James Joseph Hines

James Joseph Hines (December 18, 1876 – March 26, 1957) was one of the most powerful leaders of Tammany Hall in New York City.

Contents

Biography

In his early years, Hines acted as a caretaker to residents in New York's Eleventh Assembly District.[1] This helped him win support and influence over the area's residents.[1] In the 1920's and 1930's, Hines maintained "absolute power" over his district and was arguably the most powerful political boss in Tammany Hall.[1] Jimmy Walker's election as Mayor of New York City would also firmly establish Hines' influence over the local political scene[1] As boss of Tammany Hall's Eleventh Assembly District in uptown Manhattan,[1] Hines had access to various sources of wealth and developed close ties with many mobsters such Lucky Luciano.[1]

In 1932, New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt ran for President and wanted to weakened Tammany Hall.[2] Walker, who was tainted by allegations of corruption and was a threat to Roosevelt's campaign,[3] into resigning.[3] Seeing Tammany Hall as a political liability, Roosevelt decided to to appoint a new mayor-a privilege which the New York Governor had after any mayor of New York City resigned- and focused on backing a candidate who would destroy Tammany Hall's power for good.[4] Liberal Republican Fiorello LaGuardia, a fierce opponent of Tammany Hall, was elected mayor in 1933 and Tammany Hall's longtime influence over local politicians faded.[5] Hines, however, would not fall. After becoming President, Roosevelt appointed Hines to oversee the US Civil Service's patronage system for employees in the Manhattan District.[1] Hines' empire grew soon afterwards.[1]

In 1938, Hines was accused of being involved in the policy racket with Dutch Schultz-who was mudered in 1935- and Dixie Davis and of violating the "lottery laws". Manhattan District Attorney Thomas Dewey would successfully get Hines convicted 13 counts of racketeering.[1] Hines provided protection for the policy racket in Harlem and other sections of New York. Hines was charged with influencing Magistrates Capshaw and Erwin to throw out policy cases in which the other conspirators had an interest, and to influence former District Attorney Dodge to 'go easy' on policy prosecutions. Hines was alleged to have received a cut in the proceeds of the policy racket.

After the first trial ended in mistrial he was charged again and Charles Cooper Nott, Jr. presided over the second trial.[6][7]

He died on March 26, 1957 at the Long Beach Memorial Hospital.[8]

Timeline

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "HISTORICAL NOTES: One Man's Army". Time. April 8, 1957. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,809327,00.html. 
  2. ^ http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/fdr/section2.rhtml
  3. ^ a b http://www.observer.com/2000/01/the-making-of-fdr-1932-a-rollicking-new-york-tale/
  4. ^ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,764657,00.html
  5. ^ http://www.nyc.gov/html/nyc100/html/classroom/hist_info/mayors.html#laguardia
  6. ^ Fulton, William (January 3, 1939). "2nd Hines Trial In Racket Case To Open Today". Chicago Tribune. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/462060942.html?dids=462060942:462060942&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+23,+1939&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=2D+HINES+TRIAL+IN+RACKET+CASE+TO+OPEN+TODAY&pqatl=google. Retrieved 2010-06-05. "Judge Charles Cooper Nott Jr. of General Sessions, a veteran of twenty-five years ... Judge Nott, who is 69 years old, was elected to the bench as a Republican ..." 
  7. ^ "Judge Nott Uses Powers To Balk Hines Mistrial". Chicago Tribune. February 26, 1939. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/493554912.html?dids=493554912:493554912&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+26,+1939&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=JUDGE+NOTT+USES+POWERS+TO+BALK+HINES+MISTRIAL&pqatl=google. Retrieved 2010-06-05. "Special General Sessions Judge Charles C. Nott, Jr. before whom Tammany Leader James J. Hines was tried and convicted of conspiracy ..." 
  8. ^ "Jimmy Hines Dead. Ex-Tammany Chief. Jimmy Hines, 80, Dies In Hospital Admirers Remained Faithful Sehlom Lost A Fight". New York Times. March 26, 1957. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00616F83854177B93C4AB1788D85F438585F9. Retrieved 2010-06-03. "James J. Hines, a former New York Democratic leader, died of a kidney ailment early today at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. He was 80 years old" 

External links