Moralists or Pragmatists? The Mugwumps, 1884-1900 (Controversial Issues in United States History).

s/t: A penetrating study of this significant political movement (From back cover) "The taint of political corruption changed the entire nature of the presidential campaign of 1884 when Independent Republicans (called Mugwumps) bolted their party and joined reform-minded Democrats to oppose James G. Blaine, the candidate of the Republican Party regulars. Appalled at Blaine's association with bosses and boss-rule, the Mugwumps advocated and supported the election of Grover Cleveland, the Democratic nominee, assuring his victory. The unique character of these independent political thinkers inspired reforms in other political and social arenas.In these articles, noted political historians discuss and analyze this early reform movement and compare it with the reform movements of today."