Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-12
SUBPOENA pLaTT,v SAYS CROKER.
"Ramapo Bill Could Not Have Passed
without His Aid"
New York WORLDLY

new YORK WOrid.)
1t was by no means restful Sunday for
Richard Croker
The day began for the Tammany boss
at $50 o'clock z. NJ, when he arose at
the Democratic Club. dressed in haste,
swallowed a cup of coffee. and started
for st. Patrick's Cathedral. There he
attended early mass in back seat.
Returning TO the Democratic Club, he
breakfasted frugally and alone. Then he
read the morning papers. marking GER
tain articles for the scissors of his pri-
vate secretary.
When asked If Tammany would en-
dorse Perez Stewart If he were nomi-
mated. Mr.. Croker replied:
well, If he is a Democrat. / should
not be surprised If We did" He added,
hastily. as if regretting the confidence:
you see, l am just back from my lit
tie vacation, and my programme is not
completed yet.
WILL BE WILLING TO CONFER
However" he continued, after long
pause. III the leaders Of the Citizens
Union desire to consult the leader Of
Tammany Hall we will be willing"
Then came the tritrIte 10 Messrs. Hola-
han and Dalton, Of Ramapo notoriety.
Il have known Mr.. Holahan for many
years" said Mr.. Croker, "and / know
him to be absolutely honest. IL he sup
ported this RamapO scheme he did it
without any Interior motive. 1t is the
same with William Dalton. who is
thoroughly honest city official II there
is anything crooked in Ramapo, Tam
many will find it out. We will investi-
gate this scheme, and the offenders shall
be punished"
Il suppose you know that Frank Platt
has been sdbpoenaed by the Mazet COM
mittee in connection with the Ramapo
scandal?" suggested a reporter.
Eyes, I have seen 1t stated I'm the pa
pers." said Mr.. Croker, smiling grimly.
But why don't the committee get at
the head OF the whole Ramapo business?
Why don't they subpoena the man who
work the Job through the Legislature?"
Mr. Croker laughed.
1T is a well-known fact" he resumed,
that the Ramapo scheme could not have
been worked through the Legislature but
for the backing Of Thomas c. Plat. Don't
you think 1t would be a good plan for the
Mazet committee to examine Thomas G..
Platt?"
you know that General Tracy was
deeply interested in Ramapo. and that he
and Silas r. butcher were members Of
the Charter Commission. Tracy and
butcher stand very close to Senator
Plat. I have been told. Funny, isn't it?'
Mr.. Croker then switched abruptly TO
rapid transit.
CALLS 1T "wHALENS SCHEME.
mo. cannot discuss Whalen's scheme
now" said he in reply 10 reporter
question. in fact, / have not seen
Whalen since my return, and hardly IN
derstand his proposition. But I favor
and will continue 10 favor any kind OF
rapId transit. whether underground or
surface. that the people want. am
ready to support any practicable ana
feasible scheme"
Els the city financially able to build
an underground rapid-translt systemT
was asked.
II think soonest certainly" was the
reply.
In fact" continued Mr.. Croker delibe-
rately. the city should own all fran
chises-every one of them"
Croker would not discuss the Sheehan
meeting OF Saturday night, In which ne
was handled without gloves by the
speakers. "Bahi Abuse Is not IN my
line" said he, II will not have any
thing TO say in these district squabbles.'
/ Mr.. Croker announced that he would
take charge Of the coming campaign IN
person. beginning the second week IN
| October.