Those that know the full story of Chester Arthur know he became President and instituted controls on replacing workers in the civil service.  That's largely because a tragic shooting made him President and he, in a statesman-like way, implemented his sucessor's programs.

But as Vice President, Arthur was all Stalwart. The Stalwarts, Half-Breeds and Independents fought each other as much as today's Republicans and Demcorats. He was opposed to Half-Breed Garfield's appointments and spent his vice-presidency fighting his own President and supporting his President's political enemy.

But once Garfield was shot, VP Arthur signaled a change in his ways. By deliberately not coming to Washington. We tell the story.