I have a saloon under my headquarters.
If a saloonkeeper gets into trouble he always knows that Senator Plunkitt is the man to help him out.

If there is a bill in the Legislature makin' it easier for the liquor dealers, I am for it every time.

I'm one of the best friends the saloon men have--but I don't drink their whisky.

I won't go through the temperance lecture dodge and tell you how many' bright young men I've seen fall victims to intemperance, but I'll tell you that I could name dozens--young men who had started on the road to statesmanship who could carry their districts every time, and who could turn out any vote you wanted at the primaries.

I honestly believe that drink is the greatest curse of the day, except, of course.
civil service, and that it has driven more young men to ruin than anything except civil service examinations.
Look at the great leaders of Tammany Hall! No regular drinkers among them.