Synthesized answer
The passages do not explicitly detail the historical context or the specific impact of the "appalling calamity" Arthur refers to. However, [Passage 1] states that this calamity "has befallen the American people since their chosen representatives last met." It then contrasts this with "rare prosperity with which throughout the year the nation has been blessed," mentioning plenteous harvests, thriving industries, preserved health, and undisturbed foreign relations. This suggests the calamity was a significant negative event that stood out against a backdrop of general national well-being.
Arthur frames the event as a national tragedy by stating it "has befallen the American people" and that for other blessings, "we owe to Him who holds our destiny in His hands the tribute of our grateful devotion" [Passage 1]. This implies a shared experience impacting the entire nation. The passages do not provide further details on why he chose to frame it as a national rather than a personal tragedy. [Passage 4] mentions the death of a "loved and illustrious citizen who was but lately the head of the nation," and that his death drew "tributes of sympathy and sorrow which history will record as…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Produced by James Linden. HTML version by Al Haines. State of the Union Addresses of Chester A. Arthur The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** Dates of addresses by Chester A. Arthur in this eBook: December 6, 1881 December 4, 1882 December 4, 1883 December 1, 1884 *** State of the Union Address Chester A. Arthur December 6, 1881 To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: An appalling calamity has befallen the American people since their chosen representatives last met in the halls where you are now assembled. We…
Arthur December 1, 1884 To the Congress of the United States: Since the close of your last session the American people, in the exercise of their highest right of suffrage, have chosen their Chief Magistrate for the four years ensuing. When it is remembered that at no period in the country's history has the long political contest which customarily precedes the day of the national election been waged with greater fervor and intensity, it is a subject of general congratulation that after the controversy at the polls was over, and while the slight preponderance by which the issue had…
Arthur December 4, 1882 To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: It is provided by the Constitution that the President shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. In reviewing the events of the year which has elapsed since the commencement of your sessions, I first call your attention to the gratifying condition of our foreign affairs. Our intercourse with other powers has continued to be of the most friendly character. Such…
ese manifestations of His favor we owe to Him who holds our destiny in His hands the tribute of our grateful devotion. To that mysterious exercise of His will which has taken from us the loved and illustrious citizen who was but lately the head of the nation we bow in sorrow and submission. The memory of his exalted character, of his noble achievements, and of his patriotic life will be treasured forever as a sacred possession of the whole people. The announcement of his death drew from foreign governments and peoples tributes of sympathy and sorrow which history will record as signal…
of vexed questions respecting Presidential inability are measures which may justly receive your serious consideration. As the time draws nigh when I am to retire from the public service, I can not refrain from expressing to the members of the National Legislature with whom I have been brought into personal and official intercourse my sincere appreciation of their unfailing courtesy and of their harmonious cooperation with the Executive in so many measures calculated to promote the best interests of the nation. And to my fellow-citizens generally I acknowledge a deep sense of obligation…
More questions about this book
- The address describes both "unalloyed content" due to national prosperity and profound national sorrow. How does Arthur reconcile these seemingly contradictory sentiments in his opening remarks, and what does this reveal about the function of a State of the Union Address during a period of national transition?
- Beyond simply listing diplomatic events, how do Arthur's references to the Yorktown centennial salute and the Fortune Bay claims settlement work together to project a specific image of America's international standing and diplomatic priorities under his nascent administration?
- Arthur briefly mentions "correspondence... in relation to the proposed canal across the Isthmus of Panama." Given the early date of this address, what latent geopolitical and economic interests does this brief reference signal for the United States, and why might it be deemed worthy of even a passing mention?
- The address shifts from discussions of international amity to the surrender of Sitting Bull. How does the inclusion and placement of this domestic event within a broader narrative of national and international affairs contribute to Arthur's overall message, and what does it suggest about the scope of issues a President was expected to address?