New-York tribune., 1902-01-12
"RETIREMENT. " 3"

an appropriate opportunity to make his fare
Well speech, and he did So as follows:
Gentlemen. the change which has been made
in the appointment OF Mr.. Nixon was made at
my suggestion there Carroll looked at Sexton !,
and truly hope he VIII receive from you the
same consideration which you have always ex-
tended 10 me In years past. l know the young
man well. and believe that he viii restore
confidence in the organization and bring back
to it's support the army Of Democrats that We
lost at the last election. / hope that you viii
give him the same confidence that have. en-
joyed.
am continually receiving letters from young
men anxious to join this organization, who do
not know how to join And L hope that means
will be found to bring more young men in. The
people who left us for reasons Of their own can
never pulld up an organization against yours
upon patronage received from the Republican
party L think 1t is your duty TO strengthen
yourselves and to stand on principles not on
patronage You know this organization generally
polls the largest vote when II has no patronage.
(Subdued laughter) have been in the organiza-
ton thirty-five years, and during that period 1t
has polled a larger vote proportionately In years
when 1t had no patronage. So you need never
fear the efforts of men who leave US because
tney Wlsh 10 get places. 1t is neglect OF your
selves and distrust OF your leaders which
will hurt you. II You conduct this or
ganzaton honestly and comply with the
laws, you can't be beat-at no time In conclu-
sion I want to ask you again 10 have tho same
confidence in Mr.. Nixon that you have had in
me, and have no doubt of your success.
THANKS FROM MIR. NIXON.
After Mr. Croker had finished speaking and
had wiped his eyes, Mr. Nixon arose. and. ad
dressing the members of the executive COM
mttee said:
1 need not say that this honor which has been
done me was unexpected 1t was absolutely un-
sought. 1t is with sincere regret that ! learn
of Mr. Crokers retirement. l was willing to
work in the ranks. but / will not take exec
utive position and be a fsurchead. / have not
the presumption to say what ought to be done
what 1 will do. and if l have not the con-
fidence of all the leaders. at least want their
support to strengthen and build up this glorious
Democratic organization.
John T Oakley then arose and delivered him
self as follows:
Inasmuch as our dear friend, Mr.. Croker has
seen fit to retire. it seems to that this
mittee should express in some manner its ap-
probation of his services. l therefore move that
a vote of thanks be rendered 10 him for his ser
vice to the organization.
The vote of thanks was carried without de-
bate, and the committee adjourned Immediately
afterward
Later, when seen by the newspaper men, Mr.
Nixon said
Gentlemen, il is unreasonable to assume that
1 could at this time outline any policy for the
Democratic organization in this city. That is a
matter for the most careful and serious consld-
Grafton. AS / said in my remarks to the exec
utive committee, will not take an executive po-
sition and be a mere fSurehead. There is great
deal of work to be done in rebuilding the waste
places in Tammany Hall We have just been
defeated, and shall be out of power for two
years. There are many heartburnings TO pe
soothed, and there will be necessary a great
deal Of hard work for the one who accepts the
leadership of the organization. Tammany hal han
may be defeated, but ii is not destroyed rms
is a Democratic city. and the people VIII put
Tammany back into power. Mr.. Croker mas ad-
vised the infusion of young blood. and It is not
too much to expect that every eftort VIII De
made to win the support and confidence or the
people.
Mr. Nixon announced that he would retain
Thomas F. Smith as his secretary.
After the adjournment of the executive COM
mittee the members separated. but the most OF
them gathered last night at the Democratic
Club to talk about the effect of Mr. Croker s
vacation
TANNING DENIED 1T
There was pretty story afioat that If Mr..
Croker had not resigned movement by young
Democrats in the organization. headed by N
O. Tanning ex-Deputy Commissioner OF Cor
rection. and others, would have been organ
ized in opposition to Croker. When Mr. Tanning