by 1901, snake kinney and his crew, now one of the most powerful gangs in the city, had formed an alliance with st. louis police board head harry hawes, forming a powerful combine against rival gang leaders, including john "bad jack" williams, john "cuddy mack" mcgillicuddy, and john "baldy" ryan. while snake kinney was a personable and able legislator, he always retained his street sense and temper. on february 19, 1904, he was charged with verbally abusing and shooting a black lounge singer named walter sloan. after this incident, tom egan took over the street gang, which soon became known as the egan's rats.