The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-19

be a political power in New York City
rented little two-story building on the
north side of Nineteenth Street, and IN
stalled there the headquarters or the
conducting a saloon. There it was that
Murphy became politician. Realizing
In 1880 that the organization OF which
ne was the founder had become a pow
erful factor and that his friends could
be counted by the hundreds. he resolved
to enter the political arena A circum
sta nee contributed to make his entry a
successful one. At the time Chester A
Arthur was beginning his political ca
reer. which finally Terminated in the
White House. Barney Biglin was the Re-
publican leader of the Twentieth Assem-
bly, District in New Yoi- and was a
leader OF the Harlem Boat Club.
A Champion Rover.
He and his three brothers boosted that
they could outrow any other TOUR men
in the city. Murphy. among other feats
Of skill. was an adept in tho art of row.
ing. He sought out some other compa l.
ions, challenged Biglin and defeated him
The race at the time created intense eX-
citement in the city and was the subject
of the wagering of much money. Ed
ward Hagen was at that time leader
Of the Democracy of the Assembly Dis
trict In which Murphy lived, and as the
strength of the young man was appar.
ent. often sought his advice, until finally
they became fast friends.
Again, in 1884 the former shipyard boy
showed the power ne could control polit.
ically when Spinola was nominated for
the State Senate. 1t became a question
whether he should indorse him or op
pose him. Murphy maintained that he
mad once voted against the Tammauy
ticket, but would never do so again. His
action in this matter insured the candi
dates election.
When Henry George precipitated him
self into the campaign of 1895, Hagen was
virtually lea der n n that r.
ticular district, but he WAS not the lead
er destined to survive. Too impulsive and
generous. not careful In his personal hah
IT'S, ms supremacy would not have
astute Murphy, philosopher in his way.
absolutely abstemious in his habits COM
pared to Croker, who listened as other
men talked and said nothing, stood be-
hind him.
Croker and Murphy, the former leader
and the present one of Tammany Hall,
are similar in many characteristics. with
the exception possibly that Croker, in
his young days, had a more rugged eX
perience than had Murphy.
With the election of Van Wyck as May
or of New York, came the ambition of
Murphy to hold office, accepting as he did
cidental to the acceptance of this posi-
ton he disposed of the four saloons,
which he at that time owned. At the
time he accepted ONCE under the Van
WyCk duInlHlSLTatlOn, Silent SHaTHS
was reputed to be worth $A0,000. This
he had accumulated from a capital of $500
saved by his work in the shipyard eigh-
teen years before. At the present time
1t Is maintained that this new leader of
Tammany Is worth at least 81. 900 900.
When the Tammany ticket was defeat
ed a year ago Murphy determined to be-
come it's leader.
Knew Leaders Intimately.
He went after the nomination in earn
est. His intimate friendship with all the
leaders, from Tim Sullivan down. made
his success more than probable. OF
course he had enmity shown in some d.
rections. but as characteristic of the man
and even ~ boy. his only reply to what
ever aspefSions were cast upon his can
didacy was. why not l for leader?"
The new leader of Tammany Hall has
pleasant personality. While poor
talker, the influence of the man himself,
with the calm, listening habit that he
has, so impresses one that he is readily
attracted. AS an example of the mans
makeup. he has been known to say that
the proudest moment of his life. prospect
i've of political influence or financial af-
huence, was when he was able, several
years ago, to purchase a home for his
parents.
This leader of a great organization and
victor in a strong fight for supremacy
is a charitable man. The poor of his
district have reason to acknowledge the
kindly spirit which prompts him to re-
lieve distres when brought to his notice