Although Grant had previously pushed for some degree of civil service reform as president, he became disenchanted with Hayes' efforts to effectively dismantle the Stalwarts' patronage machines.<ref name=npsinfo/> Conkling, who previously was a close ally to Grant during the latter's presidency, once again became a right-hand man. | Although Grant had previously pushed for some degree of civil service reform as president, he became disenchanted with Hayes' efforts to effectively dismantle the Stalwarts' patronage machines.<ref name=npsinfo/> Conkling, who previously was a close ally to Grant during the latter's presidency, once again became a right-hand man. |