ABSTRACT
Thomas Nast's illustrations in Harper's Weekly attacked municipal corruption with a vengeance. By defying "Boss" Tweed, Nast provided a dramatic example of the power that journalistic images can wield. "Boss" Tweed actions were supported by his cronies led by New York Mayor A. Oakey "Elegant Oakey" Hall, City Controller Richard B. "Slippery Dick" Connolly, and City Parks Director Peter B. "Brains" Sweeny. These four men were involved in every facet of New York government, using their political muscle to make the city treasury their own. Though Tweed's abuse of the city coffers was an open secret in political circles, no one had the power and courage to stop it. The Daily Advertiser in Boston began its summary of the disclosures with approval, saying, "The New York Times is doing New York and the whole country excellent service by its bold warfare on Tammany.".
