Cincinnati knew him best as the Christian orator--follower of
Alexander Campbell--who preached with a big voice and great
earnestness at the corner of Walnut and Eighth Streets. This was when
he was a grand young man, sure enough. Some time after, Congress found
it out. After a while the public knew Garfield as one of the half
dozen strongest men in the country. Next to John Sherman he stood the
most commanding figure in Ohio politics, and was elected Senator of
the United States, his term commencing on the day on which, as it
happened, he was inaugurated President. He was just realizing
his ability, having had it measured for him in the House of
Representatives, and knew he was a force in affairs. He enjoyed his
dinners and dressed well, and was of imposing presence: a good-natured
giant--no posing--no troublesome sense of grandeur--none of the pomp
affected by public men too conscious of importance.
[Illustration: GARFIELD IN 1867, WITH HIS DAUGHTER. AT THIS TIME HE
WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS, IN THE LOWER HOUSE
OF CONGRESS.