New-York tribune., 1902-05-15
HAMPERED BY FREEDMAN,
Gould NOT RETAIN HIS SELF RESPECT
AND LEADERSHIP AT THE SAME
TINE. NIXON SAYS.

Lewis Nixon resigned the leadership of Tam
many Hall yesterday afternoon because. on his
own statement. he could not retain his self
respect and the leadership at the same time.
In his speech following his resignation he de-
clared I'm effect that Croker was the real power
in the organization, and that his CNixon's) or
ders were not carried out unless they were
agreeable 10 Croker He also said that he was
tired Of dictstion from a kitchen cabinet headed
ty Andrew Freedman.
Richard Croker's return from England is now
looked for in August It is understood that Da-
Nid Gideon. the turfman few days ago re-
ceived a letter from Mr.. Croker saying he would
bc back in August.
Mr.. Nixon's resignation will be accepted at
meeting Of the executive committee on Thurs-
day morning of next week at IL O'Clock
Mr.. Nixon's resignation was not expected yes
terdsy. 1t was thought that he would wait
until after the meeting of the sachems Mon
day night. TO see whether his man Feitner was
elected grand sachem On Tuesday night Mr..
Nixon sent telegraphic messag ges to all the dis
frict leaders requesting their presence at Tam
many Hall yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock.
They We're AL there with the exception of Frank
!. Goodwin. George F. ScannelI. August Moebus
and Louis f Hafen Mr.. Nixon lost no time in
saying what ne had 10 say. AS the
doors were closed and the meeting called to or
red face arose and said. his voice trembling
at the beginning. but becoming clear and firm
after the first sentence:
Mr. Chairman and gentlemen have decided
to resign from the craftsmanship of the finance
committee. My decision is absolute and posi-
tive My resignation will not be withdrawn
under any consideration circumstances, and
1 desire that IT take effect at once"
Mr Nixon then sat down, and there followed
an awkward pause.
DIDN'T WANT IT FROM MURPHY.
Ex-Police Commissioner Michael C Murphy
finally broke the silence by saying:
Mr.. Chairman: I wish TO take this occasion
70 compliment Mr. Nixon on account Of his
leadership. Every man in the organization has
had confidence in him
I don't want any expression Of confidence"
exclaimed Mr.. Nixon jumping to his feet and
glaring at Colonel Murphy. Il find that ] cam
not retain my self-respect and the leadership
Of the organization at and the same time
Ny resolution to resign is unalterable. Since
took this position have been hampered by
kitchen cabinet headed by Andrew Freedman
and board Of review. Every important act
has been abed to England before it became
effective Mr.. Freedman and his party inter-
tered with me at every turn, and al last tried
10 dlctdte WHOM L SnOul0 place IN the board or
sachems. Then a cablegram came from Vantage
directing TO place certain men on the ticket.
and when / rebelled / discovered that at every
turn ] should he opposed and interfered with
by this same coterie. ] found that nearly all
NY important acts leader had to be vised by
Mr.. Croker. Many of the district leaders would
accept my orders. but before carrying them out
they would get advice from Mr.. Croker. I
don't want any vote Of confidence or anything
else I'm out. Nothing can keep me in. / shall
always be a member Of Tammany Hall and shall
90 all / can in the ranks. but 7 through
with the leadership. ! am out Goodby.'
Mr.. Nixon then grabbed his hat and rapidly
STROBE toward the door
As he finished speaking several of the leaders
started handclappng. He paid attention to
H. however. for he soon shot through the door
ana went across the hall to the public business
once OF the organization. Walking around back
of John Kelly's olo desk which he has used as
leader he stood and gazed at it for a few sec
onds and then left the office for his carriage.
which stood directly in front Of the Wigwam.
on me sidewalk he was intercepted by some
newspaper men
i WISH, said he, you would not try 10 ia TX
10 me I've been talking a good deal for the
last four or five months and now I'm through
have resigned the leadership TO take effect
at once. My reasons for doing it are as stated
10 the district leaders inside. / couId not re-
tain my self-respect and retain the leadership.
and think a good deal more of self-respect
Continued % fourth n,-c