New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-24
THE SAME OLD "STENCH.

The letter which has Just come 10 light from
Richard Croker 20 the late Michael c. Murphy
is significant and all sufficient commentary
on the argument that Tsmmany has changed
its character in two years. Mr.. Grout tries TO
excuse his apostasy The ground that the
forces in control when lie denounced Tamnany
as a "stench" ana business investment" are
no longer dominant He lays great stress on
the inofTenslveness Of Mr. Mcclellan, and says
that IL the candidate for Mayer were not clean
man he would not support the ticket Yet two
years ago, when Tammany put up a man Of
undOubted capacity and honesty, a man ten
times more likely 10 be independent and re-
sist and overcome evil influences IN his party
than the compliant Mr.. Mcclellan Mr.. Grout
denounced Mr. shepard, and eloquently argued
that he would BE helpless IN the hands Of Gro
ker. Not fOreseeng how he himself would be
in two years trying to subordinate the Brook
Ign Democracy 10 Tanmany, Mr.. Grout de-
clared that Mr. Shepard's pledge not to use the
Mayors Office TO destroy or build up any or
ganization meant: 81 viii not use the powers
=" of the Mayor either TO destroy or 20 disinte-
CRATE Tammany Hall or TO build up the Kings
County Democracy / say that that was all
''the pledge that Richard Croker wanted Of
Edward N. Shepard" Now Edward NJ Grout
with Tanmany against the independent De
mocracy Of Kings, and he Is with 70 new Tam
many. as he preiends, Tut with the same old
patron OF ''red lights and graft under the
leadership OF Richard Croker.
On this side Of the water Charles L. Murphy
Is nominal chief. He was the Van Wyck Dock
Commissioner whose scandalous conduct is well
known w. IL Russell, though he has Just dis
covered that two years ago he slandered Tam
many, especially with regard 10 the Dock De
partInent recently signed an official report
declaring that the city had been wronged by
Murphy and his associates and advising the
present Dock Commissioner to set aside their
action. Murphy is charged with owning a re-
sort OF immoral character, and his official trans
actions would before now have been revealed
II he had not begged an adjournment from the
courts. Murphy's chief assistant IN Manhattan
IS Timothy ID. Sullivan. who, Mr.. Grout de-
clares, is one OF the gambling syndicate. His
Brooklyn assistant is Patrick III. McCarren.
whose career as a promoter Of graft meas
ures In the interest OF corporations is well IN
cerstood. Behind them all is Richard Croker
who avows that he is In politics for bis own
pocket all the time. How really Croker is be-
hind Murphy and how completely a victory for
Murphy would be victory for Croker are evil
Gent from the Croker letter written last fall
when Tammany was being refitted i'm readiness
for this years campaign Writing from Wan
fage ON October 10, 1902. Croker said:
Now j want you TO let my friends know that
Murphy has nay support. There should be no
d-zloyalty. He must have the support OF the
organization while he is leader. You may use
This letter In any way that NAV seem YOU
necessary. 4 want the boys To stand behind
Marphy.
Let me hear from you when IL is convenient
yours truly. RICHARD CROKER
Il want the boys to snna behind Murphy"