New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-17
FITZPATRICK A SCAPEGOAT.
Ram CROKER ABUSED SAID TO BE ONE
OF THE CLEANEST IN TAM
MANY HALL.

TNere were few persons yesterday who be-
lieved for a moment, that the Tammany organi-
cation is sincere in this movement. The Rev.
Dr. Paddock. rector of the Pro-CathedraI. and
the one who interested Bishop Potter in starting
the vice crusade. said:
I'VE shall watch developments down here
closely and hope the improvements promised are
at hand Knowing the situation thoroughly
as do it is hard sometimes to remain quiet
asnd keep the situation to ourselves. But it alb
noiutely is necessary to do so at this time, and
We are certain that the wisdom Of our course
VEL be recognized when the situation clears"
A friend Of Mr.. Paddock said that Mr. Croker
1ecture to his leaders would not affect in any
way Bishop Potter's plans
The Bishop was directed to protest to the
ArFor by the Diocesan Convention" he said.
'end he will do it. This action on the part of
Mr.. Croker VIII have effect whatever. The
Bishops course thus far has been very wise. He
has made mistake by delaying his protest"
James B. Reynolds, at the University Settle
ment, thought 1t odd that Mr.. Croker. who might
know much. should have displayed so little
information.
Mr.. Reynolds paused a moment, then he said:
why didn't the policemen that solicited
arrest these insulting women? Were they afraid
10 do so? If they afraid, were they not
afraid of the very protection of which Croker
should know? And why is il that the only dis
trict leader selected by Mr. Croker was this poor
old chap Fitzpatrick who is at the head of a
district much less worthy Of criticism than other
districts. both in the East and West sides of the
city? Fitzpatrick is seventy years old
He has recently lost his Wife and is greving
over his loss constantly. He has the reputation
OF being one OF the cleanest, most honest dis
trict leaders in Tammany Hall, who never has
been connected with either gambling resorts or
houses Of prostitution. A friend OF the Coroner
called on me this forenoon, and he said: This is
Crokers way Of getting rid of a faithful old
man.. Now. if Mr.. Croker had made his attack
on the leader of the With or the With or
the Xth Assembly District and had repri-
manded him there would have been at least
some appearance of sincerity and appropriate
ness
Does 1t not appear strange that after this
thing has been in existence for three years
growing more obnoxious every day, and in spite
Of any appeal or complaint which private cfti-
zen might make, until every man. woman and
child in the district knows all about it. that now
MI Croker should come forward and have a
committee appointed TO see If vice does exist
and report to Tammany Hall? 1t would be as
reasonable for Mr. Croker in discussing the
question of building East River bridge
first to appoint a committee to inquire whether
or not there was river to bridge
The appointment Of this committee is a very
clever move. The committee will give Mr..
Croker time to leave the country, and will like
wise decide to who is to be the scapegoat
But viii IL bring William S. Devery to trial?
He should be the first man to be called 70
account"