Based on his investigation of park operations Dixon concluded with a favorable summation of Arant’s administration:
I found Mr. Arant to be a practical man with many years of mountain experience and familiar with all the territory lying within the park. While he does not, I understand, make any pretense to artistic attainments or to a knowledge of the science of botany, he is faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties and appears to take a wholesome interest in the welfare of this reservation, of which he has been superintendent for more than ten years last past. I consider Mr. Arant competent to perform the work now assigned him, and there is, in my judgment, no reason why a change in the position of superintendent should be made. [1]
The effort to replace Arant with Steel gained momentum after the election of President Woodrow Wilson in November 1912. As a life-long Republican Arant became expendable as park superintendent as members of the new Democratic administration began efforts to reward the party faithful and terminate the jobs of office holders under the outgoing administration of President William Howard Taft. Correspondence between Steel and Arant during the three-month period between November 1912 and January 1913 indicates that Steel attempted to use the political situation for his own advantage. On November 30, for instance, Steel wrote to Arant:
You probably are aware of the fact that since the election the woods are full of hungry politicians who are howling for pap, and that among them half a dozen or more are laboring industriously for the Crater Lake Superintendency, at least one of whom has journeyed from Klamath Falls to Portland, to canvas for names and incidentally to curry favor with Senator Elect Lane. There is absolutely no question but that a change will be made before the next season opens up, hence there is reason for all interested in the welfare of the Park to take counsel. I have sounded the situation very thoroughly and speak advisedly when I say, a change will be made by the incoming administration.
With such a change pending the best interests of the Park will be wholly overlooked in the wild scramble for office that will occur in the spring, and the man with the strongest putt will get the job, totally regardless of his qualifications. Under such circumstances we are justified in looking forward to the appointment of some nonentity, totally unfit for the place, and with no interest in the matter beyond his salary, which would prove nothing less than a serious disaster to the entire Crater Lake proposition.
I believe my standing with the Interior Department and with the Crater Lake project in general is such that, with your assistance, I can secure an immediate appointment, and that if made at this time, I could stem the tide against Democratic aspirants and prove of material assistance in the great development that will commence with the coming season.
Please give this matter your immediate and earnest consideration, and if you feel as I do and will send your resignation to the Secretary, together with a statement that my long service for the Park is such that you believe my appointment to fill the vacancy would meet with general approval in Oregon, I feel satisfied that immediate action would follow by the Department.
I would not think for one instant of writing a letter like this to you, except that I feel you know I have always been loyal to you, and I believe you will give me credit for having the good of the Crater Lake proposition at heart. Under such conditions, and knowing what will happen if matters are allowed to drift, I am trying to write to you with perfect frankness, trusting that you will accept it in the feeling of thorough good fellowship it is intended, and act accordingly, and let me know the result as soon as you can. However, I believe no good can follow in either of us talking about what is herein contained, under any circumstances. [2]
