The record-union., 1899-04-15
CROKER ON The
WITNESS STAND.
7ammany's Chief Put Through a
Rigid Course Of estioning
By the Legislative Committee Dslvlng Into
New York Ciiy's Affairs.

New York Ciiy's Affairs.
Declines to Answer Questions Per-
tanning to His Private Affairs,
but Admits That He is a Mem
Der of Several Companies, Ono
of Which is Capitalized at Ten
Million Dollars.
NEW YORK, April a. = Richard
Croker was on the stand to-day before
the Mazet Investigating Commission,
and will be on the stand again to-mor-
row. John F. Carroll, the Tammany
leaders chief deputy, was also put
through a course of questioning this af-
ternoon. Judge Joseph E. DAILY, whom
the Democrats refused to renoninate
for Justice of the Supreme Court last
fan, told of his treatment by Mr.. Croker
and Tammany, and with other promi-
nent witnesses contributed testimony
that went to make the day a most
notable one in the investigation into
the city's affairs.
The examination of Richerd Croker
was remarkable one, chiefly by reason
of the answers which he returned to the
questions propounded to him by Mr.
Moss. He was brief, and took adyan-
tage Of many opportunities afforded
him to retort in a manner that evoked
applause from those gathered in the
committee room. Mr. Croker gave
events a somewhat dramatic turn,
when, after refusing to answer several
questions concerning his private af-
fairs, he held up his right hand and
said impressively: IF you can show
me where l have taken a single dollar
from this city you can cut that arm
off -
Mr.. Croker told the committee that it
was customary for candidates in office
to contribute to election expenses. He
said that the contributions were not
compulsory, but were in many cases, on
the contrary, voluntary.
Perhaps the most interesting part of
the investigation to-day was that in
which Mr.. Croker was questioned close
ly as to how he had made his money.
affairs, but admitted that he was
member of several companies. one of
which is the Air and Power Company.
with a capital stock of S1O,00O,O00 Ei-
said: I've got nothing to conceal. If
anyone comes to me with good stock
to buy, buy it and so would you. I
VIII not go into details of my private
business"
MI. Moss endeayored in persuasive
way to induce Mr.. Croker to give fur
ther information on the subject of
money making, but the witness simply
refused to give details. Incidentally. Ir
Croker praised Chief Devery and the
Police Department. and was ON the
stand when the hearing adjourned.
Justice Levenritt of the Supreme
Court, Immediately upon the com
mencenaent of proceedings. addressed
the members of the committee. SAVING
that he had been called here to testify
and that the business of his court was
suffering thereby.
Mr.. Moss excused the Justice until
further notice.
Then the name of Richard Croker
was called. The Tammany Hall leader
was sworn.
You live at. the Democratic Club.
do you not?" asked Mr.. Moss.
Yes, sir" said Mr.. Croker.
you are leader of the political organ-
ization generally known as Tammauy
Hall, are you not?'
Il do not know that 1 ann
Generally conceded to be, are you
not??" asked Mr. Moss sauvely.
Well said Mr.. Croker, Il am not
talking for myself. If others say / am.
1 am
Mr.. Croker agreed with Mr.. Moss that
the government of the city and county
depended upon the existence of polit-
ical parties.
Mr.. Moss asked if the leadership gem
orally accorded Mr.. Croker was not
based largely upon the fact that he
had the reputation of being a truthful
man.
Mr.. Croker said he tried to be
truthful man.
Mr.. Moss had asked Mr.. Croker a
number Of seemingly immaterial ques-
tions regarding the organization of
Tammany Hall, when Mr.. Croker in
terrupted him and said sharply:
1T is not necessary to bring all that
up that which everybody knows. There
is no use playing to the galleries. and
there is no use of making speeches.
We all know everything that has been
said. We know that 1 am the leader
of the party, and acknowledge it. and
that all these people are my friends.
and that L am going to stick to them
all the time
There was roar of applause as Mr..
Croker finished this sentence
Chairman Mazet raped for silence.
Rather sarcastically Mr.. Moss said
the applause was all right, and that
he hoped the Chairman would allow it
once in awhile. 1t did not disconcert
him.
Just give me good, straight talk"
went on Mr.. Croker, when the applause
had ceased; that is all. / am talking
straight talk; and that is all 1 want.
All these gentlemen know that I am
considered the leader All these gem
tlemen are my friends. You have taken
half an hour for nothing. What is the
use of that?''
I'VE will try to accommodate you,
Mr.. Croker" replied the counsel.
Mr.. Croker said that he gave the
prominent Tammany Hall Democrats a
certain amount of advice and direction.
Sometimes they followed it; sometimes
they did not. Most of them followed it,
Mr. Moss read list of the Tammany
Sachenls-
Mr.. Croker admitted that all or near
ly all OF them held prominent positions
in the city government.
Mr. Croker admitted that he had
been consulted regarding the selection
of man for posifions IL, fba ,;+x- .r<.x,-