The Trail of the Tiger
Tammany: 1789-1928
Being An account of Tammany from 1789; The Society of St. Tammany, or Columbian Order;
Tammany Hall; The Organization; and the Sway of the Bosses

By Allan Frankin

Originally published 1928
This Web version copyright 2005 PoliticsNYC.com

"HONEST" JOHN KELLY

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Kelly knew he could not be elected but he knew that splitting the party's vote would bring defeat to the man who would not take orders. The Republican candidate, Alonzo B. Cornell, was elected and "Honest" John had his revenge.

Grover Cleveland was the next outstanding Democrat to come under the wrath of "Honest" John. As governor of New York Cleveland committed what to Tammany was the unpardonable sin, independence of Boss dictation. Cleveland had insisted that Thomas F. Grady, Tammany's nightingale orator, not be returned as a member of the New York legislature because Grady had employed obstructive tactics in opposing measures the governor desired. Cleveland also was incorruptible and this in the eyes of "Honest" John was the worst of vices.

As Cleveland had demanded, Grady was not returned to the legislature but the governor's letter was used against him by Kelly when Cleveland was seeking the Democratic nomination for president. Grady also delivered a long denunciation of Cleveland on the floor of the convention and a Cleveland supporter in replying furnished what later became one of the campaign slogans: "We love him most for the enemies he has made."

Cleveland was elected. "Honest" John, who

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