New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-03

ing brought the suit for him alleging
that he Is incompetent, and that the
bill shows he has never been adjudged
insane and that legally he is there
fore sane and would nave to give per.
mission to such court action.
AS an illustration of the fact that
Richard Croker is still conducting his
affairs about the same as he did when
he was leader of Tammany Hall, the
story was told of his recent visit to a
local hotel when he heard that a de-
tectivc employed by his son had made
certain remarks derogatory to Mrs.
Croker. lnquiring for him by name at
the desk he was told that the mar was
out.
what is his room NUMBER" asked
Croker.
Without more ado he grabbed the
hotel clerk by the shoulder and
marched him upstairs, where he had
him open the mans door with a pass
key. The man was out, and. according
to report, never returned. When Crok-
er's friend. William J. Corners, heard
the story, he remarked:
"Dick has still got one good punch
left in him, and it's my belief that be-
iOIC lulS lIldl is over some one Will
get it. His sons ought to know HIM"
Harold Nathan, counsel for Mr..
Croker, departed for Palm Beach,
last night to take part in the hearing
on the temporary injunction obtained
by three of the four Croker children to
prevent the transfer Of any Of the
Croker property to their stepmother.
Mr.. Nathan, who asserted that Mr..
Croker's min is cas- alert and vigorous
as 1t was in his palmiest days" de-
clarcd that as an evidence of his ability
to manage his own affairs Mr.. Croker
was prepared to take the witness stand.
"Thc statement that Mr.. Croker is
senile is as untrue as the charge made
by his children that the present Mrs.
Croker was a we'll known figure on
Broadway" said Mr.. Nathan.
One Daughter Not Involved
Mr.. Nathan pointed out that Mrs.
Florence Morris, a daughter of Mr..
Croker. now living in London. had not
Joined with the other three children in
the fight to prevent their father from
transferring any more of his property
to Mrs. Croker. Concerning reports
that Mrs. Morris would 90 to Florida
to testify in behalf of her father, Mr..
Nathan said: $50 far Mrs. Morris has
NV appeared Ill lNc Case. UON l Know
that she will, but her on-appearance
in the action taken at Palm Beach indi-
Gates that she is not in sympathy
with it,
The Temporary injunction obtained
by Richard ir,, Harold and Mrs. Ethel
Croker White, Of Cedarhurst, l.. J., on
complaints which include allegations
that BuIa Edmundson Croker. their
stepmothcr, deceived Mr.. Croker by
saying she was of royal Indian blood'
and only twenty-three old at the time
Of her marriage, is returnable for hear
ing in about two weeks.
William +. McCombs. who filed the
petition for an injunction on behalf Of
the Croker children, said yesterday that
ne might appear IN person at the hear
Jig. Mr.. McCombs indicated that the
hearing would be protracted.
eff Mr.. Croker takes the stand will
he be questioned on how he made his
fortune and as to his political career?"
Mn. McCombs was asked.
"That will be determined if he takes
the stand" said Mr.. McCombs.
Other Documents Prepared
Mr. McCombs. who made public the
complaint in the injunction suit and
the ahidavits of Richard jr., Howard ana
MIS-. White, said other documents had
been prepared in the case, but as he
had no information that they had been
made a court record he would withhold
them.
County Clerk William f. Schneider
who spent a part OF February at Palm
Beach. where he met and talked with
Richard Croker, said yesterday that the
former Tammany boss seemed to be in
good health mentally and physically.
NV. Croker did not look like a man
nearing his eightieth year" said Mr..
Schneidcr. "but rather like one of
s'xty.-cight or seventy-tanned, solid,
weighing about 105 pounds, and walk
ing with shoulders thrown back, head
erect and a firm step"
The County Clerk told of a visit to
the Croker home. "Mrs. Croker re-
ccivcd us cordially" he said. "but with
drew when her husband entered the
room. Mr.. Croker discussed matters in
the name Of a man who feels a lively
interest in men and events. When the
conversation driftcd to New York poll
tics he inquired about men he knew
who are still active in politics here
and showed keen interest. Mr.. Croker
spends much of his time outdoors"