New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-20
A TAMMANY SOCIAL CLUB.

NO PLACE FOR DISCUSSION. But PLENTY OF
CHANCE FOR POKER AND DRINKS.
A reporter had occasion to visit one Of the public
schools to find out from the janitor where the
principal lived. The janitor was not in, and there
was no person in the building who could tell where
he was. In fact, there was no person in the build
ing at all. He walked along block or two and
then said to a policeman: where's the Janitor q
that school?'
where's the janitor9 Why. he's around at the
club. Of course"
What club?'
what club? Why, the Tammany Club OF the
district. OF course"
Where is the club7"
The policeman looked at the reporter for q mo-
ment with an air OF profound pity. and then. a.
though words had failed him. he set up a low
whistle which meant TO be scornful beyond
the dreams Of sarcasm. Finally he answered tho
question. When the reporter got to the clubhouse
he found the man he was seeking. drinking and
smoking with the boys"
1T was at the school," the reporter began.
The deuce you were" he broke In. AN what
did you suppose I'd be dom there at this hour q
the EVENING""
II was clear from this reply that the man was
a city Official with all the delicate appreciation Of
responsibility in regard TO public Office which city
officials GRO rown to possess. The visitor hurried
away gre 4 the Assembynan from the d str ct,
with WHOM he personally acquainted. ard
whom he found in adjoining room. There 10 .
social club and regular political headquarters IN
each Of the Assembly districts This was a social
club.
What do you do in these piaces?" the reports
asked.
Well we have a bar" he began 80 there b
chance to have a drink and cigar and game Of
poker and a good time generally IN a modest way"
what are all these books forg'
That is the nucleus OF library" he answered.
DO many people read them?"
And this?' said the reporter. pointing to a huge
volume which was lying on table in the centre OF
That's our Bible, he answered It contained 2
the Tammany Ha Gnera comm tae and on The
cover was embazoned in gold letters the motto:
4 suppose You have debates and things. papers
read. and so on from time to timer" suggested the
The Assemblyman tipped the ashes Of Of his ciga;
nd opened wide ~ wh Hays Ss
foohardy suggestion he had ever listened TO- Right
h SAID fae to
be careful how you talk here. Don't say anything
found making or even listening to such thoughts az
FOR denomination. See? Come now. let us get out
We can compare notes upon whatever subject you
desire without any danger OF being overheard o.
Before the reporter could recover from his surprise
the Assemblyman had taken him by the arm and
that's wonderful" began the reporter but before
he could say another word his companion broke in:
II know-I know. OF course you are surprised that
we not permitted TO introduce such things
debates and the reading OF papers at these clubs
DO you remember that Tammany Hall is an or
ganization and as Mr.. Croker wrote once. military
organization at that and discipline must be pre-
served"
And Is an infraction Of this discipline involved in
having debates In these clubs topics interesting to
ctzens"'
almost so. The paper TO be read might OF itself
be all right and the remarks OF man who opened
in a debate might be all right but you could never
tell what might come after"
What do you mean
81 mean some fresh young duck might say some
thing in the heat OF debate that the boss wouldn't
like"
II begin TO understand said the reporter
Time for you" said the Assemblyman.
And why do you remain MEMBER
The young politician hung his head and answered
never a word
And how IL the time generally spent in these
clubs each evening by the members?" the reporter
asked.
"Oh. drinking and playing poker" the other en-
swered carelessly.
$50 that in point OF fact" pursued his questioner
these thirty Tammany social clubs. as you call
them. are really gambling densT'
The budding lawmaker once more silent, ana
the reporter bid him goodnight