“When they are contending for victory, they avow their intention of enjoying the fruits of it. ... They see nothing wrong in the rule that to the victor belongs the spoils.”

I think there's something missing. Is there a background to this? Is he talking about the Yankees or the Republicans or what? 1828. It can't be the Yankees. And he wasn't governor then. Ah here it is... This quote is the inspiration for the Spoil System:
In the politics of the United States, a spoil system (also known as a patronage system) is a practice where a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working for the partyas opposed to a merit system, where offices are awarded on the basis of some measure of merit, independent of political activity.
You know government as usual.

Democracy in action Walter?

The occupying statist theocracy infesting this land is practicing this concept. Its high priests (Bush(s), Clinton(s), Obama, Reid, Pelosi, etc.) have piled unto themselves spoils of fruit while the vanquished 'We The People' increasingly suffer.

The 'Boss Tweed's of this political world see no problem with graft -- it is their primary purpose for being in politics to begin with. Party lines don't matter, it is who gets the share of the Treasury. Still happens today -- look at all the multi-millionaire politicians today (mostly Democrats if you care to research) who profit from the decisions/laws they make. Reid and Pelosi have made millions buying cheap property and then passing laws to build highways on it or to it. Others funnel government contracts to their own companies and states. Even Ron Paul admits to getting contracts for his state -- that is all Congress does now, is pick where all the borrowed money will go.