Chester A. Arthur’s presidency was a tale of transformation. He assumed the highest office in the land under tragic circumstances, inheriting the mantle of leadership after the assassination of President James Garfield. Burdened by a reputation marred by his involvement in political patronage, Arthur faced a skeptical nation. Yet, he defied expectations, emerging as a leader known for his integrity and commitment to reform.
Arthur’s early life was marked by a strong moral compass instilled by his father, a reverend and ardent abolitionist. His upbringing instilled in him a sense of justice and social responsibility. After studying law and passing the bar, he gained prominence as a lawyer, notably advocating for the freedom of enslaved people brought to New York. He also championed the cause of a Black woman who was unjustly forced to deboard a whites-only streetcar.
Arthur’s political career began under the patronage of Senator Roscoe Conkling, the Republican boss of New York. As New York’s customs collector, Arthur oversaw a vast network of employees and controlled a significant portion of US import duties. Although there’s no evidence of personal corruption, Arthur’s position was entangled in the patronage system that fueled Conkling’s political machine.
This system came under intense scrutiny when President Rutherford B. Hayes, seeking to curb Conkling’s influence, established a commission to investigate the New York customs house. The commission unearthed evidence of political patronage and kickbacks, leading to Arthur’s suspension from his position.
Undeterred, Arthur and Conkling plotted to secure the Republican nomination for Grant in the 1880 convention. When their efforts failed, they accepted Arthur’s nomination as running mate to James A. Garfield, a compromise that sought to unify the warring factions within the Republican Party.
Tragically, Garfield’s presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. While Garfield lay dying, Arthur assumed the presidency. He surprised many with his actions, vetoing a bill that could have been used for political patronage and actively supporting the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883. This landmark legislation aimed to establish merit as the primary criterion for civil service appointments and promotions, effectively dismantling the patronage system.
Arthur also oversaw the acquisition of Pearl Harbor, securing a vital strategic base for the United States in the Pacific. However, his legacy is also marred by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred Chinese immigrants from entering the United States for a decade.
Though he lost the Republican nomination in 1884, Arthur completed his term, leaving a legacy of surprising accomplishment. He defied his party’s expectations, proving his commitment to integrity and reform. His story stands as a testament to the power of individual agency in shaping the course of history. As publisher Alexander K. McClure aptly observed, “No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired … more generally respected.” Arthur’s legacy stands as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that true character emerges through action and commitment to principle.
