Why are there so many
Tributes to Lincoln,
Kennedy, and Washington?
What of the lesser men
Who served their country?
Where is their place in the sun?
Come back with me to the late eighteen-hundreds,
Where plutocrats plunder and rob,
And hear the story of Chester A. Arthur -
The man who grew into the job!

Mustache and big sideburns,
Elegant dresser,
Loved fine wine and high cuisine.
He was the protege
Of Roscoe Conkling's
Republican Stalwart machine.
Conkling's influence got Chet on the ticket.
Garfield did not want him there!
Guiteau shot Garfield, and Chester A. Arthur
Then rose to the President's chair.

He foreswore spoilsmanship,
Kept Conkling distant,
To the boss didn't conform.
Showed great integrity -
For civil service
Enacted needed reform!
Helped to build our modern navy - thank goodness!
'Though his term had little myth...
Chester A. Arthur,
Like Prince Hal before him,
Became more like Henry The Fifth!