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Presidential Assassinations | Murder for Spoils | 1

American History Tellers

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The Story of Charles Gato

The Republican National Convention was deadlocked until the 36th ballot in 1880. James Garfield turned pale Horrified to be chosen for an office. Despite having never held elected office Chester Arthur was only a few short steps away from the presidency. A man named Charles Gato Followed news from the convention obsessively. He became obsessed with politics and immersed himself in the debate over civil service reform. In 1878 he dropped out of university his wife left him and he drifted aimlessly from one venture to the next First law then preaching then living in a free love commune. But by 1880 he refused to give up on his dreams of fame and prestige.

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