[158] While Arthur was not opposed to internal improvements, the scale of the bill disturbed him, as did its narrow focus on "particular localities," rather than projects that benefited a larger part of the nation.[158] On August 1, 1882, Arthur vetoed the bill to widespread popular acclaim;[158] in his veto message, his principal objection was that it appropriated funds for purposes "not for the common defense or general welfare, and which do not promote commerce among the States."[159] Congress overrode his veto the next day[158] and the new law reduced the surplus by $19 million.[160] Republicans considered the law a success at the time, but later concluded that it contributed to their loss of seats in the elections of 1882.[161]

Foreign affairs and immigration[edit]
A political cartoon from 1882, criticizing Chinese exclusion
During the Garfield administration, Secretary of State James G. Blaine attempted to invigorate United States diplomacy in Latin America, urging reciprocal trade agreements and offering to mediate disputes among the Latin American nations.