White House gossip

by Edna M. Colman

I take especial pleasure in laying before Congress the generous offer made by Mrs. Grant to give to the Government, in personal trust, the swords and military (and civil) testimonials lately belonging to General Grant. A copy of the deed of trust and of a letter addressed to me by Mr. William H. Vanderbilt, which I transmit herewith, will explain the nature and motives of this offer.

Appreciation of General Grant’s achievements and recognition of his just fame have in part taken the shape of numerous mementoes and gifts which, while dear to him, possess for the nation an exceptional interest. These relics, of great historical value, have passed into the hands of another, whose considerate action has restored the collection to Mrs. Grant as a life trust, on the condition that, at the death of General Grant, or sooner, at Mrs. Grant’s option, it should become the property of the Government, as set forth in the accompanying papers. In the exercise of the option thus given her, Mrs. Grant elects that the trust shall forthwith determine, and asks that the Government designate a suitable place of deposit and a responsible custodian for the collection.

The nature of this gift and value of the relics which the generosity of a private citizen, joined to the high sense of public regard which animates Mrs. Grant, have thus placed at the disposal of the Government, demand full and signal recognition on behalf of the nation at the hands of its representatives. I therefore ask Congress to take suitable action to accept the trust and to provide for its secure custody, at the same time recording the appreciative gratitude of the people of the United States to the donors.

In this connection I may patiently advert to the pending legislation of the Senate and House of Representatives looking to a national recognition of General Grant’s eminent services by providing the means for his restoration to the Army on the retired list. That Congress, by taking such action, will give expression to the almost universal desire of the people of this nation is evident, and I earnestly urge the passage of an act similar to Senate bill No. 2530, which, while not interfering with the constitutional prerogative of appointment, will enable the President in his discretion to nominate General Grant as general upon the retired list.

Chester A. Arthur.

Notable among the events to add distinction to the Capital City was the completion and dedication of the Washington Monument on George Washington’s birthday anniversary in 1885. This ceremony rounding out eighty-six years of intermittent construction from the inception of the plan offered a splendid finale to President Arthur’s administration.

The day was bitterly cold with a high wind which made the ceremonies difficult for the little party of officials on the platform five hundred feet from the ground. After the various addresses by officials, the President dedicated the monument “to the immortal name and memory of George Washington.” The entire party, including the vast concourse of people assembled at the base, marched to the Capitol where the venerable Robert Winthrop delivered the oration of the day just as he had done on the memorable day in 1848 when the corner stone was laid.

The monument has the proud record, the like of which no other structure of its scope can claim, of there having been no lives lost during the process of its construction. When the work on the top was begun, P. H. Laughlin, the superintendent, devised a strong net which was raised as the structure increased in height and was kept fastened firmly to all four sides. Although most of the workmen slipped and fell into this from time to time, none was killed.

The most comprehensive summary of Chester Arthur and his administration was found in the tribute of Elihu Root at the unveiling of the monument to his memory in New York, June 13, 1899, of which the following is an extract:

“Surely no more lonely and pathetic figure was ever seen assuming the powers of government. He had no people behind him, for Garfield, not he, was the people’s choice; he had no party behind him, for the dominant factions of his party hated his name, were enraged by his advancement, and distrusted his motives. He had not even his own faction behind him, for he already knew that the just discharge of his duties would not accord with the ardent desires of partisanship, and that disappointment and estrangement lay before him there. He was alone. He was bowed down by the weight of fearful responsibility and crushed to earth by the feeling, exaggerated, but not unfounded, that he took up his heavy burden surrounded by dislike, suspicion, distrust, and condemnation as an enemy of the martyred Garfield and the beneficiary of his murder. Deep and settled melancholy possessed him; almost despair overwhelmed him. He went to power walking through the valley of the shadow of death and ascended the steps of a throne as one who is accused goes to his trial. He was wise in statesmanship, firm and effective in administration. Honesty in national finance, purity and effectiveness in the civil service, the promotion of commerce, the recreation of the American Navy, reconciliation between North and South, an honourable friendship with foreign nations, received his active support.