New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-17
CROKER AND THE POOLROOMS.
ANOTHER SUBJECT FOR INVESTIGATION
WHICH HE,PROBABLY FEARED.

MR. GOrF REFUSES, TO SAY WHETHER IT WILL
RE TAKEN UP-TaE EXCIsE DEPARTMENT.
The renort that Mr. Cookers hurried departure
a week ago yesterday was accelerated by an eN-
,,actation Of trouble with the booksellers was re-
vvAd Yesterday The Trhine contained state
mont the morning after Mr.. Crokers disappearance
founded on notorious facts regarding the payment
OF money for the protection OF poorooms' ana inc
probability which existed that,the Lexow Committee
might INQUIRE into the matter. 1t Is said that the
committee Is about ready tackle the pooi ousl-
ness and that Mr.. Gof is preparing to lay pare the
methods by which the booksellers were able 10 trah-
sac business openly all over town before IL became
the interest Of Richard Croker and John A Nor
ris TO close them up.
In ,b,s ease Fire Commissioner John Scannell
NAV he called as witness, it has long been an
open secret among the sporting fraternity that ne
was Tammany's collector Of contributions from
bookmakers pooneom keepers and others whose
business needed police protection In the Fassett
contest three years ago II reported that the
roona, Maid into the Tammany Hall campaign fund
from, these sources alone amounted 10 upward OF
$4,000.
Peter De Lacy is another man who Is supposed
TO be able 10 reveal some tremendous facts con-
nected with the pool business. and II he had con-
cuded TO go upon the witnessstand, II Is possible
that Mr. Crokers health did not fall day too soon
Mr. Golf refused yesterday to say whether there
was any foundation for the reports that ne would
now turn his attention to the protection OF the pool
sellers and other gamblers. and that Mr. DE Lacy
was 10 be called as a witness. Mr.. Gof said tina;
he must adhere TO his rule to discuss testimony
10 be offered before the committee or 10 foreshadow
any Of the details Of the proceedings. He refused
10 say whether he had been in communication with
Mr. De Lacy or whether he had any infOrma Ion TO
corroborate the report that De Lacy and Croker
had been in conference shortly before he latter
sailed on the Cmbria. -
Mr. De Lacy denied that he had Mr.. Goff
or that he had any intention Of telling any stories
about biackmaii A. II. Humme, Mr. De Lacy's
counsel also denied that De Lacy intended going be
fore the committee with any revelations
Mr. Golf said yesterday that he could not tel
yet when the committee would take up the In
vestigation with reference 10 the Excise Depart
ment 1t has been inferred from letter addressed
by Chairman LexOw 10 ex-Judgc Leicester Home
Commissioner of Excise. before his departure Tor
Europe that the Excise Department viii not be
looked into before the summer vacation. Com
missioner Home had written 70 Chairman Lexow
Informing him Of his desire to abroad with his
wife for few weeks, and asking him II the COM
mittee would do him the favor to examine him, II
" wished do so. before he sailed. Chairman
Lexow replied
Upon consultation, the conclusion has been
reached that your testimony before the committee
will not be required hence nothing need prevent
your undertaking the Pleasure trip referred 10 IN
your letter"
Commissioner Home sailed the Paris on
June 6.