The Titan · Chapter
A Political Agreement explained
Patrick Gilgan approaches Alderman Kerrigan with a proposal to switch his allegiance from the Democratic party to the Republicans in the upcoming election, promising financial backing and a share of future political spoils.
What happens
Patrick Gilgan approaches Alderman Kerrigan with a proposal to switch his allegiance from the Democratic party to the Republicans in the upcoming election, promising financial backing and a share of future political spoils. Kerrigan, though cautious, sees an opportunity for personal gain and agrees to consider the deal after consulting with Tiernan.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Opinion
The chapter focuses on a backroom political deal to swing an election, highlighting the manipulation of public opinion and the mechanics of machine politics.
Corruption and Morality
Gilgan and Kerrigan discuss vote-buying, ticket-splitting, and bribery, revealing the moral decay underlying political power struggles.
Ambition and Power
Both Gilgan and Kerrigan are driven by personal ambition and the desire for control over city resources, illustrating the relentless pursuit of power.
Characters to notice
- Patrick Gilgan
Proposes a political deal to Kerrigan, offering money and power-sharing in exchange for switching wards to the Republican side.
- Patrick Gilgan
Describes the Republican strategy to win the city council and oust McKenty and Cowperwood from power.
- Patrick Gilgan
Argues for the feasibility of the plan, citing financial backing from La Salle Street and a detailed ward-by-ward analysis.
- Patrick Gilgan
Insists on his trustworthiness and offers to put the agreement in writing.
Key passages
“No more franchises, no more street-paving contracts, no more gas deals. Nothing—for two years, anyhow, and maybe longer. If we win we’ll take the jobs and the fat deals.”
If the Republicans win, they will seize all lucrative city contracts and franchises, cutting out the current Democratic power brokers.
Gilgan outlines the stakes of the election to Kerrigan, emphasizing the complete loss of patronage for the opposition.
“What’s to hinder you from electin’ yourself and droppin’ the rest of the ticket?”
Why not ensure your own re-election while secretly undermining the Democratic candidates?
Gilgan suggests that Kerrigan can 'knife' the Democratic ticket by splitting his vote, a common tactic in machine politics.
“I’ll put my part of the bargain in black and white if you’ll put yours. If I don’t make good, show me up afterward.”
I am willing to sign a written agreement to guarantee my promises, and you can expose me if I fail.
Gilgan tries to build trust with Kerrigan by offering a written contract, unusual in such illicit dealings.