New-York tribune., 1902-05-14
'OLCANIC RUMBLE IN WIGWAM
TADNANYITES EXPECT NLXONS POLITICAL HEAD TO BE
BLOWN OFF-CARROLL FIGHTING THE LEADER


Tammany Hall IS on the point of blowing its
head of. political Mont Pelee has lifted
Lewis Nixon the alleged leader of the organiza
tion. into the murky political atmosphere. Just
where he is going II drop is something that
Mr. Nixon himself does not know. His resigna-
tion as leader of Tammany Hall is expected by
the district leaders within six weeks.
Croker has been appealed TO by the friends of
Nixon. and it was reported last night that he
has commanded his followers to stand by and
fight for Nixon. the heir apparent
John F. Carroll, whom Croker removed from
the finance committee just before starting for
England. is fighting in the open against the
old boss's friends-1ghting TO destroy Lewis
Nixon and to make himself the real ruling
power OF Tammany Hall after a reorganization.
Ex-Dock Commissioner Charles F. Murphy and
ex-Police Commissioner James Martin are looked
upon as possible successors 10 Lewis Nixon, but
the real leader viii be Carroll, the producer
of results the 'man who holds his tongue in
the opinion Of those the inside.
Political rumblings have disturbed Tammany
since election night On Monday night at Tam
many Hall. there was an upheaval. Thomas L.
Feitner who president of the Tax Depart
ment for four years. and has been exceedingly
useful TO Richard Croker had been slated by
Mr.. Croker and Lewis Nixon to succeed HIM
self grand sachem OF the Tammany Society.
This is the secret organization which controls
the larger political organization. the secret
springs Of watch furnish the moving power
for the timepiece. Feitner was slated TO succeed
himself. Lewis Nixon. prior to the executive
session of the sachems. personally asked every
sachen to retain Mr.. Feitner grand sachem.
He intimated that this Richard Croker's
wish. Behind the closed doors the sachems
wrestled over the problem for two hours lis
tened TO attacks and counter attacks, and then
counted noses The vote" stood TO q for
Mr. Feitner and ex-Mayor Van Wyck for the
Office of grand sachem.
MAY BE BROKEN MONDAY NIGHT.
This deadlock may be broken on Monday night
II George c. Clausen returns from Europe in
time 10 attend the adjourned meeting of the
sachems Mr. CIausen will have no vote until
he is installed as a sachem He is understood
10 be friend of ex-Mayor Van Wyck.
Maurice Featherson and Daniel F Mcmahon,
according to rumor last night yesterday sent to
Richard Croker the names Of the saChems at
tending the meeting on Monday night. with the
way they stood when noses were counted for the
election of a grand sachem. Messages from
these men il is alleged. and from half a dozen
other prominent Tammanyites. were telegraphed
10 Mr.. Croker from both factions, asking for
his kindly offices.
When Mr.. Nixon was seen yesterday at Tam
many Hall he greatly disturbed over the
developments of Monday night. and the report
that he would be forced TO resign as leader Of
Tammany Hall. He said emphatically that If
he was not allowed to run the affairs of the or
ganization to suit himself, he would certainly
get
Will the opposition the election of Mr..
Fetner as grand sachem affect your position as
leader of the organizations" he asked.
Il am in favor Of the election of Mr.. Fetner,"
replied Mr. Nixon. because ] think il is best for
the organization. II find that l cannot bring
bout what ! think is best for the interests Of
Tammany Hall l will get out; that's all
have done all could to further the election Of
Mr. Feitner. but viii await the result. / will
not turn my hand again until the matter is
finally settled
Does Mr.. Croker favor Mr.. Feitner for the
ofice?'
I'm sure don't know
'NilI the Democrats at large stand for such
men as Carroll and Van Wyck at the head Of
the organization"
IF the people place them there they Will have
10 stand for it, Personally 1 have no objection
either 10 Mr. Carroll or Mr.. Van Wyck; but il
the rank and file Of the organization want them
that is their business"
Did you have any understanding with Mr..
Croker over the selection Of a grand sachem
this week?'
-'Vhe a. All WIthln this week Others may
cabe as they like. ] tho leader OF Tam
many Hall, though. and as ] have said. am
doing the best can for the organization accord
ing to my ideas. When I assumed leadership
oi the organization ] had no mans prejudice.
Ny slate was clean ! wanted to punish no
body and remove nobody for actions in the
past. looked to the future and did not mix
up in district fights. But ! was determined 10
be the leader Of Tammany Hall in fact as well
as in name favored home rule. and allowed
each district leader TO manage the affairs Of his
district In return expected that ] would he
permitted to manage the organization its
leader should
III you do not overcome the power of John
r Carroll ia this fight will not the control OF
the organization slip from your hands?" Mr.
Nixon asked.
Il wont say a word about that" was ihc