The History of Tammany Hall: Second EditionMyers, Gustavus
History
The History of Tammany Hall: Second Edition
Myers, Gustavus
New York (N.Y.) -- Politics and government; Tammany Hall (Political organization)
Precisely why Edward E. McCall should have given those notes was
not explained. Hamilton received great sums in all for legislative
purposes; in the transferring of some of the sums Edward E. McCall
figured. Both Edward E. McCall and “Andy” Hamilton received “excessive
remuneration” from the New York Life Insurance Company, apparently for
legal services in a certain case, which sums, according to the report
of Charles E. Hughes, there was no adequate reason for paying. At the
same time that these sums were paid to them, both Edward E. McCall and
Hamilton were under a regular retainer as attorneys by the New York
Life Insurance Company, each of them receiving $10,000 a year.
Mr. McCall was put upon the Supreme Court Bench in 1902, by Tammany
backing, and remained there until his appointment, in 1913, by Governor
Sulzer as Chairman of the Public Service Commission, First District.
The greatest exertions were made by Tammany to sway the electorate
so as to swing the election in its favor. Tammany realized that the
Sulzer episode would be an important issue, but it did not anticipate
that the summary removal of Governor Sulzer, with all the attendant
circumstances, would make so unpleasant an impression, driving large
numbers of voters to the other side. Tammany thought that it had
put Sulzer on the defensive; it did not quite foresee the effect
of revelations which, before the campaign was over, placed Tammany
seriously on the defensive and its leaders under the necessity of
making explanations.
Moreover, in selecting its candidates and developing its campaign
tactics Tammany did not appreciate the very much altered attitude of a
large section of the public toward municipal politics. There had arisen
in New York City an increased public demand for proved administrative
capacity. The old days of public toleration of choosing politicians for
“good fellowship” or subservient qualities had about gone. The emphasis
was now placed by Tammany’s opponents upon the fact that cities should
be not merely governed, but well governed, by men of vision, ability
and integrity.
The candidate for Mayor of the Republicans and Fusionists was John
Purroy Mitchel, a young Independent Democrat, who was credited with
having made a notable record as Commissioner of Accounts. Later he had
been President of the Board of Aldermen, and then Collector of the
Port of New York. Nominated with him were William A. Prendergast, for
Comptroller, and George McAneny for President of the Board of Aldermen;
all were eulogized by their supporters with having served the city with
constructive ability and marked efficiency, and with having opposed and
exposed Tammany graft and extravagance.
The Socialist Party’s candidate for Mayor was Charles Edward Russell, a
writer of note and a man of high personal character.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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