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 Burr.There is no direct evidence that he wrote the new constitution.But there is collateral evidence.Indeed, it would not have been Burrian had he left any written evidence of his connection with the organization.For Burr was one of those intriguers who revel in mystery, who always hide their designs, and never bind themselves in writing without leaving a dozen loopholes for escape.He was by this time a prominent figure in American politics.His skill had been displayed in Albany, both in the passing of legislation and in out-maneuvering Hamilton and having himself elected United States Senator against the powerful combination of the Livingstons and the Schuylers.He was plotting for the Presidency as the campaign of 1800 approached, and Tammany was to be the fulcrum to lift him to this conspicuous place.
Under the ostensible leadership of Matthew L.Davis, Burr's chief lieutenant, every ward of the city was carefully organized, a polling list was made, scores of new members were pledged to Tammany, and during the three days of voting (in New York State until 1840 elections lasted three days), while Hamilton was making eloquent speeches for the Federalists, Burr was secretly manipulating the wires of his machine.Burr and Tammany won in New York City, though Burr failed to win the Presidency.The political career of this remarkable organization, which has survived over one hundred and twenty years of stormy history, was now well launched.
>From that time to the present the history of Tammany Hall is a tale of victories, followed by occasional disclosures of corruption and favoritism; of quarrels with governors and presidents; of party fights between "up-state" and "city"; of skulking when its sachems were unwelcome in the White House; of periodical displays of patriotism for cloaking its grosser crimes; of perennial charities for fastening itself more firmly on the poorer populace which has always been the source of its power; of colossal municipal enterprise for profit-sharing; and of a continuous political efficiency due to sagacious leadership, a remarkable adaptability to the necessities of the hour, and a patience that outlasts every "reform."It early displayed all the traits that have made it successful.
In 1801, for the purpose of carrying city elections, it provided thirty-nine men with money to purchase houses and lots in one ward, and seventy men with money for the same purpose in another ward, thus manufacturing freeholders for polling purposes.In 1806 Benjamin Romaine, a grand sachem, was removed from the office of city controller by his own party for acquiring land from the city without paying for it.In 1807 several superintendents of city institutions were dismissed for frauds.
