Chapter 20, The Snake in the Grass Summary and Analysis

The state head of the Republican Party at this time is unmistakably Thomas Collier Platt, nicknamed "Easy Boss." When Platt emerges as an opponent of Roosevelt's commissionership, Roosevelt takes the rumors public at a speech given to Methodist ministers in New York.

Opposition rises from within the commissioner's office as well. Parker, long called a "snake in the grass," begins opposing Roosevelt's promotions within the department. He also tries to separate Roosevelt from his press ties by spreading rumors of deceit. For weeks, the Democrat commissioners block Roosevelt's proposed promotions. Roosevelt takes the matter to the state legislature, where he and Parker argue on the floor of the assembly. Following this, Parker sends Roosevelt another letter bomb, which another employee intercepts. The Mayor asks Parker to step down, but he refuses...