New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-13
RICHARD CROKER'S VIEWS
HE EXPECTS THE TRUST ISSUE TO
LOOM UP PROMINENTLY.
THE TAMMANY CHIEFTAIN DEFENDS MA
CHINE POLITICS. AND SAYS CIVIL
SERVICE Is A HINDRANCE TO
MUNICIPAL, AFFAIRS

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.
Richard Croker probably enjoyed himself as
we'll as anybody on the st. Paul. He unpre-
tentious and democratic in his manners He af-
fected no airs and made no attempt TO be exclu-
sive. While he did not speak TO strangers with
out being first addressed he was willing enough
to chat on general topics with any passenger
who struck UP acquaintance. Much OF the
time, however. he perambulated the deck alone
or sat curled up IN his deck chair. Politics he
did not care 10 discuss but thrust the subject
upon him several times.
The prospects for Democratic success next
year are very bright" he said, in answer TO
questions Il think that the trust issue will loom
up largely. The management OF the war will be
another thing; there is strong feeling that the
war has been too long protracted. and that
many lives and much money have been need
lessly wasted. And the expansion policy will
come in for some attention"
But many Democrats not in favor OF
what seems TO be the party policy against ex-
psnsion."
And many Republicans against expan-
sion," was his prompt rejoinder
WHO will be the Democratic nominee for
President next year,
Don't know. / suppose the Republicans will
renominate Mckinley"
SAYS MACHINE POLITICS ARE THE BEST.
itics asked Mr.. Croker II ne had read The
City Wilderness" by the Rev. Robert A. Woods
Of Boston, in which the author purports TO give
a description OF how political machines are oper
ated
Il haven't read IT," Mr., Croker replied What
does he know about 1t. anyway? Machine poll
tics are the best for the people
"In what way"
Because through an organization-a machine
II you like to put 1t that way-the people get
what they want. No machine can exist long II 1t
gets out Of touch with the people. The leaders In
each district elected by the people Of that
district, and when they lose touch with the peo-
pie and their wishes their days are numbered
And 1t is right that these leaders, chosen by the
people and having their confidence. should be
appointed to office. That is the idea Of repre-
sentative government. Of our form OF govern
mont. isn't IT, to put into office the men that the
people want TO see there? You can't conduct a
political campaign, sustain party run any
kind Of government without a machine. and
every machine must have a head. Now. this
clergyman you spoke Of: II his church didn't
have an organization-a machine-to look after
its affairs, how long do you suppose 1t would
last? Doesn't the choir require a machine with
somebody at Its head? And. as a matter Of fact
isn't the same thing true in every business?
Every newspaper office Is organized like ma
chine. with somebody in charge. and 30 It is with
banks. stores, etc This talk about machine pol
itics comes mostly from people who don't know
anything at all about the matter, and who don't
stop 10 give 1t a thought"
What do you think about the Mazet Com
mittee?"
"Oh, l don't think anything at all about It,"
Mr. Croker answered, utterly without anger. but
In a tone indicating contempt They can run
along just long as they please. go far as am
concerned guess they won't hurt anybody but
themselves"
What DO you suppose they're driving at?'
Haven't the slightest idea
CROKER ON CIVIL SERVICE.
What do you think about the English system
Of Civil Service?"
''I don't know anything about how II works In
England but It doesn't suit us. In fact. Civil
Service interferes with the efficiency of
municipal governments. Take Controller Coler's
office as an example. The Controller is under
heavy bonds for the honest and faithful per-
formance of his duties. He should be able TO
select assistants In whom he has confidence
men whose ability and character he knows-but
whom he knows nothing. And Civil Service
hampers the promotion Of good men-men who
have shown themselves in every way deserving
OF advancement. but who are blocked because
OF inability to pass theoretical examination
Some Of the best practical men. the men most
useful and competent to do the work in the
various departments. are barred because they
cannot pass examinations which generally do
not show a mans fitness for the actual work to
be done In a limited way Civil Service may do
wa,l enough but as applied in wholesale and
,ndiscriminate manner It is positive hindrance
% the proper management OF municipal affairs
7 o, any business man stop to think 1t over. and
no will! appreciate the force Of this Let him
,,,oo cine how he'd get along IL he had to take as
aaa,s,onts or clerks men who passed certain
domination. having no bearing, perhaps. on the
,,or, IN be done. And the government OF
municipality is a business in when the omciais