The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-14
chester Alan Arthur.

Abronze statue Of CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR
was unveiled 10 Madison Square yesterday
afternoon, and II was fitting that such
honor and distinction should he rendered
to the memory Of the only citizen Of New
York who over was President Of the United
States. More than that, the intrinsic merit
and memorable achievements Of President
kRTurn deserved the most grateful recog-
milton from his follow countrymen and
fellow townsmen.
Though born in Vermont he WINS edu-
Gated at Union College in Schenectady, and
was graduated at IL with much distinction.
Like so many Americans who have become
.iustriuus In our national history he
taught school during part OF his college
course, in order to earn the cost OF it.
During his study Of law afterward, too, he
supported himself by fitting boys for COL
lege, and for a time was principal OF a
school in Vermont. 1t was q peculiarly
American start in life.
President ARTHuR's initiation into the
practice OF the law was in an office in New
York with the late ERAsrUs d. CULVER,
who had been an anti-savery member
OF Congress. Thus young ARTHUR was
early linked In sympathy with the anti
slavery movement, and he won his first dis
tinction at the bar in defending the right OF
slaves to freedom in the free State OF New
York. In another notable instance he de-
monstratcd his courageous support OF the
rights OF tho colored people, Before
1855 they were forbidden transportation
on the street car lines in this city, but
President ARTHUR with his associates,
took up the case Of colored woman so ex-
Guided and elected, and won for her and her
race the right to ride in the street cars.
He was Wing and he participated in tho
first Republican State Convention in 1856.
Having been appointed by Governor Nor
GAN Brigadicr-General on his staff he
rendered distinguished services during the
civil war in organizing volunteers from this
State. In 1871 he was appointed Collector
OF the Port Of New York by President GRANT
and made one Of the most capable Collectors
who have ever held that Office In 1880 he
was nominated for Vicc-presdent on the
ticket with President GARFIELD, afterwhoso
death from tho shot Of the assassin GUTTEAU
he became President IN 1881.
This Is n rapid survey OF tho career Of
President ARTHUR up to the time Of his ac-
cession to the Presidency. 1t was through
out notable for fidelity to his party and his
convictions and forTigor and effectiveness.
As the leader OF the Republican party in
New York he commanded the confidence Of
both political friends and foes by reason Of
the strictness OF his honor and his remark
lble ability in political organization.
This nation has nevcr had n man In the
billce of President who better preserved
Its dignity and sustained IT'S responsible
ties than President ARTHUR. Physically
he was strlkhgly impressive parsonage,
h unusually great stature and peculiar
grace He was a man OF elegant tastes,
Ind they manifested themselves conspicu-
Uusly in the White House. He was thor
oughly gentleman. His mind was we'll
balanced and vigorous and his regard for
the dignity and all tho requirements OF
bis Office was always scrupulous. His
Administration was so successful, 30 free
from opportunities for justlfable assault,
except on purely partisan grounds, that in
Justice he should have received tho nomina-
ton Of the Republicans for President in
1854. But Mr.. BLAINE was put up against
Mr.. CLEVELAND and defeated. It was an
Instance of party ingratitudo for which
the punishment was bitter. President
ARTHUR died at his residence In Lexington
avenue on the 18th of November 1886.
His distinguished career, his notable SER
vices to tho nation, and his qualities OF
character are now tltly COMMUNICATED by
II statue in the city on which CHESTER
ALAN ARTHUR cast 50 great lustre.