Page "James A. Garfield" Paragraph 32

Garfield partnered with Ralph Plumb in land speculation hoping to become wealthy, but this met with limited success.

He joined with the Philadelphia-based Phillips brothers in an oil exploration investment which was moderately profitable.

Garfield resumed the practice of law in 1865 as a means to improve his personal finances.

His investment efforts took him to Wall Street where, the day after Lincoln's assassination, a riotous crowd led him into an impromptu speech, in part as follows: " Fellow citizens!

Clouds and darkness are round about Him!

His pavilion is dark waters and thick clouds of the skies!

Justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne!

Mercy and truth shall go before His face!

Fellow citizens!

God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives!

" According to witnesses the effect was tremendous and the crowd was immediately calmed.

This became one of the most well-known incidents of his career.