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Chester A. Arthur
by Ruth Tenzer Feldman
ISBN: 0-8225-1512-1
Lerner Publishing,
© 2007 |
When Chester Arthur became president of the United States, shortly
after James Garfield died in 1881, he was known for his corrupt New
York politics. He was a stylish, wealthy lawyer who had made his money
selling and collecting fines on illegal imports as a customs official.
But Arthur realized the magnitude of his new responsibility as
president. He worked for changes that would improve the lives of all
Americans: supporting legislation to strengthen the navy and signing
the Pendleton Civil Service Act, which reformed the corrupt system for
hiring federal workers. Arthur never sought reelection, but his reform
to honesty and integrity in politics surprised his public and left the
lasting legacy of a fairer system of government. |