State of the Union Addresses

by Chester Alan Arthur

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 might else recall with unalloyed content the rare prosperity with which throughout the year the nation has been blessed. Its harvests have been plenteous; its varied industries have thriven; the health of its people has been preserved; it has maintained with foreign governments the undisturbed relations of amity and peace. For these 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.