Cameron machine

Cameron machine
Leader• Simon Cameron
• J. Donald Cameron
• Matthew Quay
• Boies Penrose
Foundedc. 1860
Dissolvedc. 1930s
Ideology• Anti-slavery
• Grantism
• Conservatism
• Fiscal conservatism
• Pro-spoils system
• Protectionism
• Hard money
Political positionRight-wing
National affiliationRepublican Party

The Cameron machine, later known as the Quay machine[1][2] and Penrose machine,[3] was a Republican political machine in Pennsylvania that controlled much of the state's politics for seven decades. Founded by antislavery Know Nothing and Republican Simon Cameron, it passed into control of his son J. Donald Cameron, later controlled by Matthew Quay and finally Boies Penrose. The organization was financially and fiscally conservative, favoring higher protective tariffs and representing business interests.

The elder Cameron's leadership skills were contrasted with the weaker political abilities of his son Donald, and several Republican defeats resulted in a transfer of machine power into the hands of Quay, who utilized the machine's powers with shrewd effectiveness. The baton of machine boss was then passed for a final time to Penrose, whose death ended its power and influence.

  1. ^ August 16, 1886. QUAY'S MACHINE. The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  2. ^ August 1, 1901. TO FIGHT QUAY MACHINE.; Pennsylvania's New Union Party to Hold a State Convention. The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  3. ^ August 5, 1922. PENROSE MACHINE FALLING TO PIECES; Pennsylvania Republican Factional, Strife Threatens Lossof Power to Democrats. MUDDLE ON GOVERNORSHIP Grundy Rises as Party Force--Mellons and Vares Attempt Harmony Deal. The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2022.