CHAPTER XLI.

THE WORLD WITHOUT.

A

peo

FTER the first moments of amazement, incredulity, horror and suspense, the ple-the world-offered condolence. The emotion and spectacle were without parallel. In every household there was household there was a hushed and tender silence, as if one long loved lay dying. The public festivities of the Nation's birthday were stayed, and the crowds that had gathered to form festivals were transformed into praying congregations, earnestly petitioning the Throne of Grace for mercy for the President. Abroad, American gayety was given over. In the British Parliament, Whig, and Tory, and Radical listened to catch from the lips of the Prime Minister, the latest tidings from the sufferer. From the French republic, from the old empire of Japan and the new kingdom of Bulgaria, from Parnell, the Irish agitator, and from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, came messages of sympathy and sorrow. Sovereigns and princes, the people and the nobles, joined in earnest hope for the life of the Republican President. The press of all Christendom told the mournful story, and moralized

as it told. At home the popular grief was absolutely unanimous. One tender, overpowering thought called a truce even to party contention. Old and young, men and women of all nationalities and of all preferences, their differences forgotten, waited all day for news, watched the flags and every sign that might be significant, and lay down to sleep, thanking God that as yet the worst had not come.

It was a marvelous spectacle. It was-this feeling of millions for that one man-profoundly touching. It blessed him with great distinction among mankind. It blessed the country in that it stirred the people with a great overmastering emotion. I have not space to chronicle all the words of sympathy that went on the wings of the wires to Washington. They would fill several volumes as large as this. In London, the shooting of the President excited the profoundest sensation of consternation and grief among the American residents. The greatest anxiety was everywhere manifested to hear further news. The offices of newspapers and news agencies were visited by crowds to gain information. Crowds gathered at the American Exchange in the Strand. As the news spread among the theatres and other places of resort, the Americans left the buildings, and many ladies and gentlemen, in evening dresses, went direct to the American Exchange for the latest details. There were numerous callers at

United States Minister Lowell's private residence, to inquire concerning the President. Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary, received a telegram from the British Legation at Washington, announcing the sad affair, and he at once cabled his condolences. The Queen, who was at Windsor Castle, immediately, on receipt of the news, personally telegraphed to Minister Lowell a message expressing deep regret and concern. The Town Councils of many inland towns passed resolutions of sympathy. In the British Parliament allusions were made to the affair amidst profound silence and regret. The Poet Laureate telegraphed his condolences. The members of the Royal Family sent to our Minister to know all he knew. The Cobden Club forwarded a letter to Mrs. Garfield, expressing the earnest wish for the President's early recovery. Prayers were ordered daily in Westminster Abbey. The Lord Mayor of London telegraphed his condolences. Mr. Gladstone sent the following letter to Mrs. Garfield:

"LONDON, July 21st, 1881.

"DEAR MADAM: You will, I am sure, excuse me, though a personal stranger, for addressing you by letter to convey to you the assurance of my own feelings and those of my countrymen, on the occasion of the late horrible attempt to murder the President of the United States, in a form more palpable, at least, than that of messages conveyed by telegraph. Those feelings have been feelings, in the first instance, of sympathy, and afterward of joy and thankfulness almost comparable, and, I venture to say, only second to the strong emotions of

the great nation of which he is the appointed head. Individ. ually, I have, let me beg you to believe, had my full share in the sentiments which have possessed the British nation. They have been prompted and quickened largely by what, I venture to think, is the ever-growing sense of harmony and mutual respect and affection between the countries, and of a relationship which, from year to year, becomes more and more a practical bond of union between us; but they have also drawn much of their strength from a cordial admiration of the simple heroism which has marked the personal conduct of the President, for we have not yet wholly lost the capacity of appreciating such an example of Christian faith and manly fortitude. This exemplary picture has been made complete by your own contribution to its noble and touching features, on which I only forbear to dwell because I am directly addressing you. I beg to have my respectful compliments and congratulations conveyed to the President, and to remain, dear madam, with great esteem,

"Your most faithful servant,

"W. E. GLADSTONE."

To this Secretary Blaine replied by cable :

"WASHINGTON, July 22d, 1881.

"LOWELL, Minister, London: I have laid before Mrs. Garfield the note of Mr. Gladstone, just received by cable. I am requested by her to say that among the many thousand manifestations of interest and expressions of sympathy which have reached her, none had more deeply touched her than the kind words of Mr. Gladstone. His own solicitude and condolence are received with gratitude. But far beyond this she recognized that Mr. Gladstone rightfully speaks for the people of the British Isles, whose sympathy in this national and personal affliction has been as quick and as sincere as that of her own countrymen. Her chief pleasure in Mr. Gladstone's cordial letter is found in the comfort which it brings

to her husband.

The President is cheered and pleased on his painful and weary way to health by the many messages of sympathy which, in his returning strength, he safely receives and most gratefully appreciates.

"BLAINE, Secretary."

On the Continent, the head of every country hastened to offer sympathy. The Emperors of Russia, Austria, Germany; the Kings of Sweden and Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Spain; the Sultan of Turkey; the Presidents of France and Switzerland, hundreds of statesmen and distinguished men, sent, through various channels to Washington, kind words and wishes from sympathetic hearts.

At home, the universal expression of sympathy found appropriate channels in the governors of states, mayors of cities, legislatures, boards of trade, clubs, associations, and conventions of every description, grand juries, churches, etc., etc. South particularly manifested a most noble sympathy. Governor R. W. Cobb, of Alabama, telegraphed :

The

"Reports of the favorable indications gladden the hearts of Alabamans, who profoundly sympathize with the President and his family, and bitterly denounce the cowardly and brutal attempt on his life. The great peril through which he is passing draws all men to him, and he will resume his duties with a more generous and patriotic support from the people of the whole country."

Congressman E. W. Robertson telegraphed from Baton Rouge, Louisiana: