Emma E. Hyland

Emma Hyland was the widow of John T. Hyland. John T. Hyland had read for the bar and was admitted as an attorney in 1895. He did not practice long, but engaged in a career that involved him with the United States postal service. He died in France while serving in that capacity with the United States Army during World War I. Mrs. Hyland entered politics after women won the right to vote, and remained active in Camden politics and civic affairs throughout her life.

Active in Democratic political circles in Camden, Emma Hyland was named Postmaster of the City of Camden by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934, succeeding former Camden mayor Charles H. Ellis in the job. She remained Postmaster until her retirement in April of 1945. In the mid-1930s she was co-leader of the Democratic Party in Camden with Harry L. Maloney. In 1934 she and Maloney withstood a challenge for party leadership from the previous party leader, Edward J. Kelleher, and Bertha Irving. She remained a power in Democrat politics in Camden until illness overtook her in February of 1945.

Shortly after World War I, Emma Hyland bought the house at 409 Chambers Avenue, where she lived until at least 1930. By 1936 she had moved to 306 Cooper Street. Emma Hyland passed away on October 19, 1945 survived by her son Theodore J. Hyland and six grandchildren.

One of Emma Hyland’s grandchildren, William F. Hyland, was very fond of his grandmother and he followed in her footsteps in the Democratic Party in Camden County, where he was party chair and at the state level. He was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in 1953 and in 1958, was elected the first Democratic Speaker of the Assembly in 22 years. Having served at the state level in various positions under Governor Hughes, William F. Hyland served as New Jersey’s Attorney General from 1974 to 1978, under Governor Byrne. He also is an accomplished clarinetist, and in later years became close friends with his idol, Benny Goodman, who named William F. Hyland as his executor and trustee of his estate.

2 NEW MEMBERS ADDED TO ELECTION BOARD

With two new members, William E. King, Republican, and James J. Mulligan, Democrat, the Camden County Board of Elections reorganized yesterday. Mrs. Lottie B. Stinson, Republican, was re-elected chairman, and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrat, secretary.

Victor Scharle, Democrat registrar, announced that two new election districts had been added in Audubon, one more in Barrington, one in Voorhees township and two in Lindenwold.

MRS. HYLAND TO OPEN NEW DEMOCRATIC CLUB

The Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 923 North Twenty-seventh Street, will be opened formally tonight by Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committeewoman, and Samuel T. French, prominent attorney and worker for the party. Honor guests will be Mrs. Lillian Pisko and Charles Goldy, both members of the county committee, organizers of the club.

3 DEMOCRATIC RALLIES SCHEDULED TONIGHT

A combined A. Harry Moore rally and social evening will be conducted by Democratic voters of the Eleventh Ward tonight at the Maennerchor Hall, Twenty-seventh Street below River Avenue.

Former Sheriff Joseph E. Nowrey, Mrs. Florence Melnik, Gene Mariano and Assembly candidates, Vincent de P. Costello, William French, Jr., and Frederick Stanton, will speak. Mrs. Lillian Pisko, committeewoman, will preside. Mrs. Anna Rush is chairman of the committee in charge of the affair.

Rallies in interest of Moore and other Democratic candidates will also be conducted in Collingswood and Lawnside tonight.

Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman; Ralph Wescott, Haddonfield freeholder candidate, and Gene Mariano will address the voters in Collingswood at a mass meeting to be held at the Independent headquarters, Lees and Haddon Avenue.

Isaac Eason, former attorney general of the United States; Rev. Robert A. Jackson and Albert Melnik, will speak at the Lawnside A. Harry Moore Club at the Lawnside fire hall on Warwick Road.

7 DEMOCRATS RALLIES IN COUNTY TONIGHT

Democratic speakers, urging suffrage in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and the local Democratic ticket, will invade seven political clubs in the city and county tonight.

County meetings, all at 8 p. m. and speakers are as follows:

First Ward Democratic Club, Gloucester, Mercer and Burlington streets, E. George Aaron, Firman Michel and Marie V. Kelly.

Pennsauken Colored A. Harry Moore Club, Magnolia and Scovel avenues, Merchantville, Dr. Clement T. Branch, Eugene Aumaitre and Albert Melnik.

Lindenwold A. Harry Moore Club, Garden Lake fire hall, C. Lawrence Gregorio, Leon Rose, Joseph Varbalow and Mrs. Florence Melnik.

Glendora A. Harry Moore Club, fire hall, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and John Crean.

Somerdale Democratic Club, fire hall, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Edward L. Canning, Thomas Madden and John Delaney.

Fifth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Pine Streets, Samuel T. French, Rev. Robert A. Jackson, David L. Visor and Sabba Verdiglione.

Eighth Ward Democratic Club, 509 Ferry Avenue, Isaac Eason, Francis Homan, Charles Degnan and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

DEMOCRATS TO HOLD MEETINGS TONIGHT

Candidacy of Moore to Be Expounded at Meetings in City and Suburbs

The campaign for A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local Democratic candidates, will be carried into six wards of the city and in seven communities of the county tonight.

All meetings and speakers are as follows:

Second Ward Democratic Club, 841 Market Street; Eugene Aumetre, John Crean, Vincent Gallagher, Leon H. Rose and Charles Woods.

Fourth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 455 Berkley Street; Samuel T. French, Victor King, Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and Rev. Robert H. Jackson.

Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Street; Frank Connor, Albert Melnik and Thomas Madden.

Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Vine Streets; Boyd Morrison, Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles Degnan and David L. Visor.

Seventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue; Dr. Leroy Baxter, of Jersey City; Isaac Eason, Dr. Clement Branch, Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving and Frank Suttill.

Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street; Boyd Morrison, Firmin Michel, Victor King, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving.

Gloucester City Democratic Club, 308 Monmouth street; Boyd Morrison, Gene Mariano, Joseph Varbalow.

Magnolia A. Harry Moore Club, Evesham and Gloucester avenues; Firmin Michel, Edward L. Canning, John Delaney, Marie V. Kelley and Francis Homan.

Lindenwold Colored Voters’ Club, Blackstone Hall, Lindenwold, Eugene Aumetre, William Williams and Oliver Bond.

Somerdale Club, Whelen home, Somerdale road and Oggs Avenue; Marie V. Kelly, David L. Visor and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland.

Somerdale Democratic Club, Leone Hall, Warwick Road and Helena Avenue; Samuel P. Orlando, Aaron Heine, Lawrence Gregorio and E. George Aaron.

East Haddonfield Democrat Club, Crescent and Berlin Road; Edward L. Canning, Albert Melnik and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

East Haddonfield Improvement Association, Batesville, Delaware Township; Ralph Wescott, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Mrs. Florence Melnik.

More than five speakers from North Jersey will appear at as many meetings as possible.

MOORE LAWYERS TO WATCH VOTE HERE

More Than 80 to Be on Hand From North Jersey, Mrs. Hyland Says

More than 80 lawyers from North Jersey counties will invade Camden on election day to protect the interest at the polls here of former Governor A. Harry Moore, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland state committeewoman, announced last night.

“Mr. Moore has found it necessary to take this means because of past election frauds in the third, fifth and eighth wards of Camden,” Mrs. Hyland said. She spoke to 400 persons at a combined meeting of the Home Rule Republican Club, Pennsauken Civic League, Pennsauken Independent Republican Club, and Pennsauken A. Harry Moore Club, conducted at 6305 Westfield Avenue, Pennsauken.

“It is necessary to do this if our candidate is to have an honest election in Camden,” she said. ‘Every effort has been made to prevent these disorders and the courts have been fit to deny the protection to which Mr. Moore is entitled. In every case of detected fraud or violation of the election laws at the polls, these lawyers will seek jail terms for the offenders.

“Every voter can rest assured that his interest will be protected by these lawyers. If any man or woman is intimidated by a Republican worker, hoodlum, or policeman these lawyers will be at hand to see that offenders are dealt with severely.

Political Paragraphs

Gloucester Republicans concluded their final Baird rally of the campaign last night at their headquarters, 101 North King Street.

Polls throughout the state will open for the general election Tuesday at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. All voters in the polling place at 8 p.m. or in the room where the election is taking place, or in line, shall be permitted to vote, under the law. Election officers have been instructed to place a police officer at the end of the line at 8 p.m.

Black Horse pike Republican factions have united in a combined front to further the candidacy of David Baird, Jr., for governor. There are no local fights in the party during the current campaign. There were intense local primary battles, principally in Runnemede and Gloucester Township, but all factions in those municipalities are now working for Baird.

A bitter contest for justice of the peace in the Eighth Ward will be waged at the election on Tuesday. William Lane, of 1634 Broadway, is one of the seven seeking one of three vacancies. Lane is the nephew of James M. Lane, who was prominent politically several years ago. He is a captain in the Moose Lodge bugle corps. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Regular Eighth Ward Republican Club. Of the seven men running for justice of the peace, four are Democrats.

Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committeewoman, and Assemblyman George D. Rothermel are wagering each other a hat on the outcome of the gubernatorial race between Baird and Moore. Rothermel, however, will have to pay more for a hat for Mrs. Hyland, should Baird pay for a fedora for Rothermel, should Moore be defeated.

A revival of the old-time political parade was staged last night by the First Italian Republican League when more than 200 automobiles and several hundred marchers passed through Camden streets to the accompaniment of stirring music.

Led by former Coroner Antonio Mecca and County Detective Fiore Troncone, the parade passed from the league’s clubhouse, 813 South Fourth Street, to West Street, to Benson Street, to Broadway, past the Republican headquarters, to Mickle Street, to Third to Chestnut and back to the clubhouse. Meetings held on various floors of the clubhouse drew several thousand voters.

REPUBLICANS SEEK MRS. HYLAND’S JOB ON ELECTION BOARD

Will Drop Mrs. Stinson to Win Place for Mrs. Caperoon

AIM AT CAPTURING POST OF SECRETARY

Plan Revolves About Law’s Jigsaw Puzzle on Member’s Ages

By MERCURY

A change in the Republican membership of the Camden County Board of Elections will take place when that body reorganizes March 1, with the G. O. P. looking towards ousting Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrat, as secretary of the board and commissioner of elections.

According to a well-founded rumor afloat last night, a meeting of the Republican Conference Committee held yesterday afternoon decided to drop Mrs. Lottie B. Stinson, Republican, and chairman of the board, in favor of Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, office manager of county Republican headquarters at Broadway and Stevens street.

By this move the Republicans hope to regain the secretaryship, lost when Mrs. Stinson succeeded Edwin G. Scovel as a member of the election board six years ago. At that time Scovel was secretary and Mrs. Hyland was chairman.

At that 1927 reorganization meeting following Mrs. Stinson’s appointment, the Democrats pulled a fast one on their rivals by nominating Mrs. Stinson for the post of chairman. The law provides that the secretary must be of opposite political faith from the chairman, and as the secretaryship carries with it the post of commissioner of elections, it is the coveted plum.

The Republicans promptly nominated Mrs. Hyland for re-election as chairman and a vote was taken. Each nominee received two votes, the Republicans voting for the Democrat and the Democrats for Mrs. Stinson.

With the result a tie, the Republicans claimed that Mrs. Hyland should remain as chairman, but the Democratic members produced the law which instructed that in case of a tie vote for chairman, the post should go to the oldest, in the matter of age, of the two nominated. So, Mrs. Stinson was declared chairman and Mrs. Hyland selected as secretary. If the Republicans had nominated Bernard B. Tracy, the second Democratic member at the time, the two Democratic ballots undoubtedly would have been cast for Mrs. Hyland creating another tie and Mrs. Hyland would have been awarded the secretaryship on the same grounds Mrs. Stinson was made chairman.

The post of secretary of the election board pays an annual salary of $2250. Minus the 30 percent cut, the secretary will receive $1575. All other members of the board, are paid $1500 annually, less the 30 percent which brings their pay down to $1050.

Both Mrs. Hyland and Mrs. Stinson’s terms are up this year. The other members of the board are William E. A. King, Republican, and Charles J. Clark, Democrat.

Mrs. Hyland, who is Democratic State Committeewoman of Camden County, will undoubtedly be reappointed to the board. Appointment is made by the governor upon recommendation of the members of the state committee from the county involved.

It is not known who the Republicans have selected as their choice for the secretaryship, but it is believed Mrs. Caperoon will get the coveted post. As partial repayment for losing her place on the election board, Mrs. Stinson, who is Republican County committeewoman from the Fourteenth Ward, will probably be given Mrs. Caperoon’s place at Republican headquarters.

Mrs. Caperoon resides at 346 Carteret Street in the Ninth ward. She is the wife of Frederick W. Caperoon, musical director of WCAM.

DEMOCRATS ARRANGE FOR ‘MALONEY DAY’

July 9 Set for Reception and Picnic to New Revenue Collector

“Harry L. Maloney Day” will be celebrated by South Jersey Democrats, Sunday, July 9, when the newly-appointed collector of internal revenue will be guest of honor at a picnic at Silver Lake Park. State leaders of the party will attend. Maloney, Democratic state committeeman from Camden County and Mayor of Bellmawr, was named by President Roosevelt to succeed Edward L. Sturgess and is expected to take office by July 1.

Plans for the outing were made last night at a meeting in Democratic headquarters, 538 Stevens Street, at which Albert S. Marvel, Jr., was named chairman of the general committee. Vincent de P. Costello was elected secretary and former Mayor Victor King treasurer.

The committees follow:

Ways and means— Sidney Kaplan, chairman; Judge Samuel M. Shay, Judge Frank F. Neutze, Victor King, Vincent Gallaher, Samuel P. Orlando and Thomas N. Madden.

Entertainment— Joseph A. Varbalow, chairman; Patrick H. Harding, Joseph E. Nowrey, Calogero Salvagio, Thomas Cavanaugh and Joseph A. Gorman.

Refreshments— Ralph W. Wescott, chairman; Raymond Hadley, Walter Bateman, Joseph Ackroyd, James Hainesworth, Joseph Harczynski.

Athletics— Frank Abbott, chairman; John Lyons, Joseph McVey and Daniel T. Hagans.

Music— John P. Bissinger, chairman; Ventorino Francesconi, William Bell, Bernard Tracy and Matthew P. Johnson.

District organization— Michael J. Powell, chairman; Dominick Josephs, Ralph Comilli, Herbert McAdams, William Noonan, Edward Huston, Harry Daly and William Kistner.

Transportation— Mayor Emerson Jackson, of Gloucester, chairman; Lewis C. Parker, George Cohen, John Bennett, Horace L. Brewer and Sabba Verdiglione.

Printing— Charles J. Clark, chairman; Raymond Saltzman, Jack Goldstein, Walter Kelly and William M. Williams.

Publicity— Edward C. Bowe, Herbert Beattie, Patrick Whalen, Alfred R. White and Luke Bates.

Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman, and Miss Marie V. Kelley, vice-chairman of the county committee, will head a women’s reception committee to be chosen later.

The committees will meet again Monday night to complete arrangements.

DEMOCRAT WOMEN TO MEET TONIGHT

An important business session of the Camden County Women Democratic Club has been called for tomorrow evening by Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, president. It will be held in the clubhouse, 538 Stevens Street, and will conclude business activities of the club for the Summer.

Plans will be made for the Harry A. Maloney picnic which is to be held at Silver Lake Park on July 9. A discussion of the trip to Sea Girt for Governor’s Day later in the month.

MRS. HYLAND RAPS ANSWER BY DENOF

Personal Vengeance Dominated His Motives, Committeewoman Charges

“Upon his own statement William Denof convicts himself of the charge that by refusing to withdraw his city commission candidacy in 1931, he placed personal vengeance above civic interest and purposely sacrificed Democratic chances of winning the city government that year.”

This was the answer yesterday by Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committeewoman, to a denial by Denof that Kelleher inspired his candidacy, as charged, to wreck Non-Partisan chances of 1931 victory.

“Denof is seeking to drag a red herring across his trail when he states that Kelleher did not prompt his candidacy,” Mrs. Hyland said. “His statement that he became a candidate because Italians were not being given recognition by the party, is pure bosh. The Democrats had no jobs to give anyone at that time, so the question of racial recognition is a smokescreen.

Interest of Harmony

“Vincent Canzonese has publicly stated that he and Frederick Schorpp, and others sent money to Florida to bring Kelleher back for the single purpose of defeating the Non-Partisan movement. He states that Kelleher asked him to retire as a candidate in the interest of harmony, and that he was willing if Harry L. Maloney and myself would restore his brother and two other friends to election board jobs from which they had been removed.

“These men were removed for good and ample reasons best known to myself, for their work on the boards was not satisfactory for several years past. His candidacy had nothing whatever to do with their removal. Denof never came to me nor Mr. Maloney with a request that he would withdraw for reinstatement of the three election board officers, nor upon any other matter. He does declare in his statement ‘I informed Mr. Kelleher I’d be perfectly willing to retire from the race…if these three Democrats were restored.’

“Kelleher never came to me nor Mr. Maloney with such a message, and this fact is concrete proof in itself that Kelleher then purposely held back the message in order to keep Denof on the ballot and damage Democratic opportunity for victory. It also strongly indicates that only Kelleher could have been behind the Denof candidacy.

Acting as Bodyguard

“Mr. Maloney vainly attempted to interview Denof several times in hopes of having him withdraw, but Canzonese was acting as a bodyguard at all times so that Denof could not be interviewed.

“Finally, C. Lawrence Gregorio, then assistant prosecutor, had obtained Denof’s promise to withdraw and one night before election Denof was to meet Gregorio and a reporter at Non-Partisan headquarters and issue a statement announcing withdrawal of his candidacy.

“But on the appointed night, although Gregorio and the reporter waited for hours, Denof did not appear. Frederick Schorpp later admitted to several persons that he had Denof in a Pennsauken pool room until 2 o’clock the next morning so that he could not be reached and asked to live up to his promise of withdrawal. Schorpp is now supporting Kelleher as he always has.

“These are the facts and in view of them it can be seen by the least intelligent that upon his own statement Denof convicts himself of the charge that refusing to withdraw he placed personal vengeance above civic interest and purposely sacrificed Democratic chances of winning the city government that year.

“For the treachery of that year Democratic voters should now mete out punishment and with finality reject Kelleher and his adherents and push on to a greater, better party with the present leadership which has been so successful—a success demonstrated by the fact that the last Republican majority in the county was only 2500 votes as compared to 40,000 three years ago, the three years beginning Harry Maloney’s term as state committeeman.”

Scores Marvel and Mrs. Hyland

To the Editor:

Sir—Well, well so Albert says Harry L. Maloney has misled the Democratic party. Well if Maloney has done that will someone tell me what Al Marvel and Emma E. Hyland have done to the Democrats of Camden county? Whenever Mrs. Hyland wanted anything done in the county committee Al Marvel sent out cards for a meeting only to those who they knew Mrs. Hyland could meet at the door and shake hands with and say—Don’t forget to vote our way tonight.

When Marie Kelly would make a motion they knew they had to vote in favor of it because they did not dare to get up and express themselves. No, because if they did they were done. Mrs. Hyland knew who said yes and who said no. Well, let me tell you here was one committeewoman who was never afraid to get up and say something when I knew I was right. That is why I never got a job. Oh yes, I forgot, Harry Maloney did put me in the home loan, but Emma Hyland came along and had me removed, but when I was running for state committee she sent Mr. King out to our house three times in one week to come back but I did not go back.

Everyone knows the story of the day in Trenton when Governor Moore was put in office. We had a banner, the Eleventh Ward Woman’s Democratic Club, and 60 women in line. Emma Hyland ordered me to take the banner out of line.

Did we?—not much.

Mrs. Hyland told me she did not need the Democrats in the Eleventh Ward. Well, she sure did need them and so we need all Democrats, not only Al Marvel, Emma Hyland and a few others who call themselves the Democratic party.

HELEN M. RUSH
219 Pierce Avenue

Is Zat So?

by GORDON MACKAY

SILENCE is golden where rumpus and ruction in the Democratic camp is concerned. Once upon a time whenever the unterrified Democracy squabbled and battled, fought and bled, ‘twas tip secret. Indeed, the Democrats seemed to occupy nine-tenths of their time fighting over something that wasn’t worth a left hook to the chin.

It was row, row, row, from morn till late at night, fighting over the crumbs that fell from the tables of the opulent G. O. P. of that day and date. Nowadays, however, the shoe is on the other foot. It is the G. O. P. that lurks ’round for the crumbs, of both comfort and patronage, fighting their battles and spreading the tidings of their strife to the four corners of the county.

Meanwhile, the Democrats have foxily masked their bitterness, put a lid on acrimonious charges, created the erroneous inference that the dove of peace bears an olive branch in its bill. The impression is that a cooing pigeon is no sweeter than the harmony that prevails among the bigwigs of the party of Jefferson, Jackson and Roosevelt of Hyde Park. Despite the apparent smoothness of the appearance, there is strife and battle galore raging beneath the surface. It is carried on in a quiet strain. That it exists is only too true, as the warring leaders would admit, if they were compelled to testify under oath.

Oddly enough it seems a battle for leadership rather than spoils. For the Brunner-Kelleher wing of party leadership has a blunt edge on its rivals. This edge is due to the fact that the other camp has its leaders all nicely tucked away in lucrative jobs.

LEADERS CARED FOR IN BILLETS

A brief glance over the situation will reveal this fact. Harry T. Maloney, a chubby gentleman with a beaming face and a modulated voice, is the collector of internal revenue. Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, suave, maternal and friendly to one and all, is postmaster. Samuel P. Orlando, both debonair and daring, is county prosecutor.

Naturally, none of these leaders has a valid claim to kick against the personal deal received from the Democratic party and its leadership. None of those mentioned above could expect to see huge forces rallying around their flag, when those to whom the invitation must be given are found idle and unemployed.

Practically then the Brunner-Kelleher faction is in the position of declaring that the present Democratic leadership hasn’t treated the rival clique any too poorly, when such jobs are allotted to the leadership of the antis, opposed to the Mayor and County Treasurer.

Though this be logical, yet whoever heard of logic swaying politics, or guiding a politico? The battle for leadership goes on apace. Circumstances lent an opportunity to the anti-Brunner leadership that came close to spelling curtains for the ruling element in the local Democratic camp.

All the strife and its consequent strategy harks back to the Moore-Clee battle of last November. Mayor Brunner and Treasurer Kelleher were on a spot. They had Moore, with his anti-Roosevelt record in the United States Senate, his Hague smear, for their gubernatorial candidate. So many different elements in the Democratic party opposed Moore and Hague that Brunner was right behind the eight ball.

He couldn’t help the Clee vote that piled up here any more than he could take credit for the tremendous sweep that carried the county for Roosevelt in 1936. Brunner in one instance was riding on a victor’s coattails in Camden County. In the other instance he was beneath a juggernaut that was flattening him out, along with Kelleher.

SITUATION GAVE RIVALS CHANCE

Harry Roye, one of their ticket for Assembly, kicked over the traces. Support usually given to Brunner and Kelleher in certain quarters was missing. George and Eddie were fighting a hopeless cause.

But this didn’t deter the other faction from making hay while the sun shone. Missionaries of that camp ran to North Jersey with stories that Brunner and Kelleher were lying down on the job. As a matter of fact neither was lying down on the job. Both were punch drunk, politically speaking, from the socks they were taking on the chin for Moore.

The tales bore fruit. North Jersey began to act decidedly sore toward the local majority leaders. When the freeholders’ election revealed a gain of eight seats for the Brunner-Kelleher leadership, the glee of the rival camp was unrestrained. The couriers of the other faction raced to Jersey City and jubilantly yelled “We told you so.” These ambassadors pointed to the triumph of the freeholders on the Democratic ticket as convincing proof that Brunner and Kelleher and their allies laid down on Moore to save the local ticket. When George and Eddie went to Jersey City to confer with Moore, Hague and the party dictators, the Camdenites were confronted with this view of the election results in Camden County.

Then Brunner and Kelleher cut loose. They told Hague’s minions and Moore’s messengers that Camden County leaders had a right to be sore, not North Jersey. All that Brunner and Kelleher and their allies had sacrificed, declared the Camden county leaders, were three assemblymen, absolute control of the County Board of Freeholders and several minor posts as well.

Instead of Brunner and Kelleher lying down on the job, the North Jersey doubters were told, it was the fact that Brunner and Kelleher in carrying along Moore had lost everything else.

The Camden county leaders were indignant, sore and talkative, too. They pointedly told Hague and his allies, that if they didn’t like the manner in which the Camden County leaders had performed to go take a jump in the nearest Jake.

Such was the situation until some allies of Hague looked over the Camden county figures. They discovered that with all the odds that were against them, Brunner and Kelleher and their organization had actually delivered 84 percent of the registered Democratic vote to Moore—a performance that was a miracle, in view of the tremendous opposition that arose against Moore among both the G. O. P. and the Rooseveltians in the Democratic ranks.

When some stout soul in North Jersey pointed out that Governor Moore and his cohorts couldn’t overlook a leadership that was able to muster 84 percent of the Democratic vote at the polls, despite the terrific battle to which this leadership had been subjected, Moore and his satellites saw a great white light shining. No less an authority than Governor Moore, when informed, told Mayor Brunner and Treasurer Kelleher that all patronage would come through the State committee representatives. The Mayor, fortified with this claim, publicly told the fact at a banquet recently that he and Mrs. Mary Ellen Soistmann, State committeewoman, would handle all patronage.

How the news and the switch in official viewpoint will affect the other wing of the Democracy is not given to me to divulge. I’m merely stating that the harmony that seems to spread its silvery wings over the Democratic party, has a few sour notes buried in the symphony.

BAIRD AIDES HELD SEEKING CITY RULE

Orlando Warns Democrats at Fete to Moore, Crean and Mrs. Soistmann

by GORDON MACKAY

David Baird Jr., and his allies have already arranged their slate for the next city commission election and are laying plans to recapture the city government of Camden. Democrats should know of this movement and prepare to thwart the proposed plans at once.

This warning was given by County Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando last night, at a testimonial dinner in the Hof Brau at which three Ninth Ward Democrats were feted, and at which 500 were present. The trio honored comprised Mrs. Mary Ellen Soistmann, state committeewoman; Oscar Moore, freeholder, and John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor and county committeeman.

While the three guests were feted and presented with wrist watches and other tokens, the affair took on a love feast aspect for the three New Deal commissioners and all shades and leanings of Democratic leadership.

Mayor George E. Brunner was toastmaster and took occasion to poke fun at the G.O.P. and its tribulations over the county headquarters.

Brunner Jests at G.O.P.

“I have just received word,” said the Mayor with due solemnity, “that the Republican county committee of whom I read today was having trouble over their headquarters, have finally solved their troubles tonight.”

“I understand they are giving up their present location and have just been presented by the Bell Telephone Company with a booth, and are now looking for another tenant to whom the committee can sublet half the space.”

Orlando’s warning came after he congratulated the special guests. He said:

“I have every reason to believe that Dave Baird and the rest of the Republican chieftains are already laying their plans to capture the city commission. They are working to the end with their own slate, so that they can take from the people of Camden the good government which they have received for some time.

“We Democrats do not want to take this warning lightly, we want to remember that Baird and his chieftains are already working toward capturing the government of Camden, and this is something that we want to prevent at all hazards.”

Orlando also congratulated the gathering as an indication of the growth of the party, and the faith that the people of Camden come to have in the Democratic party and in its principles.”

The prosecutor also prophesied greater honors in the future for the triumvirate who were the guests of the occasion.

Disclaims Harmony Rift

Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, postmaster and long a figure in Ninth Ward affairs declared she resented any newspaper stories that hinted that there was the slightest rift in the Democratic party.

She told of the trouble the Democrats in the Ninth Ward, which, she declared, had never elected a Democratic freeholder until Oscar Moore was chosen. Mrs. Hyland told of detectives shadowing her home during election, and of ‘the struggles’ that she and Moore had known together in fighting for the party in that bailiwick.

“I want to say,” continued the postmaster, “that we must all be impressed by the spirit of harmony that this gathering means has come to pass.

“I don’t want you, and I will not myself believe all you read in the newspapers declaring we are fighting among ourselves, for if there is anything like that in progress, I don’t know anything about it and I don’t believe you do, either.”

County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, hailed as “The Father of the Democratic Party in Camden County” contrasted the spectacle before him with the harmony dinner which he and others sponsored years ago.

“We sold 150 tickets,” he said, “and gave away 150 more, and when the sponsors reached the hall at 7 p.m., the hour of the dinner, there wasn’t a single other person on hand. Later the hall was filled, and it held 200 guests. 200 to attend a Democratic harmony dinner that embraced all of Camden county.”

Officials Laud Guests

Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, postmaster of Haddonfield; Police Judge Gene R. Mariano and others also congratulated the guests. Mayor Brunner introduced Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann by calling attention to the cleanup campaign now under Hartmann auspices.

“Just as Hartmann is making Camden a cleaner city in which to live,” said the Mayor, “so has Commissioner Kobus made the city clean from crime. The streets are clean, the city is clean, and this has only been made possible by the efforts of the three commissioners who have worked in harmony, and who are going to continue to work in harmony.” Crean, Moore and Mrs. Soistmann spoke their thanks to those present for the banquet, the gifts and the sentiments expressed.

HENRY MAGIN LAID TO REST BY WAR VETERAN BUDDIES

TRUCKS OF FLOWERS IN FUNERAL CORTEGE

Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.

Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.

The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.

A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.

Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V. F. W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D. A. V.

Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.

An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.

The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.

File Past Bier

A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.

Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.

James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.

Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.

Embraces Widow, Daughter

Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.

Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.

American Legion and V. F. W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.

Freeholders Arrive

Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.

Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.

Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets; led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin’s successor.

County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, city clerk Clay W. Reesman, fire chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.

Outstanding Floral Tribute

Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.

A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.

The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.

The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.

Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.

Others at Bier

Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.

Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.

Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.

Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.

Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor’s office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.

Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.

James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.

I visited my grandmother, Emma E. Hyland, many times while she resided at 409 Chambers Avenue. She moved there from the family home on Haddon Avenue after losing her husband, John T. Hyland, in France in World War I. In about 1934 four of my brothers and sisters and I temporarily moved to the Chambers Avenue home while the sixth of the Hyland children was recovering from scarlet fever. He had remained with my parents at their home on Belleview Avenue in Camden during the six week quarantine period. Each morning the rest of us boarded a Number 4 Public Service bus at Haddon Avenue and Benson Street to travel to the Parkside School on Wildwood and Kenwood Avenues.

We loved the home on Chambers Avenue and the quarantine was a great adventure for us, especially since my grandmother, who was quite active in public life, had many distinguished visitors while we were there. Years later, when I had also entered public life, some of these individuals and I became good friends.

Bill Hyland
October 12, 2005