The New York herald., 1922-04-30
Superior Man of Rugged
Honesty and Courage, Ayers
Thomas +. Smith.
NEWS A SHOCK TO NIXON
James A. O'GoIman Remem-
bers Boss's Work in Devel-
II. oping Great City.

Men prominent In politics and pub
lie life who had known Richard Croker
and dealt with him in the days of his
activity expressed deep regret last
night at the news of his death, and
united in praising him as a man Of
unusual qualities and superior abilities
for leadership.
Nathan Straus, who for forty years
was a friend of Mr.. Croker, said:
Richard Croker was loyal friend
and a born leader of men, and under
stern exterior was Of an unusual
friendliness and kindness of heart. He
was slow in giving his word, but once
given, nothing could made him deviate
from it.
when / was nominated for Mayor
he made only one rdquest of me-to
do what thought was right and best
for the city, irrespective of politics or
party. The people of New York lose
in his death one Of whom they could
be proud, and of whom I personally
was very fond"
"Reauests Always Proper.'
George B. Mcclellan, speaking over
the telephone from his home in Prince
ton. said: "Mr. Croker was very fine
gentleman, and lam sorry to hear he
is dead. / was well down in politics
when he was at the head. ! was in
Congress the greater part of the time
he was leader. / don't think Mr.. Croker
1< nt hn xpo q
not right and proper. When / was
President of the Board of Aldermen he
stood behind me. We had some hot
times then. I am. indeed, very sorry to
hear Of his death"
John r. Voorhis, venerable Chief
Sachem of the Tammany Society and
president of the Board of Elections: Il
was an anti-Tammany Democrat up to
,, within four or five years Of Mr.. Crokers
retirement. But after I came in our
intercourse was always very satisfac-
tory. / was very much shocked to hear
of his death. Mr.. Croker was a great
advocate of truthfulness. He had no use
for those who deceived When I held
office where there was patronage he
told me- If the organization sends you
any men you don't think fit don't ap-
point them
Robert NJ Sweitzer. Chicago Demo-
cratic leader since the death of Roger
Sullivan, said to a correspondent for
THE NEW YORK HERALD:
Richard Croker was one of the great
est organizers American politics has
ever known. Tammany Hall owed Its
strength in days gone by to the re-
markable genius OF Croker. AS leader
of men he was without peer. He pos
sessed that rare gift of bringing 80
gether in complete harmony warning
factions He was in many ways a re-
markable man."
Thomas F. Smith. secretary of Tam
many Hall. had probably kept closer to
Richard Croker since his retirement
from the Hall than any who had been
associated with him In his leadership
days. Smith went into Tammany with
John c. Sheehan, who was put in
charge of the organization by Croker
in 1895. Croker spent most of the in
terim in Europe, but was persuaded to
return and resume the leadership in
1897.
Superior Man." Says Smith.
Smith went out with Sheehan. but In
n short time Croker sent for him and
made him his private secretary. the first
the Boss" had ever had. Soon after
ward he became secretary of Tammany
Hall. In the years since Croker's Anal
retirement Mr.. Smith has kept In COM
muncation with his former chief.
Speaking of his death. Mr. Smith said
I'm the passing of Richard Croker
death robbed us of a superior man. But
his established character and great
record as a respected and efficient lead
er will i've long. No man ever served
in that capacity in any party who was
more loved by those who knew him
than was Mr.. Croker. He was a man
OF rugged honesty and fearless courage,
conscientious and right minded. He was
incapable OF doing a small thing He
was among the most human OF men,
knew poverty and pitied II and lived q
life that was full Of kindly deeds. He
always responded quickly TO any worthy
call OF huminity.
"He was proud OF Tammany, its
origin, principles, development and rec
ord. His leadership of the organization
was marked by the utmost intelligence
and energy and n sincere desire to dig
Nifty 1t by promoting the public good. Mr.
Croker was an acute observer and a
man OF breadth OF outlook. Under all
conditions he was cool, collected and
self-possessed.
while he engaged In many fierce po-
litical conflicts he was never known to
hit DtlOW l0t btil. 4NO fNdH COuiu Stdid
better than he the shaft of severe
criticism without complaint. Organiza-
tion was ever his watchword He never
lost confidence In his cause and conf
dence In himself What helped to make
him a strong and powerful leaeder was
his loyalty to his friends and the
pleasure he took In serving them. He
never ignored those whose assistance
helped him to rise.
He had kind and forgiving dispo-
stion and was slow to speak III OF any
one, even at times when the bitterest
kind of partisan rancor prevailed. The
organization will always remember him
with respect and admiration. He was
indeed a superior man"
"sweet. AminbIe Character"
Charles y. Alexander. president OF
the National Democratic Club Il
always understood that Mr. Croker was
responsible for raising the money for
this clubhouse. and up to the last he
showed his interest and devotion to our
organization. He was much beloved by
t'e members. He was q sweet. amiable
character, y thoroughgoing gentleman,