The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-06-04
TANISIANY HALL.


of the captain to personally know the
political affiliations of every voter in
his district. All the regular Tammany
voters are enrolled in every district and
some districts captains go so far as to
make careful lists of all the voters and
to set opposite their names memoranda
which will show the politics of each in
dividual voter and his political history
Whether the captain does this or not, he
must be thoroughly familiar with all
the voters in his district, and he is held
strictly accountable for the vote on each
election day. If at any time there is a
marked falling off, he must give some
explanation that is perfectly satisfactory
or he is likely to lose his place, and that
very quickly
Next to the plan of individual enroll
ment, Tammany's strength is most
strongly buttressed probably by its
adoption of the ''spoils'' principles. 1
do not mean to use. this word here in a
sense that would be universally consid-
cred offensive, but it is a fact, which
good Tamncany men, so far from gain
saying, all assert to be true and uphold,
that Tammany looks after its own and
does it Systematically too If you are
resident of New York and have been
sufficiently identified with Tammany
to be considered by your district leader
a Tammany man, and you get out of
work, you VIII find that Tammany will
make every effort to give you city en-
ployment 1t may not be possible 80
give you the kind of employment you
desire, but upon the presentation of
your case to your leader he will make
every effort to satisfy you. If possible,
he will see that you are provided with
a situation for which you are fitted, for
Tammany likes to have its servants per-
form their duties we'll, and it is the rule
known and admired by the rank and
file of Tammany that once a district
leader gives his word as to the obtain
ing of employment the coveted situation
is as good as secured
Those leaders who are most careful in
this regard are always strongest and
most certain of retaining leadership.
There are undoubtedly several district
leaders whose deposition would be more
than satisfactory to the higher officials
of Tammany Hall, but who retain their
places because the voters under them
say: IF he says he'll do it, he will He
WON'T make q promise unless he feels
sure that it goes. -
IhLeaders and Young Men.
Contrary to the general belief, the
leaders are virtually appointed by the
voters ana not Dvs The h1Bher Ofnc1dlS. Ii
in the district containing 100 Tammany
voters So are dissatisfied with the lead
er, he must resign, and not all the pow
er of Croker or Kelly i'll his best days
of ''bosshood'' could keep such leader
in place
Still another important source of pow
er to Tammany lies in it's treatment of
newcomers, especially bright young
men, If you, being a young man from
the interior, come to New York and
take up your residence in any quar-
ter of this city, the captain of your cleo
ton district will possess himself of your
name, knowledge of your general
characteristics and your political ante
cedents and affiliations very shortly aft
er you settle in his bailiwick- If, after
investigation, it seems likely that you
would be an acquisition to Tammany,
your acquaintance viii be made, and
after bit during which time, without
your knowledge, you viii be ON pro-
local club. If you take an interest in
politics, You will sooner or later be ask
ed to take an active part in local can
vass- III your efforts prove to be of value
and you desire it, a minor official posi-
ton will be rendered to you Once you
have reached this point your continued
progress in politics and official life
will depend altogether upon your own
wishes and ability. If you do not care
to be an officeholder and your income
be large enough to warrant it, you viii