For the fourth time in the history of the Republic its Chief Magistrate
has been removed by death. All hearts are filled with grief and horror
at the hideous crime which has darkened our land; and the memory of the
murdered President, his protracted sufferings, his unyielding fortitude,
the example and achievements of his life and the pathos of his death,
will forever illumine the pages of our history. For the fourth time the
officer elected by the people and ordained by the Constitution to fill a
vacancy so created is called to assume the executive chair. The wisdom
of our fathers, foreseeing even the most dire possibilities, made sure
that the Government should never be imperiled because of the uncertainty
of human life. Men may die, but the fabrics of our free institutions
remain unshaken. No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the
strength and permanence of popular government than the fact that, though
the chosen of the people be struck down, his constitutional successor is
peacefully installed without shock or strain except the sorrow which
mourns the bereavement. All the noble aspirations of my lamented
predecessor which found expression in his life, the measures devised and
suggested during his brief administration to correct abuses and enforce
economy, to advance prosperity and promote the general welfare, to
insure domestic security and maintain friendly and honorable relations
with the nations of the earth, will be garnered in the hearts of the
people, and it will be my earnest endeavor to profit, and to see that
the Nation shall profit, by his example and experience. Prosperity
blesses our country; our fiscal policy is fixed by law, is well
grounded, and generally approved. No threatening issue mars our foreign
intercourse, and the wisdom, integrity, and thrift of our people may be
trusted to continue undisturbed the present assured career of peace,
tranquillity, and welfare. The gloom and anxiety which have enshrouded
the country must make repose especially welcome now. No demand for
speedy legislation has been heard. No adequate occasion is apparent for
an unusual session of Congress. The Constitution defines the functions
and powers of the executive as clearly as those of either of the other
two departments of the government, and he must answer for the just
exercise of the discretion it permits and the performance of the duties
it imposes. Summoned to these high duties and responsibilities, and
profoundly conscious of their magnitude and gravity, I assume the trust
imposed by the Constitution, relying for aid on Divine guidance and the
virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the American people.
* * * * *
As President Arthur read his message his voice trembled, but his manner
was impressive, and the eyes of many present were moistened with tears.
The first one to congratulate him when he had concluded was Chief
Justice Waite, and the next was Secretary Blaine. After shaking him by
the hand, those present left the room, which was closed to all except
the members of the Cabinet, who there held their first conference with
the President. At this cabinet meeting the following proclamation was
prepared and signed by President Arthur, designating the following
Monday as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer:--
_By the President of the United States of America_;