The evening times., 1899-01-07
GENERAL POLITICAL GOSSIP
Richard, Croker and Colonel Bryan


Politicians today are commenting upon
the fact that while Mr.. Bryan, the late
nominee of the Democratic party for
President, was delivering speech out IN
Cincinnati against the policy of expan-
sion Mr.. Croker was handing cut signed
statement in New York advocating ex-
pansion. 1t is quite apparent that Mr..
Bryan will not have the support OF Mr..
Croker and Tammany Hall for the Demo-
cratic Presidential nomination next year.
Mr.. Croker is more experienced politi-
clan than Mr.. Bryan. AS political man
ager he has very few mistakes charged
up against him. Mr.. Croker's judgment
as rule has been accurate, and poiiti
clans, whether they agree with hum or
not, have learned to have a wholesome re-
spect for his opinions.
Mr.. Croker managed the Democratic
campaign in New, York last fall and some
people claim that obut for that fact Col.
Roosevelt would have been defeated. This
opinion is not shared by Mr. Croker's op-
ponents in the Republican camp. 1t is
pointed out that u,idsr Mr.. Croker's guild
ance the Republican plurality of over
100000 rolled up for Governor Black in
1896, was cut down to less than $4,000;
also that me-, gain of thirteen represen-
tatives in Congress, was made, and the Re-
publican majority i4 both branches of the
legislature was substantially reduced. Mr..
Croker's judicial ticket, against which a
dead set was madel by the reform element,
was elected by heavy majority.
1.-The only thing that saved u.s." said
chairman Odell, of lthe New York Repub-
lican State committee, was the man on
horseback and the, war sentiment. With
any other candidate than war hero we
would have been badly beaten"
The real significance of Mr.. Croker's s
signed statement, as viewed by the states
men in Washington. is that it means that
Mr.. Croker has decided 10 enter the field OF
national politics, and proposes TO take d
hand in helping to shape the future policy
of the Democratic party. Heretofore MIR
Croker has confined his efforts within the
limits OF New York State. Mr. Croker's
progress as national leader will be watch
ed with interest. In this connection Mr.
Crokers S recent tour to Chicago aud
through the South and West appears sig
nificant. He has been engaged for some
time back, it is said, in organizing a COM
bination TO control the Democratic Presi-
Dental nomination in 1900. Mr.. Croker's
ability as an organizer has been demon
strated in the past He has struck a key
note in coming out for expansion 1t is
believed that Col. Bryan and his friends
are destined to have very rude awaken
ing before another year rolls around.
Mr.. Croker's dictum that silver is a
dead issue will meet with general dissent
from the rank and file of the Democratic
party. Tammany men in Washing gton
who are in Mr.. Croker's confidence, how
ever, declare that he does not mean to
have his statement regarding silver taken
literally His idea is that silver and all
other issues will have to be subordinated
long a nSin ha
that 1t Will be folly and a waste of time
to talk about anything else until the ex-
panson question is definitely settled and
out of the way.
Who Is CrOker's Dark Horse.-
From an inside source 1t is learned that
Mr. Croker has been advising the taking up
of some strong figure of the recent war
with Spain and making him the Democratic
standard bearer next year for President
He is known TO have expressed a decided
preference for Admiral Dewey. Efforts are
now making, it is understood, quietly. 10
ascertain Admiral Dewey's sentiments on
the subject. In the ordinary course of
events Admiral Dewey will go onto the re-
tired list next December and after that he
will be free to enter the political arena il
he feels SO inclined.
AS 10 AdInlral Dewey politics, very
little is known. Both parties claim him.
AS naval officer he has naturally had
very little TO do with politics The
chances are that ne has probably never
voted more than once or twice in his life,
and only then when he was a very young
man. Dewey" Mr.. Croker is quoted as
saying, will be a good enough Democrat
for us If he will accept the Democrat: c
nomination" Failing to persuade the
hero of Manila Bay to enter the polit cal
field. Mr.. Croker and his friends will scan
the list of other war heroes. If Major
Gen. Joe Wheeler did not come from the
South. it is said that he would be Mr..
Croker's second choice after Dewey 10
make the Democratic race for the Presi-
dency next year. 1t Will be absolutely
necessary, in his Judgment, for the Demo-
cratic party TO put up war hero if it
| hopes to stand any chance of winning the
Presidential battle in 1900
In the meantime tie Republican leaders
ere hoping and praying that Mr. Bryan
will be the nominee of the Democratic
| party for President next year and upon a
platform declaring against expansion