New Britain herald., 1924-04-26
CHARLES F. MURPHY

NuAhbI-S T.. hl hIt1
 It is practically impossible for those who never camerinto contact with the powerful influence of Charles F. Murs phy. the dead leader of Tammany Hall. to realize how strong was that influence and upon what it was found- cd. Were his death only the death of another political boss. as politicians of the day understand the term, those removed from the direct influence of the organization over which he ruled for twenty years might have little oc- casion to see the significance of his life. But there is that significance, greater and far more important than is the fact that Charles Murphy. in his position as successor to Richard Croker after brief interregnum in which triumvirate ruled Tammany hall, named legislators, judges. mayors of the greatest city in the country and governors of the Empire state-and, further, that the last two years of his life were devoted to planning for the advancement to the presidency of Al Smith, now governor of New York, not because Al Smith was ever subseryient to him, but rather that Murphy, with the wisdom which always one of his chief characteristics, saw in Smith the sort of man who was big enough to be aided to the presidency without being barred from the White House by his association with that organization.
 The aspect of Mir. Murphy's life that looms of importance at this time. aside from his fight from the humblest beginnings to place of national pow er,.is that which shows him as con sdering the importance of the in- dividual as factor in the success of any movement. Tammany hall has always cared for its workers and those 10 whom it's work called attention. There was no man or woman too poverty-stricken too little worth con- rsdering In a social view. who could not seek and find friend in Tam many hall. The great organization for which neither we, nor any ideaist. holds a brief, grew strong because of its loyalty to those who supported 1t. > Nor was 1t, nor Is it from altruisiic, unselfish motives that this policy be- came it's creed. Tammany's leaders have been looking out for themselves always. Perhaps they always will. But to gain their ends these leaders bow cd before the power of the people wbom they sought to sway to the in- terests and whom, by consideration of the needs of those people, they did move and keep in line.
 Charles r. Murphy did not found Tammany hall. He steppeds into its leadership without spectacular an- nouncement, slipping into his power- ful position almost before those who might have contended for the place were aware of it. Not at once was he recognized as strong enough to lead. At first no fight was waged against him, his leadership being considered but temporary. Yesterday when death came 10 him, he had proven through twenty years that Croker's personal force was not necessary: that Tweed's absolute defiance Of others need not be employed in New York politics he had proven that he could become even more powerful in the position they had occupied without the blustcr or demonstration of force they had shown.
 Tn the power wielded by this man. won and sustained as he had won and sustained fl, there is lesson for others who seek to be leaders 10 better things than ever came into the mind of Charles F. Murphy. As he and the organization he led possessed the creed Of first obtaining and then mak- ing use Of the good will Of all the people within their Jurisdiction, so better leaders and more worthy or- ganizations might well first obtain and then use the good will Of all the people to bring far better things. 10 the everlasting advantage of the coun- try and the people or if.