New-York tribune., 1902-01-22

Richard Croker will sail for Europe at 10
o'clock this morning the American Line
steamship Philadelphia He made this n
nouncement at a dinner given in his honor at
the Democratic Club last night.
He reiterated vehemently that he had retired
from politics Ior good, and called all to sup
port Lewis Nixon. Seated around the table
were sixty OF the closest associates of Mr..
Croker.
The news of his decision to go to Europe to-
day came a surprise. He listened to at
tentively he spoke Many had tears in their
eyes when he finished. Lewis Nixon was called
upon to reply to Mr.. Croker's speech. but broke
down. Every one was much affected. Andrew
Freedman presided at the dinner. and acted as
POSTMASTER.
The dinner was unique in that the hosts of the
evening all officers in the so called ''Wendel
Battery" Louis Wendell. jr.. is captain of the
1st Battery. AS a sort Of joke there or
ganized at the Democratic Club about a year
ago ''Wenders Staff" the members of which are
jocuar honorary members of the 1st Battery.
Richard Croker is chief of staff. There about
twenty lieutenant coonels, ten judge advocates
general twenty captains, and on. In fact.
the number of honorary officers with big titles
far outnumber the actual members of the bat
terry. 1t was this opera bouffe organization that
gave the dinner for Richard Croker last night.
Covers were laid for sixty.
The dinner was served in the big dining room
on the second floor. The room was elaborately
decorated with American flags, red. white and
blue bunting. and flags of the 1st Battery. The
souvenirs were odd. They represented soldiers
tent with cannon stationed in front. sentry
guard, stack of cannon balls alongside, and a
mounted officer. On the side of the tent was the
inscription. Dinner to Richard Croker chief of
staff. by staff of Wendels Battery. January 21.
1902 Democratic Club
CANNON BoOMs WELCOME.
Just the diners sat down miniature can
non was fired In the course of the dinner
silver service Of handsome design presented
to Mr.. Croker. The exceptionally
handsome. 1t was a silk bound book with the
names Of the officers of the staff the bill Of fare
and handsome picture of Mr. Croker Outside
a miniature sword, silver and ebony. with gilt
trappings was attached to the cover.
When the speechmakng started Andrew
Freedman, who presided surprised every one
by making the first announcement of Mr..
Croker's intention to go to Europe this morning.
1--WE are gathered here to say aurevor to
our beloved chief said Mr. Freedman who
goes tomorrow to seek the rest and recreation
in Europe which his health demands. You. sir.
carry with you our love and loyalty. For
seventeen years you have borne the burdens Of
all Of US We have enjoyed the fruits Of your
wisdom and great leadership. On behalf Of the
1st Battery, I present you with this silver set,
wishing you health, happiness and enjoyment
and assure you that whenever you return TO
us you will be received with open arms
Mr. Croker rose to his feet slowly, slipped his
hands In his trousers pockets and, assuming a
characteristic pose began to speak in a low
voice and slowly. He said:
| suppose upon this occasion l have TO ad-
to 10 O staff
generals and captains of the battery. L have
been sitting here thinking what response
could make to show the feeling L have toward
my friends. l have come to the conclusion that
1T would be impossible to express in words what
/ feel in my heart for all of you. Q1ere Mr.
Croker hesitated and then added):
Now l want to say that l have retired from
politics for good and for all time to come
have been at the head OF our organization with
YOUR assistance for seventeen years. gained
your confidence and we have got along Wen
together. In the seventeen years we nave lost
lust two battles. i feel that 1t Is my |
duty as Mr. Kelly felt it was his duty seven |
teen years ago, to lay down the cares or leauer-
ship. l undertook to do this work for seven
teen years, and have now put 1t on the shouI-
ders of a younger and more progressive man.
i progressive seventeen years ago puI lIis
Tins have changed The city mas cnaHgeu' anu
politics should progress in the same way.
realize that, and there is man to-day could
think of who could carry that progressive |
have no doubt our enemies Will say, Ihere ls !
a string tied to this. Croker don't intend to get
out" They are mistaken We must expect our |
opponents in politics will unfair means 10 |
keep up this talk that my retirement is a BLUM
/ assure you this is not so, and right here |
want to say that when I got out seven years |
ago / firmly intended never again to take an
active part in politics provided my friends were
not Disseminated against in Tammony Hall. |
and when 1 found that this city to be
plunged into another Tweed regime / decided /
to return.
AS RESCUER FROM SCANDAL.
I did that because two-thirds of the leaders |
were pleading with to back and save |
the city from the scandal which was threatened |
providing those people got into power. Such !
vii Lev