New-York tribune., 1898-01-12
TO DEFEAT MR.. BRYAN
REPORTED ASPIRATION OF RICHARD
CROKER
LIGHT ON HIS TRIP TO WASHINGTON FEW
WEEKS AGo-woRKING THERE TO DEFEAT
CONGRESSMAN HINRIcssEN's ELECTION
TO THE GUARDIANSHIP OF THE
DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL
COMMITTED-BRYAN AND
THE DEMOCRATIC
CLUB.

FAM aavs ero The Tribune announced that
friends OF William j. Bryan were trying 10 nav
Mr.. Bryan's name posted Mt the Democratic C'uo
for membership In that organization. AT that time
I, was said that Richard Croker had frowned
on the idea and AR Bryan's name had been WIFI
drawn. Crokers refusal to sanction sir
Bryan's application for mebership was ooucheo III
diplomatic language. 1le said that IN tne event
OF Mr.. Bryans admission 10 the club the ac'loh
would be generally interpreted over the country
TO mean that Tammany Hall indorsed bryan ana
Bryanism. and that It would go TO the next Demo-
cratic National Convention with Mr. Bryan as
candidate. lie further argued that in the case OF
an open rejection Of Mr.. Bryans request to be ad-
mitted TO the club the politicians would interpret
It to mean that New-York repudiated Bryan and
the Chicago platform. This he said, would cause
the organization TO lose strength over the country,
as Il would tend TO the belief that Tanmany han
was losing regularity and that is about all tho
organization boasts of in the way Of virtue MI.
Croker explained the embarrassing position In
which the Bryan application placed him, ana asked
the friends of the ex-candiGate 10 witndraW MS
name and 10 do so quietly. IN order 10 save COM
ment Mr.. Croker said he wished 10 remain neutral
for the time.
There Is now substantial ground for the belief
that Mr. Croker is already warning upon Mr
Bryan and his Presidential hopes. Mr.. Bryan Is
fondly nourishing his ambition. and will go 10 the
next Democratic National Convention as a formida-
bic candidate for the nomination. Mr.. Croker real
him In the Democratic Club n strong Democratic
organization he is silently doing all he can TO draw
away from Mr.. Bryan the support that promises
TO go TO him.
A few days before 7'ammany took control OF New
York. Mr.. Croker was reported at the time.
went 10 Washington Various reasons were given
TO explain his trip there. One of these that ne
desired TO consult with Senator Murphy. This was
partially true but the real reason for Mr.. Croker's
trip that he looking ahead. was preparing
for the time when he intends TO take prominent
hand IN National politics. His main purpose. in
fact. TO discuss with several Democrats ways
and means for preventing the selection OF Con-
gresham Hinrichsen. Of Illinois. chairman Of the
Democratic Congressional Committee and securing
the election Of some one else who is not friendly
10 Mr.. Bryan. Hinrichsen has been the candidate
of the free silver men in the House for the place.
and It thought that he was, sure Of election
Each State delegation selects one Of its number as
a member OF the committee and -tne COMMITTEES in
turn elects Its chairman. 1t is said that Mr.
Hinrichsen will not have majority OF the com
mittee and that even his election to the committee
Mr.. Crokers first move when he reached Wash
ington was 10 consult with the Tammany members
OF Congress. 1t was found that George B. Nc
Clellan was the member Of the New-YoTk delega-
tion on this committee. and was committed 10 Mr..
Hinrichsen. Mr.. Mcclellan quietly withdrawn
Mr.. Cummings looked up Mr.; Hinrchsen and told
him that he was under obligations 10 vote for
merly at the head of ;his committee. 1t is said
that Mr.. Croker also saw Senator James X Jones.
National Committee. and so prevailed upon him to
work against Hinrichsen that the Senator induced
Congressman McRae. the member from Arkansas,
to go against Hnrlchsen. Congressman Richard
son. Of Tennessee was the next one TO be seen.
Richardson presided at a number Of sessions of the
Chicago Convention 1t is said he also in
duced to work against Mr. Hnr!chsen.
The belief prevails that Richard Croker intends
TO try to the National affairs of his party
he does New-York municipal affairs. and that ne
has formed a working agreement with number OF
leaders to conduct the campaign Of 1890 upon
more conservative basis, and 10 freeze out the
rampant free silver men, such as Bryan and Alt
geld. When the subject broached to Mr..
Croker he was non-committaL
In the mean time all Is not serene in tho Demo-
cratic Club. When Mr.. Croker threw open the
doors he invited loyal Democrats up the State and
by loyal Democrats he meant those who were OPP
posed Senator IIill to enter the organization
SO far he has secured only two of any prominence.
Senator Edward Murphy. who has formed an alli-
ance with Mr.. Croker TO Sontro the state, Is one.
and Francis j. Mooy, OF Troy. Mayor OF that city,
is the other II is significant that outside OF one
OF two Democratic ofce-holders from Brooklyn.
none OF Hugh McLauehlin's men have joined the
club All Democratic Assemblymen and Senators
at Albany urged to enter the club and bring
as many workers with them as possible. But Mr.:
Croker's In the city has not been repeated
m he