But, besides various small difficulties, we had one or two serious bits of trouble before my duties as Governor ceased.

It must be remembered that Mr.Platt was to all intents and purposes a large part of, and sometimes a majority of, the Legislature.

There were a few entirely independent men such as Nathaniel Elsberg, Regis Post, and Alford Cooley, in each of the two houses; the remainder were under the control of the Republican and Democratic bosses, but could also be more or less influenced by an aroused public opinion.

The two machines were apt to make common cause if their vital interests were touched.

It was my business to devise methods by which either the two machines could be kept apart or else overthrown if they came together.
My desire was to achieve results, and not merely to issue manifestoes of virtue.