George W. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall was perhaps one of the most arrogant and intelligent men of his time, he saw his opportunities when they presented themselves and he grabbed them as soon as he could. Not only did he make a huge fortune, he did it using what he calls “honest graft.” With this sentence from the first chapter: “Everyone talks these days about many men getting rich through corruption, but no one thinks to distinguish between honest corruption and dishonest corruption. » Plunkitt sets the tone for his short treatise on New York politics as Tammany Hall runs the show. George W. Plunkitt was a senator in New York at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was very successful in politics, and at one time held four offices at once and collected salaries from three of them. G. W. Plunkitt safely occupied an office and perhaps others in Tammany Hall for over forty years. He was something of a shady politician who took care of his constituents and his bank account. Plunkitt never shied away from getting rich in politics because he didn't do anything illegal by the standards of the time. Additionally, Plunkitt never broke the criminal code and therefore never spent a single day in prison. However, Plunkitt had to defend himself against reformers by distinguishing between honest and dishonest corruption. He explained this difference as well as his wealth by saying: "I saw my opportunities and I took them." In Plunkitt's mind, as his writings show, he did not regret his actions because he had done so much to help the Tammany supporters. Plunkitt's main complaint was about civil service exams, but in his speeches he also taught young men how to succeed in politics by examining human nature and doing as he did... middle of paper. . in their neighborhood. than the rich have in theirs. » Plunkitt certainly understood people and knew how to attract them to his ticket. Tammany Hall's Plunkitt Book is not only a monument to George W. Plunkitt's 40-plus years as a senator, it's also a monument to his enormous ego. GW Plunkitt was a man well-liked by his followers and the men of Tammany. He had opposition from reformers who accused Tammany Hall of illegal activities involving bribes. players or disorderly people. » He declared that "the politician who steals is worse than a thief." He's an idiot. » Plunkitt made his fortune in politics, and he did it through honest corruption. He said that even if his worst enemy wrote his epitaph, he couldn't do more than write: "George W. Plunkitt." He saw his opportunities and he took them."