New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-26
JOHN kELLY'S RULE.

WYNN hJ'S>i > JtOLrt
Tammany soon got into power again under
the lead Of John Kelly. In 1894 1t had the
Presidency Of the United State at it's disposal
1t opposed Nj Ceveland's nomination and
after ii was made for a long time declined tc
iatify IT, Every one knew that IL il continued its
opposition or simple lack of support, M Cleve-
land would lie beaten. But only few day.
before the election MI Cleveland himself came
TO New-York, had a secret meeting with Kelly
and made some arrangement or bargain with
him, no one knows what 1t suffced. The next
day Kelly sent out word that Tammany was
to support Cleveland, and ne was accordingly
elected but by n margin narrow as 10 pro-
woke the suspicion that it war procured by
means not unfamiliar to Tammany Hall in the
days Of Rynders and Tweed This wholesale
delivery of Tsmmanys vote showed, with the
utmost clearness, how complete Keily's
control Of that organization. His work for the
Han broke down his health. however and not
long after the 1884 campaign he died, leaving
the prosperous fortunes OF Tamrnany IN the
hands OF "Dick' Croker
THE REIGN or CROKER
Dick Croker he was called in the old days
when he was "Bowery Boy ready with his
lists I'm ans row that might occur. Richard
Croker he became when he succeeded Kelly a.
boss Of Tammany. He assumed control OF
Tammany when that Hall had only one great
local Office, the Registers in it's grasp. The
moribund and malodorous County Democracy
had the rest. Croker was merely a Fire Com
missioner on 5000 a year, with no other in
come or fortune, living like man Of most mod
crate means. But he was determined and am
bitous. seeking wealth rather than office; and
was not devoid Of political acunen He had
tact too, and the gift OF silence; was also suff-
GENTLY domineering and autocratic TO enforce
discipline. In 1886 he made Tammany nomi-
nate for Mayor A. S. Hewitt a County Democ-
racy and anti Tamniany man. Thus he forced
the hand" Of the County Democracy and ex-
pedited its dissolution. Mr.. Hewitt was elected
and Tammany had scored a big point Next the
friendship and aid Of Governor Hill were Sc
cured, and even some little favor from PresL
dent Cleveland. BY 1888. therefore, Tammany
was able 10 name and elect Hugh j. Grant. one
OF its own men. Mayor. Talnmany was now In
full control OF the city government and wa.
dong about as it pleased. Croker manifested
all the external indications Of rapidly increasing
wealth So did other TaInmany leaders Some
people began TO wonder "where they got IT."
BY 1880 there was considerable public senti-
ment aroused against Boss Croker, and an
effort was made to defeat his ticket by a fusion
OF Republicans and what vas left OF the County
Democracy. The attempt failed. Grant was
reelected with the whole Taulnany ticket. by
a large majority.
Then the Republicans In the Legislature ssnt
down a committee. VITA Senator Fassett at lts
head. to look into municipal affairs: to find out
why Grant. after his election az Sheriff had
given Crokers child a present Of $4,000; and
how Croker on $1,000 TO $1,000 a year. could
buy $4,000 worth Of property T7iose things
looked suspicious. The committees labors.
however, had no immediate results Mr. Croker
moved into mansion which 81. 900 Il year was
hardly sufficient TO maintain lie bought fine
stock farm near Rchfeld Springs and invested
al least $3.50 600 in horscfesh within year
or so.
In 1892 Tammany again swept the city, elect
ing Thomas T.. Gilroy to the Maycralty. The
food tide Of financial prosperity among it's lead
ers continued But now there began 10 be
ornens Of crisis. The Rev. DR.. Charles H.
PARK hurst, Of the Madison Square Presbyterian
church preached some startling sermons. He
charged the city government with being In u
hideous partnership with vice and crime, and
with deriving a vast revenue therefrom. The
Tamlnany leaders met these charges with de
mails sneers and contempt. But the preacher
persisted brought GONE cases into court, re
yealed beyond doubt horrible state OF affairs
Then in 1894 the Legislature sent down an
other committee to investigate things with pro-
d,gious resuIis II was shown that the preach