Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-29
Mr.. RICHARD CROKER.
He is Quite Active for a Man Re
tired From Politics.
HIS PLANS HAVE PROBABLY CHANGED
Stories of His Future Movements
Taken in a Pickwickian Sense.
W II A T He WILL DO

For a man VINO has retired from politics.
Richard Croker still possesses much that
interests men who remain active in politics.
In fact, there appears to be a disposition
in political circles not to attach too serious
a meaning to the announcement-made
with suspicious frequency and emphasis
that Mr.. Croker has hung up his shield and
will go to battle no more.
The First Story.
When Mr.. Croker returned from England
last fall it was stated that ne would re-
main at home a short time-maybe until
after the November election. He had come
On short notice. Private affairs alone eX-
planned the visit-so private that particu-
lars were withheld. Would he take any
part In the pending contest2 None what
ever. He was out of politics. He wished
for the success of the democratic ticket Of
course. The time would never come when
the success of the democracy would not be
dear to him. But what could he do? He
had been out of the country for months,
Was not familiar with the lines of the en-
gagement, and SO, even if he had time and
the inclination to be active, could not hope
to render any service He would hurry up
bis business, and go back to his racing
stable AS soon as possible.
How His Plans Changed.
The situation for the local democracy,
which was most unpromising when Mr..
Croker landed, soon began to improve.
The old leader found opportunity, under
heavy pressure, to confer with his old as
sociates and some very effective combina-
tons We're made. On election day the de-
mocracy in New York city won, and Mr.
Croker was accorded liberal share of the
credit of the victory. His plans seemed to
undergo change. The talk of his hurry
Ing back to England ceased, and the pres
hnS IN,
relieved MIR. Croker is only just now
months after the time first set-preparing
to take up matters of the turf again. He
goes from here to New York to dine with
his friends of Tammany Hall, and then
will go abroad. 1t Is stated that his stay
will be long one. The racing season in
England will be brilliant The bookings
promise great sport. Mr.. Croker's horses
are entered for some of the richest stakes.
They will need every moment Of his person
al attention. And will they not command
his full time? Sure thing! Neglect big
money and turf fame to come back home
and help At out a contingent for fight
almost certain to go against the democracy?
That would be most unwise from a bust
ness point of view. Besides, Mr.. Croker
Is entirely ont Of politics. He will continue
to sympathize with the democracy but
he will be able to feel as much sympa thy
In England as at home. Why cross the
ocean simply to sympa thize?
In IA Pickwickinn Sense.
All Of this talk has in political circles it's
Pickwickian Specification. A key goes with
1t. The political sage, still in health and in
Iigh credit with his associates is never so
much in politics as when declaring that he
IS entirely out of politics. 1t is modest
way he has of diverting the attention of the
masses from himself for awhile for a pur-
pose. Mr.. Croker, 1t is predicted, will be
back in New York in good time to direct
the activity Of his party in this years cam
paign. He was never SO necessary to his
party as now. He is in touch with the
leaders of all factions. His relations with
Senators Hill and Murphy are very close.
He is likewise on terms with ex-Secretary
Whitney. Secretary Lamont is his friend.
They all advise with him. He is easily the
shrewdeSt and most successful manager
the party has ever had in New York. and
not improbably, it is thought, may come to
manage the state campaign as well as that
of the city.