The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-09-23
From the New York World.

From the New YORK World.
uz IN AN of few words, quiet and unas-
MH Stunning in manner, blunt and
WI positive in his statements and
favoring a democrat against republican,
other things being equal-such Is Charles
F. Murphy, slated by the Croker element
to be the new leader of Tammany Hall.
Charlie Murphy is greatly liked by
his intimates and an enigma to those who
know him only slightly. He stands by his
friends and exaets loyalty from them. He
listens long and says little, but what he
does say is directly to the point.
Crokers prospective successor Is like
Croker in many respects. He has a firm
jaw, distinguishing characteristic of a
successful man of affairs. Like Croker,
he gained prominence In Tammany
through the district committee.
He first worked with the boys" in the
Gas House. district making a record as
district captain which attracted Croker s
attention. Gradually the old boss sized
him up as one man in the Eighteenth
upon whom he could depend. If Murphy
promised to do anything Croker knew 1t
would be done. And 1t was.
Out of this training Murphy developed
into the district leadership. He took hold
ten years ago. when Senator Eddie"
Hagah, then leader of the Eighteenth,
died. Croker, sitting In Tammany Hall.
asked Murphy what majority his district
would give to the ticket that year.
Murphy gave his figures, and there were
within 100 of the. actual result Year after
year he repeated this feat, and Croker
knew days before the election just what
majority he could depend upon from the
Gas House" district. Other leaders mis-
led him. They made their estimates too
high and had to explain on the day after
election. Murphy never made such mis-
takes and so he had nothing to explain.
"Charlie" Murphy was born A years
ago in the district which he now rules.
He never lived anywhere else. He knows
his people. and he tries to get them what
they want Since he became the district
leader the whole character of that section
has changed. 1t is no longer the Gas
House" district, but has the new cogno-
men OF the Hospital district Many
public and private hospitals have been
built there, and the old-time Murphy
ties now take exception to the former
designation.
There is nothing about "Charhe Mur-
phys manner or bearing to distinguish
him in a crowd. He always dresses In
black. his scarfs are modest and he
wears few Jewels. He is smooth-shaven,
and derby is his usual headgear. When
with his friends he smiles early and Of
ten. When approached by strangers he
becomes the silent man. He has little
70 saw to anyone, but what he does say
is well put, plain, in good English. and
To the point. He wastes effort in politics.
Croker during the many years of his
leadership in Tammany never took a
drink. He smoked almost constantly, or,
IL not smoking, chewed on black cigar.
So does Murphy. The coming leader is
not abstemious. like GROCER, but he
drinks little. He almost never takes a
drink in a crowd.
Fifth avenue has few attractions for
Mr.. Murphy. He seldom goes there. The
Democratic club sees him seldom, even
when Croker is here.
When he Is not at home, especially in