The assassination of President James Garfield has been variously blamed for the decline of the Utopian Oneida community where the murderer once lived, the reform of the American civil service by shocked legislators who noted that the motive seemed to be a legitimate denial of political patronage, and the movement for sterile operating conditions in light of the damage done by surgeons probing with dirty hands for the fatal bullet. The fascination continues in a killing that is a classic case of stalking and paranoia.About the Author: The Washington offices of Dr. Paul Rich at 1527 New Hampshire Avenue occupy the house where President Garfield's son lived for many years, and Dr. Rich has amassed there a large collection relating to the Garfield family.