New-York tribune., 1900-05-30
HILL READY IO FIGHT.
TO TAKE UP THE GAUNTLET FLUNG
DOWN BY CROKER


was here simply to make a Memorial Day
speech at the Metropolitan Opera House this
evening and would return to Albany tomorrow
morning. II am here 10 decorate graves and
not to dig any he added somewhat facetiously.
1t was said last night, however. that Mr.. Hill
had come down to consult with the new boss Of
Albany County, Eugene d. Wood. 1t is a we'll
known fact that Wood has unhorsed Judge d.
Cady Herrck in Albany County. and is now
the undisputed boss of that part of the country
and Hills leader Mr.. Hill. however. had moth
ing TO say about this
1t is expected that Hills present visit 10 this
city will be pregnant with matters of moment
to the Democratic party. 1t may he said here
that Mr.. HILL after two days of deep thought
and consultation with his friends has decided TO
take up the gauntlet flung down by Richard
Croker and the Iiveliest kind of a fight is to be
looked for in the coming State Convention.
When Mr.. Hill was seen in his rooms in the
Hoffman House last night he was all smiles and
mystery. He would not say word about what
he intended to do. but from what he said to
friends his attitude is pretty well understood.
CROKER's REPORTED INTENTION.
When Richard Croker declared that he was in
favor Of having the State Convention instruct
the delegates to Kansas City for Bryan he
threw down challenge to Mr. Hill The ex-
Senator has consistently and steadily opposed
any such action. AS matter of fact. politicians
say that Mr.. Croker is not sincere in his declar-
alton for Bryan, but that he believes that moth
ing In the heavens above the earth below can
stop his nomination and that it is best to give
him a sturdy Endorsement and then the finest
political funeral in sight as one expressed it,
for 1t is said Mr.. Croker is convinced that Bryan
cannot he elected
Hill. on the other hand so the politicians say
hopes that he can elect a Governor and Legis-
lature in this State, although Bryan, he says,
will be defeated, and for this reason he wants
conservative State and National platform. and
the fight in the State made largely upon State
issues. This brings about the difference of
opinions as to the instructions to delegates Hill
thinks that if New-York stands aloof and Is
conservative. the Governor and Legislature can
be elected. Croker. it is announced. thinks
that there is no chance to win anything. and
so he is ready to have a rousng smashup to end
Organism once and for all: and incidentally by
his stand he antagonizes. embitters and places
Hill in an embarrassing position This is the
story that was told last night by those who ap
parently are in position to know.
The question now asked is. What attitude Will
the Kings County delegation take in the con-
vention? In this light. two incidents may
be recalled. Recently Senator P. H. McCarren
of Brooklyn, representing Hugh Mclaughlin.
visited Washington and pledged the Kings
County members of Congress to stand against
Bryan. A resolution offered in the Kings Coun-
ty organization only few days ago by Warden
Hayes. calling for the instruction OF delegates
for Bryan was tabled. Hill has been in COM
munication with the Kings County members
within the last two days. and it is said that
Kings County Will oppose the instruction Of dele
gates to Kansas City. There will be $50 votes
in the convention. Tammany will have 100 and
Kings County 63. 1t is said that Tammany has
gained enough votes in Erie Rensselaer,. Chau-
tauqua Ontario, Monroe and other up State
counties to insure majority for the instruction
of delegates. The Kings County delegation, so
it was said last night. will be with Hill a
merry battle is expected in the convention. It
is believed that Mr.. Croker will win, but the
Hill men say that there will be rousing fight
before he gets what he wants.
MR. DANFORTH AND MIR. HILL
Elliot Danforth was expected to meet Mr.. Hill
at the Hoffman House last night. but he did not
do So II is said by friends of Mr.. Hill that the
ex- Senator views with distrust the close rela-
tions now existing between Mr.. Danforth and
Tammany Hail. and that Danforth. formerly one
of Mr. Hills right hand men. will no longer be
trusted with matters of moment.
The delegations from the various Senate dis
tricts at the coming State Convention will elect
members OF the State Committee There are
fifty members of this committee. This COM
mittee is really the Democratic State machine.
Mr. Hills power in past years has always been
largely through domination of this committee.
At the last meeting of the State Committee. ex-
cept one, when il came TO test vote between
Mr. Croker and Mr. Hill upon matter of policy
in ndorsing William j. Bryan. Hill beaten.
This vote dethroned him State leader and
placed Richard Croker in control of the ma
chinery.
1t is now said that MI. Hill is moving every
possible influence to bring about the election
of members of the State Committee at the
coming State Convention who will be favorable
friends say that he will have twenty-eight of
the fifty members of the new committee to be
elected, and the Croker are also claiming
majority. 1t will be interesting to note the
complexion of the committee upon election and
organization, and the first vote when test
comes between the two factions. John F. Cay
nor treasurer of the State Committee so il
said last night, will drop OUT a member
of the committee and treasurer when the
committee is elected
TO OPEN HEADQUARTERS
Mr.. Hill, so 1t learned last night will open
headquarters at the Hoffman House next Sun
day. preparatory to the meeting OF the State
Convention, and line up his forces in antagonisn.
TO Tammany's forces. Mr.. Hill has denied that
he opposed the naming of Augustus Van wyck
as delegate-at-large TO the Kansas City Con
the whole matter to the Brooklyn organization
for settlement. 1t is said that either James Shev-
lin Augustus Van Wyck will be named for
delegate-at-large.
Said friend of Croker last evening in speak
ing of Mr. Hilrs Intentions We have no fear
OF him He has brought with him the same old
tricks that have been threadbare in this
State, and which known TO every nursing
in the political kindergarten"
CRUSHED BY STREETC4RS.