Who was the president in 1883?

This depends on the country/organization. See related questions.

US: Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd President of the United States from 1885 March 4 to 1889 March 4 and the 24th President of the United States from 1893 March 4 to 1897 March 4. Despite winning the popular vote in the 1888 election, he would ultimately lose the presidency, only to regain it in the 1892 re-election.