sierra-barter.com – Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, is often remembered as a man who, at first glance, seemed an unlikely figure to lead the country through one of its most turbulent periods. His presidency, brief and marked by remarkable political shifts, is frequently overshadowed by other more celebrated figures of the Gilded Age. Yet, Arthur’s leadership during a time of national discord and his transformation from a machine politician to a reformer made him an important figure in American history. His tenure is sometimes viewed as that of a gentleman, a man who embodied a dignity and sense of responsibility that contrasted sharply with the political landscape of his time.
Arthur’s rise from the ranks of political patronage to the highest office in the land was not an obvious one. His background as a product of the political machine system initially raised doubts about his commitment to reform. Yet, it was precisely in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of President James A. Garfield that Arthur would emerge as a leader of surprising integrity, a reform-minded president who sought to bring dignity back to a government mired in political corruption.
This article examines Chester A. Arthur as a “gentleman president” during a time of immense political turmoil, exploring his unexpected evolution, the challenges he faced, his accomplishments, and his lasting legacy.
The Early Years: A Man of Ambition and Contradiction
A Background in the Law and Politics
Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, to an abolitionist preacher and a mother of strong character. Growing up in a religious household, Arthur developed an early sense of discipline and responsibility. He attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he excelled academically. After graduating in 1848, Arthur turned to law, establishing a respectable legal career in New York City.
Arthur’s early years in law were not marked by extraordinary accomplishments, but his legal career provided him with valuable experience in navigating the complexities of New York’s political scene. It was through this connection to politics that Arthur’s ambition truly flourished.
The Rise of a Political Machine Politician
In the 1850s, Arthur became closely associated with the New York Republican political machine led by Senator Roscoe Conkling, a powerful political figure whose influence reached into nearly every corner of the state. Arthur’s loyalty to Conkling paid off in 1871 when he was appointed Collector of the Port of New York, one of the most lucrative and powerful patronage positions in the federal government.
The position of Collector at the port allowed Arthur to control the distribution of government jobs, which in turn solidified his ties to the patronage system. Arthur used his position to reward loyal political supporters with federal positions, and this practice of dispensing government jobs for political loyalty was a hallmark of the era’s corrupt system of machine politics.
Despite his success within the patronage system, Arthur’s involvement with political machines was not without controversy. The spoils system—the practice of awarding government jobs based on political loyalty rather than merit—was widely criticized for fostering corruption and inefficiency. Yet, Arthur’s expertise in navigating these treacherous political waters allowed him to rise rapidly within the political ranks.
The Presidential Election of 1880: A Man on the Periphery
From Political Machine to National Office
The election of 1880 was a pivotal moment for Arthur. The Republican Party was deeply divided between two factions: the Half-Breeds, who sought civil service reform, and the Stalwarts, who supported the patronage system. Arthur was closely aligned with the Stalwarts, and his name was put forward as a potential vice-presidential candidate to balance the ticket and maintain party unity.
James A. Garfield, a moderate Republican and a Half-Breed reformer, was nominated for president, while Arthur, a loyal Stalwart, became his running mate. Though Arthur’s candidacy was meant to placate the party’s conservative wing, it placed him in a highly precarious position as Garfield’s vice president.
Arthur had little national political experience at the time, and his selection for vice president was not due to his leadership qualities but rather his association with the Stalwart faction. Many viewed his appointment as part of a political strategy to ensure party unity rather than a recognition of his political acumen.
The Assassination of Garfield
Tragically, just a few months after taking office, President Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, and died from his wounds on September 19, 1881. This left Arthur to assume the presidency under unexpected and tragic circumstances.
At first, many feared that Arthur, a product of the very political machine system that many Americans despised, would simply continue Garfield’s policies of patronage and corruption. Yet, in an astonishing turn of events, Chester A. Arthur demonstrated a surprising ability to evolve. As president, he took steps to distance himself from his machine political background and sought to reform the very system that had brought him to power.
The Presidency of Chester A. Arthur: A Gentleman President
Civil Service Reform: The Pendleton Act of 1883
One of the most defining features of Chester A. Arthur’s presidency was his role in championing civil service reform. While many expected Arthur to maintain the spoils system, he surprised both allies and critics by taking decisive action to reform the federal government.
The assassination of President Garfield, whose death was linked to the abuses of the patronage system, created widespread public outrage and a national demand for reform. Recognizing the need for change, Arthur took the unexpected step of supporting civil service reform, advocating for the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
The Pendleton Act aimed to curtail the influence of patronage in the federal government by instituting a merit-based system for hiring and promoting civil servants. The act required that government employees be selected based on competitive exams rather than political loyalty. It also created the Civil Service Commission to oversee the implementation of this system, ensuring that government appointments would be made with transparency and fairness.
Arthur’s support for civil service reform was not only a political shift but also a personal transformation. As a man who had once benefitted from the spoils system, Arthur’s decision to embrace reform marked a significant departure from his earlier political career. It showed his willingness to rise above partisanship and do what was best for the country, regardless of the political costs.
The Pendleton Act was a landmark achievement in American history, and it laid the foundation for the modern civil service system that exists today. Though the law did not completely eliminate patronage, it was a major step in reducing corruption and making government appointments more transparent and merit-based.
The Modernization of the U.S. Navy
In addition to his domestic reforms, Arthur’s presidency is notable for his efforts to modernize the United States Navy. At the time, the U.S. was struggling to maintain a fleet that could compete with other major naval powers. Arthur understood the importance of a strong navy in protecting American interests both at home and abroad.
During his time in office, Arthur oversaw the construction of modern steel-hulled warships and other advanced naval technologies. His administration’s focus on naval expansion would pave the way for the U.S. to become a major naval power in the 20th century. Though Arthur’s naval reforms were not as celebrated as his work on civil service, they were significant in establishing the U.S. as a rising global power.
Foreign Policy and Pan-Americanism
Arthur’s foreign policy was characterized by a desire to strengthen relations with Latin American nations. His administration supported the Pan-American movement, which aimed to foster economic cooperation and political solidarity among countries in the Western Hemisphere. Arthur’s efforts in this regard helped to establish the foundation for the diplomatic policies that would define U.S. relations with Latin America in the years to come.
Personal Qualities: A Gentleman in the White House
Chester A. Arthur’s leadership was also defined by his personal demeanor and style. Known for his refined manners, elegance, and sense of propriety, Arthur was often described as a “gentleman president.” His love for fine clothes, luxury, and an impeccable appearance became a hallmark of his presidency. Arthur was often photographed in his trademark high-collared suits and bow ties, projecting an image of dignity and decorum.
But beyond his outward appearance, Arthur’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape of his time with poise and determination endeared him to many. He was known for his gentlemanly conduct, treating both friends and adversaries with respect and diplomacy. His ability to unite a divided Republican Party, even after the death of Garfield, was a testament to his political skill and personal charm.
The Legacy of Chester A. Arthur
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency, though relatively brief, left a lasting mark on American politics. His leadership during a time of political turmoil, marked by division, corruption, and inefficiency, helped to steer the country toward important reforms. The Pendleton Act, in particular, was a landmark achievement that reduced the influence of patronage and helped to modernize the federal government.
Arthur’s transformation from a product of political machines to a champion of reform reflects his adaptability and his commitment to serving the public good. His presidency may have been overlooked by many, but his legacy as a “gentleman president” who navigated turbulent times with integrity and dignity is deserving of greater recognition.
Conclusion
Chester A. Arthur was a man of contradictions—once a product of political patronage, he became a reformer who helped reshape the U.S. government for the better. His presidency, though marked by personal elegance and political pragmatism, left a lasting legacy in the form of civil service reform and a modernized navy. As a “gentleman president” in turbulent times, Arthur demonstrated that true leadership can emerge from even the most unexpected of places. His transformation into a champion of integrity and reform provides a compelling story of political evolution, personal growth, and the power of doing what is right for the nation, even in the face of adversity.