i. e., the spoils of office. The pay and emoluments of official station--specifically referred to as the leading inducements to partisan activity, and as distinct from political zeal generally. [J. Inman.]
It has been asserted that to the victors belong the spoils. Let us determine that we will be the victors, and if we must have the spoils they shall be appropriated to the good of the country.--Speech of the Hon. Mr. Morehead to the Whig National Convention in Philadelphia, June, 1848.
There is a slight misgiving in the minds of the Loco-focos, that Gen. Cass will not have it in his power to reward many partisans; and by filling the important offices just on the eve of departure from office, they hope to perpetuate their possession of the spoils for four years after they shall have sunk to that profound depth to which Senator Hannegan consigned them, in spite of the potency of the arm of political resurrection!--Cor. of the N. Y. Tribune.
Men looking to the spoils care not for principles,--whether they be of the North or of the South.--Washington Cor. of N. Y. Com. Adv.
It is estimated that there are at least sixty thousand office-holders under the general administration, and that the amount of plunder annually distributed by government, is equal to forty millions of dollars, which is expended in a thousand and one ways. The party which has the command of these office-holders, and the scattering of this vast amount of spoils, is possessed of a potent weapon.--N. Y. Herald, June, 1848.