The evening times., 1899-06-14
caRsqER ALAN ARTHUR,

| From the New York Sum-
"a bronze statue of Chester Alan Arthur
was unveiled In Madison square yesterday
afternoon, and 1t was fitting that such
honor and distinction should be rendered
to the memory OF the only citizen Of New
York who ever was President of the United
States. More than that, the intrinsic merit
| and memorable achieyements Of President
Arthur. deserved the most grateful recog
milton from his feilow-countrymen and
| fellow-townsmen.
Though born in Vermont, he was edu-
Gated AZ Union College in Schenectady, and
was graduated at It with much distinction.
Like so many Americans who have become
fllustrfous 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 hitting boys for col
lege. and for time was principal OF q
school in Vermont. 1t was a peculiarly
American start in life.
President Arthur's initiation into the
practice OF law was ID an Office in New
York with the late Erastus d. Culver WHO
had been an anti-Siavary member OF Con-
gress. Thus young Arthur was early link
ed in sympathy with the anti-slavery
movement. and he won his first distinc-
tion at the bar I'M defending the right of
slaves to freedom in the free State of New
York. In another nOtahee instance he DEM
onstrated his courageous support Of the
rights of the 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 excluded and
elected and won for her and her race the
right 10 ride in the street cars.
He was q 'Whig. and he participated in
the first Republican State Convention in
1856. Having been appointed by Governor
Morgan brigadier general on his stan.
he rendered distinguished services during
the civil war in organizing volunteers from
this State. In 1871 he was appointed COL
lector of the port of New York by Presi-
dent Grant. and made one Of the most ca
pable collectors who have ever held that
office. In 1880 he was nominated for Vice
President on the ticket with President Gar
field. after whose death from the shot of
the assassin Guiteau he became President
in 1881.
This is a rapid survey OF the career Of
President Arthur up to the time of his
accession to the Presidency. II was
throughout notable for fidelity to his party
and his convictions and for vigor and eff
fectiveness. AS the leader of the Republi-
can party in New York he commanded the
confidence of both political friends and foes
by reason of the stricfness of his homer
and his remarkable ability In political or
ganization.
This nation has never had a man in the
ofice Of President who better preserved
its dignity and sustained its responsibilities
than President Arthur. Physically he was
a strikingiy impressive parsonage. of un-
usually great stature and peculiar grace.
He was a man Of elegant tastes. and they
manifested themselves cOnspicuously in
the White House. He was thoroughly a
gentleman. His mind was well balanced
and vigorous. and his regard for the dignity
and all the requirements of his office was
always scrupulous. His Administration
was SO successful. 30 free from opportuni-
ties for tustifiable assault except on purely
partisan grounds, that in justice he should
have received the nomination Of the Re-
publicans for President in 1884. But Mr.
Blaine was put up against Mr.. Cleveland |
and defeated. 1t was an instance of party |
ingratitude for which the punishment was |
bitter. President Arthur died at his resi- |
ience In Lexington Avenue on the 18th OF |
November. 1886.
His distinguished career. his notable |
services to the nation. and his qualities OF |
character are now ftly commemora;ed by |
/ statue in the city on which Chester Alan
Arthur cast so great lustre.