Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/228

 188 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS and gave expression to their hope. His condition seemed to improve ; but when midsummer came, the patient failed so perceptibly that a removal was hazarded. On September 6, 1881, he was taken to Elberon, N. J., by a special train. He bore the journey well, and for a while, under the inspiration of the invigorating sea-breezes, seemed to rally. But on September 15, 1881, symptoms of blood- poisoning appeared. He lingered till the 19th, when, after a few hours of unconsciousness, he died peacefully. A special train (September 21) carried the body to Washington, through a country draped with emblems of mourning, and through crowds of reverent spectators, to lie in state in the rotunda of the capitol two days, September 22 and 23. The final services held were never surpassed in solemnity and dignity, except on February 27, 1882, when, in the hall of representatives, at the request of both houses of congress, his friend, James G. Blaine, then secretary of state, delivered a memorial address, in the presence of the president and the heads of all the great departments of the government, so perfect that the criticism of two continents was unqualified praise. In a long train, crowded with the most illustrious of his country men, which in its passage, day or night, was never out of the silent watch of mourning citizens, who stood in city, field, and forest, to see it pass, Gar- field s remains were borne to Cleveland and placed