LYCOS RETRIEVER 
James A. Garfield: Presidencies
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Garfield's presidency lasted only four months and was filled with contention. The president angered his chief rival, the Stalwart leader Roscoe Conkling, by appointing Half-Breed James G. Blaine to be Secretary of State and by designating a Conkling rival to a lucrative post at the New York Customhouse, seat of Conkling's power.
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Because Congress was not in session, the issue could not be debated there, but it was addressed by Garfield's cabinet members on September 2, 1881. They agreed that it was time for the vice president to assume Garfield's duties, but they too were divided as to the permanence of the vice president's role. The problem was never resolved because Garfield died September 19, 1881, before any action was taken by the cabinet or the vice president. Following the precedent set by Tyler, Arthur took the oath of office and assumed the presidency, following Garfield's death.
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An 1881 Puck cartoon shows Garfield finding a baby at his front door with a tag marked "Civil Service Reform, compliments of R.B. Hayes". Hayes, his predecessor in the presidency is seen in the background dressed like a woman and holding a bag marked "R.B. Hayes' savings, Fremont, Ohio".
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In addition to touring the main house, visitors to "Lawnfield" can explore the exhibits about Garfield, his presidency, and his death in the visitor's center. The grounds ... include a pumphouse/windmill, Garfield's campaign center, a granary, a farm, and a tenant's house.
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This unedifying squabble would consume the energies of the brief Garfield presidency. It overshadowed promising activities such as Blaine's efforts to build closer ties with Latin America, Postmaster General James's investigation of the "star route" postal frauds, and Windom's successful refinancing of the federal debt.
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