The age-herald., 1901-11-17

the old haunts of the gang and it's one time members will say: "If Quigley had lived there never would a been no Dick Croker
 Quigley had both his legs cut off by a train in the tunnel He laughed when they took him to the hospital. He died in early manhood, a circumstance to which New York is indebted for it's op- portunity to contribute such 8 wealth of unique material in the person of Rich ard Croeker toward history of muni- cipal government in America.
 croker Changes His Faith.
 That part of New York city which up to 1867 was the scene of Richard Croker's struggles and triumphs has long been noted as the most famous Catholic par ish in the United States.
 James O'Brien was at this time the political leader of the district. He had been chosen alderman by a large ma jority and when Richard Croiser conclud- ed that he, too would be an alderman, 1t was but proper to consult Leader O Brien. Accordingly. delegation waited upon
 hat gentleman. This was early in 1867. The delegates were led by Barnard Cos tello and Ed" McCabe. The peculiar qualifications of Richard Croker for membership on the board of aldermen of the city Of New York were duly set forth | and MT. o'Brlen was requested to indorse | them.
 | MT. OBrien. while not denying the validity of the arguments presented to 1 him, found an insuperable obstacle fin the l objectionable know nottingham with 1 which the name of Croker was connect ed. The delegation declared that their 1 candidate belonged to no religion, but | Leader OBrien answered that there had | been too much feeling aroused over the matter. Finally. after much pestertng, l he explained: "The only way your man | Inc Ia fO fnft the Catholic church. You know your selves what this ward is. and that an Orangeman can never be elected to any office. on any ticket in It."
 Mir. O'Brien often afterward declared that he never dreamed that his words would be taken seriously but that night Richard Croker joined the Cethoais church. That Is, he Joined is after a fashion of his own. Alderman OBrien was completely nonplused when the news was brought to him a few days later. There was nothing for 1t but to obliRe Crokers friends by nominating him. For | the next few weeks the leader Of the Fourth avenue tunnel gang swung about | the Twenty first ward in the new and interesting character of a convert and zealous upholder of the church.
 In 1867 he was 'converted" Dr. Mo- 1 Giynn, when asked a few years ago about the matter, said: ''I remember MT. | Crokers case. He was Protestant, but it seemed only natural that he should 1 change his belief. for all his associates 1 were Catholics, and at the time l e. ', ceived him into the church he was en- gagged to be married to a most estimabie young Catholic lady. I baptized him not long before his marriage-how long can not say, for I am speaking from mem ory. John Kelly was the best man at the wedding"
 Croker was elected alderman. and at l the expiration of his term reelected. He was moving along rapidly when of a sud den there came tragedy which threat | ened to end his career In a political | brawl in 1874 one of the disputants, & man l named McKenna, was shot and killed. The murder of McKenna was committed on election day. and in his dying state ment to the police he said: Dick Croker shot me-" Croker was arrested, indicted by the grand jury, and tried before Jus tice Bartlett. The prosecution offered no proof of guilt and there was mis
 trial, the jury voting six for acquitta
 and six for conviction The jury wal discharged, and later noile proedui wal