Summary
Chester A. Arthur's 1883 State of the Union Address argues for the urgent need to restore the U.S. Navy's efficiency due to potential global instability, advocating for strengthening this service arm for economic, peaceful, and honorable reasons. The address also emphasizes the importance of maintaining and modifying commercial relations with foreign powers, specifically citing the reciprocity treaty with Hawaii and the need for increased diplomatic ties with Hayti and Santo Domingo. Arthur highlights the success of recent postal rate reductions and proposes radical legislation for absolute political control over the Territory of Utah to suppress lawlessness.
The address outlines principles for extending foreign trade, based on American industrial and inventive capabilities, vast resources, and high labor wages. Arthur strongly recommends that Congress enable the government to construct its own ordnance for national safety and honor, detailing how American steel manufacturers are willing to develop the necessary plant for heavy gun production with guaranteed orders and appropriations. He also stresses the need for government assistance, such as mail transportation payments, to encourage American investment in American steamships and revive the nation's foreign carrying trade, which is currently dominated by foreigners.
Key concepts
- Restoration of the Navy — Urges rapid rebuilding of the naval service to ensure national security and honor in a potentially unstable world.
- Reciprocity Treaty with Hawaii — Addresses the upcoming terminability of the treaty and suggests modifications to preserve important commercial relations.
- Diplomatic Intercourse with Hayti and Santo Domingo — Advocates for expanded diplomatic relations due to increasing trade with these nations.
- Absolute Political Control of Utah Territory — Recommends radical legislation for direct governmental oversight of Utah.
- Government Construction of Ordnance — Proposes enabling the government to build its own heavy guns for national defense.
- Government Assistance to American Steamships — Suggests financial incentives to encourage investment in U.S. shipping and improve foreign trade.
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
- Explain, in simple terms, the "appalling calamity" Arthur references at the beginning of his address. What emotional and political challenges did this event present for him and the nation, and how does he attempt to address them in his opening remarks?
- Arthur describes both "rare prosperity" and a national "calamity." How do these contrasting themes work together in his address to paint a picture of the nation's condition, and what underlying message might he be conveying about national resilience or divine will?
- Consider the mention of the "Fortune Bay claims" settlement and the "salute to the British flag at Yorktown." How do these two distinct events, one a resolution of conflict and the other a gesture of goodwill, illustrate the complexities of Anglo-American relations at the time, and what might each action communicate to an international audience?
- Looking at the broader context of foreign relations discussed (international sympathy for the deceased president, trade exhibitions, copyright, Panama Canal), what specific aspects of American foreign policy and national identity in the 1880s are highlighted by Arthur's choices of what to include or emphasize in this address?
- Arthur briefly alludes to "correspondence... in relation to the proposed canal across the Isthmus of Panama." What questions does this brief mention raise about the strategic interests and potential future challenges for the United States, even without further detail in this excerpt?