James A. Garfield, President of the United States, died at Elberon,
N.J., last night at ten minutes before 11 o'clock. For nearly eighty
days he suffered great pain, and during the entire period exhibited
extraordinary patience, fortitude, and Christian resignation. The sorrow
throughout the country is deep and universal. Fifty millions of people
stand as mourners by his bier. To-day, at his residence in the city of
New York, Chester A. Arthur, Vice-President, took the oath of office as
President, to which he succeeds by virtue of the Constitution. President
Arthur has entered upon the discharge of his duties. You will formally
communicate these facts to the British Government and transmit this
dispatch by telegraph to the American ministers on the Continent for
like communication to the Governments to which they are respectively
accredited.
BLAINE, _Secretary_.
ANNOUNCEMENT TO REPRESENTATIVES OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
IN THE UNITED STATES.
[From official records, Department of State.]
Department of State
_Washington, September 20, 1881._
Sir: It is my sad duty to announce to you that the illness of the
President of the United States, which you have followed with an anxiety
similar to our own and a sympathy which you have repeatedly testified to
this Department during the sorrowful period that has passed since he was
shot by an assassin on the 2d of July, terminated last evening, when he
expired at thirty-five minutes past 10 o'clock.
As soon as the order and details of the funeral ceremonies are arranged
you will be duly informed thereof.
ROBERT R. HITT,
_Acting Secretary._