President Arthur’s administration has been characterized by an elevated tone at home and abroad.  All important questions have been carefully discussed at the council table, at which the President has displayed unusual powers of analysis and comprehension.  The conflicting claims of applicants for appointments to offices in his gift, have been carefully weighed, and no action has been taken until all parties interested have had a hearing.  The President has a remarkable insight into men, promptly estimating character with an accuracy that makes it a difficult matter to deceive him, or to win his favor either for visionary schemes, corrupt attacks upon the treasury, or incompetent place-hunters.  He has shown that he has been guided by a wise experience of the past, and a sagacious foresight of the future, exhibiting sacrifices of individual friendship to a sense of public duty.

Possessing moral firmness and a just self-reliance, President Arthur did not hesitate about vetoing the “Chinese Bill” and the “Bill making appropriations for rivers and harbors” for reasons which he laid before Congress in his veto messages.  The wisdom and sagacity which he has displayed in his management of national affairs has been especially acceptable to the business interests of the country.  They have tested his administration by business principles, and they feel that, so long as he firmly grasps the helm of the ship of state, she will pursue a course of peace and prosperity.

In dispensing the hospitalities of the White House, President Arthur has exhibited the resources of a naturally generous disposition and a refined taste.  His remembrance of persons who call upon him, and whom he may not have seen for years, is remarkable, and his hearty, genial temperament enables him to make his visitors at home.  His vigorous vitality of body and mind, his manly figure and expressive face, add to the dignity of his manner.  A ready speaker, he at all times rises to the level of an emergency, and he invariably charms those who hear him by his courtesy of expression, which is the outward reflection of a large, kind heart.

President Arthur’s numerous friends contemplate the prominent events of his eventful life without regret, and with a sincere belief that they will be sustained by the verdict of impartial history.  Utility to the country has been the rule of his political life, and he has arrived at that high standard of official excellence which prevailed in the early days of the Republic, when honesty, firmness, patriotism, and stability of character were the characteristics of public men.  Under his lead, the Republican party, disorganized and disheartened after the sad death of General Garfield, has gradually become strengthened and united on the eve of another presidential victory.

* * * * *

Yesterday.

By Kate L. Brown.

  Adown the aisles of yesterday
  What fairy notes are ringing,
  And strange, sweet odors, rich and rare,
  The western winds are bringing!