The Washington herald., 1906-11-18
CROKER HITS HEARST
Old Tammany Chieftain Also
Scores BOurke Cochran.
DANGER TO THE DEMOCRACY
In Last Interview He VIII Ever Give
Former Boss Writes Graphic Chap
ter OF New York Political History.
Reasons for His Hostility 10 the
Gifted Orator Are Stated.


ker to-day gave out an interview in which
he added a chapter to his quarrel with
William r. Hearst, and paid his respects
20 his enemies in Tammany Hall.
The old chiefs talk was marked by
intense earnestness. After the interview
was written he personally made correc-
tions. II is, therefore. a sort Of official
proclamation, the last, Croker declares,
that he will make.
In reply 20 the question as TO what
had caused Hearst's defeat in the recent
election. Mr.. Croker replied simply:
God Almighty"
Then he added:
His defeat is a judgment Of heaven,
owing to his scurrilous charges and his
ungentlemanly conduct .8f the campaign,
opinion. In all MY erience I do not
remember a campaign which sunk to
such billingsgate.
4 see Hearst referred 10 me as cor
rupt politician. II he thinks so, why
did he visit me in 1903 at Vantage and
beg me 10 resume the leadership Of Tam
many Hall. Mr.. Hearst implored me TO
re-enter politics, saying that Lewis Nixon
was incompetent and that everybody
wanted me 10 return. Hearst also con-
fessed that he was ambitious 10 enter
politics and said 7 could help him. Now,
Hearst is putting me In the position OF
being in the 'plunderbund' with Belmont.
Morgan. Carnegie, Root. Roosevelt Ryan,
Freedman. and the Rev. Lindsay Parker.
] am proud TO be associated with these
gentlemen. for they have done more for
New York asleep than Hearst has accom-
~ A. saae r.f mir
Hearst Has Changed Greatly.
When I was in New York Hearst and
] We're close friends, and 1 always liked
him. Surely Hearst did not at that time
think me corrupt do not know why he
thinks so now. Hearst has greatly
changed in the last few years. Now, ap-
parently. he is controlled by the idea
that he is greater than the Democratic
party. He is ambitious to make the party
his servant. He is slave to passion and
egousm. His creed is that everybody
who is for him is an angel. while every
body who is against him is a demon.
Because ] think he is still a danger
10 Democracy l consider it my duty TO
speak. If Hearst had been elected gov
eTuor and had continued raising class
our country and vilifying everyone with
a bank account, / am convinced he would
have caused a class war, bringing sadder
days than any America has ever known.
His power TO do this has not disap-
peared Democracy should be on guard
against him. God help Democracy, If
Hearstism becomes it's guiding princi-
pie"
Mr. Croker was asked what he had 10
say about the charge made by Bourke
Cochran that ne was a corrupt politician
and he replied.
Gave Cochran start in Politics.
When Cochran was a poor youth I
not only introduced him into politics.
but as he had no money 1 induced Tam
many TO pay the expenses Of his Con-
gressionaI campaign. When ne got into
Congress Cochran wanted TO be appointed
on the Ways and Means Committee
sun had faith in him and suggested his
appointment TO Speaker Crisp.
Mr. Crisp demuTTed saying he feared
Democracy would be sorry later, but
finally Cochran was appointed
7 consider Cochran one of the most
dangerous and most treacherOus men in
American politics. All that is necessary
To learn his character is 10 look him
tie. closely set, beady eyes roll In his
head as he attempts to deceive.
Cochran is one Of the ablest speak
ers in America, but he never believes a /
word he says. This is the man who got
into the -Four Hundred and is now
preaching clean politics. God save De-
mOcracy from such reformers-
Il ask the judgment of all fair-minded
persons. I have nothing 10 regard with
shame in my political career except my
friendship for Bourke Cochran. 1 never +
did anything corrupt or betrayed any
body.
Out of Politics for Good.
Regarding the future. want to dis /
pei the rumor that I intend TO re-enter /
politics. Nothing could induce me to re
assert myself in Tammany and play an
other part in politics. 1 am out for good
and all. I would not live five years if I
returned 20 the political arena. Here in [
Ireland. with my horses. 1 am looking
forward to the fifteen best years Of my
life.
This will be all my future Concerning !
Tammany's future, the men on the spot /
are the best judges l have no informa- /
ton as 70 fight between Murphy and /
Mcclellan, but ! regret the misunder- 1
standing and hope some means will be I
found 10 change MuTphy's opinion OF
Mayor Mcclellan and McCleuan's opinion /
Of Murphy.
In conclusion let me give this advice I
70 the party, to refrain from personal !
Vilidcation in future campaigns. Cal /
umny never wins political battles Fight 1
on Clean-cut issues and do not accuse /
opponents of crimes simply because they |
are opOnents. Ii you cannot win by fair /
means, do not stoop to foul ones. Do not I
despair II you have not retained your
manhood That has been the lesson Of /
my political career"