Details
HAYES, Rutherford B. (1822-1893). President. Autograph letter signed ("RB Hayes") as President, to Secretary of the Treasury John Sherman (1823-1900), Washington, D.C., 26 May 1877. 2 pages, 4to (9¾ x 7¾ in.), rectos only, Executive Mansion stationery, light browning, few repaired tears, remains of old mount on verticle margin of verso.
PRESIDENT HAYES ATTACK THE ABUSES OF PATRONAGE
In the period immediately following the Civil War, the United States was plagued by entrenched political corruption and party patronage. The growth of political parties into vast machines allowed political bosses extensive power over contracts and patronage within a rapidly growing economy. Loyal party members and supporters were offered various federal and state offices with little concern for ability or qualifications.
Here, two and a half months after his inauguration, Hayes informs the Secretary of the Treasury of his position in the matter of the New York Customs House: "I have read the partial report of the Commission appointed to examine the New York Customs House...It is my wish that the collection of the revenues should be free from partisan control and organized on a strictly business basis: with the same guarantees for efficiency and fidelity in the selection of the chief and subordinate officers that would be required by a prudent merchant." Expressing his distaste for political patronage, Hayes continues: "Party leaders should have no more influence in appointments than other equally respectable citizens. No assessments for political purposes on officers or subordinates should be allowed. No useless officer or employee should be retained. No officer should be required or permitted to take part in the management of political organizations, caucuses, conventions, or election campaigns. Their right to vote and to express their views on public questions either orally or through the press is not denied provided it does not interfere with the discharging of their official duties."
The power of the political machines made it extremely difficult to solve the dilemma of patronage. When James Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by Charles Guiteau, a man angered that he had not received a patronage office, America's politicians began to seriously consider the problem they faced. The Civil Service Act, which established a commission to check the qualifications of appointees for Federal jobs, was finally passed during the Administration of Chester A. Arthur. Unfortunately, the Commission was given authority over only a handful of jobs, leaving the problem of patronage unsolved until the 20th century.
PRESIDENT HAYES ATTACK THE ABUSES OF PATRONAGE
In the period immediately following the Civil War, the United States was plagued by entrenched political corruption and party patronage. The growth of political parties into vast machines allowed political bosses extensive power over contracts and patronage within a rapidly growing economy. Loyal party members and supporters were offered various federal and state offices with little concern for ability or qualifications.
Here, two and a half months after his inauguration, Hayes informs the Secretary of the Treasury of his position in the matter of the New York Customs House: "I have read the partial report of the Commission appointed to examine the New York Customs House...It is my wish that the collection of the revenues should be free from partisan control and organized on a strictly business basis: with the same guarantees for efficiency and fidelity in the selection of the chief and subordinate officers that would be required by a prudent merchant." Expressing his distaste for political patronage, Hayes continues: "Party leaders should have no more influence in appointments than other equally respectable citizens. No assessments for political purposes on officers or subordinates should be allowed. No useless officer or employee should be retained. No officer should be required or permitted to take part in the management of political organizations, caucuses, conventions, or election campaigns. Their right to vote and to express their views on public questions either orally or through the press is not denied provided it does not interfere with the discharging of their official duties."
The power of the political machines made it extremely difficult to solve the dilemma of patronage. When James Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by Charles Guiteau, a man angered that he had not received a patronage office, America's politicians began to seriously consider the problem they faced. The Civil Service Act, which established a commission to check the qualifications of appointees for Federal jobs, was finally passed during the Administration of Chester A. Arthur. Unfortunately, the Commission was given authority over only a handful of jobs, leaving the problem of patronage unsolved until the 20th century.