New-York tribune., 1902-01-12
BROOKL YN MEN PLEASED
GOOD" THE GENERAL FEELING IN THE
KINGS COUNTY RANKS.

Brooklyn Democrats were a good deal sur
prised last night when told that Mr.. Croker had
resigned the leadership of Tammany Hall, Con-
troller Grout, when at his home, No. $50
Carroll-st. last night. said:
TT is very happy exchange. I understand
that Mr. Croker was kicked out. and that his re-
| tirement not voluntary. Mr.. Nixon is a
very acceptable. successor to Mr.. Croker"
Ex-Controller Coler refused to comment upon
Mr.. Croker's retirement.
"I am out of politics" he said. 'I am per-
| sonally acquainted with Mr.. Nixon. and he is
one of the abest men know"
Hugh Mclaughlin. the aged Democratic leader
of Kings County, refused absolutely to discuss
Mr. Crokers retirement. He not aware that
Mr. Croker had got out until informed by re-
porter, and he spoke as though he had in
terest in the subject.
James Shevln, Mr.. McLaughlins chief lieu
tenant. at his home No. 90 Eighth
ave. He asked to be excused from making any
comment until Mr.. Crokers retirement had been
verified
'It is only rumor" he said "and there is
nothing positive about it."
Edward NJ. Shepard, the Demo cratic candidate
for Mayor at the recent election declined to
give any expression of opinion. A Tribune re-
porter called at his home, No. 172 Congress
hiIu SeHl Il IOle U Snep2TQ ASKING nl1n lot
his views of the situation. He sent down re-
ply saying. Il have nothing to say about this"
Richard W. Bainbridge, the newly elected
chairman of the Kings County Democratic Gen
eral Committee. was seen at his home No I,4O5
Dean-st. He said
Il congratulate both Mr.. Croker and Mr.
Nixon. think Mr.. Croker has only been wait
ing for a chance to get out without being driven
out 1 have thought for some time that he
ready to throw up the sponge, but did not want
to retire under fire. 1t is a very fortunate thing
Under the circumstances. he could do nothing
else. He IS a defeated leader. not only once but
number of times"
VIII the change have any effect on Brook
lyn politics."
NO it won't affect Democratic politics in
Brooklyn at all. Politics here have been good
enough for the last four years. II Manhattan
will get in as good condition as we are in. the
Democratic party will put up a good healthy
opposition at the next election against the Re-
publicans. That is what I am in politics for to
see good, healthy opposition"
Now that Mr.. Croker is out. do you think the
chance of winning is better?"
I'VE have good deal better chance OF winning
with Mr.. Croker out OF politics 1 think he is
an able man in good many respects but some
thing has been wrong. don't know Just where.
04 "He14ASl II mas Ueen Idult, Dut he has been
at the head. and 1 am very glad he has retired
l hope. however, that he went out of his own
accord l think it necessary for him to
retire"
VIII Mr.. Nixon now assume the leadership"
He VIII shoulder all the responsibility very
readily, and think you will find that hereafter
things will go in the right way. Mr.. Nixon is
a very fine fellow. He IS a graduate OF the
Naval Academy at Annapolis one of the first
engineers and mathematicians in the country
associated in New York with the best business
elements. and prominent In commercial organi-
cations. and think he is the right man in the
right place. He can harmonize the different
forces for us as well anybody could I think
Nixon is all right"
MI cambridge Is the man who was chosen
recently as the head of the Democratic General
Committee to represent the Shepardites or blue
blood element Of the Democratic party He was
chairman OF the Independent Shepard Commit
tee. which worked in the interest of Edward NJ
Shepards candidacy at the last election and IA
supposed 70 represent that leaders views
d. Edward Swanstrom president OF the bor-
ough or Brooklyn is an independent Democrat
and was elected on the fusion ticket. He said:
- II II is really true. 1t is very good thing for
Ing MIR. Croker at its head. Just what effect his
retirement VIII have / Will not venture TO pre-
dict at present. Young Democrats should be
pleased at the situation. AS one of the rank and
me- Wlsh 10 express myself as being extremely
well pleased at the change. All good Democrats
90 not come from Tammany Hall There are
some good ones who not connected with
the organization. Mr.. Nixon is a. very GOOD
man To thoroughly clean Tammany Hall car
roll Sexton and some of the other chief leaders
would do well to retire.