New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-12-23
JOHN KELLY RETIRES.

LAYING DOWN THE TAMMANY LEADERSHIP.
THE CHANGE TO BE MADE IN JANUARY-HoW HE
ROSE TO PowER-Hfs SUCCESSES AND REVERsEs
WHO WILL TAKE HIS PLACRf
II was announced by authority last evening
that John Kelly would retire from the leadership OF Tam
many Hall upon the organization Of the newly elected
General Committee early in January. As stated in TIE
KmUNR when he was named for Controller IL was wen
that bis acceptance of the office was based on
an understanding with the leaders Of TamInany Han
that ne should permitted 10 retire from the haro "OA
OF managing the details OF the local political campaigns
The party managers earnestly engaged in eanvasng
tho merits and fitness Of the pTOminene members Vi Tue
Democratic party in this city, with view to select
leader to succeed Kelly, who will not only be accept
able to the local politicians as wen as to the rank anc
file hut will be able to inspire confidence and enthusiasm
In his management.
when the Ring frauds were discovered in 1871. Mr.
Kelly was In Europe travelling for his health He re-
turned to this country about the middle OF OCTOBER 100
late to take an active part in the election which resulted
In the choice of Judges Barrett, Curt and sedgwiek
and other reform candidates nominees OF the RING
which stil controlled tho machinery of Tammany Hail.
In the January succeeding several Of the sachems OF the
Tammany Society urged Mr.. Kelly TO take the leader
ship He accepted the call and agreed TO take part IN
reorganizng the Democratic party in this city The
Ring was stl powerful All the notorious leaders were
IN the city, and although defeated at the election they
still had their friends the bench and in the highest po
ltical Offices Mr.. Kelly was supported by Edward L.
Donnely Thomas BOese, Augustus Schel, Judge Dono-
hue Thomas Dunlap and Others He first obtained the
control Of the Tammany Society The society owns the
building known as Tammany Hall, on Fourtcenth-st.,
near Third-ave in which the party organization holds
its meetings The next step was TO get control OF the
Democratic party machinery In this city by means OF the
Tanmany Hall General Committee composed OF dele
gstessfrom every Assembly district The Ring followers
,-oRf and he nrgf
trial of strength was had in the County Nominating Con-
yeptlop The friends Of the Ring were determined to
renominate g. B. Garvn for DistrictAttorney. Kelly
held the convention and secured the nomination OF
Charles s. DOnohuo Judge Of the Supreme Court
Abraham r. Lawrence was nominated for Mayor But
the people we're not ready to trust Tammany Hail. even
with new leaders, and the ticket was defeated by William
f. Hayemeyer aud his associates.
AZ this time the Tammany Society was deeply IN debt,
the taxes were unpaid and the building was IN great
need of repairs Under Mr.. Kenys management the
debt reduced and the society put in good nnanca
condition. At the cleo ion Of 1878 Tammany Hall =
ceeded in eectng nearly all its candidates for important
offices The leadership OF MIR. Kelly was acknowledged
by the party throughout the city and the State aud IN
the State Convention Of 1874 he was prominent In Sc
curing the nomination of Gov. Tiden. The cam
paign Of last year was characterized by the
bitter opposition Of Mr.. Kelly TO the reelection
of Recorder Hackett His position on this matter was al
variance with the counsel Of many of his nInest sup
porters Kelly would not yield and the coalition OF the
Republicans with the Anti Tammany organization re-
shifted in the overwhelming defeat Of iaminany HAN
It was thought first that thus would lead to MS dls
placement from the leadership Of the party but he was
ptrenched too strongly In Tammany Hall 10 DC removed
The important issues OF the Presidential campaign united
the opposing elements Of the party az the recent eec
and Mr.. Kelly was recognized as the leader ,
Early in the present year MI. Kelly opposed Gov III
denis aspirations for the Presidency, and with character
stc determination eudeav0rcd to defeat bis DomnaiOn
at St Louis IL conceded that he represented the feel
ines Of strong part Of the DemocI9tic party 10 TINS
city, he retained his leadership IN spite OF Ihe o
position of Gov. Tildens adherents II Is reported
that he intended 20 of active political life last year.
but personal PRIDE in view of the defeat or Tamnany
Hall at that election, together with strong desire 10
nrotpct his immediate following caused h1m 10 retain
his position until the way opened Tor his retirement
through the desirable gate Of the eontlollerslhp
The question Who shall succeed to the ABOUT
70 become yacant2 absorbing topic in local pO-
cal circles the most that has been accomplished thus
far has been to decide who cannot be considered as eg
Bile for the place, leaving the survival OF the httGt
to be evolved the needs OF the party ana tue par
gains Of the party managers. Mr.. kelys supporters
Claim that his strong will aud perseverance, ana even MS
olstinacy have Of great benefit, and that new
leader viii find IL difficult 20 I'LL his place by the employ
eut OF the ordinary mild methods OF work and manage
ment Ii is understood that Mr.. Kelly will be member
of the General Committee representative ron inc
Assembly district IN which he resides.