New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-08-12
C0LER READY TO FIGHT.
PRACTICALLY ADnTTS HE
WILL BE A CANDIDATE.
BELIEF THAT HE has DECIDED TO
THROW DOWN THE GLOVE TO
CROKER-BATTLE TO THE
END EXPECTED.

do not believe that every one opposed to
me believes me to be a coward or n "crOOk."
While L have never been looking for fight
L have never run away from one. and do not
propose to do IL the young men of
Kings County and of the state of New-YOrE
believe 1T is time to test the question as to
whether they have the right exist in
public well private life, and to think
and act for themselves. I not afraid of
the issue.-(Statement of Bird =. COIer sent
to the newspapers.
Controller CoIer has practically admitted that
he will be candidate for the Democratic nomi-
nation for Governor. After a period of uncer-
tainty he spoke Of the matter yesterday in
way that left no doubt in the minds of those
who heard him to his intentions. The i'm
preston which politicians received from his at
titude that if he had to fight to get the
nomination he is ready and willing to do so, and
that, moreover. if he is overwhelmed he will
go down fighting and place the responsibility for
his defeat upon Richard Croker and the Tam
many men who have opposed him. The re-
peated attacks made upon Mr.. Coler from Sara
toga, apparently inspired by Tammany; his re-
cent conferences with ex-senator Hill and the
statements made yesterday by John L. Shea,
chairman Of the Executive Committee of the
Kings County organization. seem to have de-
termined Mr.. Coler to make the announcement
in advance of the convention. When Mr.. Hill
talked with Mr.. Coler on Thursday, it Is known
he urged the Controller to come out and make
the fight Mr.. Coler hesitated at that time.
Mr. Shea. after a talk with Hugh Mclaughlin
at Jamesport, said that Kings County was ia
vorable to Mr.. Coler and that he could have
the support of the Kings County organization
for the nomination if he said the word. The be-
lief is general that if Kings County stood solidly
behind Coler he would be able to win with the
support that he would get up the State, no mat
ter what combinations Croker might try to
make.
TIRED OF THE PERSECUTION!
With this impression so general the politi-
clans looked eagerly to Coler but still he hesi-
tated Then another bitter, Tammany inspired
attack came out of Saratoga, and the Controller
said yesterday: Il sick and tired Of all this
persecution I didn't seek this fight, but if the
fight is put on me I won't run away 1 will be
here to meet it,
''Win you be a candidate for Governor" was
asked.
Mr. Coler replied: ANY young man, or old
man for that matter, who says he will not ac-
oept the nomination for Governor of New-York
belittles himself and belittles the office 1t
seems to have come to a question of whether a
young man can stay in politics. and. that being
the case. why, 1 am not the man TO refuse a
fight I think you can interpret the meaning OF
that"
This statement and that printed at the be-
ginning of this article were taken as direct an
nouncements of the willingness Of the Controller
to be a candidate. 1t is understood that Mr..
Coler has exacted two conditions from his sup
porters before agreeing to this, however. In the
first place it is said he insists upon business
like platform, with opposition to the Ramapo
grab as a strong plank. Aside from this he is
said to ask that he have the united support Of
the Kings County delegation. OF the latter he
is practically sure according to the statements
Of Mr.. Shea Mr.. Shea is close TO Mr.. Coler. Mr..
Shea said yesterday: The Brooklyn organiza-
ton is very friendly toward Mr.. Coer. but we
cannot come out and state our position toward
him until he makes it perfectly plain that he is
willing to become a candidate for the nomina-
ton for Governor At time has the Con-
troller expressed a wish for the nomination, and
until he does we disclaim all reports of having
pledged ourselves TO support him"
Edward NJ Shepard. leader OF the anti-na-
chine Democrats in Brooklyn. also spoke cordi-
ally of Mr.. Coler yesterday. and this was taken
to indicate that if the Controller cared to make
the race he would have the support of both
factions in Brooklyn. The call from up the
State for Mr.. Coer is said to be growing in force
every day. Croker and his followers have tried
to stem the CoIer tide without success. it is de-
cIared here. and are now said to be in an un-
comfortable state of mind over the situation they
have TO face.
In the mean time the Tammany attacks upon
Mr.. Coler continue to come from Saratoga. and
Mr.. Coler's fighting spirit is known to be pretty
we'll aroused. and his friends say he is ready to
give Croker and his followers all the battle they
want.
An intimate personal friend OF the Controller
said yesterday: Mr.. Coler has never been a can
didate for the nomination for Governor. but he
is greatly angered over the attacks that have
been made upon him for political reasons.
Within twenty-four hours he has told his friends
in Brooklyn that he is ready to fight Tammany