The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-10-08
A LEADER OF MEN.
L ow Dick Croker Captur ed Wife and
tho Leadership OF Tammany Hall.

lle LSAQ6r5D1p OF IdLuiubily IAuh
New YORK, Oct. 6.--The local political
situation in New York city is Of national
Importance, and Richard Croker is one Of, If
not the most important person in local poli-
ties as the head of Tainmany Hall and the
successor of John Kelly Therefore, Mr..
Croker is one of the greatest factors in the
presidential contest, aud much depends s
upon his action as to which party VIII WI II
in November. Should he be disposed to bs
the least contrary the democrats would 10 o
New York. For a man holding such con-
spicuous position and who might control
the future of his party, little is known of
Croker outside of bis political career, even
among the people interested in politics in
this city
Yet his life is almost romantic. II a
mans career can be made by anyone.
Richard Croker's was made by his wife.
She is a lady cf remarkably strong char
acter as well as of a lovely disposition.
She was Miss Margaret Frazier, a member
of well-to-do Irish family, and it was
after she had graduated with honor at one
of the converts here that she met Croker.
Being girl of many excellent traits of
character and refined tastes 1t was matter
of wonder to his many friends that SHE
should take fancy to a man Of Croker's
stamp. At this time be was the
rudest of ward politicians and his
ability as a pugilist maie him sue
cessCul in his calling. He confined him
self to a ward that was populated by the
roughest element of the city. Politics were
different in those days from what they are
now, and every election meant bloodshed.
Even among these rowdies Richard Croker
was terror rs well as a leader. He was in
capable OF fear and there were no better
rough and tumble fighters than he was, and
this was at time, too, when John Morris
sey and other men Of his stamp were promi-
nent political leaders. Croker was always
on the side of John Kelly, and SO faithful
was he to his chief that Kelly became very
fond of him.
Croker was the son of wealthy Protes-
tant gentleman in the north of Ireland As
so many North Ireland Protestants are
Orangemen, possibly Croker thought IL his
history became known he would be sus-
pected of being an Orangeman, and man
of that stripe would be as much out of
place in Tammany hall as Jay Gould would
be among gang OF anarchists. Nor
could he have hoped to have been n
leader Of his ward controlled by Irish Cath
olics. So Dick Croker preferred to have
it supposed that he was an ill-bred Irish
man instead of the sou of a gentleman who
had received every educational advantage.
He was too wild to suit his strict Presbyte-
rian father, which resulted in his leaving
home and coming to this country. Lake
h. had a natural liking for sport, and had
learned boxing from the men employed on
his fathers farm.
As his future has shown he was born
leader of men, and fighting qualities being
requisite in politician who had to begin
at the bottom of tho ladder, he soon be-
came a useful man TO John Kelley. He was
Hold laz ~
IDENTIFY became acquainted with Miss
Frazier. The shrewd girl was not long in
discovering that beneath Dick Croker's
rough exterior there was excellent stuff.
Then she fell IN love with him.
When her parents learned where she had
placed her affections they were shocked. 1t
seemed impossible to them that their
daughter, whom they had so finely edu-
Gated, could SEQ anything in such an ill-bred
man as Croker was supposed TO be. They
would not consent to the match and Croker
confidei the secret with John
Kelly, who interceded for him with
the young lady's parents. Kelly
was already a man of great importance,
but still he had weary task to perform !;
but. as the young lady was deeply in love,
her father finally relented. Croker being
a Protestant was another great objection,
but before the marriage Miss Frazier con-
was very private, only few persons being
present, and John Kelly being best man
Immediately Croker threw off his rough
disguise ard then his wifes work of polish
ing up began. People who knew the Tam
many chIeftain then and now, say the
change has been wonderful, and it is hard
to recognize him as the same man. There
never was a more devoted husband and
father. l lived right near HIM at Fenwick.
Conn, this summer, and as a family man
formed a great admiration for this astute
politician. Besides, he is a man of much
refinement. He has taste for art which
he is cultivating more and more as he grows
better of, and for a busy politician he is
well up in literature.
Croker is peculiar fellow. have seen
him stand for hours, and day after day,
sprinkling the little yard in front of his
summer cottage as il it were the best of
fun. have seen him climb up in his
stable loft and look for eggs, and whom he
found one go around showing it as happy
as if he had accomplished some feat as i'm
portant as capturing the mayoralty for
Tammany Hall. What an example Of the
great influence a good woman can have