Rutherford Hayes’ Secret Oath

Presidential History Blog

The election of 1876 was one of the most rancorous, divisive and probably corrupt in American history.

 

Oddly Enough…

Both Governor Rutherford Hayes (R-OH) and Governor Samuel Tilden (D-NY) were honest, decent men, albeit bland and uncharasmatic. Any scandals or machinations done in their names were done with no overt support from either of the candidates. (Whether or not there was tacit approval, or more likely “blind eye” is always open to conjecture.)

Maj...