Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-01-25
CROAKING OF CROKER.

CR0AklN6 0F CROKER.
Analysis of the interview given out
by Richard Croker, in New York, last
Friday, will prove more or less inter-
esting, because it is not without certain
significance as to the probable future
course of the Democratic party, espe-
cially in New York.
Before entering into the subject, it
will be we'll enough to call attention to
the fact that Mr.. Croker has never
posed as a statesman or patriot; but
only a political boss. His business is
to control the Tammany organization,
pull wires, put puppets in office and
get his pay out of whatever spoils may
be had from the assessment of the sal
aries of municipal servants and rebates
on the contract prices allowed for
various jobs. He is patriot strictly
for the money that is in it, and wher-
ever Croker is, it is safe to assume that
the spoils hamper is also close in the
vicinity.
During the last national campaign,
Mr.. Croker was in England. He had
not gone there exactly for the purpose
of lodging the Democratic platform
The principal object of his trip was to
be out of reach of possible prosecution
by the Lexow investigating commission
sometime before, and although all dan
ger on this account had blown over
before the campaign came along, Mr..
Croker did not desire to take part in
the battle. 1t was for that reason that
be continued to hold aloof. He knew
that if he should attempt to bury him
self in time of danger as did Senator
Hill, he would have remained buried.
But now the clouds have rolled by
somewhat. Halfway between the last
great battle and the next one, the peo-
pie are calm and disposed to give due
consideration to any and everything
that might be said. The metropolitan
newspapers have assured their readers
ii me and again that the free coinage
dragon is dead, and insidious efforts
are being persistently made to relegate
Mr.. Bryan to the rear. 1t looks as if
Mr.. Croker is trying with the same
"courage" that he exhibited in the last
campaign, now while there is no ap-
parent danger, to assist in the work.
Listen at him:
"If this silver question comes up
again before the people, the moneyed
men of the east will look for invest
ment outside the United States, the
banks elsewhere will not be able to
borrow, and the poor will be the suf-
ferers."
A brave threat this, is it not? 1t is
likely that the banks will do just as
Mr.. Croker says but it will be only
for short while. If free coinage
conquers, as we believe it will some
day, the banks of the east will be glad
enough after while to again establish
amicable relations with the balance of
the country. Then again:
"The free silver issue is merely q
local issue. In the sections where
silver will benefit the residents, it is
but natural for them to declare for 16
to l."
All unwittingly Mr.. Croker has
told truth that speaks volumes. He
is liberal enough to admit "that in
sections where silver will benefit the
residents, etc." True. Right here is
the secret of the whole quarrel, and
taken in connection with the threat
about the banks, we have both sides of
the issue. The banks of the east are
opposed to free coinage because it is
against their interest, and the entire
balance of the country wants free
coinage because free coinage will be of
benefit. Yes; that is exactly the sit
uation, and Mr.. Richard Croker
would have the entire country yield
tamely to the New York and other
eastern bankers and submit to what
ever these bankers might consider to
be their interests.
Liberal, indeed, is Mr.. Croker. Yes,
very liberal. If he is permitted to
have his own way, he promises to be
thoroughly agreeable. But, under the
circumstances, we do not believe the
balance of the country is going to ac-
quiesce. We do not believe that it is
the general opinion that the silver
question is dead. 1t is true that the
vast majority of the voters were
knocked out one way and another, two
years ago, and they may be knocked
out again; but it will not be exactly
the same way. The Democrats have
learned some of the tricks that were
practiced two years ago, and will be
able to forestall them next time.