Final answer:
People in the slums may have relied on machine politics for support, suggesting possible respect for the bosses. The correct option is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the article, one could argue that people in the slums might have had a complex view of the bosses and political machines.
The fact that the relied heavily on machine politics for various forms of support might imply some level of respect or at least pragmatic appreciation for the bosses, as they were able to provide immediate relief to their day-to-day struggles.
Paradoxically, because bosses often catered to the wealthy and middle classes rather than address the interests of the lower working class, people in the slums may also have felt underrepresented or exploited, leading to a lack of respect for these political figures.
Despite the potential for both respect and disrespect, without more specific information from the article about individual attitudes or detailed reactions towards the bosses, it's difficult to definitively state the level of respect people in the slums held for the bosses.
Thus, the most appropriate answer would be C) The article doesn't provide enough information to determine respect.