Summary
Chester A. Arthur's 1881 State of the Union Address argues for the restoration of the U.S. Navy's efficiency as a matter of wise economy, future tranquility, and national dignity. The address also addresses the administration of public services, including the satisfactory state of finances detailed by the Secretary of the Treasury, with ordinary revenues from customs and internal revenue highlighted. Arthur emphasizes the supreme importance of public health and attention to measures protecting against contagious diseases.
The address details foreign policy considerations, including maintaining commercial relations with Hawaii through treaty modifications and expanding diplomatic intercourse with Hayti and Santo Domingo due to increasing trade. It also touches on specific legislative recommendations such as conferring a pension upon Ulysses S. Grant, preserving forests on public domain, and providing Government aid for popular education. Arthur strongly advocates for absolute political control over the Territory of Utah to address issues that require radical legislation.
Key concepts
- Ordinary revenues — Specific financial figures for customs, internal revenue, and public land sales are presented for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881.
- Reciprocity treaty with Hawaii — This treaty is identified as terminable after September 9, 1883, requiring consideration for modifications to preserve commercial relations.
- Diplomatic intercourse with Hayti and Santo Domingo — Arthur advises provision for increased diplomatic interaction due to growing trade with these nations.
- Restoring the Navy — The address strongly urges Congress to return the Navy to its former high state of efficiency, citing national security and economic prudence.
- Political control of Utah Territory — Arthur recommends absolute political control for Utah, advocating for the appointment of commissioners with defined governmental powers.
- Immigration of laborers from China — The address discusses the interpretation of the act of May 6, 1882, regarding the transit of Chinese individuals through the U.S.
From the book
This Government sees with great concern the continuance of the hostile
As in the present excited condition of popular feeling in these countries
The Government of Venezuela maintains its attitude of warm friendship and
Popular questions readers ask
- How does Arthur's acknowledgment of President Garfield's death serve as more than just an obituary, and what strategic purpose might this framing hold for the beginning of his presidency?
- Arthur states the nation experienced "rare prosperity" despite the "appalling calamity." How does he connect or separate these two seemingly contrasting conditions, and what message does this convey about the nation's resilience?
- Why would Arthur specifically highlight the "salute to the British flag" at Yorktown and the "Fortune Bay claims" settlement? What do these examples suggest about the immediate foreign policy priorities or desired image of the United States?
- Beyond mourning, what does the international sympathy for Garfield's death, described as a "kinship of nations," imply about America's perceived standing and role on the global stage at this time?
- If you had to explain the main takeaways about America's internal condition and external relations in 1881 based *only* on this excerpt, how would you summarize them for someone unfamiliar with the era?