How a British Subject Became President of the United States

In 1880, a curious tale emerged from St. Albans, Vermont, reported by the New York Times, about a mysterious attorney and Democratic operative named A. P. Hinman. Hinman confided to local Democratic leaders that he had been commissioned by the Democratic National Committee to uncover evidence suggesting that Vice-President-elect Chester A. Arthur was not eligible for office, claiming he was a Canadian-born alien. After President Garfields assassination in 1881, Arthur ascended to the presidency and proved to be a surprisingly competent leader. In 1884, Hinman published a book aimed at thwarting Arthurs re-election, all the while unaware of Arthurs true secret he was gravely ill and had no intention of running again. This conspiracy theory about presidential eligibility feels strikingly relevant even to todays headlines. - Summary by Kevin Davidson