Sentence:  Even as it is, by the reckless aggregation of machine-workers and their <WSD>adjoints</WSD> in the great cities and the manufacturing districts, it has kept down life amongst us, and keeps it down to a miserably low standard; so low that any standpoint for improvement is hard to think of even. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An assistant to someone who holds a position in the military or civil service.