President-Elect Harrison Struggles to Fill His Cabinet Posts With the Right Men

What considerations do presidents-elect take into account in selecting their cabinets? What characteristics do they look for in a cabinet member, and to whom do they turn for advice in making the selections? These questions are of the utmost importance through all of American history, and yet original, significant resource materials concerning them very rarely reach the market. This set of letters are the first we have had on the subject. Here we see President-Elect Benjamin Harrison struggling to find a Secretary of the Treasury, read his considerations, find that he has turned to prominent Senator John Sherman for counsel, and learn the specific advice Sherman provided.

Autograph Letter Signed, Indianapolis, February 2, 1889, to Sherman , indicating that geographical considerations were first in his thoughts. Back then, “the west” referred to anywhere west of the Pennsylvania/Ohio state line. “I have been put out in my cabinet plans by the decision of Allison not to take the Treasury & feel as if I would like to avail myself of your friendly counsel in the matter. New York has had the Treasury now for nearly two terms and for this and many other reasons I am desirous to find a suitable man in the west, if possible. The plan seems to me to require a good acquaintance with public affairs to start with – unless the new man is to be [capable], as Manning was, in acquiring those things that a man of some exposure in public life would have learned. Now the conclusion of Allison seems from what I hear to have been supported by many senators upon the idea that he was needed in the Senate and that I ought not to disturb the close majority we have there. The same suggestion would shut me out of the House. I am very solicitous to secure a man whose mention will give the assurance of a safe & efficient management of the Treasury & I do not know any friend who can give me as much help as you. Will you think the matter over and mention to me such names as occur to you in all of the western states. As early a reply as is consistent with your commission will be gratifying – or I would be glad to see you here, if you were willing to face the fire of the press. I have not submitted this enquiry to any one else at Washington . Perhaps I ought to say to you that the newspapers are apparently in agreement as to one thing – I am to do which is not on my slate as it has been arranged. Write me just as frankly as you please about any other phase of the general question, for I value your opinions and shall expect to advise with you freely and frequently when I get to Washington .”

What advice did Sherman offer? His response is present as well. In a three page Autograph Letter Signed, Senate Chamber, Washington, February 5, 1889, he tells Harrison that Allison’s refusal was due to personal considerations and not “senatorial pressure,” and agrees that for Treasury “it is wise to get a western man.” He is against turning to New York ’s powerful boss Thomas Platt, as “A politician like Platt would involve you in grave troubles and scandals within a month.” Sherman praises future president William McKinley but urges that he be kept in the House, “to you the most important branch in government.” He suggests either Gov. Charles Foster of Ohio or Gov. Albert G. Porter of Indiana . Foster, he says, is “a clear-headed, successful businessman of good character…Frankly then, if I were in your place I would prefer Foster…He would be a pleasant associate & gives you reasonable assurance of fidelity and ability.” Sherman goes on to state “I often think of matters I would gladly suggest to you, but after all you have the game to work out & advice may distract rather than aid you. The looker on thinks he sees a good move & wishes to tell his friend who is playing the game, but after all the player has the best view & is less likely to make a mistake.”

Harrison played it safe and named Minnesotan William Windom as Secretary of the Treasury, a post he had previously held under Presidents Garfield and Arthur.  However, he kept Sherman’s advice in mind, and when Windon died mid-way through Harrison ’s term, he appointed Charles Foster to succeed him. Porter was not seriously considered for a cabinet post and was instead named U.S. ambassador to Italy . Senator Allison remained in that body, serving from 1873-1908.