LYCOS RETRIEVER 
James A. Garfield: Republican Party
built 615 days ago
Garfield soon learned that the "spoils system" of appointing people to government positions was still strong. Hundreds of Republican office-seekers clamored for his attention and support. These job seekers, Garfield said, "would take my very brain, flesh, and blood if they could." He favored a new plan by which most government jobs would be awarded by merit, not by party connection. He quarreled with other Republicans who wanted to keep the spoils system.
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During his twenties, Garfield altered some of his fundamental beliefs. He had been deeply religious and highly suspicious of politicians, but later he developed a keen interest in politics and became less concerned about his faith. His first significant foray into politics came via his support of the candidacy of John C. Frémont, the Republican nominee in 1856.
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An articulate defender of a conservative monetary policy, Garfield urged the resumption of specie payments and the payment of government debts in coin. He opposed the coinage of overvalued silver but became interested in the possibility of a sound bimetallic standard. A moderate protectionist, he looked to the time when U.S. industry would be competitive without tariff supports. His record enabled his party to make protection for home industry a leading issue in 1880.
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Garfield decided that the academic life was not for him and studied law privately. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1860. Even before admission to the bar, he entered politics. He was elected an Ohio state senator in 1859, serving until 1861. He was a Republican all his political life.
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In addition to teaching and tending to the administration of the institute, Garfield frequently served as a lay speaker in Disciples of Christ churches throughout northern Ohio. Like many members of his church, Garfield advocated free-soil principles and was a firm supporter of the newly organized Republican party.
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In January 1863, the Army ordered Garfield to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he served as chief of staff to General William S. Rosecrans. Garfield oversaw the training of Rosecrans's army and the two men became fast friends. When the days' work was finished, they often debated literature and religion late into the night. While fighting the forces of Confederate General Braxton Bragg in Tennessee, Rosecrans overadvanced and was forced to retreat, leaving the Union army of General George H. Thomas exposed. Garfield volunteered to carry the notice of the retreat to Thomas and rode through heavy enemy fire that downed two members of his party. Garfield arrived in time to save Thomas's force from being flanked and he was promoted to Major-General on September 19, 1863.
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