132 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS In filling other offices, political influence found much less regard than had been the custom before. The pretension of senators and representatives that the "patronage" in their respective states and dis tricts belonged to them was not recognized, al though in many cases their advice was taken. The president s appointments were generally approved by public opinion, but he was blamed for appoint ing persons connected with the Louisiana return- ing-board. On May 26, 1877, he addressed a let ter to the secretary of the treasury, expressing the wish "that the collection of the revenues should be free from partisan control, and organized on a strictly business basis, with the same guarantees for efficiency and fidelity in the selection of the chief and subordinate officers that would be required by a prudent merchant," and that "party leaders should have no more influence in appointments than other equally respectable citizens." On June 22, 1877, he issued the following executive order: "No officer should be required or permitted to take part in the management of political organizations, cau cuses, conventions, or election campaigns. Their right to vote or to express their views on public questions, either orally or through the press, is not denied, provided it does not interfere with the dis charge of their official duties. No assessment for political purposes, on officers or subordinates, should be allowed. This rule is applicable to every
