New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-09
Foes of WigWam Boss JublIant
Over Selection of President
of Aldermen as COL
IeCtor of the Port.
FEAR FELT IN 14TH STREET
Friend Says Leader Admits
His Supremacy Is at Last
Threatened - Gaynor
Wishes Mitchell Would
Stay Term Out.

Members of Tammany Hall were
secretly denouncinS the appointment
Of President Mitchell Of the Board Of
Aldermen as Collector Of the Port. yes
terday They saw in it the opening
wedge Of a fight that would result in
the downfall of Charles = Murphy as
tho Democratic leader in this city and
state. For the same reason Democrats
opposed to the wiGwam we're openly
jubilant
It is said that President Mitchell has
thorough understanding with Prcsi-
dent Wilson that his appointment IS
strictly anti-Tammany, with everything
that the phrase implies. The President
is believed TO be in thorough sympathy
with the fight that is being made by
Governor Sulzer and others against the
Murphy leadership. but of course. is
not in a position to take any open
stand on the situation.
Murphy Sees Hold Slipping.
For the first time since he became
leader Of Tammany Hall. Murphy sees
his leadership seriously threatened,
friend of the leader admitted last night.
With the Governor openly fghting him.
with the best office in this state within
the gift of the President in the hands
Of an able. popular and ambitious
young anti ti-Tammany man and with
thousands of Democrats throughout
the state ready and willing to enter
fight against his supremacy. the out
look for the "Wigwam Boss is any
thing but pleasant. he said.
Mitchell does not intend 10 renounce
any Of his claims to the mayoralty
nomination this fall. They say the
President has Informed Mitchell that
his acceptance of the Collectorship
need not in any way be considered as
taking him out Of the mayoralty race.
From this they draw the conclusion
that President Wilson would be rather
glad TO see Mitchell elected Mayor, as
il would mean the more certain and
speedy downfall of the present Tam
many administration.
Will Not Begin Until juno I.
In accordance with an understanding
with President Wilson Mr.. Mitchell will
not assume the duties Of Collector until
June |. He wishes to clear up a num-
Der Of important Board OF Estimate
matters in which he has taken the
leading part. notably the improvement
Of the New York Central tracks on the
West Side and the plan for waterfront
improvements in South Brooklyn.
Mayor Gaynor expressed himself in
regard to the appointment of Mr..
Mitchell as follows:
81 am most anxious to have Mr..
Mitchell remain with us until the mat
ter Of the relocat ton of the New York
Central tracks and of the marginal rail
way, along the Brooklyn docks. from
Brooklyn Bridge 10 65th street. are set
tied. We have worked together so long
In these two great matters that ! do not
see how can get along in them with
out him. am sorry 10 lose him. He
is great worker. and unselfish. !
wish he could avoid accepting the Col
lectorship altogether. But if he will
stay by me until June | shall have TO
he satisfied"
Borough President McAneny also
spoke Of the appointment in the high
est terms. He said:
"On the Board of Estimate. where
Mr.. Mitchels activity has brought him
into close and constant contact with
Continued on second page. Hfth column.