The Whiskey Ring Scandal
Historical eventAbout
The Whiskey Ring Scandal was a significant corruption case during President Ulysses S. Grant's administration, uncovered in 1875. It involved a conspiracy between whiskey distillers, government officials, and politicians to bribe officials and evade taxes on liquor sales. The ring operated primarily in St. Louis, with General John McDonald, a friend of Grant's, as a key figure. The scheme diverted millions of dollars in tax revenue, some of which was allegedly used to fund Republican campaigns, including Grant's reelection in 1872. The scandal was exposed by Secretary of the Treasury Benjamin Bristow, who led a secret investigation resulting in 238 indictments and 110 convictions. Despite Grant's private secretary, Orville Babcock, being acquitted after Grant testified on his behalf, the scandal damaged Grant's reputation. Over $3 million in stolen taxes were recovered. The case highlighted corruption and the misuse of power within the Grant administration, marking a significant event in U.S. political history.
