Boss Tweed Quotes

down near the Brooklyn Bridge and Tweed courthouse. As a kid I’d read something about the courthouse that has stuck with me my entire life: In the nineteenth century, Boss Tweed had used its construction as a pretext to embezzle millions from New York State. When they finally got around to trying him for that crime, they did it in the courthouse named after him. How hilarious an irony—here was a city government building celebrating one of the most corrupt members in its history.

London had had a subway system since 1863, but New York had not yet gone underground for at least two reasons. For one thing, New York was built on solid rock, and tunneling through the Manhattan schist presented enormous engineering obstacles. For another, during the years when “Boss” Tweed had the city in his grip, Tweed and his “ring” controlled the surface transportation lines and wanted no competition.

Big woman, Miss Eileen McKenna. Not fat, just big, the way some women get in their fifties after years of being the boss: all out front, hoisted up high and solid, ready to sail through anything and not get wet. I could see her in a break-time corridor, girls skittering away in front of her before they even knew she was coming. Lots of chin; lots of eyebrow. Iron hair and steely glasses. I don't know women's gear but I know quality, and the greeny tweed was quality; the pearls weren't from Penney's.

I don't care who does the electing, as long as I get to do the nominating

William "Boss" Tweed was in such thorough control in New York that he made money off of the report the committee printed after investigating him.

Boss Tweed has power because he’s an appointed member of so many boards and commissions,” Wally replied.  “He has almost total control over political patronage in the city, and he ensures the loyalty of voters through jobs he can create and dispense on city related projects.”  He

The way to have power is to take it. ― Boss Tweed Being in power and victimizing others is easier than executing it wisely and democratically for the benefit of everyone; otherwise, it's not worth taking the risk. ― Ehsan Sehgal

It's Not the People Who Vote, but the People Who Count the Votes Who Matter