Travis S.

1.
Having lived by example, George Washington Plunkitt said, “ I see my opportunities and I took ‘em.” Labeling himself an example of how the honest graft works, Plunkitt describes what he sees as the differences between the honest graft and dishonest graft. Plunkitt goes on to use examples to portray his actions, should he follow the honest graft or dishonest graft. By living by his famous saying Plunkitt details how he views in what today would be called “insider knowledge or trading” to be an opportunity to capitalize on. He emphasizes how this foresight, has led him to an opportunity of charging a good hefty price on his investment of undeveloped land. Plunkitts firm stance on the honest graft is also emphasized for the dishonest graft as well. George Washington Plunkitts examples of blackmailin’ gamblers, saloon Keepers, and disorderly people all fall under his view of who represents the dishonest graft specifically. And that’s basically summed up as criminals. One might think after reading this passage that the people who were against the Tammany men view these so called, “honest graft actions”, as dishonest. Plunkitt accepts his position of power, and sees no reason to not use it as an acceptable way to enrich himself.
After reading and understanding Plunkitt’s examples and representations of the honest graft and dishonest graft I would have to disagree. This representation of the dishonest graft has extremes that while is correct, lack accountability for how his own actions, which fall under such dishonest, graft qualities, “… Lookin’ ahead in Wall Street or in the coffee or cotton market”, describes Plunkitts inability to recognize honest vs. dishonest actions. By accepting information, know today as insider trading, that hasn’t been made public with only the intention of profiting off such knowledge is not honest. Tammany men doing this are receiving personal gain and while it may be benefitting all, the money goes and stays in their hands, until a monopoly begins to form in a given market. Plunkitt walks a fine line through his honest and dishonest graft examples. I believe not fully grasping the concept of the words honest and dishonest he misrepresented not only the meaning but his own actions as well.

2. George Washington Plunkitts stand on drinking is as follows, “ Your wont last in success if you’re a drinking man.” Plunkitt asserts his reach of influence by explaining while he doesn’t drink or condone it for those in decision-making politics, that he still frequents saloons and other occasions where liquor is present. His ability to see and share the same view of liquor as being only a commodity and not something to self indulge on led him to describe the Sullivan brothers, Big Tim and Little Tim’s lifestyle of only selling liquor and not consuming it as, “Selling liquor and not consuming it is the only way to get good out of liquor.” Plunkitt acknowledges that some prominent men in the organization drink, but points out they are not men who have any power. He describes them as “fancy speakers who make a show behind the footlights.” He describes himself and others, who hold power and choose not to drink as men that still celebrate, but with lemonade, vichy and apollinaris, because after any celebration there are those with headaches staring in hurting, and those who are mentally sharp getting on with their day.

3. Although coming from an already wealthy family, Plunkitt became wealthy through applying his version of the honest graft. He was blunt in his exercise of power for gain as he took part in what today would be known as “machine politics”. Plunkitt believed in strong political guidance, as it was essential to help allow party bosses to be present and implement control, “Then he saw how a beautiful Tammany city government runs, with a so-called boss directing the whole shootin’ match!” (RIORDON, Chapter 20) He also refers to an example regarding previous administrations operating without party bosses, “The heads of departments were all at odds all the time with each other, and the mayor was at ends with the lot of them.” (RIORDON Chapter 20) I believe that Plunkitt Believed the presence of a party boss was necessary to continue the political machine.

4. Plunkitts statement, “Tammany’s the most patriotic organization, on earth,” (RIORDON, Chapter 17) showcases Tammany and its leaders influence left behind on Plunkitt which allowed him to believe what he was doing was patriotic. Post Spanish American War, a Tammany leader, John J Scannell, penned a letter offering troops to go to the front. We are never really given clear reason to deny or question the patriotism of Tammany politicians. I consider the rationale proposed by Plunkitt, appear to be outward and can possibly come off as insensitive or corrupt to others. Plunkitts words seem to lack passion and conviction for any real patriotism to be seen.

5. According to Plunkitt reformers never survived due to their lack of political knowledge. Plunkitt goes on to point out the example of Frank Scott. The Peoples Municipal League nominated Frank Scott in 1890. Plunkitt points out that while the, Peoples Municipal League didn’t last; Scott survived due to his top notch political knowledge. Individuals who had been involved in politics their whole lives and devoted their studies to gain political knowledge were said to be true politicians: “You have to give nearly all your time and attention to it… the great business of your life must be politics if you want to succeed in it.” (RIORDON, Chapter 4) Failure to grip the political culture around them and adapt accordingly was a primary reason why reformers weren’t able to successfully penetrate politics.

Bibliography

Riordon, W. (2001). Plunkitt of tammany hall: A series of very plain talks on very practical politics. (1 ed.). Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. DOI: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/plunkett-george/tammany-hall/