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Chester Arthur safeguarding the Order of Presidential Succession

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I spotlight a constitutional conundrum resulting from the murder of President James Garfield. On his death, September 19th 1881, Vice President Chester Arthur assumed office, but it was unclear who would succeed him, were there another tragedy. Back then, next in order of succession was the Senate President pro Tempore. Unfortunately, being even divided between Republicans and Democrats, the Senate had been unable to elect someone. Congress was in recess at the time, so prudence required the new Republican President to take action. Before traveling from Manhattan to Washington, Arthur mailed to the White House a proclamation calling the Senate into special session. Arriving safely, he issued in its place a formal proclamation, dated September 23rd: "I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States, have considered it to be my duty ...
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Case Broderick, patriotic Kansas Republican Congressman

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I salute Case Broderick, born near Indianapolis, September 23rd 1839. Age nineteen, he moved to Kansas and purchased a small farm. Outbreak of civil war, this patriotic youth conveyed food to local forts. He later enlisted with the state’s 2nd Light Artillery. His battery fought in Missouri and Arkansas. Peace restored, Broderick studied law. As a Republican, he was elected small town mayor, then county prosecutor, then state senator. President Chester Arthur named him to the Idaho territorial supreme court. Back home, he practiced law and raised livestock. In 1890, Broderick won first of four congressional terms. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more Democrats will worry about the future of theirs. For mo...
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Theodore Roosevelt envisions the Future of America

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I highlight the wisdom of Theodore Roosevelt. September 22nd 1902, that magnificent Republican addressed military veterans gathered in Detroit: "No great destiny ever came to a people who feared the future, who feared failure more than they hoped for success." "Stout of heart, we see across the dangers the great future that lies beyond, and we rejoice as a giant refreshed, as a strong man girt for the race; and we go down into the arena where the nations strive for mastery." At the 1988 Republican National Convention, Ronald Reagan quoted TR's speech: " Our hearts lifted with the faith that to us and to our children it shall be given to make this Republic the mightiest among the peoples of mankind." Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The ...
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Caesar Perkins, up from slavery to Virginia Republican Legislator

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I honor Caesar Perkins, born enslaved near Charlottesville. His first profession was bricklayer. After the Civil War, he bought a farm and a general store. Freedmen’s Bureau officials attested to his good character and commitment to helping other former slaves. Perkins and some neighbors built a church and school. He eventually became a Baptist preacher. While in the state house, Perkins voted to ratify the 14th and 15th Amendments. He attended two Virginia GOP conventions and two Republican National Conventions. His considerable oratorical skills led to another term in the legislature. Death came on September 22nd 1910. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more Democrats will worry about the future of theirs. For more in...
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Silas Garber, patriotic Republican Governor of Nebraska

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I salute Silas Garber, born September 21st 1833. The restless teen relocated from Ohio to Iowa. During the Civil War, he served as captain with the state’s 27th Volunteer Infantry. This regiment battled through Tennessee and Mississippi.  Peace restored, Garber was a livestock merchant in California five years before settling in Nebraska. He soon won election to the state house. President Ulysses Grant appointed him a land register. In 1874, Garber won the governorship for two terms. His administration fostered immigration and promoted agriculture. Later years focused on banking. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more Democrats will worry about the future of theirs. For more...
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James Madison Harvey, patriotic Kansas Republican Governor and Senator

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I salute James Madison Harvey, born in what is now West Virginia, September 21st 1833. Childhood found him moving to Indiana and Illinois and Iowa. Having studied civil engineering, he surveyed in Colorado before settling down in Kansas. During the Civil War, this abolitionist was captain with the state's 4th Infantry Regiment, then colonel of the 14th Militia Regiment. Peace restored, Harvey won election to the state house and then the state senate. In 1868, he won the governorship, for first of two terms. A grateful legislature elected him a U.S. Senator.  The 1875 Civil Rights Act received his vote. After leaving office, Harvey returned to surveying. A c ounty is named for him. He was eulogized as "a man of patriotic spirit, of ability and of extraordinary intelligence" and "a true son of the prairie in mien and mood, heart and so...
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Charles Grosvenor, distinguished Union Army General and Ohio Republican Congressman

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Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I salute Charles Grosvenor, born September 20th 1833. He clerked at a store and studied law. Outbreak of civil war, Grosvenor was commissioned major with the 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He commanded a regiment at Chickamauga and a brigade at Nashville. Peace restored, this stalwart Republican held various local offices. Grosvenor cast electoral votes for Ulysses Grant and James Garfield. He rose to be speaker of the state house and in 1884 won first of ten terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Twice he was delegate to the GOP's national convention. Toward end of his career, Grosvenor firmly backed the Theodore Roosevelt administration, noting that the GOP had showered "the blessings of prosperity upon the land. It remains a badge of honor to be a Republican." Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights ...
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