The Washington times., 1913-06-22
TAMMANY BACK OF
CHARGE, SAYS SULzER
New York Governors Denial Of
Accusations Backed by
Prouty's Remembrance.

ALBANY. June 22.-In what is perhaps
the most remarkable personal statement
ever made by an American executive.
State or national. Gov. sWilliam Sulzer
of New York. seated in a corner of the
executive chamber and surrounded by a
little knot of newspaper correspondents.
gave for the first time, this afternoon,
the details of his break with Charles f.
Murphy, Tammany chieftain, whose
leadership of the State Democracy was
challenged by the governor early in his
administration.
Starting with reference to the charges
of perjury against him in Vermont,
twenty years ago, as brought out today
supposedly by Tammany man other
than Mr.. Murphy. the governor told in
detail the inception and developments of
that fight long ago over the estate OF the
late John Anderson. tobacco king In his
day, in which Sulzer. then a struggling
lawyer. took a prominent part, and
which later led to the present battle
with the Tammany organization.
Il never want to see Mr.. Murphy
again. was one of the striking SEN
tences of the executive.
Il must resign, surrender, or fight"
were his words to Mrs. Sulzer as he
told her of the demands upon him by
Murphy and his refusal to meet them.
And" the governor added. pound
ing the arm of his chair, Il told her
1 intended to fight, and I am fight
Ing"
Denounces Murphy.
For more than an hour the gov
ernor sat in the executive chamber
and told TO the newspaper cores
pondents a story bitter in its denun-
citation Of Tammany's leader, and .re-
plete with allegations that Murphy
had attempted to influence the ex-
ecutive's action in matters Of legisla-
ton. appointments, and removal from
office.
The governor said he had seen MUIR
ply but three times since his inaug-
uration. The last meeting was ar
ranged by friend who wanted to
straighten the differences between
the executive and the Tammany
leader.
Il Listened to his propositions" the
governor said, but I refused to do
what he wanted me to do. because in
my opinion he was wrong"
WAS II as to patronage?" the gov
ernor was asked.
Yes. and Stilweil and direct prim-
aries. / told him not to issue orders
to save Stilwell and to let the legis.
lature pass a fair and Just direct
primary bill. He refused. left him.
That was the last and that was final.
Il came back to Albany sad man,
hn ,f Il l. =,
shattered. I talked matters over
with Mrs. Sulzer. because I have few
I know I am surrounded
by spies.
Prouty Doesn't Remember.
II have no recollection of having
signed such a paper nor any recollec-
ton OF any charges against Mr.. Sui
zer," said Charles A. Prouty. member
of the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion, last night when his attention was
directed to the alleged presentment.
As published this presentment bore the
signatures of &C; A. Prouty." H. B.
Hartshorn, foreman Of the jury" "a
p. Hunton," and "william &. c. Stick
ney." Mr.. Prouty earlier in the day
told reporter that while he was
counsel for Mrs. Mary Maud Watson
when she was sued by Mr.. Sulzer for a
$4,000 legal fee. he had no recollection
of any charges having been made
against Mr.. Sulzer or any presentment
having been made to the United States
district attorney.
Il remember that the case was de-
cided against Mr.. Sulzer," said Mr.
Prouty. 1T was a long time ago and
my recollection is rather hazy."
Il was retained as counsel for Mrs
Watson" said Mr.. Prouty, "and the
case was tried at Windsor, VT. before
Judge Wheeler and Judge Lacombe,
who came up from New York to sit
with him. / remember the case only
In the most general way"