Looking back at the three major Political bosses in Pennsylvania History ......?

Question

(Simon and Donald Cameron and Matthew Quay), do you feel they were a help or menace to Pennsylvania?& tell me why. i am curious as to the different answers. :)

Answer 1

That is like asking if Geo W Bush has Benefited America. Certainly the folks as Haliburton Think So. Simon and Donald Cameron did everything they could for Pennsylvania, it was the center of their Universe and if that meant dragging down the rest of the Country, well gosh darn it, the Country has gotta understand that Pennsylvania comes first in the queue !!

Simon was an especially odd duck much like Edwin Stanton, those were dark dangerous times and many of the prominent men of the time had brilliant minds and twisted manners & habits. Though at least Simon could be blunt honest unlike the miodern day set of crooks in Congress. My favorite Simon Camern quote---
"An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought."

I would say that Simon and son did fine for their State J Donald was more conventinal by modern standards, less colorful, and though easilly tarred by modern standards what he did, aside from lining his own pockets, was to make certain that money fell into Pennsylvanian coffers.

Mathew Quay is harder to dissect. Perhaps it was his reciding chin and over hang mustache but he really irked some people. He was a congenial 'hack' who did his job well, managing to keep Republicans mostly in power for decades - - - - and prospered in spite of eforts to convict him for---------------------------
http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Matthew_Stanley_Quay
"" For nearly twenty years he dominated the government of Pennsylvania, and also played a very prominent part in national affairs. In 1899 he was brought to trial on a charge of misappropriating state funds, and, although he was acquitted, the feeling among the reform element in his own party was so bitter against him that the legislature was deadlocked and his re-election was postponed for two years. He died on the 28th of May 1904.
<< Etienne Marc Quatremere """

As a historian I have learned not to react to strongly when I read anout a politician from the past being charged with 'corruption,' having so many modern examples availible reminds me of the picknicking cannibals complaining about table manners...

Peace----------------------------