[…] there were always some wretched musicians, with an old fiddle, an old clarinet, and an old verdigrised brass bugle[…]

In the early days, men of first-class ability, such as Alexander Hamilton, Samuel Adams, and James Madison, did not disdain membership in the state legislatures. But the development of party spirit and machine politics brought with it a great change. Then came the legislative caucus; and party politics soon reigned in every capital.

He might could go there anyway and stay on academic probation for a year and then start running, but they won't accept him if he don't have a high school diploma.

You can count me in. It may be really rather formidable. We shall have possibly to tackle a prize-fighter. Right-o! said Malone, cheerfully.