Sober by act of Parliament / by Fred A. McKenzie.

  • McKenzie, Fred A.
Date:
1896
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sober by act of Parliament / by Fred A. McKenzie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the State Legislature has considerable power of inter- fering with its affairs. Accordingly, this year measures have been brought forward that .would have done great damage to Croker’s friends. But even this session sufficient senators have been found willing to break through their solemn electoral pledges, to vote against their own party, and to wreck Bill after Bill directed against the municipal ring. The Tammany men openly proclaim that they can kill every other reform in the same way. No secret is made of the reason for the senators’ change of face. It is openly said in conversa- tion, and plainly printed in the papers, that they were bribed by Croker’s agents. It may be asked where Croker and his men get the necessary money from to carry on their work. The answer lies in one word—blackmail! Business men are politely requested to contribute to the funds of the Hall, and if they refuse they are looked upon as enemies, and treated accordingly. Every man who is allowed to break the law, whether he is a saloon keeper who keeps a side door open on Sunday, the owner of a gambling hell, or a more respectable sinner, is expected to allow a solid cash consideration for the privilege. If any one or any corporation wants a favour of the local authorities, the only way of obtaining it is to grease the itching palms of the aldermen, and to make friends with the politicians. Even those who want perfectly legitimate permits granted to them from the city can only get what they need by paying heavily for them. “All the laws good and bad,”
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