OR THE EVENTFUL HISTORY OF JAMES A. GARFIELD: TWENTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. BY F. M. GREEN, A life-long Friend and former Pupil. -ILLUSTRATED.- CHICAGO & CINCINNATI, THIS book is not the result of a sudden impulse, or desire of its author to appear among the many who have attempted to write the "Life of Garfield"; it is rather the consummation of a purpose formed nearly twenty years ago. In 1868 the author wrote a sketch of General Garfield's life, which was submitted to him, and received his sanction, as a "discriminating and faithful sketch." Mr. Garfield also expressed his approbation of the author's purpose "to some day write a Life of Garfield,” mainly for the young. It is not necessary to give any reasons why the book was not written during the lifetime or the rising greatness of its distinguished subject. The reason is apparent to those who understand the difficulty of placing a proper estimate on the life and character of a rapidly rising and growing man. Neither is it necessary to make any apology for its appearance now. The author's acquaintance and friendship with Mr. Garfield began in 1853, and continued without abatement or interruption until his death in 1881. It is not assumed that this friendship for General Garfield was more intimate than the friendship of many others. Neither does he claim that the Life which he has written is an "adequate life." Of its merits its readers must judge. All that the author claims is that, from the standpoint of the Christian, he has endeavored to present a discriminating and faithful record of the life of one who was more than a friend to him, and whose character he lovingly appreciated and ardently admired. It has been said, "That few men ever saw clear around General Garfield, he was so many-sided." It may be questioned whether any man ever saw "clear around" General Garfield; and the author of this book has no idea that the "adequate life" which will reveal Mr. Garfield in all his greatness, perfections and proportions will be the result of any single hand or brain. It cannot be, and it would be "literary cant" of the worst type to presume it. General Garfield was greater than all his biographers together, and every effort to compass the heights of his almost matchless character by those who were cotemporary with him ought to receive a hearty welcome. Mr. Garfield's life was divided into three full periods of sixteen years each. This fact has been kept in view in the preparation of this book. The successive chapters of the book express in logical order the progress of his history. Each chapter is complete in itself. His student life, his life as a teacher, and his religious life, are discussed in separate chapters. In the preparation of the book the author has availed himself of all the sources of information to which he could gain access. Acknowledgment is due here to the following books and pamphlets, viz.: "Discovery and Ownership of the Northwest Territory and Settlement of the Western Reserve;" "Life and Character of General George H. Thomas;" "Almeda A. Booth;" and speeches and addresses by J. A. Garfield. "Life of General James A. Garfield," by J. M. Bundy; "The Republican Text-Book," by B. A. Hinsdale; "The Republican Manual," by E. V. Smalley; "Life of James A. Garfield," by A. G. Riddle; "President Garfield and Education," by B. A. Hinsdale; "The Life and Work of James A. Garfield," by John |