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.