The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-27
Ex-pREs1DENr ARTHUR.
Generous Tribute from q Political Oppo
nent Which Should Please Him, Wen or Ill.

Generous Tribute from q Political Oppo-
nent Which Should Please Him, Wen or Ill.
Brooklyn Eagle
The Eagle has known from authoritative
sources, for some months. the fact of the mortal
illness of ex-President Chester A. Arthur. This
out of regard for the sensibilities of the gentle
man and his stricken kindred. The progress
made by the disease of the kidneys and by the
trouble with the heart. which has followed that
disease is now such as to justify an allusion to
the illness of the distinguished sufferer AS a
public fact which will everywhere be received
with sorrow. The United States will in short
time be called upon to mourn the death of one
who in recent years, by extraordinary events and
amid exquisitely difficult and delicate circum-
stances, became their chief magistrate We
shall not, to-day, do more than announce this
sad intelligence, with that declaration of regret
and sympathy In which we are sure all our read
ers will join.
1t should, perhaps, be explicitly said that the
complication of disorders Of which ex-President
Arthur is the victim has no relation whatever to
his political fortunes or misfortunes Had he
never occupied the executive mansion. the or
Ranic troubles would have run their course all
the same Had he been chosen to occupy il
again; the forces that are sapping his vitality
would In no degree have been arrested. Neither
the cares and Citations Of great trust nor the
poss,S.ee disappointment of forbidden ambition
can truly be said to have anything to do with
his sickness. 1t is constitutional and immedica.
BILE.
Though Far from reaching the conventionally
allotted term of men, Chester A. Arthur has
rounded out distinguished and remarkable ca
reer He was never elected to but one Office.
which was designated to be the presidency, in
case of the death or disability of the man who
ran with him on the national ticket of party;
but he had been an officer Of the military estab-
lishment OF the State, in the civil war, and
the collector of the port Of New York, in cat
aclysm Of politics SO tense and so angry as to
resemble condition of war between factions.
He attained the presidency as political heir of
tragedy. He welded its powers in years when
his party and his countrymen were under the
shock of great crime. He went in more dis
trusted and he came out more respected
than any other Republican President
except Abraham Lincoln. Whether the
presidency was revelation Of him or an educa-
ton of him-and probably it was both-he
gained respectable fame in the highest Office
and worthy place among the roll of the rulers
OF the Republic and OF the world. His peaceful
accession to Office was test and proof of the
strength of our institutions. His administration,
IN proportion as it was restful was exactly the
kind best adapted to a country which was stu
ated AS this country was at that time. It was
also honest. conservative, dignifed and prudent.
In nothing especially great it was in manv
things upright, moderate and regardful of public
opinion, no matter through what motives and
against what predictions.
The peopleaobserved with satisfaction the ex-
Presidents quiet resumption of his business It
hoped for him happy years of that social dis.
tinction which, as gentleman, scholar and
the trustee of an illustrious position he was ad-
mirably fitted to enjoy. 1t regrets that his days
are being shortened by malady love cannot ex-
orcise or science conquer 1t realizes the Chris
tian fortitude and tranquility with which he is
arranging his affairs for both worlds. It extends
its profound and respectful sympathy to his
family. and it will inscribe his name with affec-
ton and esteem among those who have benefit
ed the life of the Republic by honestly and with
dignity welding the power of its greatest trust