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The Rise and Fall of Stripe, the Tammany Tiger: A Tale of Political Corruption and Redemption

Wesley Reed

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Published in A Stripe Of Tammany S Tiger

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Stripe was a notorious political boss who ran New York City's Tammany Hall for decades. His career was marked by both corruption and a genuine concern for the poor.

A Stripe of Tammany's Tiger

by Louis Eisenstein

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	907 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages

Early Life and Career

Stripe was born in 1853 in the Five Points neighborhood of Manhattan. He was the son of Irish immigrants, and his father was a saloon keeper. Stripe grew up in poverty and attended school only sporadically. He left home at a young age and became a street urchin. He was arrested several times for petty crimes, but he managed to avoid jail.

In the 1870s, Stripe joined Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine that controlled New York City. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1894 he became the organization's leader.

Boss of Tammany Hall

As boss of Tammany Hall, Stripe had enormous power. He controlled the city's patronage jobs, and he could influence the outcome of elections. Stripe used his power to enrich himself and his friends, but he also used it to help the poor.

Stripe established soup kitchens and orphanages, and he provided housing for the homeless. He also supported legislation that improved the lives of working people. Stripe's concern for the poor earned him the nickname "the People's Friend."

However, Stripe's career was not without controversy. He was accused of corruption and election fraud, and he was investigated by several grand juries. In 1915, he was convicted of extortion and sentenced to prison. He served two years in prison, but he was released on parole in 1917.

Later Years and Legacy

After his release from prison, Stripe retired from politics. He lived quietly in New York City until his death in 1924. Stripe's legacy is complex. He was a corrupt politician who enriched himself through graft and extortion. However, he also had a genuine concern for the poor, and he used his power to help improve their lives.

Stripe was a colorful and controversial figure in New York City history. He was a master of political manipulation, but he also had a compassionate side. Stripe's legacy is a reminder that even the most corrupt politicians can have a positive impact on society.

A Stripe of Tammany's Tiger

by Louis Eisenstein

5 out of 5