Part 20 of My Presidential Review Series
Settling in for the longest write since William Henry Harrison, there is James A. Garfield. Garfield was one of only four presidents successfully assassinated. He was also the third one to succumb to the 20-year curse. His was the second-shortest term in history, surpassed only by the one-month reign of William Henry Harrison. Since his assassination was executed by a disappointed office seeker, it prompted action to end patronage. He was the last president to be born in a log cabin. Garfield served March 4, 1881 to September 19, 1881.
Most of Garfield's short time in office was spent struggling over patronage with New York Republican boss Roscoe Conkling. In a bitter fight, Garfield succeeded in placing his man, William H. Robertson as collector of the Port of New York despite Conkling's efforts to deny him Senate confirmation. The victory broke Conkling's iron grip on the Republican Party and his career was effectively destroyed.
In his first week as president, Garfield ordered Postmaster General Thomas L. James to investigate charges that mail route contracts were being fraudulently awarded. His investigation led to evidence suggesting bribery involving members of the Republican Party. In response to James' request to continue the investigation, Garfield instructed him to "go ahead regardless of where or whom you hit. I direct you not only to probe this ulcer to the bottom, but to cut it out." Republican Senator Stephen W. Dorsey of Arkansas, Second Assistant Postmaster General Thomas Brady, and others were implicated in the scheme that cost taxpayers approximately $4 million. No one was convicted, but revelation of the scandal led to adoption of civil service reform.
Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guiteau on July 2, 1881, and died on September 19, 1881.
Well, while he may have done a couple things, Garfield still did too little to constitute a real review.
Overall Ranking: Due to the brevity of his administration, Garfield will not be ranked.
"I would rather believe something and suffer for it, than to slide along into success without opinions."