Institutional racism reforms of the spoils system in place since the 1830s, and abuses of the post-war Grant-Jacksonian era; when Congress authorized the president to appoint a Civil Service Commission and prescribe regulations for admission to public service. A dis-satisfied office-seeker assassinated President Garfield in 1881 and Congress was motivated to pass the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883 which firmly established civil service. During reconstruction, this enabled the federal government to provide jobs for newly freed blacks in the south (primarily the Postal Service) where no other employment opportunities existed for them. Since the inception of the merit system in
1881 Christchurch mayoral election 1881 Christchurch mayoral election The Christchurch mayoral election held on 30 November 1881 was contested by German-born baker, hotel proprietor and businessman George Ruddenklau, and businessman Charles Taylor. The election was won by Ruddenklau with a small margin. The election was set for 30 November 1881. At the beginning of September 1881, city councillors Taylor and Aaron Ayers were discussed in the media as likely candidates for the upcoming mayoral election. On 25 November, the incumbent James Gapes announced his candidacy for a third term as mayor, as he was not satisfied with the other two contenders for the position,