Chapter VII · Chapter 7

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

subject to appointment

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

made or joined or united into one

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

a government administrator

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

the state of being corrupt

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

subject to popular election

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

-ing form of “enforce” — ensure observance of laws and rules

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

in an intimately familiar manner

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the act of departing

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

of great significance or value

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

engage in

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

the head of a city government

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

32nd President of the United States; elected four times; instituted New Deal to counter the Great Depression and led country during World War II (1882-1945)

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

characterized by or performed with much energy or force

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

in or at that place or location

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

directed up

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

compelling immediate action

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative

From this reading Mr. Strong was a man of high character, and was elected by a vote that combined the best elements of all the political parties.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

at the time that

From this reading It was at a time when New York City was in urgent need of reform.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But now there was an upward turn by the election of William S. Strong to the office of mayor.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading In the past there had been a great deal of what is familiarly called "machine politics," and matters had been going from bad to worse.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading APPOINTED POLICE COMMISSIONER OF NEW YORK CITY--CORRUPTNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT--STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE MATTERS BETTER--A "DRY" SUNDAY--ENFORCING THE TENEMENT HOUSE LAW AND OTHER MEASURES During the time that Theodore Roosevelt was a Civil Service Commissioner there were several important political changes made in New York City.