New-York tribune., 1902-02-12
" "TM BOSS" SAYS NIXON
QUESTION 1T AND YOU IN
SUIT NE. SAYS HE.
LEADER SPEAKS IN J. J. MARTINS DIS
TRICT AND MARTIN SAYS mo
MORE OF CROKER"

Lewis Nixon last night declared himself to be
the leader in fact we'll in name Of Tam
many Hall He said that hereafter if any one
should ask if he was dependent on some one else
in the leadership he would take it as an insult.
He said that from this time if any leader re-
fused to do he. in his best judgment, care
fully thought out. directed. he would the
entire force of the Tammany organization to
crush him. He had not sought the leadership of
Tammany. II had been thrust upon him. Hav-
ing accepted it. he would fill the place of leader.
He said he did not expect affectionate fol-
lowing. but IL the district leaders in Tammany
did not follow him he would leave the organ
ization.
Mr.. Nixon said these and other strong things.
He spoke according to a carefully arranged plan
of James J. Martin, the leader of the XXVIIth
district Mr.. Martin and Mr. Nixon have been
talking things over OF late, and last night at
the district headquarters, No. 104 West Forty
seventh-st. Mr.. Martin told Mr. Nixon before
the members of the association who crowded the
room to the DOORS that he CMartin) firmly
opposed TO Richard Croker ever resuming the
leadership of Tammany Hall, and believed that
the Democrats of the XXVIIth district were
likewise opposed to such thing. The meeting
was arranged with view to having Mr. Nixon
declare himself the leadership.
NJ. Marley Platzek presided Colonel John
McInerney. a member of the State Board Of
Charities made a brief speech criticising Gov
ernor Odell for trying bring about a
ganization of the State Board. and predicted
that the Governor had dug his political
grave.
Mr.. Nixon. in evening clothes, walked into the
smoke beclouded room just as Colonel McIner-
ney was closing his remarks. James J. Martin
took the floor and said:
Since our last meeting, in December, very
important change mas taken place IN our county
organization. Mr. Croker, who led us for many
with US tonight. was selected in his place ! took
Heve The same way now. but tind many Democrats
who do not think as ] do hear many people say
resume the leadership of the organization, These
great deal of trouble at the primaries For my
self and 1 believe for great majority of the
opposed to Sir. Croker resuming the leadership of
the organization.
This declaration was followed with vociferous
applause. Continuing, Mr.. Martin said:
Now. Mr.. Chairman. think that have stated
the position clearly and without doing injustice
any one Mr.. Nixon is here. He has received due
notice that we expected 70 hear how he stands with
reference 10 the leadership of Tammany Hall
Mr. Nixon stood up and blinked solemnly
through the tobacco smoke. He was in good
voice. and his manner indicated that he meant
every word he said. He spoke as follows;
It is with peculiar pleasure that came here to-
HsFs dsfrc af 'oI ssW 5T there ss penty Of men who
believe that there Is nothng but victory pgtore Is
position in regard 10 Tammany Hall feel that
fnance committee of Tammany Hall I do not feel
that it is necessary for me to go about with chip
my shoulder in order to attest the strength OF
more OF Richard Croker than I do. He in good
faith laid down the leadership. He who challenges
his good faith challenges a man who l always be
lieved was the embodiment Of truthfuness To
assume that I would accept position where
would be a mere hggrehead is reflection on my
want 70 make myself clear Any man who here
lcader Of the Tammany organization insults me.
want to say TO you thar there is no inter
ether man. If he did he would never deliver them.
Tnany Han gbogid 6 Nv determnation IS TO in
crease the powers Of the district leaders TO- the
leaders are free from the influence Of any one who
blyman or alderman or for any offce within their
jurisdiction. on the other hand. if ask any dts
my best Judgment IS right and proper, TO & 90 a
Of Tamrnanv Hail TO crush him. Remember, that
] did seek this position Of leadership But, hav-
affectonate following, but do expect the support
every district leader in the organization, and If
] don't get il I shall leave il
am not so obstinate but that I can change my
nrror @qHf bSf as Chairman Of the nance committee
shan give myself the benent OF every @ d9unI I, no
In pleasing others ! must be square with my own
conscience. have made great sacrifices in taking
this postion-greateT. perhaps, than any ether
the position and I intend that others shall feel
that oso6 f that 5o9d RGd29 n6f % Tn man Wh9 eGce&f &
should push forward other men. II the people see
that he IS after something for himself they will
soon discover that his mind is biassed.
As long I the leader Of Tammany Hall no
one will be prevented from seeing me. The true
headquarters are at Tammany Hall "a voice.
Not at 6I7 Fifth-ave.i" Cheers and laughter.)
Every man there is the equal Of every other man.
No matter who that man is who is elevated 70
Office II he is recreant TO his trust ne VIII be re
moved if & lies within the power Of the chairman
of the finance committee 10 do II. CApplauseO
am not in the habit OF saying one thing and mean
ing another. and know you'll believe that when
YOU come know me better. CApplause0
John w Keller followed Mr.. Nixon in a speech
that was well received. Mr.. Nixon went from the
Martin meeting to the Board Of Trade dinner at
the Nontauk Club, in Brooklyn.
CALLS JAN 4 POLICE QUESTION.