Grover Cleveland was a principled and transparent leader during an era of political corruption and transactional patronage. His swift rise in politics stemmed from his reputation as a reformer committed to challenging elite interests, cronyism, and special interest groups. While not known for his oratory skills, Cleveland evinced steadfast moral convictions in his public addresses and writings. His “Principles above Spoils” Letter, written between his two presidential terms, was addressed to a gathering in Canton, Ohio, celebrating the landslide Democratic victories in the 1890 midterm congressional elections.