Remember how he stuck to McClellan in 1903 when all the Brooklyn leaders were against him, and it seemed as if Tammany was in for a grand smash-up! It's men like Croker and Murphy that stay leaders as long as they live; not men like Brutus and McManus.
Now I want to tell you why political traitors, in New York City especially, are punished quick.

It's because the Irish are in a majority.

The Irish, above all people in the world, hates a traitor.
You can't hold them back when a traitor of any kind is in sight and, rememberin' old Ireland, they take particular delight in doin' up a political traitor.

Most of the voters in my district are Irish or of Irish descent; they've spotted "The" McManus, and when they get a chance at him at the polls next time, they won't do a thing to him.
The question has been asked: Is a politician ever justified in going' back on his district leader?
I answer: "No; as long as the leader hustles around and gets all the jobs possible for his constituents." When the voters elect a man leader, they make a sort of a contract with him.

They say, although it ain't written out: "We've put you here to look out for our Interests.