movingstarvoices.org – Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, assumed office in 1881 after the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Arthur’s rise to the presidency was unexpected and came at a time when the nation was grappling with intense political and social issues. Known for his association with the political machine system, Arthur was initially viewed with skepticism, particularly due to his background as a member of the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party. The Stalwarts, who were known for their support of the spoils system, stood in stark contrast to the reform-minded Half-Breeds. However, Arthur’s presidency, although short, would defy expectations and demonstrate his political adaptability and leadership capabilities.
During his time in office, Arthur faced significant challenges, ranging from the continuing debates over civil service reform to the intricacies of navigating political factionalism. However, he also achieved notable successes that would shape the future of American governance. His administration is particularly remembered for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which marked a turning point in the nation’s approach to civil service and government appointments.
This article delves into the presidency of Chester A. Arthur, examining the challenges he faced, the achievements of his administration, and how his leadership reshaped American politics.
The Rise of Chester A. Arthur: From Political Machine to the White House
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Chester A. Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, to a family of modest means. Arthur’s early life was marked by a strong academic background, which led him to study at Union College in Schenectady, New York. After completing his education, Arthur became a lawyer, eventually moving to New York City, where he began his political career.
Arthur’s political rise came in the 1850s, when he became involved with the Republican Party. He gained prominence as a supporter of the Union during the Civil War and was appointed as the Collector of the Port of New York in 1871, a prestigious and highly influential position. However, it was during this time that Arthur became deeply associated with political patronage and the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party. His role in New York politics and his close ties with influential party leaders, including Senator Roscoe Conkling, helped him secure his position as a prominent figure within the party’s machine politics.
Arthur’s Unexpected Ascension to the Presidency
Arthur’s political career was, at first, primarily defined by his loyalty to the Stalwart faction, which supported the spoils system—the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs. His rise to the vice presidency in 1880 was a political maneuver orchestrated by party leaders, including Conkling, to unite the fractured Republican Party. Garfield’s election as president, while a victory for the Half-Breeds, who supported civil service reform, was meant to be balanced by the inclusion of Arthur as vice president.
However, on July 2, 1881, tragedy struck when President Garfield was shot by assassin Charles J. Guiteau. Garfield succumbed to his wounds several months later, on September 19, 1881, and Arthur was sworn in as president. His ascension to the presidency was unexpected, and many questioned his ability to lead, given his close ties to the patronage system. Arthur was often seen as a figurehead, someone who would simply continue the policies of his predecessors rather than bring about meaningful change.
Challenges Faced by Chester A. Arthur
The Patronage System and Political Division
One of the greatest challenges Chester A. Arthur faced as president was his association with the patronage system, which had defined much of his political career. The Republican Party was divided into two factions—the Half-Breeds, who supported civil service reform and the reduction of patronage, and the Stalwarts, who believed in the power of patronage to reward political loyalty.
As a member of the Stalwart faction, Arthur had been a staunch advocate for the spoils system, which had allowed party bosses to control government appointments. However, upon taking office, Arthur was faced with mounting pressure for reform. The public was increasingly dissatisfied with the patronage system, which they saw as corrupt and inefficient. There were growing calls for a more merit-based system for hiring government officials, one that would reduce the influence of political machines.
Arthur’s initial response to these pressures was one of caution. He was reluctant to alienate his Stalwart allies, who had helped him secure the vice presidency, but he was also aware that reform was becoming a political necessity. The assassination of Garfield, a reform-minded president, had galvanized public opinion against the patronage system, and many saw it as an opportunity to push for change.
The Scandal Over the “Star Route” Mail Contracts
Another significant challenge during Arthur’s presidency was the scandal over the “Star Route” mail contracts. These were postal contracts that were supposed to facilitate the delivery of mail to rural areas, but they became embroiled in corruption. The scandal involved the bribing of government officials to secure lucrative contracts, and it revealed the deep levels of corruption that existed in the administration.
While the scandal occurred before Arthur took office, it continued to affect his presidency. Arthur’s administration was forced to contend with the fallout from the scandal, and it cast a shadow over his early months in office. Despite his attempts to distance himself from the controversy, the Star Route scandal tarnished the reputation of his administration and served as a reminder of the persistent influence of patronage and corruption.
Achievements of Chester A. Arthur
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
Despite the challenges he faced, Chester A. Arthur’s presidency is perhaps best remembered for one monumental achievement: the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. Signed into law on January 16, 1883, the Pendleton Act was a landmark piece of legislation that began the process of transforming the U.S. civil service from a patronage-based system to a merit-based system. The Act created the Civil Service Commission, which was tasked with overseeing the hiring of federal employees based on merit rather than political connections.
The passage of the Pendleton Act marked a turning point in American politics. It was a direct response to the growing public outcry over the corruption and inefficiency associated with patronage, and it established a precedent for future civil service reforms. The Act applied to a limited number of government jobs initially, but over time, it expanded and laid the groundwork for the modern professional civil service.
Arthur’s role in championing the Pendleton Act was a surprising turn for a man who had once been a staunch supporter of the spoils system. His decision to support civil service reform alienated many of his Stalwart allies but solidified his legacy as a president willing to embrace change in the face of political pressure. The Pendleton Act helped reduce corruption in government and established standards for hiring and promotion within federal agencies that continue to be in place today.
Modernizing the U.S. Navy
Another achievement of Arthur’s presidency was his efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy. Arthur recognized the importance of a strong naval force to protect American interests abroad, particularly as the U.S. began to exert more influence in international affairs. During his time in office, Arthur oversaw the expansion of the Navy, advocating for the construction of new warships and the modernization of naval technology.
Arthur’s administration initiated a program to build steel-hulled ships, which were more durable and efficient than the wooden vessels that had previously been the backbone of the Navy. This modernization effort laid the foundation for the expansion of the U.S. Navy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and contributed to the United States becoming a global naval power.
Foreign Policy: The Bering Sea Arbitration
In terms of foreign policy, Arthur’s administration also saw a significant diplomatic achievement: the resolution of the Bering Sea dispute with Great Britain. The dispute arose over the hunting of fur seals in the Bering Sea, where both American and British interests clashed over hunting rights. The issue became a point of contention between the two nations, and tensions rose to the brink of conflict.
Arthur’s administration handled the dispute through diplomacy, and the matter was eventually settled through arbitration. The resulting agreement, known as the Bering Sea Arbitration, marked a success for American diplomacy and demonstrated the growing influence of the U.S. in global affairs.
The End of Arthur’s Presidency
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency came to an end in 1885 when he chose not to seek re-election. His time in office had been marked by political transformation, from his early ties to the patronage system to his eventual embrace of civil service reform. Although his presidency was short—lasting just over three years—Arthur’s leadership left a lasting impact on American politics.
After leaving office, Arthur largely withdrew from public life, though he continued to be active in the Republican Party. His health began to decline, and he died on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57, due to complications from a stroke.
Conclusion: A Presidency Defined by Challenges and Reforms
The presidency of Chester A. Arthur is often seen as one of the more unexpected and complex chapters in American history. His rise to power, his challenges with political factions, and his eventual embrace of civil service reform demonstrate the evolution of his leadership and his capacity for change. Though he was initially seen as a figurehead, Arthur’s achievements—including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, naval modernization, and successful foreign policy initiatives—have secured his legacy as a capable and surprising president.
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency was defined by the tensions of the Gilded Age: the struggle between political patronage and the demand for reform, the challenges of modernizing government institutions, and the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy. While Arthur faced significant obstacles, his administration helped lay the groundwork for a more efficient, less corrupt federal government and marked a shift in American politics that would reverberate throughout the 20th century.