New-York tribune., 1901-10-11
SHEPARD STILL DODGING.
WON'T DEFEND VAN WICK ADMINS
TRATION, AND SAYS PEABODY HAD
NO RIGHT TO SPEAK FOR
HIM ABOUT DEVERY.


Adroit lodging of the burning issues in the
campaign continues to characterize Edward NJ.
Shepard who still remains in the secusion of
his Congress-st. home, in Brooklyn, and refuses
10 talk politics. He acts like man whose po-
sition is most distastefuI and who. realizing
more and more every day the necessity of his
upholding the Democratic standard, which has
been so badly besmirched in the last four years,
has decided to grin and bear it, but say as little
possible.
He was cornered yesterday afternoon by
group of newspaper men who attended the $50
o'clock reception which he has established for
the reporters of the morning newspapers.
What have you got TO say about the chances
Of Democratic success?" asked.
81 do not intend to make any predictions
replied the candidate. 1T seems to be the gem
eral custom for man running for office to pre-
dict success but shall say nothing to that
from first to last Success is in the hands of the
people"
Then Mr.. Shepard, evidently thinking that he
talking a little too coldly. continued:
But I might say this. that 1 believe the
Democratic party deserves success
Deserves success" inquired reporter do
we understand you TO say that the Democratic
ticket deserves success"
Yes
Then do you believe that the Democratic
party deserves success on the strength or its
record for the last four years."
Mr. Shepard looked much annoyed, and replied
quickly:
Il didn't say that. I didn't say that. Now,
quote me correctly. OF course, I certainly be
lleve that the ticket deserves success. or L
would not be running upon it,
Mr. Shepard again refused to state his position
on Devery.
But George Foster Peabody says that you
are opposed to Devery" said a reporter, and
has made a statement to that effect
Nobody has any right to speak for me in any
political matter" said Mr.. Shepard. mo state
ments of others than myself should be taken as
having any authorization weight whatever
But Mr.. Peabody is known TO he an intimate
friend of your Mr.. shepard.
Il can't help that l have many intimate
friends; some of them are supporting Low; but
none OF them have any right to speak for me-"
Mr. Shepard was at his home most OF the day
Yesterday. except for several hours when he
was away on personal business. Last night he
spent in preparation for his opening speech to-
morrow night at the Academy of Music Yes
terday he refused absolutely to intimate in any
way what issues he should discuss He did
admit however the truth of q statement OF a
friend that he would devote portion OF one
speech to a discussion Of the school question
1t has become plain that great stress Is going
10 he laid upon the fact that Mr.. Shepard is a
BROOKLYN candidate. No attempt VIII he made
to Justify the vicious abuses of the Tammany
Hall administration OF the last four years But
in order to keep peace with the East Side lead
ers an intimation will he given that Mr.. Shepard
will be 'aU right.
MIR. Shepard will be doomed Brooklyn
man. and his necessary alliance with Tammany,
in having accepted the nomination from con
venton dominated by Croker. will be kept in
tho background.
Bridge Commissioner John l. Shea. chairman
of the Kings County Democratic Campaign
Committee said yesterday:
Mr. Shepard is n Brooklyn candidate. He is
running as such. and will come before the voters
as Brooklyn mar. The Brooklyn Democratic
party has always stood for clean government
and clean morals. and the arguments TO be used
in support of Mr.. Shepard's candidacy will of
necessity have to he in line with conditions
prevailing in this borough.
'All that I know about Tammany l have
learned from the newspapers. and am for that
reason perhaps not qualified to speak about IL.
Whether conditions he good or bad in Manhat-
tan. however Brooklyn, / repeat. is clean, and
Mr.. Shepard is Brookyns candidate"
Deputy Police Commissioner York was again
visitor at Mr. Shepards house yesterday. He
has seen more of Mr. Shepard since his Candi-
dacy than any other leader