"Now," said one of the best known men at the table, "the men who represent the city, must look out for the city.
Porter's a fine man, but he has no great backing, and no matter how well he intends by us, he can't do more than agree to such bills as we can get passed.

But Catlin has the Monroe members of the legislature under his thumb, and his brother-in-law runs Onandaga.

He promises they shall vote for all we want.

With that aid, we can carry what New York City needs, in spite of the country members." "Would the country members refuse to vote for really good and needed city legislation ?" asked Peter.
"Every time, unless we agree to dicker with them on some country job.
The country members hold the interest of the biggest city in this country in their hands, and threaten or throttle those interests every time anything is wanted." "And when it comes to taxation," added another, "the country members are always giving the cities the big end to carry." "I had a talk with Catlin," said Peter.

"It seemed to me that he wasn't the right kind of man." "Catlin's a timid man, who never likes to commit himself.