as to which to give precedence.
Shall I begin with the sensational bribery of the Massachusetts
Legislature which occurred within this period, or with the episode that
was the exciting climax of that interval of trial? About this time, too,
occurred the laying of the foundation of "Coppers" and Amalgamated, but
that certainly requires a chapter to itself. However, as all are starry
examples of what made "Frenzied Finance" possible, and as any one fits
into my story as well ahead as behind the other two, I'll take them in
the succession above set down.

The Whitney machine for the manufacture and moulding of legislation was
complex but efficient. It achieved its wonders in broad daylight.
Considering all it did and how that all was accomplished, the
astonishing fact is that no outcry to speak of was ever raised at its
performances. It was vastly bolder than Tammany and made fewer excuses
for its grabbings. It must be remembered, however, that its chief
engineer was a leading citizen, and his assistants all gentlemen of
great respectability and admirable antecedents, and, in Boston, social
and civic distinctions are shields behind which much may be concealed.

Corrupting a Legislature is not something a man may do with a fillip of
his finger and thumb. However bold the operations, the convenances must
be observed. When really large designs are entertained, the manipulator
sets to before the preceding election and has his "lawyers" at work
throughout the country interviewing candidates and ascertaining their
feelings. Thus a certain percentage of votes are signed and sealed in
advance, ready for delivery at the proper time. But there is always a
crowd of new men who must be taken care of on the spot, and these must
be approached with tact. Some amateurs have fanatical notions of honor
which interfere with both their own and the interests of
franchise-grabbers. To deal with all contingencies, to take care of
captured votes and to shape legislative proceedings along safe lines,
requires the services of almost an army of men.

At the head of Whitney's forces was his lawyer, George H. Towle, big of
brain, ponderous of frame, and with the strength of an ox. A man of
terrific temper, he knew not the meaning of the word fear. Nothing
aroused him to such frenzy as to have to do with a legislator who
unnecessarily haggled over the price of his vote or influence. On
occasions when a lieutenant reported that Senator This or Repres