New-York tribune., 1901-01-07
FIGHT ON IN TAMMANY.
NIXON SAID TO BE DETERMINED TO
DRIVE NAGLE. SULLIVAN AND EN-
GEL FROM THE ORGANIZATION.

There are surface indications that a bitter
f2ctional war within the ranks of Tammany
Hall has started, ana from what could be
learned yesterday it is evident that there will
be a hard struggle before the trouble is adjusted
From an inside source it was learned last night
that Lewis Nixon, chairman OF the Committee
Of Five appointed TO suppress vice, had
declared that Senator Timothy D. Sui
Ivan, Street Cleaning Commissioner Per-
cival E. Nagle. and Martin Engel leader
Of the With District, must go. The reputa-
ton of these three Tammany leaders is well
known, and Nixon, it is said. looks upon them
three shining targets. Sullivan is credited by
many with being more powerful than the Chief
OF Police any Police Commissioner. II is
commonly believed in the organization that he
can make or break any police Official from Chief
down. He is the one to whom the gamblers
and promoters of illegal resorts appeal when
there is trouble with the police. and what Sulli-
says, in the language Of Tammany. goes
in Mulberry-st." The influence Of Nagle and
Engel is not small
These three men. therefore, cannot be brushed
aside lightly. Before stepping down and out
il is expected they will make fight that will
shake Tammany to its very foundations. On
the other hand, it is said by the friends of Lewis
Nixon that he is determined they must be driven
out Of the organization Mr.. Nixon. it is pointed
out. is much in earnest in trying TO carry out
his plan Of purifying the city. This is said 10
be due in the main 10 his political ambitions.
L is understood that he is exceptionally anxious
20 be nominated for Mayor next year; that he
hopes 70 make record by cleaning UP the city
20 a certain extent, and that he believes the
political overthrow OF the men mentioreo would
be stunning blow to vice in The city and at
the same time give him an impetus in the race
for the Mayoralty nomination.
II was reported last night that Sullivan, Engel
and Nagle knew of Nixon's determination TO
attempt 70 drive them out of power. and that
they have jauntily picked up the gauge Of battle
he has thrown down. They look upon Nixon, it
was said, as a kid glove carpetbagger'' who
has come into the organization, and is trying to
defeat the men who have worked and labored
for its success for years. They say that Nixon
must CO. and Nixon says they must go. and the
battle is on.
The final court of resort viii be Richard
Croker, and there was much speculation as TO
what Croker would do. Some of the more astute
leaders were saying yesterday that Croker
and Nagle. Several reasons were given for this
belief In the first place, il is pointed out that
Iammany faces campaign next year which viii
tax its every resource to win. Croker showed his
alarm when hc called the leaders together and
harangTed them about vice. and had this com
mittee appointed. He wants to have clean
man named next year. and bring the organiza-
ton into the best possible odor upon the vice
issue before election. and If the sacrifice Of
Sullivan, Engel and Nagle will help to win, then
they must go. In the second place. Croker is
personally fond of Nixon, and il is believed ap-
pointed him at the head Of this committee in
order 20 give him a chance TO make name for
himself and secure for him the nomination for
Mayor next year.
An effort was made to see Mr. Nixon last
night but he was sick in bed with the grip. NJ.
Warley Platzeh, when seen at the Democratic
Club, said: This is news to me. l don't know
anything about it.'' 10
Martin Engel was asked about the report and
said banteringly: Say, would like to get out
OF politics. I tried. 20 get out year ago, but
it didn't go. / amt going to be driven out, how
ever ! am a reformer now, like all the rest.
Why, I had a diamond stud that flashed red
light and gave it away"
Tammany men are holding their breath and
say that tight is in sight which will be well
worth watching.