New-York tribune., 1902-01-13
GRIEVES CROKER.
SAYS HE'S DOWN AND OUT"-NEEDS REST AND
| QUIET OF ENGLAND-SUBTLE VIEWS ON GAMBLING
NTXON'S SLY DIG ATCROKER
WANTS TO SEE THE ORGANIZATION RE
STORED TO PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
CROKER ON GAMBLING.

CROKER ON GAMBLING.
Richard Croker at the Democratic Club last
night expressed profound sadness at the scep-
ticsm with which his announcement of retire
ment from politics was received by politicians
and the public generally. Mr.. Croker declared
firmly that he was down and out" and that he
would never again take an active hand In the
management of the Tammany organization. He
said that he would always have the welfare OF
the organization at heart; that he would CO.
operate in every way in his power TO help the
organization win battles, but he would never
come back to the leadership. He paid tribute
to Lewis Nixon, who succeeds him as chairman
Of the finance committee of Tammany Hall.
which carries with 1t the practical leadership
of the organization, and urged all leaders and
Tammany workers to be as loyal to Nixon and
to help him they had helped and stood by
Croker in the past.
There were not many persons at the Demo-
cratic Club last night Croker stroled around
with his hands in his pockets and looked COM
Portable. 81 feeling first rate" he said in
answer to a query. II feel as If 1 had been
relieved of great load 1 see that some people
think my retirement is bluff. That is not true.
1 am out for good. 1 always want to see Tam
many successful but will never come back TO
the leadership. Nixon is good man and will
get loyal support. 1 want younger men to have
a chance"
Asked about his plans Mr.. Croker said:
II unsettled yet. l do not know when
will go away. That is yet to be determined.
I want to get away soon as possible to rest.
1t is true that my health is not good. and
find the rest and quiet of England almost neces-
sary to keep me alive
will you race on English tracks this year?"
Mr.. Croker was asked
Yes" he replied. 1T is the ambition of my
life to win the English Derby. have two horses
entered this year, and will have five next year.
The uncertainty of racing horses gives great
zest to the sport. hope to breed a Derby win
ner The breeding of horses is always great
delight It Is like poor man raising family.
He watches a boy develop, and hopes that he
will get to be President So it is with horses.
You hope each one you raise may prove Derby
winner"
DO you believe in gambling?" some one asked
Mr.. Croker, abruptly.
''It depends on what you call gambling" said
Mr. Croker. ST would rather play draw poker
or faro where you see the dealer than go
down in Wall Street. where the dealer cannot
be seen. I see by morning paper that Mr..
Nixon will drive all the gamblers out OF the
Democratic Club and the organization That is
untrue and malicious. Mr. Nixon isn't warning
sional gambIers-in the club the organization.
OF course some men will bet, but you know
what mean"
Mr. Croker chatted about the joys OF country
life in England, about his pleasure at retiring
and getting rest, and other topics. but he did
not discuss politics any further.
At the Waldorf-Astoria Lewis Nixon. who sue
ceeds Richard Croker as titular head of Tam
many. said:
II have formed no plans yet, and cannot be
expected to do so off hand 1 shall get in touch
with the leaders at once. I shall impress upon
the district leaders the fact that my selection as
chairman of the Finance Committee does not
mean now or at any time in the future factional
Observation-Disclosures. Every leader stands upon
the same basis with me to-day and receives
equal and impartial recognition. On my side I
shall rely upon their advice and assistance and
work with them for the good of the Democratic
party in this city. While will keep out of dis
trict fights, when a leader is returned he will
find me ready TO cooperate with him. I want
the assistance and advice of all those who wish
TO see our organization built uron Democratic
principles, restored to the confidence OF the peo-
pie and made instrument OF good 10 the
community. I am going TO work for the Demo-
cratic party in the city first and strengthen 1t
in every way. and then do what 1 can for the
party in the State. I not going to do much
talking. but shall go ahead with my work"
At the Democratic Club last night were sew
eral leaders. Among them Senator Tim
othy d. Sullivan ex-Mayor Van Wyck James j.
Coogan, Senator Plunkitt and John F. Carroll
Each leader asked about the change practically
echoed Senator Sullivan. who said:
Croker wanted change and rest He de-
served it. There is only thing to do-sup-
port the new leader"
Despite these pacific remarks, there was an
undertone of discomfort. The belief is general
among the leaders that Croker has no intention
of permanently retiring. They say he wants to
rest for year two and enjoy himself; that
in the interim he wanted young and active
man to do the work and win back voters who
have deserted the organization. Carrolrs retire
ment caused widespread comment, but Carroll is
q rich man. and he wants TO rest and enjoy him
self too The belief is general that Nixon will
the Carroll Sexton Farrell
Devery combination, and that Croker will have
to come back and settle the affair. One poll
tician said last night:
nixon is young and energetic He is clean
and has good reputation That Is the reason
Croker put him in. There will be little to do for
the next two years Nixon may be able to worry
along for that length of time without a rupture
with certain powerful leaders. but I doubt il.
Croker and the old gang will be back when the
next campaign is on, and / make this predic
tion-that two years from now Croker will be
back as leader and Nixon will be in anti
organization, while Sullivan, Farrell
and the gambling combine will be hand in glove
with Carroll and Croker in running Tammany."