Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-13
CROKER RESIGNS.
Gives Up Tammasy Leadership
to Lewis Nixon.
Settles Matter Himself and Chooses
His Own Successor.
Bes2eaks Same Loyal Support Tor Nixon That
He Has Rsaissd.


New York. Jan. 124Richard Croker
announced his retirement from the for
mai eadeTship Of Tanmany Hall, Sat
,nday afternoon.
The announcement ASas made AT the
meeting Of the execuave committee, at
which the plan of organization for the
ear 1902 was agrefd upon Lewis
Nixon was named as mir. Cookers sue
ceSsor, as the chairman of the finance
committee. The position, by long us
age. carries with it the leadership of
the organization.
George NJ. Van Hocsen, president of
the general committee, in announcing
the name of Mr.. Nixon for the chair
manship Of the finance committee. said
that this step was taken at the desire
Of Mr. Croker himself.
1t that time, however, Mr. Croker
did not give any expression to his sem
timents himself and it was not until
all of the various business before the
meeting had been transacted that he
arose and addressed the Chair.
AS he turned around, facing the
members of the committee. there was a
distinct rustic of expectancy in the
Mr.. Croker spoke in his habitual
quiet manner. but such absolute still
ness was maintained that every word
b" uttered was clearly heard by all.
Although he spoke i'll ordinary con-
versatiunal tone there was neverthe-
less something in the line Of a trcmor
barely pcrccptible in his voice, and he
walked back and forth across the room.
III Il manner not entirely familiar to
those who have often heard him speak
Mr.. Croker said, in beginning. that
the appointment of Lewis Nixon to the
Craftsmanship of the finance commit
tcc had his full approval, and he hoped
that Mr.. Nixon would receive the same
consideration and good will that had
been extended to himself He added:
Il know the young man well and 1
believe that he will restore confidence
in the organization and bring back to
its support the army of.Democrats that
we lost at the last election.
Il hope that you will give him the
same confidence that I have enjoyed
l am continually receiving letters from
young men anxious to join this organ
iZation who do not know how to Join.
%hH1 hopt thdt VIII ne
To bring more young men in.
The people who left us for reasons
OF their own can never build an organ
ization UP against yours upon patron
age RECEIVED from the Republican
party. i think it 10 is your duty to
strengthen yourselves and to stand on
principles. not on patronage.
You know this organization generally
polls the largest vote when it has no pat
ronage. ] have been in the organization
50 years, and during that period it has
poieu !, larger vote prOportionately in
years when ii had no patronage
SO you need never fear the efforts Of
men who leave us because they wish 10
gel positions. 1t is neglect of yourselves
aud distruSt of your leaders which will
hurt you. If you conduct this organiza
ton honestly and comply with the laws
you can be beaten at no time.
IN conclusion. / want to ask you again
10 nave the same confidence in Mr.. Nixon
mat you have had i'm me, and / have no
doubt of your success.
Mr. Nixon rose as soon as Mr. Croker
ndd 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. 1t was with sincere re-
gret that | learned that Mr.. Croker had
determined to retire. | was willing 10 re-
main in the ranks
But ] will not accept an executive po-
sltion and be mere figu.ehead ! am
not so presumptuous as to imagine that
can control IN all things. but | can sag
that. while ] may not always have Your
support, | shall have il if / keep this po-
sition
Il promise To apply every effort and
my utmost strength 10 build up this or
ganiZation.''
John I. Oakley arose and said:
lnasmuch as our dear friend MIR. Gro
kcr. has seen tit to retire. II seems to mo
that this committee should express in
some manner its appreciation of his ser
vices. | therefore move that a vote of
thanks be rendered to him for his service
to the organization.
The vote of thanks was carried without
debate and the committee adjourned inn
mediatey afterward.
Mr. Nixon announced that he would re-
tain Thomas r. Smith as his secretary.
Mr.. Smith has been Croker's secretary
for number Of years.
- Nn1n Ia