Few Americans who are not history wonks are familiar with Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, who was serving as vice president to James A. Garfield, who was assassinated a few months after assuming office. Arthur was put on the ticket with Garfield to appease his faction of the Republican Party, the Stalwarts, who were strong supporters of the spoils system of patronage. Arthur himself had been a beneficiary and supporter of patronage, when he was given the job as Collector of Customs for the ports of New York City.
Once in office, though, he was convinced by reformers that the government’s civil service had to be reformed if it was to effectively serve the nation, and he broke with his Stalwarts on this and many issues, and pushed policies and laws that benefited the country writ large.
Arthur was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Bright’s Disease, while in office, and he kept it secret until he died two years after his term ended. Involved in a number of historical issues, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, the civil service reform act, and expansion of the U.S. Navy, he was nonetheless forgotten not long after leaving office, and has been described as one of America’s ‘least memorable’ presidents. He had his personal and official papers burned just before he died, so there is little in history to contradict that designation. But a study of historical events during his time in office portray a man who was a quiet but effective leader, who had the ability and courage to ‘change course’ when the situation called for it.
Genre: Historical
Once in office, though, he was convinced by reformers that the government’s civil service had to be reformed if it was to effectively serve the nation, and he broke with his Stalwarts on this and many issues, and pushed policies and laws that benefited the country writ large.
Arthur was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Bright’s Disease, while in office, and he kept it secret until he died two years after his term ended. Involved in a number of historical issues, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, the civil service reform act, and expansion of the U.S. Navy, he was nonetheless forgotten not long after leaving office, and has been described as one of America’s ‘least memorable’ presidents. He had his personal and official papers burned just before he died, so there is little in history to contradict that designation. But a study of historical events during his time in office portray a man who was a quiet but effective leader, who had the ability and courage to ‘change course’ when the situation called for it.
Genre: Historical
Used availability for Charles Ray's Chester A. Arthur: Changing Course