Page "James A. Garfield" Paragraph 59

The Democrats assumed control of Congress in the 1874 election for the first time in 20 years.

In the lame duck session, with Garfield's support but mixed reaction, Congress passed a compromise measure providing for specie payment, to take effect in 1879.

In the new session Garfield was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee and the Pacific Railroad Committee.

Also in this session, Garfield and John Coburn uncovered corruption in the Post Tradership Office at Fort Sill — control of supplies had been monopolized, with overpricing occurring.

The abuses were corrected as a result of the investigation, but Garfield and others were suspected of allowing Secretary of War William Belknap to avoid exposure.

Belknap later resigned to evade impeachment when details of his involvement were revealed.