Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-15
CROKER VS.. MOSS.
Continued from page ~

maintained, however. that they were
not his personal selections but had
been chosen by himself and ms imme-
tliate associates. One In whiie MT.
Croker met these gentlemen ana con-
sn,ted over the affairs of the city and
of their departments.
Mr. Moss drew Mr.. CrOkers atten-
tim IN an interview in which the Tam
many Hall leader was credited win
saving that the Mazet committee was
"alf q case of spite on the part OF the
Republican members of the Legis'a-
ture."
Mr. Croker said he made that statemcn;
and il was still his opinion. Mr.. Croker
said he had been Interested in the matter
of the Amsterdam Avenue grab" and
also in the matter of the Astoria gas Dill
He had tried TO give the people what they
wanted. lie had introduced the Rev
John p. Peters. one of the leaders of the
Amsterdam Avenue movement, to Senator
Grady, leader of the Democratic minor
ity. Mr. Croker had asked Grady l" d"
what he could. He had not "directei
him.
Mr.. Croker admitted that at meeting
of the executive committee of Tammaav
Hall he had given out the directions INIT
the Tammany members of the muhlci-
pal assembly must pay more attention 20
their work Mr.. Moss tried Ia bring our
that Mr.. Cookers anxiety about the al
legged neglect of business was due 10 the
fact that he wished quick action upon
bridge and building code resolutions
which were before the Assembly. Mr..
Croker said that was not the object of
his directions. Mr. Croker said that lie
had no more control over matters political
..ihan any other citizen who is recognized
and who is liked and who is respected.
DO you know of any other citizen who
has had his wishes respected as you
havea" asked Mr.. Moss.
Some have said Mr.. Croker but he
could not recall their names al the pres
cnt time Others have their influence.
he added. probably not TO such an eX-
tent"
$50 that at the present time your infu-
encc politically is larger than the infiu-
ence of any other man that you know
Off" insisted Mr.. Moss.
81 probably have more" said Mr.
Croker.
Mr.. Croker said that as chairman ot
the finance committee of Tammany Hail
he could not tell anything much abodt
the contribution to the campaign funds.
The finance committee very seldom had 4
meeting. He rendered no account of the
moneys received and disbursed by him as
chairman. All the money received Tor
political use in Tammany passed through
the hands Of John McQuaid. treasurerol
the organization.
Mr. Moss asked if candidates for judi
ciaI office had not contributed amounts
ranging from so. 900 TO $4,000. They have
paid some" said Mr. Croker, but moth
ing like the amount Mr. Moss mentioned.
They might have paid as much as 5000
or 5000
Mr. Croker said the organization as
sessments of candidates was usual bur
not compulsory.
Mr.. Croker said he believed the organ
ization in control shohld have al the
offices in every department, judicial, ex-,
ecutNe. admins trativc.
And that is why you have the emblem
of the tiger who has a large mouth and
Is constantly eaiing?" queried Mr.. Moss.
That was SO when we put yon off the
police force" said Mr.. Croker, grimiy.
Mr.. Moss asked why he had been dis
placed as president of the police board,
and Mr.. Croker replied: II didn't approve
of you politically" Mr.. Moss had done
his work all right he said, but his poll
tics were at fault.
MIR. Croker said his partner in the real
estate business was Peter +. Meyer. who
IN MI tal hp 1nply hoard
Mr.. Moss tried to bring out that judi
cial sales had been given to Cookers real
estate firm on account of the political in
fuence of the witness.
Mr.. Croker said he knew that at the
present time his firm had nearly all of
the judicial sales.
$50 that If you have a controlling voice
in the affairs of the party" asked Mr.
Moss, and secure the nomination of true
men, you may be sure that at least in the
real estate exchange and in the firm nf
Meyer 4 Croker. you Will. as a true Dera-
ocrat, get some of that proft?'
I'VE at least expected to be friendly,
said Mr.. Croker.
Then you are working for Your own
pocket?''
IAN the time, the same as you are.
rpDleu MT. lTOhtT II IL ~ iit pdl ~ D'
longs the spoils," added Mr.. Croker.
And to the boss belongs the lion.
share of the plunder?" sneered Mr.. Moss
NO plumber, no., said Croker. 'fol
can call it whatever you like. Recaus'
men are loyal to us you call that plumber
When you send in your bill for the worl
YOU are doing here for the Legislat ure'
YOU might as well call that plumber.
Again there was clapping of hands an
shouts of Good boy, Croker"
Mr.. Mazet said he would clear the ha'
if the applause again occurred
Mr.. Moss said: Then YOU are workin:
for money largely as boss of Tamman!
IIall?"
NO | do not. | am no boss. insiste,
Mr.. Croker. Il want to get my living.
From plunder?" urged the lawyer.
mo, not from plumber. nor from
spoils, either
Mr.. Croker saw nothing inconsistent
in receiving profits that came through
the appointees of the organization.
Mr.. Cookers examination was tenn
porarily suspended and Wheeler H
Peckham was called He referred I,
his former prosecution of Boss" Tweed
and said the construction of public
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