The St. Louis Republic., 1903-11-08

Board under Van Wyck. Many of the
rank and file OF Tammany knew him not
at all.
What he is to-day he has made himself
He took hold of conditions in Tammany
Hall and nodded them to suit his own de-
sires. He was at once ruthless and con-
ciliatory and the work he has accom-
plished Is one of the political marvels Of
late years.
MURPHY THE LEADER.
There Is a general impression that Tam
many Hall is an organization that follows
leadership after the manner of a herd Of
sheep. As a matter of fact. it is an Or
ganization that can be controlled only by
man who knows the feelings of the thou
sands who make up the rank and file.
When Charles F. Murphy took the lead
ership he had his finger on the pulse of
Tammany Hall, and every beat was tele-
graphed to his brain.
How he got rid Of the Carroll-van
Wyck element is matter of local his
tory This Is the move that gave him the
confidence Of the great mass Of voters
that goes to make up the Tammany ma
chine. 1t is instructive in man to despise
loser. and Murphy got rid of the men re-
ssposfble for the overwhelming defeat of
TammaEy In the campaign of 1901.
Then came the move that showed the
foASiCdi dSluteueSS OF lIle new leaQer.
It was the turning down of William S.
Devery In the State Convention. although
Devery had been elected member of
the Tamznany Hall Executive Committee.
against this. Many were friendly with
Devery. Murphy had his own way. The
move looked to be a Tad one politically at
the the time. but the judgment of Mr.. Murphy
Having the lever of the machinery un-
der his control he proceeded to try the
Parts; rs,s - He went went from leader to leader
unobstructedly. He felt out the sentl-
ment not only Of the pronounced ad-
mer he called into consultation many
mention Of the name Of Tammany % us is
sphere Of observation of a bull. lie :" '''s
Mr.. Murphy pointed out to these men
that. Objectionable as Tammany may
sson ., y ths i citx IHh toS5 organiza
was his wish to have their cooperation,
even though their assistance could not be
active. With mild words and clever ar
promised to stand by him.
MURPHY, THE POLITICIAN.
From the time ne took charge of Tam
many Mr.. Murphy had one candidate for
Mayor in his mind That was George B.
Mcclellan. OF the character of his divi-
nation Of the temper of the people with
regard to young Mr.. Mcclellan it is un-
necessary to speak to-day. The people
spoke yesterday at the polls.
When the time came to call a conven-
tion and nominate candidates. Mr.. MUIR
ply accomplished coup that set the
many Endorsement to Edward NJ, Grout
and Charles v. Fornes. In this he en-
countered opposition from his dearest
the depths of his own organization. Per-
hapS there was a time when the an
nouncement had become spread that he
would like to have backed down, but il is
doubtful. The leader of men is the man
who makes up his mind and sticks to his
convictions.
;. Again ., he, he aroused sS; opposition by com
the old-time enemy of Tammany Hail.
In the makeup Of Char.es F. Murphy
there Is no sentiment. He was after an
object. and ne figured that it is better
either whip him or be whipped than to
temporize. He tried conclusions, work
Ing on the basis that the power Of Hugh
Mclaughlin in Brooklyn had been over
estimated. How well he knew his ground
is in evidence.
MURPHY THE MAN.
This new dominant figure in national
politics IS comparatively young man.
His life has been exemplary so far as
personal habits go. He has never taken
drink or used tobacco He has meyer
been heard to swear. His domestic re
lations are perfect. He has been true
to his family and his friends. Whatever
may be said of his business methods, of
his knowledge Of the workings of graft,
It cannot be said of him that he ever
violated p.edEe.
HIS face Is round and rosy and smooth.
He affects black clothing, ministerial
collar and a black necktfe-in fact, hfs
appearance resembles more prosperous
priest than a politician. He has talked
more during this campaign than he ever
talked before in his life, but he is not
garruious. No man in politics knows So
well the virtue Of a motioniess tongue.