He stopped the staffing of the agency by political patronage.

Years ago in Philadelphia merit promotion meant promotion by patronage and nepotism, he said.

Statehouse officials, who live and breathe by patronage, lacked the stomach to slash spending.

Although Pepys had no maritime experience, he rose by patronage, hard work and his talent for administration.

Nearly 18 years ago, Diouf inherited an agency starved for funds and bedevilled by patronage.

He is known to have helped many budding artists, both by patronage of their talent and in their personal difficulties.

In 1856 an open competitive examination replaced the system of appointment to the Indian Civil Service by patronage.

Business by patronage and favor remained the rule.

Government support for the arts is often criticized as a luxury and an intrusion into a field best supported by private patronage and giving.

That had been inevitable because many officers were active in politics or linked by family ties or patronage with leading political figures.