Question

Why was Rutherford Hayes called the great unknown?

Answer 1

Hayes was chosen in 1876 to be the Republican nominee for the Presidency. He was a compromise candidate among the party, and people nicknamed him the "Great Unknown" because they didn't quite no his position on the issues. The election was a controversial one, and probably the closest in American history. Reports arose that Republican officials packed ballot boxes with illegal votes for Hayes. Thus the legitimacy of the electors was called into question by Democrats. Polls showed his opponent, Samuel J. Tilden, was winning the popular vote and up 184 to 165 in the Electoral College (the one that really counts), with 20 undecided votes remaining. The number needed for victory that year? 185. Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, together making up 19 votes, were disputed states this election, and they sent two sets of returns, one Democrat and one Republican. Both sides, each in control of a separate chamber of Congress, insisted that it was their count that was legitimate. There was also a disputed vote from Oregon, since the elector was a former officeholder, which is illegal under the Constitution. To solve the matter, Congress set up a 15-member Electoral Commission. Each chamber chose 5 members (3 of the majority, 2 of the minority), giving each party 5 members, and the Supreme Court made up the remaining five. Of the members from Court, there were two Democrats and two Republicans, with one neutral and respected Justice, David Davis, intended to be the tie-breaker vote. Then Davis was elected to the Senate by his home state, Illinois, and its Democratic majority. Oops.

Answer 2

omg thank you!