New-York tribune., 1901-02-24

terday. II one-haIf the story is true Murphy
is guilty Of one Of the blackest pieces OF political
treaehery on record Several weeks ago the
Committee Of Five. which consists OF Commits
StonerS Nixon. Keller and CIausen, NJ Warley
Platzek and Commissioner Murphy. discovered
that Chief DeveTy was the man around which
revoIved the Tammany system of protected vice.
Al that time they issued a statement in which
they publicly declared that Devery was respOn-
sible for the existence of gambling houses and
pOoirooms in the city. and that he could close
them all within forty-eght hours If he desired.
AS the time drew near for the Police bill 70
become a law, the Committee of Five discussed
candidates, and finally MessTs. Keller, Platzek
and Clausen suggested that Mayor Van WyCk
oe urged 10 appoint Commissioner Murphy, one
OF their own number. Commissioner Nixon dis
Sented mildly. but the others went ahead and
spoke TO the Mayor. John F. Carroll heard of
u. and in the course of day or two assented
70 the proposition. but he urged that the recon-
mendation be made official" that Is. that all
Of the Committee of Five recommend Murphy
Nixon stood out. The bill became law. Mayor
Van WyCk on WashinSton's Birthday sneaked
into his office in the City Hall without attract
ing attention. appointed Michael G.. Murphy the
Commisstoner-Chief, and then came the star act
OF the whole peTfOrmanCe-the thing that dazed
NIXON Keller and Platzek-the appointment of
Devery as first deputy
BefOre Murphy's name was suggested TO the
Mayor the Commissioner was particularly
sounded on the unfitness of Devery. and the
other committeeman said yesterday that Murphy
spoke strongly against Devery and gave them
10 understand that Devery would be run out of
the Department soon possible.
THE FIVE KEEP AWAY FROM MURPHY.
When they heard Friday evening Of Murphy's
appointment Of Devery they could not believe it,
Mr. Nixon started from his house yesterday
with the intention Of demanding an explanation
from Murphy but after he consulted with Mr.
Platzek he didn't go to see M Murphy at all.
and as far as could be learned last night none
Of the Committee Of Five have called on Murphy
AS matter Of fact the Purifiers will not know
just where they stand. whom to lean upon.
till they hear from Richard Croker IL Croker
indorses the appointment Of Devery. then they
will know that Croker himself has deserted
them
versaton between Richard Croker and Mr.
Nixon at the time the Committee of Five was
appointed Mr.. Nixon said in substance. among
other things.
Il don't want 10 be chairman OF this commit
tee. Work Of this kind Is dlstasteful to me. But
II / take it. / want IL understood that there
must be no hauling off. I will not consent to go
on unless there is an understanding that we go
to the bottom Of this vice business. matter
who is hurt
Mr.. Croker told Mr.. Nixon that he would have
the support Of himself and the Tammany or
sdhlIauoh' ana 10 go rlght ahead. With this
POSITIVE understanding Mr. Nixon and his assO-
ciates accepted appointment. and the rest is a.
matter Of recent local history.
Mr.. Platzek said yesterday that he had abso-
lutte confidence in Murphy, but il was noticed
that he did not call on him. AT the same time
he denounced the appointment Of Devery.
good many people wondered how he could har-
mOnize the two statements
Commissioner Keller is understood to take the
bitter dose administered by Mayor Van Wyck
and Commissioner Murphy more quietly. He has
advised Mr. Nixon TO curb his temper and wait
till he hears from Croker before saying too
much. Up 20 a late hour last night nothing had
been heard from the man at Vantage.
Tammany politicians predict that Croker will
stand by the gang" and let Nixon and his asso-
ciatas make the best OF IL.
There was a smoker az the Democratic Club
last night. Mayor Van Wyck was there in even-
ing dress. He refused TO discuss the appoint
ment of DeveTy or anything else When ap-
preached he would wave both hands in the air
nj E1ik aY1y
There We're many groups Of persons about the
club discussing the situation. prominent
member OF the club and stanch friend Of Mr..
Croker. who refused % be quoted or have his
name used. said that the appointment OF Dew
cry would cause Mr.. Croker 70 come back 10
this country earlier than he expected He said
the appointment Of Devery not authorized
by Mr. Croker. but that John F. Carroll was au-
thoTity for it,.
Mr.. Nixon in answer 70 a direct question as
10 whether he had received cable message
from Mr. Grocer. replied
II have received message Up TO this hour
GO.13 p. M from Mr.. Croker"