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The assassination of Garfield only embarrassed the Stalwarts, whose leader Conkling elicited blame for Guiteau's actions. As the nation turned to support a new era governed in part by a civil service system rather than patronage politics, the vast majority of Stalwart Republicans voted for the Pendleton Act. No Senate Republican voted against the bill, and GOP House opposition came from only seven members.

The assassination of Garfield only embarrassed the Stalwarts, whose leader Conkling elicited blame for Guiteau's actions. As the nation turned to support a new era governed in part by a civil service system rather than patronage politics, the vast majority of Stalwart Republicans voted for the Pendleton Act. No Senate Republican voted against the bill, and GOP House opposition came from only seven members.

Arthur ultimately surprised many observers by signing the Pendleton Act into law, which effectively marked the end of patronage Republicans could have used to benefit blacks.

Arthur ultimately surprised many observers by signing the Pendleton Act into law,<ref name=garfieldandarthur/> which effectively marked the end of patronage Republicans could have used to benefit blacks.

==References==

==References==