Note p. 480 n — INDEX.

[280] Born in Vermont, 1830; died, 1886. Graduated at Union College, 1848; studied and practiced law in New York City; as member of Governor Morgan’s staff was of great service as quartermaster, engineer in chief, and inspector general during the Civil War; was appointed Collector of the Port of New York, 1871; was actively engaged in New York politics while he held his position and was removed by Hayes in 1878 for alleged excessive partisanship; was nominated for Vice President with Garfield in 1880; succeeded to the Presidency in 1881; was a candidate for renomination in 1884, but was defeated by Blaine.

[281] Congress had voted to erect a suitable memorial to Washington the very year of his death; but no appropriation was available, and even the corner stone was not laid until 1848.

[282] Arthur’s administration was not marked by foreign complications of importance, although during the period efforts continued to be made to secure from Great Britain some modification of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (§ 401), since trade with South America was becoming more and more valuable and the construction of an Isthmian Canal controlled by the United States was considered essential. In domestic affairs it may be noted that President Arthur showed firmness in vetoing a bill restricting Chinese immigration, after which a less stringent one was passed.

[283] The term “Mugwump” is a Massachusetts Indian word meaning a big or important man. It was applied as a term of reproach, indicating that those who received it set themselves up to be better or greater than the majority of their party.