Grover Cleveland: One of the most "lonely" and unsung presidents of American history!
Grover Cleveland Presidential Election
Stephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th presidents of the United States. Perhaps the most famous event of his tenure was the erection of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Cleveland was the leader of the Bourbon Democratic Party, opposing high tariffs, inflation, imperialism, and various privileged subsidies. He reformed the civil service and fought against the political fertilization system; he ordered the railroad company to withdraw nearly 8,000 acres of illegally occupied land; and he sought to formulate and maintain a low tariff policy. He is probably the most obscure and unnamed liberty president in American history.
Grover Cleveland is unique. He was the first Democratic president after the Civil War, and the only president to serve two consecutive terms (he also won popular votes in the middle election, that is, three consecutive times), was elected as a bachelor, married after entering the White House, and later had a famous chocolate candy bar (Baby Ruth), which is said to be named after his daughter.
However, the person's personality is the most important characteristic. In him, "honest politician" is not a contradictory rhetoric. His reputation was so strong that he was elected governor of New York without having to give a campaign speech. During one campaign, he was accused of having illegitimate children, and he instructed staff to "tell the truth." But most importantly for the United States, he did not ignore the U.S. Constitution's restrictions on the power of the federal government, but solemnly swore an oath to defend it.
Cleveland realized that "public officials are agents of the people, not their masters." He therefore rejects the paternalistic policies of government that finance his taxes, because "the theory that sustains our system is to ensure that every citizen can fully enjoy all the fruits of his diligence and enterprising, and that the only thing to be deducted is to maintain and protect his government out of prudence and economy, and to demand more than this limit by his share is untenable extortion and plunder, a guilty betrayal of the fairness and justice of the United States." ”
Because "wasting public money is a crime against citizens," Cleveland has worked hard to eliminate government waste throughout his public service career. He worked to restore the integrity and fairness of the government, particularly by curtailing government favors (including those to his own party) because "the danger we face ... [Lurking] in the prevailing tendency to expect special, direct personal benefits from the functioning of government. ”
Honest Grover Cleveland won the referendum in three consecutive presidential elections, a feat by Andrew Jackson, and second only to Franklin Ross.
By the 1880s, the Republican Party was tainted by scandals. During Ulysses Grant's administration, his favored groups received land grants, preferential tariffs, government subsidies, and generous pensions. Historian Alan Nevins said "selfish materialism on the worst side of the Republican Party" dominated the Garfield administration. Not surprisingly, republicans nominated Senator James Bryan in 1884, who profited from the rights granted to the Little Rock and Fort Smith railroads.
1884: Cleveland with James Brian
Democrats portray Brian as a public predator, while Republicans portray Democratic candidate Cleveland as a "drunken city." According to Cleveland biographer Horace Samuel Merrill, this led to an uncontroversial campaign. The highlight of the campaign was Republicans' use of the Buffalo Baptist pastor George Ball's false accusation that Cleveland had children out of wedlock with Maria Halpin. "Mom, Mom, where's my dad?" Shouted by Republicans.
But Cleveland has been known for integrity since the mayor of Buffalo and the governor of New York. Joseph Pulitzer's New York World has four reasons to vote for Cleveland: "He was an honest man. He is an honest man. He is an honest man. He is an honest man.
1888: Cleveland vs. Benjamin Harrison
Now, the presidential record of incumbent President Cleveland is under fire. Despite doubling civil service positions under the Pendleton Act, reformers were unhappy with Cleveland's acknowledgment that the machine boss system was an "obnoxious necessity." Republican Senator Benjamin Harrison imposed tariffs on Cleveland, accusing him and Democrats of being free traders who would sacrifice their own interests. American laborers and farmers for foreign interests. Lower tariffs will lead to higher taxes, lower wages and unemployment.
The Grand Republic claimed that the 1888 elections were the most corrupt in history. Pennsylvania boss Matt Quay said Harrison would never know "how many people were forced to approach the prison gates to make him president." Republicans bought tickets in Indiana for $15 per vote. In addition, Cleveland declined to endorse New York's Democratic nominee, David Hill, a divisive state Democrat. Result: Cleveland lost New York and 233-168 electoral votes, but won 100,000 universal votes.
1892: Cleveland and Harrison II
Cleveland eventually recovered from defeat. When Democrats won a House majority from the 1890 election, Cleveland saw it as proof of its policies. He was opposed to the McKinley Tariff Act. Risking losing Democratic support, Cleveland declared in a "silver letter" to the New York Reform Club on February 10, 1892, that silver legislation pending approval by Congress was infinitely dangerous.
This recovery also depends on two people. William Whitney built a well-functioning machine that convinced Democratic delegates that Cleveland could beat Harrison, not David Hill or Horace Boyce. According to writer Paul Jeffers, George Parker promoted Cleveland's ideas in the press and, in the process, took on a new role in politics – press secretary. The result was a landslide in Cleveland — a 381,000 advantage in the general selection.
Cleveland's three consecutive referendums reflect the times. In political scandals, Cleveland is a beacon of honesty in the fog of corruption. He bravely opposed protective tariffs and free silver, and also emphasized honesty in his defense of the boss system.
Cleveland's last words were: "I've worked my life to do the right thing." But respecting the constitutional limits on the legitimate activities of the federal government, he does not believe that "government" is the answer to all questions. He reflects: "I sincerely want to do things well, but the question is whether I know enough to fulfill my wishes", and frankly gives a negative answer ("Let the poor dependence on government favors lose credibility, we work to inspire elements of American character that help to achieve the American dream of achievement").
We should recall this answer and realize how dangerous it is for governments that ignore it.