As for the politicians, like everyone else in America, they were motivated by money, not ideals.

“This reminds me, Godmother, to ask you a serious question. You are as wise as w…”

“That sprung up between us.  You are not truly happy”

“Gold conjures up a mist about a man, more destructive of all his old senses and…”

“Again the mender of roads went through the whole performance; in which he ought…”