Machine Politics 143 



attention of the big ' Republican leaders, who after 

 some inquiry found it was due to X. To show their 

 gratitude and to secure so useful an ally perma- 

 nently (for this was before the days of civil-service 

 reform), they procured him a lucrative place in the 

 New York Post-Office ; and he, in turn, being a man 

 of natural parts, at once seized the opportunity, set 

 to work to correct the defects of his early education, 

 and is now what I have described him to be. 



BOSS METHODS 



A POLITICIAN who becomes an influential local 

 leader or boss is, of course, always one with a gen- 

 uine talent for intrigue and organization. He owes 

 much of his power to the rewards he is able to dis- 

 pense. Not only does he procure for his supporters 

 positions in the service of the State or city, as in 

 the custom-house, sheriff's office, etc., but he is 

 also able to procure positions for many on horse rail- 

 roads, the elevated roads, quarry works, etc. Great 

 corporations are peculiarly subject to the attacks of 

 demagogues, and they find it much to their interest 

 to be on good terms with the leader in each district 

 who controls the vote of the Assemblyman and al- 

 derman ; and therefore the former is pretty sure that 

 a letter of recommendation from him on behalf of 

 any applicant for work will receive most favorable 

 consideration. The leader is also continually help- 

 ing his henchmen out of difficulties, pecuniary and 

 otherwise; he lends them a dollar or two now and 

 then, helps out, when possible, such of their kinsmen 



