The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-07-17
BRooRLrN,s LADY RULER.
The Woman who Bosses Ross McLauahliu-
Her Audiences and influence.

Hugh Mclaughlin, tho Boss " Of Brook
Ign politics, has removed his headquarters for
the sunni Ter TO the shores OF Lake George. He
will spend the hot days fishing, and, while nsh-
ing, will think out the apportlonment OF his
patronage In the fall campaign. He took with
him TO his country seat his sister, Mrs. Ann
Fitzgerald who, In the last few years, has been
scarcely less potent than himself In Brooklyn
affairs. Although the fact 10 generally commu-
nicated in a whisper. there has been no display
In the exercise OF her Influence, the sparkle,
dash, and glitter OF Mrs. Williams OF Mrs.
Belknap being entirely foreign to the methods
OF her family. Her sway has been unlike That
OF every other woman Of political power. Mrs.
Dunphy, a brilliant lady who once ruled the
BROOKLYN Board OF Education, holding the re-
spectacle and wealthy gentlemen OF that body
In willing and glad obedience, governed through
her charms OF mind aud person, captivating
every man who could be OF service. The Board
increased her salary until II was higher than
any woman had ever before received for teach
ING In puolic schools, and conceded TO her hus-
band the right to be principal OF another school
at large salary. The charm OF her influence
was broken bv the treachcry of a politician In
the Board, whom che had trusted beyond the
rest. She was forced to resign and soon after
ward she died.
The power that Mrs. Fitzgerald holds is solely
through her brother, who has been under her
influence since childhood. As soon as McLaugh-
lin grow up from ward leader an took rank as
party dictator, every avenue to his good grac q
was traversed by aspiring ONCE seekers. His
mother, "A much respected lady. from whom he
derives the latent energy that backs his iufu-
ence, was found by a few fortunate politicians
TO he able TO direct his movements; and wnen
they had obt .lned their bone, they impaired
their secret to their ffiends. II soon became
part Of persevering man plan to see the Boss's
boss himself. Until her death. some eight or
nine years ago, sue held frequent audiences With
favor seeking politicians, ani 10 ever case In
which she Interested herself her word to her son
Hugh accomplished the desired result.
Mrs. Fitzgerald. the wife OF the County Au-
ditor, was ner successor as the power behind
the throne. She Is older than her brother; her
hair IL silver gray. and her eyes are gray blue
anJ highly expressive. she 10 portl, In ngure.
and her address ~ pleasing. sac Is witty and
vlvacious In conversation, an eager reader, and
ready paflur debater. she dresses In rich
black SIX, wears little Jewelry, and neye.
ceiNcs a gentleman unless she has a veil over her
face. The reason for this IL said to be because
OF slight scar, which, In spite OF the opiuion OF
her friends, sho i'm tgines Ia a disbursement.
Sue took M tue sceptre OF her mother, and has
ADDED to II Increased power. Shs does not
move much Ia society bey Ond her fanny circle,
but she IL devout Christian. 1t has become
well known, though for n long time II was
secret that she Is consulted In nearly every
nominatiOn, appointment. project, and change
that IL brought to the Boss notice. She con-
trolls her audiences with much dignity. Her
brothers evening conferences are always under
tne shade OF the elm tree at jay and Willoughby
streets. where politicians without number have
been maze and unmaoe.
Mr-. tIt1gerald being moro arlble. Suavc, and
having more Of he genius Of the diplomat than
her brother. generally superntcnds the III IL
agement OF any plan whic req uires the c0operi-
ton VI others la the party, vino are not inm0-
date subjects Of the McLtughlin dynasty. Her
orders generally carried into tho city
departments by some one OF tho half dozen
fret and second leutenants Of the Boss. The
command Is generally given In a whisper. In tue
words, Aunt Nancy wishes To see YOU"
She has no sympathy for kiusella, and II Is
saii never did him a favor. She rasps him with
criticism until the politicians shudder In fear OF
similar comments On themselves. Her terse
comments on men whose loyalty TO the
Mclaughlin rule Is suspected form part Of the
amusing unwfitten history OF Brooklyn's pecul-
lar pontics.
Mrs. Fitzgerald, although mum oerlng In her
card basket majority Of the Brooklyn once
holders Of the pat few years, never had a Mayor
u ply her with nattery until the election Of John
W. Hunter.
Before leaving for Lake George, Mrs. Fitz-
gerald sent Tor number of politicians with
whom TO leave Instructions. She and her
brother, previous to their departure, listened To
the aspirations OF the scores Of men for the df-
ferent Offices that are to he vacated tnis
tumn. All these are to be coined over by the
lakeside, by the two political magn1tes, and
their decisions will be rendered when tho leaves
begin to fall. In the mean time tho shrewd
BROOKLYN politician will include In his pro-
gramme a visit TO Lake George some time In the
summer. WITH the same devotion thit a Moslem
goes to Mecca, or men Der OF Plymouth Church
to the White Mountains.