“I accept it as one of the happiest circumstances connected with this affair, that in allying my political fortunes with yours—­or rather, for the time merging mine in yours—­my heart goes with my head, and that I carry to you not only political support, but personal and devoted friendship.  I can but regard it as somewhat remarkable that two men of the same age, entering Congress at the same time, influenced by the same aims, and cherishing the same ambitions, should never, for a single moment, in eighteen years of close intimacy, have had a misunderstanding or a coolness, and that our friendship has steadily grown with our growth, and strengthened with our strength.

“It is this fact which has led me to the conclusion embodied in this letter; for, however much, my dear Garfield, I might admire you as a statesman, I would not enter your Cabinet if I did not believe in you as a man and love you as a friend.”

When it is remembered that Mr. Blaine before the meeting of the convention was looked upon as the probable recipient of the honor that fell to Garfield, the generous warmth of this letter will be accounted most creditable to both of the two friends, whose strong friendship rivalry could not weaken or diminish.

So the new Administration entered upon what promised to be a successful course.  I can not help recording, as a singular circumstance, that the three highest officers were ex-teachers.  Of Garfield’s extended services as teacher, beginning with the charge of a district school in the wilderness, and ending with the presidency of a college, we already know.  Reference has also been made to the early experience of the Vice-President, Chester A. Arthur, in managing a country school.  To this it may be added that Mr. Blaine, too, early in life was a teacher in an academy, and, as may readily be supposed, a successful one.  It is seldom in other countries that similar honors crown educational workers.  It may be mentioned, however, that Louis Philippe, afterward King of the French, while an exile in this country, gave instruction in his native language.  It is not, however, every ruler of boys that is qualified to become a ruler of men.  Yet, in our own country, probably a majority of our public men have served in this capacity.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE TRAGIC END.

I should like to end my story here, and feel that it was complete.  I should like with my countrymen to be still looking forward with interest to the successful results of an administration, guided by the experienced statesman whose career we have followed step by step from its humble beginnings.  But it can not be.

On the second of July, in the present year, a startling rumor was borne on the wings of the lightning to the remotest parts of the land: 

“President Garfield has been assassinated!”

The excitement was only paralleled by that which prevailed in 1865, when Abraham Lincoln was treacherously killed by an assassin.  But in this later case the astonishment was greater, and all men asked, “What can it mean?”