Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-12-03

! hepuDlCdn Stdtt y ~ "Nio'''
yielded TO his will, harnessed by
patronage system as smooth and
effective as any IN the country.
But the machine crashed when
he was indicted in 1910 by a
Detroit federal grand jury on
charge that he controlled the pur-
chase and distribution OF whisky
in Michigan.
EMERGED TO FOREFRONT
Shortly before this indictment,
Mckay made himself Republican
national committeeman, emerging
from back of the scenes to admit
his leadership in the COP.
The charge against him was
/ not proved. The jury disagreed
at his first trial and acquitted
/ him when the case WAS reheard.
But the publicity resulting from
these trials marked the turning
point in his stormy career. De-
spite hi statewide power, and
the LOYALTY OF his thousands OF
faithful friends, Mckay lost con-
troll of the party to Gov. Kelly
and was decisivelv beaten last
summer at the COP Chicago con-
vention when he sought reelection
as national. committeeman.
Meanwhile, he had become a
legendary figure in Michigan's
history-a leader whose name will
be recalled, in one fashion or an
other. long after his era has faded
into the past.
A native of Grand Rapids, Nc
Kay entered politics before his
21st birthday. He knew even
then that he was in field where
he belonged" field that could
lead to wealth and fame.
For several years he was clerk
of the superior court in Grand
Rapids. BY 1924 he had climbed
to influence in tie party and Gov.
Groesbeck chose him as state
treasure.
Mckay, In 1926, persuaded the
late Fred W. Green to oppose
Groesbeck, and Green was elected
governor. But il was not until
about 1882 that the Grand Rapids
politician became the dominant
personality in the COP.
His enemies have called him
ruthless. But his friends-and he
has had as many sincere friends
as any man in public office-pic-
tured him as a kind and gracious
leader who rewarded the deserv-
ing and never forgot favor.
GILLESPIE THREAT
McKay's power reached its peak
during the administration Of the
late Gov. Fitzgerald.
John Gillespie, once the boss OF
Wayne County, threatened to
shoot him and rented house
across from McKays home and
waited in vain at a window with
loaded rife; grand juries in
Lansing and Detroit threatened
to send McKa.' to prison; de-
feated candidates denounced him
with screamed vengeance. but
through these eventful years Nc
Kay remained calm and powerful.
Grand Jury Prosecutor Kim
Sigler apparently started after
Mckay many months ago. Re-
lentlessly, he has been asking
questions, his unhappy witness
sworn to tell the truth.
Week after week, McKay's
friends have been parading in and
out of Judge Cars court room
visibly perturbed.
McKAY'S SHADOW
Floyd Fitzsimmons. the No.
man in the indictment. has beer
McKay's shadow for many years
A close friend Of Jack Dempsey
Fitzsimnons became nationa
figure soon after the last wal
when he promoted the Dempsey
Miske fight at Benton Harbor.
Years later. he had a stadium or
the State Fair property in De-
troit.
Sinse 1882, Fitzsimmons ha'
been battling in Lansing to legal
ize dog racing. His bill has been
killed each session, but he has
never given up hope.
William Green, 81 years old. was
one of the first members of the
House of Representatives to be
indicted by the Lansing grand
jury. A year ago he was accused
of attempting to obtain a bride
in connection with cosmeto'ogy
bill during the 1889 session. That
case 30 not been tried.
He is veteran legislator once
a member of broad influence. AL
though a Republican. Green re-
manned a power in the lower