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_;

A PROCLAMATION:

Whereas, in his inscrutable wisdom, it has pleased God to remove
from us the illustrious head of the Nation, James A. Garfield, late
President of the United States; and whereas it is fitting that the
deep grief which fills all hearts should manifest itself with one
accord toward the throne of infinite grace, and that we should bow
before the Almighty and seek from him that consolation in our
affliction and that sanctification of our loss which he is able and
willing to vouchsafe:

Now, therefore, in obedience to sacred duty, and in accordance with
the desire of the people, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the
United States of America, do hereby appoint Monday next, the
twenty-sixth day of September, on which day the remains of our
honored and beloved dead will be consigned to their last
resting-place on earth; to be observed throughout the United States