The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-12-24
A SUDDEN CONVERT.

That part of New York city which, up
to 1867, was the scene of Richard Croker's
struggles and triumphs, has long been
noted as the most famous Catholic parish
in the United States. There is ST.
Stephens church, and at the period in
question its pastor was young man who
has since become one of the most cele-
brated priests this country has produced,
Edward McGlynn. Clustered about the
sacred edifice and the home of the youth
full clergyman were the dwellings of the
Pensioners, thrifty working people
mostly. In no part of the world prob
ably would there have been found
priest and flock more jealous in the
faith, more prompt to resent any insult
to 1t.
The affect of such anti-popery activity
as Eyre G. Croker manifested was not, as
may be expected, calculated to recon-
mend him to these people, Old Croker
was an aggressive Oraugeman, who para
ded on each recurring anniversary of the
battle Of the Boyne and had but an in
different opinion of cardinals and the
Vatican. In justice to him, moreover, it
must be acknowledged that he never hest
tated to stand up for his veiws. Natur-
ally, he brought up his children to his
way of thinking
James O'Brien was at this time the
political leader of the district. He had
been chosen alderman by large majority,
and when Richard Croker concluded that
he too would be an alderman it was but
proper to consult leader O'Brien.
Accordingly, a delegation" waited
upon that gentleman. This was early in
1867. The delegates were led by Bernard
Costello and ED" McCabe. The pecu-
liar qualifications of Richard Croker for
membership in the board of alderman of
the city of New York were duly set forth
and MIR. O'Brien was requested to in
dorse them.
Mr.. O'Brien, while not denying the
validity of the arguments presented to
him, found an inseparable obstacle in the
know-nothingism with
which the name of Croker was connected.
The delegation" declared that their can
didate belonged to no religion, but Leader
O'Brien answered that there had been too
much feeling aroused over the matter.
Finally after much Fostering, he ex-
planned;
"The only way your man Croker can
get the nomination is to join the Catholic
church. "
Alderman, now ex-Sheriff O'Brien, de-
clares to this day he never dreamed his
words would be taken seriously. But that
night Croker Joined the Catholic church.
That is, he Joined after a fashion Of his
own. Alderman O'Brien says he was
completely nonpluSed when the news was
brought to him a few days later. There
was nothing for it but to oblige Croker's
friends by nominating him. For the next
few weeks the leader of the Fourth ave-
nue. tunnel gang staggered about the
Twenty-frst ward in the new and inter
esting character of pillar of the church.
Now here is where Croker showed the
thick medicines which invariably proves
fatal to the success of anything he may
undertake in which bullying is not the mo-
dus operandi. In 1867 he was converted"
DR. McGlynn, in answer to a question,
said recently:
Il remember Mr.. Croker's case. He
was a Protestant, but it seemed only
natural that he should change his belief,
for all his associations were Catholic, and
at the time received him into the church,
he was engaged to be married to most
estimable young Catholic lady. bap-
tized him not long before his marriage.
How long / cannot say, for am speaking
from memory. John Kelly was best man
at the wedding"
Fortunately there is no need to depend
upon any ones memory. The records Of
st. Stephens church tells the whole
story. Richard Croker was married in
1873. and he was not baptized until after
he became engaged. For nearly six years
he was claiming TO be a Roman Catholic
before he had received the sacrament of
baptism.
THE MAN TO-DAY.
MANY things about Richard Croker
have been made so familiar to the people
- 4 ian