Messages and Papers of the Presidents, Vol. VIII.: James A. Garfield

Excerpt

This volume comprises the Garfield-Arthur term of four years and the first term of Cleveland.  The period covered is from March 4, 1881, to March 4, 1889.  The death of President Garfield at the hand of an assassin early in his Administration created a vacancy in the office of the Chief Executive, and for the fourth time in our history the Vice-President succeeded to that office.  The intense excitement throughout the land brought about by the tragic death of the President, and the succession of the Vice-President, caused no dangerous strain upon our institutions, and once more proof was given, if, indeed, further evidence was required, that our Government was strong enough to quietly and peacefully endure a sudden change of rulers and of administration, no matter how distressing and odious the cause.