The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-11-15
doHWhEGLN

WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY REPUBLIC.
Kelly and Croaker. former Tammany
bosseS. succeeded in impressing themselves
upon the world as men of powerful per
sonality..
Charles J. Murphy. the leader. who has
only now arisen to full power within his
organization, promises to be a worthy
served his apprenticeship in politics.
Indeed, the personal friends OF Tam
many's present leader believe the future
VIII develop him as the greatest of all.
&tgularly alike in their rise from hum
bic b~egfnnings. alike. too. in many,of their
most dominant characteristics, these three
men-John Kelly. Richard Croker and
Charles F. Murphy-make an interesting
study.
Though at q casual glance they seem to
be possessed of the same methods. Il is
not so. and the three differ radically in
the of leading and controlling
their followers.
Murphy will probably be as quick as
either of his predecessors to strike VEN
geance upon those who offend him, but
he Will not act upon suspicion and. hav-
ing Just now come into possession of his
political kingdom he feels that no mis-
X will be made In granting pardon to
those guilty of treason against the last
dynasty.
Moreover, Mr.. Murphy has his own am
billions to accomplish.
He aims rather higher, ii In said, than
did Mr.. Croker.
He hopes to place Tammany Hall where
many believe 1t should be. at the head of
the great Democratic organization Of sSaai1k
country. ~
He hopes past blunders will be forgot
ten. and that the support of Tammany
Hall will be an advantage to an aspirant
-.--- 5000 - gA-
q milestone hung about his neck, certain to
prove his defeat in any political race. in
which no may enter.
HIS AMBITION IS
TO Make A PRESIDENT.
Il has been the ambition Of the present
leader OF Tammany to place George B.
Mcclellan where he Is now. and 1t is his
further ambition to advance his friend to
the office OF the Chief Magistrate of the
United States.
He believes that Mr.. Mcclellan is made
Of presidential timebr. He believes that
he will grow and that his ability will be
recognized.
Neither Mr.. Kelly nor Mr.. Croker ever
had I'd ambition or an impulse of this
sort.
The effect may have a beneficial effect
upon the career of Mr.. Murphy should he
remain >undisturbed in the leadership of
Tammany Hall.
It IL impossible te. make a comparison
OF the three men who rave captained
Tammany Hall without giving to each
powers not possessed by either Of tho
others. 1t is yet too early to Judge ade-
Quately Of Mr.. Murphy.
There are men alive who believe that |
Richard Croker lowered far above John
Kelly As q leader. while there are others |
who have fought both or have served un-
der both who believe that Kelly was as |
q giant TO a pigmy compared with Croker.
Croker achieved a greater measure of
success for his organization, and with
Kelly he had the remarkable power of
depressing his enmies within Tammany
with fear of his power. and at least once |
he took back the leadership when an enc
needed only the spirit Of IN ordinary
hound to have driven the veteran forever
from his place of power.
On the other hand. Kelly for much more
than Q decade snapped the lash about the
backs Of the distinct leaders, command
ing the blindest obedience.
In defeat again and again he compelled
the organization to proclaim him supreme.
He snapped his fingers in the face of
public opinion; spoke Of himself as "Dic-
tator'': went outside of his party to pun
lsh when his suggestions were refused, de-
feated at least one Democratic candidate
Tor the governorship and possibly a Demo-
cratic candidate for tho presidency, and
almost at the close OF his career he dealt
the Republicans in a manner that
near giving the presidency to james
q. Blaine instead of to Grover Cleveland.
HONEST JOHN" KELLY
ASSUMED MANTLE OF REFORM. L
Croker has been openly charged with