New-York tribune., 1901-12-06
CROKER IN DELMOUR'S EYES
AN ECSTATIC TRIBUTE TO A MISUNDER-
STOOD AND MALIGNED BOSS.

Richard Croker was so hurt yesterday over the
scepticism with which his announcement that he
intended to retire from the leadership of Tammany
Hail had been received that he relapsed into deep
silence Mr.. Croker at the club yesterday
morning. had nothing to add 10 what he had
already said exceot 10 complain that he had been
misouoted on one matter. He was quoted as saying
that he had intention of resigning as chairman
of the finance committee of Tammany Hall unless
kicked out He said he had used no such express
sion He had nc idea of retiring from that post
As that office with it the practical leader
ship Of Tammany Hall, all Mr.. Crokers talk about
retiring as leader can be put down as mere moon
shine All he contemplates is a long rest He wants
get away from the opportunities OF poverty
stricken Tammanyites for the two years when there
is no patronage to cole He will be back when
another municipal campaign is to be waged' reaay
to take hold having allowed Tammany to weather
its own starvation season, while he rolls in luxury
in England. enjoying the rural delights OF vantage
and the sport of the English racetracks.
Daniel f. Mcmahon. chairman of the executive
committee of Tammany Hall said yesterday that
no date had yet been set for the next meeting OF
the committee. 1t would probably be in January,
about the middle of the month At this meeting
Croker will address the leaders and get ready 1or
mis- long vacation. Arrangements will be MADE LOT
one. probably John F. Carroll, TO look a1Ier
affairs of the organization while Croker Is
away. Carroll knows and every Tammany leader
knows that Carroll is to be only recess BOSS ana
Croker will be back when there is anything TO be
made out of being here.
Larry DelmOur. of the Oldest leaders OF
Tammany and one of Crokers most intimate
and supporters. shed bitter tears yesterday
over Croker's temporary retirement Delmour Is
the man who once wished he could take ten years
off his Own life and add il to that of Croker he
was at the club when ne gave vent 10 the following
Our chief Is getting out He means every Wor9
he said, and il is shame to doubt his WORD ana
make ii appear that he is shamnfnS. croker
his stock in trade. and ever caught him In
a lie He is the best man that ever has lved on
this earth. He has equal and never VIII nave
equal ] would say this and repeat 1t ana re-
peat il If il took the last breath out OF my BODY
/ have known him for forty-siN years-as a boy,
a a youth. a man. and have never known him
to do a mean dshonorable act. He has been
vilified and abused more than any man. and with
less reason. His record is spotleSs, as pure as
snow. There is record like IL in the history OF
the world.
when Croker is dead and gone-then. oh then.
when 1t is late-the people will begin to under
stand him. All yesi ii will be too iate-too late!'
Then they will know how noble how good he is.
and how unjustly he has been treated. Yes, and
then they will regret it-but their regret will come
too late
"A worthy successor of Croker can never be
found There is nobody in out of Tammany Hall
who take his place He possesses all the quail
ties of n born leader, and he has used his genius
peopler That the motto that guided him from
hoyhood. He never forgot Temptations came He
scorned them. How can serve the peopie?' That
the only question that ever concerned him, and
peoples good. No: he will never have successor
OF course somebody will have TO take the place of
leader but he will not be Croker's successor. No
body could be worthy Of that name"