National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-10-15

President Arthur returned to Washing
weeks duration. In the early years of
the century, when primitive modes of
travel and communication existed it was
practically impossible for president to
get away from Washington. He was
compelled by physical circumstances to
spend his summers as strictly as he was
by public business to spend his winters
here. Perhaps it was out Of this neces-
>sity the idea grew up that it was i'm
pSoper and undignifed for the president
II leave tho capital, eAcept for peculiar
and cogent reasons. No doubt some
presidents have found it very irksome to
comply with this requirement when they
have felt that they would be benefited
by summer trip and that the public
interests would in no wise suffer- In re-
cent years. however, the old idea that tho
president must remain in the capital the
year round has yielded to a more common
sense view. The improved methods of
travel mako it easy for the president to
90 and come, while experience as well as
tho better Judgment of the people prov es
that the president needs a summer vaca-
tion as much AS anybody, and that he can
take one without in any way sacrificing
or neglecting his duty.
President Arthur's return to Washing.
ton in the midst of a hot political cam :
paign, and at turning point in its
progress, suggests contrast between the
violent excitement which prevails in the
open field Of politics and tho calm serenity
and dignified enjoyment which have been
the characteristics of his summer trip.
In the midst of a campaign remarkable
in our political annals for the hot blood
it has generated and for the elimination
and recrimination which have marked its
conduct on both sides, the President has
enjoyed several weeks of absolute rcposc
and of dignifed retirement, Laying aside
the cares of state at n time when his
presence was least needed in Washington,
the President sought needed rest and
and in the congenial society Of cultured
friends far from the madding crowd. The
air has been filled with political slanders
or with the more deadly missiles of per-
sonal libel and defamation but all the
weapons hurled by either side have passet
far over his head, or fallon harmless to
thp ground before they reached the serene
atmosphere in which he moved. The
huathen have ragged, but the Presiden
has rejoiced. The tide of battle ha'
rolled to and fro, but the chief magistrate
of the nation has found his enjoyment il
driving among the Catskills and accept
ing the elegant hospitaltics Of his per
Bonal friends. No dirt has been thrown
at him. 1t is the other fellows who hav
been walking the floor
The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN feels sur,
that it speaks tho sentiments Of this com
munty and of Tight.mindod mon every
where when it BIDS President Arthur
hearty welcome back TO Washington, an,
congratuates him on his improved health
As his administration approaches its en-,
the people realize more and more tn
fact that il will pass into history as on
OF the best and oleancst the country ha
ever had, aud they appreciate with con
stantly increasing valuation the admira
bio aud excellent qualities of Prcsden
Arthur. Coming into Office amid tn
most trying circumstances that ever besG
ANY man he has vindicated ut once tn
excclcuce of republican institutions an
the greatness of his own character by tn
manner in which no has met and dis
charged his high duties. Already hi
countrymen are prepared to enter up th
verdict on his administration of "Wc
done, good and faithful servant" But
IS pot time yet to speed the partin
guest. For the present We welcome hlI
hack t ashington.