[Democracy and Social Ethics by Jane Addams]@TWC D-Link book
Democracy and Social Ethics

CHAPTER VII
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The first one, who was foreman of a large factory, was reported to have been bought off by the promise that the city institutions would use the product of his firm.

The second one, a keeper of a grocery and family saloon, with large popularity, was promised the aldermanic nomination on the regular ticket at the expiration of the term of office held by the alderman's colleague, and it may be well to state in passing that he was thus nominated and successfully elected.

The third proposed candidate received a place for his son in the office of the city attorney.
Not only are offices in his gift, but all smaller favors as well.

Any requests to the council, or special licenses, must be presented by the alderman of the ward in which the person desiring the favor resides.
There is thus constant opportunity for the alderman to put his constituents under obligations to him, to make it difficult for a constituent to withstand him, or for one with large interests to enter into political action at all.

From the Italian pedler who wants a license to peddle fruit in the street, to the large manufacturing company who desires to tunnel an alley for the sake of conveying pipes from one building to another, everybody is under obligations to his alderman, and is constantly made to feel it.


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