Rare Vintage Photogravure of Chester A. Arthur -- White House Gallery Two-Page Set with Dedication, 10x12 Print

WITH WRITTEN DEDICATION TO PRESIDENT ARTHUR BY CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW, V. J. Senator from Neto York

2 PAGES

1 X PHOTOGRAVURE PAGE 10X12 PRINT ON 16X20 HEAVY GUAGE PAPER

1X TITLE PAGE AND DEDICATION TEXT

Full Text of Dedication

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RESIDENT ARTHUR will be distinguished both for what he did and what he refrained from doing.

The strain and

intensity of public feeling, the vehemence of the angry

and

vindictive passions of the time, demanded the rarest of negative as well as positive qualities. His calm and even course of government allayed excitement and appealed to the better judgment of the people.

He spoke vigorously for the reform

and improvement of the Civil Service, and when Congress, acting upon his suggestions, enacted the law, he constructed the machinery for its execution, which has since accomplished most satisfactory, though as yet incomplete results.

On questions of

currency and finance he met the needs of public and private credit, and the best commercial

sentiment of the country.

He knew the necessity for efficient coast defenses, and a navy equal

to the requirements of the age. He keenly felt the weakness of our commercial marine, and the total destruction of the proud position we had formerly held among the maritime Nations of the world, and did what he could to move Congress to wise and patriotic legislation.

The centennial of the final surrender at Yorktown, which marked the end of the Revolutionary War, and the close of English, rule, was celebrated with fitting splendor and

appropriateness.

The presence of the descendants of Lafayette and Steuben as the guests of

the Nation, typified the undying gratitude of the Republic for the services rendered by the great French patriot and his countrymen, and by the famous German soldier.

But the President,

with characteristic grace and tact, determined that the ceremonies should also officially record that all feelings of hostility against the mother country were dead.

He directed that the

celebration should be closed by a salute fired in honor of the British flag, as he felicitously said, in recognition of the friendly relations so long and so happily subsisting between Great Britain United States, in the trust and confidence of peace and good-will between the two

countries tor all the centuries to come,"

and especially as a

mark of the profound respect entertained by the American people for the illustrious sovereign and gracious lady who sits upon the British throne.

General Grant was dying of a lingering and most painful disease. Manifold and extraordinary misfortunes had befallen him, and his last days were clouded with great mental distress and doubt.

The old soldier was most anxious to know that his countrymen freed him

and would hold his memory sacred from all blame in connection with the men and troubles with which he had become so strangely, innocently and most inextricably involved.

Whether

his life should suddenly go out in the darkness, or be spared for an indefinite period was largely dependent upon some act which would convey to him the confidence and admiration of the people.

correct appreciation of the expression of popular sentiment.

By timely suggestions to

speedily acted upon, he happily closed the Administration by affixing, as its last official act, his Signature to the nomination, which was confirmed with tumultuous cheers, creating Ulysses S Grant General of the Army.

The news flashed to the hero, with affectionate message, rescued

him from the grave, to enjoy for months the blissful assurance that comrades and countrymen had taken his character and career into their tender and watchful keeping.

When the ballet of Guiteau struck down President Garfield, there came a perfect whirlwind of resentment and revenge, and General Arthur, by the very necessity of his position, became the object of most causeless and cruel suspicion and assault.

But in that hour the real

greatness of his character became resplendent.

The politician gave place to the statesman, and

the partisan to the President.

The months during which President Garfield lay dying by the sea at Elberon phenomenal in the history of the world.

were

The sufferer became a member of every household in

the land, and in all countries, tongues and creeds, sympathetic prayers ascended to God for the recovery of the great ruler beyond the ocean who had sprung from the common people and illustrated the possibilities for the individual where all men are equal before the law.

While he who was to succeed him if he died, though in no place and in no sense charged with sympathy with the assassination, yet was made to feel a National resentment and distrust which threatened his usefulness and even his life. Whether he spoke or was silent he was alike misrepresented and misunderstood

When the end came for General Garfield, Arthur entered the White House as he had taken the oath of office alone. A weaker man would have succumbed, a narrower one have seized upon the patronage and endeavored to build up his power by strengthening his faction.

But the lineage and training of Arthur stood in this solemn and critical hour for patriotism and manliness.

Chauncey (hi depews.