New-York tribune., 1902-05-19
TAMMANY KEEPS NO BOOKS
so, OF COURSE, NOBODY KNOWS WHERE
THE MISSING 100000 WENT
LEADERS ADMIT THAT THE STRONG BOX IS
EMPTY, BUT ARE SILENT AS TO
THE REASONS.

That 5000 600 disappeared from the treasury
of Tammany Hall shortly after the last election
not contradicted by single member or the
organization who seen yesterday When
the question asked. Where did that
$500 900 go to?" the answer was either that
there was no system of bookkeeping by which
the chairman of the finance committee made
any accounting or that the news was such that
il needed no comment. Mr.. Croker so one or
the Tammany men said, managed the campaign
as chairman of the finance committee, received
the contributions which came In, and expended
what was needed for managing and marshalling
the forces of the Wigwam No books were
kept 1t was said. so that 1t impossible to
ascertain just what left and what was not
But all agreed that at the present time the
Tammany strong box was empty.
Mr. Nxon's reply to the question throws still
more light on his hasty resignation from the
chair which Mr.. Croker made vacant for him, as
chairman OF the finance committee. When seen
in New-Dorp, Staten Island. last night, Mr.
Nixon said:
Il don't want to discuss this very disagree
able subject. I out of politics now. and L do
not intend to throw any mud"
John McQuade the treasurer OF the Organiza-
ton, was found at his home. No. 1,29S Lexing-
ton-ave. yesterday afternoon. by Tribune re-
porter and when he asked what he knew
about the story that $300,Oo0 missing from
the treasury, and that. furthermore 1t had dis
appeared since election, he said;
Il don't want to say anything about it,
As Mr. McQuade said this he took hold Of
the knob of the door If he wanted TO shut il
did the money disappear before after Mr.
Crokers departure for England?" persisted the
reporter.
Mr. McQuade pushed the door few inches
nearer shut and then he said;
II don't want 10 say a wOrd-nOt a word"
'Rut the treasury is empty now?" queried
the reporter
Yes. but" and then Mr. McQuade closed
the door
John T. Carroll who is member of the
Finance Committee, brushed aside the question
with the answer:
Don't know Don't know Don't ask mel
don't know"
John W. Keller, former Commissioner Of Char-
tiles said
"Yes. the treasury is empty at present And
then he added with a shrug:
Why after every election 1t is empty. No books
are kept you know. Then how is one able to
tell where the money went? It's Impossible;
The contributions come FOR the canpalSn anu @
the money is expended where II Is needed, out
there is no strict account made: IN taG,, mere mere
are books kept. so no one knows just now
much comes I'm or goes out"
Senator Timothy D. Sullivan said:
''Of course there was nothing left in the treas
urv What do you expect? Why look at here;
do you think there would be anything left If l
had the treasury Well. l guess not
When they were seen yesterday Brooklyn
Democratic leaders were not inclined TO allow
Themselves 10 be quoted about the story. They
all gave knowing looks and shrugged their
shoulders but declared that they had absolutely
no knowledge Of the business affairs of the New
York County machine. James Shevlin did. how
ever. consent to confirm The Trihune's state
lnent that the Kings County campaign commit
Tee had SO 900 left in the treasury. Mr. SheV
lin said that ne was rather sure Just before
election that Edward VI. Shepard would not
carry Kings County. but was OF the opinion
mat his majority in New York would be great
enough 70 elect him.