PERIODIC PRESIDENTS on BOBBLEHEAD GEORGE

It was once said that "No man ever entered the presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted as Chester Alan Arthur, and no one ever retired... more generally respected, alike by political friend and foe." Arthur was a stalwart Republican and ally of famed republican congressman Roscoe Conkling.

 

Arthur was born in Vermont in 1829, although some political adversaries falsely claimed he was born in Canada. Chester Arthur was both a lawyer and teacher before serving as Quartermaster General of the State of New York during the Civil War. Arthur became increasingly involved in politics after the war, and was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by Ulysses S Grant. After winning the republican nomination, James Garfield chose Arthur as his running mate. The shooting of Garfield placed Arthur in a position no other Vice President ever found themselves in. Although Garfield was shot on July 2nd, he did not pass away until September 19th, leaving the country without a president for months. Arthur was sworn in as President after he heard of the death of Garfield early on the morning of September 20 by a New York judge. Arthur then retook the oath of office two days later by Justice Morrison R. Waite to ensure the constitutionality of his presidency.

 

Arthur’s presidency is not seen as very memorable, however he made great strides in being perceived as merely a cog in a political machine, to a competent President. This is illuminated by one of Arthur’s most significant work as president being the enforcement of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. Arthur did not win the republican nomination in 1884, and returned to his home in New York. Chester Arthur passed away on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57.