New-York tribune., 1902-02-09
CROKER PLEDGED REFORM
so SAYS SHEPARD AT THE RECEPTION
FOR NIXON.

leading up TO his nomination for Mayor on the
Tammany ticket last fall Mr. Shepard said
substantially that previous to his nomination
Mr.. Croker had assured him Of his intention 10
work a great many changes in the organization,
reforming along the lines Mr. Shepard had con-
tended Tor, and practically foreshadowed his
own retirement, indicating that a leader Of the
type Of Mr.. Nixon would succeed him. The
politicians who heard Mr. Shepard's speech
were inclined to believe more than ever before
that Nixon's elevation to leadership meant a
wholesale reorganization, and the elimination of
much IN Tammany that has been censured.
They believe that strong effort will be made
70 retain Nixon at the head Of the organization,
TO unite warning factions. wipe out the men ana
methods that have made Tammany odious and
to unite this fall upon n candidate for Governor
in the hope of winning and paving the way for
a municipal victory two years hence.
Another significant thing was letter of re
gret from ex-senator Hill That Mr. Hill should
he invited to attend any gathering at the Demo
cratic Club Is naturally the cause Of much COM
ment owing TO the bitter enmty existing be
tween him and Richard Croker. It was regarded
AS substantial proof that Croker had eliminated
himself and his factonal feuds from the situa-
tion in city and State.
There was great crush at the club. Repre-
sentative Democrats from all FIVE boroughs were
present 10 congratulate Mr.. Nixon. After the
reception buffet refreshment was served. Ed
ward NJ Shepard was chosen 10 make the speech
OF the evening. Cord Meyer introduced Mr..
Shepard, who was frequently interrupted with
hearty applause in the course Of his speech.
Mr.. Shepard said
I am grateful for your permission 10 share in this
eongratulatory welcome TO friend. Mr.. Nixon.
sna!l not, however. so much congratulate him as
shall others, for with all your help the work
Z
IS the Democrats of your borough whom ! con-
to districts which you consider rural upon the in
telligenee and the zeal with which he has begun
MS important and far reaching labOrs.
The Democrats of our State who not members
nevertheless Of necessity genuinely concerned with
political conditions within your borough of Man
gegaton of It's wealth and the T vast ana multi
farious national interests which centre In it-al
cratic or the Republican party, of far reaching
consequence to the other boroughs Of the city. OF
hardly less consequence to the rest Of the State
and OF really serious consequence TO the country at
What has been said-and. still more, what has
neen done--in Manhattan, has more than once de-
or nation. It is, therefore, no impertinence on the
part Of us countrymen from Bushwick or Canarsie
cal anxiety what you do hnd fault when you seem
to US I? do Ill. and praise when you seem 10 US TO
. II Is very open fesret,it ret IT is indeed not secret
OF Tammany Hall and Of that very large majority
OF the Democrats OF this borough who usually act
very wise step. in movement which began long
before ne was chosen 70 be leader and before the
cessor In the leadership Of Tammany Hall made
clear in personal communications. not only with
Democrats of Tammany Hall I'm your borough. but
with Democrats of other boroughs and Of other
that in his Judgment there must be changes and
very decided amendments to meet Democratic
II is not. think improper or a breach Of conf
TO say that in the two conversations which / had
with Mr.. Croker before the recent election, this
gs5e9 IN party s Ideals and grsetcss dis
much conceded by him as it was spontaneously
and even emphatically expressed by him. I do not
dtions in other boroughs and counties also needed
immediately concerned with his own borough
PLANNED BEFORE ELECTION.
The course pursuer by him after the election was
before it, II is no more than truth and justice that
on Thch to that SV fRGSS Rs e IN his po
his share in the eecon Of MIR Nxon Sr the tGsn d
charge Of the critical and important duties now
dds n in s tsS Fff that
crowded evening OF mine at the end OF the cam
ferent parts of your borough. you VIII. I trust
a candidate of all the boroughs which make up
the Greater New-York. received the most Jealous
in any borough than that accorded me in MAN Nam
than on the part Of the recent leader % Of it's reguar
Democratic organization, and that, notwithstanding
the, methods and ideals of that organization
Since however, he promoted last fall Important
particulars Of definite reformatory programme-a
pTogramme continued in your and his choice of
decline while such programme is IN good faith
carried out, to join in attacks made during the
Pathy or help to attempts to make things better, Il
but who, while the Manhattan organization and
affected to be their friehds~who were fuii Of Set,
condemn now that in darker political dsys sOidTy they
have at last found their voices Those at least.
during the fair weather OF OF mmedats Hr Poes
power do not feel called upon to Join with the fair
friends nor entitled 10 any political Difference.
THE CHOICE OF NIXON.
rejoice to know that Mr. Nixon has the sincere
and and vigorous support Of the present Democratic
Bronx. He has come 70 his leadership IN per-
demonstrated and approved by the masses of the
power He holds it, and can hold It it. asSqs as Gnder 5es
stand, only so long as the Democratic voters of
inue him in You knoW and fh'qse keo {9 fSa fSa
he has set before him; es practical future result
not too IDEAL Tor realization, party administra-
ton truly representative public spirited and hon
dou6 Of his sncsry or his e nl5 to
Every good Democrat. indeed every good cit
which he and you are now making TO re-establish
R pe0pe aRi with Ike IN !s oGRndRs IN otRe
boroughs II no more than decent that those Who
s her s0 a d ahGga 2 5
attacks made by some who call themselves Derno-
Gratis upon Mr.; Nixons vigorous and promising
beginning. sound TO me very much like the attacks
Of men who mean that the Democratic party shall
never. if they help IT, either achieve or de-
serve power They Will. believe. find no following
IN the masses of the Democratic @ party who have
heartily TO every effort OF Mr.. Nixon or his asso-
ciates 70 truly represent their party and through
such representation to promote the good govern
nent of this city, OF the State and OF the nation.
For you must remember, that upon your and his
success @ as 5o have 15 sIready said depsPd inter-
own borough or even 10 our city.
DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION