The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-23
PLANNING TO GUST CROKER
SECRET MEETING HELD At HOTEL
MISHI1T1S YESTERDAY.

Democrats of Eminence Behind a Move
mont to Check the Power of tho Boss
of Tammnny Hail-Thoy Believe That
He Is Already Unpopular with the Rank
and File and That There VIII Be Rush
to Support Organized Opposition to Him.
Twenty Democrats who are opposed to the
methods employed by Richard Croker and his
advisers In the management OF Tammany Hall
met last evening at the Hotel Manhattan for
the purpose Of forming an organization to fight
him. Among them were ex-Justice Joseph F.
DAILY. ex-Congressman Edward Dunphy. Roger
A. Pryor. DR.. William II. Pryor. sons OF
ex-Justice Roger A. Pryor OF the Su-
preme Court. now senior partner In
the law firm Of Pryor and Truax. Assembly
man Lyman W. Redington OF the Thirty-fourth
district who aroused the wrath OF the leaders
Of Tammnny by supporting the Astoria Gas
bill at the last session OF the Legislature. and
Andrew A. Mccormick. manager OF the Broad
way Theatre. The meeting was held In the
board room in the annex to the hotel, and
every effort was made by those who attended
1t to keep 1t secret.
The movement which resulted In last nights
meeting was started last summer by num-
Der Of Democrats. who believed that Mr..
Cookers methods OF management would re-
suit In harm to Tammany Hall and the party
organization generally. Tho men who began
the work spent great deal OF time In visiting
Democrats who. they believed. would be glad
OF an opportunity to make a stand against the
present leaders OF Tammany The en-
couragemsnt which they received was
30 great that IL was decided to
call a meeting for the purpose OF forming an
organization. The first meeting was held
several weeks ago and no hint OF Its delibera
tons was permitted to become public. 1t ad
journed until last evening and the Intervening
time was occupied in consultations in which
the advice OF number OF the most eminent
Democrats in the city was obtained. While
these conferences were In progress an effort
was made to learn the true feeling among the
active workers In the Tammany organization.
According to one OF the mon who has
taken a deep interest In the movement. it
was found that many Democrats OF national
reputation were heartily In favor OF the pro-
jectsd movement. and pledged to II their hearty
support. The names OF these mon will be made
public probably next week. At the Same time
enough was learned OF the sentiment OF great
many members and workers In Tammany Hall
to Justify tho projectors OF the movement In
the belief that II an organization composed
OF Democrats OF recognized standing in
the community was formed. 1t would
draw heavily on the vote upon which
Tammany relies. These facts were
laid before the gentlemen who met last even
ing at the Manhattan. Letters from several
prominent Democrats we're read endorsing
the movement. Among them we're communi-
cations from several mon well known in the
Wall street district. who assured the men be-
hind the plan OF their hearty support and good
will. and pledged themselves to aid the new
association with every means in their power
The men In the low movement believe that
Mr.. Croker Is unpopular among the rank and
file In Tammany Hall, and that II It Is demon
strated that leaders can be found to push a
fight against him. he can be displaced from the
head OF the organization. They believe that
this was dem onstrated in the primary fights
In the Ninth and the Thrty-flrst Assem-
hly districts last Tuesday. whom Mr..
Cookers private secretary. Thomas F.
Smith. and Charles Welde. who had the
active support OF Peter F. Meyer. Mr.. Cookers
real estate partner. we're beaten. They think
that with this practica illustration OF the power
OF the enrolled Democrats to select their own
leaders fresh in their minds. II will be pos
sible to convince them that they can serve
their best interests by voting against the
Croker candidates at the electionlln November.
and eectng to office mon who have the en-
dorsement OF Democrats OF reputation.
In arranging for the now organization it's
projectors have consulted men OF every party
opposed to Tammany Hall methods. At the
conferences which have been held there have
been representative mem bers OF the Chicago
Platform Democracy. which has formed State
organization. based on Senate district organi-
cations in forty-six out OF the fifty districts.
members OF the new Labor party. men promi-
nent In the Reform Club. officers OF the Social
list Labor party and leaders OF the Cltizena'