Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1881-10-20
Chester A. Arthur, President.

Chester A. Arthur, President.
A year ago last June General Chester
A. Arthur was nominated, as an act of
conciliation to the supporters of Cen
eral Grant, for an Office which he had
not sought, desired or expected. Re-
luctantly, and only for the purpose of
promoting harmony in his party, he &C
cepted the post assigned him.
As the candidate for President was in
the prime of vigorous manhood, with
strongest promise of many active years,
the sad contingency which has now
arisen was contemplated only as a posi-
bility too remote to influence the selec-
ton of his associate on the ticket.
Neither General Arthur nor those who
voted for him supposed for moment
that if his party carried the election he
would be called to any respon sibility
more serious than the light and grace
full part which our fundamental law
assigns to the Vice-President.
But when the news of the attack upon
the President Mortified the country and
shocked the civilized world, General
Arthur and the people of the United
States were suddenly and sharply
brought to realization of the fact that
only faint and tremulous spark in the
White House stood between the Vice.
President and the Presidential Office.
At that time the dominant party,
split into two belligerent factions, was
in the midst of a protracted and acri-
monious struggle, centering at Albany,
but exerting its unhappy influence in
every part Of the United States. AS
General Arthur was allied with the fac
ton opposed to the Administration. the
prospect of the radical change that then
seemed imminent intensified the excite
ment that, under any circum stances,
would have been sufficiently deep. and
added bitterness to a feeling that
needed no increased acerbity.
Happily Tor us our fathers wrought
so we'll that change in the Presidency,
however sudden, however tragic, how
ever sad. cannot affect the stability of
the Government or throw any portion
OF its well-ordered mechanism into con-
fusion. Such contingency as the
mournful event which has now occurred
was amply provided for in the Consti-
tuition. A death like this touches the
deepest emotions of our hearts, but it
cannot disturb our domestic tranquility
nor complicate our relations with other
powers.
The political significance of this
change resides alone in the fact that it
brings into power the faction opposed
to the Administration of the late Presi-
dent. There has been time enough
since the I'd of July for passion
to cool. and for the better nature of the
partisan to assert its sway. While the
Nation has been standing around the
death bed of the President, it is hoped
that hatred, malice and all uncharita-
bleness have been permitted to die out
of the hearts of those statesmen who are
recognized as leaders of the respective
Republican factions.
viii the war of the factions be re-
vived? or will their leaders arrange
terms of final and permanent pacifica-
ton? These are the questions that are
anxiously asked, and for which there is,
as yet, no answer. If we could desire
the success of the Democratic party at
any cost. if we deemed Democratic
triumph of more Importance than that
prosperity which depends on political
peace, if we were more partisan and
less patriotic in our feelings. we should
hope for the speedy renewal and Wig
orous prosecution of the fact.onal war.
But the country has had enough-too
much. by far-of the unhealthy excite
ment which this feud begets. General
Arthur has an opportunity to so serve
his country as to win enduring fame
and the respect of all good men. He
can do this by so administering his
great office as shall tend to the pro-
motion of peace. 1t is possible for
him to bring the dscordant elements
of his party into harmony, and thus to
give the country that quiet, that rest
from turmoil which our business, social
and moral interests demand.
Coming into power under circum-
stances so peculiar, under circum-
stances that appeal SO strongly to all
the finer feelings and better impulses, it
is not likely that Mr.. Arthur will signal
ize his advent by sudden and startling
innovations. While it may fairly be
assumed that his principal subordinates
will eventually be of his own wing of
the Republican party, he is unlikely to
act hastily or to make removals for the
mere purpose of showing that things
are changed.
The great conservative element of the
body polite, the Democratic half of the
people, sustained President Garfield,
because patriotic duty demanded such
support. President Arthur has it in his
power to command the respect and
secure the confidence of the Democ-
racY by adopting broadly National
policy. If he shall be the President.
not of a faction, not of party. but of
all the people, aiming to do justice and
to promote the best good of his country.
he will not find the Democracy placing
any obstacles in his pathway or refus-
ing him that approval and commenda-
ton which he will merit at their hands
Washington Post.
The Monument II Republication.