The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-12
Therefore Ii Is Better, He Declares, TO
Let "PubIic Pap" Alone and
stand for Principle.
MR.. NIXON RETURNS THANKS
NEW BOSS A FORMER wELL-KNowN
NAVAL CONSTRUCTOR,
Who Resigned After Designing the
BattIeship Indiana and other Nes-
seIs-NOw N ship Builder.

NEW YORK, Jan. u-Richard Croker an
nounced his retirement from the formal
leadership Of Tammany Hall this afternoon
at the meeting OF the executive committee,
at which the plan of organization for the
year 1902 was agreed upon. Lewis Nixon
was chosen as Mr.. CrOker's successor as
chairman of the finance committee. This
position, by long usage. carries with 1t
the leadership of the organization
In announcing the name Of Mr.. Nixon
for the craftsmanship of the finance COM
mittee George NJ. Vanhoesen, president Of
the general committee. said the step was
taken at the desire of Mr.. Croker HIM
self Mr. Croker, however. did not express
himself until all the business before the
meeting had been transacted, when he arose
and addressed the chair. There was a dis
tinct rustic of expectancy in the crowded
room as he did so. He spoke I'm his habit
ual quiet manner, but such stiffness pre-
vailed that every word he uttered Was
clearly heard by all. His tone was a
conversational one. but there was some
thing like tremor in his voice. and he
walked back and forth across the room
in way not entirely familiar to those
who have often heard him speak. In
Mr. Nixon to the chairmanship of the
finance committee had his full approval.
and he hoped that Mr. Nixon would re-
ceive the same consideration are- good
will which had been extended-fo himstIl.
He added:
Il know the young man well and believe
that he will restore confidence in the or
ganization and bring back to its support
the army of Democrats that we lost at the
last election. L hope that you will give
him the same confidence that 1 have en-
joyed. L am continually receiving letters
from young men anxious to join this or
ganization who do not know how 10 join.
And 1 hope that means will be found 10
bring more young men in. The people who
left us for reasons OF their own can never
build an organization up against yours
upon patronage received from the Repub-
lican party. 1 think il is your duty TO
strengthen yourselves and 10 stand on
principles. not on patronage. You know
this organization generally polls the larg
est vote when IL has no patronage. i have
been in the organization thirty-five years.
and during that period IL has polled
larger vote proportionately in years when
IL had no patronage. So you need never
fear the efforts of men who leave US be-
cause they wish to get positions. 1t is
leaders which will hurt you. IL you con-
duct this organization honestly and com
ply with the laws, you can't be beat at
any time. In conclusion, / want TO ask
YOU again to have the same confidence I'm
Mr.. Nixon that you have had in me. and
have no doubt of your success"
Mr.. Nixon, the new leader. rose as soon
as Mr.. Croker sat down. and very briefly
thanked the committee for the honor done
him. He said: Il need not say that this
great honor was entirely unexpected and
absolutely unsought by me. IL was with
sincere regret that / learned that Mr.
Croker had determined To retire. I was
willing 20 remain in the ranks but / will
not accept an executive position and be a
mere igurehead. L am not so presump-
tuous as to imagine that 1 can control in
all things But l can say that while I
may not always have your support. I shall
have it If / keep this position. | promise
to apply every effort and my utmost
strength to build up this organization"
A vote Of thanks TO Mr.. Croker for HIS
service TO the organization was voted by
the committee
Mr.. Nixon announced that he would re-
tain Thomas r. Smith, Mr.. Croker's secre-
tary for number OF years, as his secre-