The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-12

Why Mr.. Croker Is Keeping Himself
i'm Exile.
New York Post.

. OAh -
Edward c. sheehy. one of Tammany's
former tax commissioners, and a close per-
sonal friend of Richard Croker for thirty
years. told a pathetic story to-day about
what he called Cookers voluntary exile
and intimated that Croker might return to
New York after the election.
Not one man in a hundred would make
the sacrifice that Croker is making" Shee-
ny began. IA Is far away in England, and
loves New York and wants to take the
walks down Fifth avenue TO which he was
accustomed for so many years. yet he is
an exile for the good of the Tammany or
8anfzation, and his friends. as he thinks.
lie is staying in England because he be-
heves that II he came back TO New York
II would be suspected that he was directing
Tammany again. and the. organization
might suffer In consequence. He is really a
martyr. L wouldn't do as he is doing. if L
were III his place. L would let the organ
home and enjoy myself. L have told him
as much, but he cannot be induced to do
anything that might hurt Tammany. He
has. i'm fact. exiied himself for the sake of
the organization
Now suppose you were in Cookers posi-
ton and had been used TO a walk down
Fifth avenue daily and "A visit to amman
Hall. wouldn't you miss ii all? / know /
would miss it. and L can understand how
Croker must feel.
Now let me tell you just what a sue
riice he is making. Last spring. his son
Frank went over to see him on important
business because he couldn't be induced
Frank said: Father, won't you come back
10 New York with me-?
81 can't Croker replied.
".Why not?' asked Frank. DO yoti
intend to be an exile all your life?'
- must be an exile for n while. any,
how Croker answered. L must stay in
exile for the sake of the Tammany organ
ization and my friends. If | returned to
New York the cry would be raised that L
had taken charge of Tammany again, and
the enemies of the organization would use
the cry for all it is worth. L want. to see
Tammany restored to power. and will
sacrifice my own inclination in the inter-
est OF the organization. No; l cannot re-
turn now. 4 must remain an exile
Frank argued with his father. told him
that everybody in New York believed that
he had retired from politics for good, and
tnat his return could not affect Tammany
injuriously. but his arguments were use
less Croker knew by long experience how
the New YORK newspapers misinterpret his
motives. and he would not take any chances
or inJuring Tammany by coming back be-
TORE the election. IL was a great sacri-
nee, but II was characteristic of the man.
Al this moment he Is probably sitting on
ms piazza at Vantage thinking OF New
York and longing for New York. but stern
~ REFRESHING his inclinations to return TO
New York at once. What he ought TO do
Is 10 cut loose from Vantage and consid-
or his own comfort.
Croker Will never again direct mma
1 Know ina when he gave up the reins
last year. he did IL for good. But think
ne VIII come back here on a visit after the
election. when IL can't be said that he di-
rected the campaign. Every Tammany
man will be glad TO see him"
IL was reported to-day that Croker will
return in December. and that a dinner will
be given in his honor at the Democratic
Club soon after his arrival. In 1897 Croker
returns ed from England shortly before the
election. and after Van Wyck was elected
took charge OF the organization at once
and distributed all the Offices. III he comes
TO New York in December. ne will be IN
time TO tale part Ia the apportlonment of
the places If Tammany wins.