The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-01-14


New York, January 11.-Richard
Croker announced his retirement from
the formal leadership OF Tammany Hall
this afternoon. The announcement was
made at the meeting Of the executive
committee at which the plan of organi-
zation for the wear 1902 was agreed
upon. =
Lewis Nixon was chosen as Mr.. Crok-
er's successor as the chairman of the
finance committee. This position, by
long usage, carries with 1t the leader
ship OF the organization
In announcing the name OF Mr.. Nixon
for the Craftsmanship OF the finance
committee. George NJ. Hoesen. president
of the general committee, said that the
step was taken at the desire Of Mr..
Croker himself.
Mr.. Croker, however, did not express
himself until all the business before the
meeting had been transacted. when he
arose and addressed the chair. There
was a distinct rustic of expectancy in
the crowded room as he did so. He
spoke in his habitual quiet manner,
but such stiffness prevailed that every
word he uttered was clearly heard BY
all. His tone was a conversational one,
but there was something like tremoI
In his voice and he walked back and
forth across the room in a way not ia
miliar to those who have often heard
him speak.
In beginning, he said that the ap-
pointment of Mr.. Nixon To the chair
manship of the finance committee had
his full approval and he hoped that Mr..
Nixon would receive the same consid-
Grafton and good will which had been
extended to himself. He added:
at know the young man well and
believe that he will restore confidence
in the organization and bring back to
its support the army of democrats that
we lost at the last election. hope that
you will give him the same confidence
that I have enjoyed. I am continually
receiving letters from young men anx-
ious to join this organization who do
not know how to join; and hope that
means will be found to bring more
young men in. The people who left us
for reasons of their own can never
build an organization up against you
upon patronage received from the re-
publican party. think it is your duty
to strengthen yourselves and to stand
on principles, not on patronage. You
know this organization generally polls
the largest vote when it has no patron
age. 1 have been in the organization
thirty-five years and during that period
= it has polled larger vote proportion
ately in years when it had no patron
age. So you need never fear the efforts
of men who leave us because they wish
to get positions. It is neglect Of your
selves and distrust of your. leaders
which will hurt you If you conduct
this organization honestly and comply
with the laws. you can't be beat at any
time.
I'm conclusion. I want to ask you
again to have the same confidence in
Mr.. Nixon that you have had in me
and I have no doubt of your success"
Mr. Nixon. the new leader, rose as
soon as Mr.. Croker had sat down and
very briefly thanked the committee for
the honor done him. He said:
''I need not say that this great honor
was entirely unexpected and absolutely
unsought by me- 1t was with sincere
regret that learned that Mr.. Croker
had determined to retire. I was viii.
.liiig to remain in the ranks; but / viii,
not accept an executive position and be
a mere figurehead I am not so pre-
.sumptuous as to imagine that I can
control in all things: but can say
that while I may not always have your
support shall have it if keep this po-
.sition. 1 promise to apply every effort
and my utmost strength to build up
this organization.'
A vote OF thanks to Mr.. CresSer for
his service to the organization was yot-
ed by the committee.
Mr.. Nixon announced that he would
-1etain Mr. Smith. Mr.. Crokers secretary
for a number of years. for his secre-
tarv.