New-York tribune., 1901-02-25
YORK TO VISIT WLATGHLIN.
BOSSS ADVICE TO BE SOUGHT BY
BROOKLYN DEMOCRATS-"NO" SAYS
F. II. MLAUGHLIN

IF the Brooklyn Democratic leaders have re-
ceived any message from Hugh Mclaughlin in
his winter retreat on the Indian River, Florida,
in regard 10 what course is TO be pursued in
the dilemma which has been thrust upon them
by the appointment of Devery as Deputy Com
missioner Of Police. they refused to admit il
yesterday. It is likely that brief dispatches
have reached Brooklyn from the "Old Man."
acknowledging the receipt of the news but it is
evident that they have failed 70 furnish any
guide for the actions OF the vexed and puzzled
yesterday as they on Saturday and a days
reflection seemed only TO have tangled up things
the more, and to have revealed in a stronger
light the gravity OF the problem before them
Must this direct afront of Tammany be swaI-
lowed in Silence at the expense of their own
self-rsepect and the respect of others, or must
there be a break with Croker and the Manhat-
tan leaders, which would mean a fight TO the
death, and the possible extinction Of Willoughby-
St as controlling factor in municipal affairs :?
These questions We're filling the minds Of the
leaders yesterday and it made them testy crusty
and unapproachable They wanted 10 be left
alone in their misery. Only Hugh Mclaughlin
can decide what course 10 pursue in the present
emergency.
1t was said yesterday that Ex-Police Commits
sioner York. who is better able to discuss the
present situation than any one else in Viii
loughby-st. would at once go TO Florida to
confer with Mclaughlin. He will explain every
thing fully and learn what MCLAUGHLIN wants
dome 1t was pointed out that York had been
"nder great strain for some time, but that he
vas now free and it would be only natural that
ne should go south-for the benefit of his health
That would be his announced intention: the
real object would be. of course. to get into touch
with the boss as quickly possible.
York seemed somewhat astonished when he
was told that Tribune reporter had heard of
the proposition to send him South.
When are you going 10 start for Florida. Mr
York;" was asked.
Who told you that?" he replied. showing
great surprise He was informed that the plan
had leaked out
We'll, can't say anything about it
will you deny that you are going 10 Flor
ida?" was asked.
1 am not denying admitting anything"
was the reply
The fact that he was out Of public life at last
seemed to be the one thing uppermost in the
mind Of Mr. York when The Tribune reporter
talked with him. He looked more happy, and
talked in less constrained manner than he had
for many months before. II was easy to see
that great load had been rolled off York's
mind. But, nevertheless Gr. York does not
want TO make any mistake by talking before
Mclaughlin has spoken, and skilfully parried
attempts TO get his views of the situation
I out Of public nfe YOU know and am
glad Of IT, too he reiterated.
What action do you think will be taken by
the Brooklyn Democracy in regard to the Dew
cry appointment"
That is subject I cannot talk about"
Deputy Chief Mclaughlin will not accept the
place Of second Deputy Commissioner under
Commissioner Murphy. He nagged into
saying yesterday.
What is new in the police situation?" he was
asked
Nothing"
Have you decided whether or not YOU will
accept the Deputy Commissionership?"
NO man can accept something that has not
been offered to him.
In case the offer is made will you accept it?''
No" -
Mclaughlin then turned away as if sorry that
he had committed himself Evidently he had
decided his cestiny for himself, and did not care
10 wait for word from Hugh Mclaughlin. The
other Brooklyn leaders knew Of his decision he
cause Bridge Commissioner Shea said earlier in
the afternoon
Il do not believe that Mr. Mclaughlin will
accept the Deputy Commissonership.'
''Will the Brooklyn organization recommend =
man for the placer was asked
Il think ii Will, he replied. If it is asked to
do So
James Shevlin absolutely refused IN sa, any,
thing. He was asked II any message had been
received from Hugh Mclaughlin "T have moth
ing. nothing whatever 10 say" was his reneated
answer TO this and other questions