His early political activities had greatly benefited New York.

He became a member of that group which, under the leadership of Joseph H.Choate and Samuel J.Tilden, accomplished the downfall of William M.Tweed.Whitney remained Tilden's political protege for several years.

Though highbred and luxury-loving, as a young man he was not averse to hard political work, and many old-timers still remember the days when "Bill" Whitney delivered cart-tail harangues on the lower east side.

By 1884 he had become the most prominent Democrat in New York--always a foe to Tammany--and as such he contributed largely to Cleveland's first election, became Secretary of the Navy in Cleveland's cabinet and that great President's close friend and adviser.

As Secretary of the Navy, Whitney, who found the fleet composed of a few useless hulks left over from the days of Farragut, created the fighting force that did such efficient service in the Spanish War.