In "These United States", Emerson David Fite described Reconstruction in these words: 'Foolish laws were passed by the black lawmakers. The public money was wasted terribly and thousands of dollars were stolen straight.
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Myth : "public money was wasted"

Fact: during Reconstruction, the Democratic orgainization in New York City known as Tammany Hall contolled the government and managed to STEAL more in public funds than was USED by the black-white governments that ran eight (8) southern states.

From pg 16 of National Growth & Reconstruction 1865-1900.