E.G.C. Bleakly

EDWIN GUY COOPER BLEAKLY was born in Ohio on October 5, 1865 to William and Elizabeth Bleakly. His family came to Camden sometime after 1870, his father owning a successful lime and cement business in the unit block of Federal Street, with an office at 34 Market Street. The family prospered, and in 1880 lived at 316 State Street. The next door neighbor was a young telegraph operator named John J. Burleigh, who over the next 30 years would play a crucial role in bringing telephone, electricity, and public transportation to Camden and South Jersey. William Bleakly was also active in the affairs of Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, and E.G.C. Bleakly also became active, sitting on the Board of Stewards for the church in 1909.

Edwin Bleakly worked in his father's business through 1888, when, according to the Camden City Directories, he began studying law. He was in practice by 1890, according to those same Directories, with an office at 106 Market Street. This address also held the offices of many other influential lawyers of the period 1880 through 1930, including David Pancoast, Howard M. Cooper, Alfred Reed, and Thomas French. Known professionally as E.G.C. Bleakly, he was well connected, and soon became one of the city’s most influential attorneys. He married around 1895.

E.G.C. Bleakly was named as Camden’s City Solicitor in 1898 and held that position until his retirement in 1923. A Republican in his politics, he returned to office after the Republicans returned to power in Camden in 1927. He was still in that post when, in October of 1936, control of City Government shifted from the Republican to the Democrat party. An at will appointee, he was replaced by Firmin F. Michel when the new administration took power.

In November of 1927 Mayor Winfield S. Price appointed a committee to arrange for the observance in February 1928 of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the City of Camden. The committee was composed of Charles S. Boyer, Chairman; T. Yorke Smith, E.G.C. Bleakly, Mahlon F. Ivins Jr., Fred S. Caperoon and Frank S. Albright.

The 1920 census shows him living, along with wife Ida at 318 Cooper Street. Also living there were daughter Edith P., older sister Helen. Still there in 1930, the Bleakly family had been joined by his widower brother-in-law, Charles Seymour.

A brother, John W.F. Bleakly, was a prominent real estate developer in Camden, and served for several years as secretary to the Camden Board of Education. His nephew, Fletcher Stanley Bleakly, was involved in the stationary and office supply business in the 1920s and 1930s. F. Stanley’s firm sold the first steel office furniture used in the new Camden City Hall that opened in 1931. F. Stanley Bleakly operated a Ford automobile dealership in Camden in the late 1930s, with Edgar Myers. This franchise was taken over by Ed Berglund by the early 1940s, and after a building was erected on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, operated as Berglund Ford for over forty years.

E.G.C. Bleakly, along with Henry Ford Stockwell, founded the law firm of Bleakly & Stockwell. In 1923 the firm became Bleakly, Stockwell, & Burling, and later was known as Bleakly, Stockwell, & Zink. The firm remained in business in Camden at 317 Market Street through at least 1977. E.G.C. Bleakly himself was still living at 318 Cooper Street as late as 1947.

EDWIN GUY COOPER BLEAKLY— Among the well-known men of the legal profession in South Jersey is Edwin Guy Cooper Bleakly, senior member of the law firm of Bleakly, Stockwell & Burling, who has been practicing in Camden, New Jersey, since 1890.

Born in Wellsville, Columbiana County, Ohio, October 5, 1865, Mr. Bleakly is a son of William and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Bleakly, and started his early education by taking a course in Pierce Business College, from which he was graduated in 1881. He then further prepared for his future career by attending Friends’ Central High School, of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in June, 1885. Then, deciding to enter the legal profession, he began the study of law under the direction of Benjamin D. Shreve, one of the prominent members of the Camden bar. He was admitted to the New Jersey bar as an attorney in February, 1890, as a counselor three years later, and steadily built up a clientele which grew to be one of the important legal practices of the city. He had always taken an active interest in local public affairs, and eight years after his admission to the bar he was elected solicitor of the city of Camden. His term began in April, 1898, and for twenty-five years following that date he was continuously reelected, and efficiently discharged the duties of the office until his retirement, April 16, 1923. In the meantime, he had formed a partnership with Mr. Stockwell and Mr. Burling, under the firm name of Bleakly, Stockwell & Burling, and in that association he is still taking care of a large and important clientele. In addition to his responsibilities in connection with his private practice, Mr. Bleakly is a member of the board of directors, and also serves as solicitor for the Merchants’ Trust Company, of Camden. Politically he gives his support to the candidates and the principles of the Republican party, but he had held just one local office, that of city solicitor, which, as already mentioned, he held for a quarter of a century. He finds recreation in affiliation with the Camden Club and Tavistock Country Club, and his religious affiliation is with the Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, of Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Bleakly is widely known and highly esteemed in Camden, both among his professional associates and among those with whom he is associated in other connections.

In Camden, New Jersey, July 24, 1894, Edwin Guy Cooper Bleakly married Ida Seymour, daughter of John T. and Emma (Bryan) Seymour, the latter of whom is a descendant of an old Burlington County line related to the Deacons, the Lippincotts, and other families of the old Colonial times. Mr. and Mrs. Bleakly are the parents of one daughter, Edith Bryan Bleakly, who was born in Camden, New Jersey, February 20, 1902.

Another weapon to defeat the enemy was the establishment of City Farm Gardens in the country. They were urged by the Government and not only provided food for city residents, but abolished unsightly vacant lots. Mayor Ellis named the first City Gardens Committee on April 19, 1917, as follows: E.G.C. Bleakly, Judge Frank T. Lloyd, Zed H. Copp, William Derham, L. E. Farnham, B. M. Hedrick, David Jester, O. B. Kern, M. F. Middleton, Dr. H. L. Rose, Asa L. Roberts, W. D. Sayrs, Jr., Charles A. Wolverton, Earl T. Jackson, H. R. Kuehner, Herbert N. Moffett and Hubert H. Pfeil. At the initial meeting of the above date B. M. Hedrick was elected chairman; Zed H. Copp secretary and M. F. Middleton treasurer. Brandin W. Wright, a farming expert, was employed as general superintendent on May 3, 1917. At a meeting on May 18, 1918, the names of Frank Sheridan and Daniel P. McConnell were added to the publicity committee in the place of Messrs. Pfeil and Jackson.

In his annual report to City Council on January 1, 1918, Mayor Ellis urged the appointment of a committee by City Council on City Gardens and Councilman Frederick Von Neida was named as chairman. This committee with a committee of representative citizens met in the City Hall in February, 1918, to organize for the ensuing summer. The members of the Councilmanic committee were: Frederick Von Neida, Frank S. Van Hart, William J. Kelly and John J. Robinson.

The committee planned an exposition of farm garden products for the fall of 1918, but this plan was frustrated by the Spanish influenza epidemic.

The war gardens became victory gardens in the year 1919 when the committee met on January 29, 1919. Meyers Baker was elected secretary and William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer. At the meeting on March 25 committees were appointed for the Victory War Gardens Exposition held in Third Regiment Armory from September 15 to 20. Benjamin Abrams was elected general manager and Frank Sheridan publicity agent.

Criminal prosecution of Detective George Murry and Policemen Tony Latorre, William Draper and Ira Hall for their alleged “protection” of vice in the downtown underworld loomed today. At a sensational hearing before the police committee of City Council last night it was unanimously decided to turn the mass of evidence against the four men, gathered by City Solicitor Bleakly, over to Prosecutor Wolverton’s office.

At the hearing, Policeman Hall was summarily dismissed from the department, classed as a “moral degenerate” and roundly flayed when, after he acted as his own attorney, he was cross-questioned by every member of the police committee.

Hall was the only one of the quartette of accused officers who made any attempt to defend himself. Murry, Latorre and Draper resigned several days ago. At the police committee session last night it was the sense of the members that their resignations was a tacit admission of guilt and that their mere removal from the police department is not sufficient punishment for their underworld activities.

The grand jury convened on Tuesday of this week. The next step will be the presentation of evidence gathered by Mr. Bleakly against the four men to the prosecutor’s office who, in turn, will turn it over to the grand jury. Quick action may be expected, it was predicted today in official circles.

Policeman Hall’s friendship for Anthony Paradise, charged with peddling “dope,” was brought out at last night’s hearing.

George Murry, ex-city detective, who resigned from the police department after being charged with promoting vice in the Third and Fifth Wards, was found dead on a doorstep near Locust and Line Streets shortly after nine o’clock last night.

A death certificate issued by Coroner Holl ascribes Murry’s death as due to apoplexy, superinduced by acute indigestion.

Grand Jury Probe Starts

Murry’s death came as a tragic aftermath of his exposure as a protector of prostitution and dope selling in the downtown tenderloin, in the role of which he is said to have amassed a snug fortune.

His death automatically puts to an end the proceedings that were begun to present his activities in the tenderloin before the Grand Jury with a view of bringing criminal prosecution.

Murry will be buried Thursday afternoon at Mt. Peace Cemetery, of which he was part owner. Funeral services will be conducted at the home and in the Macedonia Church, 3rd and Spruce Street, at noon.

Neighbors Find Body

Murry was 50 years old. According to his wife, Mrs. Cora J. Murry, the former city detective had been suffering for several days with indigestion.

After supper last night, Mrs. Murry said, her husband complained of feeling ill and she gave him a tablespoon of baking soda. He shortly after decided to take a walk in the belief the air might benefit him.

Half an hour later, neighbors came upon his lifeless body across a doorstep on Locust street, between Beckett and Line Streets.

The body was carried to the Murry home, at 649 Locust Street, a few doors away. Two physicians were called. Owing to the storm, the doctors were delayed in reaching the house. Dr. Clement T. Branch, of 721 Walnut Street, the first physician to arrive, said he believed Murry had died as he fell.

Mother Died 2 Years Ago, Same Hour

Besides his widow, Murry is survived by eight children, ranging in age from two months to 18 years. Curiously, Murry’s mother died exactly two years ago, to the very hour. Murry was colored, although many persons were unaware of his race because of his light complexion. He was a tall, powerful man. He was more than six feet in height and weighed about 230 pounds. His complexion was ruddy and his hair iron gray.

Murry’s death was a passing incident in the tenderloin today. Before he was shorn of his power, which he wielded proudly and with great vigor, his decease might have caused a great flurry.

Boss For Many Years

His loss of power probably worried Murry more than the outcome over the exposure of the criminal phase of the exposure. Murry had been the undisputed political “boss” of the Third and Fifth wards for years. The transition was too great; his fall too disgraceful.

Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton pointed out today that with Murry dead, the presentation of evidence of vice conditions in the Fifth Ward to the Grand Jury would be dropped for the present and in all probability for good.

The reason is obvious, said Mr. Wolverton. “There’s nobody to convict.”

United States Started Probe

Murry’s downfall was due largely to the activities of attaches of the United States Interdepartmental Social Hygiene Bureau, who investigated vice conditions here at the request of the Camp Dix military authorities.

Officers of the camp complained many of the men had contracted contagious diseases during visits to the tenderloin in South Camden.

A series of meetings was held under the auspices of the bureau and a number of women prominent in social welfare work in the city.

With the co-operation of the Federal authorities, the local police began a “cleanup” of the tenderloin. No one was spared. Dope peddlers, prostitutes, bootleggers and gamblers fell in the clutches of the authorities. Questioned, their stories seemed to coincide on one fact—that Murry was the “invisible government” which sanctioned or frowned upon their industry and who had to be “greased” if they wished to ply their trade without molestation or criminal prosecution.

Three Other Members Accused

Three other members of the police department were accused of malfeasance along with Murry. They are Policemen William Draper, Tony Latorre and Ira Hall. The three men were dismissed by the police committee of City Council. Hall, who opposed his dismissal and demanded a trial, was excoriated by the committee and summarily dropped from the department.

Murry resigned from the force declaring that the evidence against him was untrustworthy, having been obtained from dope fiends and “other irresponsible people.” It was understood, however, that he resigned, believing it would put an end to the proceedings. He seemed to worry over the contemplated action by the Grand Jury.

Said He Amassed Wealth

Murry, however, boasted openly he had amassed wealth while he reigned as the “tenderloin boss.”

“I’ve got mine,” he declared only recently. “I’ve got enough to keep me and my family in clover for the rest of our lives. If they let up on me and don’t push this jail thing, I’m willing to lay down.”

In addition, Murry was specifically charged with accepting graft from dope peddlers and with “tipping off” criminals against whom warrants were issued in City Hall.

City Solicitor E.G.C. Bleakly drew up the complaint and charges against the detective. Commenting on the charges when they were first made public, Mr. Bleakly said:

“From the statements I have obtained it would seem this officer has been exerting himself as a protector instead of a detector of crime and criminals. If the facts elicited are true, Detective Murry, instead of protecting the good name and citizens of our city, as he was paid to do, has been accepting pay from the citizens of the underworld to protect them in their evil practices.”

In Department 16 Years

Murry was a member of the police department for 16 years, having been appointed in 1905. He was made a detective in 1913.

Charles A. Wolverton – Arthur H. Holl

Suit for $255,000 was filed in New Jersey Supreme Court yesterday by Mrs. Margaret Lippincott against the Atlantic City Railroad in the death of her husband, Willet Lippincott, of 106 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, a real estate operator and son of Benjamin A. Lippincott, first mayor of Haddon Heights.

The widow, mother of four children, charges that her husband met his death on the morning of July 23 at the Warwick Road crossing at Magnolia. Lippincott’s truck, loaded with hay, obtained from the farm of his mother, Mrs. Laura Lippincott, on Warwick road, was struck by a northbound Ocean City–Camden train. Lippincott was killed, and the truck and hay set afire when the gasoline tank exploded.

Papers in the suit have been prepared by former Senator Albert S. Woodruff and S. Huntley Beckett, attorneys. Allegations are made in the suit that the railroad was negligent in failing to protect the crossing, which is termed in the charges as “extra-dangerous and extra-hazardous.”

It is alleged further that a signal light at the crossing failed to work properly at the time of the tragedy, and that a curve of the railroad, a bank of earth, poles and other obstacles obstructed the view of an approaching train. No bell or whistle was sounded from the engine of the train, it is charged.

Lippincott met his death although he alighted from his truck to look up and down the tracks at the crossing, according to Woodruff. He had seen a southbound train pass, but was struck by the northbound train. Passengers on the northbound train included Magistrate Dennis F. Fitzgerald, of Philadelphia; Mayor Roy R. Stewart, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Byron M. Seabrook, and Jerome Hurley, of the Hurley Stores, all of whom had summer homes at Ocean City.

Children surviving Lippincott include Priscilla, 8; Benjamin, 6; Summitt, 4, and Scott W. Lippincott, 1 year old.

The $11,790 payroll holdup staged last Friday at the Radio Condenser Co., Thorne and Copewood Streets, was re-enacted yesterday.

Two suspects nabbed late Monday, at Lykens in Dauphin County, Pa., played the “heavy” roles. Also in the cast were eight women and two men, employees of the firm. For an hour and 20 minutes the spectacular robbery was “rehearsed” under the direction of three Camden detectives.

When the curtain was rung down LeRoy Jenkins, 23, who police say has addresses at 1161 Mechanic Street and 1220 Princess Avenue, and Joseph Putek, 23, said to reside at 1462 Louis Street, were held on suspicion. They will be questioned further today.

Has Nothing Definite

Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden admitted he “has nothing on the boys.” Detectives Benjamin Simon, Clarence Arthur and Clifford Del Rossi, however, were “pressing pursuit of ‘hunches’ and meager clues in attempts to solve the crime. There were several lines of information they obtained regarding the two suspects which will bear further study,” Simon said.

Putak, who has a police record although never convicted according to police, was questioned previously in connection with the Radio Condenser “job.” He was released at midnight last Saturday. After that the detectives centered attention upon Jenkins. They learned Jenkins borrowed an automobile from a man who operates a garage in the 1200 block on Atlantic Avenue. The garageman was reluctant to talk but under threat of arrest as an accessory he admitted lending a car to Jenkins.

Fliers were dispatched to police throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. The car was halted at Williamsport, Pa. and when Camden police were identified they were surprised that Putak was Jenkins’ companion. This stirred detectives to renewed vigor in the probe. They learned the men were planning to visit relatives of Jenkins in Williamsport and Pottsville. According to Simon, police of both cities say Jenkins is well known to them.

While at Williamsport the three detectives learned Putak and Jenkins visited a vice den and quarreled with a woman over money. They quoted Jenkins as declaring that he “could buy and sell the joint!”

Had Little Money

Putak had but $3 when released Saturday and $11 when arrested, Simon revealed. He told the detectives he had won money in a poker game here.

The two men were returned with the detectives as far as Philadelphia but refused to cross the river. They were turned over to police there on suspicion and brought to this city yesterday afternoon. Taken to the Radio Condenser plant they were confronted with the ten employees who were herded in a vault during the holdup last Friday.

According to Simon, several of the employees felt there were certain mannerisms of the suspects which corresponded with actions of the bandits but confessed they were unable to definitely identify Putak or Jenkins as the heavily masked pair who threatened their lives with a revolver and shotgun.

The detectives propose an inquiry to all banks in this area in an effort to learn whether safe deposit boxes were leased by anyone answering the description of the suspects. The money obtained in the robbery was in bills and change of small denomination; numbers of the bills were not available.

Although never convicted, Jenkins has a police record. Putak has never been formally under arrest, but has been questioned by the police in connection with various cases.

Jenkins was arrested December 18, 1931, charged with larceny of gasoline, and on last July 9 was charged with several robberies.

On April 2, 1931, he was held for the grand jury, charged with manslaughter after his automobile killed Mrs. Mary Cavanaugh, 70, a cook in the service of City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly.

Dr. David S. Rhone, commissioner of public affairs, is on the high seas today bound for Germany on a vacation.

The city commissioner, who told only a few friends of his plans, sailed from New York Tuesday night.

Few city officials and friends knew of the projected trip and even Dr. Rhone’s secretary, Bayard M. Sullivan, pleaded ignorance of the commissioner’s plans. Sullivan said he did not know how long the commissioner would remain abroad. He said he believed Dr. Rhone sailed with some friends and may visit other countries in addition to Germany.

City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly was among those who expressed surprise at learning that Dr. Rhone had sailed.

Bleakly stated that he knew of no arrangements for a deputy commissioner to operate the public welfare department during the commissioner’s absence.

Mayor Roy R. Stewart will rule within two or three days on whether the city will accept the bid of the Horni Signal Manufacturing Corporation, of New York, to install the new fire alarm and police signal system in the new city hall courthouse annex. The corporation submitted the lower of two estimates recently.

The mayor cited the corporation to show cause at a hearing before him Wednesday why the corporation’s bid of $44,995 should not be rejected as irregular in that it allegedly did not follow specifications, failed to reveal the corporation’s financial responsibility to complete the work, and made no provision to accept city bonds, warrants or other form of municipal security in payment for the work, as provided in the specifications. Mayor Stewart said the corporation, through three representatives at the hearing yesterday, pointed out that it would take city securities in payment, provided the city agreed to make up the difference should the value of the securities drop. The firm’s representatives also sought to have the city assume the responsibility for the payment of “extras,” should the National Board of Fire Underwriters specify that additional work and material be added, although the specifications themselves relieved the city of that responsibility. They also furnished a satisfactory statement of their financial status, the mayor said.

As a result of the hearing, the mayor can reject the corporation’s bid, accept that of the Gamewell Company, of New York, the rival bidder with an estimate of $51,837, or re-advertise for bids.

City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly and William Dilmore, acting city purchasing agent, attended the hearing in the mayor’s office.

Investigation was ordered yesterday into the tragic collapse of the front walls of two vacant houses here Sunday. Mayor Roy R. Stewart announced he would push a probe to determine who is responsible for allowing the condemned buildings at 829 and 831 Bridge Avenue, to remain standing without repairs.

The mayor also declared that a move is under way to demolish 825 other unsafe buildings in Camden.

Jerry White, 22, colored, of 759 Carman Street, died yesterday of injuries suffered Sunday when he was buried under a ton of bricks. He was seated in front of one of the dwellings when the collapse occurred.

Mayor Stewart conferred with real estate and insurance agents yesterday and announced that he would ask the municipal legal department to proceed against other dangerous properties. In directing his investigation the mayor said he is anxious to determine whether there had been any laxity in connection with condemnation of the Bridge Avenue properties. City records reported them “torn down.”

“I assumed action had been taken in condemnation of the properties, but apparently that was not done and it is exceedingly regrettable that a life has been lost,” Mayor Stewart said.

Will Rush Action

“Certainly no other lives will be given if I can help it, and I am forthwith ordering that legal action be taken immediately in the tearing down of 825 properties in the city that have been found in a recent survey to be unsafe.

“Many citizens in the community, including prominent men and women, are heartily in favor of the action the city is taking in ordering dilapidated properties torn down.

“The death of the Carman Street man reveals glaringly the need for immediate action. That death should not have occurred. It could have been prevented had there been no delay in removing the hazardous buildings.

“At this time, I am placing no direct responsibility, and will not do so until I have made a thorough investigation. This is, indeed, a serious situation, and by no means must there be a repetition. It shows without question that such things as unsafe buildings cannot be permitted to remain indefinitely. I feel that the owners themselves should come to the front, and notify the city of their unsafe properties, and co-operate with us.”

City Not Wholly Lax

The mayor said the letters he has written regarding the Bridge Avenue properties show that the city had not been wholly lax regarding them. He added, however, that there has been laxity somewhere, and he is determined to find out who is to blame.

City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly said records in his office showed that the houses were “torn down.”

Bleakly was asked who made the report the houses were wrecked.

“I do not know at this time, but I shall join with the mayor in a thorough investigation,” the city solicitor said.

The mayor and Bleakly pointed out that vandals had been tearing properties apart in their efforts to obtain fixtures, lumber, etc. The mayor said the 829 Bridge Avenue property is owned by Mrs. George Murry, of 649 Locust Street, the widow of George Murry, the late city detective. He said he is checking to learn who is the owner of 831 Bridge Avenue.

The houses have been unoccupied for a number of years. They are believed to have been weakened by vandals who had stripped the interiors of wooden supports and fixtures.

Recent damage by vandals throughout the city has been estimated at $500,000.

Nine Camden law students and 14 others from South Jersey cities passed the April state bar examinations and may practice as attorneys in New Jersey.

That was announced at Trenton yesterday by Rue Brearley, secretary of the State Bar Examiners. Brearley stated that in the entire state, 206 students passed the tests. The counselor-at-law results were not announced.

Those in Camden were:

Howard G. Kulp, Jr., studying at the law offices of Carr and Carroll.

Norman Heine, law office of his brother, Aaron Heine.

Louis L. Goldman, firm of Orlando and Kisselman.

Franklin L. Deibert, offices of his brother, Edward R. Deibert.

Joseph Lipkin, offices of Judge Frank F. Neutze.

Stanley L. Bennett, law offices of his brother, City Commissioner Harold W. Bennett.

John F. Ruck, law offices of Walter S. Keown.

James D. Stockwell, law firm of Bleakly, Stockwell and Burling, of which his father, Henry F. Stockwell, is a member.

Bartholomew A. Sheehan, law offices of Walter S. Keown.

Among the other South Jersey students who were successful was Harold B. Wells, Jr., son of Judge Harold B. Wells, of Bordentown. The others are: Fred A. Gravino, John B. Wick and Frank Sahl, all of Woodbury; I. Harry Levin and W. Howard Sharp, of Vineland; Wheeler Grey, William B. Brooks and Morgan E. Thomas, of Atlantic City; Thomas H. Munyan and John E. Boswell of Ocean City; Francis Tanner, Toms River; James Edward McGlincy, Bridgeport, and Charles J. Berkowitz, Lakewood.

The city commission yesterday afternoon extended for another year a three-year-old agreement entered into by the Pennsylvania Railroad to remove its Seventh Street tracks in Camden and thereby eliminate 14 grade crossings.

The extension in time was voted when the commission passed on final reading an ordinance introduced several weeks ago. It is the latest of several extensions granted to postpone start of the work.

City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly said the delays have been agreed to by the city and the railroad because the latter is not prepared at this time to carry out the project and because the city has no money.

Under the agreement, the railroad was to abandon use of the Seventh Street tracks and the city was to purchase the right of way from the railroad for use as a boulevard at a cost of $286,000. The railroad is to receive a first payment of $106,000.

The city-railroad plans called for electrification of the Tenth Street steam railroad over which the shore trains now using Seventh Street will run.

Ocean City, August 10.—Recovered from an illness which confined him to his Summer home here for three weeks, E. G. C. Bleakly, city solicitor of Camden, will return to his office on Monday.

The State Civil Service Commission has been requested to authorize appointment of a staff physician for the Camden City department of public works at an annual salary of $1500, and Dr. Maurice E. Baker has been named to the post on an ad interim appointment by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.

Dr. Baker, a Democrat, was a candidate for city commissioner last May on the New Deal–Non Partisan ticket, which elected Hartmann and Commissioners Mary W. Kobus and George E. Brunner.

Hartmann said last night that Dr. Baker has been acting as staff physician for the past four days and has made 12 examinations.

Some of these, Hartmann said, were for city employees with frost-bitten toes, fingers and ears, who are claiming compensation, and one was of a woman who slipped and fell on a sidewalk.

“Dr. Baker, of course, is not getting paid a salary now,” Hartmann said, “but we hope he can be placed on a salary as a money-saving movement.

“Heretofore the physicians examining city workmen on compensation claims have charged the city $10 for each examination.

“I expect Dr. Baker to make 600 to 700 calls a year, most of them examinations, and thus get the work done for $2 in each case.

“I expect also to save money on compensation claims by having Dr. Baker make examinations of any new men hired, so that we may be sure they are in good physical condition. As it is a man could receive an injury somewhere else, go to work for the city and then claim compensation for the injury by pretending it happened on the city job.

“Dr. Baker’s examinations of the present employees will lead to compensation claim savings also, as we will be in position to make some of these men take steps to protect themselves and the city, where remedial action seems necessary.”

Hartmann said all members of the city commission except Mayor Frederick Von Nieda have endorsed the employment of a staff physician. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to the mayor about it yet,” Hartmann said. City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly also has approved the move as offering a chance to save money, Hartmann said.

Trenton, Oct. 27.—The New Jersey State Supreme Court today dismissed the appeal of three defendants convicted in Camden Police Court as disorderly persons in activities growing out of the recent RCA strike in that city.

Appellants are Fred Barone, Catherine Bretschneider, and Irene Adair, each of whom was given 60 days and fined $100 on conviction of being disorderly persons. Samuel L. Rothbard, their counsel, attacked the validity of the complaints upon which the three were arrested, in his argument before Justices Trenchard, Bodine and Heher.

City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly opposed the setting aside of the convictions. John R. DiMona, also represented the city at the hearing.

Rothbard asked for a writ of certiorari to set aside the action of the Camden Common Pleas Court, which upheld the convictions of the Police Court. He argued that the complaint on which the three were convicted was invalid and ineffective under section three of the Disorderly Persons Act, in that the complaint failed to be specific and accurate in the charges made against them in the police court.

Bleakly contended that the defendants’ counsel had twice waived his right to get a review of their convictions. He claimed that under the Police Court Act of 1927 the matter could have been brought up to the higher court as soon as the complaint was made, or 30 days after the convictions.

Bleakly argued that Camden Common Pleas Court Judge Neutze, after reviewing the whole case could have granted the defendants a new trial, but instead upheld the proceedings in the police court. He also argued that the Common Pleas finding could not be reviewed by a writ of certiorari. Rothbard contended that no other kind of an appeal from the Common Pleas ruling could be taken.