1983 Civil Service Centenary 20 USA Postage Stamp

Description

Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Pendelton Act. The act created a federal job system based on merit rather than political influence. When a new U.S. President began his term in the early 1800s, one of his first duties was to dismiss thousands of Federal employees and replace them with members of his own party. The spoils system was part of the privilege of the position, and recipients of the jobs were expected to contribute to the President and partys campaign. One of those who received a generous salary from the system was Chester A. Arthur. He was appointed the Collector of the Port of New York as a reward for his support of Roscoe Conkling, a powerful New York congressman. Arthurs earnings from his salary, and a portion of the fines paid, were more than the Presidents at the time. When Rutherford B. Hayes became President in 1877, he began reforming the Civil Service. His first target was the overstaffed Customs House. Eventually, he replaced Arthur. When Chester A. Arthur unexpectedly became President, those in favor of the spoils system considered him an ally. In Garfields short time as President, he pushed for reform and did not fill empty positions with supporters of Conklings political machine. Charles J. Guiteau, who felt he should have received a position in exchange for his party support, shot Garfield. The assassination showed the need for reform of the spoils system. In Arthurs first presidential address to Congress, he asked for civil service reform legislation, going against his former political allies. Democratic Senator George Pendleton of Ohio had introduced legislation in 1880, but the Republican congress did not act on it. He proposed positions would be based on merit, determined by an examination. When reintroduced, Pendletons bill passed through Congress and was signed by Arthur on January 16, 1883.

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