Rutherford B. Hayes Cabinet
Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States (1877–1881), assumed office following one of the most contentious elections in American history. His presidency marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of significant national shifts in policy, economy, and civil rights. Rutherford B. Hayes’ cabinet, composed of experienced and diverse individuals, played an essential role in implementing his vision for national reconciliation, civil service reform, and economic stability.
The Role of Rutherford B. Hayes’ Cabinet
Hayes’s cabinet was tasked with addressing a wide range of challenges, including resolving lingering tensions from Reconstruction, advancing civil service reform, and managing economic recovery following the Panic of 1873. Hayes’s emphasis on integrity and competence in governance was reflected in his cabinet appointments, which prioritized reform and reconciliation over partisanship.
Cabinet Positions and Members
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State oversees foreign relations and advises the president on international affairs.
- William M. Evarts (10 Mar 1877 – 4 Mar 1881): Evarts was a prominent lawyer and statesman who focused on strengthening diplomatic relations with European powers and resolving disputes related to trade and territorial boundaries. He played a key role in ensuring peaceful international relations during Hayes’s presidency (Woodward, 1951).
Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of the Treasury oversees federal finances and economic policy.
- John Sherman (10 Mar 1877 – 4 Mar 1881): Sherman was a leading advocate for economic stability and fiscal conservatism. He successfully implemented the Resumption Act of 1875, which restored the nation to the gold standard and stabilized the currency following the economic turmoil of the 1870s (Morgan, 2004).
Secretary of War
The Secretary of War manages military affairs, including national defense and overseeing military governance in post-Reconstruction states.
- George W. McCrary (12 Mar 1877 – 10 Dec 1879): McCrary oversaw the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, a key component of the Compromise of 1877. His leadership helped transition the nation from military oversight to civilian governance in the former Confederate states.
- Alexander Ramsey (10 Dec 1879 – 4 Mar 1881): Ramsey continued McCrary’s work, focusing on modernizing the military and maintaining peace in newly reconciled states (Peskin, 1987).
Attorney General
The Attorney General provides legal counsel to the president and executive departments, ensuring adherence to constitutional principles.
- Charles Devens (12 Mar 1877 – 4 Mar 1881): Devens worked to uphold civil rights laws, particularly those protecting African Americans in the South. His tenure reflected Hayes’s commitment to enforcing federal statutes despite diminishing public and congressional support for Reconstruction policies (Woodward, 1951).
Secretary of the Navy
The Secretary of the Navy oversees naval operations and maritime security.
- Richard W. Thompson (12 Mar 1877 – 20 Dec 1880): Thompson focused on modernizing the Navy and expanding its capabilities to protect American trade routes. However, his tenure was criticized for slow progress in naval reform.
- Nathan Goff Jr. (5 Jan 1881 – 4 Mar 1881): Goff served briefly at the end of Hayes’s presidency, emphasizing the importance of continuity in naval operations (Morgan, 2004).
Postmaster General
The Postmaster General manages the nation’s postal service, a vital institution for communication and commerce.
- David M. Key (12 Mar 1877 – 25 Aug 1880): Key, a Southerner, was appointed as part of Hayes’s efforts to promote reconciliation. He expanded postal services in rural areas and worked to modernize the system.
- Horace Maynard (25 Aug 1880 – 4 Mar 1881): Maynard focused on improving the efficiency and reliability of postal operations during the final months of Hayes’s presidency (Peskin, 1987).
Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of the Interior oversees domestic affairs, including land management, Native American relations, and infrastructure development.
- Carl Schurz (12 Mar 1877 – 4 Mar 1881): Schurz was a staunch advocate for civil service reform and played a significant role in implementing policies aimed at reducing corruption in the Interior Department. He also worked to protect Native American rights and promote conservation efforts (Woodward, 1951).
Key Issues and Contributions
Ending Reconstruction
The withdrawal of federal troops from the South, a cornerstone of the Compromise of 1877, marked the formal end of Reconstruction. McCrary and Ramsey oversaw this transition, which shifted governance to local authorities in Southern states. While this move aimed to promote national reconciliation, it also left African Americans vulnerable to discriminatory laws and practices that emerged in the absence of federal oversight (Peskin, 1987).
Economic Stabilization
Sherman’s leadership in the Treasury Department was critical in restoring economic stability. The successful implementation of the Resumption Act of 1875 returned the U.S. to the gold standard, stabilizing the currency and rebuilding public confidence in the nation’s financial system. These measures laid the foundation for sustained economic growth during the late 19th century (Morgan, 2004).
Civil Service Reform
Hayes’ commitment to civil service reform was reflected in the actions of Schurz and other cabinet members. Schurz worked to reduce patronage and promote merit-based appointments, setting a precedent for future reforms. While these efforts faced resistance, they underscored Hayes’ dedication to improving the integrity of federal governance (Woodward, 1951).
Protecting Civil Rights
Devens’s enforcement of civil rights laws represented Hayes’ commitment to upholding federal protections for African Americans. However, diminishing support for Reconstruction policies and the rise of discriminatory practices in the South limited the administration’s ability to achieve meaningful progress in this area (Peskin, 1987).
Naval Modernization
Thompson and Goff focused on modernizing the Navy to meet the demands of a growing nation. While progress was slow, their efforts laid the groundwork for future advancements in naval capabilities, reflecting the administration’s recognition of the Navy’s importance in protecting American interests abroad (Morgan, 2004).
Promoting National Reconciliation
Key’s appointment as Postmaster General symbolized Hayes’s commitment to reconciliation between North and South. By expanding postal services in rural Southern areas, Key facilitated communication and integration during a period of national healing (Peskin, 1987).
Challenges Within the Cabinet
While Rutherford B. Hayes’ cabinet was generally cohesive, it faced challenges related to implementing controversial policies and managing public and congressional resistance. Efforts to enforce civil rights laws and advance civil service reform often met with significant opposition, highlighting the complexities of governance during this transitional period. Additionally, the slow progress in naval modernization and criticisms of the Interior Department’s handling of Native American policies underscored the limitations of the administration’s initiatives.
Legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes’s Cabinet
Hayes’s cabinet left a lasting impact on American governance, contributing to the nation’s recovery and progress during a transformative period. Key achievements include:
- Reconciliation Efforts: The cabinet’s actions, particularly the withdrawal of federal troops and the appointment of Southern officials, aimed to promote national unity, though they also had mixed consequences for civil rights.
- Economic Stabilization: Sherman’s fiscal policies restored confidence in the nation’s economy, establishing a foundation for growth in the Gilded Age.
- Civil Service Reform: Schurz’s efforts to reduce patronage and promote merit-based appointments influenced subsequent reforms, including the Pendleton Act of 1883.
- Naval and Infrastructure Development: Initiatives in naval modernization and postal expansion reflected the administration’s focus on building a stronger, more connected nation.
- Civil Rights Advocacy: Despite limited success, Devens’s enforcement of civil rights laws demonstrated the administration’s commitment to protecting African American rights during a period of declining federal support.
Final Summary
Rutherford B. Hayes’s cabinet, composed of figures like William M. Evarts, John Sherman, and Carl Schurz, played a pivotal role in shaping the policies and legacy of his presidency. The cabinet navigated significant challenges, from ending Reconstruction to advancing civil service reform and stabilizing the economy. While its efforts were met with mixed success, the administration’s actions reflected Hayes’s commitment to integrity, reconciliation, and progress during a transformative era in American history. To learn more about Rutherford B Hayes, please visit his presidential page.
References
Morgan, H. W. (2004). Rutherford B. Hayes: Soldier and President. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas.
Peskin, A. (1987). Garfield: A Biography. Kent: Kent State University Press.
Woodward, C. V. (1951). Reunion and Reaction: The Compromise of 1877 and the End of Reconstruction. Boston: Little, Brown.
Simpson, B. D. (2000). Reconstruction Presidents: Transforming the Nation. New York: HarperCollins.
Wilentz, S. (2005). The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln. New York: W.W. Norton.