Summary
Chester A. Arthur's 1884 State of the Union Address argues for active government intervention to revive American shipping and expand foreign trade, citing the Secretary's report that recommends government assistance to encourage investment in American steamships. Arthur believes that without such aid, the foreign carrying trade will remain dominated by foreigners. He also advocates for radical legislation to assert political control over the Territory of Utah, proposing commissioners with governmental powers to manage the region.
The address also touches upon the importance of national tranquility and the need to restore the Navy's efficiency due to potential disturbances to the long peace. Arthur highlights the successful resolution of the Liberia boundary dispute and suggests modifications to the reciprocity treaty with Hawaii to preserve commercial relations. He further advises strengthening diplomatic ties with Santo Domingo due to increasing trade.
Key concepts
- American shipping interests — Government assistance, through liberal mail transportation payments or other means, is recommended to incentivize American capital investment in American steamships to counter foreign dominance in the carrying trade.
- Political control of Utah — Arthur recommends absolute political control for Congress over the Territory of Utah, including the appointment of commissioners with governmental powers, to address issues that can only be suppressed by radical…
- Extension of foreign trade — The address outlines general principles for national efforts in foreign trade, recognizing the U.S. as a people skilled in mechanical pursuits with abundant raw materials and sufficient production capacity for domestic…
- Reciprocity treaty with Hawaii — Arthur suggests modifications to the existing treaty, which becomes terminable after September 9, 1883, to preserve fostered commercial relations that are important to the U.S.
- Restoring the Navy — The address strongly urges the duty of rapidly restoring the Navy to its former high state of efficiency, viewing it as a policy dictated by wise economy, future tranquility, and national dignity.
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 President Arthur's opening address, particularly his description of the "appalling calamity," set the tone for his presidency and shape the initial message to the American people and Congress?
- Analyze the specific language Arthur uses to describe the "calamity" (e.g., "mysterious exercise of His will"). What rhetorical purpose does this serve, and how might it have been interpreted by a late 19th-century American audience?
- Arthur transitions from a national tragedy to a discussion of "rare prosperity" and then foreign relations. How does he skillfully navigate these distinct subjects within the limited scope of an opening address, and what does this reveal about the perceived responsibilities of a President during this period?
- Consider the various international relations mentioned – from the tributes after the "calamity" to the Fortune Bay claims and the Panama Canal. What common threads or emerging themes can you identify regarding America's place and priorities on the global stage in 1881?
- If you had to explain the core message and the most significant challenges and triumphs articulated in this excerpt to a contemporary audience unfamiliar with 19th-century American history, how would you simplify Arthur's points to ensure clear understanding without losing the historical context?