Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1895 — The Word Boss Is Dutcl [ARTICLE]

The Word Boss Is Dutcl

The vy«rd “boss," which is now so commonly used, is an inheritance from the Dutch period. It is derived from baas, meaning foreman or master. A hundred years after English became the official language men of wealth and character like “Boss” Walton of the famous Walton House, in ITanklin Square, received the appellation from persons who wished to be deferential. And to-day a workingman may use the title in its original sense when addressing his employer or accosting a stranger. In its political significance “bwss” is a Tammany product. As such it defines a vulgar usurper of public authority, wao knows he would be squelched if he ventured to stand as a candidate himself, but who succeeds by caucus methods in forcing his puppet candidates on the electors and in directing , their official acts for his own selfish ' ends.