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| Richard Croker. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, April 15, 1899.
CROKER AS A WITNESS.
The Tammany Chief Before the Mazet Committee.
SOME INTERESTING TESTIMONY.
Mr. Croker Refused to Tell How He Made His Money Claiming That That Was His Private Affair—He Admitted Being In Politics For the Money That Was In It.
NEW YORK, April 15.—Richard Croker was on the stand before the Mazet investigating committee. John F. Carroll, the Tammany leader's chief deputy, was also put through a course of questioning. Judge Joseph F. Daly, whom the Democrats refused to renominate for justice of the supreme court last fall, told of his treatment by Mr. Croker and Tammany, while other prominent witnesses contributed testimony that went to make the day a most notable one in the investigation into the city's affairs.
The examination of Richard Croker was a remarkable one, chiefly by reason of the answers which he returned to the questions propounded to him by Mr. Moss. He was brief and direct and took advantage of the many opportunities afforded him to retort in a manner that evoked applause many times from those gathered in the committee room.
Mr. Croker gave events a somewhat dramatic turn when after refusing to answer several questions concerning his private affairs, he held up his right hand and said impressively:
"If you can show me where I have taken a single dollar from this city you can cut this hand off."
When the Tammany chief went on the stand at the beginning of the day's session Mr. Moss conducted a line of questioning, which Mr. Croker evidently believed was a loss of time, for he suddenly leaned forward and said:
"It is not necessary to bring up what everybody knows. There is no use playing to the gallery; there is no use making speeches. I am the leader of the party and I acknowledge it. All these people are my friends and I am going to stick to them all the time. Just give me a straight talk. I am going to give you straight talk. That is all."
Mr. Moss said he would accommodate him, and he endeavored to do so. He drew from Mr. Croker the fact that the Tammany chief believed that all the offices of administration of all departments should go to the victorious political party. "To the victors belong the spoils," he added.
Continuing, Mr. Croker said when the Democrats placed men in office the party expected to have these men do what the leaders of the party asked them to do. He himself had recommended the appointment of various officials and the distribution of patronage. Not in every case, however, he said, had his wishes been carried out. He admitted, nevertheless, that he had a considerable amount of political influence.
A matter that Mr. Moss gave attention to was Mr. Croker's connection with the auctioneering business conducted by Peter F. Meyer, by whom the majority of the judicial sales are conducted. Mr. Croker said he had been a member of the firm for some years and as a true Democrat he expected to be befriended in the way of profit from the sales.
"Then you are working for your pocket?" said Mr. Moss.
"All the time, the same as you are," retorted the witness.
"To the boss belongs the lion's share of the plunder," sneered Mr. Moss.
"No plunder, no," said Mr. Croker. "You can call it what you like. You can call the bill you send to the legislature for the work you are doing plunder, if you please."
There was loud applause at this and Mr. Mazet said he would clear the hall if the applause occurred again, but Mr. Moss said he rather liked the applause, and the hall was not cleared.
Mr. Croker told the committee that it was customary for candidates for office to contribute to election expenses and stated that some contributions had been as high as $8,000 or $10,000. He said that the contributions were not compulsory, but were in many cases, on the contrary, voluntary.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the investigation was that in which Mr. Croker was questioned closely as to how he had made his money. Mr. Croker refused to tell of his private affairs, but admitted that he was a member of several companies, one of which is the Air and Power company, with a capital stock of $10,000,000. He said:
"I've got nothing to conceal. If anyone comes to me with a good stock to buy, I buy it and so would you. I will not go into any details of my private business."
Mr. Moss endeavored in a persuasive way to induce Mr. Croker to give further information on the subject of money making but the witness simply refused to give details.
Former Judge Joseph F. Daly, who was called as a witness, said that he had been notified in the early part of last year that he need not expect a re-nomination. This notification came directly from Mr. Croker, and it was, he said, the result of his refusing to appoint a chief clerk of the court of common pleas recommended by Croker and because he had refused to make a judicial order for the removal of the legal sales to 111 Broadway, where Peter F. Meyer's firm is located. With reference to the statements made during the recent election that Judge Daly had been originally discovered by "Boss" Tweed and by him nominated for the first judgeship, he denied that he had ever known Tweed or that he had been selected by Tweed. Judge Daly said that he had paid $7,000 in assessments for his two nominations by Tammany Hall.
Former Judge Roger A. Pryor, who followed Judge Daly, testified that he, too, had contributed to Tammany on account of his nomination, he having sent a check for $10,000, payable to the order of Richard Croker, chairman of the finance committee of Tammany Hall. His check was returned to him the following day and he was asked to make the check payable to the bearer. This he did.
Another interesting figure on the witness stand was John F. Carroll, Mr. Croker's chief lieutenant. Mr. Carroll did not prove a very easy witness and because of his refusal to answer questions, Mr. Moss suggested that he might have to have Mr. Carroll sent to prison for contempt of court.
Later he asked that Mr. Carroll's refusal to answer questions be reported to the legislature. The cause of all this was the question as to whether Mr. Carroll had any connection with the Consolidated Ice company, or whether he held any stock therein. It developed during the examination that Mr. Carroll had given up a $7,500 position to accept his present position in Tammany Hall, which theoretically is without salary. Mr. Moss pointed out that therefore Mr. Carroll was without visible means of support, and was technically a pauper. The witness, however, denied this while at the same time he denied that he was receiving salary from Mr. Croker or from Tammany Hall or from anybody that the counsel could name.
It was during the course of this examination that Committeeman Hoffman made a protest on the line of questions. He demanded that all the witnesses be treated fairly, and that questions be fairly put. Mr. Moss, however, continued to direct his efforts to settle the question in the same manner as he had begun. Mr. Moss ended his efforts in this direction by asking:
"Dare you tell of the money you have received in the last 30 days?" to which Mr. Carroll replied:
"I decline to answer such questions. You can't frighten me."
Mr. Carroll made the admission that "what Mr. Croker says goes," and according to him also, it goes with everybody connected with Tammany Hall or holding his office through the good wishes of that organization.
Remains of a Millionaire Buried.
CANANDAIGUA, N, Y., April 15.—The remains of Frederick F. Thompson, the millionaire banker and philanthropist of New York city, were brought here for burial in Woodlawn, from his summer home "Sonnenberg."
The Beauregard Monument.
The proposition to erect a monument to General Beauregard in New Orleans is again being agitated. Some time ago an effort was made to collect funds for the purpose, and $4,000 was secured and safely invested. This was not deemed sufficient to erect a monument worthy of the soldier, and since then nothing has been done in the matter. An effort will now be made to secure additional funds. General Beauregard was a native and for a large part of his life a resident of Louisiana.
"It is strange," says the New Orleans Times-Democrat, "that Louisiana, which has erected monuments to Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston and other Confederate leaders, should have neglected the most distinguished Louisianan that served in the Confederate army."
VILLAGE TRUSTEES.
Little Business Transacted—Traction Co. Did Not Appear.
The expected and long delayed joint meeting between the trustees of the village and the directors of the Cortland & Homer Traction Co. did not take place last night owing to the failure of the directors to appear. It was said that Mr. Simpson was in New York and could not possibly reach Cortland last night and that Attorney Duffey for the company had asked another delay until Monday night, when the owners of the road could surely be in Cortland
The trustees are evidently becoming very tired of these repeated delays, but appointed one more time for the conference next Monday night, and this designation was emphasized by the adoption of a resolution requiring that action be taken on the proposed resolutions revoking the franchise of the Traction Co. that night, and no later.
The board also took steps to ascertain what other arrangements can be made for lighting the streets, and Trustees Thompson and White were appointed a special committee in this matter. It was stated that John O'Connell, who put in the electric lighting plants at Marathon and Cazenovia, would like to figure on a plant in Cortland.
On motion of Trustee Wood, notices were ordered served on those Main-st. property owners who have not yet raised their walks to the grade in conformity with the grade of the new pavement, requiring them to do so within fifteen days, and if this is not done, authorizing the village to do the work and charge the same against the properties.
A general discussion of sidewalks followed, and it is the intention of the board to effect quite an improvement in their condition all over the corporation. In the talk it came out that some parties have been taking flagstone that belonged to the village and appropriated it to their own use, and in some cases had taken curbstones that belonged to individuals. Dr. H. P. Johnson, who lives on Port Watson-st, is one of those who has lost a quantity of curbing which lay in his yard and which he had purchased when the Main-st. pavement was laid. The board adjourned to Monday night.
The board held a short executive session just prior to adjournment at which the claims of Mrs. Hyatt and Mrs. Bassett for damages to their property alleged by reason of the raising of the street grade when the new pavement was constructed were informally discussed, but no action was taken on them. While the board thought that the claims might perhaps be entitled to some consideration, it was thought that a dangerous precedent would be established by payment of all or part of them, as in that case many other property-owners might feel that they had been injured, and the proceeding might lead to quite serious difficulty.
Another important matter discussed informally was that of bicycle riding, and as a result of the conference, a proposed ordinance will probably be up for consideration next Monday night. It is probable that the ordinance will require the use of bells on all bicycles, the use of lamps at night, and limiting of speed to eight miles per hour. Wheelmen will be entirely debarred from the use of the walks on paved streets, and in riding shall always keep to the right of the highway. In other parts of the town wheelmen will probably be compelled to keep in the highways unless they are so muddy they cannot be ridden. There will also be regulations regarding careless riding and coasting, and for violation of any of the provisions of the ordinance, a penalty will be prescribed.
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| Hopkins building, Cortland, N. Y. |
CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES.
Hopkins Block on Main-st. Encroaches on B. E. Miller's Land.
An action has been commenced in the supreme court by Burnett E. Miller, through his attorneys, Dickinson & Duffey, against L. B. Hopkins, owner of the Hopkins block on Main-st., for trespass. It is claimed that the block encroaches one and one-half inches upon the land of the plaintiff. The plaintiff asks $1,000 damages and the possession of the land. The action has also been begun against Warren, Tanner & Co., the Tioughnioga club, and the Masonic lodge, the tenants of the block. No damage is sought from the tenants, but the possession of the property is demanded.
THE F. S. M. P. A
Farmers Urged to Stand Together and Get Their Price.
To the Editor of The STANDARD:
SIR—The Five States Milk Producers' association has already accomplished much. It has demonstrated that farmers can organize and combine. It has been the means of holding the prices of milk higher than a year ago. It will be of incalculable benefit to all classes except the Milk Exchange. With but one exception the officers, the executive committee and directors have been found true and steadfast, neglecting their own interests to push the work of this association. The temporary discouragement caused by the syndicate was hard to endure, but the farmers are not disheartened, intending to stand firm for their rights.
A progressive Cortland merchant said recently "I hope the Five States association will hurry and get on sure footing, for when the farmers have money, we have money."
Those who have not fallen in line and been loyal to the farmers' interests ought to be heartily ashamed of themselves. Was it the almighty dollar or fear of the exchange? We have heard of one or two growlers who were going in mourning for that dollar. That dollar was the best invested of anything ever handled if they did but know it.
Let me pen two pictures. Under the existing state of things the farmers do not realize enough from their milk cheques to pay their hired help, and pay for the grain the stock must have. If debt or illness befall them, they are discouraged and hopeless. The bare necessities of life are bought on credit. The luxuries are not even thought of. The boys and girls get gloomy and want a change. The dear old homestead is running down. Discomfort or want are in thousands of once happy homes.
If the farmers can get the 2 1/2 cents for their milk the city people will have cause to rejoice, not having to pay any more for the pure, unadulterated article direct from the producer than they are paying now. The producer can afford to have better facilities, stables and help. The old homes could be repainted and the grounds improved and beautified; the boys and girls given better chances, and find "There's no place like home." Good roads would be the order of the day. The patient merchant will be made happy by cash, instead of the credit system. Our pen cannot depict all the benefits and beauties of our prosperity picture.
Now everything depends on the co-operation of the farmers, who have agreed to stand together as one man, and who now control the production of 20,000 cans of milk daily consumed in New York City. Just suppose those 20,000 cans of milk be withheld for three days. It would cause a panic the city people would remember. But as far as they understand, the consumers are in sympathy with the producer and the reasonable price. The association owes a big debt of gratitude to the Cortland STANDARD, the Binghamton Republican and other prominent journals for promoting their interest by faithful publication. We add the indorsement [sic] from the directors and beseech the producers to read and remember. May the great husbandman who long ago was cradled in the manger of the humble cattle and who is in divine sympathy with the patient toilers of valley and hillside, strengthen the good work and bring it to a successful completion, is the earnest prayer of NEMO, April 14, 1899.
The endorsement above referred to is as follows:
We, the undersigned, directors of the F. S. M. P. A., would earnestly appeal to the members of our association to stand firm and united. Already our association had brought benefits far beyond the cost. It has prevented reduction in the prices of milk when otherwise it would have been made. It has compelled recognition of the producers as an organized body, not only in the country, but among the dealers and by capitalists in New York City. Co-operation is the order of the day in every industry, and this is our beginning, and we must not let it fail, for failure now means disorganization and defeat for years to come. There is no reason for discouragement. An enterprise of the magnitude of ours cannot be brought to perfection in a day. We have already accomplished more than many friends expected, and we have encouraging reports from every part of our territory. Every director is able to report section after section in line for patient, united action, and not one wanting to give up. We have heard not only of the written report of our committee for selling milk, but also from other sources of the condition of affairs, and we are glad to say that we are satisfied that there is no reason to be discouraged because of temporary disappointment. We are satisfied our committee is doing its utmost, and ask you to give them your confidence and support.
Let every man do his duty, be true to your organization and wait patiently. "United we stand, divided we fall."
William Heymers, A. M. Merrill, J. A. Hulsizer, I. W. Seely, H. T. Coon, Irwin Langworthy, Charles I. Purdy, C. H. Manwaring, Oswald J. Ward, J. J. Parker, M. E. Axtell.
SIDEPATH COMMISSION.
Active Preparations for a New Path to the Corset City.
The residents of McGraw have been making overtures to the county sidepath commission looking toward the building of a sidepath to that place from Cortland. At the last meeting of the commission the secretary was instructed to draw up a subscription paper to present to residents of the Corset City to see what assistance they would be willing to give toward the building of such a path.
Chairman Santee took the paper over there yesterday and in forty minutes secured subscriptions amounting to $58.50, the paper being headed by A. P. McGraw with $25. The people were decidedly enthusiastic over the prospects and nearly all approached gave a lift. The paper was left n the hands of W. E. Minor, and up to last night it had nearly reached the sum of $75. The commission has not yet formally decided to build this path, but it is quite safe to assume that this will be the first new path constructed. The subscriptions are all made too, upon the condition that the path be built this year. The building of such a path will mean a help of two miles toward a path to Marathon.
Sheriff Brainard has appointed all of the members of the sidepath commission special deputy sheriffs with authority to make arrests for violation of the sidepath law.
No wheelman should forget the auction sale of numbers of licenses for Cortland county which will occur at the store of Kennedy Brothers on Railroad-st. at 8 o'clock this evening. The first ten numbers, and more if there is a call for them, will be sold at auction. It is the desire of many wheelmen both to secure the low numbers of the licenses and also to contribute more than the license fee of 50 cents toward the sidepaths of the county. They can attain the first object through the second, as well as the second through the first. There will probably be sharp bidding for the first number and perhaps for some of the others, but doubtless all can be accommodated. At least, let everybody be on hand.
BREVITIES.
—The members of Grace church choir are requested to meet this evening for practice.
—Baldwin's grocery on Groton-ave. has been connected with the telephone exchange.
—The sacrament of infant baptism will be administered at the Presbyterian church to-morrow morning.
—New display advertisements to-day are—Stowell, Clean your house, page 7; Kennedy Bros., Juvenile bicycles, page 6.
—Mr. M. Michelson has purchased of Mrs. Phoebe Snyder her house and lot at 93 Lincoln-ave. and has taken possession.
—In the absence of the pastor Rev. S. H. Haskell of Homer will preach at the Memorial Baptist church to-morrow morning and evening.
—Mrs. Alice Bryant, wife of A. R. Bryant of Truxton, died at their home last night after an illness from pneumonia. Funeral at the family residence Tuesday afternoon, April 18, at 2 o'clock.
—Supervisor Wallace has received that portion of the school money of the town of Cortlandville that comes from the town collector and it is now deposited at the First National bank in Cortland where school trustees can draw upon it in accordance with their usual custom.
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