e shall now scrutinize more closely some of the developments
which arose out of such an environment.

CHAPTER V. TAMMANY HALL

Before the Revolutionary War numerous societies were organized to aid
the cause of Independence. These were sometimes called "Sons of Liberty"
and not infrequently "Sons of St. Tammany," after an Indian brave whom
tradition had shrouded in virtue. The name was probably adopted to
burlesque the royalist societies named after St. George, St. David, or
St. Andrew. After the war these societies vanished. But, in New York
City, William Mooney, an upholsterer, reorganized the local society
as "Tammany Society or Columbian Order," devoted ostensibly to
goodfellowship and charity. Its officers bore Indian titles and its
ceremonies were more or less borrowed from the red man, not merely
because of their unique and picturesque character, but to emphasize the
truly American and anti-British convictions of its members. The society
attracted that element of the town's population which delighted in the
crude ceremonials and the stimulating potions that always accompanied
them, mostly small shopkeepers and mechanics. It was among this class
that the spirit of discontent against the power of Federalism was
strongest--a spirit that has often become decisive in our political
fortunes.

This was still the day of the "gentleman," of small clothes, silver
shoe-buckles, powdered wigs, and lace ruffles. Only taxpayers and
propertied persons could vote, and public office was still invested with
certain prerogatives and privileges. Democracy was little more than
a name. There was, however, a distinct division of sentiment, and the
drift towards democracy was accelerated by immigration. The newcomers
were largely of the humble classes, among whom the doctrines of
democratic discontent were welcome.

Tammany soon became partizan. The Federalist members withdrew, probably
influenced by Washington's warning against secret political societies.
By 1798 it was a Republican club meeting in various taverns, finally
selecting Martling's "Long Room" for its nightly carousals. Soon after
this a new constitution was adopted which adroitly transformed the
society into a compact political machine, every member subscribing to
the oath that he would resist the encroachments of centralized power
over the State.

Tradition has it that the transformer of Tammany into the first compact
and effective political machine was Aaron Bur