Rothstein_ The Life, Times, And Murder Of The Criminal Genius Part 25

32 "When he ... than anything else.": Clarke, pp. 19-20.

33 "He loved ... later years.": NY World, 18 November 1928, p. 18.

33 Algonquin Circle: George S. Kaufman coauth.o.r.ed such Broadway hits as Beggar on Horseback, The Coconuts, Animal Crackers, The Royal Family, Dinner at Eight; Strike Up the Band, Of Thee I Sing, and The Solid Gold Cadillac. Edna Ferber's novels included So Big, s...o...b..at, Cimarron, Giant, and The Ice Palace. Sherwood scripted the Humphrey Bogart vehicle, The Petrified Forest. In 1938 he won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography Abe Lincoln in Illinois. During World War II, Sherwood served as a speechwriter for FDR. Adams wrote a widely read column in the Tribune (and later the World) and created the phrase "Tinker to Evers to Chance." Harold Ross founded The New Yorker. Heywood Broun penned crusading columns for the Tribune and later the World. Wolcott reviewed the theatre for the Times and later became a major radio personality. Benchley's gentle humor, written originally for numerous magazines and newspapers eventually filled over a dozen hardcover volumes. He later moved on to a modestly successful movie career. The Algonquin Hotel's "Vicious Circle" often partied at Herbert Bayard Swope's Long Island estate. We shall soon meet Swope-as A. R.'s best man.

34 Jack's circle: Rothstein, p. 34. A. R. wasn't the only gambler at Jack's. Bald Jack Rose, Tom Shaughnessy, the always-entertaining Vernie Barton, and A. R.'s future partner Willie Shea (see Chapter 7) also attended. "Arnold waited for prospective players either in Jack's or Rector's, and had Willie Shea, as partner, to help," noted Carolyn Rothstein.

34 "a handsome, irresponsible . . . with his friends": Clarke, p. 16. Actress Louise Brooks claimed that Mizner stole many of his best witticisms from Grant Clarke, who created the phrase "Take him for a ride" for the first alltalking feature film, 1928's The Lights of New York. (Paris, p. 201 fn) 34 "There was ..." ... "... in Jack's restaurant.": Clarke, p. 16; NY Times, 20 October 1932, p. 21.

34 "balance a seidel ... and sundry.": Katcher, p. 43; NY Times, 7 December 1945, p. 22.

34 Clarke, Lessing: Katcher, p. 43; NY Times, 30 October 1940, p. 21.

35 Dorgan: NY Times, 2 February 1945, p. 19; Kahn (A Flame of Pure Fire), p. 318.

35 "Mizner had ... homes and houses." Johnston, p. 70.

35 Mizner career: Johnston, pp. 66, 107; Berton, pp. 376-77; Fowler (Skyline), p. 68.

37 "Always be nice ... something": http://www.quotegeek.com/Literature/Mizner_Wilson; http://www.cp-tel.net/ miller/BilLee/quotes/Mizner.html; http://www.thinkexist.com/english/Author/ x/Author_4400_l.htm; http://www.chesco.com/artman/mizner.html.

38-39 McGraw's billiard parlor: Doyle took over operation of McGraw's pool hall, moving it to Times Square (1456 Broadway) in 1917, where it remained until 1937. "In the '20s and '30s," wrote author Larry Ritter, "John Thomas Doyle was the nation's leading setter of betting odds on sporting events .. (Ritter, East Side, West Side, p. 144) 40 "I'll have you ... of us do.": NY World (thrice-a-week edition), 1 October 1920, p. 1; Clarke, pp. 21-22; Rothstein, pp. 105-06; Katcher, pp. 53-56; Alexander (John McGraw), pp. 119, 142.

Chapter 4: 'Why Not Get Married?".

41 Hotels, lake houses: Heimer, pp. 122-29.

42 Cavanagh: Alexander (Jazz Age Jews), pp. 28-29; Hotaling, pp. 165-66; http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Mar-27-Mon-2000/business/ 13240801.html; Katcher, pp. 47-48.

42 Attell early career: Attell fought 168 times, winning 91 bouts (including 47 knockouts), losing 10 (3 knockouts), with 17 draws and 50 no-decisions. He last fought in 1917, just two years before helping fix the World Series. His greatnephew, Eric Matthew Thomsen, notes that Attell was not born "Albert Knoehr" as Eliot Asinof contends in Eight Men Out. The family name was indeed Attell.

43 Attell stranded: Bradley, p. 316.

43 Meets Carolyn Green, pp. 15-22.

43 Carolyn's background: 1900 NYC City Directory, p. 512; 1907 NYC City Directory; 1910 NYC City Directory, p. 572. Hollywood twice filmed silent versions of The Chorus Lady-in 1915, featuring the tragic Wallace Reid in his first role for Famous Players Lasky, and in 1924. In 1912 The Chorus Lady producer Henry Birkhardt Harris traveled to London to promote the career of its star, Rose Stahl. Return pa.s.sage was aboard the t.i.tanic. As it sank, Harris was refused entrance to a lifeboat. "All right, boys," he responded, "I must take my medicine. Women and children first in a game like this." His body was never recovered.

44 "I remember as ... ill or well.": Rothstein, p. 16.

44 "Arnold, at that ... with me.": ibid, pp. 18-19.

45 "He sent me ... any presents.": ibid, p. 22.

45 "How dare you ask ..." ... "... them after all.": Katcher, pp. 43-45. The Casino, where Carolyn played in Havana, was at Broadway and West 39th Street. The Chorus Lady opened at the Savoy at 112 West 34th Street. The play soon moved to the Garrick at 67 W. 35th Street. In the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, the theater district ran much farther down Broadway than it does today.

46 "an intensely . . . zealot.": Rothstein, p. 44. Leo Katcher indicates that Abraham and Esther Rothstein then lived on West 84th Street. This is unlikely. They lived at 174 West 79th Street circa 1903-8 and at 127 Riverside Drive circa 1909-10.

46 "I was brought up . . . ". . . ". . . refuge and help": Rothstein, pp. 45-46. Meyer Greenwald was born in New York City in 1854 to Jonas and Hannah Greenwald, immigrants from Prussia. Jonas Greenwald, as well as Meyer's younger brother Isaac, were also butchers. Carolyn was presumably named after Meyer's younger sister Caroline.

46-47 "My son ... man," ... Will ... me?": Katcher, pp. 43-45.

47 Swope background: Kahn (Man of the World), pp. 83-116; Lewis (Man of the World), pp. 4-14.

48 "She was ... I know.": Kahn (Man of the World), p. 122; Lewis (Man of the World), p. 122.

48 "Arnold Rothstein" ... "I'm an abolitionist," Lewis (Man of the World), p. 20; Rothstein marriage license, Saratoga Springs Clerk's Office.

49 Justice Bradley: 1908 Saratoga City Directory, 86; 1909 Saratoga City Directory, p. 89. Justice Bradley's former home remains remarkably well preserved. The color has changed, but it is very easy to picture it as Arnold and Carolyn viewed it on their wedding day.

49 "I was wearing ... rather long": Rothstein, pp. 24-25.

49 Rothstein wedding: Rothstein, pp. 24-25; Kahn (The World of Swope), pp. 122. Perhaps out of professional courtesy, the Telegraph excluded Swope and Pearl from its account.

50 "I don't ... I'm paying.": Katcher, p. 51.

50 "I had this ... Gambling did it.": NY American, 5 January 1934.

50 "I don't feel well.": Rothstein, pp. 30-32, Clarke, p. 25; Katcher, p. 51.

Chapter S: "I've Got Plans".

52 "Rats ... around a stable.": Rothstein, pp. 30-34. Rothstein respected not only Farley's loyalty but his intellect, and paid his way through Columbia University. (NY World, 23 November 1928, p. 16) 53 Sullivan: Rothstein wisely maintained his strongest political ties with New York City's dominant political party, the Democrats, but also transacted business with Republicans. As early as 1912 he loaned money to local Republican activist Billy Halpin-with Halpin's notes witnessed by longtime Secretary of the United States Senate and former Brooklyn Republican Congressman Charles Goodwin Bennett.

54-55 "When you've voted ... four votes.": Harlow, p. 505, Katcher, p. 74.

54 Sullivan career: Harlow, pp. 487-508; Sante, pp. 268-73; Werner, pp. 438-40; Connable and Silberfarb, pp. 221, 224-25; Allen (The Tiger), p. 181. Sullivan controlled a national entertainment network. He owned numerous vaudeville, movie, and burlesque houses, as well as a racing stable and part of Dreamland, Coney Island's spectacular but short-lived amus.e.m.e.nt park.

55 Rothstein meets Sullivan: Logan, p. 60; Fried, pp. 23-24; Arnold Rothstein: A Chronology of His Life and Gambling Career, p. 23.

56 "I used to sit ... long stops.": Rothstein, p. 34.

57 "Bet-a-Million" Gates: Gates made his fortune in barbed wire, but made even more in the Spindletop oil field, in railroading, and developing Port Arthur, Texas. His 1911 funeral was held in the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel.

57-58 "I wouldn't ... "... "... Arnold and me.": NY World (thrice-a-week edition), 1 October 1920, P. 1; Katcher, pp. 52, 59-62; Bauchle denied Shea's allegations vigorously: "You can say for me that I have not been in Rothstein's house since last September. Prior to that I played there a few times, but if I had any privileges that other players didn't have I didn't know it."

58 "Shea's on the ..." ... "... to do that.": NY American, 8 November 1910; Katcher, pp. 59-63; Rothstein, pp. 36-37; Clarke, pp. 25-26. "Okay, Coakley," was a favorite Rothstein expression, a variant on the universally popular "okey dokey."

60 "The house ... we could quit.": Rothstein, pp. 37-38.

61 Rothstein's patrons: Katcher, p. 63.

61 Lillian Lorraine: Katcher, p. 63; Carter, pp. 18-19, 42, 44, 64; Higham, pp. 82-84; Spitzer, p. 30; Louvish, p. 194.

62 Practical joke on Lorraine: Rothstein, pp. 140-01; Clark, p. 187. On another occasion Rothstein phoned Reuben's, impersonating a famous actress. He ordered 300 sandwiches and a barrel of herrings to be delivered to an address on West 49th Street. Reuben took personal direction of the order-and found himself delivering it to the horses' entrance of Madison Square Garden.

Arnold also delighted in making such calls to Carolyn Rothstein. The Friday before his murder, he left a message he was the Prince of Wales. She knew without hesitation it was him (Arnold Rothstein: A Chronology of His Life and Gambling Career, p. 23).

63 Lorraine at the track: Katcher, pp. 63-65; Clarke, pp. 216-24.

64 Percival Hill episode: Katcher, pp. 65-71.

Chapter 6: "He'll Crucify the Big Feller".

66 "Clubber" Williams: O'Connor, pp. 95-96; Lardner and Reppetto, pp. 69-70, 97-98, Davis, p. 214; Logan, pp. 106-07. In an era of commonplace police brutality, Williams set the departmental standard. He once observed: "There is more law in the end of a policeman's nightstick than in a decision of the Supreme Court."

67 Price of promotions: The NYPD abolished the position of roundsman (equivalent to the military rank of corporal) in 1905, promoting all roundsmen to sergeant. All sergeants (including Becker) became lieutenants.

67 Big Bill Devery: In 1902 Devery and Farrell used their political connections to become owners of New York's new American League franchise, the Highlanders-now the Yankees. Until the late 1890s, Frank Farrell had been only a Sixth Avenue saloonkeeper. But when his friend, Tammany's Asa Bird Gardiner, won the district attorney's office in 1897 on the platform "To h.e.l.l With Reform!" Farrell took full advantage of the times-and of his closeness to the new D.A-by teaming with Devery in the pool-hall business. Farrell eventually owned 250 pool halls and, for good measure, operated a gambling house on West 33rd Street, near the old Waldorf-Astoria. His gambling house, "The House with the Bronze Door," remodeled under Stanford White's supervision, was rivaled only by Richard Canfield's opulent East 44th Street casino. Farrell's close connections to Big Tim Sullivan hurt him neither in running gambling houses nor in preventing other Tammany factions from encroaching on the land where he would build Hilltop Field. Devery and Frank Farrell retained the team until January 1915, when they dumped the Highlanders on former East Side Congressman Colonel Jacob Ruppert and Captain T. L. Huston. They received $460,000 for the ball club they purchased for just $18,000. (Pietrusza, Major Leagues, pp. 168-70, 175-76; Graham, The New York Giants, pp. 19-33; Graham, The New York Yankees, pp. 3-5; Asbury, Sucker's Progress, pp. 451-54; Sante, p. 172) 68 "There's been ... he looks.": Allen (The Tiger), p. 197. Prohibition crusader Carry Nation visited Devery headquarters to inexplicably endorse his candidacy. "He isn't a Republican or a Democrat or anything like that," she told the stunned crowd, "-he's a Prohibitionist." Mrs. Nation then ordered her audience to throw away their "filthy cigarettes and cigars." They obeyed.

69 Becker's early life: Jonathan Root's One Night in July records that Becker met Rothstein at this time. As A. R. was roughly eleven, that is unlikely.

69 Becker arrests Dora Clark: No blacks were appointed to the NYPD until 1911.

71 "That's your share ..." ........ much they paid.": Logan, p. 108-18; Root (One Night in July), pp. 33-41; Berryman, pp. 145-46; NY Times, 18 July 1912, p. 2; Wertheim and Sorrentino, pp. 222-24; Colvert, pp. 97-99; Davis (Red Badge of Courage), pp. 155-67. From 1904 through 1907, Charles Whitman presided as magistrate at the same Jefferson Market Police Court where Charles Becker had accused Dora Clark. There Whitman learned firsthand why cops like Becker falsely arrested persons, quite often prost.i.tutes and professional petty criminals. The accused, not wis.h.i.+ng to spend the night in jail, would secure bail. Bondsmen would then split their fees with arresting officers and local police captains. In court the following morning, the arresting officer would conveniently present so little and such unconvincing evidence that the defendant would go free. When Whitman discovered this scam, he lobbied the state legislature to inst.i.tute a system of night courts, to accelerate the judicial process and reduce fraudulent arrests and bail bonding.

72 "outward order and decency.": Thomas, pa.s.sim. Gaynor won the mayoralty with just 43 percent of the vote. Lackl.u.s.ter Republican Otto Bannard received 30 percent. William Randolph Hearst, the Independence League candidate, received 27 per cent.

73 Cropsey: Cropsey's appointment probably came about because Gaynor mistook him for someone else. He replaced William E Baker. Baker is remembered as owner of the bedraggled Philadelphia Phillies and namesake of its equally bedraggled ballpark, Baker Bowl.

72 Strong-arm squads: The Triangle s.h.i.+rtwaist Fire occurred on Waldo's watch as Fire Commissioner.

72 Rose, Selig: In November 1910 Rose served as President of Second Avenue's premier gambling club while Herman Rosenthal served as treasurer. When police raided the place, the club succeeded in going to court to have the occupation lifted. According to the New York Telegraph, Rose stated, "the club was used for the promotion of social intercourse. Among its many members, he stated, were prominent citizens. It was further shown that liberal contributions were made to many charitable inst.i.tutions and that the club did much to ameliorate conditions in its immediate neighborhood." (NY Telegraph, 3 November 1910, p. 5) 73 "a Harlem negro gambling resort.": NY World, 16 July 1912, p. 3; NY Times, 21 July 1912, p. 2. The word "resort" then possessed a different, less grand, meaning. Bridgey Webber's poolroom above 42nd Street's United Cigar Store was also commonly referred to as a "resort."

73 "The first ... you to do.": NY World, 15 July 1912, pp. 1-2; NY World, 17 July 1912, p. 3; NY World, 10 October 1912, p. 6; NY Times, 19 July 1912, p. 2; Klein, p. 9; Root (One Night in July), p. 28.

74 "Get that . . . out of town.": Rothstein and Tom Foley were well used to working with each other. When Rothstein issued his first bail bond in 19 10for confidence man "Plunk" Drucker-it was at Foley's behest.

74 "The Big ... here." ... "I'm staying right here.": Katcher, pp. 80-81.

75 "You're not ... ... ... go to h.e.l.l," ibid, pp. 83-84.

75 "In that ... District Attorney." Rothstein, p. 54.

76 Rosenthal at the Metropole: Fried, pp. 23-24; Root (One Night in July), p. 15; Crane, pp. 127-28. Carolyn Rothstein reported that A. R. believed that if George Considine had been present at his establishment, Rosenthal's shooting would have never occurred. "George would have stopped it," Arnold said of his longtime friend.

76 "Can you ... Herman?": NY World, 16 July 1912, pp. 1-2. It's often incorrectly alleged that the Rosenthal case was the first use of an automobile in a murder. "Spanish Louis" (John C. Lewis), a brutish Rosenthal henchman, met his death on East 11th Street on April 29, 1910. His murderers used a Pierce Arrow to escape.

76 Police at the Metropole: Any number of unlikely characters were on the scene. Least likely was owlish young New York Times reporter (and future drama critic) Alexander Woollcott, model for the insufferable "Sheridan Whiteside" in Moss Hart's play, The Man Who Came to Dinner. "I shall always remember the picture of that soft, fat body wilting on the sidewalk with a beer-stained tablecloth serving as its pall . . .," Woollcott would write, "Just behind me an oldtimer whispered ... 'From where I stand,' he said, 'I can see eight murderers.' "(Woollcott, p. 212) 77 "I got the license ............. I thought-": Klein, p. 14; Logan, p. 33; Root (One Night in July), pp. 21-22.

77 "I accuse ... conviction can result.": Root (One Night in July), pp. 65-66; Crane, pp. 129-130.

78 "Shapiro told me ... getaway.": NY Times, 19 July 1912, p. 2.

79 "Do you believe ... told you already.": Ibid.

79 "a very well ... Rosenthal left off.": NY Times, 19 July 1912, p. 2; Root (One Night in July), p. 87.

79 "investigating a ... investigation.": NY Times, 23 July 1912, p. 2. Tammany also gave Whitman its nomination in 1913 as he sought reelection as district attorney.

80 Shortly after the Triangle s.h.i.+rtwaist trial, Steuer bought a former German protestant church on the Lower East Side that Bald Jack Rose had turned into a boxing club, the "Houston Athletic Club." Steuer converted it into the National Theatre. Ironically (in view of Steuer's defense work in the Triangle s.h.i.+rtwaist case), in February 1913, his projectionist literally yelled "fire" in a crowded theater-and two persons died. In 1915 Steuer escaped disbarment for coaching a witness in a palimony suit against theatrical producer Abe Erlanger. (littp://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0151/goldfein.php; Mitgang, pp. 198-99; Fowler (Beau James), pp. 278-79; Walsh, p. 244.

81 "yield[ing] to the ... represent them.": NY Times, 17 July 1912, p. 1; Root (One Night in July), p. 109; Logan, p. 123; Klein, pp. 34-36.

81 Schepps: NY World, 1 August 1912, pp. 1, 2; NY World, 13 Aug 1912, pp. 1, 2; NY World, 14 August 1912, pp. 1, 2; NY World, 15 August 1912, pp. 1, 2; NY World, 19 August 1912, pp. 1, 2; Schepps reached Hot Springs, Arkansas before being arrested. Police issued this picturesque description of the fugitive: "Sam Schepps. American Hebrew, occupation enlarger of photos, real estate or other agent or salesman, gambler, aged 35 years, height 5 feet 7 inches, weight 145 to 150 pounds, slender build, light complexion, skin a little rough, light hair, blue eyes, large nose, wears nose gla.s.ses [a pince-nez], one eye a little crossed, gold filling in teeth, smooth shaven, intelligent, smooth talker, dresses neatly, wears considerable jewelry, constant frequenter of theatres, a.s.sociate of sporting men, vaudeville actors, etc., accustomed to good living, spends much time in Turkish baths, incessant cigarette smoker." (NY Times, 25 July 1912, p. 2) 81 "You have ... he belonged.": NY Times, 27 July 1912, p. 2. At one point Gaynor wrote Waldo: "But, my dear Mr. Commissioner, remember that the Mayor has every confidence in you and sustains you."

82 "I cannot help ... man must be": NY Times, 2 August 1912, p. 2; Thomas, pp. 416-19, 424-27; Root (One Night in July), p. 72. The Rosenthal murder case, and the prominence it gave to Lower East Side gamblers, thugs, and pimps prompted deep soul-searching within New York's Jewish community. The city's short-lived Kehillah inst.i.tuted a "Bureau of Social Morals" to uplift behavior. The Kehillah's detective bureau compiled a detailed record of Jewish criminality. Of Segal's Cafe, a Second Avenue hangout for such criminals as Jack Zelig, a bureau investigator wrote that "regardless of the law ... [someone should] plant a 14-inch gun and shoot the d.a.m.n bas.e.m.e.nt and its h.o.a.rd of carrion into perdition." Today, the Bureau's records reside at Jerusalem's Hebrew University (Fried, pp. 1-7, 76-81).

82 Sulzer: NY Times, 19 September 1913, p. 1-2; Weiss, pp. 59-63; Connable and Silberfarb, pp. 253, 255; Allen (The Tiger), pp. 210, 221. The ambitious Sulzer had attempted to secure the 1900 Democratic vice-presidential nomination, but his boomlet collapsed when Tammany's Richard Croker jibed, "[William Jennings] Bryan and Sulzer! How long before everybody would be saying 'Brandy and Selzer?' " (Easton, p. 186) 83 Sullivan death, funeral: NY Times, 17 July 1913, p. 7; NY Times, 14 September 1913, pp. 1-2; NY Times, 15 September 1913, p. 9; NY Times, 16 September 1913, p. 5; NY Times, 18 September 1913, p. 6; Harlow, pp. 520-22; Werner, pp. 509-10; Logan, p. 233; Klein, p. 340.

83 Gaynor: Thomas, pp. 489-95; Connable and Silberfarb, p. 255.

84 Zelig death: Root (One Night in July), pp. 132-33; Logan, pp. 170-02; Crane, pp. 131-12. Some contend that Zelig's demise may not have been connected to the Rosenthal case, instead linking it to two enemies within his own gang, Jack Sirocco and Chick Tricker. In December 1911 they dispatched Julie Morrell to kill Zelig, but instead Zelig lured Morrell to a Second Avenue dance hall. The lights went out, and a single bullet entered Morrell's heart.

84 "Well, it ... gone [framed]": Klein, p. 63; Root (One Night in July), p. 163.

84 "All that's ... to fear.": NY World, 12 October 1912, pp. 1-3; Klein, p. 64; Logan, p. 130; Root (One Night in July), p. 106.

85 "h.e.l.lo ... congratulate you.": NY World, 12 October 1912, p. 2; Klein, p. 130; Root (One Night in July), pp. 107, 171, 203, 219; Crane, p. 136.

85 "It was ... future squealers.": NY World, 12 October 1912, p. 2; Klein, p. 131; Logan, p. 130; Root (One Night in July), p. 107.

85 "I don't ... or anything": NY World, 12 October 1912, p. 2; Klein, p. 120; Root (One Night in July), pp. 161-62.

85 Becker guilty: NY World, 12 October 1912, p. 3; NY World, 14 October 1912, pp. 1, 2; Root (One Night in July), pp. 118-19; Fried, pp. 81. Goff had served as counsel to the 1894 Lexow investigation of city corruption.

86 ".... the defendant .... law and discretion.": 210 N.Y.P. 289.

86 "There was a ... to him.": Klein, p. 149; Root (One Night in July), p. 291.

86 Executions: Klein, pp. 290-13; Root (One Night in July), pp. 270,279-80,284.