Shooting the American President.

Patea Mail, 5 July 1881, Page 3

Shooting the American President.

A DESPERATE OFF ICE-HUNTER. Washington, 2nd. A daring attempt was made to-day, at the railway station, on the life of President Garfield, by Charles Gintoau, an attorney, of Chicago, an unsuccessful office-hunter. As Mr Garfield was on the point of leaving by the train for the North, Gintoau fired at him with a revolver. The shots took effect, and wounded the President in the arm and hip. He was at once conveyed to the White House for medical attendance. The surgeons, report that the wounds are not necessarily fatal, but that the President’s condition is critical, internal hemorrhage having set in. Gintean was arrested at the station before he could escape. Great excitement has been caused in Washington and throughout the States by the occurrence, and much excitement is felt at the President’s state. July 3rd (morning). The latest bulletin regarding the health of President Garfield reports that symptoms have improved, though the bullet has not yet been extracted. He slept well during the night, and has been able to take nourishing food. His spirits are cheerful. No feverish symptoms have been shown, the patient’s warmth being quite normal. 3rd (later). Telegrams have been received from all the European Courts, expressing sympathy with President Garfield. The would-be assassin, Gintean, was at one time a Consular officer, but was dismissed.