Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-06-18
THE VICE PRESIDENCY-CHESTER
A. ARTHUR.
[Clncinnatl Gazette.


The Convention, in the harmonious
spirit created by the enthusiasm over the
nomination OF Gen. Garfield for President
nominated Gen. Arthur, at first ballot, for
Vice President. Gen. Arthur was a citizen
soldier, and his qualities gained him so
prominent a political position that he was
appointed by Gen. Grant, at the recon-.
mendation OF Mr.. Comklng, to the Office
OF Collector OF Customs of New York-the
most responsible office in the gift Of the
administration. lie succeeded Thomas
Murphy, and was regarded as a great i'm.
provement on that famous Collector, in
efficiency and general character.
After President Hayes came in, Secreta-
ry Sherman caused an examination of the
New York Custom House by commission,
to inquire il reforms could he made 10 az
10 reduce the number Of officers, and in
crease their efficiency. Collector Arthur
disputed the intelligence Of this investiga-
ton, and the practibility OF the changes
which il recommended, A difference of
opinion ensued between him and Secretary
Sherman and the President They decid-
ed that a long fixed system in the Office
needed to be reformed, and that Collector
Arthur's contrary opinion unayaidably
made him AN obstruction, and therefore
that q change should be made.
Therefore Gen. Arthur was removed and
Col. Merritt appointed, against the resolute
| OPPOSITION of Senator Conkling. In all
this the President and Secretary dsclaim-
ed any reflection on Gen. Arthnrs intcgri-
| ty. The Secretary was very firm in the
| opinion that the system of the office ought
to be reformed, aud hat the different view
OF Gen. Arthur made him an obstruction
to the said reform.
Sherman's authorized campaign life
says:
These evils were no worse under the last ad-
miuistrAliOn than they had been for a whole
generation. GOu. Arthurs administration was
probably an improvement upon what had been
the state Things befOie, lie was himself a
man Of Hue qualities and 0f good intentions
and though lie was an Improvement upon the
past, the evils were 81 deeply rooted that he
could not remove them,
Both Secretary aud President have free,
ly expressed high views of Gen. Arthur's
character. We have to remark that
neither Glen. Arthur nor Senator Conkling
believed that such changes were necessary
or practlble, nor that the removal Of Col
lCctOr ArIhnT was caused by sincere desire
Tor reform. 1t made Senator Conkling AZ
lmplaeahle enemy to the adminisirationo o
President Hayes. We need not blink the
probability that this nomination will b,
regarded IA a sop TO Mr.. Cunkl ling, and
sinister reflection on President Hayes anC
Secretary Sherman. The concession I,
M. CUnklng, considering his superciliou
manner TO all who opposed third terms
seems remarkable.
But we doubt il the Convention though
beyond lli., or intended the snub to IN
administration. Furthermore, we are con
fdeut that both President and Secretar,
will endorse Mr.. Arthur "A eminenll,
eligible to the nomination for Vice Presi
dent, and will not regard his differing
from them as 10 The administration Of lh
Custom House as any disqualification.