New-York tribune., 1911-01-15
Action of Once Close Friend OF
Murphy Taken to Forecast
Leaders Downfall.
HAS A LONG TALK WITH DIX
Brooklyn Men Said to Have Ne
ceive6 Encouragement from
Governor That He Is
for Shepard.


Charles F. Murphy, leader OF TammanS
Hall. has had, gave an interVie" III
which he declared that the election OF
William F. Sheehan TO the Senate wouid
ne suicidal for the Democratic party
He declared his belief that poll OF the
Tammany leaders would show majority
opposed TO Mr.. Sheehan.
Nr Cram had a long talk with Cow
ernor Dix at the Hotel KnickerbocKer'
at which the entire situation was dis-
cussed. The Governor saw a delegation
from Brooklyn. who told him in vigorous
language that unless he was able 10
do something to prevent the election OF
Mr.. Sheehan the people would resent IL
at the polls. They argued In favor OF
Edward NJ Shepard and urged the Gov
ernor TO take an open stand in the mat
ter. The Governor indicated that he
would not do this. but it seems to be
generally understood that he is doing
quietly all he can for Mr.. Shepard.
There was a difference of opinion last
night as TO whether the unprecedented
action Of Mr. Cram in taking an attitude
in opposition TO Mr.. Murphy really
meant that there would be war in Tam
many Hall or whether IT was not
skilful play on the part Of the boss" OF
Tammany Hall 10 create a situation
where he would be unable TO keep his
padges 10 secure the election Of Mr.
Sheehan. II is known that Mr. Murphy
personally has not felt any too strongly
in favor Of Mr.. Sheehan.
If Mr.. Murphy is not playing shrewd
game and actually intends to do all in
his power TO elect Mr.. Sheehan, it will
undoubtedly mean a serious revolt in the
organization that will ultimately result
in the downfall of Mr.. Murphy
Murphy's Talk with Ryan.
One Of the most active workers in be-
half of Mr.. Shepard declared yesterday
that he had reason TO suppose that Mr..
Murphy had not made his final decision
in favor Of Mr.. Sheehan until Wednes-
day morning the day he went TO Albany.
This man said he had been told that Mr.
Murphy had had talk with Thomas F.
Ryan on that morning.
Mr.. Cram declared that on the day
that Mr. Sheehan was elected Senator he
would resign as chairman of the general
committee.
Il will remain in the ranks, but only
as a common soldier" he added.
Talking OF his opposition to Mr.. Shee-
han, Mr.. Cram said: He is q friend of
mine and a charming man, but the IN
terests that would dictate his nomina-
ton have one Senator. and why should
they have two? Why should not the
other nine millions of people in this
state be represented?
The people in this country are up in
arms against the trusts and will not
stand for strengthening their hold in
Congress" continued Mr.. Cram. The
Voters in this country are getting more
intelligent and Independent, and will re-
sent any betrayal of their interests"
Mr.. Cram reflected for a minute, his
anger apparently growing, and then ex-
claimed:
Just think Of it, Here the Demo-
cratic party in this state has been out of
power for seventeen years, and then GER
tain people want 10 have us turn our
selves out of power again after seven
teen days. That would be a terrible
thing"
Reference was made to the fact that
ne day for the election of a United
btates Senator is seventeen DAYS after
the inauguration Of Governor Dix.
Prefers Shepard to Sheehan.
"As between Mr.. Shepard and Mr.
sheehan prefer Mr.. Shepard" said Mr..
Cram. Neither is a strong organiza-
ton man. Both have bolted the organi-
zation whenever they chose. l do not
altogether approve Mr.. Shepards views
but his election would not turn the peo-
PIE in bitter opposition 10 the Demo
cratic party"
Beyond saying that he thought ma
jority OF the leaders in Tammany Hall
were opposed TO Mr.. Sheehan. Mr.. Cram
would not say much about the effect OF
the possible election of Mr. Sheehan on
Mr.. Murphy's leadership f.,
DO you think that any Of the lead
ers are bringing pressure to bear on Mr.
Murphy in opposition to Mr.. Shepard?"
Mr.. Cram was asked.
The people are all right in the long
run piled Mr. Cram. and will re-
sert any betrayal Of their interests"
Mr.. Cram was loath TO discuss his talk
with Governor Dix. Il did go over the
situation with him." said Mr.. Cram. and
u Is safe to assume that l talked much
= MIN as am talking 10 you"
Did yOu tell the Governor that you
Ight the action OF Mr.. Murphy would
n a split in the Tammany organiza-
u ?"
30, don't think mentioned the or
ganlzation." said Mr. Cram, with a
smile.
did YOU urge the Governor to come
out openly in opposition TO Mr. Shee-
han?"
Il think il IS the right Of any Gov
crnor TO come out and declare himself
in The face Of such n crisis"
"Are you satisfied with what the Cow
ernor IS doing IN the crisis?"
Il believe that the Governor is doing
all he can TO carry out his policies. I
don't believe there are many men inter
ested who do not know where the Gov
cinor stands"
DO yoG think that the Governor has
giv,.n his views 10 the members Of the
legislature"
I'VE have intelligent men in the party