William M. Evarts, American lawyer and politician, 27th United States Secretary of State (d. 1901)

William Maxwell Evarts (February 6, 1818 – February 28, 1901) was a highly influential American lawyer and prominent statesman who hailed from New York. Throughout his distinguished career, Evarts held several critical federal offices, including U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Attorney General, and U.S. Senator representing New York. He became widely recognized and celebrated for his exceptional analytical mind and formidable skills as a litigator, participating in some of the most significant legal and political challenges of his era that fundamentally shaped American political jurisprudence.

Defining Legal and Political Engagements

Evarts's professional prowess was most evident in his involvement in three cornerstone events of 19th-century American history. His contributions to these landmark cases underscored his reputation as a legal giant.

• The Impeachment Trial of President Andrew Johnson: In 1868, William M. Evarts served as a key member of the defense counsel for President Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial. Johnson faced charges primarily related to his alleged violation of the Tenure of Office Act. Evarts's brilliant legal arguments and strategic defense played a crucial role in securing President Johnson's acquittal, setting an important precedent regarding the high bar for presidential impeachment.
• The Geneva Arbitration (The Alabama Claims): From 1871 to 1872, Evarts acted as the principal counsel for the United States in the groundbreaking Geneva Arbitration. This international tribunal addressed the "Alabama Claims," a series of demands made by the U.S. government against Great Britain for damages caused by Confederate warships, notably the CSS Alabama, which had been built in British shipyards during the Civil War. Evarts's skillful advocacy contributed significantly to the tribunal's decision, which awarded the United States $15.5 million in gold, establishing a vital precedent for international arbitration and peaceful dispute resolution.
• The Contested Presidential Election of 1876: The presidential election of 1876, between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, was one of the most contentious in American history, marked by widespread allegations of fraud and disputed electoral votes. Evarts played a pivotal role as counsel for the Republican Party before the Electoral Commission. This specially formed commission was tasked with resolving the deadlock over the disputed returns from several states. His legal arguments helped pave the way for the eventual declaration of Rutherford B. Hayes as president, though under highly controversial circumstances that led to the Compromise of 1877.

Political Stance and Republican Factions

During the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881), William M. Evarts served as Secretary of State. He was a prominent figure among the "Half-Breed" faction of the Republican Party. This group was reform-minded, advocating for significant changes within the political system, most notably civil service reform.

• "Half-Breeds" vs. "Stalwarts": The Republican Party in the post-Reconstruction era was divided. The "Half-Breeds," led by figures like James G. Blaine and including Evarts, emphasized merit-based appointments in government, aiming to curb corruption and improve administrative efficiency. They were often at odds with the conservative "Stalwarts," led by Roscoe Conkling, who staunchly defended the "spoils system." The "spoils system" rewarded political supporters with government jobs, regardless of qualifications, leading to inefficiency and patronage. While the "Stalwarts" also claimed to advocate on behalf of Southern blacks, their primary focus was often on maintaining party control and traditional political patronage.

A Complex Legacy: Civil Rights and Reconstruction

Despite his significant contributions to American jurisprudence and his reformist stance on civil service, William M. Evarts's record on civil rights presents a more nuanced and often criticized aspect of his legacy. His lifelong approach to issues of racial equality was largely characterized by inaction.

• Lack of Involvement in Abolitionism: Before the Civil War, Evarts demonstrated little to no active involvement in the fervent abolitionist movement that sought to end slavery. While he served the Union during the war, his pre-war stance did not align with the radical calls for immediate emancipation.
• Role in the Compromise of 1877: Evarts's most direct and impactful role concerning race relations came with his involvement in the Compromise of 1877. This informal agreement effectively resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election by awarding the presidency to Rutherford B. Hayes. In exchange for Southern Democratic acceptance of Hayes, federal troops were withdrawn from the Southern states. This withdrawal marked the official end of Reconstruction, the post-Civil War effort to rebuild the South and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. Evarts's participation, though aimed at resolving a national crisis, contributed to a policy that severely undermined the progress of civil rights. The end of federal protection led to the rapid reestablishment of white supremacist control, the implementation of Jim Crow laws, and decades of systemic discrimination and violence against African Americans in the South, doing little to improve race relations or advance social equality.

Frequently Asked Questions About William M. Evarts

Who was William M. Evarts?

William M. Evarts was a prominent American lawyer and statesman from New York who served as U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Attorney General, and U.S. Senator. He was renowned for his legal prowess and involvement in key historical events.

What were William M. Evarts's most famous legal cases?

Evarts was involved in three pivotal cases: the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, the Geneva Arbitration concerning the Alabama Claims, and the legal challenges surrounding the disputed 1876 presidential election before the Electoral Commission.

What political faction did William M. Evarts belong to?

Evarts was a member of the "Half-Breed" faction within the Republican Party, which advocated for civil service reform and opposed the "Stalwarts" who defended the spoils system.

What was William M. Evarts's stance on civil rights?

Evarts had a record of inaction on civil rights. He was not involved in the abolitionist movement and his role in the Compromise of 1877, which ended Reconstruction, had significant negative consequences for race relations and social equality in the American South.