New-York tribune., 1902-05-16
UP. SHEPARD REGRETS IT.
CRIAIMINS SAYS CROKER DID IT AND
LARRY" DELMOUR LAMENTS
AND RAPS CARROLL.

Among independent Democrats, both Of Brook
| lyn and Of this borough Lewis Nixon's retire
| ment from the leadership of Tammany Hall is
the source Of angry and bitter comment. Those
| Of the younger men who had followed his lead
and Joined the Hall now indignant at the
| treatment accorded their leader. The older men,
| who have regarded Nixons regency affording
a decent opportunity for Independent and hon
est Democrats TO work with Tammany Hall are
even more disappointed The long sought har-
mony appears as distant as ever Men who
have started back Tammany Hall after long
absence from its meetings loudly and earnestly
proclaim their belief that the result is fatal
blow to Democratic plans il this State.
Chief among the sorrOwing friends is Edward
NJ. Shepard Concerning Mr.. Nixon's with
drawal Mr.. Shepard said yesterday:
4 sincerely regret Mr. Nixon's withdrawal.
believe he making intelligent and high
minded effort to improve Democratic politics.
am not member of Tammany Hall. and have
in it only the interest which all Democrats
who not residents of the Borough of Man
haitian must have in the wise and upright con-
duct of Democratic politics in that borough.
know nothing whatever Of the merits Of the
question questions upon which differences
have arisen, and for that reason. IL not for
others II would be unfit thing for me to eX-
press any opinion upon them. l earnestly hope
the Democratic party will have the continued
service Of Mr. Nixon. And whether Tammany
Hall have one leader or many leaders hope it's
leadership Will be of the best.
The future OF the Democratic party and the
future good government Of New York must be
both seriously affected by the policy of the dom-
nant Democratic organization in Manhattan. !
have nothing to say as TO the effect OF Mr..
Nixon's withdrawal upon the effective union Of
the Democratic party in the elections Of 1902.
do not myself think that such union of 'har-
hony.' TO the current and rather meaning
less expression, depends Upon any man or
any number Of men. It depends upon some
thing larger and deeper It is a question of
measures not men. Can Democrats agree upon
a practical and statesmanike programme for
the public administration OF the State and the
country? II they do agree on snch a programme
personal dissatisfaction here or here would not
be seriously Injurious r. the other hand,
they do not adopt such a programme I think all
the harmony in the world viii not bring them
success
The sharpest criticism came from John n.
Crimmins, who long ago expressed his conf
dence in, and sympathy with, the late regent
1t is the hand Of Croker" he is quoted
saving in an evening paper THE talk about
Carroll does not in the least deceive me. Croker
has been the recipient Of an income. Now that
it has stopped. I imagine he IS pushed and
wants TO get back. Nixon has rallied a fine
crowd of young men 10 his Cause-educated
I
the rest Of the gang. Croker never gave up the
reins I have myself seen the proof Of the
way in which he utilized Meyer and Freedman
to retain his control. Nixon was at once over
reached and undermined
As Democrat I cannot and will not stand
for absentee dictatorship. The element that has
driven Nixon out of power disCredited last
fall. We shall have 10 discredit them again.
They are spOilsmen, pure and simple, and must
be driven out of power. They seeking power
only for the spoils and must be defeated
This turning down Of Nixon makes Demo-
cratic success I'm the State utterly impossible"
Mr.. Crimmins was not at home last night
when Tribune reporter called to ask about his
statement.
District Attorney Jerome offered only the fol
lowing grim comment the situation:
Il guess Nixon found that building ships and
playing politics were quite different kinds Of
games"
Perhaps the saddest comment was that Of the
ever faithful Larry Delmour:
Nixon meant we'll" said he thoughtfully
He meant we'll but he was no match for those
crafty fellows. He was really a very nice young
man. l think he would have been sustained by
the executive committee. He too much in
a hurry. l have seen a cablegram from Croker
TO O. II. p. Belmont. in which he says: Stick TO
Nixon
Carroll hasn't got FIVE district leaders back
or him: Everybody can see that Tammany's a
dead one If he is leader That's ali rot his ta1k
about bossing. II he amt boss | never saw
one He's the best sample Of boss l know. We
might as well throw up the sponge II Carroll is
TO come back leader.
Yes Nixon was nice young man It's n
pity he was so hasty. He made big mistake
IN reLTlnR-
In Mr. Nixon Hugh Mclaughlin, the veteran
Kings County leader thought he saw a charac-
ter who would reorganize Tammany Hall in
such a way that many of those who had been
driven away would return. For Carroll and his
stripe the Brooklyn Democrats have az little
use as they have for Croker. Mclaughlin is a
sincere admirer Of Nixon 1T is pity that
there are not more Nxons" he said Yesterday
There are very few like him anywhere and
there is not man in Brooklyn that can come
within row OF apple seeds Of him I'm regard 10
ability, integrity and honesty He accepted the
leadership to build up the party and not to
get the office. ! don't know anybody over here
who would do that, and guess there are very
few in New-York. think Nixon made a splen-
did leader"