ILLINOIS: Decline of Hinky Dink

Hinky Dink loved people. Bums, tarts, gangsters, panhandlers, the inhabitants of the flophouses of Chicago's ill-famed First Ward–they were what Hinky Dink meant by people. Also they meant votes.

So many a sentimental tear rolled down stubbled jowls into nickel beer last week in Chicago. The Hon. Michael "Hinky Dink" Kenna announced he did not choose to run again for First Ward Alderman. Chicago historians hailed the passing of a lusty, gusty 50-year era; a time that began when Hinky Dink's great pal John J. ("Bathhouse John") Coughlin was Alderman. They called...