Grover Cleveland: “Principles above Spoils” Letter

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. With this letter, Cleveland cautioned against the misuse of political power for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity in governance. The letter marked a significant policy stance that cemented Cleveland’s commitment to civil service reform and the importance of merit-based hiring, as opposed to appointments favoring party affiliation, in the federal government. Cleveland’s commitment to anticorruption and public welfare helped him ultimately win reelection to the presidency in 1892 after losing in 1888.