[507] On January 14, 1875, Grant signed the Specie Payment Resumption Act, which required gradual reduction of the number of greenbacks allowed to circulate and declared that they would be redeemed for gold beginning on January 1, 1879.[508][bb]

Reforms and scandals
Further information: Ulysses S. Grant presidential administration reforms and Ulysses S. Grant presidential administration scandals
The post-Civil War economy brought on massive industrial wealth and government expansion. Speculation, lifestyle extravagance, and corruption in federal offices were rampant.[510] All of Grant's executive departments were investigated by Congress.[511] Grant by nature was honest, trusting, gullible, and extremely loyal to his chosen friends. His responses to malfeasance were mixed, at times appointing cabinet reformers, but also at times defending culprits.[512]

Cartoonist Thomas Nast praises Grant for rejecting demands by Pennsylvania politicians to suspend civil service rules.
Grant in his first term appointed Secretary of Interior Jacob D. Cox, who implemented civil service reform: he fired unqualified clerks, and took other measures.[513] On October 3, 1870, Cox resigned office under a dispute with Grant over handling of a mining claim.[514][bc] Authorized by Congress on March 3, 1871, Grant created and appointed the first Civil Service Commission.