Evening star., 1937-07-27
Ta1nlllany

With the sudden death of James ].
Doollng, its leader, the Tammany So
ciety, formally entitled the Columbian
Order, comes anew to crisis in its long
career as the chief political organiza-
ton of New York City. This society,
founded in 1889, as "a fraternity of
patriots solemnly consecrated to the in
dependence, the popular liberty and the
federal union of the country" has dur
ing its l48 years of existence been the
major factor in the public affairs of the
largest city of the New World. Taking
title and form from the aboriginal in
habitants, it developed, with its thirteen
tribes" which were the constituent frac-
tions of its body, into dominant power
in the control of metropolitan political
business. 1t has had some very able
leaders, and some who were capable of
enlisting the services of others whose
ShreWdness and acumen contributed to
their success and the prestige and power
of the organization.
AAA ASSCAlt SCdAo, Wltll Vic klON III VI Vic
metropolis into a wider area than that
Of the original city, which was confined
to Manhattan Island, Tammany's power
has waned and has been applied effec-
lively only through coalitions. The lead
ership of Tammany has not of late been
the all-potent force it once was. Com
promises and combinations have been
necessary and those who welded the
gavel over the central organization have
been forced to the adoption of eXpedients
altogether different from the methods
of the earlier bosses.
From Croker and Murphy to Dooling
was long lapse in ability of control.
Both of these men exercised a potent
influence in not only municipal affairs
but in national politics. The consolida-
ton of the boroughs into the Greater
City brought into the municipal field
rival factors and while Tammany con-
tinued to WELD large degree Of power
in metropolitan matters it could not
always dominate. The successful defiance
of Tammany by La Guardia, gaining the
mayoralty through a combination Of
borough support and Republican
strength, reduced the resources of the
Hall by the dispersion of patronage
and favors which were its substantial
sources of strength. Latterly the bene-
factions Of the Federal Government
through work relief jobs and other forms
of public charity lessened its political
resources. The organized criminal
rackets. which once upon time might
have rendered tribute, have also drained
the streams of supply.
Leader Dooling was a far different type
from that established in the old days Of
the big bosses He had genuine
ability. He was gifted with a larger
degree Of intellectual acumen than the
average Tammany chieftain. He was
indeed out Of key with the rank and file
of the Hall Troubled by the dimin-
ishing Of patronage and perquisite
through the control of the municipality
by fusion administration, chiefly the
product of the on-Tammany boroughs,
he became the spearhead of a weakened
army, and his lack Of success bred dis
content within his own organization.
Now, within a few hours of his death,
Tammany is seeking new chief sachem.
No commanding personality is in sight.
Conditions during the past decade or so
have not made for the development Of
such a figure. But it may be taken as
assured that Tammany will continue,
perhaps that such man as those who
have ruled the society with striking sue
cess in the past will be found. Yet the
thought persists that there will be no
repetition of the halcyon days Of con-
quering, dominating Tammany, because
conditions, municipal and national,
have changed completely.