George Washington Plunkitt, also known as the "Boss of Tammany Hall," organized events like the ones described in the excerpt for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include:
To build political support. Plunkitt's events were opportunities for him to meet and interact with people in his district. This allowed him to get to know their needs and concerns, and to build relationships with them. These relationships were essential for Plunkitt's political success. He relied on his supporters to vote for him, to volunteer for his campaigns, and to donate money to his campaign fund.
To provide services to his constituents. Plunkitt's events often provided services that were needed by the people in his district. For example, the excerpt describes a Christmas party that Plunkitt hosted for poor children. This party provided the children with a much-needed meal and gifts. Plunkitt also hosted other events, such as job fairs and medical clinics, that provided valuable services to his constituents.
To promote his political machine. Plunkitt's events were also a way for him to promote his political machine, Tammany Hall. Tammany Hall was a powerful political organization that controlled New York City politics for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plunkitt's events helped to raise Tammany Hall's profile and to attract new members.
To reward his loyal supporters. Plunkitt's events were also a way for him to reward his loyal supporters. For example, the excerpt describes how Plunkitt would give jobs to his supporters and help them to get their children into good schools. Plunkitt knew that his supporters were essential to his political success, and he rewarded them for their loyalty.
In short, Plunkitt hosted events like the ones described in the excerpt for a variety of reasons. These events helped him to build political support, to provide services to his constituents, to promote his political machine, and to reward his loyal supporters.
It is important to note that Plunkitt's methods were not always ethical. For example, he was known to use patronage and bribery to reward his supporters and to punish his opponents. However, his methods were effective, and he was a very successful politician.