VIII.

President of the United States

Garfield's brief administration was marked by intraparty disputes over Cabinet appointments and the disposition of federal patronage. Garfield passed over the Stalwart faction in filling important government posts. His appointment of Blaine, leader of the Half-Breeds, as secretary of state was especially offensive to Conkling and the Stalwarts. Conkling countered by trying to block Garfield's appointments to the New York Custom House and resigning his Senate seat in protest. The protest was futile, however, and Garfield's choices were approved by Congress.

In the spring of 1881, Garfield began the prosecution of the star route frauds, an attempt by post office employees, in collusion with private mail carriers, to defraud the government. Before the case was brought to trial, however, Garfield's career came to an abrupt end.