sierra-barter.com – Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, is often remembered as a man of integrity in an era marked by political corruption and scandal. Although his time in office was relatively short—from 1877 to 1881—Hayes’ presidency was defined by his strong commitment to political reform, particularly in the face of widespread patronage and the entrenched corruption of the Gilded Age. His dedication to honesty, moral leadership, and civil service reform set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
The Gilded Age, the period following the Civil War, was a time of rapid industrialization, significant social change, and, unfortunately, pervasive political corruption. Political machines dominated American cities, party bosses controlled elections, and bribery, cronyism, and patronage were rampant in the federal government. In the midst of this political climate, Rutherford B. Hayes emerged as a reformer, determined to restore integrity to American government. This article explores Hayes’ efforts to combat corruption, his reforms in civil service, and how his personal character shaped his political career and legacy.
Hayes Before the Presidency: A Record of Integrity
A Background in Service
Before becoming president, Rutherford B. Hayes had a distinguished career in both the military and politics. Hayes served as a Union general during the Civil War, where he earned a reputation for courage, fairness, and concern for the welfare of his men. His military service earned him the admiration of his peers and a solid record of leadership under pressure.
After the war, Hayes turned his focus to public service in Ohio, where he served as governor for three non-consecutive terms. His tenure as governor was marked by his commitment to reform and the rule of law, even in the face of considerable political opposition. Hayes fought against the influence of powerful political machines in Ohio, which were rife with patronage and corruption. His principled stands earned him a reputation as a man of integrity who was willing to oppose the political establishment in order to do what was right.
Hayes’ record as governor established him as someone who would not shy away from difficult decisions or compromise on his principles. His decision to veto partisan bills and his efforts to resist corruption in state politics gave him the experience he would later draw upon as president, when faced with the task of reforming the federal government.
The Political Climate of the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age, which spanned from the 1870s to the 1900s, was a time when political corruption and the misuse of public office were widespread. The era was characterized by the dominance of political machines, particularly in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, where party bosses controlled elections, patronage, and government contracts. These political machines often traded jobs and public resources in exchange for votes, enriching themselves and their associates while undermining the efficiency and integrity of government.
In Washington, D.C., corruption permeated the federal government as well. Civil service positions were often filled based on political loyalty rather than merit, a practice known as patronage. This system led to inefficiency, poor governance, and the perpetuation of corruption. It was clear to many that the federal government, under the leadership of previous presidents, had become deeply mired in a culture of political cronyism.
As a reform-minded individual, Hayes knew that, if elected president, he would have to confront these issues head-on. His time as governor had already shown him the power of political machines, and he was determined to root out corruption and create a more efficient and just government.
Hayes’ Commitment to Reform as President
The End of Reconstruction
Rutherford B. Hayes entered the presidency in 1877 following one of the most contentious elections in American history. The 1876 election, marked by a dispute over electoral votes, had left the country divided. In exchange for resolving the election in Hayes’ favor, the Compromise of 1877 was brokered, which resulted in the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and the end of Reconstruction.
While the Compromise of 1877 was seen by many as a political necessity, it marked the end of federal oversight in the South, and it left African Americans vulnerable to the rise of segregation and disenfranchisement in the region. For Hayes, this was a painful decision, as he had to balance his commitment to civil rights with his desire to restore national unity and peace. However, his commitment to reform remained unwavering as he turned his attention to addressing the systemic corruption that plagued the federal government.
The Civil Service Reform Movement
One of the defining features of Hayes’ presidency was his unwavering commitment to civil service reform. The patronage system, which had allowed political parties to reward loyal supporters with government jobs, was deeply entrenched in American politics. By the time Hayes took office, the federal government was filled with unqualified individuals who had secured their positions based on political connections rather than merit.
Hayes believed that the patronage system was not only corrupt but also ineffective. He argued that civil service positions should be awarded based on qualifications, not political loyalty. Hayes’ reform efforts sought to create a more efficient and impartial government that would serve the needs of the American people, not the interests of political machines.
During his first year in office, Hayes took several important steps to initiate civil service reform. He appointed reform-minded officials to key positions, and he worked to eliminate patronage in the federal government. His administration took aim at the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, and Hayes used his power of appointment to bring qualified individuals into the government.
One of his first acts as president was to issue an executive order mandating that appointments to government positions should be made based on merit rather than political affiliation. He also began to investigate government agencies to ensure that public officials were properly fulfilling their duties.
The Pendleton Act of 1883
While Hayes himself was unable to fully implement civil service reform during his presidency, his efforts laid the groundwork for future reform. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which passed in 1883, would go on to establish a system of merit-based appointments for government jobs. Although Hayes did not live to see the law enacted, his advocacy for civil service reform played a crucial role in the eventual passage of the Pendleton Act, which is often considered one of the most significant pieces of reform legislation in American history.
The Pendleton Act created the Civil Service Commission, which was tasked with overseeing the recruitment and hiring of federal employees based on merit, rather than political connections. This reform helped to curb the influence of political machines and marked a significant shift in how the federal government operated. While patronage did not disappear entirely, the Pendleton Act was a major step toward reducing corruption and making government service more efficient and accountable to the public.
Political Neutrality and Integrity
Hayes’ commitment to integrity was not limited to civil service reform. Throughout his presidency, he consistently sought to maintain a neutral and honest approach to politics. He famously resisted pressures from his own party to engage in political patronage and refused to appoint political allies to key government positions simply to secure their loyalty. Hayes was also determined to be independent of the political bosses who sought to manipulate the system for their own gain.
One of the most notable examples of his commitment to neutrality and integrity occurred during the 1878 congressional elections, when Hayes refused to use patronage or government resources to help Republican candidates. This was an unprecedented act at the time, as presidents often used the power of their office to support their party’s interests. Hayes’ refusal to participate in these political games earned him respect from some quarters, but it also drew the ire of party leaders who saw it as a failure to leverage the presidency for political advantage.
The Battle with Congress
Hayes’ commitment to reform was not without resistance. Many members of Congress, particularly those from the Republican Party, were deeply invested in the patronage system and the political machines that it supported. Hayes clashed with Congress on several occasions as he pushed for reforms, and his efforts to bring about change were often met with hostility.
One of the most significant battles Hayes faced was over the appointment of key federal positions. In 1879, he attempted to replace several patronage appointees with qualified individuals, but his efforts were thwarted by Congress. Despite these challenges, Hayes remained committed to his reform agenda and continued to push for greater accountability and integrity in the federal government.
The Legacy of Hayes’ Political Reform
While Hayes was not able to fully transform the federal government during his time in office, his efforts to promote civil service reform and to fight political corruption left a lasting impact on American politics. His presidency marked the beginning of a shift away from the corrupt patronage system that had plagued the federal government for decades.
In the years following Hayes’ presidency, the political landscape began to change, and reform became a central focus for both political parties. Hayes’ reforms helped lay the groundwork for the eventual rise of the Progressive Era, when reformers would continue to push for changes in government and society. His commitment to integrity and his refusal to engage in political corruption provided a model for future leaders and demonstrated that honest government was not only possible but necessary for the long-term health of the nation.
Conclusion
Rutherford B. Hayes was a man of integrity in a time when political corruption was rampant in American government. His presidency was defined by his commitment to reform, particularly in the area of civil service, where he sought to eliminate patronage and promote merit-based appointments. Hayes’ efforts to combat corruption and ensure that government service was based on qualifications rather than political loyalty were groundbreaking, and although he faced significant opposition during his time in office, his reforms helped set the stage for future political changes.
Hayes’ commitment to honesty, fairness, and efficiency was a beacon of integrity during the Gilded Age, and his legacy as a political reformer continues to be felt today. His presidency serves as a reminder that leadership built on personal integrity and the pursuit of justice can have a lasting impact, even in the face of powerful opposition. Though Hayes’ time in office was brief, his contributions to political reform and his efforts to restore honesty to American government left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.