This cause a rift in the Republican party that led to two distinct groups, nicknamed the Stalwarts and the Half Breeds. The Stalwarts were the conservative faction, who disagreed with Hayes's attempt to reconcile with the south and opposed any change in the existing patronage system of appointing cabinet members. The Half Breeds were a more moderate group who were in favor of reconciliation with the south and supported moderate civil service reform, meaning that the patronage system would have to be changed. ...

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