Lively, contemporaneous account of corruption in political offices in New York City from 1915 to 1934. Mackaye is an engaging writer who brings corrupt officials to life. He was a frequent contributor to the New Yorker, from where some of these pieces first saw light.

By the way, the title, which predates the musical *Fiorello * by 30 years refers to a 1932 statement by New York Sheriff Farley. Questioned during a corruption probe about he lived in such high style on his low salary, Sheriff Farley responded that he owed it all to vigilant saving in his "wonderful tin box."