RICHARD CROKER PRAISED BY ASSOCIATES WHO HELPED HIM RULE CITY Former Tammany Chief Dead in Ireland | Croker's Death Is Kept CROKER AND HIS CHILDREN CROKER LIVED DOWN CROKER RULED CITY j From O'Brien on Birthday CHIEFTAIN MOURNED ESTRANGED BY LAWSUITS went last night WITH DESPOT'S ROD! to the home of Morgan J. BY OLD ASSOCIATES Hite Indian Vindicated in ACHARGEOPMURDER ReportersO'Brien at 729 Park avenue Tammany Chief and Wife to ask him what he had to say of Action So Far Terminated.Father and Richard, the death of Richard Croker, whose in Was Fought Way With Fists close friend he was. They were New York Can Be Proud of in 1917 Over Latter's Rights. Accused Early Life, met by Mrs. O'Brien. She said that Jr., Split Tried and and Brains to Gain Con¬ Judgo O'Brien was celebrating his Richard Croker, Says Jury Split seventieth birthday and that he had The last years of Richard Croker's case consumed several months. Finally on 1920, Judge E. B. Donnell Six to Six. trol of Tammany. not been told of Mr. Croker's death. Nathan Straus. life were embittered by alienation from July 12, members of the and a dissolved the temporary injunction, af¬ Only family his children, who conducted a long series firmed the mental competency of the few friends were at the dinner. of legal actions against him. The one-time leader and decided his wife had "We have kept the news from estrangement dated from Mr, Croker's not fraudulently gained possession of his HE KNEW THE DEFEATED ONLY TWICE, him," explained Mrs. O'Brien. "He PRAISE FROM VOORHIS marriage to his second wife, Bula, who property. SLAYER will not know of Mr. Croker's death represented herself as of American In¬ The senior Croker's sons, Richard, Jr., until he reads the Sunday papers. dian stock. and Howard, seemingly accepted the and then it will be too late to spoil His sons and daughters, in March, Florida verdict as conclusive. Richard, obtained from the court In West however, has been much in evidence Dared Defy Tweed as Ward the party we have ar¬ of 1919, Jr., Refused to Take Easy Way birthday Superior Man Rugged Palm Beach, Fla., a temporary injunc¬ In the New York city courts .since then. Brooked Xo ranged for him." tion restraining the old chieftain "from He and his brother and sisters began to Clear Himself Re¬ Leader, but V / and Avers further dissipating his estate." In the Ave lawsuits against their father. Rich¬ by Honesty Courage, he dollar dinner was held at the Metropol¬ supporting papers It was alleged that ard, Jr., it appeared, had been appointed Defiance Himself. was and incompetent his father In 1912 and con¬ vealing Culprit. was attended more Thomas F. Smith. mentally unsound agent by itan House. It by to handle his extensive afTairs and that tinued to manage the father's affairs for than 1.000 and Frank Moss & the senior member of one case, but appointed Ashbel P. Fitch on his methods of Combs Ryan, ruling Tammany and which was late William F. McCombs, referee to take testimony concerning his own business. the Richard Croker was the leader of private chairman of the Democratic National other Issues. Richard Croker went to his death, to Men prominent in politics and the Tammany Hall when that pub¬ Committee In 1912 and one of the pio¬ The Tammany chief coolly left his deep sorrow, with the stigma of position Admitted Srlflnh Eudn. lic life who had known Richard Croker Wilson. whole muddle In care of his attorneys carried with it the neer champions of Woodrow murder attached to his name, although virtually political It was on the stand that day that and dealt with him in the days of his Celebrated alienists also were sum¬ and sailed for Ireland aboard the Cedrlc of New A he knew from the moment of the crlmo mastery York city. poli¬ Croker delivered his famous utterance activity expressed deep regret last moned by each side and the trial of the last November. tician of uncommon and about working for his own pocket. of which he wa« accused the name of sagacity he night at the news of his death, and keenness, he united the warring ele¬ Asked If had not obtained the nom¬ the man who was guilty and that at ination of men who would see that he united in praising him as a man of time he could his own inno¬ ments in Tammany and ruled it with and his partner, Peter F. then EX-CHIEF any prove .Meyer, unusual qualities and superior abilities RICHARD CROKER, a In the real estate cence beyond question of a doubt a more absolute sway than it had business, would not for ever under want for profits. Croker said that they leadership. by telling that name. known his predecessors. to be DIES expected permitted to make a Nathan Straus, who for forty years OF TAMMANY There are a few New Yorkers who "Bill" Tweed and John Kelly. living. HALL, was a friend of Mr. Croker, said: know the In full. There are Croker's rule over Tammany lasted "Then you are working for your own story "Richard Croker was a loyal friend but men seventeen years, counting in the brief pocket?" Frank Moss flung at him. Continued from First Page. Mr. Croker outlived by many years some, not many, Tammany "All the time, every day in the week. and a born leader of men, and under most of the oldtlme Tammany figures who know it. It has never been told period when, with Croker abroad, John the same Just as you are," retorted a stern exterior was of an unusual Dail Eireann over the Irish peace treaty. ancl the "reformers" as well with whom because Croker absolutely C. Sheehan was its titular head. In Croker, and the see he b;ittled his seventeen of generally Tammanyites present friendliness and kindness of heart. He His fondest hope, he said, was to in years forbade It. Those .tfho have heard It those seventeen years Croker yelled, "That's the stuff!" Ireland free. He approved of the Irish leadership in Fourteenth street. The Richard Croker. Croker's one essay in was slow in his but once few of hlfl aids who are left have heard It in confidence and were only two defeats in the city.thesuffered Stato politics giving word, Republic. former met with disaster. DeparfWfc from the given, nothing could made him deviate Perhaps the lant interview Mr. Joined last night In expressing their men who would keep confidences, else election of William L. Strong in 1894 traditional of fie conviction that he was a o a element of It was the U'°rks tw° ypa'a pre. theory Tammany since from it. Croker ever gave was obtained by capta.n never would been told. It and that of Seth Low in 1901. The portlug the city. the (lays of 1879, when his of Thk New Yohk polities whose like will not be seen they have vioueSK°fT,PUb"Cviousiy. It was also testified that Grant predecessor Dublin corre-sponcent was Cro- stepping stone to political power. bolted a State ticket and thereafter de¬ "When I was nominated for Mayor Herald on 15. A*, that time Is at once the story of what fealty Croker demanded from his fol¬ had given to Croker's little daughter he February Charmed by his fistic, ability, the Much o' clared would let the State alone, he made only one request of me.to the invalid was able to leave his alcU UKFor some time after his final retire¬ ker's deepest sorrow and the story of lowers and the discipline he enforced afrKr°sat|ng *2T,.000. Croker In over the ment from the and his re¬ members of the Tunnel gang quicitly ac¬ his r« i. WaS ""corroborated. In" 1898, opposition of do what I thought was right and best room and go down stairs. He believed leadership his making as a political chieftain. on those he put on Tammany tickets of David B. Hill, but with the assistance of the Free State would be es¬ moval to Ireland he did not revisit New knowledge^ him as leader. Then Croker *pitesD te of I^0nythe revelations of vice in the for the of or that Irish It was told to The New York Herald has made that in New under and of the im- Hugh McLaughlin, nominated Augustus city, irrespective politics tablished securely and that Michael Col¬ York, but eventually he established a period unique the i Tammany Van Gen. W. Win- York Joined volunteer fire department, m/n by the organization Wyck for Governor against Roose¬ party. The people of New York lose lins would lead It to prosperity and that winter home In Palm Beach, and his sec¬ last night by George politics. ..« velt. lecruiting school for politicians, meeting Somrom theth«Tbusiness;flised inten3sts (Vnio.r The cry went up, "Van Wyck, in his death one of whom they could De Valero, was looking backward and ond marriage, followed by litigation over gate. at one time Croker's counsel and The leader of the Hall in those years Van Wyck & Co." won the Croker drew him to the there Thomas F. Gilroy, the Scannells nominated and elected Grant in tht sue" Roosevelt by be proud, and of whom I personally would fall. properties, for many years his friend. was frequently referred to as New ceeding election of 1890. achievinf one 18,000, but Croker elected In the county "The Free State will succeed because United States frequently in recent years. and many of me men he was afterward his candidate for was fond." He was here 1920 and and York's uncrowned king." His career, of the most brilliant victories In hi liar his Congress the greater part sion among his friends, for the suffer¬ had made. loader, to fare. Go . blooded cattle, and as far removed upstairs and see if he was leader. I don't think Mr. Croker . eenth Assembly district and had be¬ to Tweed nnd his district I am ing that accompanies such an ailment "Where are my Irish?" he said one opposition telling the truth." me to do a that was come tho leader of his district. from American politics as anybody henchman, James O'Brien, that Croker Oppoxed Cleveland i. i8na Hill ever asked thing was bound to tell on a man of his day, noting the leaders of some of the called Croker "a racetrack states¬ not right and proper. When I was It was the custom on election days. could well be. was renominated as Alderman. These man." Croker Senator eighty-one years. formerly most pronounced fighting Irian In for the par¬ very supported Ed¬ President of the Board of Aldermen he not to run the those times, opposing men feared fistic fighter forging so ward Murphy for State leader The surgeons decided districts were Jewish or Italians. He ties to set near the places "follower* 111m Slave*." jjie against stood behind me. We had some hot an which would re¬ up. polling rapidly to the Iront, but they could not Hill and In the national convention of risk of operation, evinced little interest in the city's poli¬ small booths from which they cave the n ~can,,lfl«^ times then. I am, Indeed, very sorry to an anaesthetic. thought as ruled with a "Dick Croker is the noblest work of down h'm. Each time he was elected by being David B Hill ' But Croker dU 1900 had Hill turned down as quire They tics, which he formerly voters tickets the x New hear of his death." that Mr. printed showing a large majority. Elected the second not like h II York's member on the long ago as last January despot's rod, but in tho campaign of 1920 or faction choice for various God.an honest man," said his prede- platform com¬ John R. Voorhls, venerable Chief never leave his room party time, he and his associates drtw up the mittee. Hill left room in Croker would had a good word to say for James M. Cox and carried on of John before his the' tears, the Sachem of the Tammany Society and offices, electioneering eessor. Kelly, Just memorable agreement to oppose any only time his associates ever saw him again. and "Al" Smith. a character that long since passed out measure advocated Tweed. Tweed president of the Board of Elections: "I fall he onu of the death, and most of Croker's followers by emotion. He Wan Better . Last watched of the board display was an antl-Tnmmany Democrat up to Thought between the VOgUP. ii«reed with this and on the occasion countered by having legislated In January, 1902. following the defeat world series ball games Croker's district these booths wer>- out of office. within four or five years of Mr. Croker's Mrs. Croker sent for her brother-in- Giants and the Yankees, but said one that IScr'.« of Croker's candidate. Edward M. Shep- But after I came in our at all polling places for the Tamman he retirement. of his leave takings insisted In the meantime Croker had been «... r" law from Oklahoma to go to Ireland was enough. In conversation with a also for the antl-Tammanv o^'^rU'^sr.ftk ard, by Seth Low. Croker again laid Intercourse ,was always very satisfac¬ the Glencalrn estate, party and was the greatest leader Tammany ever making friends with John Kelly, de¬ the convention Bourke Cocknr n down his and take charge of reporter* for The Nkw Y.'rk Herald he repi rented In the district bi Croker threw and with rv/tirA** i i» leadership. tory. I was very much shocked to hear the racing stables. In which party, had. A man whose name was stined to succeed Tweed. hand j?Iove At a dinner at Democrnl including expressed some doubt as to whether a James O'Brien, who afterward became very East Side follow¬ his the Ic Club of his death. Mr. Croker was a great are nine daughters of Orby, Mr. Cro- anathema to the reform elements in all the strength of his philippic agaTnst nZdel'vcred on 22. attended pitcher could really curve a ball. At Sheriff. was named a cratlc President of the United States, January 1902. by sixty- advocate of truthfulness. He had no use ker's winner of 1907. Thereafter this f6r and as the ing to Kelly's side, city £T0" four his Derby that time he felt as If he Croker heard early on the morning city years regarded Nevertheless . I of friends. Croker delivered a for those who deceived. When I held himself cabled several incarnation of marshal by Mayor Hnvemeyer. and in Cleveland 8 nomlnated Mr. Croker fifty years longer, and in fact until his of the particular election day In ques political unrighteousness, was nomi¬ on the first ballot twenty-three minute speech announcing office where there was patronage he friends here, including John M. Rlehle, he svqIcW in an almost 1873. with Kelly's support, that "his was fatal illness he was a marvel of well tlon that a gang of O'Brien's' men were consequence and an office *hen Wlthdre Kin ihim. day done." told me. 'If the organization sends you president of the National Democratic slavish from a of nated elected Coroner, To Lewis then his preserved strength and youthfulness. He making their way through a portion of loyalty large part fees a year. Nixon, enjoying any men you don't think fit don't ap¬ Club, that he was getting better. ' worth in $15,000 " and Mrs. Croker lived at the Hotel Sa¬ the the Tamman^ New York's population. Tam* especial favor. Croker at this feast point them.' Mrs. Croker believed that the Ulnefls district upsetting To many whose memories still stretch At this time occurred the most pain¬ *heVttme T*6"CamPal«n handed the crown. Some of the guests voy when In New York. Almost every electioneering booths and driving fa. from the rnanyww'icingits Robert M. Sweitzer, Chicago Demo¬ was Indirectly the result of disorder in National back to the time when Croker ruled ful incident of Croker's life, in history Croker on^er7 «»ed the shed tears. Others reserved their tears leader death of the day he strolled down to the from the polls the men who had been shadow of which he never ?en,y cratic since the Roger Ireland. Martial law prevented In avenue, which In of them. With tw«. New fork he was the very ideal of unfortunate Tammany leaders resigned for the following day when Croker said to a for at Queenstown. Democratic Club Fifth Placed charge murder of1 his as ?,' Sullivan, correspondent Croker* from landing to whose Christ¬ or three of his lieutenants Crokei a political leader. Taciturn, sphtnxllke could entirely escape.the post chairman^ffu nance com" sailed away, bombarded with flowers. It The New York Herald: to thence to he helped to found and McKenna was a ». "if They had to go Liverpool, for he gave started to and in the course and bold at times to the point of John McKenna. fol-j mlttee, declIrinrXt was a dramatic leave taking of the most "Richard Croker was one of the great¬ at late mas fund employees always Investigate, Croker's rival withstand the Holyhead. Arriving Holyhead no matter where he was. of a short walk came up with O'Brien audacity, with a political sagacity al¬ lower of James O'Brien, >on«rer burde'n"whtcTth® picturesque political figure New York est organizers American has at had to stand in a cold $50. most in factional in the hU politics night they Mr Crokcr's children are Rlcnarcl and some of his supporters who had uncanny to his followers, he knew the fighting Eigh¬ ^1- politics ever produced. ever known. Tammany Hall owed Its wind for an hour while their baggage how to reward and teenth district. In the campaign of 1874 was a." Howard Croker Mrs. been engaged in the booth demolishing enrich the faithful calion.6"It' strength In gone to the re¬ was This exposure, added to Croker. Jr.. for of emotion on e leaders Ambitions to Win days by examined. of Cedarhurst. U 1.. Thfa was at Second avenue and with the spoils of victory and to punish O'Brien was a candidate Congress thwart of'the ,dl,,play Derby. markable genius of Croker. As a leader the cold on was too Thomas F. White the ' caught shipboard, atreet, then not *n the least Infractions of his commands. in opposition to Abram S. Hewitt, that made a monlorab'e one in "I am out of now I am was a who was Miss Kthel Croker, and the Thirty-fourth nearly politics and of men he without peer. He pos¬ much for the Tammany veteran. well built up as parts of Tho Bronx He alone was the slatemaker in those whom Croker was supporting. Tammany Hall to win the said on rare Countess San Martino, who wa» going Derby," Croker sessed that gift of bringing to¬ John Whalen, who was Corporation * are but still well settled days and the dictator of appointments. The Jury in this famous case.six He- ~ . that famous occasion at the s side In Van re¬ Florence Croker. Another son. ^is*rank to-day, fairly ? ship gether complete harmony warring Counsel under Mayor Wyck, 1905 and When Croker rame up with O'Brien His power was no better evidenced than publicans and six Democrats.disagreed. when men like Maurice Holahan wept. factions. He was In many ways a re¬ ceived from Mrs. Croker a cable mes¬ Croker, died on January 23, in case "f >" died 12, there was a small crowd following eacl the scenes at Lakewood that fol¬ Croker was never retried, the being many political hot,", f|.'d, 5"° Croker had devoted his attention for markable man." to on < sent to Thomas still another. Herbert, May sage »lr-.llar the mar¬ party, and as the two men started to lowed the election of Van Wyck as nolle pressed subsequently. many years to raising thoroughbreds at Tfcomas F. secretary of Tam¬ F. Smith. Mr. Whalen said he was 11)05 Miss Kthel Croker was first Smith, a master, argue in highly Impolite language, the Greater New York's first Mayor. It' To many men of less ability anything his place at Wantage In England and many Hall, had probably kept closer to <«urprised, a* he knew that Mr. Coker ried to John J- Breen, riding was Croker and short of in such a won an uncontested divorce crowd quickly swelled. Words led to not the Mayor elect complete exculpation sr. later at Olencalrn in Ireland, in one Richard Croker since his retirement was extremely 111 and recently had lost but she blows. that was followed and courted through case would have been the deathblow to x£ir£~~.«.SKs year his purchases footed up to mort from the Hall than any who had been much weight. from him In 1912. The crowd gave the combatants plentj hotel corridors by the horde of ap¬ their political fortunes. It did con¬ than $100,000. associated with him In his leadership for office tribute to Mr. Croker's defeat for Cor' occurred 'hat of room. Then suddenly from the plicants brought there by the Mike Dwyer had helped to pick his days. Smith went Into Tammany with who wa. ar greatest In Croker's oner at the next election, but it did not year.' but*°Croker*w»Vl0n put on the *lth a reputation for the highest in¬ mate with James O'Brien. "We of the rl"g McKenna. victory career. noL, stable and he bought a half Interest In John C. Sheehan, who was put In be then leader in the upper Fast Side dls £,5rienO Brlen supporter, started toward tfv prevent him thereafter from rising tc stand. He returned fr the Belle which in¬ charge of the Croker tegrity. His word could always JUMtlce Defied to famous Mead stud, organization by trusted." trlct. O'Urien trained him and some fighting pair on ihe run. He got falrh Daly Hint. the very heights of political prestige testify, he said, but he^ld'not*assume cluded such horses as In 1S95. Croker spent most of the in¬ the actual re!ns «r i. ^ Longstreet, Fairy, was Mr. Croker's time later put him up for close; a shot was fired, and McKenn.. It was the and power in Tammany. Mayor Edson ' " "* ,ea«lershlp. Tam- Red Banner and Yorkvllle Belle. In terim In Europe, but was persuaded to Lewis Nixon, who disciplinary system insti¬ him Fire Commissioner after many, |n n°undered Immediate successor as leader of Tarn candidate. Croker won hisAU|erma^c.first vie dropped. That ended the fight but not tuted by Croker that in part was re¬ appointed 1896 he moved his stable to Kngland return and resume the leadership In his defeat as Coroner, and Mayor through the most campaI*" many Hall, said that he was surprise.! the wrangling. McKenna waa picked up sponsible for his success in making and entered his colors on the English 1897. taken to a where hn died Hewitt reappointed him. In its hlstory man^d hvOU* is well as shocked to learn of his t0"The Democratic and Republican and hospital, Tammany powerful after a record of turf. The Englishman did not take It were bitter in their within a day or so. Croker was arrested and In the meantime Croker. at the behest consisting of Thomas F. Gnroy°y' jTmJames J- nnd this culmi¬ "Superior Man," Saya Smith. friend's death, as he had thought that parties opposition, disorganization, this same system Martin and n x>., kindly unpleasantness hifc but Croker a strong factor * for the murder. brought down on of Mr. Hewitt, Samuel J. Tilden and Henrv Il'rroy- ^ vie- nated In Croker barred rlespite the old chieftain's age proved Croker's head some other Democrats, had converted the tory of Mayor sir. finally being Smith went out with Sheehan, but In constitution would carry him the Democrats and his P°P"'*r,t> Carrying pistols was not much of a *f the worst storms of his from the privilege of Newmarket a vigorous career. It district from an enemy short time Croker sent for him and more Mr. Nixon and bounds. Later he ^gave custom then and Croker had never car¬ to and an Eighteenth With characteristic Croker through several years. by leaps murmurlngs outburst Into a Gibraltar patience, made him his private secretary, the first the to take the J ried one. This his friends stated em¬ tehen he went so far as to stronghold Tammany machlne th«t Croker had set about to win the blue lad known Mr. Croker thirty-live years. up Aldermanship demand from and was on all hands as the created. deliberately the "Boss" had ever had. Soon after¬ Croker left of Sheriff of New York, and when phatically at the time, and his friend.- 'justice Joseph F. of the looked by ribbon of the English turf. In spite of It was Mr. Nixon whom Mr. Daly Supreme logical successor to his political friend rel'rpke." Murphy speedily emerged as John R. Fellows and George W jnatlon, facing world. . and has of Ills of "onsen. ton, He elected Justice Leventrltt, whom he Tammany, torn by Jiaaensions and Wife Helped Htm In Early Days. In that capacity In any party who was utrong man of this combination Last Wlngate, then a young man, who wa- had nominated In his stead, but *t cost weakened the defection of . was twice. more loved those who knew him t>een leader of Tammanj' ever since. M. Depew was told counsel, doing everything by large l-tesllng that he had S- good Croker married His first by shocked the When Chauncey made Junior Jhlni. .n the opinion of many, the State following that had formed the County qu°,t wife wa-s a Miss Margaret Frailer, than was Mr. Croker. He was a man "I am inexpressibly by last night of the death of Mr. Croker h under orders. The District Attornaj ticket that news of Mr. Croker's death," said Mr. year, which for the first Democracy, needed a leader of consum¬ Returned Prom Ireland ln whom he married when he was a mera of rugged honesty and fearless courage, was Benjamin Phtlps. and only time In his career he had conscientious and minded. He was Nixon. "I had the greatest respect for was one of the most mate ability to reform its shattered bat¬ ward politician. In their early years ot right and SaMr Croker dictated, and made Theodore Roosevelt was the man. Hia first married life her Influence on him waa Incapable of doing a small thing. He lis political Judgment, his ability characters has pro¬ Oen. Wlnsnte1) Ktory. talions. Croker feel that his loss la picturesque politics Governor. Uroke of political sagacity was the se¬ Smeal^evTnta0' of" "S? very marked. Indeed, the "rat Mrs. was among the most human of men, nlr integrity, and duced in New York. He is last of a friend.. Vow to let Oen Wlngate tell the stor.v Physical prowess and courage were lection in 1886 of Ahram S. Hewitt, an nstpsh.ngrn ooeurred' lr Croker, who came of a well to do ram- knew poverty and pitied |t and lived a tliat of very dear hi- race of political posses the^and con.lt ./epr- "Croker knew all the time who flrod responsible chiefly for the early rise of old opponent of the organization and the the summer'in"'*897 l"er Sheehan had llv and was convent bred, was credited life that was full of kindly deeds. He i tlons are such that we sha» n0* onu- for Organisation." the shot that killed McKenna. Conse¬ young Croker, the son of an Irish emi¬ representative of the conservative Dem¬ borne the with putting much of the polish on always responded quickly to any worthy "ftrent ttenlna like again. There will be no8<:.remore We of counsel grant, from the level of the quently we knew it. East Bide ocrats, as a candidate for Mayor ngiiinst Croker's rough exterior In the yenra call of humlnlty. Sheriff Perclval E. Nagle said: 1 know that at any time we could defi¬ political Kangs. He had a hard fist Henry George, who was the Idol of a when he was climbing to the top. Fof "He was proud of Tammany, Its "I am probably one of the few left r"Ofr!course. I knew him ver* nitely and positively prove Croker's In¬ and could shoot It . was boss or straight. large following on account of his single many vears they lived an apparently origin, principles, development and rec¬ who serveu under the leadership of Often In the days when he nocence, but he wouldn't let us do It. This physical prowess may have been tax doctrine. Hewitt won in one of the model domestic life with their six chll. Richard Croker. At that time I waa Tammany Hall, and In consequence lord reason that he to ord. Ills leadership of the organization WhyT For the simple due the fact that his father was a most exciting campaigns New Vork ever dren. was marked leader of the Election dis¬ of all he politically surveyed, he came his he had , by the utmost Intelligence Thirty-fourth stood friends; already blacksmith. But a , by though blacksmith, witnessed. Croker's eldest son. Frank, was killed and energy and a sincere desire to dig¬ trict and one of the youngest leaders to my office. He used to lay his prob learned the first principle of politic* he did not have thre humble lineage But Hewitt was not the man to take j0yful cry of the In an atatomoblle accident In Florida. under him. He was a great lems before me despite the fact we were who fired the shot waa one of which fr.Ithful nify It by promoting the publlr good. Mr. serving The man many attributed to him. On the orders from Croker nor to acknowledge His second son. Herbert, soon was an acute observer and a leader and was a genius for organizing on opposite sides of the political Croker's and was standing near Croker's " . "^tlng of the leaders Sheehan Croker party contrary, father, Eyre Coot th. political absolutism which the new- this died on a train near Kansas City man of breadth of outlook. Under all men. He was a natural born leader, and sometimes the political b* him, but his name has never been pub¬ came of a him such Croker, family which for six lender of Tammany had already begun in circumstances that suggested he had conditions he was cool, collected and as I knew him his word was always as most acute.and I wou^d giveff*Un* lished or connected with the crime. generations had owned their own land to put Into effect Am a result Croker, sr ndK":.*",?.c7i" rs2,A:! been drudge/ food as his bond." counsel as I was capable of. "I was put In charge of the witnesses Jn and self-possessed. Ireland was, as things went with a boldness that dismayed maT)y of Croker. with his Intimates, was the "While he engaged In many fierce po¬ James A. O'Uorman, former United "The real Croker Is forgotten to-day. hut Croker refusing to let us prove that there, of the gentry. His ancestors had his lieutenants, turned him down for re- soul of generosity and loyalty and wnr States Senator."I hove learned of Mr. For example, he used to go through the other man did the killing, we could t'°n for Ywk litical conflicts he was never known to Included officers of rank In the Ennilali nomination and named Hugh J. Grant, Major In OreatlrtXew credited by them with never breaking No man Croker's death with the keenest regret. the city offices every day and woe be¬ only call witnesses who would swear on a wide town ticket The hit below the belt. could stand army and even a member of Parliament the crony of his younger days. Grant open his word. He did not drink, better than he the shaft of severe For many years he exercised a powerful tide the shirker or the Incompetent who to facts showing that Croker did not Richard Braves returned to the public trough declaring ex¬ Croker was the youngest of was elected, the first straight out Tam¬ that alcohol wasn't good for horses and criticism without complaint. Influence In civic and political offalrs. rame to his notice. He was an do the shooting, t called thirty wit¬ .even children and was on Pral"C" of their old chief wasn't Organiza¬ were born Novem¬ many man the city had had for a gen¬ therefore. In his opinion, good for tion was ever his watchword. He never He watched the growth of this city from acting boss. He demanded work; hard nesses. some of whom Republicans ber In the »h m°"t no,abI® triumph of his man was over more 24, 1M3. village of Castletown- eration nnd the grip of Croker and his "t »»," human beings. No lost confidence In his cause and confi¬ a small commurilty to a great com¬ work and lots of It. He was gener.u< and some anti-Tammany Democrats. joche, Cork. Four years afterward the was fastened on the city 1*1fe lampooned, yet he was nevir to munity and had a share in its wonderful In his rewards for such work. But ho "Tho Jury stood « to fi. While It was organization < roker, enthroned once more, with the "fneltlye dence In himself. What helped make who the shoot¬ Croker family, feeling the effect of a offices as it had not been in years. over this. Several years before his deatn a and was development. He was the object of at¬ wanted none of the shirker nor th deliberating the man did of the faithful In him strong powerful leneder near famine then sweeping Ireland, resolved Croker was Chamberlain, reclamations ringing his former cronies here received from tack often, hut his many thousand slacker In those trl«ps through politl "1 ing stood right Croker. If the appointed City I his court at I.akewoo.l his loyalty to hla friends and the bsen Intended to to come to this country. The Croker the richest prize in the gift of the new is ears, opened him handsomely bound volumes contain¬ he took In them. He friends admired him for hla force of offices he would cut off such a man verdict had 'guilty' he were °,fiCtlon- 11 was a of more than a thousand pleasure serving and declare himself and say that Wood all packed In a sailing ship, S ing collection never those assistance character and devotion to the Demo¬ the payroll and no political power get up Mayor. that all the'h^Tammanyitea repaired and which he had care¬ Ignored whose ?rom he was t>v» man who had killed Mc¬ passed through Castle Qarden. the Bills thit°WJ¦?*. of these cartoons helped him to rise. cratic party, whose followers he led In could save him. of those and went live Fnced Fnssett Inquiry, t/iore ( roker parceled out the patronage . ac¬ Kenna. Island days, to fully got together. "He had a kind and .New York for many years." Executives were held to strict a on ' "Pln* P"1" to forgiving dispo¬ "Through all the rest of his Ufa In little house the Bloomlngdale Croker had to face his first legislative Mayor-" sition and was slow to 111 of J. Sergeant Cram, president of the countability. He accepted and demanded some at^nt!on""" " ">. '¦« »«». In Dispute With Children. speak any was Croker suffered under, the stigma of Road. Here they remained for Investigating committee lollowlng this ewTv w"» one, even at times When the bitterest Pock Board during the administration responsibility. With Croker there until the father moved them never knew that trial because he never had a proper years notable victory. It was headed by J. Mr Croker and second wife came kind of partisan rancor prevailed. The of Mayor Van Wyck."I no such thing as shifting to without downtown and his son Richard In a dis¬ of that was not to own on his chance vindicate himself put float Fassett and was designed to make Into 'prominence In 1920 when organization will always remember him tnything Mr. Croker A man stood for hl« work, other man. . m school In East Twenty-seventh street. II n led City Thronifh Vnn Wyok. tils He was sincere and naming the political capital for the Republicans. pute arose between them and throe or with respect and admiration. He was credit. always after the other man as Croker.tie seldom used his mid- in the Interest. I as his "Even died Richard ''roker was In Europe, supposedly in The four years of the Van Wyck ad- his children by the first Mrs. Croker. Indeed a superior man." ilways acting public "^'.Croker's word was as good he did some yesrs ago. Croker was' the Ale name of Welstead.got his only It a had the for him at all He shattered health, when 'he eommlttee minlstrati°n marked the culmination of culminated In suit by Howard. greatest respect hor tl. He was utterly square fought same; he would not nil. Tho other man *choollng there. At 15 he went to work He and now John times." He began It* Investigations 'n 1890. roker s political career and was the Richard, Jr.. Ethel, Mrs. .'Sweet. Amlnhle Character." hi « enemies out In the cherished never became prominent. to the machine shops of the New York returned once and on the witness 1(1 the llfp of J Breen. Oeorge W. Plunkltt, former Senator his friends and let theopen^wide world know at pprl0'' , "But t bHIeve that the shooting was Central. stand denied various .insertions that had tho"'the oldm CJrUr®"f|U''Tammany boss. No political "They say I am crazy because I won t Onirics B. Alexander, president of and one of Mr. Croker's oldest political who he liked nnd trusted and who he the of Croker. Tam¬ Side of New York was actually making The East then been made, some of them reflecting on leader in America ever was so fe,ed give them all my money." Mr Croker ?.he National Democratic Club: "I rrlends, recalled'days when Crokrr anrf disliked nn wool have nothing of. You many Hall, of which Kelly was th* |R the grip of several nangs. One of hN moral IntegTltyi courted and caressed as Cro- WAS quoted as saving In an Interview. always understood that Mr. Croker was he were employed by the New York were always sure with Croker of Jus leader, looked on him as a martvr and 1 . .Ted, them was the Fourth Avenue iinnel The most r :v-¦¦¦.. tlor-1 |e«tl:mn before **y* when hr ho1" his ¦Mv son Richard hnd to admit on the responsible for raising the money for Hallways Company, Croker as u me¬ where you stoo with him. He had bu Justly. of the «..,« sang. By whipping mopt local the Fapp-'tt commute-- given Jv Wres^t" n thnDemocratic Club. iCverv- stand I had given him flSO.OOO to pit this clubhouse, and tip to the last he chanic. He said: J ,n. face and that was turned toward "Now that he Is dead I'm glad to tell fistic celebrities of his quarter. Croker. trick " . '. h..'' I iZ'hor.v finv importance In t'-e Cltv ad him In business. I also irnve each of snowed his Interest and devotion to our "Both of us used to sit outsid I the you the tsle. At the same time I don't fee; fyfetlc still a lad, had lifted n-lnw. f*fv r1 * .* .'t'c.ff, struggled to w, h,s "d, the other children $4,000 for life. Pretty organization. He was much beloved by ear barn at Thirty-third street and I .\ unique, picturesque character has Justlfleld even now In telling the nam* a t. was to nelghhorhof..l obscurity V 1' 1 I, "I " «'. «n,lr na¬ 1(1 one of |,JS f , voref com tier*. mean, wasn't It? 1 am going to try tV- members. Hr fni n Mveet, amiable Sixth avenue. In those days a^ , talk pa »sed on. no °th«rt like of the man he so anxious pro¬ «f some fame In the eyes of the nt as Cominis- " 0*"oKer ' fition j tion oMUjunt's appoinumt lf t0 m"rk his coronation, h «no forgive uiem ihar*c.«. «. thoroughgoing gentleman, about politic*. beeatii'.n int|> htm tect." \