contriving some mischief. The guard asked,
" What are you doing ?" " Nothing," said Guiteau. " What have
you got there?" said the guard. "Nothing, nothing," replied
Guiteau. They were both scared and pitching at each other, en
gaged in a sort of reciprocal assault and battery. The veracious
reporter Avas instantly on the ground and sent the affair to the four
corners of nature as "A desperate attempt of the assassin to kill
his guard with a knife which had been smuggled into the prison."
Mr. McGill was a lion during a Avhole forenoon.
On the 15th of August, when the news went abroad of the
President's alarming symptoms and the country was again obliged
to face the impending death of its chief magistrate, popular fury
broke forth ancAV against the unrepentant miscreant who had
caused the great sorrow. There were thousands of people who
would have joined a mob to hang liim without the form of con
demnation. To the infinite credit of the Government, hpwever,
in the midst of all this passion, while hundreds of unprincipled
newspapers were openly throwing out hints of encouragement to
the spirit of thuggery, every precaution was taken to protect
Guiteau from violence. One of the raost manly utterances of the
times was that of General R. B. Ayres, military commandant of the
District. When it was made known that one thousand armed
men — trained soldiers — were stationed near the jail to defend it at
all hazards, a newspaper Boheraian called on the coramandant
and said:
" General, it is said this action on the part of the Government
will be made only in semblance of giA'ing protection to the assassin,
and that you will soon give way and allow the people to take their
man, and that if you are compelled to fire, it Avill be with blank
cartridges." " Those who have such ideas," said General Ayres, " will be sadly
mistaken, and while I should deeply regret the death of a single
man in such a cause, yet my orders are imperative,* and as I am
*The orders in question were issued by a gentleman named William Tecumseh
Sherman.

MASON MISSES HIS MAN. 711
a soldier, they will be obeyed. Guiteau is a prisoner of the United
States Government. He is confined within a United States jail.
The Constitution and laws guarantee him a fair trial. This is the
Capital of the Nation, the head center of law and order. The
Government has determined that no mob law shall reign here, and
I have been directed to protect the prisoner and United States
property, and you may rest assured that it Avill be done. My force
is ample and in condition to meet the largest mob that could be
found. I sincerely trust no such demonstration will be made by
the people, because, if they attempt to carry out their purpose,
innocent lives raay be lost."
There is no apparition in heaven or earth that a raob so fears
as an honest soldier. A row of brass buttons can chase a thou
sand. During the last week of August and the first week of Septeraber
the monotony of Guiteau's prison life was rarely broken. Visit
ors, the counsel for the prisoner excepted, were not allowed in the
jail, and all coraraunication with the outside Avas intercepted. It
was given out that Guiteau's theory of a defense for his crime
AA'ould be that the deed was done without malice, while his coun
sel preferred the plea of insanity. For this reason it was said in
the neAvspaper reports of the day that the District Attorney and
other officers of the law were staying out of sight of Guiteau lest
they might see something indicative of insanity. The folloAving
ludicrous — and perhaps true — telegram was given out to the
papers on the Sth of September :
" The District Attorney and his assistants have seen hitherto no mani
festations of insanity in Guiteau's conduct. They do not intend to see any.
Therefore they will let him severely alone."
Three days after the publication of this remarkable raethod of
getting at the truth, an incident occurred Avhich came near " remov
ing" Guiteau in the same manner which he had eraployed in the
case of the President. One of the prison guards, Sergeant Mason,
of Battery B, Second Artillery, when releasing the guard on duty

712 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GL^TEAU.
at the jail, shot at Guiteau through the window of his cell, and
came near killing him. The ball crashed through the window,
grazed his head, and was imbedded in the cell wall beyond. Ma
son was promptly arrested, taken to the Arsenal, incarcerated, and
held fijr trial. For this attempted murder Mason, who was evi
dently a disordered being, became the hero of the day.*
On the 12th of September, Guiteau was the recipient of two
eflfiisions, quite unlike in rhythm and sentiment. It appeared that
the writers held dififerent vicAv.s of the character and mission of
the person addressed, and that, although there was little want of
spirit in either poem, the authors belonged to opposite .schools of
literature and politics. All things considered, the first production
was raore pretentious, but the second had more pith. The former
was the work of a Philadelphia bard of communistic proclivities,
and was addressed —
"To Hon. Charles Guiteau:
"Brave, noble man, of heroic birth.
That risks life, liberty, and worldly pleasure.
And returns the hireling'b scorn with mirth,
To their snarls retort without mea-ure.
" Well beare.st thou Booth's immortal mantle,
• With courage nnsurpa-^^ed and hand of steel,
To remove the foul ulcer that does rankle.
The hearts of true men that would liberty feel.
"May the courage of Booth and the coolne.'s of Payne
Bear thee safely through the fire of wrath.
That thou may view thy life not periled in vain.
But like a Phcenix arise above the bloody bath.
"And Stalwart shall be thy praise.
When the funeral bell announce.? the note,
A true man as Pre.sident thon ha*t raised.
Upon whom all freemen shall ever dote.
" Stalwart."
* And at the time of Avriting these pages he has never been brought to trial, nor
is it likely that he ever will be.

AN ENERGETIC BARD. 713
The other poet was frora Cincinnati, and had evidently modeled
his style after that of Skelton. The Ohio rhapsodist said:
" Charles Guiteau (Devii) :
"Charles Guiteau,
What a nice show
You would make
If we should take
A thirty-inch gun
And have some fun
By putting you down,
Heel and crown,
And then appall
Some old stone wall
By letting you slide
Against its side;
A greasy spot.
We all doubt not,
Would be the end
Of hell's best friend.
Sooner or later
You'll find a crater
Burning round you.
Confound you ! "
Thursday, the Sth of September, was Guiteau's birthday. The
assassin observed the occasion as best he could. He had noAv been
in close confinement for sixty-eight days, and it Avas supposed that
he had lost his reckoning, as prisoners generally do after a few
Aveeks of seclusion. Not so, hoAvever, Guiteau. Much curiosity
was manifested about the jail as to how he had kept the calendar.
The Avarden went to his cell and .said:
" Well, Mr. Guiteau, can you tell me how it is you can fix the
date of your birthday, having been so long confined ? "
"That's easy enough. I Avill show you," answered Guiteau;
and draAving a short piece of candle from under the mattress of
his bed he held it up, and said: "Just count the days on that."
General Crocker looked at the piece of candle and saw upon it
a number of nicks, and, counting them, saAv that they were marked
up to date, and that Guiteau had by no raeans lost his reckoning.

714 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
He brought out the piece of candle and exhibited it to the reporter,
and afterward returned it to Guiteau, who stuck it under his bed
again in a raanner as though he supposed that sorae one would
carry it off".
In the latter part of August, when the surgeons attending the
President were busy informing the public of their patient's " con
valescence," Guiteau managed to learn the condition of affairs, and
made application for bail. This, hoAvever, was refused, and his
imprisonment continued as before until the final eclipse at El
beron. After Mason's attempt to shoot the prisoner it was deemed pru
dent to remove the latter to another cell where the experiment
could not be repeated. He was accordingly taken, on the 12th
day of September, to a place of special security in the north wing
of the jail. The roora was surrounded without with a brick wall
all around to the height of seven feet, so that no shot could be
fired into it from the halls. Light and air were admitted through
a "diminished" windoAV into the apartment, which Avas in other
respects a dungeon.
So the President died. There were not wanting in Washington
abundant elements to raise a tumult and destroy Guiteau, but the
authorities stood their ground, and the canaille slunk off" to its
kennel. It only reraained for the forms of law, those ancient
English processes by which crime is adjudged and punished, to
take hold of the miserable wretch who had destroyed the peace
of the Nation and dispose of him according to that inexorable
justice which holds the civilized world in equipoise. The author
ities at once began consultation as to the proper raethods of pro
cedure. At the threshold they were raet Avith a serious technical
embarrassraent. It Avas the question of jurisdiction. Should the
cause be tried in the District of Columbia or in Ncav Jersey ? The
President had been shot down in the d^pot at Washington. He
had lingered ; had been taken to Long Branch, Ncav Jersey, and
there had died from the effects of the wound. Where should the
crime be tried? The precedents, both English and American,
seemed to preclude the jurisdiction of the court of the District

QUESTION, OF JURISDICTION. ' 715
beyond a trial for assault and battery with intent to kill. It Avas
clearly indicated that the President's case Avas simply that of a
person who had received a mortal wound in the District of Co
lumbia, from the effects of Avhich his death had taken place else-
Avhere, and under these circumstances the courts of the District
Avould not have jurisdiction of the offense as a homicide, but Avould
be confined to a consideration of the as.sault merely.
As a further exposition of the case it may be said that, at com
mon laAV, raurder, together Avith other offenses, must be inquired
into in the county Avherein it is committed.
It was not likely, however, that techical difficulties, .such as a
disputed jurisdiction, Avould or could seriously impede the admin
istration of justice in a case like Guiteau's. There are times Avhen
precedents do not go for much. In the present instance it was
not conceivable that the culprit should slip through the meshes of
the laAV. Besides, there Avere two considerations tending strongly
to determine the trial of the as.sassin in the District rather than
in Ncav .Jersey. These were, first, the fact that no appeal can be
taken from a decision rendered in the criminal courts of the Dis
trict of Columbia; and, second, the fact that a disputed jurisdic-
'tion betAveen one county and another, or betAveen one State and
another, is quite a different matter from that of a disputed ju
risdiction betAveen the District and a State. That is to say, there
is a sense in Avhich the courts of the District are courts of the
Nation. This crime of Guiteau, so far as the initial violence was
concerned, was committed under the jurisdiction of these courts
of the Nation ; and the crime was completed, by the death of the
President, in the State of Ncav Jersey — a part of the Nation. That
the jurisdiction of the courts of the District could reach after and
trammel up a crime completed outside of the District, but begun
therein, was no greater stretch of construction than might reason
ably be expected in a case of such aggravated celebrity.
It may have been considerations such as these, or perhaps others
of less importance and validity, that led the oracular Col. Cork
hill to give out, on the day after the President's death, the follow
ing utterances, general and special, ou the laAv of the homicide :

716 ' THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
"Guiteau will not go to New Jersey, either to the coroner's inquest or
for trial. There is no necessity in either ease. His presence is not at all
necessary before the coroner and his jury, nor is it neceesary for Ncav
Jersey to assume jurisdiction over his case because of defective jurisdiction
in the District. The jurisdiction, of our courts over him is complete.
There is absolutely nothing in these absurd squabbles which have been
raised about the status of Guiteau should the President die at Long
Branch. The law is definite and ample; it covers the whole ease.
Guiteau will be indicted, tried, convicted of homicide, and executed in
Washington. The only thing that could prevent his indictment and con
viction would be lack of evidence, amounting to a fatal flaw. In our
case this is not within the possibilities."
As an instance of how it is possible for an attorney who does not
precisely know his OAvn Avhereabouts to take both sides of the
same question at the same time, without any feeling of embarrass
ment, it raay be stated that on the very same day on which the
above opinion was given out, the Associated Press dispatches,
from Washington, contained the following striking paragraph:
"It is the opinion of the District Attorney and his assistants that,
under the laws of the District, Guiteau can not be tried for murder here.
But, that the greatest punishment that can be given him is such punish
ment as is incidental to a simple case of assault and battery. In case
such a conclusion shall be definitely arrived at, it may become a puzzling
question as to how the state of New Jersey can obtain jurisdiction over
the person of the assassin. In the opinion of some laAvyers, he can only
be brought within the jurisdiction of the laws of that state by means of
the Extradition Laws, as they simply refer to fugitives from justice. Un
less some legal technicality can construe Guiteau to come under that
category, it is a difficult matter to see in Avhat manner New Jersey can
obtain jurisdiction."
In point of fact, "the District Attorney and his assistants"
were befogged.
Imraediately after the funeral of President Garfield the initial
steps were taken to bring on the trial of his destroyer. The first
thing Avas, of course, to procure a proper indictment by the grand
jury of the District. To this end, on the 28th of September, sub-

LEGAL PRELIMINARIES. 717
poenas were issued to the the following persons to appear and tes
tify in the case of the United States versus Charles J. Guiteau, for
the murder of Jaraes A. Garfield, namely:
Edward A. Bailey, stenographer, who had a large mass of notes
of conversations Avith Guiteau while in jail, giving his history from
early boyhood, reasons for comraitting the act, etc. ;- George W.
Adaras, President of the Evening Star Publishing Company, who
was in the depot en route to Cape :\Iay when the shooting oc
curred; George W. McElfresh, detective; Dr. D. W. Bliss and
Dr. D. S. Lamb, who were present at the autopsy ; Jacob P. Smith,
special officer at the Baltiraore and Potomac Depot, who witnessed
the shooting and assisted in the arrest of Guiteau ; Sarah E. D.
White, in charge of the ladies' waiting-room at the depot, Avho
witnessed the shooting, and helped to raise the President; Rob
ert A. Park, ticket seller, who jumped through the AA'indow of his
office and assisted in raising the President; Policeman Patrick
Kearney, who spoke to the President just before the shooting,
telling him he had ten minutes to vA'ait for the train, and who
also assisted in Guiteau's arrest. In addition to the regular sub
poenas the District Attorney also asked Senor Don Simon Co-
macho, Charge d'Affaires frora Venezuela, who was in the depot
and witnessed the shooting, to testify. All the above naraed Avit
nesses Avere directed to be in attendance at the reassembling of the
grand jury at the criminal court roora on IMonday, October 3d,
when a presentraent of the case would be raade.
Meanwhile, in the imagination of Guiteau, he had become his
OAvn counsel and was engaged in his own defen.se. His theory of
the crime AA'as from the first, and cA-er continued to be, that the
President's " remoA'al " AA'as a political necessity, and that he had
been inspired to reraoA'e him. The Deity had ordered him by a
"pressure" brought to bear on his mental faculties about the
6th of June, and which continued to weigh upon hira constantly,
to " reraove " President Garfield out of the Avay in order to prevent
the disruption of the Republican party and consequent civil war !
The court, hoAvever, raore wise than the prisoner's folly, deemed
it just to appoint competent counsel in order to secure beyond all

718 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
cavil not only the forra, but the substance of a fair and impartial
trial. To this end, Mr. George M. Scoville, of Chicago, a brother-
in-law of the prisoner, Avas named as counsel for the defendant.
Mr. Scoville repaired at once to Washington and began the labo
rious and thankless work of preparing a defense for the crime of
his kinsman.
At the first, Mr. Scoville tried to find associate counsel to aid
him in the case. This was a difficult task. None coveted the
undertaking. The distinguished Emory A. Storrs, of Chicago, was
solicited, but declined because of previous engagements. For sira-
milar reasons the services of General Benjarain F. Butler could not
not be procured ; and so, for the time, Mr. Scoville undertook the
defense alone. He adopted the plea of insanity.
The investigation before the grand jury continued until the Sth
of October, when an indictment for murder in the first degree Avas
found. The instrument Avas framed vith great care, and contained
eleven counts, the first of Avhich is as foLoAvs :
"FntST Count — The grand jurors of the United States of America, in and for the
county of Washington and District of Columbia, upon their oath, present that
Charles J. Guiteau, late of the county and District aforesaid, on the 2d day of Jnly,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one, with force and
arms, at and in the county and District aforesaid, in and upon the body of one
James A. Garfield, in the peace of God, and of the United States of America, then
and there being, feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought, did make
assault; and that said Charles J. Guiteau, a certain pistol of the value of five dol
lars, then and there charged with gunpoAvder and one leaden bullet, which said
pistol he, the said Charles J. Guiteau, in his right hand then and there had and
held, then and there feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought, did dis
charge and shoot ofT, to, against, and upon said James A. Garfield, and that said
Charles J. Guiteau, with leaden bullet aforesaid, out of the pistol aforesaid, then
and there, by force of the gunpowder aforesaid, by said Charles J. Guiteau dis
charged and shot off as aforesaid, then and there feloniously, artfully, and of his
malice aforethought, did strike, penetrate, and wound him, the said James A. Gar
field, in and upon the right side of the back of him, the said Jaraes A. Garfield,
giving to him, said James A. Garfield, then and there, with the leaden bullet afore
said, so as aforesaid discharged and shot out of the pistol aforesaid, by said Charles
J. Guiteau, in and upon the right side of the back of him, the said James A. Gar
field, one mortal wound of the depth of six inches, and of the breadth of one inch,
which said mortal wound, he, the said James A. Garfield, from the said 2d day of
July, in the year last aforesaid, until the 19th day of September, in the year of our

THE INDICTMENT. 719
Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one, at and in the county and District
aforesaid, did languish and languishing did live, on which said 19th day of Sep
tember, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty -one, at and
in the county and District aforesaid, the said James A. Garfield of mortal wound
aforesaid, died." *
Each of the eleven counts of the indictment closed with the fol
lowing formal charge:
"And so the grand jurors aforesaid, do say that the said Charles J. Guiteau, him,
the said James A. Garfield, in the manner and by means aforesaid, feloniously,
willfully, and of his malice aforethought did kill and murder, against the form of
statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and Government of
the United States of America."
Such was the indictraent which the assassin of the President
had to face and to which he must plead. It was evident that on
the prisoner's appearance in a public court for this purpose an
unusual scene raight be expected, and the day was accordingly
awaited Avith rauch impatience by the immense array of sensation-
mongers to whom such matters are a royal feast. There was an
effort on the part of the District Attorney to keep the day of the
prisoner's arraignment frora the public, but the scent of the in
sinuating nostril was too keen to be deceived ; and so on the
raorning of the 14th of October it was knoAA'n that Guiteau AA'as to
be brought into court. The ucavs spread everywhere, and a crowd
gathered to Avitness the expected scene.
The crirainal court roora for the District of Colurabia, in which
the trial of Guiteau was held, is an old and relatively insignificant
building distant nearly three miles from the jail in Avhich the pris-
onei AA'as confined. The room proper was not large or commodious
and vflight well be defined as dingy. The presiding official was the
Hon. Walter S. Cox, criminal judge for the District. The Prosecut
ing Attorney -jas Colonel George B. Corkhill, already mentioned.
He Avas assisted in the performance of his primary duties by Dep
uty Williaras and Marshal Henry. The newspaper correspondents
* This indictment and all others of the sort are well calculated to bring to mind
Victor Hugo's famous dissertation on " Slang,'' as given in Chapter CCII. of Zes
Miserables.

720 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
were all on hand, and for them a space was provided within the
bar. Outside of that limit the crowd filled the seats — men who
understood all about the laAv, and women who  *
So on the morning of the 14th of October Guiteau was put into
the prison van — a strong covered hack in Avhich criminals Avere
driven back and forth from the jail — and conveyed to the court.
At 11 A.M., Colonel Corkhill came in and was seated. A fcAV
minutes later George M. Scoville, the prisoner's brother-in-law,'
entered and took his seat at the table set apart for the bar. There
Avas a delay of a few minutes, during which everybody appeared
to be waiting for something, when the same door again opened,
and between Marshal C. E. Henry and Deputy Williaras the raur-
derer of the President entered the court-roora. He dropped into
a seat and the raanacles were reraoved from his hands.
Clerk Williams then ordered him to stand up, and the indict
raent was read to hira. It was a long docuraent, consuming about
thirty-five minutes in the reading, and wearied the prisoner, clerk,
and spectators. At its close, the usual question —
"Are you guilty or not guilty?" — was asked him.
He hesitated, and turned helplessly to his counsel. Then he
said : " I am not guilty, but I have a statement to make."
" That will corae in after awhile," said Judge Cox, and the pris
oner dropped into a seat. Arguments for and against continuance
were then raade by Mr. Corkhill and Mr. Scoville, and Judge Cox
set the trial for November 7, and took other matters under
advisement. The marshal and his assistant then replaced the handcuffs on
Guiteau, who manifested throughout the same listless indifference
Avhich he had shown when the indictment was read. He Avas
hurried out of court by the same way he had been brought in, and
« During the progress of the Guiteau trial every effort Avas made by many of
the newspapers to scandalize Judge Cox's court. It was daily celebrated as a
" theater," a "circus," a "dive," etc., and the Judge himself was endlessly stigma
tized. As a matter of fact there never was any " circus " except that which was
performed by the melange of barbarians outside of the railing, nor any "diA'e"
except those in which the celebrities of the mob passed their evenings.

(tUIJ AL A 1 I J I IWliM, (II JKI \l

^y

... ^ ~;
.S*^
<" JPS
S^'S'^Sfl
STATE OF MIND. 721
was put Into a hack in Avaiting and driven back to jail, in the
immediate custody of the marshal and his a.'-.sistanls.
As indicative of the state of Guiteau's mind at this epoch of his
incarceration, the folloAving letter, to Mr. Scoville, Avritten two
days before the arraignment, may be cited :
"Mr. Seoville:
"I had a high fever last night, the Avorst I have had since I Avas sick
in July. I told Colonel Corkhill's assistant that I should not be able to
go into court this week anyway. Did you see the President? If not, see
him at once, and get what time Ave Avant. He is bound to help me, and
he will help, me if you stick to him. Talk to him just as I Avoiild.
Thirty days to plead and my book are the objects to be pressed now. Ask
Mr. Merrick if we can not compel Bailey to loan me his note-book. If
not, give me a man and I Avill go at it again. I think I can redictate it
in tAVO days. We ought to get possession of Bailey's book in sorae Avay.
Do not AA'aste any effort on trying to prove my actual insanity. It Avould
disgust the court and jury. Legal insanity is all I claim, and that is just
as real as actual. I want to see the leading Stahvarts I met in New York
last fall, in my defense. This and my oaa'u testimony is about all the de
fense I have, as the law is with us — the law of insanity and the law of
jurisdiction. See me as soon as you can. I Avant to get my book out at
once, some way. • C. G.
"October 12."
This was accompanied, on the same day, by " a warning to the
public," as follows:
"To the public:
"I wish to Avarn all persons to attempt no violence on me, as they will
probably be shot dead if they do, by the ofiicials having me in custody.
The United States Government is bound to protect me and give me a fair
trial, and the honor of the American people is at stake for my personal
protection. I understand this bitterness is kept alive by certain friends
of the late President, Avho expected office from him. They are mad about
his removal, and it is irresponsible characters of this kind that are sending
silly and impertinent letters anonymously to my attorney. These people
had better drop politics and go into other business.
"With greatest respect, Chaeles GuiteAu.
" United States Jail, October 12, 1881."
46

722 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Meanwhile, the ghost of jurisdiction again arose, but was soon
quieted by Mr. Scoville Avho gave notice of his intention not to
controvert the jurisdiction of the courts of the District, but to re
strict himself to a plea of " Not guilty," and develop, a defense on
the line of insanity. The defendant's attorney then made strenu
ous efforts to obtain associate counsel and secure the attendance of
witnesses frora a distance. His success in this respect is described
in a Press dispatch of October 10th — as follows :
"Scoville, Guiteau's counsel, Avas much depressed by his visit to New
York. He found no lawyer willing to undertake the defense without
an exceptionally large retainer. Witnesses to character reflised to go to
Washington to testify, although many admitted they would have to say,
on oath, they believed the assassin insane years ago. He now relies
upon witnesses procured here. He says officers ot the Departments of
State, War, aud the Treasury, to Avhom Guiteau applied for office, will
be obliged to testify that before the shooting they forbade Guiteau admit
tance because of the belief that he was a "crank."
The indictment having been properly found, the preliminaries
attended to, the arraignment duly made, the question of jurisdic
tion settled, aud the day for the trial set, there was a lull. Mean
Avhile, on the 6th of Octobei' the country had had a sensation
occasioned by the publication of Guiteau's autobiography. It will
be remembered that in a series of interviews with Colonel Corkhill,
the prisoner had given a voluble account of himself from his
childhood down to the date of the assassination, including therein
without reserve a full recital of his raotives plans and purposes in
the coraraission of the crime. Colonel Corkhill was accompanied
on these visits to Guiteau's cell by one Bailey, a stenographer by
whom the story of the prisoner's life was taken down verbatim.
So far as Guiteau was concerned, his purpose in this business Avas
to prepare in this manner an autobiography frora the sale of which
he expected to realize a large sura to defray the expense of his
forthcoming trial. So far as Colonel Corkhill was concerned his
object Avas to secure from the assassin's oavu lips the full particu
lars of the crime Avhich he had committed. So far as Mr. Bailey
was concerned his object seems to have been to realize as large a

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 723
per cent, as possible on the capital invested. Guiteau tried iu vain
to secure control of the stenographer's notes for the purpose of
issuing his book. Bailey, however, found a better market in the
New York Herald, to which newspaper he sold the Guiteau note
book for a round sum. So, in the Herald of the 6th of October,
the story of the assassin's life, as told by himself, appeared.
The first half of the narrative, covering the account of his early
career' up to the time when he appeared as an office-seeker in
Washington, may be omitted as not strictly relevant to this History
of the Trial; but the latter part including his own account of the
conception, developraent, and commission of the crime against the
President's life will never cease to be of interest so long as the
fascination of evil deeds remains to lure the imagination of man
kind. The leading features of that story are as foUoAvs :
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF GUITEAU.
SEEKING OFFICE.
"After the deadlock broke I saAV Mr. Blaine at the State Department one day.
and he said that he did not think that the President would remove Mr. AA'alker,
This was the first intimation from either the President or Mr. Blaine that they did
not intend to give me the Paris consulship. I was surprised, and I said to Mr.
Blaine: 'I am going to see the President and try and induce him to remove Mr.
Walker and give me the Paris consulship.' 'Well, if you can, do so,' said Mr.
Blaine. This is the last conversation I have had with him, I have not spoken to
him on any subject since. A feAV days after I saw Mr. Blaine I called at the White
House to get the President's final answer in reference to my getting the Paris con.
sulship. I sent in my card, and the door-keeper came back in a moment and said .
'Mr. Guiteau, the President says it will be impossible for him to see you to-day.'
I therefore sent him a little note and told him about the Paris consulship. I never
had a personal interview with the President on the subject of the Paris consulship
except once, and that was when I handed him my speech and told him that I
would like the Paris consulship, which was about the 7th or Sth of March. He
was inaugurated on Friday and it was about the middle of the following week
after his inauguration. CONCEPTION OF THE ASSASSINATION.
"I conceived the idea of removing the President," Guiteau declares, "pending
the answer, and as far as the Paris consulship had any influence on my mind at
all it would h.ave deterred me from the act, because I expected, as a matter of fact;
that I would get the Paris consulship. After I conceived the idea of removing the

( -4 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
President I did not go near Mr. Blaine or near the President to press my applica
tion. ^Vbout two or three weeks intervened from the time that I called at the
President's when the door-keeper said, ' Mr. Guiteau, the President says it will be
impossible for him to see you to-day,' to the time that I conceived the idea of re
moving him, during which time I was waiting patiently for my answer, which, as
as a matter of fact, I have never yet received. I had been pressing the President
and Jlr. Blaine for an answer, and I thought that it would be better for me to keep
away from them. My conception of the idea of removing the President was this :
Mr. Conkling resigned on Jlonday, May 16, 1881. On the following Wednesday I
was in bed. I think I retired about 8 o'clock. I felt depressed and perplexed on
account of the political situation, and I retired much earlier than usual. I felt
wearied in mind and body, and I was in my bed about 9 o'clock and I was thinking
over the political situation, and the idea flashed through my brain that if the Presi
dent was out of the way every thing would go better. At first this was a mere im
pression. It startled me, but the next morning it camfe to me with renewed force,
and I began to read the paper.* with my eye on the possibility that the President
would have to go, and the more I read, the more I saAV the complication of public
affairs, the more was I impressed Avith the necessity of removing him. This thing
continued for about two weeks. I kept reading the papers and kept being im-
piv.ssed, and the idea kept bearing down upon me that the only Avay to unite the
two factions of the Republican party and save the Republic from going into the
hands of the rebels and Democrats was to quietly remove the President.
PREPARING FOR THE CRIME.
" Tavo weeks after I conceived the idea my mind was thoroughly settled on the
intention to remove the President. I then prepared myself. I sent to Boston for a
copy of my book, ' The Truth,' and I spent a week in preparing that. I cut out a
paragraph, and a line, and a word here and there, and added one or two new chap
ters, put some new ideas iu it and I greatly improved it. I knew that it Avould
probably have a large sale on account of the notoriety that the act of removing the
President would give me, and I wished the book to go out to the public *h proper
shape. That was one preparation for it. Another preparation was to think the
matter all out in detail and to buy a revolver and to prepare myself tor executing
the idea. This required some two or three weeks, and I gave my entire time and
mind ia preparing myself to execute the conception of removing the President. I
never mentioned the conception to a living soul. I did most of my thinking in the
park and on the street, and I used to go to the .Arlington and the Riggs House daily
to read the papers. WATCHING AN OPPORTTNITY.
"After I had made up my mind to remove him the idea when I should remove
him pressed me, and I was somewhat confused on that. I knew that it would not
do to go to the White House and attempt it, because there were too many of his
employes about, and I looked around for several days to try and get a good chance
at him: and one Sunday (the Sunday before he went to Long Branch) I went to his

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY. '-O
church in the morning. I noticed the President sitting near an open window about
three feet from the ground, and I thought to myself, ' That would be a good chance
to get him.' I intended to shoot him through the back of the head and let the
ball pass through the ceiling, in order that no one else should be injured. And
there could not possibly be a better place to remove a man than at his dLVotions_
I had my revolver in my possi.»,sion when I first went to the church, having pur
chased it about ten days before the President's going to Long Branch. This was
the Sunday prior to bis leaving for Long Branch on Saturda}'. During that whole
week I read the pajjers carefully. I thought it all over in detail. I thought just
what people would talk, and thought what a tremendous excitement it would create,
and I kept thinking about it all the week. I made up my mind that the next Sun
day I would certainly shoot him if he was in church and I got a good chance at
him. Thursday of the same week I noticed in the paper that he was going to Long
Branch, and on the following Saturday he did go to the Branch for Mrs. Garfield's
health. I went to the depot all prepared to remove him. I had the revolver with
me. I had all my papers nicely prepared. I spoke to a man about a carriage to
take me, as I told him, over near the Congressional Cemetery. He said that he
would take me over for two dollars, and seemed to be a very clever fellow and glad
to get the job. I got to the dep6t about 9 o'clock and waited there until the Presi
dent's White House carriage drove up. About twenty-five minutes after 9 the
President and his carriage and servants and friends came up. He got out of his
carriage. I stood in the ladies' room, about the middle of the room, watching him.
Mrs. Garfield got out and they walked through the ladies' room, and the presence
of Mrs. Garfield deterred me from firing on him. I was all ready; my mind wm
all made up; I had all my jiapers with me; I had all the arrangements made to
shoot him and to jump into a carriage and drive over to the jail. Mrs. Garfield
looked so thin, and she clung so tenderly to the President's arm, that I did not have
the heart to fire on him. He passed right through the ladies' reception room,
through the main entrance, and took the cars.
AN ASSASSIN IN AMBl'SH.
" I noticed in the papers," Guiteau continues, " that he would be back the first
of the week. I watched the papers very carefully to see when he would return, but
he did not come back that week; but he did come back on the following Monday.
The following Monday was a terribly hot, sultry day. I remember I suflTered
greatly from the heat, but notwithstanding that I prepared myself again, and I went
to the depot again on Monday with my revolver and my papers, but I did not feel
like firing on him. I simply went to the depot. I sat in the ladies' waiting-room.
I got there ten or fifteen minutes before the train time, and I waited and thought
it all over, and made up my mind that I would not fire on him that day; I did not
feel like it. The train came, and he came; and Mr. James, the Postmaster Generat,
was there, and ]SIr. Hunt, the Secretary of the Navy, and their lady friends, they
all came through the ladies' room together, and the President's son and a thick-set
gentleman that came from the White House to meet the President were there.

726 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
They went right to the gate and got the President, and they all walketf together to
the President's carriage and they all got in and drove off. On Friday night, aft^r
1 '^ol my dinner at the Riggs House, I went up to my room and I took out my
revolver and put it in my hip jiocket, and J had my papers with me, and I thouglit
I possibly might get a chance at him Friday night. I went into Lafayette Square
and sat there, opposite the White House.
IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH.
" 1 had not been there a. minute before I saw the President walk out of the
White House. ' Now,' I thought to myself, ' I have got a splendid chance at him;
he is all alone; there isn't any one around him.' He walked along the east side of
the square and down H Street. I followed him. He went to Mr. Blaine's house,
on Fifteenth Street. He walked along' and when he got on the sidewalk opposite
Mr. Blaine's house he looked up, as if he did not know the place exactly, and then
he saw the correct number and walked in. I followed him along and I was about
half way between H Street and Mr. Blaine's house, on the oppo-site side of the street,
when he entered the house. I went into the alley in the rear of Mr. Morton's house
and got out my revolver and looked at it, and wiped it off and put it back into my
pocket. I went over to the H Street stoop, at Wormley's, and I Availed there half
an hour, I should say, for the President to come out. He came out, arid Mr. Blaine
with him, and I Availed at AA'ormley's until they passed by me on the opposite side-
They walked down H Street, and on the east side of Lafayette Square, and through
the gate nearest the Treasury Building, and into the White House. Mr. Blaine and
the President seemed to be talking with the greatest earnestness. Mr. Blaine was
on the left side of the President as they walked along the street. Blaine's right arm
was looped in the President's left arm, and they were engaged in the most earnest
conversation; their heads were very close together. Blaine was striking the air
every few moments, and the President was drinking it all in; and occasionally the
President would strike out his hand, thereby giving assent to what Mr. Blaine was
saying. They seemed to be in a very hilarious state of mind and delightful fellowship
and in perfect accord. This .scene made a striking impression on me; it confirmed
what I had read in the papers, and what I had felt for a long time — to wit: that
the Piesident was entirely under Mr. Blaine's influence, and that they were in per
fect accord. NEARIXCi THE END.
" Having heard on Friday from the papers, and also by my inquiries of the door
keeper at the White House Friday evening, that the President was going to Long
Branch Saturday morning, I resolved to remove him at the depot. I took my break-
fa4 at the Riggs House about 8 o'clock. I ate well, and felt well in body and
mind. I went into Lafayette Square and sat there some little time after breakfast,
waiting for 9 o'clock to come, and then I went to the dep&t, and I got there about
ten minutes after 9. I rode there from the park in a ' bobtailed ' car. I left the
car, walked up to a bootblack, got my boots blacked, and inquired for a man named

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 727
John Taylor, whom, two weeks before, I liad spoken to about taking me out towai-.i
the Congressional Cemetery. They told me that Taylor's carriage was not there;
and there were three or four hackmen there who were very anxious to serve me-,
and finally i noticed a colored mau, and I said to him, ' What will you take me
out to the Congressional Cemetery for ?' He says, ' Well, I will take you out there
for two dollars.' 'All right,' said 1 ; 'if 1 want to use you, I will let you know.'
At that moment these other hackmen were pressing me to get my business, and I
said to them: 'Keep quiet; you are too fast on this;' and I told this colored man
privately that if I wanted his services I would let him know in a few minutes. I
then went into the dep6t and took my private papers which I intended for the press
(including a revised edition of my book, ' The Truth, a Companion to the Bible '),
and stepped up to the news stand and asked the young man in charge if I could
leave those papers with him a few moments, and he said ' Certainly;' and he took
them and placed them up against the wall, on top of some other papers. This was
about twenty minutes after 9, and I went into the ladies' waiting-room and I looked
around, saw there was quite a good many people there, in the depOt and carriages
outside, but I did not see the Pi-esident's carriage. I examined my revolver to see
that it was all right, and took off the paper that I had wrapped around it to keep
the moisture off. I waited five or six minutes longer, sat down on a seat in the ladies'
room, and very soon the President drove up. He was in company with u gentleman
who, I understand, was Mr. Blaine; and I am satisfied that he was Mr. Blaine, al
though I did not recognize him. The President got out on the pavement side, and
Mr. Blaine on the other side. They entered the ladies' room ; I stood there watch
ing the President, and they passed by me. Before they reached the depot I had
been promenading up and down the ladies' room, between the ticket-oflSce door and
the news-stand door a, space of some ten or twelve feet. I walked up and down
there, I should say, two or three times, working myself up, as I knew th'e hour was
at hand. The President and Mr. Blaine came into the ladies' room and walked
right by me; they did not notice me, as there were quite a number of ladies and
children in the room. HOW THE PRESIDENT FELL.
" There was quite a large crowd of ticket purchasers at the gentlemen's ticket
oflSce in the adjoining room; the depot seemed to be quite full of people. There
was quite a crowd and commotion around, and the President ivas in the act of pass
ing from the ladies' room to the main entrance through the door. I should say he
Avas about four or five feet from the door nearest the ticket ofiice, in the act of
passing through the door to get through the depok to the cars. He was about
three or four feet from the door. I stood five or six feet behind him, right in the
middle of the room, and, as he was in the act of walking away from me, I pulled
out the revolver and fired. He straightened up and threAv his head back, and
seemed to be perfectly bewildered. He did not seem to know what struck him. I
looked at him; he did not drop; I thereupon pulled again. He dropped his head,
seemed to reel, and fell over. I do not know where the fir.st shot hit; I aimed at
the hollow of his back; I did not aim for any particular place, but I knew if I got

728 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
those two bullets in his back he would certainly go. I was in a diagonal direction
from the President, to the north-west, and supposed both shots struck.
THE ARREST.
"I was in the act of putting my revolver back into my pocket when the d^pot
policeman seized me and said, ' You shot the President of the United States.' He
was terribly excited; he hardly knew his head from his feet, and I said, 'Keep quiet,
my friend; keep quiet, my friend. I want to go to jail.' A moment after, the po- ,
licemau seized me by the left arm; clinched me with terrible force. Another gen
tleman — an older man, I should say, and less robust — seized me by the right arm.
At this moment the ticket agent and a great crowd of people rushed around me,
and the ticket agent said, ' That 's him ; that 's him ; ' and he pushed out his arm to
seize me around the neck, and I says, ' Keep quiet, my friends ; I want to go to jail ; '
and the officers, one on each side of me, rushed me right off to the police head
quarters; and the officer who first seized me by the hand says, 'This man has just
shot the President of the United States;' and he was terribly excited. And I said,
' Keep quiet, my friend; keep quiet; I have got some papers which will explain the
whole matter.' They let go of me, and they held my hands up — one policeman on one
side, and one on the other — and they went through me, took away my revolver and
what little change I had, my comb and my toothpick, all my papers. And I gave
them my letter to the White House; told them that I wished they Avould send that
letter to the White House at once; and the officer began to read my letter to the
White House. And in this envelope containing my letter to the White House was
my speech, 'Garfield against Hancock.' He glanced his eye over the letter, and I
was telling him about sending it at once to the White House to explain the matter,
and he saM, 'We will put you into the White House!' So I said nothing after
that. They took me around a little dark place and put me into a cell ; they locked
the door and went off, and I did not see any one for ten minutes; and then one or
two parties came and took a look at me — they Avere policemen and detectives — and
said, ' I do n't know him. I do n't know that man. Never saw him before.'

VISITS TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
" During the time that I was pressing my application for the Paris consulship I
called at the White House several times. I handed my card to the door-keeper, and
he would take it in to the Presidents The reply came back on several occasions:
' Mr. Guiteau, the President says that it will be impossible for him to see you to
day.' I understood by the President's statement that he could not see me to-day —
and that was the statement that he sent me through his door-keeper several times —
because he was trying gracefully to get rid of Walker, the present consul. In one
of my notes to the President I asked him directly, 'Can I have the Paris consul
ship?' and the reply, as usual, came back, ' Mr. Guiteau, the President is very busy,
and can not see you to-day.'
"These interviews occurred several days apart — sometimes a week apart; they all

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 729
occurred during the time that I was pressing my application for the Paris consul
ship. The case was pending at the time I shot the President, and, as I have before
stated, I confidently expected n favorable answer when they had got rid of Mr.
Walker. I understood by tlie President's statement that he could not see me; that
he was trying in some way to get rid of AValker gracefully; and that, as a matter of
fact, he intended that I should have it. My getting or not getting the Paris con
sulship had nothing whatever to do with my shooting the President; I shot him
purely as a political necessity, under Divine pressure; and it was only by nerving
myself to the utmost that I shot him anyway. If he should recover, and I should
meet him again, I would not shoot him. And now I leave the result with the Al
mighty. In case the President had said that I could not have the Paris consul
ship, I intended to go to New York or Chicago and open a law office, and let poli
tics go. A LEGAL VIEAV OF THE ASSASSINATION.
" I shot the President without malice or murderous intent. I deny any legal lia
bility in this case. In order to constitute the crime of murder two elements must
coexist. First, an actual homicide; second, malice — malice in law or malice in
fact. The law presumes malice from the fact of the homicide; the degree of malice
depends upon the condition of the man's mind at the time of the homicide. If two
men quarrel, and one shoots the other in heat or passion, the law says that is man
slaughter. The remoteness of the shooting from the moment of its coii«|ition, fast-
tens the degree of the malice. The further you go from the conception to the shoot
ing, the greater the malice, because the law says that in shooting a man a few hours
or a few days after the conception, the mind has a chance to cool, and therefore the
act is deliberate. Malice in fact depends upon the circumstances attending the
homicide. Malice in law is liquidated in this case by the facts and circumstances,
as set forth in these pages, attending the removal of the President. I had none but
the best of feelings, personally, toward the President; I always thought o£ him and
spoke of him as General Garfield.
"I never had the slightest idea of removing Mr. Blaine or any member of the
Administration. My only object was to remove Mr. Garfield in his official capac
ity as President of the United States, to unite the Repulican party and save the
Republic from going into the control ot the rebels and Democrats. This was the
sole idea that induced me to remove the President. I appreciate all the religion
and sentiment and honor connected with the removal: no one can surpass me in
this; but I put away all sentiment, and did my duty to God and to the American
people." Such was the astounding story as told by the man himself In
the fourth chapter of his AAork he goes on to give his impression
of public men whom he had casually met — all in the tone of an
equal speaking of equals. He had carried about Avith him every
where his political speech entitled " Garfield against Hancock,"

730 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
and this sorry pamphlet he always used as a letter of introduc
tion. If a public man failed to recognize hira, out came the
speech. He tells hoAV he Avas snubbed by Mr. Conkling, whom
he styles " My Lord Roscoe," and who nearly always seemed to
him to be on his " high horse." Mr. Jewell was always affable,
and appeared to like him. Mr. Blaine he met two or three times
at the State Department. He describes one interview in the first
week of March : " I gave Mr. Blaine ray speech headed ' Garfield
against Hancock,' and he iramediately recognized me and bright
ened up, and was very clever to me. I met hira in the elevator
one day about that tirae — probably about a week later — and he
was very cordial, and said he remembered me, and seemed to be
very glad to see me. My standing with Mr. Blaine ran along in
this free and familiar Avay until he told me one day that he did
not think the President would remove Mr. Walker. Since that I
have not seen hira." Mr. Conkling he saw one day at the Capitol.
The ex-Senator was in conversation with a gentleraan. "I sat
within a few feet of hira," says Guiteau, "on the sofa. I eyed
him, and he eyed rae, and when he got through Avith his friend
I stepped up aad said ' Good-morning, Senator,' and he said
' Good-morning.' I said, ' I hope to get an appointment. Sen
ator, and I hope you will remember me;' and he simply said
' Perfectly,' and I bowed, and he bowed, and we parted."
Finally, in bringing his autobiography to an end, the miserable
wretch says:
"And now I speak of two matters strictly personal. First — I am looking for a
wife, and see no objection to mentioning it here. I Avant an elegant Christian lady
ot ivealth, under thirty, belonging to a first-class family. Any such lady can ad
dress me in the utmost confidence. My mother died Avhen I was only seven, and I
have always felt it a great privation to have no mother. If my mother had lived I
never should have got into the Oneida Community, and my life, no doubt, would
have been happier every way. Nearly three years after I left the Community I was
unfortunately married. At last I made up my mind that I would sever the bonds,
and I Avas divorced in 1874. I am fond of female society, and I judge the ladies are
of me, and I should be delighted to find my mate."
The second subject in Avhich he desires to take the public into
his confidence refers to the Presidency.

" HIS OWN COUNSEL." 731
"For twenty year.^" he writes, "I have had an idpa that I should be President.
I had the idea when I lived in the Oneida Community, and it has never left me.
When I left Boston for New York, in June, 1880, I remember distinctly I felt that
I was on my way to the White House. I had this feeling all through'the canvass
last fall in New York, although I mentioned it to only two persons. My idea is
that I shall be nominated and elected as Lincoln and Garfield were— that is, by
the act of God. If I were President, I should seek to give the Nation a first-class ,
administration in every respect. I want nothing sectional or crooked around me.
My object would be to unity the entire American people, and make them happy,
prosperous, and God-fearing.''
Perhaps this audacious production will forever remain an enigma.
Was it the product of insanity or merely of subtle craft and crimi
nal bravado?
On the 17th of October, Mr. Scoville, counsel for the prisoner,
raade application to Judge Cox for an allowance sufficient to bring
witnesses to Washington whose evidence would otherwise have to
be taken by deposition. To this appeal, which was in like man
ner presented by Colonel Corkhill for the prosecution, the judge
replied that it was clearly in the discretion of the court to allow
expenses for a reasonable number of Avitnes.ses, such allowance to
be paid in the same manner as Government witnesses, and stated
he would decide in chambers as to the number of witnesses to be
allowed. Upon the question of assignment of counsel to assist
defense, the judge stated he would defer the matter for further
consideration. A leading feature of Guiteau's programme, as it related to the
approaching trial, was to be his own counsel. He was anxious
from the beginning to undertake his own defense. From first to
last he never abated his pretensions in this partictular. His ve
hement declaration was that he would trust no man in America
to conduct his defense except himself. This disposition on the
part of the prisoner was aggraA^ated by the fact that the line of
defense adopted by Mr. ScoA'ille, namely, insanity, was repudiated
by Guiteau hiraself, Avho strenuously insisted that the true plea in
his own behalf was inspiration. The Deity had inspired hira to
remoA^e the Piesident, and he had obeyed the call without the
slightest malice towards his victim. The counsel for the defendant

732 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
were greatly embarrassed by the persistent and officious obtrusion
of the prisoner's theory into their plans for establishing his in
sanity. ]\rr. Scoville was greatly beset with other difficulties in prepar
ing for the trial. After the most strenuous efforts he Avas unable
to procure the assistance of any lawyer of national reputation to
assist him in the conduct of the defense. As a last resort the court
appointed Mr. Leigh Robinson, of Washington, ^s associate coun
sel with Scoville. As the day set for the trial drew near, the lat
ter found himself* unprepared, and asked for an extension of time.
This appeal was strongly opposed by Colonel Corkhill, but the
judge decided to grant a brief extension ; so that the proceedings
which were to have been begun on the 7th of November Avere
postponed until the 14th.- The judge, in granting this favor to
the defense, said:
" If this were an ordinary case of voluntary arrangement of counsel to
enter into the case, I should say the case should not be subordinated to
other engagements, but it is a consideration not to be disregarded that the
order of the court has taken counsel from the performance of other engage
ments. The petition is therefore granted."
In the interim between the 1st and the 14th of Noveraber the
preparation for the prosecution and the defense was corapleted. The
counsel for the forraer Avas strengthened by the appointraent of
Judge J. K. Porter, a distinguished criminal laAvyer of New York,
and Mr. Walter W. Davidge, of the District, to assist the prose
cuting attorney. Colonel Corkhill. The battle line Avas that of
the mental condition of the prisoner on the 2d of July. This
Avould, of course, involve questions of opinion as Avell as questions
of fact, and a great number of " experts " were accordingly sum
moned to testify as to the prisoner's mental state.
All preliminaries ended, the case of the United States versus
Charles J. Guiteau was, on the morning of the 14th of November,
promptly called in the criminal court of the District. Judge Wal
ter S. Cox presided. Colonel Corkhill, Judge POrter, and Mr.
Davidge appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Scoville and Leigh

GETTING A JURY. 733
Robinson, Esq., for the defense. The crier opened the £Ourt, and
the District Attorney announced that the United States was ready
to proceed with the trial. Then, to the astonishment of all pres
ent, Mr. Robinson, who had been appointed to assist in the de
fense, arose and asked for a continuance of the cause. Mr. Scoville
was astounded at this, and the prisoner himself was greatly excited.
It immediately came out that Robinson had not consulted Scoville
regarding his purpose to ask for a continuance, and, as a matter
of policy, that plan of proceeding was disapproved by Scoville and
vociferously denounced by Guiteau. The latter became wild with
excitement, sprang up many times from his seat, declared that he
was conducting his own cause, and that Robinson should retire.
After much Avrangling and great excitement. Judge Cox decided
that the trial should proceed without present delay, but that Avhen
the prosecution had ended, there would be time granted, if any
were required, to enable the defense to finish preparation. The
|irst work after this was, of course, the impaneling of a jury — a
tedious, almost impossible task. When the hour for adjournment
arrived the first tale had been exhausted, and only five jurors
chosen. The raob was out in force, and the newspaper corre
spondents began the conduct of the trial — a work AA'hich they
never relaxed during their six weeks' reign in Judge Cox's court
room. The second day. — Out of seventy-five men who composed the sec
ond tale from which jurors were to be draAvn four additional names
were elected on the second day. The work was exceedingly tedi
ous. Names Avere drawn one by one, and when the person called
presented himself he Avas closely questioned, both by the prosecu
tion and the defense. All his information relating to the crime,
the source of the same, his vicAVS concerning it, especially his no
tions on the topic of insanity, were brought out, and only one in
many Avas found sufficiently negative in his opinions and suffi
ciently devoid of intelligence to pass the various tests. It is to j
be greatly regretted that the breed of goat-legged fauns peculiar I
to the mythology of the ancients Avas not perpetuated with a spe
cial view to supplying American jury-boxes with the proper ma-

734 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
terial. Donatello in his adolescence would have made a superb
foreman. Albeit, on the second day of the trial the demoiselles
de ville began to constitute a part of the audience which Avas to
pass upon the correctness and propriety of Judge Cox's rulings.
There were raany respectable people gathered in the court room,
some draAvn thither by curiosity, and some by business.^So the
list of seventy-five talesmen having been exhausted, the marshal
was ordered to summon another list of seventy-five for the mor
row, and the court adjourned.
The third day. — On the morning of November 16th the jury
was completed, and the oath was then adrainistered to them. The
session Avas less exciting than on the previous days, the chief in
terest centering in the examination of those who were proposed
for jurors. In this business there were many ludicrous incidents.
One man, Avhen asked if he was an infidel, replied that he Avas
not, according to his best recollection ! Another, on being asked if
his Avife was living, replied, " Yes, Avhat is left of her — not much ! "
A third patriot told the judge that he ought to be excused for two
reasons : First, because he thought Guiteau " ought to be hung ; "
aud, secondly, because he was "opposed to capital punishment!"
Thus Avas Thalia's mask put over the face of Melpomene.
While the exaraination of the talesraen was in progress, Guiteau
prepared a characteristic paper, which he directed —
" To the Legal Profession of America :
"I am on trial for my life. I formerly practiced law in New York
and Chicago, and I propose to take an active part in my defense, as I
know more about my inspiration and views in the case than any one.
My brother-in-laAV, George Scoville, Esq., is my only counsel, and I
hereby appeal to the legal profession of America for aid. I expect to
have money shortly so as I can pay them. I shall get it partly from
settleraent of an old matter in Ncav York and partly from the sale of
my book, and partly from public contribution to my defense. My
defense Avas published in the New York Herald, on October 6, and in
my speech published November 15 (yesterday). Any well-knoAvn lawyer,
of criminal capacity, desiring to assist in my defense will please tele
graph without delay to George Scoville, Washington, D. C. If for any

THE TAVELVE. 735
reason an application be refused the name will be withheld from the
public. Charles Guiteau.
"In Court, Washington, D. C, November 16, 1881."
The fourth day. — The personnel of the jury Avas a raatter in Avhich
the public felt not a little interest. The following sketch of the
men comprising that body Avill give a fair idea of their general
character, ability, and manners :
The foreman, Mr. John P. Hamlin, Avas a well-known saloon
keeper of Washington. He Avas a mild-mannered raan, forty-seven
years of age, and of genial manners. He had a well-shaped head,
gray hair and mustache, and light eyes. He wore a black cloth
suit, open vest, turn-down collar, and black tie, and Avas withal a
man of some dignity.
Mr. Frederick W. Brandenberg Avas a German cigar-maker,
forty-five years of age ; small of stature, Avith a head of average
size, dark broAvn hair, and large mustache. Mr. Brandenberg also
wore a black suit, and was credited with paying close attention to
the proceedings.
Henry" J. Bright, the third member, Avas a retired merchant, and
over fifty years of age. He AA^as a rotund and chubby gentleman,
and gave indications of living aa'cII. His forehead Avas high, eyes
brown, cropped side Avhiskers, a full, rounded face, and an aquiline
nose. His hair parted on the lefl side. His suit was of dark
brown and bespoke the tailor's art.
Charles Stewart, called "the sleeping juror," AA'as a merchant,
over fifty years of age. He generally rested his head on his hands,
as if troubled or asleep, and it Avas fair to presume that he enjoyed
many a refreshing nap in the court-room during the trial. His
beard, Avhich, like his hair, was mixed Avith gray, extended from
his temples to his chin.
The next member was an Irishman, named Thomas H. Langley,
a grocer, forf^-eight years of age. Mr. Langley had a low fore
head, dark hair, Avhitened with age, and short side-whiskers. He
had keen dark eyes and heavy brows, and his face gave evidence
of intelligent attention.
Mr. Michael Sheehan was likewise a son of Erin, a well-to-do

736 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
grocer, forty-seven years of age. He had reddish-tinted hair of
fine fiber, and side whiskers, and a clear expression in his keen blue
eyes. Mr. Sheehan was credited Avith being the best looking and
most intelligent juror in the box. These six jurors occupied the
front roAv of seats.
George W. Gates, the youngest ra.ember of the jury, was twenty-
seven years of age. He had black hair and mustache. His eyes
were wild and fiery, and at times he looked as if he were not en
tirely calm and composed. He Avas rather handsome in his' ap
pearance ; a machinist, and when sumraoned to serve on the jury
was at work in the United States navy-yard.
Thomas Hainline, the eighth meraber, was an ironworker well
advanced in years. He had a rounded forehead, and the lower
part of his face Vas hidden in bushy iron-gray whiskers and mus
tache, ten or twelve inches in length.
On his right-hand sat Ralph Worraley, a veritable specimen of
the negro, a laborer, formerly identified Avith politics in the Dis
trict of Columbia. His painful expression and sleepy manner were
quite noticeable. He Avore over his eyes a green bandage, and his
face was as solemn as autumn. Owing to his appetite, and the fine
food with which the jury was served, he made himself sick several
times during the trial.
To the right of the colored gentleman sat William H. Browner,
a Avell-knoAvn commission merchant of Washington. He was a
middle-aged man, with a round bald head ; a keen raan and a close
observer. He, too, like Mr. Gates, had had a case of insanity in
his faraily.
The next juror, Mr. Hobbs, was a plasterer, and aged sixty-three
years, being the oldest member of the jury. His thin side-whiskers
did not detract from the noticeably sad expression of his counte
nance. He would sit for an hour or more with his head boAved
and resting in his hand, as if in sorrowful reverie. _ His wife had
died during the trial.
Joseph Prather, the last juror chosen, Avas a middle-aged man,
his business being that of a commission merchant. He had a long,
hoary beard and mustache, smooth forehead, a large but well-

t=3
O

OPENING TESTIMONY. 737
shaped nose, and bright brown eyes. He, too, AA'as credited with
paying strict attention to the proceedings.
The jurA', as a Avhole, was deemed "an excellent one," being
possessed at least of ordinary comraon .sense. They were selected
frora one hundred and fifty-nine talesraen.
At the beginning of the scs.-ion on the raorning of the fourth
day. District Attorney Corkhill delivered the opening arguraent
for the prosecution. In the course of his address he recited in
general outline the nature of the crirae which had been commit
ted against the peace of the Nation, and also the line of eA'idence
by which this crime was to be fixed on Charles J. Guiteau. The
prisoner, during the delivery of Corkhill's speech, either read the
morning papers or occasionally interrupted the .speaker with re
marks, sometimes shrewd and sometimes foolish. At the close
of the District Attorney's speech a roar of applaase resounded
through the mob. The .sensation of the day, however, was the
appearance of Secretary Blaine on the Avitness stand. He gave
a detailed and lucid account of the tragedy of July 2d, and Ava-
subjected to a long cross-examination, chiefly on the political
complications in the Republican party, the object being to shoAv
that the antagonism betAveen the StahAarts and Half-breeds was at
least the oeeasicm of the a.ssassination of Garfield. In the afternoon
Senor Comacho, the Venezuelan ambassador; Mrs. White, the
matron of the Baltimore and Potomac depot; Robert A. Parke,
the ticket agent; Jud.son W. Wheeler, of Virginia; George W.
Adams, publisher of the Evening Star, and Jacob P. Smith, jani
tor of the depot, — were also examined as to the fact and details
of the crime which they had AA'itnessed.
The fifth day. — Long before the hour of opening the criminal
court, several hundred people, men and women, were crowded into
the corridors, waiting to be admitted. They had come to see the
fun : and to conduct the case. At half after nine all seats were
filled, four-fifths of the space being occupied by women. At that
hour the prisoner was brought in and unmanacled. He at once
began a series of short and generally impertinent speeches to the
court, interrupting the witnesses, disputing with Mr. Scoville, and
47'

738 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GL^TEAU.
betraying a degree of excitement close akin to insanity. The
.scenes Avere sometimes wild and threatening, and sometimes merely
ludicrous. Guiteau insisted that he was his OAvn counsel ; this, of
course, gave him under the law a right to speak; and thus much
being conceded, it Avas not within the poAver of Judge Cox's court
or any other court in the English-speaking world to silence the
prisoner until he should surpass the bounds Avhich laAv and prece
dent have prescribed for the conduct of attorneys. The shrcAvd-
ness of many of Guiteau's coraraents and rejoinders, his wild ges
ticulation, his frequent and excited outbreaks and interruptions,
Avere all exceedingly exasperating; and because the court would
not break the law in an atterapt to silence the prisoner, the neAvs
paper Boheraians began to pour out on Judge Cox an uninterrupted
streara of abuse and slander. His court was head-lined in leading
journals as " Cox's Circus, " The Crirainal Farce," " The Disgrace
of Cox," etc.
The day's work was a continuance of the prosecution. The best
witness of the day was a Avoraan, ]\Irs. Ella M. Ridgley. She
testified to hearing the conversation between Guiteau and the
hackman, while the former was arranging to be driven to the
cemetery. She also witnessed the shooting, and gave her evidence
in a clear and straightforAvard manner. She was closely cross-
questioned by Scoville, but adhered strictly in every particular to
the evidence in chief. Being questioned as to Guiteau's manner
when talking to the hackman, she said he was pale and appeared
to be troubled. She thought he raust be going out to see the
graves of some dead friends. Witness described minutely the
shooting, the relative positions of the parties at the time each
shot was fired, and was positive the first shot took effect, as the
President threw up his hands and commenced to sink down. At
the second shot Guiteau stepped two or three steps nearer and
held his arm higher.
]Many other witnesses were put upon the stand, but nothing not
already knoAvn and proved Avas elicited. The funny raan of the
day was the Irish policeman, Patrick Kearney, Avho testified to
the arrest, Avhich he said Avas first made by himself as the pris-

"THIS IS A VERTEBRA." /3()
oner Avas running aAvsy. Ticket agent Parke had already sAvorn
that he was the first to seize the assassin, and this point the po
liceman controverted with so much zealous brogue as to set the
"public" in a roar. President Garfield's private .secretary, Mr.
J. Stanley Brown, also gave important testimony; the priA'ate
notes addressed by Guiteau to the Chief Magistrate, Avhile seek
ing the Paris consulship, Avere read, and the court adjourned.
The sixth day. — The interest in the trial constantly increased.
By the close of the first week the crowd had grown so great and
vociferous that it was found necessary to issue cards of admission,
and these were sought for with raore avidity than tickets to the
opera, with Patti for prima donna. At the opening of the court
some unimportant testimony was presented, shoAving that Guiteau
had been impecunious, that he had borroAved money and had not
paid, etc., and then Colonel A. L. RockAA'ell and General D. G.
SAvaim Avere put on the stand. The testimony of these distin
guished gentleraen covered the period of the President's long
prostration to' the day of his death. Dr. D. W. Bliss, the physi
cian in chief, in attendance upon the President, Avas then called,
and gave a narrative of the case and treatment from the time
when he was summoned, fifteen or tAventy minutes after the shoot
ing, until his patient died, at Elberon. The sensation of the hour
carae Avhen the District Attorney handed to the doctor a section
of a human vertebra and asked its identification. The witness
immediately answered : " This is one of the vertebrae of the late
President, Jaraes A. Garfield."
With the augmentation of the croAvd in and around the court
room a spirit of violence had become manifest which seriously
threatened the life of the prisoner. He himself realized the situa
tion, and before the adjournment of court addressed himself to the
judge, saying: "I desire to call the attention of the court to a |
raatter of importance. There are a number of disreputable char
acters in the court, and some threats of violence have been made
during the week past. I have, however, no fear for my personal
safety. The chief of police has kindly furnished a body-guard, and ,
I wish to notify all evil-disposed persons that if they attempt harm

740 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
my body-guard will shoot them doAA'ii; that's all there is about
that." It was with good reason that the assassin felt alarmed, for
there were numbers of fellows of his own sort lying in wait to
kill him. Within a few hours of the utterance by Guiteau, he
came within a hair's breadth of meeting his fate at the hands of
an assassin like himself.
Late in the afternoon, when the prison van in which he was
ensconced Avas whirling along with the criminal, and was about
half Avay between the Capitol and the jail, a man, named William
Jones, rode up rapidly in the rear of the van, drew a pistol, fired
into the vehicle, and dashed away at full speed. He was pursued,
caught outside of the District, brought back, and lodged in jail.
The order-loving and laAv-abiding neAvspapers chronicled the
event with the complacent comment that "no jury could be found
in the United States that would convict a man for killing another
under such circumstances." The merit of Jones's performance
was heightened by the fact that he was very drunk when he fired
the shot. The bullet, however, came very near the mark. It
went crashing into the van, grazed Guiteau's arm, and was buried
in the timber opposite.
The seventh day. — Sunday, the 20th of November, was spent by
the prisoner in jail, where he was noAv permitted to see his
" friends." Promptly on Monday morning he was again brought
into court. As he was hurried through the corridors, jeers and
hootings arose as though all Bedlam Avere turned loose. There
were four times as many in the crowd as ever before, and it was
with extreme difficulty that Judge Cox succeeded in entering the
building. His clothes were ruffled and his hair disordered when
he came on the bench. The people in the court-roora, however,
were of a higher rank than those who had filled the seats during
the previous week, and there was, consequently, better order : the
canaille was howling outside.
The prosecution had virtually ended with the preceding Sat
urday. Only a few parting shots were delivered on Monday
morning, and then, after an episode, the defense began. The epi
sode was the retirement of Mr. Leigh Robinson from the case.

SCOVILLE'S OPENING SPEECH. 741
He and Mr. Seoville had never agreed. Robinson desired to
make the defense on the plea of malpractice on the part of the
surgeons in attendance on the President; Scoville preferred the
plea of insanity. At first, Robinson treated Scoville with dis
courtesy, and then Scoville alloAved hiraself to be drawn into sorae
criticisms of his associate, which were published, and so Robinson
Avithdrew from the defense.
Soon after the opening of the court, Mr. Scoville appealed to
the judge to grant Guiteau privilege of speaking. This request the
judge granted, and so the defense was opened by the prisoner him
self, Avho said a few words as to hoAv he proposed, in conjunction
with his counsel, to manage his cause. He Avould " interject " his
remarks at intervals, as occasion seemed to require, and in the
final pleadings Avould make a set speech. The address of Mr-
Scoville, which followed, AA'as a calm and dispassionate presenta
tion of what he hoped to do in this hopeless case. Before the
conclusion of his speech, the hour for adjournment came, and the
prisoner Avas driven back to the jail.
The eighth day. — Both the forenoon and afternoon sessions Avere
occupied with a continuance of Scoville's opening speech. It Avas
an effort of the very highest order of raerit, considering the cir
cumstances under which it Avas delivered.
His manner was so " candid and calm, that he had not only the
attention of the judge, the jury, and the audience, but won their
sympathy, so that when he made a particularly good point, and
again when he gave Corkhill a home-thrust, he Avas heartily ap
plauded. Corkhill deserved the stinging rebuke he got, and the
audience was quick to see it." So said a press report of the day.
The " audience " Avas evidently ready to be entertained with any
thing first-class. Another dispatch of this day's session said of
Scoville's effort:
" Scoville is winning golden opinions for himself Detestable as was
the crime, detestable as is the man if be be sane, no one can help feel
ing respect and even admiration fi)r his brother-in-law, who, believing
him insane, stands by him in the extremity at great personal sacrifice."

742 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
The address of the defendant's attorney lasted during the day
and was continued to the raorroAv.
The ninth day. — The clouds conspired against the crowd. The
former poured down and the latter scattered. There was more
quiet in court. The tone of the audience was greatly improved.
Distinguished gentlemen and ladies sat and listened to the pro
ceedings. Scoville finished his address. Seven witnesses were
called for the defense in the course of the day, and all testified,
with greater or less emphasis, to the existence of an insane streak
in the prisoner's family. As to Guiteau himself, a good deal of
evidence, direct and inferential, was given. Dr. John A. Rice,
of Minton, Wisconsin, a practicing physician for twenty-six years,
testified that he examined the prisoner iu 1876, and came to the
conclusion that he was insane. His insanity was emotional rather
than intellectual. There appeared to be an impairment of judg
ment, but not rauch, if any, impairraent of intellect. He had told
his friends that Guiteau ought to be secluded. Among the ludic
rous things of the day was the evidence which established the fact
that Guiteau had, while passing some tirae, in 1876, on the farm
of his brother-in-law, in Wisconsin, undertaken to make some
hickory saplings bear fruit by annointing them with soap! At the
end of the proceedings the court adjourned until Friday, the mor
row being Thanksgiving day.
The tenth day. — At the opening of the court Judge Cox took
occasion to read the populace a lecture on the matter of decorum,
and the court outside of the bar was for once given to understand
that order would henceforth be raaintained at all hazards. The
examination of witnesses for the defense Avas then continued by
Mr. Scoville assisted by Mr. Charles H. Reed, of Chicago, who,
after the retiracy of Robinson, had been appointed by the judge
as associate counsel for the defense. Mr. Reed himself took the
witness stand and gave testimony as to Guiteau's career while
attempting to practice law in Chicago. The relations of the Gui
teau family Avith the Oneida Community, and especially the views
of the prisoner's father on the religious and socialistic phase of
that society, were brought out in the testimony of Thomas North

IS HE INSANE? 743
who had knoAvn by personal acquaintance the facts in the premises.
The names of John A. Logan and Emory A. Storrs Avere called,
but neither responded to the call. The proceedings of the day
Avere constantly interrupted by the prisoner who persisted in inter
jecting comments, contradictions, corrections, and even witticisms —
sometimes stupid and sometiraes full of pith — into whatever Avas
done. The eleventh day. — There was a further improvement in order.
A company of Congressmen made up a part of the audience, as
did also many of the teachers of the public schools. The princi
pal Avitness of the day was Senator John A. Logan who testified
to the fact that previous to the shooting he had advised the land
lady of the hotel where Guiteau Avas boarding that she should dis
miss him from her table as' he (Logan) regarded him as deranged
mentally. The other Avitnesses were Thomas North, Edward E.
Smith, Secretary of the National Republican Committee, John A.
Morse, and Mrs. Scoville, the prisoner's sister. The general effect
of the testimony was to strengthen the theory of Guiteau's in
sanity. The evidence was such as to make it certain that Guiteau's
conduct and life had for many years been of a sort to establish at
last the suspicion of insanity. Meanwhile raany "experts" — that
is, gentlemen Avho had had large experience and observation respect
ing persons mentally deranged — had been summoned as Avitnesses,
and were present frora day to day in the court-room, observing the
prisoner and studying the question on which they were to testify.
At the close of Mrs. Scoville's testimony the court adjourned unt '1
Monday. The twelfth day. — By the beginning of the third week of the
trial all the issues involved therein had narrowed to one, namely",
the responsibility of the prisoner in view of his antecedents and
mental condition when the crime was coraraitted. Along this line
all the subsequent contest was waged. It was at this point that the
raistake of the country was made. The country forgot its judg
ment in its anger. The country could not — would not — brook the
murder' of Garfield. This was just and right. But the country in
its anger forgot one consideration of the raost serious consequence,

744 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
and that was the infinite importance to the American Re-
PUBI.IC OF a judicial DECISION IN FAVOR OF THE PRISONER'S
INSANITY. If that insanity should be established, the President's
death, historically considered, would be henceforth regarded in the
light of a calamitous accident ; j ust as though he had died fi-om
the bite of a rattlesnake or a rabid dog. If, on the other hand, it
should be established that the prisoner was sane, it would be, his
torically considered, an indisputable proof that cA'en in the Lnited
States the crime of political assassination was ushered in. Unfort
unately for our country and age the American people have pre
ferred the worthless life of a depraved and misshapen half-lunatic,
born in the midst of a prolonged Ulness of his mother and of a
tainted ancestry, unable to speak until he was seven years old, the
A'ictim of wild and fatal delusions in Bis youth, without judgment
or common sense at any period of his life, — the American people
have preferred the pitiful gratification of extinguishing this miser
able cloAvn to the future safety and welfare of the Nation I The
day comes when these words now trodden under foot of a justifia
ble anger Avill receive the indorsement of every thoughtful patriot.
The session of Monday was devoted to the further testimony of
Mrs. Scoville, and of George D. Burroughs, C. S. Jocelyn, John
Vit'. Guiteau, brother of the prisoner, Sarah Parker, and Fernando
Jones. After the testimony of the last named had been giA'en, the
prisoner himself was put upon the stand, not for his testimony in
chief, but to identify- some letters. It Avas a strange spectacle to
see the wretch with his lopsided head and projecting ears as he
sat in the Avitness stand with three policemen interposed between
himself and the croAvd.
• The thirteenth day. — The whole of Tuesday, November 29th, was
devoted to the testimony of Guiteau himself. He recounted the
st(jry of his life, his projects, his follies, his crimes. Meantime the
experts sat Avith note-book in hand AAatching his peculiarities and
recording his mental characteristics. Quite a distinguished array
of these specialists was now present, including Dr. Henry Stearns,
of Hartford; Dr. Theodore W. Fisher, of Boston; Dr. Charles H..
Nicholls, of Bloomingdale; Dr. Theodore Diamond, of Auburn;

THREATENING THE JUDGE AND JURY. 745
Dr. Walter Channing, of Brookline; Dr. Samuel Worcester, of
Salem, Massachusetts ; Dr. Pliny Earle, of Northampton ; Dr. J.
II. McBride, of Wisconsin ; Dr. James G. Kcrnan, of Chicago ; Dr.
Charles F. Folsom, of Boston; Dr. John A. Rice, of Wisconsin;
Dr. A. W. Sherr, of Connecticut, aud Dr. Kempster, of Wisconsin.
]Most of these gentlemen had been summoned by the prosecution,
but as yet it Avas not known Avhat Avould be the character of their
testimony. The fourteenth day. — Like the preceding day, Wednesday was
wholly devoted to the evidence given by the prisoner. It AA'as
the same story Avith Avhich the public was already familiar. Late
in the afternoon the cross-examination of the Avitness Avas begun,
the same being conducted by Judge Porter.
No account of this reraarkable trial would be complete that
failed to exhibit the latent laAvlessness which Avas developed iu
many parts of the country. During the progress of the cause,
Avhen Judge Cox Avas struggling to secure for the prisoner a fair
trial and repress the roaring sea Avhich raged around his court, he
received on the average a dozen letters a day, threatening himself,
the jury, and the prisoner Avith a common destruction in case the
latter should' be acquitted. The foUoAving AA'as received during
the delivery of Guiteau's testimony: "Milwaukee, Wis., November 26, 1881.
"To C. J Guiteau, Judge Cox, and the Jury who are noiv trying Guiteau:
" Gentlemen : You are hereby notified that if the trial of Guiteau
for the murder of General J. A. Garfield results in the iicquittal of the
prisoner, he and you may commend your souls to a merciful God, and
sav farewell to your relatives. We are now one thousand strong in this
citv. Branch organizations are being formed iu all the principal cities
in the country. We expect twenty thousand from New York, and tlie
Avhole State of Ohio. Have you heard of 'Lou' Williams? Our object
is 'Death to Guiteau!' And he can not escape, as, if he is acquitted or
declared insane, Ave are SAVorn to march to Washington and lynch the
assassin, together Avith Judge Cox, and the jury. Outraged Justice de
mands a sacrifice for the deliberate murder of the noble Garfield, for the
fiirce Avhich has been permitted to invade her solemn temples, for the

746 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
prostitution of the laAv at tlie hands of the miserable Cox. One has failed,
but there are thousands who have yet to fail. Beware. [Signed.]
"The President of Gaefield Avekgebs."
The presence and manifestation of such a spirit in our country
is more dangerou.^^ to the perpetuity of American liberty than Avas
the assassination of the President.
The fifteenth day. — The whole of Thursday was in like manner
consumed with the prisoner's examination. For five hours he
occupied the stand, under the cross-questioning of Judge Porter.
At times he became excited, and again there were fitful gleams of
wit and even of shreAvdness in his replies. When hard pressed he
showed signs of anger, beating the de.sk to emphasize his ansAA'ers,
or refusing to answer at all. And so the day wore through, and
the court adjourned.
The sixteenth day. — Up to this stage of the trial Mr. Scoville
had conducted the defense by hiraself. Judge Cox now naraed an
assistant in the person of Mr. Charles H. Reed, of Chicago, who
from this tirae forth acted in conjunction with Scoville. The
larger part of this day was, like the three preceding, occupied
with the exaraination of Guiteau. The prisoner, by the close of
this long and persistent questioning, was greatly ?;educed. He
looked like a man exhausted, starved to the verge of madness.
After he retired from the stand the examination of the experts
began with the call of Dr. Alexander Hall, of Columbus. The
Doctor had heard Guiteau try to lecture several years previously,
and had come to the conclusion that he was a lunatic.
The seventeenth day. — On the following morning there was a
sen.sation in the court room, occasioned by the presence in the
Avitness box of Senator David Davi.s, of Illinois, president pjro
tempore of the Senate of the United States. He had been called
to testify on the political situation in the summer of 1881. After
the retirement of Senator Davis, Emory A. Storrs, of Chicago,
w}io had been called .scAeral days previously, appeared and gave
his evidence, which covered his knoAvledge and observation, of
Guiteau while pretending to practice law in the same city with

"COUNTER-ATTRACTION" IN WASHINGTON. 747
himself. A scene ensued Avhen Bailey, the stenographer, Avas
called. Guiteau became at once excited. He charged the Avitness
Avith coraing to him as a New York Herald reporter and tricking
him into an intervieAv, the notes of Avhich Avere used by the Dis
trict Attorney. Bailey afterAvards made up a report frora his notes
for the Ncav York Herald, and Guiteau Avanted to know Avhat he
received for it. It was finally brought out that Bailey had been
given §500 for the production. It being Saturday night, the court
adjourned till Monday.
The eighteenth day. — This being December Sth, the morning for
the opening of the XLVIIth Congress, the trial was not so largely
attended. The ncAvspapers spoke of the opening ceremonies in the
House as " a counter-attraction." To denounce Judge Cox's court
as " a circus," and then speak of the American Congress as " a
counter-attraction," was the average ncAvspaper ideal of the best
method of inculcating respect for the laAV and the Government!
The eighteenth day of the trial Avas devoted almost cxclusiA'cly to
the expert testimony. Drs. Kennon, Hinton, Nicholas, Folsom,
Worcester, Godding, McBride, and Fisher, Avere examined during
the day, and all testified that on the establishraent of the facts as
presented in the hypothesis of the defense they should regard the
prisoner as insane. It Avas felt in all newspaperdom that this evi
dence was likely in Guiteau's case to substitute the insane asylum
for the galloAVS, and, in anticipation of such a verdict, the journals
both of America and England began to beat upon another line.
This sentiment found utterance in an article in the London Daily
Telegraph of December 5th, Avhich says :
" In such cases [as that of Guiteau] the verdict of mankind at large is
more to be trusted than a jury, and undoubtedly the general voice demands
that Guiteau should pay the full penalty of his crime."
The nineteenth day. — At the opening of the court on Tuesday,
Deceraber 6th, Guiteau, acting as his own counsel, Avrote out and
sent up to the judge the following document :
" In the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, holding a Criminal
Term of the June Term, 1881. The United States vs. Charles J. Guiteau.

748 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Case No. 14,056. Indictment for murder. December 6, 1881. On mo
tion of Charles J. Guiteau, the defendant, Avho appears in this case in his
own proper person, it is hereby ordered that the defendant have subpoanas
for the following named Avitnesses : U. S. Grant, Roscoe Conkling, Thomas
C. Platt, W. H. Robertson, Marshall Jewell, S. W. Dorsey, Whitelaw
Reid, James Gordon Bennett, William Henry Hurlbut, Charles A. Dan;i,
George Jones, William Penn Nixon, Hugh Hastings, and five additional
witnesses heretofore ordered, the fees thereof and costs of services to be
paid in the same manner as Government witnesses are paid, according to
the statute in such cases made and provided."
The judge took this application under advisement, and the trial
proceeded. The conduct of the prisoner was the most violent yet
exhibited — a strange shoAv of arrogance and self-conceit. The pro
ceedings embraced a large amount of testimony on the subject of
the quarrels in the Republican party after the inauguration of
President Garfield. The two most important witnesses Avere George
C. Gorham, Esq., editor of the National Republican, aud Charles
B. FarAvell, member of Congress from Illinois. Near the close of
the session another .scene occurred when Mr. Scoville began read
ing some extracts from Guiteau's pamphlet, " Truth." The elocu
tion of the reader did not .satisfy the author, and he demanded to
read himself. Permission Avas granted, and he began reading. He
apologized to the audience, by Avay of preface, by saying, " Ladies
and gentleraen — I have not had any practice for so long that my
voice may be a little husky. I will, hoAvever, do the best I can.
I hope you Avill give me your attention. You will find some very
interesting reading."
Confusion ensued iu the rear of the court-room, Avhich greatly
annoyed Guiteau, and he appealed petulantly to Judge Cox, say
ing, " I must have order in this roora, or I can not be heard."
Then turning partly round to the audience — " If any one wants
to go out, let him go out uoav ; but you must keep order."
Thirty minutes were occupied in reading, Avhen the hour for
recess arrived. Counsel for the prosecution objected to the read
ing of the entire book, and, after discussion, it was arranged that
Scoville should mark such passages as he intends to rely upon in

TESTIM(JNY OF THE PRE.SIDENT. 743
his argument, and submit the book to the prcsecution to-morroAV.
After this episode Mr. Scoville announced that the defense Avas
closed, and the court adjourned.
The twentieth, day. — The court declined to issue subpoenas for the
big Avitnesses whom Guiteau had named in his list. This made
the prisoner angry. At the opening of the session the prosecution
began in rebuttal. The first Avitness called was General Sherman.
He explained the order Avhich he had issued on the day of the
assassination, .stated his apprehensions at the time that there Avas
a conspiracy, and that that belief had been dissipated, and identi
fied the letter Avhich Guiteau had Avritten to him on the day of
the crime. Then followed the evidence of various experts and
Avitnesses, to the effect that they had had opportunity of observa
tion, and did not consider Guiteau insane or irresponsible for his
act. Some of these witnesses Avere old acquaintances of the Gui
teau family in Illinois, and their evidence Avas of importance as
showing the belief of those who were familiar with the prisoner's
history. The twenty-first day. — During this day a communication was re
ceived from the President of the United States, embracing a list
of ansAA^ers to questions Avhich had been submitted by defendant's
counsel. The evidence thus presented coA'ered the relations of
Guiteau to the Presidential campaign of 1880, in the State of New
York. The President stated that he had .seen Guiteau ten, or
perhaps tAventy, times ; that the latter had delivered (at his oavu
request) a fcAv speeches in the interest of the Republican candidates,
but that he (President Arthur) regarded the alleged "services" of
the prisoner as of no A'alue Avhatever to the party ; and, in short,
that Guiteau had no political claim to preferment. The rest of the
testimony presented during the day Avas in rebuttal of that given
by the witnesses for the defense in favor of the prisoner's insanity.
The evidence of Rev. R. A. McArthur, a Baptist preacher of New
York, bore heavily on Guiteau, establishing the fact that his life,
while living in that city, had been disreputable and vile.
The tn-enty-second day. — The trial on Friday dragged through
in the sarae Avay as hitherto. Perhaps the interruptious of the

750 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
proceedings by the prisoner were raore frequent and violent than
usual The testimony of McArthur, the minister, created intense
exciteraent in Guiteau, who vociferated and denounced the witness
in unmeasured terms. Dr. W. I. Caldwell, George W. Plummer,
a lawj-er of Chicago ; Stephen English, an insurance agent ; War
ren G. Brown, an attorney of NeAv York ; D. McLean ShaAv, Charles
H. ^\'ehle, and Senator Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, — all gave
testimony during the day, and the evidence was in the aggregate
damaging to the theory of the defense. The preponderance of
testimony was to the effect that Guiteau had been regarded by his
acquaintances as sane. So much could hardly be said of a certain
theological crank of Detroit Avho on this day sent to the District
Attorney's office the foUoAving effusion :
" DETKorr, Mich., December 2, 1881.
" Sir: On the night of the last of April I was entranced and shown
visions concerning the future, and the spirit of God was upon me four
teen days. The guards could not look me in the face without turning
blind. Then they made up a plot to take my life ; then I was carried to
the President in a vdsion and shown to him in his library at the White
House. When it was first shoAvn to him he said I should be shot for an
impostor, but the angel told him something that Avould shortly come to
pass, and asked him what he would do if he found it true. He said he
would save my life if the whole Nation should rebel, so he should not be
found fighting against God. Then he and his noble wife were brought
to the Detroit House of Correction and shown my cell. Then the spirit
brought him around, and showed him the bench where he would find rae
working, and then told hira to come down and see me. On the night
of the 9th at midnight he arriA-ed, him and his wife. I Avas dozing a
little, and the spirit shook me, and I sat up and heard him converse.
About tbe first thmg he asked Avas if I was dead; if the guards had
tried to shoot me about fifteen minutes before ; but he Avas struck motion
less. The next day the President and Mrs. Garfield visited hira again.
Then the President was also shown what the neAv Government all over
the earth should be, but I can not here describe it ; it Avould take too
long, there being so many changes. But to the many in the United
States I write these few lines because of Guiteau's saying he is "in
spired." By what? The dcA'il. Do you suppose the Lord put the

DR. SPITZKA TESTIFIES. 751
President into the office and then inspired a man to shed innocent blood.
I wrote to the President about the 22d of May, teUing him that either
him or his Avife Avould be assassinated. The spirit of God was upon his
wife, and that is why she kept up so. If I should pass sentence upon
the assassin I should hang him according to the law of God, for no man
can touch the Lord's anointed and be guiltless."
The tu-enty-third day. — An adjournment of the court carried the
case over to Monday, the 12th of December. The reporters spent
Saturday and Sunday in canvassing the views of the sixteen ex
perts who were now in waiting to testify for the prosecution. By
the diligence which characterizes that guild the ideas of the doctors
Avere duly extracted and given to the country in advance of the
testimony. It AA'as a further evidence of the extreme delicacy aud
sense of propriety Avhich frora the beginning had marked the out
side management of the ca.se, that the evidence of learned men
could thus be obtained and sent forth before it had been sanc
tioned by an oath. With the opening of the court on Monday
raorning a great excitement ensued on account of the testimony
of Dr. EdAA'ard Charles Spitzka, a brilliant young medical specialist
of New York City. He occupied the Avitness stand all day long,
and his evidence was on the Avhole the most able of any giA'en
during the trial. The special correspondent of the Cincinnati
Commeroial gave the following notice of Dr. Spitzka and his testi
mony :
" Dragged here under a writ of attachment, having disobeyed a writ
of subpoena, and compelled by the court to ansAver the questions put to
him, he occupied a strong position, rendered almost impregnable by his
thorough acquaintance with the general and the particular subject under
consideration. Keen-witted, talented, with a Avell-furnished mind, he
held his OAvn under unusually severe cross-examination extending through
both sessions of to-day, and which may extend through the tAvo sessions of *"
to-morrow. The prosecution is trying to-night to find something in his
record, if not iu his evidence, on Avhich to hang a crushing remark to
morrow in the cross-examination.
"Spitzka, who is a fresh-faced blonde, with a good fiice fringed with
sandy whiskers and ornamented with a sandy mustache, Avell-informed, with

752 THE LIFE AND TBIAT> OF GUITEAU.
quick perceptions, and a retentive memory, came on the stand prepared
for all that was to come, and left the stand with honor to himself A
great deal of nonsense in disparagement of Spitzka's evidence has been
uttered to-night by men who Avere not within a mile of the court-room at
any time to-day. Men who were there know that he was a most excel
lent witno.-s for the defense, and that he Avorsted Davidge and Corkhill.
IWAed down, his testimony is to the effect that Guiteau is a moral mon-
suosity, an insane man ; that he was born Avith a malformed brain Avhich
has misdirected his whole life. He thinks that he ought to be incar
cerated in an insane asylum. He was not allowed to say whether he con
sidered him legally responsible, but the inference from Avhat he said Avas
that he did not. On the Avhole he was a strong witness for the defense,
aud while his testimony will be flatly contradicted by a dozen experts
summoned by the Government, it produced a marked impression."*
The twenty-fourth day. — On Tuesday morning Dr. Spitzka con
tinued his testimony, in the course of which he advanced a proposi
tion which ought to be framed and hung in the corridors of every
court-house. It was that the value of expert evidence in any
case depends upon the condition that the experts shall have been
summoned by the court, and not by either the prosecution or the
defense. The testimony being scientific in its nature, any previous
expectancy of what that testimony Avill be, created by the fact that
'''Dr. Spitzka had been one of the professors in the Veterinary College of New
York. The attorneys for the prosecution thought they discovered in this fact an
opportunity to destroy the professional reputation of the witness, and tried to do so,
with the following result as told by the Associated Press:
"The cross-examination was quite pointedly directed to witness's practice and
standing as an expert, and inquiries were made as to witness's position as Professor
of the veterinary school.
" Scoville objected to the question as not pertinent.
"Davidge replied: 'The attainments of this witness have been paraded by
counsel on the other side, and we think it decidedly pertinent to this case to dis
cover what opportunities for professional acquirements witness has enjoyed.'
"Scoville noted an exception.
" Witness had no reasons to feel ashamed ot his sphere of duty in that connection.
" Davi(l;,'e— Yes; but your treatment at that time must have been confined to horses,
and those gentlemen, then, are what are known as horse-doctors. Are they not?
"Witness (reddening, and with some excitement)— My treatment has been con
fined to asses. When an ass with two legs asks me a stupid question I endeavor to
treat him as he deserves. [General laughter.]"

"NOT SHREWD, BUT CUTE." 753
the expert giving it has been summoned by one of the jiartics td
the cause, vitiates the evidence and renders it worse than Avorthle.^s.
The truth of these propositions can not be successfully assailed.
During the day's proceedings Dr. Fordyce Barker, of New York,
Avas called to the witness .stand, and testified that he regarded the
prisoner as sane. L. I. Gobell, of the .same city, testified to dis-
iionest acts on the part of Guiteau. B. T. Ketcham and Henry
^\'ood also gave damaging evidence tending to .shoAV that the pris
oner had led a bad life while in New York and Philadelphia. Sam
uel P. Phelps, a broker of the former city, related hoAV Guiteau had
attempted to induce him to enter a gigantic new.spaper enterprise,
in Avhieh Phelps Avas to be editor-in-chief.
The twenty-fifth day. — The weather loAvered, but the crowd could
not be kept at bay. At the opening of the court on Wednesday, Mr.
Gates, the tAvelfth juryman, on coming into the room, was attacked
with vertigo, and, after a half hour, the session was adjourned. Only
three witnes,ses Avere examined before the jiroceedings were suspend
ed for the day. These Avere Dr. J. L. Withrow, of Boston, and C. A.
Bryan and H. M. Collier, of Ncav York. Dr. WithroAv testified:
Guiteau had attended his church in 1878, 1879, and 1880, represent
ing hiraself to be a co-Avorker with Moody and Sankey in Chicago. Dr.
WithroAV Avas called upon by many "co-workers" about the same time,
and saw nothing remarkable about this one. He wanted the use of the
Park Street Church to answer Ingersoll in, and Avas refused. Dr. WithroAV
not being in the business of replying to Ingersoll. He spoke, however,
often in the Friday evening meetings, and attended a sociable or tAvo.
He appeared to be perfectly sane. He considered him a shrewd man ;
"not shrewd, perhaps," he added, " but cute."
" What's the difference. Doctor?" spoke *up Guiteau, Avho had inter
rupted less frequently and more respectfully than usual.
"One is sharper than the other," replied Dr. Withrow, courteously.
" Yes," said Corkhill, "and smaller."
"And sraaller!" added the witness.
" He didn't say that, Corkhill," said Guiteau; " you said that. That's
the sraartest thing you 've said on this case. You must have slept well ! "
The incident of the day, after the adjournment of the court, was
the delivery in the evening, by Mr. Scoville, of a lecture on the
48

754 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
subject of the trial. Lincoln Hall was engaged, and a respectable
audience assembled to hear the address, the proceeds being de
voted to the expenses of the defense in the trial.
The twenty-sixth day. — At the opening of court the jury came
up in good order. The proceedings began with the continuance
of the testiraony of Mr. Collier. He believed the prisoner sane
in 1873. J. M. Justice, of Logansport, Indiana, knew Guiteau in
1878, when he was engaged in selling the Life of Moody. Wit
ness thought the prisoner sane at the tirae referred to. Re\\ R.
H. Shippen, of Washington, testified that he knew Guiteau, and
considered hira .sane; he had boarded at the sarae house with the
prisoner. Mrs. Dunraire, the former Avife of Guiteau, uoav di
vorced, and married to another raan, was called to the stand and
Avas about to testify, Avhen ilr. Scoville deraanded that the decree
of divorce should be before the court, and this being not forth-
coraing, the witness was withdrawn. Dr. Noble Young, the phy
sician at the jail, had Avatched the prisoner from the time of the
incarceration, and believed him to have been a sane raan. The
rest of the day was occupied by General J. S. Reynolds, of Chi
cago. With hira Guiteau had studied law in 1868. The witness
had come to Washington, had made three visits to Guiteau's cell,
had represented himself as his friend, had obtained damaging ad-
mis.sions, and had been paid $85 by the prosecution for doing so.
It Avas a racst disreputable piece of business, but — succeeded.
The twenty-seventh day. — When court opened on this day, evi
dence Avas introduced to prove that the divorce of Guiteau and
his former Avife had been regularly procured, the object being to
enable the Avife to testify against the husband. Testiraony to this
effect was given by George D. Barnard, of Brooklyn. General
Reynolds Avas recalled and cross-examined by Scoville. After
this, Mrs. Grave, with Avhom Guiteau boarded before the assassina
tion, was put upon the stand, and testified that she did not con
sider him insane. Next, the divorced wife, Mrs. Anna J. Dun-
mire, was called and answered a fcAV simple questions. No attempt
AA'as raade to unearth the Avedded character of the prisoner, and
the witness was presently excused. The work of the session was

"WE CONSIDER HIM SANE." 755
concluded with the testimony of Drs. F. B. Loring and A. McLean^
both of Avhom had scrutinized Guiteau's conduct, and had not
observed any thing to fasten on the rainds of the Avitnesses the
conviction of insanity. During the Avhole day, as on the pre
ceding, the prisoner continued to interrupt the proceedings Avith
vociferous comments, raany of AA'hich Avere an affront to the court,
and insulting to the witnesses. At the close of the session there
Avas an adjournraent until Monday.
The twenty-eighth day. — On Sunday, the 17th of December,
Guiteau gave to the agent of the Associated Press a long review
of the trial. It was filled Avith reiterations of his former utter
ances on the question of " inspiration " and kindred topics. The
Deity had influenced him to the act. The Lord had protected
him thus far, and Avould continue to do so. The public mind was
reacting in his favor, etc. The vacation Avas occupied by the jury
with a trip into the country, where they found recreation in a game
of quoits. On the opening of the court on Monday morning it
transpired that the wife of Juryman Hobbs had died the day
before, and on raotion of the District Attorney, seconded by Mr.
Scoville, leave of absence Avas granted to Mr. Hobbs to attend the
funeral. After a few unimportant measures, arising from the con
tinuance of the cause, the court then adjourned until the morning
of the 21st.
Tlie twenty-ninth day. — After an intermission of four days the
trial AA'as resumed pursuant to adjournment. Dr. Hamilton, of
Ncav York, Avas called and testified that he regarded Guiteau as a
sane man, or at any rate not under the influence of irrational im
pulses to the extent of rendering him irresponsible for his acts.
Of a like tenor, but more explicit and elaborate, Avas the evidence
of Dr. Worcester, of Salem, Massachusetts.* He had been sum
raoned to Washington in obedience to a letter voluntarily Avritten
by himself to Scoville, to the purpose that he (Dr. AVorcester)
believed Guiteau to be insane, and might be of some service if he
Avere summoned. He Avas accordingly subpcenaed, but on reach-
* It mav be uncharitable to say so, but Salem, Massachusetts, is a bad place to
hail from when it comes to testifying on the question ot insane delusions.

756 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
ing Washington he changed his mind, and AA'as sent to the stand
by the prosecution. The transaction AAas not A'ery creditable to
the chief actors, but the Doctor's evidence Avas to the point and
greatly damaged the cause AA'hich he had corae to defend. The
occasion Avas of a kind to bring out all the malignity and passion
of the prisoner, Avho Avith great violence denounced the Avitness
and Colonel Corkhill as "treacherous scoundrels," "liars," etc.
Part of the scenes of the day quite beggared description, and would,
but for the peculiar circurastances of the case, have been discred
itable to the court.*
The thirtieth day. — Sorae days before the present stage of the
trial a certain D. McLean Shaw, lavA'yer, of Ncav York, had given
on the witness stand a statement that he had formerly heard Gui
teau say that he AA'as going to be notorious if he had to imitate
John Wilkes Booth. The evidence Avas highly sensational. Scoville,
Avith deliberate cruelty, hunted up Shaw's record, and that gentle
men was recalled rather to giA'c an account of himself than to
produce further sensations. ShaAV was a nervous raan, of a sanguine
temperament, with a weak face, Avhose muscles twitched constantly.
his face fringed Avith thin, dark-colored whiskers. He was aware
that the assassin and his counsel had publicly accused him of
having escaped punishment for perjury in a New Jersey court ou
a technical quibble, and he was in a very uncorafortable state of
*In attempting to realize the wild scenes ot this memorable trial it should not
be forgotten that occasionally Guiteau, in the midst of his outrageous indecorum
and abuse, drove home a point against some double dealing on the part of the
prosecution with the vengeance of a madman, as in the following instance: On this
the 21st day of December it was attempted to prove that Guiteau had nev«r
advanced his theory ot "inspiration" until the 19th of July. The prisoner there
upon broke forth:
"I want it distinctly understood that on the 3d of July I gave Colonel Corkhill
and his reporter, in a two-hours' interview, my views on this whole subject — the.
inspiration, the political situation, and all the causes that impelled me on the
President — and this man Corkhill destroyed his notes, so he could not use them
upon this trial. It's a burning shame for him to come in here now and say I never
said any thing about inspiration until three weeks after the shooting.''
This was a "true bill" against the District Attorney, and he may have winced
a little under the assassin'.s furious onslaught.

THE EXPERTS TESTIFY. 757
mind. Guiteau greeted him reassuringly Avith, " This is a Shaw,
the felloAv who perjured hiraself here and in New Jersey — the
fellow who told that big li(; about my intention to imitate Wilkes
Booth. We've got your record, ShaAV. We'll nail you. We'll
.show that you committed perjury iu Ncav Jersey, and only escaped
conviction on a technicality. We'll show that the Judge .said
from the bench that you ought to be in the State's prison."
Scoville promptly took up the strain, and deliberately estab
lished the truth of what the prisoner had threatened ! Outside
of this episode the principal interest of the day centered in the
evidence of Dr. Theodore Diamond, of Auburn, New York. The
witness had been sumraoned for the defense and retained by the
l)rosecution. He believed, judging by the evidence to which he
had listened, including that of the prisoner hiraself, and frora the
appearance and conduct of the prisoner, that he was a .sane raan.
The hypothetical questions put to Dr. Worcester, on the day
before, were then read to witness, and he replied, "I should say
he was sane."
The thirty-first day. — Two additional experts were put on the
stand, and they testified that, in their opinion, the prisoner was
sane and responsible for his acts. The first of these was Dr.
Spencer H. Talcott, superintendent of the Homoeopathic Asylum
for the Insane, at MiddletoAvn, New Jersey, and Dr. Henry P.
Hearns, superintendent of the Hartford Institution for the Insane,
at Hartford. Both were gentlemen of attainraents, and their evi
dence to the effect that they had visited the prisoner in jail and
observed him attentively during the trial, and that they considered
him a sane man, was very damaging to the theory of the defense,
and was not materially shaken by the severe cross-examination to
Avhich they were subjected. The sole circumstance which tended
to vitiate the evidence of -these distinguished gentlemen, was the
fact that, being witnesses for the Government, they were entitled
to and received compensation for their attendance and testimony ;
while, on the other hand, the chief strength of the evidence of Dr.
Spitzka, aud a few others holding the opposite view, was the fact
that they were brought to Washington under attachment, without

758 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
compensation, and were compelled by their judgment to give testi
mony calculated to injure them in their business, and even to ex
pose their persons to insult and violence.* The remaining witness
was a character, one William A. EdAvards, a law clerk of that
Shaw who had testified to the threat of Guiteau to imitate, if need
be, the audacity of Wilkes Booth. Before the examination of the
witness Avas over, Mr. Reed made him adrait, without explanation,
that D. McLean Shaw, whose testimony he was called to corrobo
rate, had been indicted and tried for perjury; that Shaw had sworn
falsely in detailing the conversation in his office, ten years ago,
wherein Guiteau said he proposed to Avin notoriety if he had to
imitate Wilkes Booth ; that Guiteau and he were alone ; that ShaAv
had exaggerated the strength of Guiteau's statement in that con
versation ; that neither Shaw nor himself attached any importance
to the assertion of Guiteau, and that both considered him " strange,"
but harmless.
The thirty-second day. — The cross-examination of Dr. Stearns,
of Hartford, was the principal work in the early part of the session.
This was attended with much exciteraent, and some bad blood on
the part of the lawyers. The prisoner was extremely noisy and
abusive, insomuch that when the District Attorney suggested that
the prisoner should be put into the criminal dock, instead of being
permitted to sit at the table with his counsel. Judge Cox said in
reply that he had already considered the adA'isability of such a
proceeding on the part of the court. The rest of the day was
occupied with the testimony of Dr. Jamin Strong, of Cleveland,
Dr. Abram M. Shaw, superintendent of the Connecticut Hospital
for the Insane, and Dr. Orpheus Evarts, superintendent of a pri
vate insane asylum at College Hill, Ohio. All of these experts
coincided in the main points, namely, that Guiteau, according to
* It may be appropriately cited in this connection that, on the day following
his testimony. Dr. Spitzka, while the attorneys Avere discussing him as "a horse-
doctor,'' and the newspaper correspondents were starting a transcontinental chorus
ot hisses, received 203 letters, ot which 200 were from persons ot character — some
ot them eminent — commending him for the matter and spirit of his evidence,
and the remaining three were denunciatory, and filled with threats of personal
violence.

"A MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND MANY RETURNS." 759
their judgraent, was virtually a sane raan at the tirae of the trial,
and had been so at the time of the assassination. During the tes
timony of Dr. Strong, the question of putting the prisoner into the
dock was again mooted, and it became evident that the court did
not look unfavorably upon the proposition. Even Mr. Scoville,
Avorn out Avith the prisoner's interruptions and abuse, assented in
a measure to the proposed se'clusion of his boisterous and unraan-
ageable client. It Avas Christraas eve, and the court Avas declared
adjourned until the raorning of Tuesday, December 27th.
The thirty-third day. — Guiteau spent a cheerful Christmas in the
jail. He ate heartily, talked in great good humor to his friends
and kinsfolk, wished everybody a merry Christmas and many returns
of it — just as though he expected to be here to see! Strange de
luded wretch ! Depraved human enigma !
At the opening of the court. Dr. A. E. McDonald, the distin
guished superintendent of Ward's Island Insane Hospital, testified
that during his practice he had treated 6000 cases of insanity, and
given special attention to the study of mental diseases. The witness
stated the difference betAveen " delusions " and " insane delusions,"
the one being subject of correction by judgment and the senses,
the latter not being correctible, and for that reason denominated
an insane delusion. The Doctor also described illusions and hal
lucinations, giving illustrations from his OAvn experience.
He believed, judging from experience, the claim of inspiration
frequently asserted by insane persons proceeded frora a source of
hallucination or insane delusion affecting the senses.
Witness Avas then asked if persons acting under the claim of
" inspiration " Avould indicate it in any other way than by their
assertions, and replied :
" Their actions and Jiehavior would indicate it as well as their
assertions. To illustrate it, a person claiming to be Jesus Christ.
and acting under an inspiration, clothed himself like the Savior.
gave away his property, and slept out of doors, because the Savior
had not AA'here to lay his head."
Witness Avas asked if such a person Avould feel any apprehension of
bodily injury, or would take any precautions to guard against danger.

760 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
He replied : " Inspiration al\A'ays overrides all fear of bodily jiain
or injury, and renders the person AA'ho believes he is acting under
it Avholly oblivious to such considerations."
The further testiraony of Dr. McDonald was very elaborate, and
the examination and cross-examination occupied the attention of
the court during the Avhole day.
The thirty-fourth day. — At the beginning of the next session the
evidence of Dr. McDonald was continued. A hard battle Avas
fought Avith him on the question of temporary insanity, but the
Avitness held stoutly to his theory and stateraents of the previous
day.* His view of the case Avas strongly corroborated by Dr.
Randolph Barksdale, superintendent of the Central Lunatic Asylum
at Richmond, and Dr. John H. Collender, superintendent of the
Tennessee State Asylum. These two witnesses were severely
cross-examined, and then came a scene. It was no less than the
remoA'al of the prisoner to the dock. A raotion to that effect,
made by Judge Porter, AAas acquiesced in by Mr. Scoville, but
opposed by Mr. Reed. The Judge's decision was of importance,
as throwing light on raany of the que.stions at issue in the trial.
His Honor said :
"It is hardly necessary to say that the conduct of the prisoner has been
in persistent violation of order and decorum. In the beginning the only
m.ethods Avhich could be resorted to to suppress this disorder, were such as
must infringe the constitutional rights of the prisoner, and that Avas a con
clusive argument against them. Until Saturday last no other method
Avas proposed. Then this proposition (which I had already had in ray
mind) Avas submitted. It has hitherto been the impression, shared by the
court and counsel, that the prisoner's conduct and language in court
Avould afford the best indication of his mental and moral character, and
*The Guiteau trial was notable for the number ot ludicrous incidents and by
plays in which it abounded. For instance, while Dr. McDonald was on the stand,
the following amusing turn:
The witness was asked if in his practice he had not met an instance of tern
porary insanity. He replied:
" Yes, sir ; I know of a man who was insane for twenty-four hours."
Seoville (eagerly) — "And then he got well?"
"No, sir; he died!"

PUT INTO THE DOCK. 761
C(,ntribute largely to the enlightenment of the court and jury on the
question of his responsibility. It Avas therefore, on the express desire of
the District Attorney, that the court has alloAved such latitude of conduct,
in order to furnish the experts an opportunity of diagnosing the prisonei 's
case. As it now appears, the opinions of experts have been largely
founded on exhibitions which have taken place on the trial, and, if they
have contributed to enable these experts to reach their conclusions, it
Avill be a complete vindication of the view of the District Attorney as
to the proper course to be pursued. At this stage of the trial, hoAvever,
this object seems to have been accomplished. The trial is noAv approach
ing its close. The experts have had ample opportunity to make up their
judgments and pronounce them before the court and jury. It is incum
bent on the court to impose such restraint as the circumstances of the
case admit, and which Avill conduce to an orderl}' conduct of the case.
The prisoner has a right to hear the testimony of Avitnesses. He can not
be gagged or sent out of court. The proper place for a prisoner on trial
for felony is the dock. He can only corae Avithin the bar to be arraigned
and to receive sentence. If the court grants him the privilege of sitting
beside his counsel, it is a privilege Avhich can be Avithdrawn summarily.
While the prisoner has an undoubted right to act as his oavu counsel, or
appear by counsel, he can not exercise both rights simultaneously. Hav
ing accepted counsel, the prisoner has waived his right to appear as such
in person. On consideration of all the circumstances, the court thinks
the motion will have to be granted, and that the prisoner shall be placed
in the dock ; but I do not mean that the prisoner shall be exposed to any
danger. He shall have the fullest protection."
The order of the court Avas then carried out, and Mr. Guiteau
Avas obliged to take up his feet from beside the counsellor's table
and couA'ey his person into the dock prepared for common pris
oners. The thirty-fifth day. — The day was stormy. Men would have
excused themselves from going to the funeral of a relative on such
a morning, and yet the cour^-room was packed. And for CA'cry
person in this jammed mass of smoking curiosity, there Avere ten
others outside in the corridors and on the pavements. The croAvd
had gathered in expectation of a scene in the dock, and the exhi
bition was equal to the expectancy. The principal sensation of

762 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
the forenoon AA'as when Scoville undertook to introduce a letter
Avhich Guiteau had written sorae ten days previously to Senator
Don Cameron, asking for a loan of money. This precious effusion
had been arrested by J. W. Guiteau and Mr. Scoville, and was now
adduced as proof of AA'hat an insane, but no sane raan would do.
The prisoner had all the time supposed that his letter had been
forAvarded, and Avhen he discovered that such Avas not the case, he
broke out thus:
"Hold on; I Avant to say something about that letter. I protest
against its being read here. It is a private letter I wrote to Senator
Cameron ten days ago, asking him for a loan of $500. It was entirely
a private matter. I intrusted it to my brother to give to Senator Came
ron, and he withheld it in a miserable, mean Avay, and gave it to this
man Scoville. My brother had better go back to Boston, and try and
make some money and pay his debts. He has been a perfect nuisance on
this case ever since he has been here. He and Scoville have dragged
themselves into this case to make notoriety at my expense. I repudiate
both of thera. Scoville, you had better go back to Chicago; you are a
perfect jackass on this case, and I won't have you on it any longer."
The letter itself was as folloAvs:
' ' Hon. ' Don Cameron :
" Dear Sir: I am on trial for my life, and I need money. I am a
Stahvart of Stalwarts, and so are you. You think a great deal of Gen
eral Arthur, and so do I. My inspiration raade him President, and I am
going to ask you to let me have $500. If I get out of this I will return
it ; if not, charge it to the Stahvarts. Yours for our cause, and very
cordially, Charles Guiteau.
"In Court, Washington, D. C, Dec. 18, 1881.
"P. S. — Please giA'e your check to my brother, J. W. Guiteau, of Bos
ton, and make it payable to my order. C. G.''
Dr. Collender held that even this impudent effusion Avas char
acteristic of a sane mind of the egotistical type, and that view of
Guiteau's mental make-up was corroborated by additional testi
mony given by Dr. Kempster, who was recalled. It was at this
epoch of the trial that the plaster cast of the prisoner's head was
exhibited in court and criticised by the experts.

EVIDENCE OF DR. GRAY. 763
The thirty-sixth day. — One of the most important expert witnesses
for the Government was Dr. John P. Gray, superintendent of the
New York State Lunatic Asylum. He testified that he had made
the study of insanity his business since 1850, and in that time had
treated or investigated 12,000 cases of insanity. He had never
seen a single instance Avhere the only indication of insanity was
an exhibition of immorality or Avickedness. He did not believe
in Avhat had been called " moral insanity." It Avas irapossible to
dissever mental unity so as to locate the impairraent of the moral
nature that was not accompanied by intellectual deterioration.
Insanity in itself had no raore tendency to excite to crirae than
neuralgia or any other disease.
During the day's proceedings there were several preliminary
passages betAveen the counsel for the prosecution and the defense —
as if to test each other's metal. For it Avas uoav seen by all that
the trial Avas nearing an end, and that the time was at hand for
the attorneys to make Avhat they could out of the testimony before
the jury. The estimated expense of the witness list alone had
already reached fifty thousand dollars, and it was certainly time to
call a halt. Nevertheless, the Avhole of the " surrebuttal," so called
in the lingo of justice, was yet to come, before the pleadings proper
could open.
Tlie thirty-seventh day. — The whole of the session, morning and
afternoon, AA'as occupied Avith the testimony of Dr. Gray. His
evidence, continued frora the previous day, extended over five
hours, and co\'ered nearly the whole subject of mental aberration.
It was really a lecture on insanity. He gave at great length, and
in full, details of what he had observed in the conduct and sayings
of the prisoner in court, that led him (Avitness) to believe in his
sanity. Referring to the prisoner's claim, that the Deity inspired
the act, he was interrupted by Guiteau, who called out : " Yes,
aud he will take care of it, too. Dr. Gray; I will stake my life
on it."
Witness was asked : " Do you think the prisoner has been feign
ing in court ? " and replied :
" Yes, I do. He claims au inspiration from the Deity. I don't

764 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
believe that he believes any such thing, and, in such sense, he. is
feigning and acting a part."
The sum and substance of the evidence was, that Dr. Gray did
not find a single circumstance as narrated by the prisoner tlust
Avould indicate to his (witness's) mind, insanity. He Avas of the
opinion, judging by his examination of the prisoner in jail, and
from his observation of him in court, that he was sane at this
time. During the day the prisoner continued at frequent intervals to
interject coraraents upon what the witness was saying; soraetiraes
approving, soraetimes denying, and anon denouncing the evidence
as false, and the doctor as perjured. The court adjourned until
Tuesday, the 3d of January.
The thirty-eighth day. — The cross-examination of Dr. Gray Avas
continued until recess in the afternoon. After the recess he Avas
asked a few more questions by Scoville, when the District Attorney
announced the conclusion of the evidence on the part of the
Government.* This sudden conclusion was a surprise to the defense. Several
additional witnesses had been summoned by the prosecution, but
these were not put on the stand. The raatter was debated by
Scoville, Avho, after sorae strictures, called, in surrebuttal. Dr. Bow-
ker, of Kansas City. The witness testified that he had met Mrs.
Dunmire at Leadville, Col., and conversed with her. She said she
had entertained grave doubts as to the mental condition of Guiteau
at the time she obtained her divorce, and thought at the time, per
haps, she would better defer divorce proceedings, and await some
further developments in the mental condition of her husband.
'* History is written to embalm the truth. Some of the evidence of Dr. Gray was
ot such an extraordinary kind, viewed in the light ot science and the authentic
records ot insanity, as to be absolutely inexplicable. The following paragraph
from his testimony is given without comment:
"Witness did not believe in what is termed by some writers 'emotional insan
ity,' or 'moral insanity.' 'Kleptomania' he considered simply thieving, 'dipso
mania' drunkenness, and 'pyromania' incendiarism. These designations were
simply convenient terms which had been invented to cover certain crimes. 'In
sanity,' said the witness, ' is never transmitted any more than cancer.' "

SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE. 765
Clark Mills, the sculptor, and J. W. Guiteau were then recalled,
but the questions Avhich were proposed were ruled out by the
judge, and the court adjourned. Meanwhile, public interest had
turned from the monotonous testimony to the pleadings which
were now expected.
The thirty-ninth day. — At the opening of the court on the raorn
ing of January 4th, a strenu(jus effort was made by Mr. Scoville
and Mr. Reed to secure the introduction of further testimony. An
affidavit was prepared by the former, .setting forth that much new
evidence raaterial to the case Avas now accessible ; that raany experts
(whora he naraed) would testify to the prisoner's insanity; that
several of the Government employes, Avho had had opportunity to
observe Guiteau's movements before the a.s.sassination, and the
treatment to which he was subjected about the Executive Mansion
and the Department of State, would bear witness that both conduct
and treatment were peculiar to the case of a "crank," etc. Upon
the admi.ssibility of this evidence, keen encounters Avere had between
the opposing laAvyers, and the question finally coming to Judge
Cox for decision, Avas decided against Scoville's petition ; and so
with a small bit of evidence frora J. J. Brooks, chief of the Treas
ury Secret SerAdce, the testimony in the case of the United States
against Charles J. Guiteau, for the murder of President Garfield,
Avas at an end. Certain instructions to the jury, asked for by the
counsel for the prosecution, Avere then submitted, and the court
adjourned until Saturday, January 7th.
The fortieth day. — The evidence Avas now in. It araounted to
this: Guiteau shot the President on the 2d of July. The Presi
dent died frora the injury, on the 19th of Septeraber. The prisoner
claimed that he was " inspired " to do the deed ; but the defense
conducted by his counsel Avas, that Guiteau was insane to the point
of irresponsibility Avhen he fired the shot. On the question of
in.sanity tAventy-tAvo experts testified. Of these, fourteen declared
under oath that they regarded the prisoner as sane at the time
of the trial, and also that, the hypotheses of the defense being
granted, they considered him sane at the date of the as.sassination.
Seven experts testified that they regarded the prisoner as sane at

766 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
the time of the trial, and, the hypotheses of the defense being
assured as true, insane at the time of the shooting. One expert
testified that he considered the prisoner insane both at the time
of the trial and on July 2d. Of the non-expert witnesses AA'ho
had been acquainted Avith Guiteau previously to the assassination —
those Avho had been most intimate with him, including some phy
sicians, generally testified that they regarded him as insane, though
many respectable witnesses were of the opposite opinion. Such
is a sumraary of the evidence which was now to be discussed
before the court and the jury.
At the opening of the court on the raorning of the fortieth day,
the instructions asked for by the attorneys for the prosecution
and the defense were presented and elaborately revicAved by the
lawyers. The instructions prayed for by the counsel for the Gov
ernment, and supported with an elaborate argument by Mr. Davidge,
Avere that the judge should instruct the jury, first, that if the
prisoner kncAv at the time of the shooting the difference between
right and wrong, he Avas at that time sane, and responsible ;
secondly, that if the prisoner possessed ability to so distinguish
between right and wrong, no irresistible passion or impulse, no
uncontrollable desire, no moral depravity would excuse his act;
thirdly, that the standard of insanity must be that of the law;
fourthly, that no delusion of ability to distinguish between right
and wrong being present AA'ould excuse the prisoner.
At the conclusion of Mr. Davidge's argument Colonel Reed
addressed the court in reply, and confined his arguments to the
consideration of two questions : First, definitions laid doAvn in the
Revised Statutes of murder and manslaughter, under which, if
malice be not proved, he contended the crime would be man
slaughter. Second — The application to this case of the question of a reason
able doubt in connection with the plea of insanity.
Since in a criminal cause, when instructions are asked for by
both parties, the prosecution is entitled to the closing speech, Mr.
Scoville folloAved Mr. Reed, and before the close of the former's
argument the court adjourned until Monday.

SCOVILLE'S OPENING SPEECH. 767
The forty-first day. — As an indication of the Avay in Avhich the
raorning session of court Avas generally opened during the trial of
the assassin the Associated Press dispatch for the morning of
January 9th may be appropriately quoted :
"When Guiteau had taken his seat in the dock he glanced around
stealthily over the audience, and immediately began a harangue, evi
dently intended for the jury.
'"I have received,' he said, 'some eight hundred letters, a great
majority of them from ladies. When I get time I shall attend to thera.
I want to send my greetings to the ladies of America, and thank them
for their sympathy. They don't .want me to be hanged. Public opinion
is fast changing. I received Saturday a check for $1,000 from Stahvarts
of Brooklyn, and another for $500 from Stalwarts of New York. I want
this jury to understand how public opinion is on this case.'
" A bailiff here tried to silence him, Avhen he turned upon him in a most
vicious manner, and snarled out:
" ' You keep quiet, and mind your business. Do not interfere Avith
me Avhen I am talking. If you had any sense you Avould understand your
place.' " With this opening breeze, proceedings in due forra were begun, and
Scoville resumed his argument frora the point Avhere he left off on the
previous evening. He spoke for an hour, and his address was listened to
Avith marked attention."
He laid stress upon the propositions that insane men often know
the difference between right and wrong, and for that reason con
ceal their plans. That the benefit of a doubt should attach to a
plea of insanity when raised with the same force as when urged
in connection with the commission of crime. His allusion to the
decision of Judge Davis, of Ncav York, " who recently went out
of his way to pass upon something not involved in the case he
was then considering," brought Judge Porter to his feet Avith the
indignant reply that the charge was false.
Scoville retorted that the opinion of a man who sat on the same
bench Avith a Barnard and a Cardozo should not be received with
much consideration.
Judge Porter, with even more vehemence, reiterated that the

768 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
charge of counsel was absolutely false ; that Judge Davis never"sat
on the bench with either of the gentlemen named. " If an honor
able member of the Federal Judiciary is to be put upon trial here,
I demand," .said Judge Porter, " that the record be produced here
upon which this base charge is made."
Scoville insisted that when the style of proceedings best suited
to a police court was introduced by prosecution, he should cora-
raent upon thera as he deeraed fitting. He should not be fright
ened by the tragic utterances 'of Judge Porter.
There was much more of the same sort of altercation as well as
much sound arguraent of the poin1;s at issue. After recess Colonel
Corkhill addressed the court, saying that he had not expected to
speak on the legal points, relying upon the assurance of the defense
that the question of jurisdiction would not be raised; but as the
tAVO prayers of the defense distinctly raade that issue, he felt it his
duty, as prosecuting officer of the Government, to address the court
upon the question, to Avhich he had devoted rauch careful con
sideration. He then proceeded to read frora printed slips an ex
haustive arguraent upon the subject of jurisdiction.
Colonel Corkhill was followed by Mr. Davidge, who discussed
seriatim the prayers of the defense, declaring that the apparent
object of the counsel for the prisoner had been to befog all that
was clear in the case, in the vain hope that they might get to the
jury with some uncertainty attached in some way in the case upon
which to build a plea for acquittal. He also severely handled the
eleventh and twelfth prayers of the defense, and characterized them
as mean attempts to cast aspersions upon the experts who had testi
fied for the prosecution, and upon the counsel for the prosecution
themselves. The forty-second day. — After the preliminaries on the raorning
of January 10th, the law points at issue in the cause were taken
up in a speech by Judge Porter. The speech was very severe and
effective, and was addressed as rauch to the jury as to the court.
The judge began his address with a reference to the disorder which
had characterized the proceedings of the defense, and then ^poke
of Reed's arguments as lawyer-like, and based on the only laAv

PORTER'S OPENING SPEECH. 769
points which, with any plausibility, could be adduced by the
defense. Of Mr. ScoA'ille he expressed conterapt, as well as of the
arguraents which that gentleraen had adduced. He then revicAved
the address of ]\Ir. Davidge, pointing out the strong points in the
reasoning. " Malice," said Judge Porter, " is the presumption of
law; a question for the judge, not the jury. Should the judge
decide, as defense desired, that malice is a question of fact for tho
jury, he would overturn the law. He AA'ould create a precedent
in this famous case which Avould inevitably be condemned through
all-time to come."
The speaker then took up authorities cited by defense, pronounc
ing thera either raisreported or bad laAv from obscure benches. He
sneered at the assertion of Scoville, that the antiquated arguments
of the prosecution could not stand in the light of those of the
defense, Avhich purports to be the outgrowth of an enlightened age
— an age of Guiteaus, when a hungry politician kills a President
from pique.
In the conclusion of his argument. Judge Porter gave, as a pero
ration, "some counsel from the grave of Garfield," in the shape
of Judge Payne's charge to the jury in 1871, in the famous Gallatin
case, in which the "transitory raania" question was treated, and the
letter of Garfield congratulating Judge Payne on his charge, and
expressing the hope that, printed in pamphlet forra, it might be
placed in the hands of every judge in the land. The jury, who
were present through the entire session of to-day, listened Avith the
raost careful attention to every word of the speech, Avhich Avas
nominally addressed to the court. Then followed Judge Cox's
decision of the legal points at issue, in Avhicli he indicated in AA'hat
manner he should charge the jury. The decision Avas carefully pre
pared, and Avas highly creditable to the wisdom and integritj- of him
Avho rendered it. Both sides accepted Avhat the judge said as
faA'orable, but it Avas thought that, taken all in all, the decision
Avas rather in favor of the theories of the prosecution than of the
defense. The main point of comfort for the prisoner was offered
when Judge Cox reached the question of reasonable doubt as it
respected the prisoner's sanity. Upon this question he said: "I
49

770 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
shall not charge the jury to acquit if they find reasonable doubt as
to any one element, but I shall take into consideration and charge
thera relative to all the elements, and that if frora all circurastances
and evidences they have a reasonable doubt of the sanity of the
defendant at the tirae of the commission of the crirae as charged,
then they shall acquit."
After some passages-at-arras between counsel relative to the
question whether or not the prisoner should be allowed to address
the jury, the court adjourned.
The forty-third and forty-fourth days. — January 12th and 13th
were occupied entire with the opening address to the jury by Mr.
Davidge. As soon as the court was called to order he took a
position in front of the jury, and opened his argument with a dis-
clairaer of any intentions to make a set speech, but expressed a
simple desire to render the jury what aid he could in their pres
ent solemn duty.
The time had noAV come in this trial when the jury were to become
factors. Whatever disorder or leA'ity might have characterized the trial,
there was but one sentiment in respect of the conduct of the jury. All
commended their dignified deportment, and close and patient attention
to the evidence, and he could not doubt that, as they had received the
commendation of all in the past, they would continue to deserve it in the
future by their decision of the question before them.
"In the beginning," said Mr. Davidge, "it was sought to show that
the prisoner was off his balance. Now, the court tells you to look for
that degree of insanity that disables a man from knowing that what he
was doing was wrong. This is the test you are to apply. Upon the
question of inspiration I think I will be able to shoAV to your satisfaction
how little there is in this claim.
"The only question," he said, "was that of insanity." He then argued
that the prisoner had that degree of intelligence, legal knoAvledge, and
moral sense which rendered him responsible for his acts. In a telling
passage he showed that the prisoner himself had wit to see the fatal
weakness of Scoville's line of defense, and repudiated it, arguing in his
own behalf that he was no imbecile, but a sane raan, whose intellect and
will had been dominated during a specified period of time, rendering him
irresponsible for this particular crime. He then revieAved the circum'

SPEECH OF DAVIDGE. 771
stances of the crime, and the victim and criminal. His analysis of
Guiteau's character was graphic and effective.
' "If," he exclaimed, "I were to sum up the moral and intellectual
qualities of this man, I should say that he had the daring of a vulture,
combined with the heart of a Avolf."
Davidge took up in order the case of each member of the Guiteau
family upon whose mental condition evidence had been offered by the
defense, and recited in connection the counter-evidence of the prosecu
tion, summing up the force of this evidence Avith the remark: "But the
unanswerable testimony of experts settles the question of how rauch effect
this collateral insanity could have upon the mental condition of the
prisoner." Mr. Davidge contmued: "There is not a single fact or single jot or
tittle to show that this prisoner Avas not perfectly responsible for his act
on the 2d of July, The jury Avill find the defense have carefully picked
out and held up to vieAV CA^ery thing in the entire career of this man
which may be considered odd or peculiar, and it is for you to consider how
much value can be attached to this evidence when you come to consider
whether this man did not know on the 2d of July it was wrong for him
to kill the Chief Magistrate of the Nation."
The speaker next dissected the testimony of one witness after another,
and pointed out the Aveakness and unreliability of those opinions of Avit
nesses for defense Avhich had been based, in many instances, upon the most
meager acquaintance. Alluding to one witness (Daniels, of Virginia)
Avho had neither been asked nor had expressed opinions as to the prison
er's sanity, Davidge said ; " In my opinion he Avas their best witness, for
I have infinitely more respect for a man Avho does not express an opinion
than- for those who are so ready to express one with no data upon which
to base it"
Mr. Davidge passed on to the examination of the prisoner himself, his
appearance upon the stand, Avhat he had said, and Avhat capacity of intel
lect he had shoAvn, proving, he said, cfmclusively that Avhat had gone be
fore had all been sham and hollow fraud. Scoville had dilated upon his
morality, and asserted that lack of intellect was his failing. On the con
trary, he had shown upon the stand wonderful memory, logic, reason, and
intellectual ability. Likewise, as the defense had claimed for him virtue
and morality, the prosecution had availed themselves of their right to
show the contrary, and what had been the result? He had been shown

772 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
to be such a monster of corruption, deceit, depravity and wickedness that
the country looked on Avith a shudder.
Continuing the argument Mr. Davidge skillfully revicAved that portion
of the testimony bearing upon the prisoner's moral character as evinced
in his past life. "All this time," said counsel, "no one accused him of
insanity. In the estimation of his friends and his family he was sane
enough for all the transactions of life, but Avhen his hand is red with
blood, and the" outraged law claims him as a sacrifice on the altar of
justice, Ave first hear of insanity.''
Commenting upon the testimony of Dr. Spitzka, Mr. Davidge said ;
"Notwithstanding some of his remarkable statements, Spitzka, never
denied the prisoner's legal responsibility. Accepting all his evidence,
even Spitzka brought the prisoner Avithin reach of the law and punish
ment.'' After recess Mr. Davidge resumed his argument with a review and dis
cussion of expert testimony. " Never before had so many men of eminence
appeared upon a trial of this character. The Treasury had been opened
to secure the attendance of witnesses. More than twenty experts had
been summoned for defense, many of them men whose names were known
in every household. They came here ; they watched the prisoner ; they
listened to his evidence, and what was the result? With tAvo exceptions
they vanished from before the light of evidence, like a cloud before the
wind, and not one of them could come upon the stand and swear this raan
was legally insane. They raet and compared notes, and could not testify
but to his sanity, with the exception of the tAvo moral insanity men, and
I regret to say it, neither of thera Avould or could adrait that he believed
in a God. They vanished from before you, and Avere permitted by the
defense to withdraw Avithout testifying. Now what has been the result
of all this evidence ? This alleged fool has grown before you to a raan
of more than ordinary intellect. We have uncovered his moral nature.
We have shown him to be in refigion a hypocrite, at law a pettifogger, in
all things a swindler, a denizen of jails and a depraved and Avicked wretch."
Mr. Davidge continued : " There is not an element in this case that
removes it from the category so carefully provided against in the Courts.
Here Avas a daring, audacious boy, Avho in the Oneida Community gave
way to a life of lawless vice ; later, as a man, a theocrat, who would over
turn all law and churches; later, when he boasted himself to be of the firm
of Jesus Christ & Co. , you see the legitimate outcome of his Avicked ego-

SPEECH OF MR. REED. 773
tism. And it is just as legitimate and logical to find the true explanation
of this crime in the same traits, inordinate vanity, desire of notoriety and
reckless egotism. As I conceive, the true and only theory of his crirae is
this : He conceived the idea of this monstrous crime, believing others were
as wicked as himself, and those who Avould be benefited by it would in
some way interpose to save him from the damning consequences of his
most heinous crime."
Mr. Davidge then read in detail the evidence of General Reynolds,
during whieh he was continually interrupted by the prisoner, and con
cluded his remarks with these words :
" I promised you, gentlemen, I would not make a set speech, and in
closing I shall indulge in no peroration, except to say to you that your
countrymen and all Christendom are Avaiting for your verdict. I thank
you for your attention."
The forty-fifth day. — On the morning of January 14Lh, the argu
ment for the defense was opened by Mr. Reed in a speech which
lasted all day.
He commenced by paying a compliment to the jury for the seriousness,
solemnity and care which had characterized that body during this long
trial — a trial unparalleled in the history of criminal jurisprudence. He
should not endeavor to make any statement of evidence, or to draw a
gilded picture of any scene, but he would simply talk with them as
between neighbors. Mr. Davidge, counsel for the prosecution, had occu
pied two days in addressing the jury, and that effort and the consumption
of time on his part showed the grave apprehension felt by the prosecution
lest something raight have appeared in the case Avhich would convince
the jury that this poor man was an irresponsible lunatic.
The speaker continued — "It does not require an expert to pronounce
the prisoner insane. You have seen him day after day shuffling in before
you; you have seen that strange, unnatural look of his eyes, and it
requires the opinion of no expert to convince you that this is not the
appearance of a sane man.
Continuing in this strain, the speaker said: "In my opinion, if this
poor creature is sent to the asylum, he Avill be a driveling idiot within six
months." "These experts," said Mr. Reed, "do not SAA'ear to a fact, for none but
the Deity can know what there is in the brain of man. They swear only

774 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
to opinion, and you have a notable instance how far from facts the
opinions of most learned doctors may lead, in the sad case of the late
President. We had bulletins every day giving his condition. We had
an announcement that a probe had been inserted twelve inches into the
wound, and yet the wound really led in exactly the opposite direction. I
say i\ would be a shame to send a man to the gallows upon the opinion
of doctors."
AUuding to the strictures of counsel on the previous day, upon the
course of certain raembers of Guiteau's family, in sticking to the prisoner
when they should cast him off as a wretch, the speaker said: " It is the
evidence that six years ago, ilrs. Scoville believed her brother a mental
wreck, an insane man, aud should she desert him, uoat that he is on trial
for his life, she would be unAA'orthy the narae of sister."
Referring to the diflSculty experienced by defense in securing Avitnesses,
Mr. Reed said : " You can never know, gentlemen, how hard it has been
to get people to come here and tell what they know. They would rather
listen to the cry, ' crucify him,' than come here and tell what they know
to save this poor man from the gallows and the Government from the
disgrace of executing an insane man."
The evidence of Brooks, the chief of the Treasury Detectives, who
visited the prisoner in the night, and whose evidence prosecution tried so
hard to suppress, as they did the notes of Bailey, the evidence of Detective
McElfresh, and in short all evidence that might in any way aid the pris
oner, Mr. Reed claimed was like a godsend in the cause of truth and justice.
The speaker went on at some length with his argument to demonstrate
the insanity of the prisoner. His father was, he maintained, insane on
religious subjects, and forced him into "that vestibule of hell, the Oneida
Community." Before that time he had led a pure life, and his fathei
had convinced hira that he would go to hell unless he became a member
of the Oneida Community, and he went there to save his soul.
In conclusion. Reed said : " Gentlemen of the jury, you said Avhen you
were sworn that you Avould be governed by the evidence, and stand up to it
without regard to the effect it might have on you and your business. I
adjure you to keep that oath. Falter not in the performance of the duty
which shall save you and this fair land from eternal disgrace. I assert
that the conviction of this man to the gallows, and his execution, would
be an infamy beyond description — an indehble stain on American juris
prudence and American juries." ^

SPEECH OF MR. SCOVILLE. 775
"Think of the scene," said the speaker, "if you condemn him to the
gallows. Though not present in a body to see the sight, you can not but
be there in mind. If such a day shall ever come — and I do not believe it
ever can come under this evidence— think of this man brought out from
his cell, with the same pale face, and same weary, wandering eyes; the
'oflicers of the law gathering round him, pinioning him, binding him with
cords, so that' his muscles stand out, covering him with a black hood,
shutting out the light of day from him, and leading him to the scaffold.
Think of him, a lunatic, condemned to the galloAvs; a lunatic Avhom the
Savior, if he were on earth, would heal. The picture is not overdraAvn.
I am very much obliged to you for your attention. I only ask you, pray
do that which shall not in after years bring the blush of shame to your
cheeks." Mr. Reed's argument was listened to Avith close attention and evident.
interest from the beginning to the close, and the court then adjourned.
Hie forty-sixth to the fiftieth day. — On Monday morning, Janu
ary 16th, Mr. Scoville continued the argument for the defense.
His address lasted for five days, being one of the longest ever de
livered. He had two thousand pages of testimony lying before
him, and this he examined in its entirety and with great skill —
except in the single instance of his foolish attack on the Stahvart
leaders. The address as a whole, though not compact, was elabo
rate ; though not great, considered as an oration, Avas couAdncing,
considered as an argument. The delivery was calm and unpre
tending. The tide Avas all against hira, but he roAved on, buffeted
by adverse currents, Avith a steady stroke and tireless persistency.
Mr. Scoville began his address by confessing his unfamiliarity
with the modes of practice in criminal cases. All the defense
asked for Avas a fair, candid, impartial Aveighing of evidence by
fair and candid raen. Counsel Avould atterapt no oratory, because
he AA'as not equal to it, and because he Avould not do it if he could.
He would address himself simply to the reason, judgment, and
intellect of the jury. Oratory, eloquence, and appeals to the pas
sions he would leave for counsel AA'ho Avould folloAV him (Judge
Porter), and he desired to warn thera that in the efforts of oppos
ing learned counsel to expound the law or explain evidence, he

776 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
would invariably seek to influence thera through their emotions,
to touch their hearts and SAvay their sympathies rather than con
vince their judgments.
Mr. Scoville then proceeded to name and arraign the District
Attorney, Judge Porter, Mr. Davidge, and five of the Governraent
experts, naraely. Doctors Gray, Hamilton, Kempster, McDonald,
and Worcester, as parties to a conspiracy, the object of Avhich Avas
to hang the prisoner, whether innocent or guilty.
In illustration, or support, of this charge, he alluded to the in
troduction, by Judge Porter, of a decision of Judge Davis. He
said: "The counsel upon the other side indignantly repudiates the
suggestion that Judge Davis sat with Cardozo or Barnard, but I
have yet to learn if either of them ever committed a raore repre
hensible act than that of Judge Davis." Mr. Scoville warraed
up with the subject, and denounced in severe language the extra
judicial act of Judge Davis. "Had a newspaper been guilty of
such a bold-faced attempt to influence a decision in a pending
cause, the editor would have been subject to arrest for conterapt."
Mr. Scoville continued : " The pro.secution state that if the pris
oner knew the act Avas wrong on July 2, then he should hang.
Now this is not by any means the whole of it, or a correct statement
of the law. The court has added in substance as follows : ' Yet,
if in this act he was overpowered by a consciousness coming
through his diseased mind that what he was doing Avas necessary
for the good of the country, and was specially approved by God,
then you can not convict hira of raurder.' "
Mr. Scoville attacked the theory of the prosecution that it was
the prisoner's own innate or acquired depravity that naturally led
up to the killing of the President, and discussed at some length
evidence introduced by thera to shoAV instances of the prisoner's
meanness and depravity.
" This evidence," said the speaker, " has, in almo.st every in
stance, been perverted."
Mr. Scoville revicAved the incident of Guiteau getting English
out of jail in New York. The prosecution laid great .stress upon
this incident as .shoAving the rascality of prisoner, but in his (Sco-

SPEECH OF MR. SCOVILLE. 777
ville's) opinion Guiteau earned his money in this case, and there
Avas nothing Avhatever in the transaction to his (Guiteau's) dis
credit. At this point the prisoner tried once or tAvice and finally suc
ceeded in raaking himself heard. He i-aid, in relation to this in
cident: "I A\ant to say just here, that the reason I had so much
trouble in getting English out of jail Avas that he was a fraud,
and Winston and the ]\Iutual Life were dead against him, and did
not want him to get out of jail. I had all the money of the Mutual
Life to work against in the sheriff''s office, and I never Avould have
gotten him out if I had n't hung to the case like a dog to a piece
of meat. That's the vA'ay I do AA'hen I start on any thing."
Mr. Scoville, continuing, denounced the witness ShaAv. He be
lieved he had deliberately perjured himself in this cause, as also
had the contemptible little Jcav clerk, Avho came down here to help
Shaw out.
When the court Avas about to adjourn for the day, Guiteau called
out from the dock : " I desire your Honor to read ray speech to
night, so that I can discuss it with you to-morroAV."
In renewing his argument on the morning of the 17th, Mr.
Scoville began : " Gentlemen of the jury," Avhen Guiteau, Avho had
been sitting A'ery quietly in the dock, looking OA'cr the morning
papers, said: "Scoville, isn't this the best time to get in that lit
tle statement?" Scoville said he had forgotten that little state
ment, but that he thought it AAas as good a time as any for its
presentation. He then explained to Judge Cox that it was a state
ment about the speech AA'hich he had prepared and Avas desirous to
read. Judge Cox said he could read it, and the assassin, Avho
would haA'e done so anyhow, thanked him, and began in a heaA'y
tragic voice a somewhat stilted appeal to Judge Cox in the narae
of justice, the Araerican judiciary, and the American people, to
permit him to deliver his speech to the jury. Incidentally he
took occasion to say that he vA'as not in accord Avith ]\Iessrs.
Reed and Sco\'ille; that his defense was not chronic insanity, but
transitory raania, and that he based his hopes of acquittal on the
acquittals of Sickles, McFarland, and Hiscock, on the ground of

778 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
transitory raania as much as any thing else. Judge Cox said he
would take the matter into consideration, and, with that, Guiteau
was satisfied.
Mr. Scoville then continued the discussion of the alleged con
spiracy entered into by the counsel for the Government and three
or four of the experts to hang Guiteau, whether sane or insane,
and animadverted severely upon such conduct. Colonel Corkhill
he accused of using every raeans, foul and fair, to hang the pris
oner, despite the fact that, as District Attorney, he was an officer
of the court, sworn to see that justice, and not injustice, was done.
He pictured Corkhill's remorse when, at some future day, he should
have before his imagination day and night a terrible vision — a
writhing form hanging by the neck, with pinioned arras, and should
hear from under the black cap enveloping the shapeless head of
the swinging specter, " It was God's act, not mine, Corkhill," in the
voice of a lunatic. Corkhill listened to this unexpected burst of
eloquence with a sneer on his face, and at its close thanked Sco
ville ostentatiously for his graphic forecast of the future ! Satire
and sarcasm made faces at the tragedy.
Judge Porter was next described by Mr. Scoville as a consum
mate tragedian, a man of high abilities and attainments, who pros
tituted himself to the prosecution for money, for the purpose of
hanging Guiteau. He described a curious little subterfuge by
which, wounding Porter's vanity, he had discovered that he would
throAv as rauch thunder into a rebuke of an irapertinent critic as
into an appeal to a jury to hang a murderer. He was a good
actor. Scoville never enjoyed dramatic exhibitions. He looked
through the unreality at the reality.
The speaker then called attention to the letter written by Gui
teau to the District Attorney, and from which a portion had been
clipped, as he claimed, by the prosecution, and in a spirit of un
fairness. Immediately after recess, and before Scoville resumed his speech,
Guiteau, with an air of apparent sincerity, announced that he was
in luck; that he had just signed his name to a check for $25,000
on the First National Bank of New York; that he had received

SPEECH OF MR. SCOVILLE. 779
another for $5,000, and another for $750, and believed they were
all genuine !
Renewing his argument, Mr. Scoville said: "When Charles
Guiteau left the Oneida Community he sought out Beecher's
church, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the society
of Christian people. His tendencies at this time were not immoral,
nor had he shown any indication of that awful (with sarcasm)
crime of not paying his board bills, for which this prosecution are
trying to hang him."
Mr. Scoville continued his argument up to the hour of adjourn
ment, giving a rcA'iew of the life of the prisoner, explaining his
acts in the light of counsel's (Scoville's) theory of the case. Guiteau
occasionally commented, but never seriously disturbed the course
of the argument.
Mr. Scoville spoke of the monumental assurance of the pris
oner in naming himself in connection with Grant, Conkling, and
Arthur. " I should say a pretty fine quartet," said the prisoner.
Later on the speaker read from Guiteau's speech, when the pris
oner again called out : " You had better not read any more, Sco
ville; it will go dead against your fool theory!"
In the third day of his speech, Mr. Scoville continued his review
of the alleged conspiracy against the prisoner. He assailed Dr.
Gray with great vigor. He reviewed the testimony of that gen
tleraan, and declared that it had been given with the covert in
tention of destroying Guiteau. Mr. Scoville dwelt at length upon
those features of the testiraony which were likely to increase the
doubt which he thought he had created in the minds of the jury.
He vibrated between the truisms Avhich in the case were apt to
form the basis for conclusions favorable to the prisoner. Doctors
disagree, experts more widely and bitterly than other physicians.
Experts do not know accurately the conditions of the brain of any
given individual. They are soraetimes mistaken in their diagnosis
of a case. In this case they were all paid by the Government to
SAvear away the life of the prisoner ; and, although they all agreed
together in advance what their statements respecting the man

780 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
should be, there were inconsistencies, misstatements, positive con
tradictions throughout their testimony. Much of their testiraony
was more favorable to the defense than to the prosecution. They
had laid down rules, prescribed definitions, cited cases which alone
would prove the prisoner insane. So he Avould conclude, if there
Avas so rauch ignorance and doubt, so much difference and dis-
agreeraent on this all-iraportant question, it was quite possible that
the man was, after all, a lunatic, and the jury should give him the
benefit of any doubt they raight entertain on that point.
A little further on carae the sensation of the day. Mr. ScoA'ille
Avas discussing the horrors of crimes often committed by insane
persons. He said that there was nothing in the act of Guiteau to
compare in atrocity with raany of the acts of insane crirainals.
He then added:
" Gentleraen of the jury, in my opinion, if there were not reasons, and
powerful ones, back of this prosecution, this prisoner never would have
been brought to trial. But I tell you, gentlemen, back of this prosecution
is an influence which I have felt, and which you may feel before this trial
is concluded. There are politicians who seek to hide their own shame
behind the disgrace of this poor prisoner, and make him a scapegoat for
their crime. I did not intend, gentlemen of the jury, to take up this
feature of the case, but when I find the power and influence of this Gov
ernraent used against me, in denying the small pittance that I have asked,
for a fair and impartial trial, and small facilities needed for proper
defense, I do not propose to keep quiet. I say that such men as Grant
and Conkling and Arthur are morally and intellectually responsible for
this crime. Mr. Conkling shall not escape, shall not shirk the respon
sibility of the state of things that led to this act. And he shall not escape
the condemnation of the American people, if I can help it, for his share
in this disgraceful scramble for office that led to a conflict Avith the chosen
ruler of this great Nation, and led this poor, insane man to compass what
they would have hailed with satisfaction, as would probably hundreds of
other politicians, if it could occur other than through assassination — the
removal of Garfield, who stood in the way of their unrighteous and dis
graceful struggle for offices. Neither shall Grant escape that condemna
tion to which he is so justly subjected when coming from Mexico- and
coming with undue haste to throw his own name into this petty quarrel

SCOVILLE ATTACKS THE STALWARTS. 781
about a small office in the Republican party, and sought to foment differ
ences that had sprung up. I am not going to see the misdeeds of these
men, high iu power, visited upon the head of this poor insane man if I
can help it. This clamor for his blood is not for the purpose of aA'enging
Garfield, or of satisfying justice.* But their theory is this; if it can be
shown that this was the act of a sane raan, then those pohticians in high
places Avill say: Of course we are not re.sponsible for the act of a sane
raan. To be sure we had sorae differences, but then it could never have
led a sane man to such an act.
On the morning of the fourth day of ]Mr. Scoville's arguraent,
the " Hon. Charles J. Guiteau," alraost immediately after entering
the dock, arose in as pompous a style as it AAas possible for him
to assume and thus addressed the court :
"Your Honor: I desire to say that the recent decision of the New
York Court of Appeals comes with so rauch force at the present moment
that I desire to call attention to it. It comes Avith great grace from the
Empire State ; frora that grand old State of the Republic ; the State that
sends forth the brains, the money, and the coraraerce of the Nation. It is a
great step forAvard of the laAV of insanity. Hitherto the law has been that
the burden of proof was on the defendant, but the Court of Appeals,
with grand mafnaniraity, says that the burden of proof is on the prose
cution to prove that a man not only committed the act, but also that he
Avas sane at the time he committed it. In the name of justice, and in
the name of the American people, and in the name of the American
judiciary, I desire to thank those gentlemen of the Court of Appeals of
the State of New York."
After this introduction, Mr. Scoville immediately resumed his argu
ment, reading from the evidence of several witnesses Avho Avere at the
* Tills celebrated paragraph of Mr. Scoville's speech was one of the most foolish
and unwarrantable tirades ever uttered. The idea that the Man of Appomattox
and Senator Conkling and President Arthur sliould be held responsible for the
murder of Garfield is too preposterous, too monstrous to be discussed, or even men
tioned. General Grant is, after Washington, tlie least abusive and, after Lincoln,
the most suit-restrained and catholic-spirited of all the great men who by their lives
and deeds have honored our country. This paragraph in Mr. Scoville's speech was
simply scandalous, and did more to injure his otherwise able argument in the esti
mation of thoughtful men, than all else combined. The utterance was as imprudent
as it was outrageous.

782 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
depot and saw the shooting and the subsequent arrest of Guiteau ; his
object being to shoAv that the prisoner was perfectly calra and cool, and
iu a condition of nerves and intellect at variance with the hypothesis of
sanity under such circurastances.
The speaker again complained that the prosecution had failed after
summoning Detective McElfresh, to call him to the stand, because his
evidence would have been of service to the prisoner.
As Mr. Scoville proceeded. Colonel Corkhill made frequent, and, as
the speaker evidently thought, slighting comments, until finally, becom
ing irritated, he turned upon the District Attorney and denounced, in
scathing terms, his unfair conduct, and instanced his presenting as evi
dence in this case a letter Avritten by the prisoner, and Avhich he
(Corkhill) had intercepted and mutilated by cutting off the signature and
such portion as he thought raight benefit the prisoner. "A thing,'' said
Mr. Scoville, " Avhich Avas never before perraitted in a court of justice,
not even upon the trial of a civil suit."
]\Ir. Scoville alluded to the taunt of the prosecution that the experts for
the defense had "gone back" on thera, and said in explanation Avhen he
reached Washington he did not knoAv the name of a single expert. He
knew Guiteau was crazy, but how to show it to the country and to con
vince a jury of his countryraen Avas the burden that pressed him. Then
came a letter frora Dr. Worcester, that little raan from the great State
of Massachusetts, the State that holds the Athens of America. He Avrote,
if half what is said of Guiteau Avas true he Avas crazy; that he
(Worcester) had great experience in treating insanity, and had written
a book whieh was an accepted authority as a text-book, the first Avork,
he said, by an Araerican author upon insanity. He said further he
Avanted to do all he could to save the Nation from the disgrace of hang
ing an insane raan, even if his victira happened to be the President of
the United States. " I felt," said Scoville, " a great weight lifted from
my heart. I thought here is a great and good man Avho can not be
bought. Well, gentiemen, this very little man from the great State of
Massachusetts came and I questioned him, and this great author on
American insanity, or this first American author, whatever it may be,
could not on the stand, wlien ashed, give me the title of Ms mm book ! "
Mr. Scoville severely criticised the course of Dr. Worcester, and
classed him Avith the Governraent conspirators.
On the morning of January 20th, Mr. Scoville resumed his

SCOVILLE REVIEWS THE EXPERTS. 783
speech Avith some severe animadversions on Dr. Hamilton. He
called that genticman " one of the conspirators," and read from his
testimony, and said that from the very start Dr. Harailton had
perverted his testiraony and studiously made use of the very strong
est adjectives, shoAving that the effort on his part Avas designed to
secure beyond pcradventure the conviction of the prisoner.
"In short," said Mr. Scoville, "his feelings led him to transcend the
bounds of truth, and these expressions Avere used by hira, as it appears
to me, for the express purpose of manufacturing feeling in your minds
against the prisoner."
The speaker next produced a diagram shoAving a section of the pris
oner's head.
Then taking up the diagram of Guiteau's head, offered in evidence by
Dr. Hamilton, Scoville said : "I propose to shoAA' you that Dr. Kempster
lied Avhen he told you that this diagram was a correct representation of
the shape of Guiteau's head. He attempted to convince you that
Guiteau had an unusually syrametrical head, and I propose to shoAV you
that his evidence in this respect Avas absolutely false."
Mr. Scoville contended that Dr. Gray's tables of homicides by insane
persons Avere prepared for this case, and did not correspond with tables
for the same years in Gray's official reports.
In reading an account of one case of homicide, the speaker said :
"Had the District Attorney been there he Avould have said, probably,
' Put him on trial for murder and hang him ; this is a case of devilish
depravity.' "
INIr. Scoville then Avent on to say that laws are framed for the punish
ment of sane people, not the insane. When a man has overstepped the
boundary line of sanity and has committed a crime, he should not be
punished as should a sane man. If you find reasonable doubt, as the
law mercifully declares, of his sanity you shall give him the benefit of
it. The object of human punishment is not for revenge.
Mr. Scoville next discussed at sorae length the demoralizing influence
of the scaffold, and expressed the opinion that crimes Avould be dimin
ished by the abolition of capital, punishraent. He then proceeded to
anticipate the arguraent of Judge Porter, and to point out to the jury
the fallacy of arguments which he predicted Judge Porter would advance
to support the theory of the prosecution and to secure the hanging of
Guiteau.

784 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
In conclusion he said : " It has often been said that our jury trials are
a farce, and I haA'e in my practice frequently heard it said that the jury
system ought to be abolished, because juries make a mistake, because
they are influenced hy the eloquence of advocates, because they are in
fluenced not by justice, not by evidence, but by the last address. But,
gentlemen, I thank God that there Avas a tirae Avhen my English ances
tors stood up against Avrong and injustice and Avrested from a despot the
right of trial by jury, and I have never yet seen the tirae when I Avould
wish to see that right abolished. I feel more secure and more safe in
this mode of administering justice, than in any other. So long as juries
are honest, it does not require that you should have read Kent or
Blackstone. It requires that you should have honest hearts and clear
heads, and above all that yon should be fearless to find for the right
regardless of Avhat may come, regardless of Avhether your fellow-men may
approve it or not. This is what I shall expect of you, gentlemen, and
I believe you avIU do it. I leave the case Avith you, gentlemen, thank
ing you for your kind attention."
At the conclusion of the address, AA-hich had lasted from Monday
raorning until Friday afternoon, and during Avhich jNIr. Scoville
had been interrupted a hundred and forty-seven times by the oppos
ing attorneys. Judge Cox announced his decision on the question
of Guiteau's addressing the jury. The judge said that after con
sultation Avith his associates on the bench, it had been determined
that the prisoner should be alloAved to speak in his oavu behalf, and
that that privilege Avas now conceded to him. It Avas, hoAvever,
already tAvo o'clock in the afternoon, and the address of Guiteau
was postponed till the morroAV.
The fifty-first day. — A scene was now expected. Guiteau Avas to
address the jury. It Avill be reraerabered, that he had on the 26th
of December sent out from his cell what he AAas pleased to call,
" A Christmas greeting to the American people." In the interim,
Avhen it Avas understood that Judge Cox would not permit him to
address the jury, Guiteau gave this paper in a revised form to the
representatives of the press, and by them it Avas sent out and
printed in all the leading newspapers on the morning of the 16th
of January. It Avas now understood, that this same article would

SPEECH OF GUITEAU. 785
be given to the jury as his final appeal for his life. Promptly on
Saturday morning the prisoner Avas ushered into court.
He took his seat in the Avitness-box, remarking as he laid out his
papers :
" I sit down because I can speak better, not that I am afraid of being
shot. This shooting business is getting played out."
. At an intimation from Judge Cox, the prisoner carefully arranged his
glasses, and Avith a flourish, began to read from manuscript as folloAvs:
" The prosecution pretend that I ara a Avicked raan. Mr. Scoville and
the rest think I am a lunatic, and I presume you thhik I am. I cer
tainly Avas a lunatic .July 2, when I fired on the President; and the
American people generally, and I presume you, think I Avas. Can you
imagine any thing more insane than my going to that depot and shooting
the President of the United States? You are here to say Avhether I Avas
sane or insane at the moment I fired that shot. You have nothing to do
Avith my condition before or since that shot Avas fired. You must say by
your verdict, sane or insane at the moment the shot Avas fired. If you
have any doubt of my sanity at the moment, you must give me the ben
efit of that doulit and acquit. That is, if you have any doubt Avhether I
fired the shot, or as an agent of the Deity. If I fired the shot on my
own account I was sane. If I fired it, supposing myself an agent of the
Deity, I was insane, and you must acquit. This is the laAV as given in
the recent decision of the New York Court of Appeals. It revolutionizes
old rules, and is a grand step forAvard in the laAV of insanity. It is
worthy this age of railroads, electricity, and telephones, and it Avell comes
from the progressive State of New York. I haA-e no hesitation in saying
that it is a special providence in my favor, and I ask this court and jury
so to consider it. Some eminent people of America think me the great
est man of this age, and this feeling is growing. They believe in my
inspiration, and that Providence aiid I have really saved the Nation
another Avar. My speech, setting forth in detail my defense, was tele
graphed to all the leading papers, and published Monday morning, and
noAV I am permitted by his Honor to deliver it to you."
After thanking his counsel, and paying a very high compliment to the
zeal and ability A\-hich Scoville had displayed, Avhom he proposed soon to
reward Avith a very liberal fee, he extended his grateful acknowledgment
to the court, the jury, officers, and bailiffs, and last, but not least, to the
American press. The latter were a poAver that generallv crushed a man
50

786 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
when they got down on him. They had been pretty heavy on the pris
oner at first, but Avhen they kneAV his motives, they changed their views,
and now they Avere treating him very fairly.
With this introduction, the prisoner took up a neAvspaper and pro
ceeded to read to the jury his published speech. His manner, to a
casual observer, seeraed to be completely self-possessed as usual, but
behind the ostentatious affectation of composure, intense feeling, Avhich
Avas only held in control through undoubted strength of Avill, and excite
ment, Avere betrayed by a slight hectic spot high upon each cheek of his
usually colorless face, and by the unusual deliberation with Avhich he
began, and for some time continued to speak. Whether this excitement
was from the merely superficial effect upon his emotions, naturally incident
to the occasion, or whether it proceeded from a deeper and more over-
poAvering influence, the true realization of his position, an almost con
victed murderer pleading for his life, it Avere difficult to divine. What
ever the original character of feeling, it finally gained an ascendency
over his powers of control, and as he reached that point in his speech,
"I have ahvays served the Lord, and Avhether I live or die," he broke
down completely, stopped, and tried to choke doAvn a rising lump in his
throat, but found it impossible to keep back a genuine sob. Taking out
his handkerchief, he buried his face in it a few seconds, wiped his eyes,
and Avith a determined effort he started in again. He seemed to recoA'er
his composure so quickly, some believed the Avhole effort Avas manufact
ured. His sister Mrs. Scoville, hoAvever, apparently thought otherAvise.
She was deeply affected, and Avept and sobbed bitterly for some minutes.
After this incident, Guiteau continued to read, occasionally adding brief
coraraents upon the text.
As he proceeded with the reading, all appearance of nervousness grad
ually Avore oft', and with the utmost coraposure, and an unction that
bordered on the ludicrous, the prisoner read on with an attempt at every
conceivable form of oratorical, rhetorical, and dramatic ornamentation.
His description of the taking off of the Pre.sident, Avas given Avith striking
effect. At tiraes he closed his eyes or turned them heaven Avard ; waved
his body back and forth ; loAvered his voice to a Avhisper, or raised it to a
high treble. At tiraes the intensity of his utterances seemed to react
upon hiraself, but the effect Avas but transitory, and with the exception
of one instance, there Avas no indication of breaking down. At frequent
intervals he paused to eraphasize some sentence or sentiraent by repeating
it, or commenting upon it. At one time, pausing, he leaned towards the

JUDGE PORTER BEGINS. 787
jury, and emphasizing with his head and hands, said, with an attempt at,
great solemnity of utterance: "I tell you, gentleraen, just as sure as
there is a God in Heaven, if you harm a hair of my head, this Nation
will go doAvn in blood. You can put my body in the grave, but there
Avill be a day of reckoning."
In the most naturable raanner iraaginable, Guiteau explained again
that the reason he did not take Garfield aAvay tAvo Aveeks before he did,
was because he had no authority to reraove Mrs. Garfield. "When the
tirae did come," he said in an airy tone, "I reraoved him gently and
gracefully." "The jury may put my body in the ground, but ray soul will go
marching on. The slaveholders put John BroAvn's body in the ground,
but his soul goes marching on."
Here he chanted most weirdly one stanza of "John Brown's body,"
closing Avith "Glory! glory! Hallelujah!" tAvice repeated.
Guiteau concluded his address at 11 : 25, a m., and, upon announcement
by Corkhill that Judge Porter would be unable to speak that afternoon,
the court adjourned until Mondaj'.
The fifty-second day to the fifty-fourth day. — Expectation Avas on
tiptoe respecting the speech of Judge Porter. The judge had a large
reputation as an effective speaker, especially in criminal causes,
Avhere his powers of denunciation and invective AA'Ould stand him
in hand. On Monday raorning, January 23d, the distinguished
advocate, vA'ho was to close the arguraent for the Government, began
his address. In beginning. Judge Porter said :
"If it please your Honor and gentlemen of the jury, in ray own in
firmity (for I share your fatigue) I proceed as best I can to discharge ray
duty. The nature of this duty is such that I should feel that I were
almost accessory after the fact if I should fail to, speak sufch words as I
can to aid you in reaching a proper conclusion. Thus far the trial has
been practically conducted by the prisoner and Scoville. Every one has
been denounced at their Avill, and even uoav I am imformed I Avill be
interrupted by them both."
Judge Porter briefly recited the scenes of disorder, the abuse and
slander to which everyone upon the case had for two months been sub
jected, "and yet," he said, "of the three speeches which have been made
by the defense, I will do the prisoner the justice to say that his was the
least objectionable."

788 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Judge Porter then turner! his attention to the prisoner, and preceded to
depict his character as that of a beggar, a hypocrite, a robber, and a
swindler; a laAvyer Avho never avou a cause. No court, no. jury, failed
to see in him a dishonest rogue, and such men can not win causes. He
has left his trail of infamy in a hundred directions. The man Avho, as a
lawyer, had such notions of morality that Avhen he had taken debts to
collect, and collected them by dogging the debtor, he held them .ngainst
his client ; a raan who Avas capable of blasting the name of a Avonian
Avhom he still recognized as his Avife ; a man Avho, Avhen he tired of this
Avoman, pretending to be a Christian and believer of the Bible, went out
and deliberately committed adultery ; a man Avho pusheil himself iuto the
fellowship of Christian associations as a follower of the Savior, Avhen fresh
from six years in the Oneida Community.
" Public justice demanded that that the assassin should never leave
the dock save in the shackles of a sentenced felon. He who sjiared no
one should not be spared. He spared not the good Garfield ; he spared
not the loving Avife, Avho had once saved her husband's life. He spared
not tlie little mother upon Avhose lips had rested on the 4th of March last
the kissiny lips Avhich had just before rested on the Book of God."
Passing in revicAV the principal events of the prisoner's life. Judge
Porter shoAved up, in its hideous deformity, the bent of his nature.
Alluding to his dispute witli his brother, John W. Guiteau, in Boston,
Avhen he struck the latter in the face, Judi^e Porter said: " This was the
first and last time this coward ever struck any blow in the fiice. His
coward hand ahvays struck frora behind."
After showing Avho and what wa^ the murderer. Judge Porter next
described his victim, paying a glowing tribute to the character* and ser
vices of the lamented President, and pronouncing a most touching eulogy,
as it Avere, upon his memory. The claims of the prisoner, to be a praying
raan, were considered, and the holloAv mockery of the claim shoAvn.
"The prisoner says he prayed for six Aveeks. Why, if he had made
up his mind unalterably to murder the President on the 1st of June,"
said Judge Porter, "did he still continue to pray, down to the very act
of the raurder? What was he praying for? The man Avho clairaed to
have received Divine inspiration him.self prepares his defense in advance
for an act to do Avhich he Avas divinely inspired. The believer in inspi
ration, he Avould himself alter the inspired book, and substitute for it a
book of his own. That he did not shoot the President on the first occa-

SPEECH OF JL-DGE PORTER. 789
sion," said Judge Porter, "Avas due to his coAvard heart. Had he done
it on that occasion he would have been torn to pieces, and he knew it.
On this occasion the President Avas surrounded by his Cabinet and his
friends. "It Avas night," said the speaker, in describing hoAV Guiteau tracked
the President, "dark as the night when the devil first whispered this
crime in the assassin's ear. He lay hiding in the alley. Why? With
the inspired command of God resting upon him to kill the President, and
with a pressure that would have made him do it if he died the next
minute at any time after June 1st, Avhy did he not kill him? Because,
he says, it was too hot, and he thought he would do it some otlier time!"
In reply to the broadcast imputation put upon Goverunieiit Avitnesses
tliat they AA'ere offered special inducements by Colonel Corkhill to come
here and testify. Judge Porter said: "Not one dollar can Colonel Cork
hill draAV from the Treasury except upon projier vouchers certified accord
ing to law, and not a single witness has received one dollar more than the
bare alloAvance provided by laAV."
Judge Porter repelled the assumption of counsel for the defense that
there was a man upon the jury Avho Avould hang the jury. The prisoner
himself had indicated that he rested his safety upon one raan.
The arguments of defense for the past seven days had all been directed
to this one object, to divide the jury. Judge Porter addressed himself
upon this subject with great force of argument and eloquence directly to
the intelligence and conscience of the jury. They must not believe, if
any man of them thought to discharge his duty by avoiding a full duty,
and should cause a divided jury, that the United States Governraent
would any the less press the trial to a conviction.
"Who was it that AA'as practicing Avith a pistol — the Deity, or the
prisoner at the bar? Who fired at those osiers? Who sent thera swerv
ing down, as Garfield swerved ? Who hit them ? Who fired twenty
times in order to accustom hiraself to the noise of the report of his pistol,
to the end it should not stun him Avhen he murdered the President?"
As to his being restrained from nmrder by the presence of IMrs. Garfield,
on one occasion, and that of two boys on another occasion. Judge Porter
remarked there AA'as no diabolism so complete on this side of the infernal
regions that it has not some remaining tAvinges of conscience, and yet he
firmly believed that this statement of the prisoner's Avas as false as any
thing else he had said. He had been restrained by nothing but cowardice

790 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
on all such occasions. He kncAV that if he had murdered the President
in his Avife's presence, no military force could have prevented the people
AA'ho were around, tearing hira limb from limb, and upon the occasion
when children Avere present, they had come, surrounded by their friends
and domestics.
Judge Porter also referred to the spirit of vanity Avhich made the pris
oner choose a Avhite-handled pistol rather than a black one, that it might
bear his name and fame " thundering down the ages," and be raore con
spicuous in the Patent-office. He rehearsed the scene- at the railroad
depot, and said that after Guiteau fired the bullet, he turned to run.
Run Avhere? Run to jail. He Avas careful in the very last moment of
his OAVU safety.
" If there should be a division of opinion among the jury it would be
very unfortunate ; unfortunate for any interest that I can conceive of as
an honest man. Hoav Avould the case stand if there Avere such a division
of the jury? It would stand thus: There is a man Avho sAvears he is
guilty, and here is a juror who says : I will sAvear that he is not." The
prisoner calls it assassination over his oavu signature, and the juror says
it is no assassination. Oath to oath opposed. Prisoner: "Guilty.'' Juror:
" Not guilty." Prisoner: — "Sane." Juror: — "Insane."
" The only consequence of that disagreement, gentlemen, would be (under
the charge Avhich the Judge will deliver to you) to call the attention, not
only of this country, but of mankind, to the only human being who is ready
to stand by and shield the coAvardly assassin of the President of the United
States. But Avhat would he accomplish by it? Is it supposed Govern
raent is not strong enough to press the case to a conclusion? It would
defeat the purpose of this particular trial, and it Avould compel another
twelve jurors to be prisoners in their turn, as you have been in yours, to
be held away from their families and business, as you have been held
away from yours, and to have so much cut out of their lives, as has been
cut out of yours, and all this when the prisoner swears he is guilty.
I am dealing Avith testimony, and I shall demonstrate it, clause by
clause. I will demonstrate that unless this prisoner is a liar unAvorthy
of belief, he is guilty.
Judge Portec adverted to the constant interruptions of the prisoner,
his false claims of sympathy and that tiie press Avas Avith him, and said
in contradiction, " I have yet to see a single American neAvspaper that
has one Avord to say in his defense."

SPEECH OF JUDGE PORTER. 791
Judge Porter ridiculing the proposition that others, and not Guiteau,
were responsible for the crime, said with bitter irony: "His father is
responsible; that father Avhom he struck when eighteen years old — he
killed Presideut Garfield; that father Avhoni he says he can never forgive,
and Avith whom he had not, for the last fifteen years of his honored fife,
exchanged a Avord. Who else is responsible ? Why, the mother ; the
mother Avhom he scarcely even reraerabers ; who was guilty of the mon
strosity of having an attack of erysipelas, so as to necessitate the cutting
off of her hair some weeks before his birth, and Avho, for this reason, it is
asserted, transmitted congenital insanity to this murderer. Who else is
responsible? Why, Uncle Abram, who Avas drunken and dissolute, but
not insane; he transmitted insanity to him, although he did not become
insane until after he (prisoner) Avas born ; he killed Garfield by making
the prisoner insane. Who else is responsible ? Why, Uncle Francis killed
Garfield — uncle Francis Avho, as Ave are told, being disappointed in love,
either killed the husband of the Avoman he loved or fought a sham duel,
aud long after became demented ; he killed Garfield by raaking this
man a congenital monstrosity, as Dr. Spitzka says. Then cousin Abby —
she is responsible — Avho unfortunately Avas taken possession of by one of
the Guiteau tribe, a traveling mesraerist, and her young raind so wrought
upon that finally she Avas, for better protection, sent to an insane asylura ;
she killed Garfield by making this murderer insane. And as if all this Avere
not enough to kill President Garfield, the Chicago convention killed him.
' If they hadn't nominated him I should not have killed him,' .says the
prisoner. The doctors killed him, for if he had not been chosen Presi
dent he would not have been killed. ' His nomination Avas the act of
God. His election was the act of God,' says the prisoner, and he Avould
have us believe the Deity who had thus tAvice confirmed His choice
found it necesssary to correct His labors by appointing this Avretched
swindles, this hypocrite, this syphilitic monstrosity to murfler the Presi
dent Avhose nomination and election He had confirmed. These are the
defenses put forward by this prisoner and his trained counsel to divert
your attention from the fact that the deliberate murderer of Garfield
sits before you.
" I might," said Judge Porter, "detain you a week, but I am here for
the purpose of ascertaining Avhether this man is guilty, and these collateral
issues I Avill not delay upon. The junior counsel," said Judge Porter,
" has told you you are kings, implying that you may override the law

792 THE i,IFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
and the evidence in grasping an almost intangible doubt, and ignoring the
solid structure of the evidence of guilt. You are not kings, and the man
who told you so is the junior counsel — the only man in fifty millions Avho
Avould or could recoinniend Guiteau for office.
" This man," continued the speaker, " slaughtered Garfield as he Avould
have slaughtered a calf that he Avanted to eat, and, having disposed of
him in that AA'ay, in comes his counsel and charges Avith crime those who
occupy too lofty a position to notice the vipers that said it, and Avho Avould
have disgraced the dignity of their office by noticing it. One of them is
a distinguished American Senator AvhO) at this moment, except that he
was too proud and too lofty to accept the office, would be sitting as Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, son of the great and
honored American jurist, a man Avho, still young in years, has commanded
more of attention, at home and abroad, of admirers of intellectual great
ness, of loftiest eloquence, and of greatest statesmanship than any other
raan perhaps even of his time; a bitter partisan, a man honest in all he
undertakes, a man faithful to his friends, faithful to his convictions, even
though they involve sacrifice ; a man Avho was capable of doing what but
few men are, resigning the leadership of the Araerican Senate, and to do
it at the peril of his own political destruction; a man of unstained integ
rity, of courage and fearlessness, and a manliness Avhich made this with
draAval a matter of regret even to his political adversaries; — such a raan
is, to-day, arraigned before an American jury, and arraigned, not by a
criminal, but by a crirainafs defender (" Without my knoAvledge," inter
posed the prisoner), as responsible for the murder of Garfield. Another
of those so arraigned is a man more honored in the Southern States
than any American, save their oavu cherished leader. General Lee ; a man
Avho is honored in the Northern States for services rendered, first in Avar
and afterAvards in reconciling the difficulties Avhich grew out of the
war; a raan Avhose life has been Avithout dishonor and Avithout reproach;
a raan elevated to conspicuous positions, successor of Washington and
Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln ; one who, after he left that place, Avas
Avelcomed in every European and Oriental land as one of the ablest men
and purest personal characters to be named in the history of the nine
teenth century; — this man is arraigned by the lawyer of Guiteau (" But
not by Guiteau," interrupted the prisoner) as responsible for the murder
of General Garfield. More than that, we have a President of the United
States — the successor of Garfield and Hayes and Lincoln and Jackson

SPEECH OF JUDGE PORTER. 793
and Jefferson and Adaras and Washington, elevated to that position, not
by the assassin, but by the voice of his countrymen. And Avhen this
creature says, ' I made Arthur President,' he forgets that General Arthur
Avas made President by the voice of his countrymen, by that very voice
which made Garfield President. He'was made President under the Con
stitution and laAVS. jMillard Fillmore Avas just as truly elected by the
people as the president w hom he succeeded.
" Mr. Reed, as counsel for the prisoner, has chosen to pose here as a
friend of Garfield. I take it for granted that he has read those memora
ble sayings of President Garfield, simple as childhood, guileless, frank,
sincere; his dying utterances between Guiteau's bullet and Garfield's
death. In one of his Avaking hours, on the 11th of July, the President
asked Mrs. Edson Avhere Guiteau Avas. This Avas Avhile he expected to
recover. He then remarked he supposed the people Avould corae to him
some day Avith a petition to pardon the man, and he Avondered Avhat he
should do in the personal matter of life and death. Mrs. Edson told him
she should think he Avould do nothing at all; that he surely could not
pardon such a man, and the President said : ' No, I do not suppose I
can.' And yet Mr. Charles Reed, to Avhom the American Bar is indebted
for introduction to its ranks of the prisoner Guiteau, undertnuk to say
the President regarded hira as an irresponsible raan."
Summing up the questions presented by the case upon Avhich they Avere
soon to be called upon to pass. Judge Porter said: "The first of the
questions for you to consider is. Was the prisoner insane on the 2d of
July? If he was not, the case is at an end, and your SA\'orn duty is
ended. " Second — If you find that he Avas insane on that day, Avas he in
sane to that degree that on the 2d of. July he did not knoAv that murder
was morally and legally wrong? If he Avas not insane to that degree,
you are bound under your oaths to convict hira.
" Third — If, in utter disregard of his confessions, under oath, you shall
find that he actually and honestly believed that God had coramanded him
to kill President Garfield, and that he AAas under a delusion — unless you
find further the fact that such delusion disabled him from knowing such
act Avas morally and legally Avrong — yim are bound under your oaths to
convict him.
"Fourth — If you find such delusion did not exist, that God com
manded him to do the act, and that such delusion Avas the sole product of

794 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
insanity, then, and then only, you can acquit him, Avhen you find he was
unable to control his own will ; and you must remeraber that under oath
he has sworn he Avas able to control it, for he said, ' Had Mrs. Garfield
been Avith him at the depot on the 2d of July, I Avould not have shot him.'
" Fifth — If you find that, even though he was partially insane, it re
sulted from his own malignity, his own depravity, yet still you are bound
under instruction of the Court to convict him.
" Sixth — If upon the Avhole case you have no reasonable doubt whether
he was partially or Avholly insane, if you believe that he knew his act was
legally and morally Avrong, you are, under your oath, bound to convict
hira. The law," said Judge Porter, " is founded upon reason, and it must
not be said that an American jury shall override law and establish a
principle which Avill let murder and rape and arson run riot through the
land." Mr. Porter then Avent on to discuss the points of law as laid doAvn by
Judge Cox in this case. After he had disposed of that question, he took
up again the question of responsibility of the prisoner. " What house.
hold," he said, " Avould be safe, Avhat church would protect its wor
shipers, if this man were to escape on the plea of irresponsibility? Is it
true, any man who has had an insane cousin, insane uncle, insane aunt,
or insane ancestor, and Avho is not himself insane, but knoAvs perfectly
well raurder is legally and morally Avrong, is to escape punishment? May
he stab, or shoot, or waylay, or murder in any form, by day, or by night,
and then claim, in his vindication, not that he is insane himself, but that
somebody was? If so, what is human life Avorth ?
" The principal claim by prisoner and his counsel is the atrocity of
this particular act. I do not deny his claim of being the most cold
blooded and savage, murderer of the last six thousand years. But he is
not alone, as he Avill find Avhen he coraes to those realms Avhere murderers
are consigned. Murder has existed in all ages. Four thousand years
ago there Avas inscribed on tables of stone the command to all people,
'Thou shalt not kill.' But Guiteau says that life is of small considera
tion. He says in one of his letters of consolation to the widow : ' Life
is but a fleeting dreara. His death raight have happened at any tirae.'
But the Lawgiver of the universe entertained different vieAvs on the value
of human life Avhen he said : 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shaU
his blood be shed.'"
Mr. Porter went on to refer to the prisoner's Ufe in Washington, and

SPEECH OF JUDGE PORTER. 795
asked, "Was this temporary raania, Abrahamic mania, or disease of the
brain, which resulted in murder for the benefit of Stalwarts of the Re
publican party?
" Gentkmen: If I went no farther, do you believe that this man's brain
was diseased ? I deal with nothing else now — was his brain diseased ?
And did the disease come and go, according to whether President Gar
field went out alone, or went out with his wife, or went out with his
children, or went to the Soldiers' Home, or went to the railroad depot?
Do you believe that the right remedy for a disease of the brain is to
make six weeks' preparation lor assassination, and that the shooting of
another man throug*i the spine is a cure for the disease? That is the
case, as the prisoner makes it out."
On the morning of the 25th, Judge Porter resumed his argument.
Admonished by the faUing snoAV and severity of the Aveather, from which
he had suffered, and from Avhich, doubtless, the jury also had suffered,
he felt it necessary to vary somewhat from his original intentions, and
trust to the intelligence and honor of the jury to supply his defects. He
would not, therefore, linger over the dry details of the evidence. Feel
ing it imperatively necessary that this case should be brought to a con
clusion as soon as possible, he would simply touch upon a feAV salient
points of the evidence.
"John W. Guiteau," said Judge Porter, "I believe to be an honest
man. He carae here ready to contribute his means, his evidence, and
his services to save a brother's life and honored father's name ; and yet
truth comes from his lips Avhich raust impress upon every one of you the
conviction that on the 2d of July this prisoner Avas as sane as you or I,
or the judge upon this bench."
Proceeding, Judge Porter contrasted the life and conduct, and deceitful,
swindling practices of the prisoner with the Apostle Paul's, in the light
of the prisoner's assumption that he, like Paul, Avas honestly engaged in
doing the Lord's Avork. Paul never palmed off brass Avatches for gold.
Continuing to read frora the evidence. Judge Porter Avas again and
again interrupted by the prisoner, Avho called out: "Read the record.
That's bigger than my brother. He's no brother to me, and never has
been till he came to this trial. It is contemptible in you to speak about
my brother in the Avay you do."
After this outburst. Judge Porter continued to speak for some minutes
without further interruption.

796 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Alluding to the incident of the watch. Judge Porter arraigned both
prisoner and counsel for their contemptuous manner of speaking of the
Avitnet-s, Edwards, as a "miserable Jew."
"I have yet to know," said the speaker, " that any man lives who could
have cause to feel ashamed that he sprang from the same race as the
Savior of mankind."
Passing on to a criticism of Dr. Spitzka's testimony, Mr. Porter said :
"I Avonder Avhether, if Lucifer happened to be on trial, Dr. Spitzka Avould
say of him, 'He was a moral imbecile, a moral monstrosity.' When
Satan fell, if we may believe the Book of inspiration, he fell from where?
From empyrean heights, and he sank into depths futim Avhich come those
temptations that lead men to crime, and doom them to punishment here
and hereafter. But there Avas a change' in Satan. Dr. Spitzka thinks
there never was a change in this man. He was a moral imbecile — that
is, Avicked frora the beginning."
Commenting on Reed's allusion to Charlotte Corday, Porter said : " The
Avoidd had lived, since the year of the French Revolution, in ignorance
of tli3 fact, that the beautiful Charlotte Corday Avas insane. It Avas left
to Reed to announce that fact. She can not turn in her grave to belie
it, but there are some of us who knoAv something of the history of that
wonderful woman's true patriotism, Avhich led to au assassination that Avas
justified, if ever assassination was justified."
The prisoner. — You would have hung her if you had been there.
Mr. Porter. — She was no sneaking coAvard. She left the house in
Avhich she Avas reared to deliver France ; to stay the hand of revolution
ary slaughter; to lay her own head underneath the guillotine to save
France's blood. She believed it to be her duty to the France she loved, and
she made her Avay with deliberate preparation, sane in mind and devoted
in purpose, ready to die that others might live. And she, succeeding in
finding her way to the man who held in his right hand the lives of millions
of Frenchmen, and who, by jotting a mark of blood opposite a name,
could hurry men into the dismal dark dungeon, from which there was
no escape except through the guillotine, she devoted herself to her work,
not after providing for her own safety, not Avith the idea of securing
rcAvards from others.
Passing on to the expert testimony, Mr. Porter said: "Every one of the
thirteen experts has sworn, on personal exaraination, that the prisoner
never was insane, and three of thera were witnesses who had come under
subpoenas from the defense, believing from public rumor, he was insane."

CHAEGE OF JUDGE COX. 797
Prisoner.— They all .said 1 was insane on the 2d of July, until they saw
Corkhill, and they changed their rainds.
Mr. Porter. — They examined him, came to the conclusion that he Avas
sane, and notified counsel for the defense that they should so swear.
Three of them remained. Those men were subpojnaed on both sides,
themselves foremost men in their specialty, and selected because they
Avere men of European reputation. All swore there Avas no disease of the
brain in this man, no insanity, but that he Avas as sane as any of us.
Pressing the assertion that Guiteau Avas actuated by revenge and a
desire for notoriety. Judge Porter compared him to a noted criminal in
Europe. "I don't recall his name," said Judge Porter, "but he .«aid:
'I am the ugliest man in Europe.'" — ("Well, you Avas n't there," inter
rupted Guiteau. "You'll be the ugliest man in history though.") "I
Avould rather be the ugliest man in Europe, and have notoriety, than re
main in the ranks of mediocrity."
ilr. Porter, much Avearied by his long effort, closed his able and exhaust
ive argument as follows:
"Gentlemen, the time has corae Avhen I raust close. The Government
has presented its case before you, and Ave have endeavored to discharge
our duty to the best of our ability. His Honor has endeavored to dis
charge his. I knoAV you will be faithful to your oaths, and di.-^charge
yours; so discharge it, that by your action, at least, political assassina
tion shall find no sanction to make it a precedent hereafter. He Avho
has ordained that human life shall be shielded by human laAV frora human
crirae, presides over your deliberations, and the verdict Avhich shall be
given or withheld to-day, Avill be recorded where Ave all have to appear.
I trust that the verdict Avill be prorapt, that it will represent the majesty
of the law, your integrity, and the honor of the country; and that this
trial, which has so deeply interested all nations of the earth, raay result
in a warning, reaching all lands, that political murder shall not be used as
a means of promoting party ends, or political revolutions. I trust also
the time shall corae, in consequence of the attention that shall be called
to considerations groAving out of this trial, Avhen by international arrange
ment between various Governments, laAv shall be so strengthened, that
political assassins shall find no refuge on the face of the earth."
CHAEGE TO THE JURY.
Judge Cox, at 3:15 p. m., proceeded to deliver his charge to the jury.
He commenced by saying: "The Constitution provides that in all criminal

798 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right of a speedy and public trial,
by an impartial jury in the State or District where the crime shall have
been committed; that he shall be informed of the cause and nature of the
accusation against him ; that he shall be confronted Avith the witnesses
against hira; that he shall have corapulsory process to obtain witnesses
in his favor, and that he shall have assistance of counsel in his defense.
These provisions vere intended for the protection of the innocent from
injustice and oppression, aud it Avas only by their faithful observance that
guilt or innocence could be fairly ascertained. Every accused person Avas
presumed to be innocent until the accusation was proved. With what
difficulty and trouble the laAv had been administered in the present case
the jurors had been daily Avitnesses. It was, hoAvever, a consolation to
thjnk that not one of those sacred guaranties of the Constitution had been
violated in the person of the accused. At last the long chapter of proof
Avas ended. ' The task of the advocate was done,' and it uoav rested with
the jury to deterraine the issue between public justice and the prisoner at
the bar. No one could feel more keenly than himself the great respon
sibility of his duties, and he felt he could only discharge them by close
adherence to law laid doAvn by its highest authorities. Before proceeding
further he wished to notice an incident which had taken place pending
the recent argument. The prisoner had frequently taken occasion to
proclaim that public opinion, as was evident by the press and correspond
ence, Avas in his favor. Those declarations could not be prevented, ex
cept by the process of gagging the prisoner. Any suggestion that the
jury could be influenced by such lawless chattering of the prisoner would
have seeraed to hira absurd ; and he should have felt he was insulting
the intelligence of the jury if he had warned them not to regard it.
Counsel for prosecution had felt it necessary, however, in the final argu
ment, to interpose a contradiction to such statements, and exceptions had
been taken on the part of the accused to the forra in which that effort
was raade. For the sole purpose of purging the record of any objection
able matter, he should simply say anything which had been said on either
side in reference to public excitement or to neAvspaper opinions, was not
to be regarded by the jury. The indictment charged the defendant Avith
having murdered James A. Garfield, and it Avas the duty of the court
to explain the nature of the crime charged. When murder was com
mitted, Avhere a person of sound memory and discretion unlaAvfully killed
a reasonable being, in the peace of the United States, with malice afore-

CHARGE OF JUDGE COX. 799
thought, it had to be proved, first — that death was caused by the act of
the accused, and further, it was caused with raalice aforethought. That
did not mean, however, the Government had to prove any ill-Avill or
hatred on the part of the accused toAvard the deceased. Wherever homi
cide Avas shown to nave been committed Avithout laAvful authority and
Avith deliberate intent, it Avas sufficiently proved to have been done Avith
malice aforethought, and malice Avas not disproved by shoAving the
accused had no personal ill-will toAvards the deceased, and that he killed
him from other motives, as, for instance, robber)', or through mistaking
him for another, or (as claimed in this case) to produce public benefit.
If it could be shown the killing occurred in the heat of passion, or under
provocation, then it would appear there Avas no premeditated attempt,
and, therefore, no malice aforethought, and that Avould reduce the crirae
to raanslaughter. It Avas hardly necessary, however, to say there was
nothing of that kind in the present case. The jury would have to say
either defendant Avas guilty of raurder, or he Avas innocent. In order to
constitute the crime of murder, the assassin must have a reasonably sane
mind. In technical terms, he raust be 'of sound mind, memory, and
discretion.' An irresponsibly insane man could not commit murder.
If he was laboring under disease of the mental faculties to such an extent
that he did not knoAV what he Avas doing, or knoAv it was wrong, then he
was wanting in that sound mind, memory, and discretion. That was a part
of the definition of murder. In the next place, every defendant was pre
sumed innocent until the accusation against him Avas established by proof
In the next place, notwithstanding this presumption of innocence, it Avas
equally true that the defendant was presumed to be sane, and to have
been so.at the time the crime was committed; that is to say, the Gov
ernment was not bound to show affirmatively, as part of its proof,
defendant was sane, as insanity was the exception, and as a majority of
men are sane. The law presumed the latter condition of every man
until some reason was shown to believe to the contrary. The burden was,
therefore, on the defendant, Avho set up insanity as an excuse for the
crime, to produce proofs, in the first instance, to show that the presump
tion was mistaken, so far as it related to the prisoner.
"The crime, therefore, involved three elements: the killing, mahce,
and responsible raind in the raurderer. After all the evidence was
before the jury, if the jury, while bearing in mind both these pre
sumptions—that is, that the defendant is innocent till he is proved

800 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
guilty, and that he is sane till the contrary appears — still entertained
what is called a reasonable doubt on any ground, or as to any of the
essential element- of the crime, then the defendant Avas entitled to the
benefit of that doubt, and to acquittal. It Avas important to explain to
the jury here in the best Avay that the court could, Avhat is a reasonable
doubt. He could hardly venture to give an exact definition of the term,
for he did not know of any succe.s-ful attempt to do so. As to the que.=-
tions relating to human affairs, knowledge of which is derived from testi
mony, it Avas impossible to have the same moral certainty that is created
by scientific demonstration ; the only certainty that the jury could have
was the moral certainty depending upon tbe confidence which the jury
had in the integrity of witnesses and their capacity and opportunity
to knoAV the truth. If, for exaraple, facts not improbable in themselves,
were attested by numerous witnesses, credible and uncontradicted, and
Avho had every opportunity to knoAv the truth, a rea.-onable or moral cer
tainty would be inspired hy that testimony. In such case doubt would
be unreasonable, or imaginary, or speculative. It ought not to be doubt
as to whether the party might not be innocent, in the face of the strong
proofs of his guilt, but it raust be a sincere doubt Avhether he had been
proved guilty, even Avhere testiraony was contradictory, and AA'here as
much credit should be given to one side as the other, the same result
might be produced. On the other hand, opposing proofs might be so
balanced that the jury might justly doubt on which side, under all the
circumstances, the truth lay, and in such case the accused party was
entitled to the benefit of the doubt. All that the jury could be expected
to do was to be reasonably and morally certain of the facts which they
declared to be their verdict. In illustrating this point. Judge Cox quoted
the charge of Chief Justice Shaw, of Massachusetts, in the case of the Com
monwealth vs. AVebster. With reference to evidence in this case, very
little comment Avas required by the court, except upon one question, the
others being hardly matters of dispute. That defendant fired the shot and
shot the decea-. d President, was abundantly proved. That the wound was
fatal had been testified to by surgeons who Avere competent to speak, and
they AA'ere uncontradicted ; that the homicide was committed Avith malice
aforethought (if defendant Avere capable of criramal intent or malice)
could hardly be gainsaid. It Avas not necessary to prove that any special
or express hatred or raaUce was entertained by the accused toward the
deceased. They would find httle difficulty in reaching a conclusion as to
all the eleraents that made up the crirae charged in the indictraent,

CHARGE OF JUDGE COX. 801
except it might be as to the one of sound mind, memory, and discretion.
But that Avas ouly a technical expression for a responsible, sane man. He
noAv approached that difficult question. He had already said a man Avho
is insane in the sense that makes him irresponsible, can not corarait a
crime. The defense of insanity had been so abused as to be brought into
great discredit. It was a last resort in cases of unquestionable guilt. It
had been an excuse for juries to bring in a A'erdict of acquittal when there
Avas public sympathy for the accused, and especially Avhere there was
provocation for homicide according to public sentiment, but not according
to law. For that reason the defense of insanity was — it was sufficient to
prove the act was done by dehberate intent, as distinct frora an act done
under certain impulse, in the heat of blood, and with previous malice.
Evidence has t)een exhibited to the jury tending to show that defendant
admitted in his own handwriting that he had conceived the idea of ' remov
ing the President,' as he called it, six weeks before the shooting; that
he had deliberated upon it, and come to the determination to do it, and
that about two weeks before he accomplished it he stationed hiraself at
certain points to do the act, but for sorae reason was prevented. His
preparation for it by the purchase of a pistol had been shoAvn.
"All these facts came up to the full measure of proof required to estab
lish what the laAV denominated malice aforethought. The jury would
view it Avith disfavor, and public sentiment Avas hostile to it ; nevertheless,
if insanity were established to a degree necessary it Avas a perfect defense
for an indictment for murder, and must be alloAved full weight. It
would be observed that in this case there was no trouble Avith any ques
tion about what might be called total insanity, such as raving mania or
absolute imbecility, in Avhich all exercise of reason is Avanting, and where
there is no recognition of persons or things or their relations, but there
was a debatable border left between sanity and insanity.
" The jury would bear in mind that the man did not become irresponsible
by the mere fact of his being partially insane, as the law assuraed every
one at the outset to be sane and reponsible. The question Avas: what
Avas there in this case to show the contrary as to defendant? The jury
was not warranted in inferring that a raan Avas insane from the mere
fact of his comraitting a crirae, or from the enormity of the crime,
because the law presumes there is a bad motive, and that crime is
prompted by mahce if nothing else appears.
" He had dwelt upon the question of an insane delusion, simply because
the evidence relating to that was evidence touching the defendant's power.
51

802 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
or Avant of power (frora mental disease), to distinguish between right and
wrong, as to an act done by him. This Avas a broad question for the jury
to determine, and Avas Avhat was relied upon by the defense. The only
safe rule, however, was for the jury to direct its attention to the one test
of criminal responsibility, naraely, ' whether the prisoner possessed mental
capacity at the time the act Avas committed to know that it Avas Avrong,
or Avhether he Avas deprived of that capacity by mental disease.' There
Avas one important distinction Avhich the jury must not lose sight of, and
they must decide how far it was applicable to this case. That was the
distinction between mental and moral obliquity; betAveen mental in
capacity to distinguish between right and Avrong and moral insensibility
to that distinction."
The judge, in concluding, said: "And now, gentlemen, to sum up all I
have said to you, if you find from the whole evidence that, at the time
of the coraraission of the homicide, the prisoner was laboring under such
defect of his reason that he Avas incapable of understanding Avhat he Avas
doing, or seeing it was a Avrong thing to do ; as, for example, if he was
under an insane delusion that the Almighty had commanded him to do
the act, then he was not in a responsible condition of mind, but was an
object of compassion, and should be acquitted. If, on the other hand,
you find he was under, no insane delusion, but had possession of his
faculties, and had power to knoAv his act Avas wrong, and of his own free
will he deliberately conceived the idea and executed homicide, then,
whether his motives were personal vindictiveness.. political animosity,
desire to avenge supposed political wrongs, or morbid desire for notoriety ;
or, if you are unable to discover any motive at all, the act is simply murder,
and it is your duty to find a verdict of guilty as indicted; or [after
suggestion from Scoville to that effect], if you find the prisoner is not
guilty by reason of insanity, it is your duty to say so. You Avill noAv
retire to your room and considet your verdict."
During the delivery of the judge's charge, which Avas completed at
4:40 p. M., there was perfect stillness in the croAvded court-room, and
even the prisoner kept absolutely quiet, with the exception of one or two
feeble interruptions. The jury imraediately retired, and many spectators
left the roora.
After the jury had been out about twenty rainutes, recess was taken
until half-past five o'clock. Many of the audience, who had virtually
been imprisoned since half-past nine in the morning, availed themselves

"GUILTY AS INDICTED." 803
of the opportunity to obtain fresh air and lunch. The prisoner, at his
request, had been alloAved, soon after the jury left the court-room, to
retire to a little roora he had occupied since the trial began, as a wait
ing-room, during recess. Before leaving the court-room he evinced con
siderable nervousness, but on getting away to comparative seclusion his
usual composure and assurance soon returned to hira. He sent out for
some apples, Avith which he treated his attendants, meanwhile chatting
familiarly and good-naturedly. He was asked what he thought the jury
would do, and replied: "I think they Avill acquit me or disagree, don't
you?" Within ten minutes after recess had been taken tbe jury called to the
bailiff in waiting that they were ready with their verdict. They were
informed recess had been taken, and Judge Cox had left the court-room,
so they remained in their room until court reassembled.
The rumor that the jury had agreed was quickly spread from one to
another, and the excited crowd surged back into the court-room and
anxiously awaited what all seemed to expect, a verdict of guilty.
The musty antique room was devoid of gas, and a score or more of
candles which had been placed upon the desks of the judge, counsel, and
reporters, imparted a weird and fancifully unnatural aspect to the grim
old place. Shadows thrown upon the dark background of Avails seemed
like flitting specters, to usher in the somber procession of those who held
in their hands the destiny of a huraan life. First carae the prisoner, with
a quick, nervous step, and as he seated himself in the dock, perhaps for
the last time, the light of a solitary candle fell full upon his face, and
disclosed its more than usual pallor. Not a tremor of the limbs or
movement of muscles of the face was observable, as he threw back his
head and fixed his gaze upon the door through Avhich the jury were to
enter. Judge Cox soon afterward took his seat, the crier called
"Order!" and the jury, at 5:35, filed sloAvly into their seats. Every
sound was hushed, save the voice of the clerk, as he propounded to the
foreman the usual inquiry. Clear and distinct came the reply:
"We have."
" What is your verdict — guilty or not guilty ? "
With equal distinctness came the reply, " Guilty as indicted."
The pent up feelings of the crowd found expression in uproarious
demonstrations of applause and approval. "Order!" "order!" shouted
the bailiffs Scoville and the counsel for prosecution were simultaneously

804 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
upon their feet. Scoville attempted to address the court, but the Dis
trict Attorney shouted, "Wait till we. have the verdict complete and in
due form of law."
Order was at length restored, and the clerk again addressing the jury
said: " Your foreman says guilty as indicted." " So say you all?"
" We do," all responded.
Another demonstration of approval followed this announcement, but
not so prolonged as at first.
Scoville, still upon his feet, demanded a poll of the jury, which Avas
granted, and each juror was called hy name, and each promptly responded
"Guilty." As the last name was called the prisoner shrieked, "My blood will be
upon the heads of that jury, don't you forget it."
Scoville again addressed the court, saying:
"Your Honor, I do not desire to forfeit any right I may have under
the law and practice in this District. If there is any thing that I ought
to do UOAV to save these rights, I would be indebted to your Honor to
indicate it to me."
Judge Cox in reply assured him he should have every opportunity ; that
the charge would be furnished him in print the next day, and he would be
accorded all the time alloAved by law Avithin which to flip his exceptions,
and that he would also be entitled to four days within which to move in
arrest of judgment.
Guiteau (who sat with rigid features and compressed lips) called out in
tones of desperation : " God will avenge this outrage."
Judge Cox then turned to the jury and said :
"Gentlemen of the jury, I can not express too many thanks for the
manner in which your have discharged you duty. You have richly
merited the thanks of your countryraen, and I feel assured you will take
with you to your homes the approval of your consciences. With thanks,
gentleraen of the jury, I dismiss you."
With this announcement the court was declared adjourned. As the
prisoner was put into the van, the crowd of men and boys yelled and
shouted themselves hoarse in mockery of the prisoner's constant boast,
"The American press and people are all with me." The van was quickly
driven away, followed, till out of sight, by the jeers and yells of the
crowd.

SNYDER RAISES A BREEZE. 805
Mr. Scoville availed himself of the earliest opportunity to raake
a motion for a new trial. Scarcely had the smoke of the conflict
in the court-room cleared away until certain and sundry questions
Avere raised by the attorneys for the defense, respecting the valid
ity of the proceedings by which Guiteau had been condemned.
One of the points first mooted Avas the old question of the juris
diction of the court. Judge Cox had passed upon this matter at
an early stage of the trial, deciding that the jurisdiction of the
crime lay in the District courts, and not in those of New Jersey.
But it was thought by Guiteau's counsel that perhaps the court in
banc — that is, all the judges sitting together on a case — would re
verse Judge Cox's decision. On the second day after the trial
closed another point was raised which created quite a breeze of
exciteraent. A certain Frederick Snyder brought to Mr. Scoville
a copy of the Washington Evening Critic, on the margin of which
Avere written the names of four or five of the jurymen. He re
ported that, lodging at the sarae hotel where the jury were quar
tered, and just opposite their roora, his attention was draAvn
thither and that he observed through the open door and lying on
the table around Avhich the jury assembled the copy of the paper
bearing their names. The signatures were apparently genuine.
The paper was a daily, bearing date of that day on which William
Jones had attempted to shoot Guiteau in the prison van. The
plain inference was that unless the whole thing Avere a job, the
jury had by reading this paper — contrary to the statute and the
positive injunction of the court — vitiated their whole work.
Snyder raade an affidavit to the truth of his stateraents, and there
was a sensation. The names Avritten on the paper Avere those of
jurymen Bright, Brandenburg, Heinlin, and Jackson, and besides
these, the word "Michael," which was by hypothesis the cattle-
guard of the Hon. Michael Sheehan of Celtic fame.
For a night the defense seeraed to have it. But when the jury
men made counter-affidavits that they had never seen a copy of the
Critic or any other newspaper during the progress of the trial, the
defense seemed to have it no longer. Meanwhile the " lawyer,
politician, and theologian," who had been guilty of murdering the

806 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
President, sent out, on the morning of January 26th, what he was
pleased to call "An Appeal to the Araerican People." A single
paragraph aa'IU show the tone aud style of the document :
To the American People :
Twelve men say I wickedly murdered James A. Garfield. They did
it on the false notion that I am a disappointed office-seeker. My speech,
they say, made no impression on them. I am not surprised at the ver
dict, considermg their class. They do not pretend to be Christian men,
and therefore did not appreciate the idea of inspiration. They are men
of the Avorld, and of moderate intelligence, and therefore are not capable
of appreciating the character of my defense. According to one of thera,
"We had grog at each meal and a cigar afterwards," which showed their
style and habits. Men of this kind can not represent the great Christian
Nation of America. Had they been high-toned. Christian gentlemen, their
verdict would have been "Not guilty."
On the 28th of the month Mr. Scoville filed with the clerk of
the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, papers upon which
he based his raotion or motions for a new trial.
The grounds on which the motion was based were elaborated
under twelve counts, of which the most important were those re
citing the finding of the newspaper in the jury-room, with the
names of the members written on the margin, and the allegation
of new evidence discovered during and after the trial, raaterial in
its character, and unknown to counsel while the cause was pend
ing. The finding of the newspaper was sustained by the affidavit
of Frederick H. Snyder, and the allegation of new evidence by the
oath of Mr. Scoville himself.
After the filing of these affidavits the court appointed February
3d for the hearing of argument on the motion. At the appointed
time the matter was taken up and elaborately argued by Mr.
Scoville for the defense, and by Mr. Davidge and Colonel Corkhill
for the prosecution. The judge then took the motion under advise
ment till the morrow — the day of fate.
On the morning of the 4th of February the criminal court of the
District was opened as usual. After a few preliminaries and sorae
introductory passages between Mr. Scoville and Colonel Corkhill,

THE BEGINNING OF THE END. 807
Judge Cox immediately began to read from manuscript his decision
upon the motion. This decision AA'as listened to with the very
closest attention by the prisoner, counsel for both sides, and the
spectators. The occasion was one of the quietest and most impress
ive of the Avhole trial.
He discussed at some length the circurastances attending the finding
of the newspaper in the room of one of the bailiffs of the jury in the
case. First, as to the handAvriting, there are several circumstances that
make it impossible that at least two of the names upon tbe margin of the
paper were written by the gentlemen themselves. Second, if, as sug
gested, this paper was lying on the table in the bailiff's roora, and gen
tlemen of the jury in writing in albums first tried their pens upon the
margin, it Avould amount to nothing in the face of the sworn affidavits
of every member of the jury that they did not see or read a paper at
any tirae during the trial. No one could sAvear to the fact that the
jurors did write upon the paper, while they all swear they did not, and
there is no reason to doubt their veracity.
So far as the discovery of new evidence is concerned, the evidence to
be introduced is as to the prisoner's manner and appearance prior to the
assassination. If there had been no evidence introduced upon this sub
ject, there raight be some force in the request, but a dozen or more
Avitnesses testified on the trial as to his manner and appearance covering
a period of time from March until the commission of the act. The evi
dence noAV sought to be introduced would be raerely cumulative, and
would not affect the verdict.
As to the expert witness whose admissions after trial are alleged to
have been different from his evidence given upon trial. Judge Cox said un
sworn admissions of this character could never be considered as ground for
overturning a verdict that may have been obtained through the evidence of
the very witness who, frora a corrupt raotive, raight seek to reverse a verdict.
From all the papers presented. Judge Cox summed up :
" I am unable to find any reason to grant the motion, Avhich is, there
fore, overruled."
Colonel Corkhill at once renewed his motion that the prisoner be
sentenced. Judge Cox (to the prisoner) — Stand up. Have you any thing to say
why sentence should not now be passed upon you ?
Guiteau — I ask your Honor to postpone sentence as long as possible.

808 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Judge Cox — Stand up. Have you any thing to say why sentence
should not now be pronounced upon you ?
The prisoner then arose, pale, but with lips compressed and desperate
determination stamped upon his features. In a low and deliberate tone
lie began, but soon his manner becarae wild and violent, and pounding
upon the table he delivered hiraself of the following harangue:
" I ara not guilty of the charge set forth in the indictment. It Avas
Gild's act, not mine, and God will take care of it, and don't let the
American people forget it. He will take care of it, and every officer
of this Government, frora the Executive down to that Marshal, taking in
every man on that jury, and every member of this bench, will pay for
it, and the American Nation will roll in blood, if my body goes into the
ground, and I am hung. The Jews put the despised Galilean in the
grave. For the time they triumphed ; but at the destruction of Jerusa
lem, forty years afterwards, the Almighty got even with them. I am
not afraid of death ; I am here as God's man. Kill me to-morrow if you
want to; I am God's man, and I have been from the start."
As soon after this vehement outbreak as quiet could be restored,
the Judge proceeded to pronounce
the sentence of death.
Addressing the prisoner, his Honor said:
" You have been convicted of a crirae so terrible in its circumstances
and so far-reaching in its results that it has drawn upon you the horror
of the whole world and the execrations of your countrymen. The ex
citement produced by such an offense made it no easy task to secure for
you a fair and impartial trial, but you have had the power of the United
States Treasury and of the Governraent in your service to protect your
person from violence and to procure evidence from all parts of the
country. " You have had as fair and impartial a jury as ever assembled in a
court of justice. You have been defended by counsel with a zeal and
devotion that merit the highest encomium, and I certainly have done my
b'-st to secure a fair presentation of your defense. Notwithstanding all
this, you have been found guilty. It would have been a comfort to many
people if the verdict of the jury had established the fact that your act
was that of an irresponsible man. It would have left the people the
satisfying belief that the crime of political assassination was something

TIIE SENTENCE OF DEATH. 809
entirely foreign to the institutions and civilization of our country. But
the result has denied them that comfort. The country will accept it as
a fact that the crime can be committed, and the court will have to deal
with it with the highest penalty known to the criminal code, to serve as
an example to others. Your career has been so extraordinary that
people might well, at times, have doubted your sanity. But one can not
but believe that Avhen the crirae Avas coraraitted you thoroughly under
stood the nature of the crirae and its consequences, [Guiteau — I was
acting as God's man.] and that you had raoral sense and conscience
enough to recognize the moral iniquity of such an act. [Prisoner — That 's
a matter of opinion.] Your own testiraony shoAvs that you recoiled with
horror from the idea. You say that you prayed against it. You say
that you thought it might be prevented. This sh(jws that your con
science warned you against it, but by the wretched sophistry of your own
mind you worked yourself up against the protest of your own conscience.
What motive could have induced you to this act raust be a matter of con
jecture. Probably men will think that some fanaticism or morbid desire
for self-exaltation was the real inspiration for the act. Your own testi
mony seems to controvert the theories of your counsel. They have main
tained, and thought honestly, I believe, that you were driven against
your will by an insane impulse. Testimony shoAved that you deliberately
resolved to do it, and that yonr deliberate and misguided will Avas the
sole impulse.
"This may seem insanity to some persons, but the law looks upon it as
a willful crirae. You will have due opportunity of having any errors I
may have committed during the course of the trial, passed upon by the
court in banc, but meanwhile it is necessary for me to pronounce the
sentence of the law, that you be taken hence to the common jail of the
District, from whence you came, and there be kept in confinement, and
on Friday, the 30th day of June, 1882, you be taken to the place pre
pared for the execution, within the walls of said jail, and there, between
the hours of 12 m. and 2 p. m., you be
HANGED BY THE NECK UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD,
and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
During the reading, Guiteau .stood apparently unmoved, and
with his gaze riveted upon the Judge, but when the final words were
spoken, he struck the table violently and shouted, "And may the

810 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
Lord have mercy on your soul. I'd rather stand where I do than
Avhere that jury does, and Avhere your Honor docs. I'm not afraid
to die. I stand here as God's man, and God Almighty Avill curse
every man Avho has had a part in procuring this unrighteous ver
dict. Nothing but good has come frora Garfield's removal, and
that will be the verdict of posterity on my inspiration. I don't
care a snap for the verdict of this corrupt generation. I Avould
rather a thousand times be in my position than in that of those
who have hounded me to death. I shall have a glorious flight to
glorv, but that raiserable scoundrel, Corkhill, will have a perma
nent job down bcloAV, where the devil is preparing for him."
After apparently talking hiraself into exhaustion, the prisoner
turned to his brother and Avithout the slighest trace of excitement
conversed for .some minutes before being taken from the court
room. He was then immediately conveyed to the jail and put into
a 'eel] with a guard stationed at the door, after the manner in vogue
with crirainals condemned to death. With the shadows of evening
the darkness gathered around the place where the wretch lay hid
den, and a solemn curtain Avas drawn between the blasted life of
Charles Guiteau and the bu.^y scenes of the Avorld.
After the sentence of the criminal every effort Avas made to put
him out of the public thought. The neAvspapers exhorted one an
other to say nothing more about hira, and yet each Avas anxious to
obtain and publish the latest intelligence of the prisoner and his
doings. According to the sentence of the Court, four months and
tAventy-six days Avere to intervene before the execution. During
this time hardly any issue of the daily press appeared without some
reference to Guiteau's words, actions, or prosjiccts. One of the
first sensations was his break with Mr. Scoville. The latter, it
Avill be reraerabered, had from the first adopted a theory of the
crime again.st which Guiteau had protested. After Scoville's
defense had failed, the assassin upbraided him Avith the failure, and
indulged in such torrents of abuse that the mutual aversion be
tAveen the two became an abyss. Scoville was dismissed by the
ingratc, and Av.as glad to be relieved of the thankless burden
Avhich he had borne for several months. Mr. Charles H. Reed

THE EXECUTION. 811
remained as sole counsel for the condemned, and on him was
devoh'cd the hopeless task of saving his client's neck from the halter.
Mr. Reed set about the work before him with sagacity and
earnestness. His first step was an appeal to the court in banc —
that is, to the full bench of which Judge Cox Avas a member.
This appeal was made, was heard, and — failed. The next step
Avas the more important one of an appeal to the Supreme Court
of the United States. The basis on which the petition was filed
was the old question of the jurisdiction of the Court which had
tried the cause. This appeal, like the other, Avas heard and —
failed. The last step of all was to sue out a writ of habeas corpus
before the same tribunal. There were apprehensions that this
writ Avould be granted, and several rumors were set afloat that
such an issue might be expected, but it was none the less refused,
and the last hope of the assassin, so fer as legal interference was
concerned, perished. There remained only the vague belief on the
part of himself and counsel that the President would interfere on
the score of Guiteau's possible — perhaps probable — insanity. This
hope, if hope it might be called, was also destined to be blasted ;
for Avhatever the President might have felt or believed respecting
the sanity or insanity of the murderer of his predecessor, he could
not Avell have interfered even to save an irresponsible wretch
from the clutches of the American people who had determined
that he should die. To have done so might have been the act of
.a wise man and philosopher, but would have hardly been an act
of that sort of political sagacity which consists in allowing public
prejudice to have its way, right or wrong. Albeit, the class of
statesmen who esteem the judgment of posterity above the ruling
caprice of the hour is an extinct race. The bones of the giants
are buried in the debris of the pleiocene.
So Guiteau was left to hang. It was only a question of tirae.
The weeks rolled into months, and the assassin's life narrowed to
a hand-breadth. The summer came in; the people waited im
patiently for the " hangin'," and the newspapers got ready to sell
a big edition. What is a wretched human life in comparison with
the sale of a big edition ?

812 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
The gallows upon which Guiteau was to suffer death was erected
at the end of one of the corridors of the jail. It was arranged
that only a limited number of spectators should be admitted to
witness the final tragedy. As the time drew near there was very
little change in the demeanor of the condemned man. Dr. Hicks,
a Baptist clergyman, became his attendant and spiritual adviser.
Guiteau protested constantly that he was " God's man," and that
I he had been " inspired " to shoot the President. Dr. Hicks soon
\ became convinced that the assassin was an insane man, and made
unwearied efforts to deliver him from the jaws of death. He
went frequently to the President, as did also the brother, John W.
Guiteau, with the hope of securing a respite or commutation, but
all to no purpose. The man who did the deed of the 2d of July
must pay for it with his life.
With the coming of the 30th of June, Washington City Avas in
a fever of excitement. Congress was no longer a " counter attrac
tion." ¦ The jail was now the center of interest. All the " IcAvd
fellows of the baser sort " were out in full glory. An execution is
always a red-letter day for roughs and criminals. The thoughtful
man who gives himself to productive pursuits or professional labor
turns away from the scene with disgust or horror.
During Guiteau's last night on earth he was somewhat restless,
but slept at intervals. In the morning he arose as usual, and
prepared to go to his doom. Just before the execution the scene
outside the jail was a study, and a fitting coraraentary upon the-
raorbid nature of the human race. The jail itself is flanked in
front by a hill, running probably half a mile, left there by the
march of improvement when the roadway was cut -away. Upon
this were perched hundreds of people, male and female, black and
white, young and old. Mothers, even, with babes in their arms,
sat in the direct rays of the noonday sun. On either side of the
level of the roadway there Avere thousands of people of both
sexes. Here, too, had been extemporized booths for beer, lemonade,
fruits and nuts. The crowd had no possible chance to see or hear
what was going on, but even hours after the hanging lurked
around. The direct road leading to the jail is lined with houses

THE EXECUTION. 813
in which the lower classes live. The occupants had for months
seen the prison van which bore Guiteau during his trial to and
frora the jail as it passed and repassed. The small windows of
these houses were black with people, watching with interest the
cavalcade of carriages on their way to the scene of death. Im
raediately surrounding the jail there was, of course, the usual
croAvd, Avho, having no right, sought to gain adraission by any pre
text. Not a few were insolent and drunk. To keep back such as
pressed upon those in charge of .the admissions, thirty mounted
policemen were on guard. The crowd was good humored, how
ever, and the badinage over the tragedy about to be enacted Avas
any thing but complimentary to him who was to be its central
figure. Meanwhile the sun reflected its meridian rays, and the
wind bore to the breeze clouds of dust. Ladies had fainting spells,
the babies cried. Still all had come to stay, and so they did until
long after the death of the assassin.
The execution had been fixed according to custom to take place
between the hours of twelve noon and two P. M. By nine o'clock
in the forenoon hundreds, perhaps thousands of people had
assembled. Meanwhile, Rev. Mr. Hicks was iu and out of
Guiteau's cell during the raorning, and at nine o'clock the prisoner
informed him that he had prepared a programme of exercises on
the scaffold, which he wanted carried out. The exercises embraced
a prayer, or dying address, the reading of the tenth chapter of
Matthew, and a " poem " which he had composed in the raorning,
entitled " Childlike Siraplicity ; or. Religious Baby Talk." At
the conclusion of the reading he desired the trap to be sprung. He
especially requested that the procession leave his cell precisely at
twelve M., the signal to be the blowing of the noonday Avhistle from
the Alms-house, a few squares distant. Mr. Hicks said he saAv no
objection to this progrararae, and so inforraed Warden Crocker,
who took the sarae view, and at once sent a message to the Alms
house authorities, asking them to delay the blowing of the whistle
until 12:20 P. M., as it would not be convenient for him to start
the procession before that tirae.
At his last interview before leaving the cell for the scaffold, the

814 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
minister reported that Guiteau still held to his inspiration theory,
and Avas vociferous in declaring that he was God's man, and that
the American Nation would go down in blood for his " murder."
A few minutes after twelve. Warden Crocker, the Rev. Mr.
Hicks, and several other gentlemen, now entered Guiteau's cell,
Avhen General Crocker read the death Avarrant, to which Guiteau
paid respectful attention, simply remarking at the close, "It's
all right." About ten rainutes later the arrangements were com
pleted, and the hour of retribution struck. The half dozen persons
in and about the cell passed out with Guiteau in the raid.st going to
hi.-, death. They passed across the corridor, ascended a flight of
.steps, and stood upon the gallows. Here Rev. Mr. Hick's deliv
ered a brief prayer, and then there was a slight shuffle and change
of positions preparatory to the final act. Then Guiteau read the
Scriptures, his own selection, the tenth chapter of Matthew, from
the. tAventy-eighth to the forty-first verses. He read in a loud
rhetorical way the words :
" Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul ; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and
body in hell."
He went on without a tremor or any audible sign of emotion to
the end. It was an extraordinary scene. Hicks held the book
which the murderer's pinioned arms would not allow him to take,
just opposite his breast and close to it, and Guiteau read it, not
Avith his eyes pinned to it, but generally looking straight in front
of him. As he went on the reason for his selection appeared. It
seemed as if he had been pleased to find a comprehen.sive cnr.se,
which included a particular allusion to Scoville and Scoville's
doraestic difficulties, and a proper rebuke for Scoville's efforts to
befriend him.
When he had finished this reading he advanced a little to the
front and announced his
DYING PRAYER ON THE GALLOWS,
As follows:
" My dying prayer on the galloAvs. Father, noAv I go to Thee
and the Savior. I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do.

THE EXECUTION. 815
and ara only too happy to go to Thee. The world does not yet
appreciate my mission, but Thou knowest it. Thou knowest Thou
didst inspire Garfield's reraoval, and only good has come from it.
This is the best evidence that the inspiration came from Thee, and
I have set it forth in my book, that all men may read and may
know that Thon, Father, did inspire the act for which I am
murdered. This Government and Nation I know by this act Avill
incur Thy eternal enmity, as did the Jews by killing Thy man, my
Savior. The retribution in that case came quick and sharp ; aud I
know Thy Divine law of retribution will strike this Nation and my
murderers in the same way. The diabolical spirit of this Nation,
its Government, and its newspapers toward me will justify Thee in
cursing thera, and I know that the divine law of retribution is
inexorable. I, therefore, predict this nation will go down in blood,
and my murderers, from the Executive to the hangman, will go to
hell. Thy laws are inexorable, O Thou Supreme Judge! Woe
unto men that violate Thy laws ! Only weeping and gnashing of
teeth aAvaits them. The American press has a large bill to settle
Avith Thee, righteous Father. For their vindictiveness in this
matter nothing but blood will satisfy them ; and now my blood be
on them, and on this Nation and its officials. Arthur, ,the Presi
dent, is a coward and an ingrate. His ingratitude to the man that
made hira and saved his party and the land from overthrow has no
parallel in history. But Thou, righteous Father, Avill judge him.
Father, Thou knowest me, but the world hath not known me ; and
now I go to Thee and the Savior Avithout the slightest ill-Avill
toAvard a human being. Farewell, ye raen of earth."
At several points he had paused and endeavored to irapart
increased emphasis to his Avords by a peculiar facial expression so
often observed during the trial Avhen he was angered at something
which Avas said or done. This was peculiarly noticeable Avhen he
alluded to President Arthur, and wiien he declared that this
Nation would " go down in blood."
HIS LAST " POEM."
When he had finished reading his prayer he again surveyed the

816 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
crowd, and said, still with a firra voice, " I am now going to read
some verses which are intended to indicate my feelings at the
moment of leaving this world. If set to music they may be
rendered effective. The idea is that of a child babbling to his
mamma and his papa. I wrote it this morning about ten o'clock."
He then commenced to chant these verses in a sad, doleful style :
I am going to the Lordy,
I am so glad.
I am going to the Lordy,
I am so glad.
I am going to the Lordy ;
Glory, hallelujah.
Glory, hallelujah,
I am going to the Lordy.
I love the Lordy with all my soul ;
Glory, hallelujah ;
And that is the reason I am going to the Lord,
Glory, hallelujah, glory, hallelujah,
I am going to the Lord.
Here Guiteau's voice failed, and he bowed his head and broke
into sobs, but he rallied a little and went on with his chant:
I saved my party and my land.
Glory hallelujah.
But they have murdered me for it, and that is the reason I am going to the Lordy.
Glory hallelujah, glory hallelujah,
I am going to the Lordy.
Here again his feelings overcame him, and he leaned his head
on the shoulder of Dr. Hicks and sobbed pitifully. Still he
Avent on: I wonder what I will do when I get to the Lordy.
I guess I will weep no more when I get to the Lordy.
Glory hallelujah !
Here there was another interruption, caused by sobs and
emotions, which he was unable to repress. He wept bitterly, and
then, with quivering lips and raoanful tones, he finished his ditty :
I wonder what I will see when I get to the Lordy ?
I expect to see most splendid things, heyond all earthly conception.
When I am witli the Lordy.
Glory, hallelujah I
[Raising his Toice to the highest pitch that he could command] —
Glory, hallelujah! I am with the Lord.

THE EXECUTION. 817
This closed the chant; and then Rev. Mr. Hicks gave Guiteau
his final benediction and farewell, saying : " God, the Father, be
with thee, and give thee peace for evermore."
Immediately afterwards one of the attendants stooped down and
pinioned his legs, and the group on the scaffold closed around him,
apparently to shake his pinioned hands. A loud, strong " ready !"
in Guiteau's voice. Then Mr. Hicks laid his hand upon the
murderer's head. Then the noose and the black cap, and a loud
"glory, glory, glory!"
From behind it. Then a faint "ready!" from Guiteau, and a
pause of — seconds were minutes. Guiteau dropped the permeated
white paper, the trap came down, and the body of Charles Jules
Guiteau dangled in the air. The stigma of political assassination
was fixed forever with the indelible dye of blood on the escutcheon
of the United States. The voice of reason has been drowned in a
clamor. Thoughtful men have been afraid to speak their convic
tions. The Future will tell the truth.*
It is not the time, not the occasion, to discuss the correctness of
the decree by which the murderer of Garfield has been doomed to
the gibbet. A few words, however, may be appropriately added :
First. Hon. Walter S. Cox has come through the trying ordeal
without the smell of fire on his garments. It was his business to
interpret, not to make, the law. This duty he performed without
fear or favor. He took the abuse of the American press as a just
judge always meets calumny — with silence and contempt. When
the vile maligners who have denounced him are as dead as the
jackals that followed Bouillon to Palestine, this just man will be
mentioned with honor.
Second. The same raay be said, in their several measures, of
the jurymen. They gave good attention during the long trial. At
times they entertained doubts of the prisoner's sanity ; but as the
cause drew to a close, the conviction settled upon them raore and
more that the intellectual faculties of the raan in the dock were too
* At the autopsy of Guiteau's body his brain was found to he in a healthy con
dition, but the membranes were found inflamed, and there were very notice?
depositions of lymph. No anatomist of national reputation was present.
52

818 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
clear and incisive to put him in the catalogue of the irresponsible.
They found accordingly, under the law. It was an honest verdict.
Third. As to the attorneys, the counsel for the defense appear
to a much better advantage than those for the prosecution. The
general conduct of Messrs. Scoville and Reed was irreproachable.
So much can not be said for Messrs. Corkhill and Porter. Mr.
Davidge is seen in better light. Mr. Reed made the best arguraent ;
Judge Porter, the most effective speech. Mr. Scoville deserves
great credit. He managed the case admirably, except ahvays the
prodigious folly of interjecting a political tirade into his argument.
Fourth. As to Guiteau, he had a shrewd, somewhat incisive,
erratic, badly balanced intellect. Considered merely as to his in
tellectual faculties, he was not insane. But viewed in the light of
his moral faculties, he was insane.
HE IS A MORAL IDIOT.
That is the exact definition of the man. He had no power to
discover moral relations. The nature of a human being is not
merely mental; it is moral also. It implies not merely the
power to discern the relations of things, but also discovers the
idea of obligation and supplies the motives of right action. The
former, Guiteau had; the latter, he had not. He was as devoid
of a conscience as a cave-fish is devoid of eyes. He was a moral
idiot — not, as some have said, a moral monster. Considered merely
in the light of his want of raoral power and discernment, it was as
illogical to execute Guiteau as it is to kill a cave-fish for not
seeing. Fifth. As to the crirae itself, considered in its origin and nature.
The cause of the raurder of President Garfield is not to be found
wholly in the criminal himself He was in part, at least, the
instrument of a larger force. Society does not like to be told
of her faults, and party is always willing to make a scapegoat of
the individual. Guiteau^s bullet, then, to speak it plainly, Avas
the logical conclusion of a syllogism lying partly outside of his OAvn
depraved organism. To say that this astounding crime was the
result of the malicious spite of a disappointed office-seeker is to

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 819
speak but half the truth. Why, then, did Guiteau shoot the Presi
dent? Negatively, it may be said that it was not a piece of indi
vidual reyenge — at least, not wholly the venomous work of per
sonal hate. Much less is the raurder of Garfield to be attributed
to the break in the Republican party and the consequent hostile
array of Senator Conkling's foUoAving against the administration.
The bitterness of this feud has been greatly exaggerated. To
charge the supporters of General Grant in the Chicago Convention
with the destruction of the President's life is, not to use harsher
terras in describing it, foolish, superficial, false. It Avould be
utterly impossible to put the index on a single act or Avord of any
leading Stalwart which was calculated to precipitate an assassin on
the President or his friends. The illustrious statesmen who have
adhered to the political fortunes of General Grant are not of that
sort. What, then, was the ulterior force which, acting upon the
depraved, perhaps diseased, imagination of Guiteau, induced the
perpetration of this diabolical deed? It was simply the malig
nant TONE OF POLITICAL DISCUSSION IN THE UNITED STATES.
It was the poisonous breath of that political rancor which, like
the simoon of the desert, blasts all life and destroys all beauty.
The politician who, unable to ansAver an argument, denounces his
opponent as a villain and a liar, and the small editor who with
every form of contumelious speech befouls the name of our noblest
statesman, are the men who, next after Guiteau himself, are guilty
of the blood of Garfield. The average campaign neAvspaper is a
disgrace to the age and nation. It is filled Avith precisely that
kind of material Avhich appeals to the uncurbed passions of a half-
crazed assassin. It must be understood that the fool is a logician.
He draws conclusions. He makes a practical application of the
principle which he deduces from the premises. When the slander-
mongering politician tells him that a certain public raan is a
villain, an arabitious conspirator against the liberties of the people,
he draws the conclusion that such a man is essentially bad, and
that he should be killed for the good of the country — and he does it.
Guiteau Avas one of these logical fools who deduced a conclusion
and enforced it with a bullet. As long as there are men base

820 THE LIFE AND TRIAL OF GUITEAU.
enough to denounce such a man as Garfield as a scoundrel and
thief, so long will the lives of our statesmen be endangered by
the pistol of the assassin.
Sixth. As to the law. Guiteau was condemned on the sidp of
his intellectual perceptions. The English law of insanity, as nearly
as it may be defined, is this: "Where there is a total defect of the
understanding there is no free act of the will in the choice of
things or actions, and hence no crime." The inferential side of
this proposition is of course this : " Where there is not a total
defect of the understanding there is a free act of the Avill in the
choice of things or actions, and hence crime." Between these two
extreraes there is no middle ground recognized in the English law ;
and the American law follows the same principle. The Code Na
poleon says : "II n'y a ni crime ni dMit lorsque le pr&venu itait en
Mat de demence (a crime or raisderaeanor is irapossible in one
demented), which is virtually the same as the English statute. The
question of a inan's moral idiocy is nowhere considered, and there
fore nothing short of " a total defect in the understanding " may
be successfully pleaded as insanity. Under this severe principle
Guiteau was tried and condemned. His sentence is just, accord
ing to the law. In the process of civilization a graduated scale
of penalties will be adapted to the varying grades of crime as deter
mined by the intellectual and raoral capacity of the crirainal. For
the present, thoughtful and humane men will have to be contented
with the rude approximations of justice whose hinder parts, still
held in barbarism, cling to the hill-side of the Past, like Milton's
" Tawny lion pawing to get free."
Society, in her righteous but undiscriminating anger, persisted
in sending this shrewd moral idiot to the gallows ; but the Future
with equal persistency will write on his accursed gravestone
WAS HE INSANE?

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