New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-08-11
GALLAGHER IN POLITICS
Always Dissatisfied, Says Justice
Smith, Who Befriended Him.
INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE MAN
But Often Shifted Affiliations,
and Seemed Unreliable II
Harmless Character.


Justice Richard H. Smith, Of the City
Court. told what he knew about James J.
Gallagher the would-be assassin of Mayor
Gaynor yesterday and the visit that the
man paid him in the courthouse
Justice Smith is a warm personal friend
of the Mayor and his family, having his
country home not far from that of the
Ciaynor family at ST. James, and also has
known Gallagher in a political way for sew
eraI wears The Justice saw both men with
in space OF a few hours on Monday He
met Mayor Gaynor in st. James and the
Mayor congratulated him on his recovery
from a recent Illness. Justice Smith wished
Mr. Gaynor a pleasant voyage and oade
him goodby. The justice then came to New
York and had not been long in the court
building when Gallagher came to see MN.
Justice Smith said yesterday that not once
during their conversation did Gallagher
mention the name of Mayor Gaynor, but he
seemed 10 think he was the victim of per-
secution although according 10 the justice
his talk and manner were those of a ra-
tionaI person. Gallagher's mission was TO
enlist the aid OF the justice in his effort to
get back his job.
Mr. Smith told him that he could do moth
ing for him. but suggested that he see John
]. Hopper, of the Independence League, as
he was member of that organization
Gallagher replied that he had already
talked with Hopper, and that Hopper told
him he could do nothing for him.
Wanted to Be Transferred.
Then Gallagher said that he would like TO
be transferred to the Bridge Department,
whereupon Justice Smith again told him
that he could do nothing for him in po-
liticaI way.
I regret that my name has been men
toned in this depIorable affair said Justice
Smith Ion account of my friendship for
Mayor Gaynor and his family
Il frs knew Gallagher as a member of
the Greater New York Democracy, in the
23d Assembly District.
He was the financial secretary of the
Horatio Seymour Club I always regarded
him as a harmless and inoffensive, but
lovaI man, and when l learned that il was
Gallagher who tried TO kill the Mayor 1
could hardly believe it
when l Joined the Marcy Association
Thomas F McAvoy was the Tammany
leader. Gallagher also joined the associa-
ton Then he asked me TO get him a job
through McAvoy. l talked with him for
Gallagher. but McAvoy would not give him
work saving Gallagher was an unreliable
man Somehow he got the job, and being
ma, who was always dissatisfied he joined
the Hearst organization.
Later he got up a petition asking for his
promotion. and McAvOy again refused to
help him
Seeks City Job Again
When Gallagher was appointed a second
time 10 the Dock Department he presented
q certificate of character signed by Will
tam ] mckinley. now resident of New
Haven; John 2 Burns, clerk of the Mu-
nicipal District Court, at Eighth avenue
and Path street and T. J. Hayden, a real
estate dealer in West 10th street.
T ] HAYDEN one of the men who signed
his application has been a candidate for
Senator. Assamblyman and alderman in the
23d Assembly District He was a friend
and supporter of Justice Richard H. Smith,
now on the City Court bench. and. like
him. was a member of the Greater New
York Democracy and of the Horatio Sey
mour Club. of which Gallagher was the
financial secretary. At Mr. Hayden's office
Yesterday his son said that Gallagher had
for some months been an inmate of their
house
THAT was six or seven years ago" said
voung HAYDEN MY father had met Gal
!agher at the Horatto Seymour Club. in
I24th street, and when Gallagher wanted TO
get a room in this neighborhood my father
invited him to come and live with until
he found a boarding place that would suit
him He was a quiet man, but there was
something queer a bout him He Joined the
regular organization in this district of
which Thomas F. McAvoy is the leader, but
he did not seem to care much for it Later
he Joined the Municipal Ownership League.
with Hopper. His idea seemed to be that
If he could get in with some new or-ni-
cation and grow up with II he wouldv,et
better job He seemed to think the job