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Riis, Jacob A., 1849-1914

"The Making of an American"

It was a favorite word of his, as I have noticed it is
of all bosses, and it meant everything reprehensible. He did not
discharge me; he couldn't. I was as much a part of the court as
he was, having been appointed under a State law. But the power of
the Legislature that had created me was invoked to kill me, and,
for appearance's sake, the office. Before it adjourned, the same
Legislature resurrected the office, but not me. So contradictory is
human nature that by that time I was quite ready to fight for my
"rights." But for once I was outclassed. The judge and the Legislature
were too many for me, and I retired as gracefully as I could.
So ceased my career as a public officer, and forever. It was the
only office I ever held, and I do not want another. I am ashamed
yet, twenty-five years after, of having held that one. Because,
however I try to gloss it over, I was, while I held it, a sinecurist,
pure and simple.
However, it did not dampen my zeal for reform in the least.
That encompassed the whole range of my little world; nor would it
brook delay even for a minute.


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