Hutchinson gazette., 1899-04-20
CROKER IN A TIGHT PLACE.
Tho Tammany Leader Before an
Investigating Committee.
HE SAYS INVESTIGATE pLATT.


ON stand. Mr. Moss recalled the asser-
tion made by Mr., Croker that II u
should DO proved that hc had ever re.
celved any dishonest money from the
city he would allow his right arm TO
be cut of.
"Are you willing to make the prop
osltion that II dishonorable money or
dishonorable transactions are laid at
your door, you will part with your
fortune aud with your liberty?' asked
Mr.. Moss,
Eyes, said Mr., Croker,
'That Is more to the point and more
TO the purpose" " replied Mr. Moss,
go on and examine Mr. Platts
firm" Mr., Croker said hotly land lind
out what his boys are In II you want
bo honest You go and examine tie
people who brought you here TO cx-
anime us, That is the gentleman (Mr.
Platt) who puts you here to examine
u.s. You go and examine his firm.
They are at the foundation OF al. the
corruption In this city,
~ say that there Is more corrup-
tion in that firm to-day than any
where else, and 1t is run by all or
mostly all the corporations in this
state, You go and examine that firm
now to be fair, and bring their books
here,
Mr. Moss said the matter Mr., Croker
had spoken OF was In no way coz
cerned with tho local government
"You make that matter In any way
pertinent to this inquiry and will
examine into II" said the lawyer
"The committee will throw 1t off,"
retorted Croker.
Mr. Croker continued TO declaim
against the Platt influence and tho
Platt Arm. He said Platt's firm was
to pay Mr. Moss fee.
Continuing, he said; "Mr Platt's
firm are taxing all the corporations
by retainer. They could not get the
city departments; the city would MT
give that TO them. The people put us
in charge Of the city departments and
we are responsible to the people for
them You 6nd one of the city do.
partments or any one in the city de-
partment who is doing wrong and tell
me and will be one of the 6rst per-
sons to help get them out"
Mr.. Croker said he was not afraid of
convictiug himself or Of incriminating
himself but thought there was no law
or reason for Mr. Moss to come down
here and examine into his private af-
fairs
Mr., Croker declined TO talk regard
ing his financial circumstances when
no returned from Europe in 1907. 1t
was, he said, his personal affair. The
same reason was given for refusing TO
answer the question II he had given
his son, Frank, $1,000 to 60 into the
Roebliug Construction company.
while my son has been in the Roe
bling company said Mr., Croker, ut
has never received contract from
the city, so that it does not concern
this committee at ALL"
With warmth Mr.. Croker added! ~
have the utmost confidence In that
boy, and II you can destroy him in
the city, as you are working to do
this committee, 1t seems, has made
set against my two sons-and If you
can destroy him and not allow him to
go into business, | suppose you will
do so"
Mr.. Croker denied that an investi-
CATION in the elevated road had been
ordered with the object Of compelling
1t to allow the stringing Of air and
power pipes along its structure.
Again and again Mr.. Croker refused
to tell of his relations with companies.
1--WE have n right to know how a
man who controls the municipal ac-
tions is able to go and put his hand on
business men and put their stock in
his pocket for nothing. You dare not
say that you have not done 1t, do
you2" said Mr. Moss.
"Dare2" said Mr. Croker, his eyes
flashing, then in quieter tones he add
ed "No, won't tell my private af-
fairs" and Mr.. Moss said:
"You dare not. Isn't II a fact, Mr..
Croker, that simply because you are
the leader Of Tammany hall and be-
cause, as such leader, you control the
city departments, you have been taken
into the Autotruck company and
given a large amount Of stock to Sc
cure your inAuenceP"
Mr., Croker laughed. "No," he said,
''you are away Oft.
Mr.. Croker said that he was u prac.
tlcal locomotive builder He was not
worth million dollars. Mr.. Croker
declined to answer when asked II he
was not given $4,000 of the auto
truck stock without the payment of a
dollar.
In reply to a question as to the con.
trek Of street franchises, Mr.. Croker
placed the responsibility upon the city
departments
Mr.. Croker raid he didn't interfere
in patronage II never ask for u
place for poison" he declared,
Sometimes they make it worth
your while not to object, don't theyP"
asked Mr., Moss.
"No, sir;" said Mr.. Croker.
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