William M. Tweed

Political cartoon by Thomas Nast with the caption 'That's What's The Matter. Boss Tweed: As long as I count the Votes, what are you going to do about it? say?' The cartoon depicts 'Boss Tweed' (William Magear Tweed) leaning against a plinth marked 'In Counting There Is Strength,' on which stands a ballot. Tweed's downfall began in April 1870 when he refused to authorize the Orange Parade, an annual Protestant celebration. City Sheriff James O'Brien, whose support for Tweed had fluctuated during Tammany's 'reign', gave The New York Times evidence of embezzlement in light of the Protestant-Catholic riot that ensued on parade day. The newspaper was reportedly offered $5 million to not publish the evidence. In a subsequent interview, Tweed's only reply was, 'Well, what are you going to do about it?' USA, circa 1870. (Photo by Fotosearch/Getty Images).