Synopsis
This book is the collected wisdom of G.W. Plunkitt, ward boss of that infamous turn-of-the-century New York City political machine, Tammany Hall.
Introduction / Arthur Mann
Preface / William L. Riordon
Tribute / Charles F. Murphy
Honest graft and dishonest graft
How to become a statesman
Curse of civil service reform
Reformers only mornin glories
New York City is pie for the hayseeds
To hold your study human nature and act accordin
On The shame of the cities
Ingratitude in politics
Reciprocity in patronage
Brooklynites natural-born hayseeds
Tammany leaders not bookworms
Dangers of the dress suit in politics
On municipal ownership
Tammany the only lastin democracy
Concerning gas in politics
Plunkitt's fondest dream
Tammany's patriotism
On the use of money in politics
Successful politician does not drink
Bosses preserve the nation
Concerning excise
Parting word on the future of the Democratic Party in America
Strenuous life of the Tammany district leader
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About the Author
George Washington Plunkitt (1842-1924) was a long-time State Senator from the U. S. state of New York, representing the Fifteenth Assembly District, who was especially powerful in New York City. He was part of what is known as New York's Tammany Hall machine. He was a cynically honest practitioner of what today is generally known as "machine politics," patronage-based and frank in its exercise of power for personal gain. In one of his speeches, quoted in Plunkitt of Tammany Hall (1905), he describes the difference between dishonest and honest graft as working solely for one's own interests and working for the interests of one's party, state, and personal interest whenever they can. Plunkitt was also a big party man, believing in appointments, patronage, spoils, and all of the corrupt practices that were curtailed by the civil service law. He saw such practices as both the rewards and cause of patriotism. He hated the civil service system that he believed would be the downfall of the entire United States governmental system.
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