New-York tribune., 1903-01-30
CROKER THE REAL BOSS.
HE ADMITS 1T IN LETTER
Coming Back To Direct Idn,many
Through HIS Man Murphy.

Richard Croker, in letter written to per-
sonal friend in this city. which was received on
January %, declared that he was not coming to
the United States early in April, but that ne
would be here later. He declared that he was
not coming back to resume the open leader
ship of Tammany Hall. He explained, however
that he was still the real boss. He urged his
friend to stand by Charles F. Murphy, and
proceeded to discuss his personal plans.
This letter written to a man who has been
a lifelong friend of Croker. This man is on
terms of confidence with the former Tammany
leader and while he has always been allied
with Tammany. yet he does not make politics
a business. He is of large affairs.
Croker will not come back to the leadership
of Tammany" declared this He said he
would not, and you rely on it. But Croker
will be the controlling power In Tammany so
long as he lives and cares to be. There would
be only one thing that would bring him back
Should get in control of the organization
who made it a point to overthrow Crokers
friends, then Croker would come back to pro-
tect his friends. That is not the programme
now, and Croker is content
1--WE do things differently now. If you go to
a bank to the president, you don't see the
man that controls the bank. If you go to see
a railroad president you don't see the man who
controls tt railroad. The man in control pre-
fers to get away from the worries and care of
the routine. That is what Croker has done. He
prefers to get clear of the petty details and keep
a general supervision. Another thing. Croker
has been so bounded, vilifed and abused that
he is worn out by it, and realizes that certain
amount Of prejudice exists against his per
sonality He desires to sink this
Croker wanted TO get out before and would
have stayed out, but the minute he took his
hand off the throttle and left the routine man
agement to others his confidence was betrayed
Efforts were made to undermine him and
studied attempt made to overthrow all his
friends.
That is not the case Murphy is loyal
and true blue. He knows just what Croker
wants ard he is friendly with Croker He is not
out to do every friend of Croker. He would
rather along smoothly and act as the tttular
head of Tammany. When Croker gets too
old decides to relinquish the general super
vision of affairs, then Murphy will be the
real leader. There is a perfect understanding
between Croker and Murphy and they will not
break Murphy's policy will be the policy of
Croker. Croker will not come back to resume
leadership but until he absolutely refuses to
take an interest in Tammany he will be the
governing power in any matter that may come
up and will be the leader in fact although not
in name"
This statement is the gist of what was con-
tanned in Croker's letter Croker has urged all
his friends 10 stand by Murphy because Murphy
is Croker, and will continue to be. 1t is gen
orally understood in the organization now tnat
Murphy is to remain titular leader of Tammany:
The rank and file and the district workers could
not believe in the abdication and all along there
has been doubt. Now a realization that II Is
simply change of costume with Croker ben1nd
the scenes is becoming general They see now
it is going to be more comfortable for the old
man. under this new arrangement. but reallze
that his powers unimpalr2d. Tdmrnany Is
adjusting itself to the new arrangement Wnen
Croker comes back he will be greeted as leader
in reality, although he will never return 10
Tammany Hall to sit in his old chair or TO head
the finance committee. He will remain in the
background and work through his agent. Mur-
ply who is to enjoy the distinction of having
the title of leader and at the same time get
all the petty worries and annoyances of routine
mana cement and be a buffer between Croker
and the cares of leadership.