New-York tribune., 1908-01-05
GOSSIP OF THE BOROUGH
Centre of Political ActiUity-Fight
against Woodruf.

The 18th Assembly District where Naval Officer
F. J. II. Kracke is leader OF the Republicans, has
now become the centre Of political activity. Con-
gresham George E. Waldo one of the leaders Of
the Hughes Republican League of Brooklyn, which
formed few weeks ago with the ostensible
object of advancing Governor Hughess boom for
the Presidential nomination has excited not little
opposition. The leader of the movement. Darwin
r. James, jr, president Of the Young Repub-
lican Club, has been enemy of State Chair
man T l.. Woodruff, leader of the regulars OF
Kings. for the greater part Of his political career
and has continually used his influence 10 oppose
the plans Of the regulars. His chief supporters in
the league are Senator Eugene NJ. Travis leader of
the l1th Assembly District, and Waldo. Travis Sc
cured his position last fall by defeating Postmaster
George H. Roberts, who for many years held the
allegiance of the voters of the district in line with
the regulars. Travis achieved his success by de-
claring he for Hughes, and that Roberts was
This stirred up the element in the party that
is ordinarily quiescent. and Roberts was defeated.
Waldo is an open enemy OF Woodruff. Before the
primaries when Travis fighting the organiZa-
ton candidate, Waldo tried TO have himself slated
for the craftsmanship OF the county committee, with
the ayowed intention of oustng Woodruff from the
leadership of the county. James and It is reported
Travis Also were Waldos chief support then. Since
primary day Travis has been using a good deal OF
spare time trying square himself with Wood
ruff and his efforts have not been highly success
full il is said.
Waldo has since been preparing to emulate Ira
viss example and proposes. 1t is reported in his
district, unseat kracke. The affair was brought
a head few days ago. when Waldo called upon
the enrolled voters OF the 18th Assembly District
TO join with him i'm organizing a local branch Of
the Hughes League.
Mr.. Kracke ha. his district well in hand, and
very few of the voters were inclined TO join with
Waldo. 1t known in the political circles of the
district that Waldo opposed Woodruff and Kracke
and the majority Of the voters preferred have
nothing DO with any organization of which
was the founder. His attempt TO make himself
appear the representative of Hughes in the dis
trict fell fiat, because Kracke is known to be a
stanch admirer OF Hughes. and it generally
known that Assemblyman Warren ]. Lee supported
all OF Hughes's policies last year and will do in
the coming year. Li9n Kracke's advice and with
his commendation. Since the organization OF the
league. when thousands of membership blanks were
sent about among the enrolled voters many who
joined hastily have since been resigning. They be-
lieVe that James and his chief supporters are not
so much interested in the success of the Hughes
boom they are in advancing themselves.
New Years Eve was set aside by the tough and
criminal element of the borough for joint attack
upon the indiscreet, il would apear from the re-
ports of the police. New Years Eve, according
the custom of large number of citizens extends
from supper time 10 8 6 o'clock New Years
morning. For the hignwayman ii began about /
O'Clock New Years morning and continued until
daylight When the thugs began to celebrate the
occasion they left the enjoyment Of the rest the
celebrators out of their consideration. Before
they Quit work the hospitals had out d couple
OF doctors and several horses each. and in
their care numerous new patients. Besides twenty
thirty assaults and robberies four people were
dead and a couple have since died. Two OF those
dead on New Years Day were saoonkeeper and