New-York tribune., 1901-02-24
WTLLOUGHBY Strict ANGRY
APPOINTMENT OF DEvERY REGARDED
AS AN AFFRONT TO HUGH
MLAUGHLIN.

Surprised. disgusted and angry are the Brook
lvn Democrats over the situation which has
arisen from the appointment Of William )
Devery as First Deputy Commissioner Of Police
Most of them are dumfounded. They do not
know what 10 say or think, just Yet. They want
10 ponder over the situation for a while ana
try to see Just what IT means For II Is unmis-
taxable that the retention OF Devery I'm a place
OF authority in the Police Department Is di-
rect affront to the Brooklyn Democracy and its
veteran leader, High Mclaughlin. now IN
Florida, who some time ago said with emphasis
That man peyery must go.
Up to the present the Brooklyn leaders nave
been willing 10 bide their time. believing that
Davsrv would ultimately be sent into retire
nent. The recent action Of Tammsny. through
It's servant. Mayor Van Wyck, in deliberately
putting Devery in control and in such way
trat he IS practically safe from removal mas
shown the BrookIynites that Croker and MS
hand have absolutely respect for the wishes
and feelings OF Wiloughby Street.
The dilemma is a trying one for the Brooklyn IN
leaders. Unless they resent Tammany's action
they feel that they viii lose their own self-re-
spect. II a break does occur II Will. OF course.
! seriously damage the chances OF the Democratic
party I'm the coming municipal election. Then
! y the Democrats are defeated. Tammany will
Street That will. % course. weaken the Brook
/ Ivn organization and perhaps lead 20 its down
/ TALL
That is the way shrawd observers are looking
AZ the situation II is more critical than ap-
pears on the surface The leaders are IN
auaDdarv They DO not know just what Way
10 move II they followed their personal feel
irgs they would. 81 course. defy Tammany. but
with them policy" must be the motive force
Hugh Mclaughlin has been informed ~ the
situation. and a speedy reply il expected from
Florida Meanwhile nothing VIII bs done ana
little said II may be that WiIloughby Street
wiz swallow its pride and 30 nothing.
James Shevn the recognized head of the auc-
ton room in the absence OF Mclaughlin. yesteT-
day talked TO the reporters and then gave out
a statement IN the following form;
t-How does the police situation suit you. Mr.
but that IL IL entirety satisfactory from 4 party
6e frank 7 think the Mayor might have done bet
ter. all things considered.
vas not made Win either the advice or concur
renee OF the BROOKLYN orsanizstion. A-Ehe The
FOR the appointment or the situation which that
Hsrs nav ssy' opposed to the one headed bill.
20 begin With because We realized that y would
IShs ~ lv - ,rdi,,fai ~ the result Tho
in this relation ia a. much they left Brooklyn
unprotect ed when a. iu their power 70 have
passed a measure which would have given TINS
county al least a voice in the Board II not control
Of its own uolice affairs. The local Democracy,
say again a. iu degree 10 blame for the existing
situation and h not disposed 10 have the pubic
fell uuder the that n Is satisfied With H.
Friends oc Shevlin said that there was no
doubt that he angry over the appointment
OF Devery. He believes that public sentiment
| should have been considered. and that II has
| been outraged by the action lie is known to
have declared that Deputy Chief +. H. Nc
T.auehlin would not accept the position Of sec
cnd dpnutv under Murphy, even should the
place be thrust upon hiH .
'.'Fbe offer of a cerkship 10 Mr.. Mclaughlin,
said one Democrat. lis adding insult 20 injury.
| AssemblyInan John NcKeown one OF the
Democratic leaders in the Legislature, said, M
speaking OF possible Republican action.
Il suppose now they will introduce the State
Constabulary bill, and they will be able TO pass
| il without protest
Ex-CommIss0ner York had the following To
| say 20 a reporter in WillOughby-st yesterday:
| 4 am honestly glad To be relieved OF the re-
| sponsibilities connected with the duties OF a
Police Commissioner. should have been glad %
have been relieved "A year ago. OF course, as you
| know I am an organization Democrat, and un-
| der obligations to the organization. The party
| leaders desired me 10 remain in the department
IN order 10 protect the large Brooklyn interests.
both OF a public and private character. In
| VoVed.
II was not a seeker for the place OF Commits
\ sioner under the new law. and therefore am not
disappointed
Mr. York said that he was going to resume his
/ Law practice.