The term "star route" was applied to special postal routes, usually in remote western regions of the country where the post office made delivery was by horse and wagon through the services of special contractors (not postal service employees). These routes were designated by asterisks (stars) on early Post Office maps. During Garfield's brief presidency, two men were implicated in a scheme to overprice star route deliveries. Both individuals were friends of the new president, Chester Arthur; however, much to his credit, Arthur pushed their prosecution. In the end the accused were acquitted, but the fraudulent activities came to a halt. Arthur received recognition for acting in the public interest in his administration of the post office.