The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1881-12-07
PRESS COMMENTS
On President Arthur's Message.


New York Herald.
The Message OF President Arthur Is admir-
ably written, calm and digniHed In style and
tone, and advises Congress- as It ia his constitu-
tional duty to do, on many important subjects
with n wisdom and sound judgment which will
win for him the public confidence and for his
recommendations the attentive consideration
OF both Houses. We are pleased TO
see running through this part OF the Message
tedications that the President means to pay
closer attention to the condition Of the Central
and South American States and recognizes our
duty to these fellow-republics to advance by all
means In our power their strength and pros
perity. They ore our true and only allies I'm
commerce as well as In war, and 1t is our duty
as the greatest OF American republics, to
show Mt all times the most friendly interest In
their welfare. That Ia the true American
policy. The Message is an able and
conservative document Most OF its recon-
mendations seem to be entirely wise and Judi.
cious.
New York Times.
The first Message of President Arthur is n
very careful and well-matured document. Its
tone is more frank and direct than is custo-
mary In such papers, and Its recommendations,
extensive and varied as they are, show that
the President has patiently reviewed the field
ofiabor so recently and 30 unexpectedly opened
before him, and that he Is not inclined to shirk
tho constitutional duty OF aiding Congress by
his suggestions and advice.
New York World.
Everybody will admit the Presidents Mes.
sage to be business.like paper. That how
ever, is the faint praise which people are ac-
customed to bestow upon messages which are
entirely pointless, and as President Arthurs
Message Is by no means pointless, the stock
praise falls to do Justice TO 1t. In fact Its dis
unction is that It Is pointed. 1t may almost BIO
said 70 bristle with points, when contrasted
with the smooth and arid imbccility OF Mr..
Hayes Messages There Is, indeed, an ag-
gressive individuality about several portions
OF the Message as far as possible re-
moved from the oracular and impersonal tone
htnIah
messages as IN speeches from the throne. The
Message, in word, Is full Of views and the
views are not pretended TO be the views OF the
country or even of u party, hut only the perso
nal opinions Of the author OF the Message
Which are to DO taken, as the saying is, fol
what they are worth. In regard TO the finances
and to our foreign relations, tho President
speaks with n force and clearness which Will
command the respect Of patriotic mon of all
parties.
New York Tribune.
The bcst-informed citizens will derive from
this review much interesting and important
Information in regard to foreign affairs, and
In this particular the Message is unusually
full and valuable, the vigorous work of Mr.
Blaine being everywhere felt In tho record
The Message is strongest on foreign relations
and finance, but II Is not weak anywhere, and
It will be generally accepted by the country AZ
4 judicious, moderate and, In most respects
satisfactory document
baltimore Sun.
The entire document is sensible and bust
neSS-like In us statements ana suggestions
dignihed In tone, and written In simple, direci
English. 1t Is entirely FREQ from any flavor OF
"Stalwartism," or partisanship of any kind
ofIlce which Mr.. Arthur has been so uneXpect
eddy and suddenly called upon to I'LL.
Washington Post.
Taken as whole, the Message is n fail
document, from seemingly well-meaning cit
lien OF average attainments, relating entirely
TO the practical concerns OF the people and
with'no allusion, offensive or otherwise, to par
tIshn or sectional politics.
Washington Republican
Tho Message is most satisfactory docu
ment. II is excellent in Its sense, comprehen
stvpness, and literary execution, tits In the Ike!
leptanGe Of tho nomination for tho vioe-Presi
dency which says that "the rules which shoult
he applied to the management OF tho publ
aervice may properly conform In the main 4
such az regulate the conduct OF successful
private business" 1t Is a faithful complains
with tho requirement OF theConstitution that tn
President "shall from time to time give TO tn
Congress information OF the state OF the Union
and recommend to their consideration sucl
measuress as he shall Judge necessary ant
expedient" The affairs of the Government
and the condition of the Nation are stated wit
more detail than ia usual In such documents
sons for them stated with simplicity and d
geqtpess, There Is not u passage in It whic
VIII ind Its way Into any school'book OF dc
elhmatory extracts, nor one which could b
left out without withholding tnfofmhtlon Q
marring the statementOf opinions. In shor
the Message IL plain and simple communici
ton On every branch OF the public business.