The Wilmingtonian., 1885-03-07
@. A. ARTHUR.
EXEMPLARY RECORD OF THE
EX-PRESIDENT.
Beset with Difficulties Arising In His
own Party, he Retires with Credit
From all Parties.

The departure Of ex. President Arthur
from the White House on Wednesday las
and the Inauguration of Stephen Grover
Cleveland as President Of the United State,
marks an epoch in the political history OF
this country.
1t will go on record as that significant his.
torical date when one Of the great political
branches into which tl,i country is divided
after au extended lea of power lasting
through twenty-five years has at last receiv-
ed its congo at the hands u the people.
Whatever may have been the causes the
result has transpired that popular Judgment
has condemned the Republican party.
This much will be inscribed upon the an
nails of the United States for the perusal of
coming generations. Whatever the dispas-
sionate Judgment OF postTity may be, it is
not probable that the change of administra-
tion will be ascribed to any accident of pop
ular judgment. Political questions too mo-
mentous exist at this date to allow the sup
position that the defeat of the great Repub.
lican party was attributable to aught but
intelligent judgment, governing the vote of
the citizens of this country in November of
1884.
Takiug general survey Of the issues of
the day, it can hardly be denied by the stu
dent of history that the tariff question en-
tered largely and had weigfty influence in
the popular decision. The unavaability of
the candidate of the unsuccessful party was
incidental in emphasizing rational opinion.
The prominent fact, however, the denial of
which would but indicate a lack of candor,
is that a Strong feeling has grown up and
leavened the masses as to the extent of cred
ence that should be further given to the
doctrine of protection as taught by the radi-
calls in the Republican party To such an
extent has this feeling crystallized, that it
points towards the probability of being the
test party question for coming time.
The general verdict appears to be that
Chester A. Arthur has made good record
as President. The record as an administra-
tion will be that of moderation. The meas
urcs advocated by Hmm. his Yss7fous fnes-
sages included most desirable legislation,
and it is most unfortunate for his party in
tue National Legislature that the wise and
moderate recommendations were passed
over with such marked contempt and igno-
miny by the Republican party. In his first
message he recommended a repeal of the
law for coming silver dollars, revision of
the tariff; in view of our large and surplus
revenue the ex-Presideut suggested a repeal
of all internal taxes except those on whis-
key and tobacco; the construction of new
navy; and the enactment of laws providing
a better way for the election of a President.
His second message was a reiteration, main
ly of the recommendations of the FIRST with
a suggestion upon the prohibition of politi-
cal assessments and the passage of Civil
Service law. In January 1888 the Civil Ser
vice enactment was passed through the eff
forts of Senator Pendleton. In 1884 Mr..
Arthur sent to Congress for its deliberaton
the Nicaragua Ship Canal treaty together
with measures tending towards CONNER
cial reciprocity between this country, the
West Indies and Central America. Legsla-
tion upon those measures is now pending.
Chester A. Arthur leaves the Presidential
chair with a record marked with wisdom,
sagacity and moderation. This is all the
more commendable when the fact is remem-
bered of the unusual difficulties that beset
him, party iealousies, distrust, and recrimi.
nation, at his accession to the chief magis-
tracy.