Chester A. Arthur Administration (1881–1885)

The Chester A. Arthur administration (1881–1885) followed the tragic assassination of President James A. Garfield. Initially regarded with skepticism due to his ties to political patronage and machine politics, Arthur surprised many by becoming a strong advocate for civil service reform and other progressive measures. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, presided during a period of political and economic transition, addressing issues like government corruption, immigration, and modernizing the U.S. Navy.

Key Events and Policies of the Arthur Administration

1. Civil Service Reform

Arthur’s most significant achievement was his support for reforming the corrupt spoils system that dominated government appointments.

• Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1883):
  • Established a merit-based system for federal employment.
  • Created the Civil Service Commission to oversee competitive exams and prevent patronage.
  • Marked a turning point in American governance by reducing corruption and professionalizing public service.

Arthur’s endorsement of the Pendleton Act was unexpected given his prior ties to the Stalwart faction, which supported patronage.

2. Immigration and Chinese Exclusion

• Chinese Exclusion Act (1882):
  • Arthur signed this law, the first significant restriction on immigration in U.S. history, banning Chinese laborers for 10 years and denying Chinese immigrants the right to citizenship.
  • While Arthur initially vetoed a more restrictive version of the bill, he faced intense political pressure to address widespread anti-Chinese sentiment, especially in the Western states.
• Immigration Act of 1882:
  • Imposed a head tax on immigrants and excluded those deemed “undesirable,” such as the poor, mentally ill, or criminals.
  • Laid the groundwork for federal immigration regulation.

3. Modernization of the U.S. Navy

Arthur was a strong proponent of military modernization.

• He oversaw the development of the “New Navy,” transitioning from outdated wooden ships to modern steel-hulled vessels.
• This initiative revitalized the U.S. Navy and prepared it for the technological demands of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Tariff Reform and Fiscal Policy

• Arthur worked to address the government’s budget surplus by advocating for a reduction in tariffs, which were a major source of federal revenue.
• He signed the Tariff Act of 1883, which made modest reductions but left many dissatisfied, as it did not significantly address tariff inequities.

5. Public Health and Infrastructure

• Arthur signed the River and Harbor Act (1882), which funded infrastructure improvements across the country but was criticized as an example of pork-barrel spending.
• Supported the creation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics to address labor issues and improve working conditions.

Personal Challenges and Declining Health

• Arthur was diagnosed with Bright’s disease (a fatal kidney condition) during his presidency, which he kept private. His declining health likely influenced his decision not to seek re-election in 1884.

Legacy

Despite low expectations upon taking office, Arthur’s presidency is remembered for its reform-oriented agenda and integrity:

1. Civil Service Reform:
   • The Pendleton Act marked a significant step in reducing corruption and professionalizing government.
2. Immigration Policy:
   • The Chinese Exclusion Act signaled the beginning of restrictive immigration laws in the U.S.
3. Military Modernization:
   • His commitment to rebuilding the Navy laid the foundation for America’s future naval power.

Arthur’s transformation from a political machine insider to a reform-oriented leader earned him posthumous respect, though he remains a relatively understated figure in American history.

Would you like to explore his life before the presidency or more about his administration?