Historians view the Chester Arthur presidency as an important
surprise, one that no one would have expected. Put simply, he performed
well in office, defying his state-based reputation as a slick machine
politician. Despite his poor health, he attempted to govern competently,
and he succeeded to a degree that was never acknowledged by his fellow
politicians, the press, or the great mass of Americans.
Although Arthur preferred efficient partisan government service to
one selected by competitive examinations, he nevertheless showed
tremendous flexibility and a willingness to embrace reform. By
struggling with the tariff issue (especially being willing to question
the protectionist doctrines of the Republican Party) and supporting the
modernization of the American Navy, Arthur stands as an important
transitional figure in the reunification of the nation after the bitter
turmoil of the Civil War and Reconstruction. No party hack, Arthur
demonstrated how the office of President could bring out the very best
in its occupants.
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