Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-11-26

| Chester \. Arthur was born at Fairfield
! Franklin county Vermont, Oct. 8, 1880.
He was taught the rudiments of his educa-
ton by his father, who was a protestant
Irishman from Baltymeria county Antrim.
From his home studies young Arthur went
to the schools Of Schenectady. He enter
ell Union College at the age Of fifteen and
! graduated high in his class in ISIS. Dur
ing this time he cked out slender
! income 10y teaching country school
! After his graduation from college
he entered the law school at
Ballston Springs, where he became "A
graduate after two years of study, going
back TO his former occupation of teaching
school and becoming principal Of the
North Pownal Academy. Burlington. Vt.
| This was in isjl Having saved "A few hun
dred dollars, he went 10 New York and en-
tered the law Office Of Erastus ID. Culver.
He was admitted 10 the bar i'm 1872 and be-
came member Of the firm of Culver,
Partson * Arthur. which was dissolved i'm
lsJG soon after hI, admission 10 tine bar.
he married daughter Of Lieutenant
HernGon. She died ln January, $50, leaY-
ing HIM two children.
At the outbreak of the war he was APP
pointed enginecriu-chief on the staU Of
Gov. G.. ID. Morgan OF New OrE, and in
l>t2 was advanced 10 the rank of quarter
master general. Ina the same year he was
p
ctnprs held in New York for discussing
measures go provide troops % carry ON
the war. lie was The only person present
who was not governor. At the eNpira-
tlon OF Coy Mortou's term OF office he re-
turned To his law practice He was a
delegate TO the Saratoga cOnVen-
ton shat formed tine republican par
" no Ncw DIRK lie was appointed
collector OF the port of New York by
Grant i'm ISL. at the expiration Of his
TOR
~ confirmed 10y the senate lie was re-
moved by President Hayes i'm ISIS. He
WAS nominated for the vice presidency at
the evening session of the convention
His opponents were -. y. Washhurn of
California. eX-Gov. Jewell of Connecticut,
Judge Settle of Florida and Horace May
nard, Tennessee.
He assumed Office with Garfield and up
on the death OF the latter became presi-
dent During the long illness of Garfield
Vice President Arthur maintained a most
dignilied attitude before the public. His
conduct while in office has been summed
up very justly by Congressman =. :.
Cox.
How skiufully and courteously he man
aged the grand trusts of the high Office 10
which he succeeded is now recognized. He
was well equipped for executive duties. a.
man OF education, OF great knowledge OF
affairs and as a lawyer and practical
man of business. He retired from the
Office of president with tho best wishes
of every one with whom he came in
contact. He bad many severe trials con-
nected with the bad administration of af-
fairs in the postofice and other depart
ments of government He had some
stormy times with partsans, because he
endeavored 10 be just TO the country. But
amid all the distractions of his party and
the state, he maintained that decorous
dignity which becomes the president OF
this nation.
The most notable event OF Arthurs pres
iaency was the passage of the Pendleton
sassination OF Garfield had given impulse
President Arthur revised and accepted the
rules under which the civil service com
mission began work and ~ the reform he
gave his sympathy and the benefit of his
practical knowledge of politics. The rules
ns framed under him are substantially
those in force to-day.