Yet it was because of our consistently acting in this manner, resolutely warring on dishonesty and on that peculiar form of baseness which masquerades as "practical" politics, and steadily refusing to pay heed to any consideration except the good of the service and the city, and the merits of the men themselves, that we drew down upon our heads the bitter and malignant animosity of the bread-and-butter spoils politicians.

They secured the repeal of the Civil Service Law by the State Legislature.

They attempted and almost succeeded in the effort to legislate us out of office.

They joined with the baser portion of the sensational press in every species of foul, indecent falsehood and slander as to what we were doing.

They attempted to seduce or frighten us by every species of intrigue and cajolery, of promise of political reward and threat of political punishment.