Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1881 — A TOUCHING LETTER. [ARTICLE]

A TOUCHING LETTER.

Mr. CJladMone to Mrs. Garfield. London, July 22, 1881. Blaine, Secretary, Washington: 1 oafa'e text of note, date 21st, from Mr. Gladstone to Mrs. Garfield. Original by dispatch to-morrow: London, July 21,1881. Dear Madam: Yon will, I am sure, excuse me, though a personal stranger, for addressing you by letter to convey to you the assurances of my own feelings and those of my ci tin try men on the occasion of the terrible 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, on y second to the strong emotions of the great nation of which he is the appointed head. Individually 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 by what I venture to think is an ever-growing sense of harim ny and mutual respect and affection between the two countries, and of the relationship which from y ear to y ear becomes a more and more practical bond of union between us. But they have ilso drawn much of their strength from the cordial admirat.on 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 bus 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 heg to have my respectful compliments and congra’iilations conveyed to the President, and to remain, dear madam, with great esteem, your most faithful servant, w. E. Gladstone. SECRETARY BLAINE’S REPLY. Washington, D. C., July 22. Liweil, Minister, London: J hate aid 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 has more deeply touched her heart than the kind words of Mr. Gladstone. His own so icitude and condolence are recciti'd with gratitude ; but, far beyond this, she recognizes 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 sincere as that of her own countrymen. Iter chief pleasure in Mr. Gladstone’s cordial letter is found in the comfort which it brings to her husband. The President is cheered and solaced on hir painful and wcaiy way to health by many messages of sympathy, which, in his returning strength, he safely receives and most gratefully appreciates. Blaine, Secretary.