# An Election Expense explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator critiques Stanford's political financing, specifically a $10,000 payment to Tom Fitch for stump speaking, and suggests that such investments in politics are corrupt and ultimately unwise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The poem exposes the corrupt relationship between money and politics, with Stanford using funds to influence elections and senators being made by 'Mr. Stow and Mr. Mammon.'

### Political Satire

The narrator satirizes Stanford's political ambitions and the transactional nature of governance, mocking the idea that votes or speeches can be bought.

## Character check-ins

### Leland Stanford

Addressed directly as the recipient of the $10,000 payment to Tom Fitch; criticized for political manipulation and association with Mammon.

### Tom Carew

Referenced as Tom Fitch, the recipient of the $10,000 to 'stump the State'; his silver tongue is described as unreliable and prone to mutiny.

### Creed Haymond

Mentioned as someone who might approach Stanford for a loan, highlighting the corrupt political dealings.

## Key lines

> Stanford, when recently you gave Tom Fitch Ten thousand dollars, gold, to 'stump the State'

Stanford, you recently gave Tom Fitch $10,000 in gold to campaign across the state.

_Highlights the direct financial transaction for political support._

> Tom's tongue make Senators? No, no, that's gammon; They're made by Mr. Stow and Mr. Mammon.

Tom's speeches don't create senators; they are made by money and influence.

_Emphasizes the theme that political power is bought, not earned through oratory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/an-election-expense
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters