M,IDKMPM #21 Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur

Sept 19, 1881 – March 4, 1885

 

 

• Elegant Arthur
• The Gentleman Boss
• The Dude President (Inspiration for the “Big Lebowski”)
• Our Chet

                                  

 

Arthir was chosen by Garfield to be his running mate at the 1880 Republican National Convention because he was a stalwart (the support of which Garfield did not have) and Garfield knew the vote would be close. In some ways this was to be his undoing since Charles Guiteau shot Garfield saying “I am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts…Arthur is president now!!” Arthur was shocked by the assassination and mortified of Guiteau’s claim of political unity.

1882 – Chinese Exclusion Act: The first signifigant restriction on free immigration in the history of the US

1883 – Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act – Placed most federal employees on a merit system rather than the cronyism or “spoils system” that had been dominating for years.

1884 – International Meridian Conference 25 nations sent 41 delegates to determine the Prime Meridian of the world; held at the request of Chester Arthur

 

 

THE TRIVIAL THINGS:

• Arthur’s citizenship was called into question when his political opponents claimed he was born across the Vermont border in Canada. Arthur denied the claims and went about serving out his term.
• His favorite food was mutton chops! (Or was it his favorite bit of tonsorial flare?)
• First president to take the Oath of Office in his own home (actually took the oath twice – at home and then 2 days later on his return to Washington)
• Took friends on walking tours around DC at 3 or 4 in the morning (and rarely went to bed before 2am)
• Known as the ‘Father of the Civil Service’
• Was so disgusted by the state of the White House he refused to reside her until the removal of 26 wagon loads of furniture had been removed, including some priceless treasures.
• He changed pants several times a day, owning over 80 pairs
• Arthur destroyed all of his personal papers before his death
• Publisher McClure wrote of Arthur, “No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired…more generally respected.”