Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-09-23
NO. 225.

tame not only IN his calling, but also IN the
domains of authorship. His work on Fam
lily Names" Is regarded the world over as
one of the curiosities of English erudite
literature. From 1855 to 1868 he was pas
tor of the Calvary Baptist Church, Of New
York. He also filled the pulpits of Baptist
churches in Bennington, Hinesbdrg, Fair
field and Williston. in Vermont and York,
Perry, Greenwich, Schenectady, Lansing
burg, Hoosic, West Troy and Newtonyille.
in that State. His other son made gallant
record in the war of the rebellion and is now
a paymaster of the regular army with the
rank of ma jor. Gen Arthur was educated ~
Union College and was graduated in the
class of 40. After leaving college he taught
\ country school during two years in Ver-
mont and then having managed, by rigid
economy, to save about $500. he started for
New York city and entered the law
office Of ex-Judge +. ID. Culver as a stu
dent. After being admitted to the bar
he formed a partnership with his intimate
friend and room mate, Henry ID. Gardiner,
with the intention of practicing in the west,
and for three months they roamed about in
the western states in search of an eligible
site, but in the end returned to New York
where they hung out their joint shngle and
entered upon successful career almost from
the start. Gen. Arthur soon afterwards
). n, who was lost at sea, and who calmly
went down to death smoking a cigar. Con.
gress voted gold medal To his widow in
recognition of the conspicuous bravery he
displayed on that occasion. Mrs. Arthur
died only short time ago. In 1852 Jonathan
and Juliet Lennon, Virginia slave holders,
intending to migrate to Texas. went TO New
York to await the sailing of q steamer,
taking eight slaves with them. A writ of
habeas corpus was obtained from Judge
Paine, to test the question whether the pro-
visions of the fugitive slave law were in force
in New York State. Judge Paine rendered
a decision holding that they were not, and
ordering the Lennon slaves to be liberated.
Henry l.. Clinton one of the counsel for
the slave holders. As much concern was felt
about the matter in the south, tho Virginia leg
islaturc authorized the attorney general of that
State to assist in taking an appeal. VIM. NJ.
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the people, and they won the case.
which then went TO the Supreme Court of the
United States. Charles O'Conor here espoused
the cause of the Shareholders, but he, too, was
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and
long step was taken toward the ultimate sue
cess of the abolition movement. Another
great service in the same cause was rem
dered by Gen. Arthur in 1856. Lizzie Jen-
nings, "A respectable colored woman, was put
off Il 18th avenue car in New York city, after
she had paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued in
her behalf and secured verdict of $500
damages. The next day the company issued
an order to let colored persons ride on
their cars, and the other street railroad CON-
panies quickly followed their example. Be-
fore that the 9th avenue company ran a few
special cars for colored persons, and the
other lines refused to let them ride at all.
Artb lal IN la
ton at Saratoga that founded the republican
party. Previous to the outbreak of the war,
he was Judge advocate of the second brigade
of the New York state militia. Gov. Il. ID.
Morgan soon after his Inauguration selected
him to fill the position Of eDginee r-in-chief
of his staff. In 1861 he held the post of
inspector general, and soon after was ad-
vanced to that of quarter master general,
which he held until the expiration of Gov
ernor Morgan's term of office. Although the
war account of the State of New York was
much larger than other States, yet it was the
first audited and allowed in Washington,
and withodt the deduction of dollar, while
the quartermasters' accounts from other
States were reduced from 81 200, 900 to
$40, 900 900. During his term of Office every
present sent to him WAS Immediately return
ed Among others a prominent clothing
house offered him a magnificent uniform, and
printing house sent him costly saddle and
trappings. Both gifts were indignantly re-
jected. When Mr.. Arthur became quarter
master general he was poor. When his
term of Office expired he was poorer still.
Speaking of him at this period a friend
says $50 jealous was he of his integrity
that | have known instances where he could
have made thousands Of dollars legitimately,
and yet refused to do it on the ground that
he was public officer, and meant to be like
Caesars wife, above suspicion His own
words to me in regard to this matter amply
illustrate his character-If l had misap-
propriated five cents and on walking down
town saw two men talking on the corner to-
gether | would imagine they were talking of
my dishonesty, and the very thought would
drive me mad.
At the expiration Of Gov. Morgans term,
Gen. Arthur returned to his law practice.
Business of the most lucrative character pour
ed in upon him, and the firm of Arthur &
Gardiner prospered exceedingly. Much of
their work consisted in the collection of war
claims and the drafting of important bills for
speedy legislation, and great deal Of Gen.
Arthur's time was spent in Albany and
Washington. where his uniform success won
for him a national reputation. For q short
time he held the position of counsel to the
board of tax commissioners ofNew York city,
at salary of SlO,O0O per annum. Gradually
he was drawn into the arena OF politics. He
nominated, and by his efforts elected the
Hon. Thos. Murphy a state senator. When
the latter resigned the collector ship of the
port Of New York on November 20, 1871,
President Grant nominated General Arthur
to the vacant position, and four years
later when his term expired renOminated him,
| an honor that had never been shown to any
previous collector in the history Of the port. He
was removed by President Hayes on July IL,
1878, despite the fact that two special COM
mittees made searching investigation n into
his administration, and both reported them
selves unable to find anything upon which to
base a charge against him. The reforms
which ten. Arthur institute in the methods
Of doIr. business in the custom house were
as numerous as they were grateful to the
mercantile community. After his removal
he engaged in the practice of law and in the
direction Of republican politics in New York,
being chairman of the republican state COM
mittee. He was nominated for Vice Presi-
dent at the national republican convention on
the 9Th Of June, 1880, only one ballot being
taken. In person Gen. Arthur is over six
feet in height, broad-shouldered, athletic
| and handsome. Like his predecessor in the
V;,o al hair h1 IL ordosnt AZ.