The Deadly Story of the U.S. Civil Service | Throughline

The Assassination of President Garfield

Introduction to the Event

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The Assassination Attempt

• On July 2nd, 1881, President James A. Garfield boards a train in Washington D.C. to visit his sick wife, unaware that he is being stalked by Charles Guiteau.

• As Garfield enters the train station, Guiteau emerges with a pistol and shoots him twice—once in the arm and once in the back, with one bullet lodging near his pancreas.

• Following the shooting, chaos ensues as people scream; Garfield lies injured on the floor of the station. He is moved onto an old mattress by a group of men who rush to help him.

Medical Response and Infection

• Local doctors arrive but use unsterilized instruments to examine Garfield's wounds repeatedly, causing immense pain and introducing infection into his body.

• A quote from Garfield reflects on assassination: "Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning." This highlights the unpredictability of such violent acts.

Motive Behind the Attack

• Guiteau is arrested immediately after shooting Garfield and claims he believed he was chosen by God for a great purpose; he thought killing Garfield would rectify his lack of political reward after supporting his campaign.

• His delusions stem from belief in the spoil system—a practice where government jobs were given as rewards to political supporters—which was controversial at that time in American politics.

Impact on American Politics

• The aftermath of Garfield's assassination leads to widespread media coverage regarding both his condition and Guiteau's trial, significantly affecting public perception of government practices related to job appointments.

• The event marks a pivotal moment that contributes to changes in U.S. government structure and civil service reform—an ongoing issue within American politics today.

Historical Context

• The narrative transitions back in time to 1833 Ohio when Abram Garfield fights a fire threatening their log cabin home amidst Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act contextually setting up future events leading to James A. Garfield’s presidency.

James Garfield: A Forgotten President

Early Life and Ambitions

• James Garfield was born into extreme poverty, lacking shoes until the age of four. His early life was marked by hardship, raised by a widowed mother in Ohio.

• He grew up in a log cabin, dreaming not of politics but of the sea and adventure, influenced heavily by literature about pirates.

• At 16, despite not knowing how to swim, he pursued his dream of becoming a sailor, leading to numerous near-drowning experiences while working on canals.

• After returning home due to health issues, his family pooled resources to send him to college where he worked as a carpenter and janitor to afford tuition.

• Garfield excelled academically and became a professor and later president of his college; he even created an original proof of the Pythagorean theorem.

Education and Ideals

• Garfield's education was pivotal for him; it represented an escape from poverty. He was well-versed in classical languages and literature.

• Raised in a devout Christian household, his faith shaped his worldview significantly. He believed in serving others beyond just personal or familial interests.

• As an abolitionist, Garfield passionately opposed slavery. He expressed strong convictions against this "great evil," showcasing his powerful speaking abilities.

Political Career and Civil War Involvement

• Garfield entered state politics after becoming a lawyer and won a seat in the Ohio Senate during the tumultuous times leading up to the Civil War.

• Understanding that war over slavery was imminent, he joined the fight as leader of the 42nd Regiment tasked with combating Confederate forces in Kentucky.

• During the Battle of Middle Creek, he employed innovative tactics by dividing his regiment into three groups to outmaneuver larger Confederate forces successfully.

Reflections on War

• The aftermath of battle left a profound impact on Garfield; witnessing death firsthand haunted him throughout his life.

Congressional Influence

• Following military success at Middle Creek, Garfield was elected to Congress but initially hesitated due to ongoing commitments on the battlefield.

• Lincoln urged him back into Congress for critical legislative support; Garfield realized he could effect more change through legislation than direct combat.

Advocacy for Equality

• While serving in Congress during the war, he introduced resolutions aimed at ensuring equal rights for black individuals within Washington D.C., challenging existing discriminatory practices.

The Political Landscape of Post-Civil War America

Garfield's Frustration with Lincoln

• Garfield, a radical Republican, was deeply involved in the Freedmen's Bureau and expressed frustration towards Lincoln for delaying the Emancipation Proclamation.

• Following Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, Garfield felt devastated but became more determined to advocate for black Americans' voting rights.

Defining Freedom

• Garfield questioned the true meaning of freedom, arguing that mere absence of slavery does not equate to genuine liberty; he emphasized that freedom must encompass dignity and rights beyond just physical liberation.

The Republican National Convention of 1880

• On June 2, 1880, the Republican Party convened in Chicago to nominate a candidate for the presidential election amidst expectations that Ulysses Grant would secure the nomination.

The Spoils System Debate

• The spoils system allowed presidents to appoint loyalists to government positions rather than qualified individuals; this practice had become increasingly controversial post-Civil War due to its association with corruption.

• A divide emerged within the Republican Party between "stalwarts," who supported the spoils system, and "half-breeds," who sought reform and criticized its corrupt nature.

Key Figures in the Convention

• Ulysses Grant represented stalwart interests while John Sherman advocated for reform. Grant’s campaign relied on Roscoe Conkling, a prominent stalwart senator from New York.

Political Power and the Spoils System

The Role of Tariffs and Political Influence

• Imported goods were subject to custom taxes, functioning as tariffs that generated significant revenue. This financial power was leveraged to maintain Republican dominance.

• The speaker draws a parallel between historical political practices and contemporary arguments made by the Trump administration regarding executive appointments post-election.

Conkling's Defense of the Spoils System

• Roscoe Conkling argued that the spoils system was essential for achieving Republican goals, such as civil rights for Black Americans and infrastructure development. He stated, "A machine is just something that gets things done."

Convention Dynamics: Conkling vs. Garfield

• At a Chicago convention, Conkling passionately nominated Ulysses S. Grant, portraying him as an unparalleled war hero, which energized the crowd.

• In contrast, James A. Garfield delivered a calm yet powerful nominating address for John Sherman, emphasizing public opinion over emotional fervor.

Garfield's Vision and Call to Action

• Garfield reflected on America's past struggles with slavery and called for renewed commitment to equality under the law for all men.

• He urged attendees to elevate principles of truth and justice within the Constitution, aiming for lasting change in society.

Unexpected Nomination Outcome

• During his speech, Garfield faced unexpected support from the crowd calling for his nomination instead of Sherman’s.

• Despite not seeking candidacy initially, Garfield became overwhelmed by votes in his favor during balloting, leading to his nomination as president.

Political Alliances Post-Nomination

• Following his surprise nomination, Garfield experienced grief over potential sacrifices he would have to make if elected.

• To appease dissenting factions like Conkling's stalwarts, Garfield selected Chester Arthur—Conkling’s protégé—as his running mate despite Arthur's lack of prior office experience.

Chester Arthur and the Spoils System

Chester Arthur's Background

• Chester Arthur, a figure reminiscent of the Civil War era, was known for his socializing habits, including drinking and smoking cigars.

• After the Civil War, he leveraged connections with political leaders to become a lobbyist and later an influential member of New York's political machine.

Rise in Politics

• Roscoe Conkling mentored Arthur, leading him to head the New York customhouse where he became deeply involved in the spoils system.

• The customhouse had nearly a thousand patronage jobs crucial for rewarding supporters within the Republican party.

The 1880 Republican Convention

• On the eve of the 1880 Republican convention, Arthur was unexpectedly nominated as Garfield's running mate despite their complicated relationship.

• Garfield’s inauguration speech emphasized reforming the spoils system, which created tension between him and Arthur.

Tensions Between Garfield and Conkling

• As Garfield attempted to establish his administration, Conkling undermined him by persuading potential appointees not to accept positions offered by Garfield.

• This sabotage highlighted how entrenched interests within the party were resistant to reform efforts.

Daily Challenges of Governance

• The spoils system led to daily disruptions at the White House as office seekers would approach Garfield directly for jobs.

• Garfield expressed frustration over this chaotic environment, stating it made his presidency unbearable.

The Assassination Attempt on President Garfield

Charles Guiteau: The Assassin

• Charles Guiteau shot President Garfield on July 2nd, 1881; he believed he deserved a government job due to his campaign support for Garfield.

• Guiteau’s lack of qualifications exemplified issues within the spoils system as he demanded an ambassadorship without merit.

Desperation Leads to Violence

• After being ignored by Garfield regarding job requests, Guiteau became increasingly desperate and delusional about killing the president.

Immediate Aftermath of Shooting

• Upon shooting Garfield at a train station, Guiteau proclaimed himself "a stalwart of stalwarts," indicating his allegiance to Conkling's faction.

Chester Arthur's Reaction

Shock and Fear

• Vice President Chester Arthur was initially shocked upon hearing about Garfield’s assassination; he feared being implicated in any conspiracy related to it.

Political Opportunism vs. Grief

• While Conkling saw an opportunity for power through Arthur becoming president, Arthur was genuinely grief-stricken over Garfield’s fate.

Metamorphosis of Chester A. Arthur

The Context of Garfield's Presidency

• As President Garfield lies dying from an infection, Vice President Chester Arthur begins receiving letters from Julia Sand, a politically astute woman who believes in his potential for change.

• Julia Sand expresses skepticism about Arthur initially but later encourages him to embrace the opportunity for reform, stating that "making a man president can change him."

• She urges Arthur to champion civil service reform as a way to redeem himself from his past involvement in machine politics and the circumstances surrounding Garfield's assassination.

Garfield's Decline and Arthur's Ascension

• Garfield’s health deteriorates despite various medical interventions, including attempts by Alexander Graham Bell to locate the bullets lodged in his body.

• In a poignant moment, citizens help carry Garfield’s train car up a hill so he can spend his final days by the ocean with family before he dies on September 19th.

• Following Garfield's death, Chester Arthur is sworn in as the 21st president of the United States amidst ongoing correspondence with Julia Sand.

Transformation Under Pressure

• Shortly after taking office, Arthur visits Julia Sand and acknowledges her influence on him while expressing the challenges of his presidency.

• He distances himself from political mentor Roscoe Conkling, asserting that he must serve all Americans rather than just party interests.

Support for Civil Service Reform

• In a surprising move during his first State of the Union address, Arthur endorses civil service reform and competitive testing for government positions.

• This endorsement marks a significant shift in policy direction and aligns with efforts led by Senator George Pendleton to address corruption within government appointments.

Civil Service Reform and the Pendleton Act

The Need for Reform

• Concerns arise regarding the spoil system, which has become elitist; reforming civil service is essential.

• President Garfield seeks bipartisan support for civil service reform due to opposition within his own party.

The Pendleton Act

• Garfield introduces a civil service reform bill known as the Pendleton Act, establishing merit-based testing for federal job seekers.

• This revolutionary idea emphasizes hiring based on ability rather than party loyalty, challenging the entrenched spoil system.

Impact of Garfield's Assassination

• President Garfield's assassination galvanizes public support for civil service reform, leading to the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883.

• Initially covering only 10% of federal jobs, the act eventually expands to protect millions of federal workers over time.

Professional Civil Service Development

• The act establishes a professional civil service that serves all Americans rather than political interests, ensuring expertise and impartiality in government roles.

Historical Significance

• The narrative highlights how individual actions—like one man's madness or ambition—can significantly alter historical trajectories.