chnique is by directing a young man who can sing to the Tammany glee club. By directing young people to join organizations where they can perform to their potential he gains supporters. Another piece of advice Plunkitt gives is against reading books. In fact, Plunkitt believed that college and books were a hindrance when trying to understand people and attain votes. George W. Plunkitt also gained votes by helping the poor. He says that whenever there was fire he would beat the fire engines there and supply housing and food for the people until they could do it on their own. Plunkitt says, “The poor are the most grateful people in the world, and, let me tell you, they have more friends in their neighborhoods than the rich have in theirs.” Plunkitt certainly understood people and knew how to attract them to his ticket.The book Plunkitt of Tammany Hall is not only a monument to George W. Plunkitt’s 40 plus years as a senator, it is also a monument to his enormous ego. G. W. Plunkitt was a well-liked man among his supporters and Tammany men alike. He had opposition from reformers who accused Tammany Hall of illegal activities involving graft. But, according to Plunkitt he never engaged in, “blackmailin’, gamblin’ or disorderly people.” He said that “the politician that steals is worse than a thief. He is a fool.” Plunkitt made a fortune in politics, and he did it all through honest graft. He says that even if his worst enemy wrote his epitaph that he could not do more than write: “George W. Plunkitt. He Seen His Opportunities and He Took ‘Em.”...
