Yes, the Irishman is grateful. His one thought is to serve the city
which gave him a home. He has this thought even before he lands
in New York, for his friends here often have a good place in one of
the city departments picked out for him while he is still in the old
country. Is it any wonder that he has a tender spot in his heart for
old New York when he is on its salary list the mornin' after he
lands?

Now, a few words on the general subject of the so called shame of
cities. I don't believe that the government of our cities is any
worse, in proportion to opportunities, than it was fifty years ago.
I'll explain what I mean by "in proportion to opportunities." A half
a century ago, our cities were small and poor. There wasn't many
temptations lyin' around for politicians. There was hardly anything
to steal, and hardly any opportunities for even honest graft. A city
could count its money every night before goin' to bed, and if three
cents was missin', all the fire bells would be rung. What credit was
there in bein' honest under them circumstances'? It makes me tired
to hear of old codgers back in the thirties or forties boastin' that
they retired from politics without a dollar except what they earned
in their profession or business. If they lived today, with all the
existin' opportunities, they would be just the same as
twentieth-century politicians. There ain't any more honest people
in the world just now than the convicts in Sing Sing. Not one of
them steals anything. Why? Because they can't. See the
application?

Understand, I ain't defendin' politicians of today who steal. The
politician who steals is worse than a thief. He is a fool. With the
grand opportunities all around for the man with a political pull,