Grover Cleveland States He Will Not “Stretch” the Powers of the President
His conduct matches his campaign promise of a more modest role for the chief executive, and to end special favors in government
Edward Bacon was a Buffalo, New York, attorney who formed a friendship with Grover Cleveland before either rose to fame and fortune. Cleveland became governor of New York and then President of the United States, while Bacon went on to become a railroad tycoon who partnered in business deals with J. Pierpont...
Edward Bacon was a Buffalo, New York, attorney who formed a friendship with Grover Cleveland before either rose to fame and fortune. Cleveland became governor of New York and then President of the United States, while Bacon went on to become a railroad tycoon who partnered in business deals with J. Pierpont Morgan.
Cleveland ran for president on a pledge to end the imperial presidency with its strong use of presidential power in favor of a more modest role for the chief executive. He also promised to end corruption and special favors in government. But just six months after he took office, Bacon presumed on their friendship to espouse the cause of a Army lieutenant named Squires, who must have been the son of a close friend or relative. The youth wanted to be detailed to a more prestigious posting, which would have meant a promotion besides. Cleveland rather hesitantly looked into the feasibility of the request, but found opposition in the War Department, which suggested to the President that the promotion would be out of accepted channels.
Autograph letter signed, as President, on Executive Mansion letterhead, July 14, 1885, to Bacon, making it clear that he would stick to his campaign promise to not increase his powers nor grant special favors, and listing the reasons the War Department objected. “I am in great trouble & perplexity about Lieut. Squires – no not about him but you. I did not dream but I could with propriety do the thing you desired in the matter…Now, I am afraid to do it would be a terrific stretch of power on my part to the neglect of most any other consideration. The War Department seems to be quite stirred up at the suggestion that Lt. Squires should be put in such a position and two reasons seem to be pretty good ones, which [as to] this assignment will work around the sensibilities of his friends. 1st. He is not a graduate of West Point. 2d. He is in the Cavalry – a branch of the service which… at this time should not be weakened by such details. For your personal information I enclose a copy of the report I have received. Let me hear from you on the subject.”
A very interesting letter explicitly stating that he will not “stretch” his presidential “power”.
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