Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-05-15
NIXON RESIGNS.
Gives Up His Attempt to Rule
Tammany Hall.
The Leaders Refused to Give Him a
Vote of Confidence
And Plainly lntimated That He Had
Better Get Out.

New FORK May 14.-Lewis Nixon,
leader of Tammany Hall for nearly six
months, resigned his position as leader,
today, at a meeting of the district lead
ers. held in Tammany Hall.
While the resignation was not entire
" unexpected, it was not thought that
Mr.. Nixon would take such positive ac-
ton until a. later date, first waiting the
action of the leaders to see if they
would give him a vote Of confidence
Instead of this. they refused to allow
any vote of confidence and Nixon said
he would no longer retain his self-re-
spect if he remained as leader.
The meeting of the district leaders
was called at the solicitation of Mr..
Nixon. who sent Geographic messages
to all Of the thirty-seven, Tuesday
night. This action of Mr.. Nixon, fol-
lowed a deadlock at the meeting Of the
sachems Of the Tammany Hall Society,
Monday, when NiXon's intention of re-
tanning Thomas l.. Feitner as grand
sachem was frustrated by a tie, there
being six Of the sachems of the thir-
teen for and six against the retention.
the thirteenth, George G. Clausen, being
absent.
The action of that time caused a gem
eral discussion of the possibilities of
Mr.. Nixon losing control of the Organi-
Zation and the combine ton headed by
John j. Carroll ousting him. MI.
Nixon, in an interview on Tuesday sail
ii he could not have the confidence OF
the leaders, he would get OUT and
this threat has been carried into effect.
When Mr.. Nixon arrived at Tammany
Hall. today all the thirty-seven leaders
were present. As soon as the meeting
had been called Mr.. Nixon arose and
said:
Gentlemen, I have decided to resign
as the leader Of Tammany Hail. This
resignation is absolute and positive and
viii not be withdrawn. | wish II to
take effect Immediately. | feel that |
cannot retain myself respect and still
remain the leader of Tammany Hall.
My decision is unalterable."
There was a moments silence when
Mr.. Nixon had finished. Then Col.
Michael c. Murphy made a very COM
plmentary speech in praise of Mr..
Nixon He did not say. however, that
he wished him to remain as leade~.
He said that Mr.. Nixon had done splen-
Qld work as the leader ana ne nau tne
confidence of all the leaders.
Mr.. Nixon jumped to his feet as soon
as Col. Murphy had finished, and said:
II do not desire any vote Of confidence,
whatever
He Immediately left the room, fol-
lowed by an Outhurst of handclapping.
once outside the meeting room Mr..
Nixon would only say TO the newspaper
men,
Il am out as the leader of Tammany
Hall. ] am out Of politics and am glad
Of it. will devote my time to my bust
ness OF shipbuilding and will talk about
that by the hour, but | will not talk
about politics hereafter. The cause of
my resignation is plain. | could have
won out and elected Mr.. Feitner grand
sachem. but | would not appeal to Mr..
Croker"
Mr.. Nixon was then driven away
from Tammany Hall in cab.
Following the departure of Mr.. Nixon
several of the leaders remained for
some time in groups chatting about the
resignation and the possible develop
ments. 1t was announced that a meet
ing Of the executive committee of dis
tritt leaders will be held, Thursday. at
which time Mr. Nixon's resignation will
be acted upon.