Describe the "self important man with the crooked hat" in Rip Van Winkle and what is his significance to the story?

He came in with an air of authority to inquire what the comotion was about,

A self-important old gentleman, in a sharp cocked hat, made his way through the crowd, putting them to the right and left with his elbows as he passed, and planting himself before Van Winkle, with one arm akimbo, the other resting on his cane...

Rip is confused as people shouted political labels at Rip.