Introduction
Ethan P. Wescott
ETHAN PRYOR WESCOTT was born in New Jersey in 1881 to John W. and Frances Oatman Wescott. His father, John W. Wescott, was a noted trial lawyer and judge. John W. Wescott was also known for having given both of President Woodrow Wilson’s nominating addresses. One was at the Democratic Convention in Baltimore on June 27, 1912, and the other at the Democratic Convention in St. Louis MO on June 10, 1916. Afterwards, when he was Attorney General of New Jersey he wrote a book on the events in Woodrow Wilson’s life.
Ethan P. Wescott grew up in Haddonfield NJ, where his family owned a home at 43 Chestnut Street. After completing his education and passing the bar, he followed his father into the legal profession. By January of 1920 he had married, and was living with wife Edna and daughter Catherine at 730 Park Avenue in Collingswood NJ. A son, John, was born shortly afterward. The Wescott family was still in Collingswood as of the 1930 Census.
Ethan P. Wescott had a long career as a lawyer. In the 1920s he and Joseph A. Varbalow partnered in a law firm. He was Camden County Prosecutor in the late 1920s. His brother Ralph W. Wescott served as a member of the Delaware River Port Authority. After retiring from the practice of law in the 1930s, he went into the dairy business.
Ethan P. Wescott was active in fraternal and Masonic affairs, including the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Improved Order of Red Men, and Camden Lodge 293 of the Elks. He passed away in 1954. He was buried at the family plot at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden NJ, where he rests with his father and other family members.
South Jersey: A History 1664–1924
South Jersey: A History 1664–1924
ETHAN PRYOR WESCOTT—When Ethan Pryor Wescott chose to devote his energies to the legal profession, he was probably following the strong “bent” inherited from his many noted ancestors who have won renown in that field.
Ethan Pryor Wescott, son of Judge John Wesley Wescott, a sketch of whom precedes this, and Frances M. L. (Pryor) Wescott, was born in Haddonfield, New Jersey, December 14, 1881, and after receiving his early education in the public schools of Haddonfield, prepared for college in Williston Seminary, at Easthampton, Massachusetts. He was class president of the senior year, and was active in athletics which he followed out in later college days at Yale. He then entered Yale University where he was a member of ‘varsity football team and also earned his letter “Y” in baseball and pitched for the whole four years at college. After completing his college course with graduation, he began professional study in the law school of the University of Pennsylvania. Before completing his course in the last-named institution, however, he passed the examinations for admission as an attorney at the New Jersey State bar, and engaged in practice. Later he was admitted a counselor, and formed a partnership with Mr. Weaver, under the firm name of Wescott & Weaver of Camden, New Jersey. He has been successfully engaged in general practice to the present time and is now in partnership with Joseph Varbalow, under the firm name of Wescott & Varbalow, in which he conducts a general practice. Through his father’s wide connections as well as because of his own ability, Mr. Wescott has become well known as an able and resourceful practitioner, and has built up a large and important clientele. Politically, he gives his support to the Democratic Party, and he now serves as Prosecutor of Pleas in Camden County, to which position he was appointed by Governor Silzer, in March, 1923. He is well known in fraternal circles being a member of Lincoln Council, Junior Order United American Mechanics; of Ottawa Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men; Camden Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of Collingswood Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Siloam Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Van Hook Council, Royal and Select Masters; Cyrene Commandery, Knights Templar; Excelsior Consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree; and Crescent Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is well known in club circles, being a member of many political clubs and also of the Travel Club of America. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopalian Church.
On April 26, 1916, at Trenton, New Jersey, Ethan Pryor Wescott married Edna M. Crossley, daughter of William J. Crossley, Prosecutor of Pleas in Mercer County, New Jersey, for a period of seventeen years, from 1893 to 1910; now deceased, and Sally A. (Crossley) Crossley. Mr. and Mrs. Wescott are the parents of two children: Catherine Wescott, who was born November 20, 1918; and John W. (2), who was born July 30, 1921.
Conn L. Mack Honored By Friends at Dinner
Camden Daily Courier —
By FRANK SERIDAN.
Men of all political creeds gathered at the festive board on Saturday evening at Silver Lake Inn in honor of Daniel P. McConnell, sports editor of the Post-Telegram, better known as Conn L. Mack or Applesauce Dan.
Dan sort of owed the boys a dinner because of a new arrival at his home but we thought we would save him the money so we gave him the dinner. You married men, especially Howard Miller, know how that is.
Well it was some party. Judge Samuel M. Shay presided for a while as toastmaster then City Solicitor Howard L. Miller elected himself to rule over the destinies of the meeting much to the contempt of the Court.
“Red” Brigham, a newspaper man, made the speech of his life. He still insists that he is the only speaker, who paid a tribute to the guest of honor of the evening. “Red” was there when it came to quoting Shakespeare.
George Jacobs’s necktie was one of the bright spots of the evening. Mack Parker had a terrible time trying to set up an alibi. As cleanup man of the Post-Telegram staff, nearly all those of Democratic and No Party faith, agreed he was a good man to stay away from during campaigns.
But Charley Wolverton, former prosecutor, eased up the situation when he vouched that no newspaper man ever broke faith with him during his many years in the prosecutor’s office, either as an assistant or the big noise.
Genial Ethan Wescott, now Prosecutor of the Pleas, traveled all the way from Princeton to pay a tribute to our Dan and it came from his heart.
Al White, the jovial City Clerk, admitted he was a candidate for some office last Tuesday. He asked Charley Wolverton how it felt to know you were defeated before election. Charley said he was sure of his election a year ago, even after the votes were counted.
Frank Neutze paid a nice tribute to our Dan which the boys appreciated.
Eddie Kelleher, of Miami, Trenton and Camden, erstwhile political leader of Democrats, et al, said “May it please the court” and Judge Shay smiled as hopes of five more years on the bench loom on his horizon as a result of the election of Moore.
Mister Frank H. Ryan, sports editor of the Courier, simply blushed crimson pink when interrogated as to why he was so late.
Larry Doran, chief of county detectives, supported Mr. Wolverton in his contention that newspaper men never lie. All agreed that Larry must be a good detective because he has survived all kinds of administrations at the Court House.
“Tom” Littlehales, formerly a Councilman from the Ninth ward, but now a Philadelphian, crossed the river to join in the tribute to Dan and the bunch appreciated his thoughtfulness.
The guests included: Judge Samuel M. Shay, Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott, former Prosecutor Charles A. Wolverton, Edward J. Kelleher, City Solicitor Howard L. Miller, Assistant City Solicitor Frank F. Neutze, City Clerk Alfred White, Edward Ferat, Thomas N. Littlehales, W. Brown, Charles H. Klump, Joseph Norcross, Lawrence Doran, Howard Smith, William Cleary, William Lyons, James Wren, George H. Jacobs, Frank H. Ryan, Andrew McLean Parker, John Brigham, Jack Dean and the oversigned.
New Jersey Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Approximately 20,000 school children will take part in the Peter Pan Memorial dedication in Johnson Park, Camden on September 24, according to Dr. James E. Bryan, superintendent of schools. The statue is the gift of Eldridge R. Johnson, of the Victor Talking Machine Company.
Although Prosecutor Wescott, of Camden county, asserted that he will make every effort to send to prison those who are responsible for the alleged ballot box frauds during the last primaries in Camden, State Senator Woodruff replied that he would take no interest in the exhaustive probe now under way. He was quoted as saying that the police protected “Mikey” Brown’s gang instead of the downtown voters.
Camden police and Federal dry agents ascended on twelve houses yesterday, but were disappointed with the results which is said to be attributed to “tips” leaking out. The raids confiscated three stills, forty-five gallons of alleged moonshine and seventeen barrels of mash. In one of the places, a woman, said to be owner of the premises, and three men were arrested and charged with interfering with Federal officers.
Keen desire for newspaper notoriety was blamed by Mrs. William Clark, of Camden, for the action of her sister, who last Friday “borrowed” Peggy Clark, two-and-a-half years old, and returned with the child Tuesday night. The mother of the infant yesterday caused the abduction charges to be dismissed.
Jersey Raid Is Admitted by Robbers
Trenton Evening Times —
Bandits Go To Chair After Attempting To Clear Prisoner Here
Refuse to Divulge Companions’ Names
ROCKVIEW, Pa., March 7.—Four men, condemned for killing a policeman in an attempted holdup in Philadelphia last May, paid the penalty with their lives in the electric chair in the Western State Penitentiary today.
They were Joseph Curry, 29, years; Harry Bentley, 23; William Juliano, 27, and Frank Doris, 27, all of Philadelphia.
The men went to their death in the order named, the first being led to the chair at 7 a. m., and the last man was pronounced dead at 7:32.
Curry, as he left his cell for the death chamber, called out “goodbye” to the other three who bade him farewell. Beyond this none of the four had anything to say and went to their deaths without breaking down.
In a last interview with their counsel on Saturday, Bentley and Juliano made a statement clearing Mathew Overnack from a bank holdup in Westmont, N. J., near Camden, in April, last year. He is serving ten to twenty years in State Prison at Trenton. Bentley and Juliano said there were four men in that holdup, but they declined to name the other two. Their statement will be turned over to Overnack’s counsel and the New Jersey authorities.
Bentley’s sworn statement was made in the presence of C. Stuart Patterson, Jr., his attorney, Deputy Warden McFarland and a notary public.
“Overnack was never in on that job,” said Bentley. “This robbery was”
Four Die Clearing Trenton Convict (Continued from Page One)
planned by one of us two weeks before the holdup was committed, but the care of the homeless was the city’s major problem.
“I walked into the bank and got four or five thousand dollars. I got the cashier to give me time to observe the number of the bank’s bills.”
Bentley’s statement goes into considerable detail but its authenticity cannot be verified. The camera marks in the safe, the precise denominations of the bills and other details are furnished by Bentley, but Prosecutor Harry M. Cooper, of county detective chief, asked Juliano if he had anything to say and the latter replied: “Nothing.”
“Confessions,” now held by a supporting affidavit, were made in the presence of two of the four bank bandits who were unable to reply on more than the most minute details. The statements reached the conclusion at the same time and on the same minute details. Prosecutor Doran made it clear he was going to the grave with me.
The crime for which the four men were sent to the chair was a holdup of the Other Bank & Trust Company; an attempted holdup in Philadelphia. Miller had $60,000 in an account. In the fight that followed in the bank, the station agent was killed. Prosecutor Wescott was one of the Board of Pardons was filing the information with the authorities at Trenton. The documents contain the bare assertion that county prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott was at the center of activities. The movements contain the bare assertion that county prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott is not only one of the best legal experts, but is the far-head of the most complex criminals this decade has seen.
Murder Motive at G.O.P. Club Splits Sleuths
Camden Evening Courier —
County Detectives Contend Philadelphia Gangster Was Slain in Quarrel Over Woman
Police Claim Hold-Up Attempt Caused Fight
Devon Charged With Crime, Flannery and Taxi Driver Held Without Bail
With city and county authorities definitely divided on the motive and circumstance of the Sixth Ward Republican Club slaying, Joseph “Polack Joe” Deven was arraigned in Camden police court today and held without bail on a murder charge.
Through County Solicitor Walter Keown, retained as his attorney, Deven waived a police court hearing and was held to await grand jury action in the slaying of Joseph Cimini, Philadelphia gangster, at the political club early Saturday morning.
At the same time County Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott announced his operatives had abandoned the theory Cimini was killed as the aftermath of an attempted hold-up, and were concentrating their investigation in the case on an effort to “find the woman.”
Statements of witnesses to the fatal shooting, the prosecutor added, made no mention of a hold-up, but contained the declaration that Cimini had been shot as a result of a feud with Charles “Chick” Hunt, former South Camden pugilist, concerning the affection of “Chick’s girl.”
Police Claim Holdup
On the other hand, Captain John Golden, chief of the city detective bureau, declared he was unable to recall any mention of a girl in the statements obtained from witnesses, and added emphatically that his department still held the shooting had followed an attempted holdup of the club by Cimini and Joseph “Mose” Flannery.
Flannery and Hunt were both witnesses to the shooting by Deven, picturesque figure in Third Ward politics, which occurred at the Sixth Ward Club’s headquarters, 908 Broadway.
After Deven had appeared in Police Court today, Flannery was arraigned as a material witness and as an accessory to the crime, with an additional charge accusing him of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Similar charges were made against Russell Sage, a taxicab driver, who arrived at the club with Flannery and Cimini early Saturday morning. These two were committed to the county jail without any bail by Judge Bernard Bertman.
Hunt, however, was released under $1,000 bail as was Martin O’Brien, 27 years old, a former New Jersey State Trooper, and Harry Waterhouse, 28 years old, 1102 Marion street.
Three Others Arrested
During the day the police continued to build up their case against Flannery by arraigning him on the charges made by Milton Feinstein and Henry Mehrer. They also arrested Joseph Genther, 29 years old, 414 Atlantic Avenue; Robert Wolfe, 21 years old, 1106 Mechanic Street, and Eli Conaghy, 27 years old, 814 South 6th Street. Wolfe, who is Flannery’s brother-in-law, and Genther were held “on suspicion” of having been with “Mose” at the time the latter is declared to have attacked and attempted to rob Mehrer, an Audubon policeman, outside the Ringside Inn, on the Black Horse Pike.
Conaghy, Flannery and Sage were arraigned and held without bail on charges of threatening to kill Feinstein and of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Feinstein declares these three with Cimini, the slain man, entered his cafe on January 2 and attempted to hold him up, threatening to kill him if he refused to “come across.” When he defied them by telling them to “go ahead and shoot,” Feinstein says, they departed.
Wolfe, Genther, and Conaghy were arrested by City Detectives George Ward and Thomas Cheeseman. It was Cheeseman who lodged the formal complaint of murder against Deven.
Two Others Released
Two other men who were questioned in connection with the murder case were in court this morning but neither was held. They are Newton Blanchard, 923 St. John Street, a former boxing referee and alleged “stick man” at the crap game declared to have been in progress at the club before the shooting, and Michael Dandrea, 26 years old, of 1657 Norris Street. Both men had been released after questioning on Saturday. Police say they are the men who told police that trouble was imminent at the club and that “Flannery and another fellow are trying to stick up a bunch of other fellows.”
The city police hold-up theory was further attacked today by Francis J. McCarthy, a Philadelphian, who arrived before noon at the county prosecutor’s office and said he would co-operate with the authorities. He wishes to clear the dead man, he said, of the stigma of suspicion that he was slain while engaged in an attempted robbery.
Hearing in Police Court was brief. There was no testimony and Keown merely announced Deven would waive a hearing. Appearing also as attorney for Hunt, O’Brien, and Waterhouse, he said the other three men were “present at the unfortunate shooting” and thus should be held as material witnesses. He added the prosecutor’s office had permitted the release of the three under $1,000 bail each and requested Judge Bertman follow suit. The court acceded to this request but stipulated that new bail must be provided. The three men were freed shortly afterward when the bond was furnished by James Louis, 603 Kaighn Avenue, who had provided the bail yesterday in the prosecutor’s office.
Despite the declaration by two Camden district detectives who were present at the time and who said there was no evidence that gambling was in progress at the club, county detectives disclosed today that statements of the shooting contained the assertion that the men had gathered for a crap game.
These witnesses also declared the fatal shooting resulted from an argument over a woman for whose attention Cimini and Hunt were rivals.
In circles where the leading figures in the shooting move, it was freely predicted things would be fixed up for Deven and that Flannery, political worker and supposed gangster, was to be “made the goat.”
Flannery is blamed by the city police for precipitating the battle. He has also been identified, according to County Detective Howard Smith, as one of the men who beat and robbed Henry Mehrer, an Audubon policeman, outside the Ringside Inn on the Black Horse Pike a fortnight ago. In addition, he is charged with attempting to hold up Milton Feinstein, cafe proprietor, 508 Kaighn Avenue. Cimini and Sage were also identified by Feinstein, according to Detective Smith.
According to the version of Cimini’s death given in statements by witnesses to county detectives, “Chick” Hunt might have been the victim of the slaying had it not been for Deven’s interference.
Gamble Over Affections
Like actors in a carefully-rehearsed drama, the various witnesses to the shooting made their statements nearly twelve hours after the shooting and, both city and county detectives say they agreed in all important aspects. Prosecutor Wescott declared, however, that no mention of an attempted hold-up was made despite the fact that City Detectives Clarence Arthur and Clarence Bunker—before whose eyes Cimini was shot down—stated Flannery and Cimini were holding the other men at bay when the detectives entered the room.
Instead, the statements of the witnesses described the scene as a dramatic gamble, with death as the stake, over the affections of a woman beloved by both Cimini and Hunt. This woman, who is married and estranged from her husband, is being sought today, Prosecutor Wescott said. According to detectives, Hunt was severely beaten last Wednesday night in a downtown gambling place by members of Cimini’s gang. Cimini, known also as Joseph Gannon, was a brother of William Cimini, a pugilist known in the ring as Billy Gannon.
The stories told by the witnesses place Hunt as one of the players in the crap game which was in progress at the club on Saturday morning. Deven was at the window, looking out, according to the witnesses, when he saw a taxicab draw up in front of the building. Flannery, Cimini and Sage descended and entered the club, it was declared.
“Here comes Mose, Chick, with that guy what’s gunnin’ for you” Deven is declared to have shouted.
A dozen gamesters fled from the room. “Chick” and a few of his friends held their ground and were waiting when the trio entered. Cimini, it is stated, walked over to Hunt.
“I told you,” he said with a sneer, “to stay away from that dame. She’s my girl. You were warned and now you gotta take your medicine.”
Hunt said nothing.
Flannery drew from his pockets two automatics and flung them on the green-topped table, the stories go.
“C’mon, Chick,” he said. “Don’t be yella. He toldja about the broad and he toldja what he’d do. Take your gun and shoot it out.”
“Chick” demurred.
“I don’t want none of that stuff, Mose,” he pleaded. He eyed Cimini carefully as the latter held one hand on the butt of a pistol which protruded from his belt.
Deven Interferes
Hunt made no careless movements toward the pistols on the table. Then Deven is declared to have interfered.
“None of that stuff, Mose,” he said warningly. “Who’s this guy to come here making trouble? He’s no member, is he?”
Cimini moved quickly, the witnesses say. With an upward flip of his hand he brought the barrel of the automatic sharply against Deven’s chin. The latter lurched forward snatching one of the pistols from the table.
The weapon was discharged, the bullet tearing through Cimini’s heart. He died instantly.
The next moment, Arthur and Bunker, district detectives summoned by one of the players who had fled, burst through the door and lined up the men against the wall.
A short time later police arrested Blanchard and Dandrea. Blanchard, police say, was the man who gave them warning of the impending battle. Both men were released after questioning.
Released from Lakeland
The detectives found Deven cringing with fear under the table, the weapon still in his hand. Four other pistols were picked up in different parts of the room.
Deven was identified as a lovesick husband who appeared in the prosecutor’s office several months ago and asked to be “put away.” His wife had left him, he said, and he was afraid he might harm someone.
He was committed to the asylum at Lakeland. When or how he was released is a mystery. Lakeland officials said they had no record of him. Deven once shot himself in a suicide attempt police say, in grief over estrangement from his wife.
Gangdom’s prevailing opinion is that Flannery is “in” for it. Attempts and threats against the blond gangster’s life have furnished many lurid tales for the habitués of downtown hangouts.
Further, Flannery has made many bitter enemies through his political activities. In the last election he worked as a Democrat against “Mikey” Brown in the Eighth Ward. His overbearing tactics and bravado among the other downtown characters has increased the feeling against him, it is said.
Thus far, he has succeeded in keeping out of the toils for any length of time. His police record includes arrests for rum-running, carrying concealed weapons, alleged ballot frauds and attempted murder. His most recent arrest came in Philadelphia when he figured in a pistol battle in which a man was slain.
Patrons, Patronesses Announced Today for First Military Ball
Camden Courier-Post —
Patrons and patronesses for the first military ball of the Camden Post No. 960, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening February 3 in the Elks auditorium, Seventh and Cooper Streets, are announced today.
The following prominent men and women are listed: Mrs. J.W. Connor, Miss C.M. Day, Mrs. J.H. Forsyth, Mrs. H.J. Goodyear, Miss B. Graham, Mrs. R.E. Green, Mrs. E.F. Haines, Mrs. J. Hood Jr., Mrs. W. Hurley, Mrs. J. Jarrell, Mrs. T. Keefe, Mrs. J.F. Kobus, Mrs. L. Liberman, Mrs. F.L. Lloyd, Mrs. M.A. Logan, Mrs. T.P. McConaghy, Mrs. F.F. Neutze, Mrs. L.K. Marr, Mrs. J.A. Pennington, Mrs. M.E. Ramsey, Mrs. E. Truax, Mrs. S.M. Shay, Mrs. W.J. Staats, Mrs. B.G. Tarburton, Mrs. R.W. Waddell, Mrs. E. Watson, Mrs. E.P. Wescott, Mrs. C.A. Wolverton.
David Baird Jr., William T. Boyle, Isaac Ferris, William Hurley, John Hood Jr., John Jarrell, Victor King, William J. Kraft, Thomas Keefe, Joseph F. Kobus, Hon. Edmund B. Leaming, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, James H. Long, L.K. Marr, Dr. Thomas P. McConaghy, Hon. Frank F. Neutze, Samuel P. Orlando, Albert E. Simmons, Edwin Watson, Ethan P. Wescott.
Judge Shay to Be Next Prosecutor
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Trenton Bureau
Trenton, Jan. 31—The name of Judge Samuel M. Shay, of the Camden County Court of Common Pleas, has been handed to Governor Moore as the choice of the Camden Democratic organization for prosecutor, succeeding Ethan Wescott.
The name was submitted to Governor Moore last night by a delegation of Camden Democrats, headed by Edward J. Kelleher.
That Governor Moore will send the nomination to the State Senate appears certain, and it not likely that any serious objection will be raised in that body, inasmuch as Judge Shay’s reputation is of the highest and he has been twice before confirmed for the judgeship by the Senate.
Sees Drastic Changes
The choice of Judge Shay was a big surprise in state Democratic ranks, and started a flurry of speculation. If Judge Shay is appointed to the prosecutorship it will leave a vacancy on the bench of the Court of Common Pleas. Although the Camden Democrats are said to be a unit in supporting Shay and also on the other changes they contemplate, no definite word leaked out as to who will be Shay’s successor on the bench.
Judge Shay’s appointment as prosecutor, it was said by Camden Democrats who were here last night, mean drastic changes to the personnel of the Camden Prosecutor’s office. One of the rumors in effect is that District Court Judge Frank F. Neutze will be elevated to the County judgeship and that Prosecutor Wescott will succeed Neutze. It is also rumored that Judge Shay’s present post may go to either former Judge William T. Boyle or former Judge William C. French. Both Boyle and French formerly held the county judgeship position.
Another rumor is that Samuel P. Orlando will be named first assistant prosecutor and that either Francis G. Homan or Lawrence Gregorio, the incumbent will be named second assistant prosecutor.
The names of former Police Judge John T. Cleary and Assistant Prosecutor Joseph A. Varbalow also figure in the rumor. Cleary has been mentioned as first assistant prosecutor several times.
Term is 5 Years
Judge Shay is now serving his second term as Judge. He was reappointed for a five-year tenure of office last March. The term of the prosecutor’s office also is five years.
The proposed changes are said to be steps toward a complete reorganization of the Democratic party in South Jersey.
State Senator Joseph H. Forsyth, whose ‘O. K.’ is necessary before the appointment of Judge Shay could become official, under the “Senatorial courtesy rule” would not comment on the situation here today.
Interviewed in the Senate Chamber prior to the opening of today’s session, Senator Forsyth refused to admit that Governor Moore had sent for him last night and had discussed the appointment of Judge Shay. Forsyth’s answer, however, indicated that he had been in conference with the Governor on the subject last night.
“I have not made up my mind as to my attitude on the nomination of Judge Shay,” Senator Forsyth said. “I want to take up the matter with the Governor first. I do not think it would be proper to give my decision to the newspapers before I discuss the matter with the Governor.”
Headed by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Gregorio, County Detective Frank Cocchilaraley and Justice of the Peace Jack O’Grady, a delegation of Camden Democrats were scheduled to arrive in Trenton this afternoon for a conference with Governor Moore in the interest of Prosecutor Wescott.
O’Grady stated he will present letters from the Bricklayers and Ironworkers Unions urging the reappointment of Wescott. Cocchiaraley is heading a group of South Camden Italians who are also favoring the reappointment of Wescott.
Whitman Park Shop 21st Sniper Target
Camden Courier-Post —
Window Shattered But No Missile is Found; 2 Sleuths on Case
While county and city detectives, police of a half-dozen communities and scores of volunteer sleuths sought vainly for some clue to his identity, South Jersey’s “phantom sniper” today fired his twenty-first shot.
Arriving at his place of business, 1201 Mt. Ephraim avenue, this morning, Benjamin Donde found that the plate glass in the door of the shop had been drilled by a small hole, apparently made by a bullet.
As in most of the cases attributed to the “sniper,” no missile was found despite a careful search inside the store.
The twentieth incident of the sort, occurring yesterday when the windshield of an automobile in which Abe Fuhrman, Camden jeweler, and his two sons were riding, had served virtually to eliminate theories that the “sniper’s” weapon might be a sling shot or a revolver equipped with a silencer.
The missile which drilled a hole in the Fuhrman auto’s windshield was a small, nickel-plated screw. This, of course, could not have been fired from an ordinary rifle or pistol. Police agree, moreover, that no sling shot could be made sufficiently powerful to have driven the screw through the heavy plate glass of the windshield. As it struck, the missile whistled past the ears of the occupants, only a few inches over the heads, and imbedded itself in the upholstery at the rear of the car.
County Detectives Howard Smith and William Cleary, it was announced today, had been assigned to special duty in the manhunt for the sniper. They were assigned by Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott. Both agree that the weapon used by the sniper is a compressed air gun.
Bank Embezzler Jokes When Taken to County Prison
Camden Courier-Post —
Garrett Waives Reading of Indictment for $19,000 Systematic Thefts; His Wife Remains Loyal, Discrediting His Confession
Laughing at photographers who tried to snap a picture as he covered his face with his hat and joking with the officers who accompanied him, Burd S. Garrett, for seven years a teller employed by the East End Trust Company was taken from the West Jersey Hospital this morning at 11:15 to the County Courthouse.
When arraigned before Justice of the Peace Peter J. Wallace in the office of Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives, he waived reading and hearing of the complaint charging him with embezzlement of $19,000 of the bank’s funds.
Less than ten minutes after he had entered Chief Doran’s office, the confessed embezzler, accompanied by Detective William Cleary, reappeared and walked to the county jail where he was committed.
Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott did not attend the arraignment and it was expected that he would set Garrett’s bail sometime this afternoon, when he would announce his intentions as to presentment of the case to the grand jury.
Garrett, who according to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph A. Varbalow admitted manipulation of the bank funds, which he lavished on his wife and the six children he had instructed from birth in the principles of honesty, appeared unmoved this morning by the proceedings.
His face has regained the color it had lost when detectives first began questioning him, as he lay in a coma on a cot at the hospital last Saturday. Since Sunday afternoon, when he broke down and admitted the charges against him, he has chatted with his constable guard.
Garrett’s appearance today was that of a businessman in comfortable circumstances. He was well dressed, in a gray suit, dark overcoat, and wore a light gray soft felt hat. His eyes, behind tortoise shell glasses, were bright, and minus the stare of three days ago.
His wife, despite his reported confession, reiterated her belief today that “it can’t be true.” Firmly declaring that she used economic measures in her housekeeping…
Katzenbach May Probe Release of ‘Polack Joe’
Camden Courier-Post —
Supreme Court Justice Will ‘Inquire Into’ Granting Bail to Devon on Murder Charge, Week Before Expected Grand Jury Action
An investigation into the release on bail of Joseph (“Polack Joe”) Devon a full week before the Camden county grand jury was scheduled to present its expected indictment for manslaughter and while the accused slayer of Joseph Cimini was still formally charged with murder, was imminent today.
Supreme Court Justice Frank S. Katzenbach, at his office in Trenton, stated this morning that he would “inquire into the circumstances of the case” when he comes to Camden next week to open the current term of court here.
At the same time, Common Pleas Judge Samuel M. Shay revealed how it was possible for Devon to have been released on bail while still formally charged with murder, through the acquiescence of Joseph Varbalow, acting assistant prosecutor. Varbalow’s action, it was also pointed out, may be illegal. Attorneys recalled that only a Supreme Court justice can grant an application for bail to a defendant charged with murder. Instances in which a person accused of murder has been released on bail are few, the records show, and “in every case the bail warrant has been signed by a Supreme Court Justice.” This was the procedure, for example, in the release on bail of Mrs. Frances Stevens Hall shortly after her arrest in the famous Hall-Mills murder trial. In the case of Devon, however, no Supreme Court justice was…
“Of course, if the judge finds that this trust is misplaced, it will be necessary for him to take over these matters himself and consider applications for bail individually instead of leaving it to the prosecutor’s office.”
Acting Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott said yesterday that he had known nothing of Devon’s release on bail. The agreement for the acceptance of bail was made, it was learned, between Varbalow and Walter Keown, county solicitor and attorney for Devon. “We could not refuse to fix bail after Devon had been indicted for a bailable offense,” Varbalow stated in explanation, although admitted that the only definite basis for his belief that the offense charged against Devon was bailable was an unofficial report that a manslaughter indictment had been found. Varbalow definitely stated today that the indictment found against Devon was one of manslaughter and would be so reported this afternoon by the grand jury.
“The indictment for manslaughter was found by the grand jury last Tuesday,” he declared. “The clerk of the grand jury so informed me and a record to that effect was made on our books. That is how it came about that Devon was allowed to go free on bail. Yes, it is true that the grand jury proceedings are secret so far as the public is concerned but we make a record of indictments on our books, which are not open to the public.”
“The situation is unusual,” Judge Shay added today. “The grand jury will make its presentment to me this afternoon and, of course, its findings will become known officially only at that time. Of course also, the grand jury can alter any indictment at any time up until the moment that it makes a presentment. ‘Suppose that a defendant was charged with murder and the grand jury, on first consideration should had an indictment for manslaughter. Then, let us say, a new witness appeared while the grand jury was still in session and gave evidence which convinced the grand jurors that the indictment should have charged murder. All the grand jury would have to do would be to recall its previous action and bring in a murder indictment. If in the meantime the defendant had been released on bail, it would soon be possible for him to escape.”
Bar Urges Forsyth to Raise Neutze Ban
Camden Courier-Post —
Resolution Asks Senator to Permit Confirmation as Prosecutor
The Camden County Bar Association today was on record as urging State Senator Joseph H. Forsyth to permit confirmation of Judge Frank F. Neutze as Camden county prosecutor. The association, composed of attorneys of both political parties, adopted a resolution yesterday which called upon Senator Forsyth to withdraw his opposition to Neutze.
Meanwhile, however, the Republican State Senators conferred at Trenton and decided to withhold confirmation of most of Governor A. Harry Moore’s important appointments. Neutze’s nomination, sent to the Senate after Forsyth had refused to approve, the appointment of Judge Samuel M. Shay to the post, is among these, as is the nomination of Judge Charles Egan as Hudson county prosecutor. The Camden county Republican organization, as is known, favors retention of Ethan P. Wescott as prosecutor until after the November election. Wescott is now serving as acting prosecutor under temporary appointment as deputy attorney general, to which position he was recently named by Attorney General Edward L. Katzenbach upon expiration of his regular term as prosecutor. Unless the Senate confirms Neutze, it was said at Governor Moore’s office today, no further nominations to the post will be sent to the Senate.
The Republican state leaders are also anxious to block approval of any of the governor’s nominations because of the hope of electing a Republican governor in the fall. If they should succeed in doing this, the way would then be open for the nomination and confirmation of a Republican prosecutor in Camden who would take over the office from Wescott. In its resolution endorsing Judge Neutze for the appointment and urging his confirmation the bar association made no reference to county criminal affairs but limited its comment to a recital of Neutze’s qualifications for the post of prosecutor. The resolution is as follows:
Whereas The Hon. A. Harry Moore, Governor of the State of New Jersey, has seen fit to twice honor the Hon. Frank F. Neutze, a member of the Camden County Bar Association, the second time naming him to the office of prosecutor of the County of Camden.
And Whereas, The office of prosecutor of the pleas, is an office of great importance to the people and bar of Camden county, and of particular interest to this association.
And Whereas, The nomination of Judge Neutze is now before the Senate of the State of New Jersey for confirmation.
And Whereas, On account of our association with Judge Neutze as a practicing attorney and our experience before him as judge of the Camden City District Court, we are certain of his ability and integrity.
And Whereas We are certain of the efficient manner in which he has handled the position of judge of the said Camden District Court and feel that he would be equally efficient as prosecutor.
And Whereas, We are satisfied that it is our duty to give to the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, State Senator from Camden, the benefit of our judgment and experience.
Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the Camden County Bar Association that these facts be called to the attention of the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, State Senator from the County of Camden, and that he be urged to use his best endeavors to secure the confirmation of the nomination of the Hon. Frank F. Neutze as prosecutor of the pleas of Camden county.
And Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution, signed by the secretary and under the seal of this association, shall be immediately forwarded to the Hon. Joseph H. Forsyth, Senator from the County of Camden.
After passing the Neutze resolution yesterday the bar association elected these officers: Judge William T. Boyle, president; Joseph H. Carr and Judge Ralph W. E. Donges, vice presidents; Judge Neutze, treasurer, and George M. Stevens, secretary. Each of these officers, except Neutze, were re-elected. Neutze succeeds Elmer ti Van Name, treasurer for more than 40 years, who asked to be relieved of the post. At a meeting last week 60 members of Raymond C. Thomas Post, American Legion adopted a resolution urging confirmation of Judge Neutze as a war veteran and a member of the Legion.
Second Blow in Slot Machine Racket
Camden Courier-Post —
The second blow within 24 hours at the slot-machine “racket” in Camden was to be made this afternoon in the grand jury rooms in Camden County Court House. Equipped with evidence secured in yesterday’s surprise raid, Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando was to ask the jury to inquire into the illegal operation of the machines in Camden saloons, cigar stores and cafes. The grand jury convened at 1:30.
Nineteen of the “money” devices were seized, and as many proprietors of the places where they were found were summoned to appear before the jurors when county detectives and constables swooped down on 35 alleged gambling haunts. A conference of Republican organization leaders was held this morning, at which the slot machine raids and the impending grand jury investigation were discussed. According to authentic reports, it was the opinion of the leaders that an intensive grand jury probe would be “bad politics.”
It was decided to bring pressure to bear upon Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott to “call off” Assistant Prosecutor Orlando, who engineered the raids last night. This afternoon, when the grand jury convened, both Wescott and Orlando went before the jury, in their closed session. Orlando made it clear, in a statement, that he is not after “small fry” but intends to get the “higher-ups” in the slot machine “game” in Camden city and county. “I am not going to give the proprietors of the slot machines time to exert their usual political pull, but I intend to have them before the grand jury immediately. I am going to find out, with the help and co-operation of the members of the jury, where they got their machines, how they arrive at their percentage and who is protecting them.”
“I have been making a survey of Camden county, including the city, since I took office ten days ago,” he continued, “and I have considerable evidence. I believe that there are, conservatively, 500 slot machines in Camden county and that the income from each of them averages from $50 a week. You can make your own multiplication. I believe nearly $25,000 a week is split up, in various ways, from the slot machine racket in the city and county. That money, wherever it goes, is coming from many people who can ill afford to lose it. They need it to pay their butchers and grocers.”
Several Places ‘Tipped Off’
Although Orlando struck quickly, there were several places where the coming of his men had been “tipped off.” A few places, where the noise of machines had been heard for weeks by passersby were strangely silent last night when the county raiders got busy.
Orlando, co-operating with Prosecutor Wescott, will go before Judge Shay soon to ask for a court order to destroy all seized machines. The raiders were led by Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives. The party included County Detectives Wren, Smith, Cleary, Lyons and Cocherailly, and Constable Max Beals. Five p.m. was set as the zero hour, and the raiders, two to an automobile, set out from the courthouse at 4:45. The raids were timed so as to be almost simultaneous. The raiders walked into the suspected places. If no slot machine was in sight, they bought a cigar or a package of cigarettes and walked quietly out. If they saw a slot machine, they seized it.
Raiders Carried Subpenas
For the first time, the raiders carried subpenas, and where machines were seized, the proprietors were summoned to appear before the grand jury today. They found no machines in saloons. Bartenders grinned at them when they went in, they reported. In several stores they were met with smiles, they said.
The places where machines were found were: 450 South Third street, store of D. Auletto, 200 Clinton street; Third and Mickle streets, Third and Stevens streets, 106 South Second street, Eighth and Spruce streets, store of Earl Sanderson; 656 South Third street, store of Antonio Auduini; 530 South Third street, store of Frank Delgarzo; 452 South Third street, store of Peter Bernardo, and store of Betty Leopold, 215 Line street. In some places two machines were found. They ranged from penny to quarter affairs.
500 Arrested in Roadhouse Raids
Lancaster Daily Eagle —
Seven Houses Raided and Liquor Found in All But One
CAMDEN, N. J., Oct. 22. (AP.)—More than 500 persons, many of them girls and young women were at Liberty today under nominal cash bail as a result of preliminary hearings after a series of raids on Camden county roadhouses early Sunday morning. The proprietors of the seven places raided were freed under $1,000 bail each pending further action by county prosecutor Ethan Wescott. The raids were conducted by the entire staff of county detectives and 50 state troopers amid scenes of confusion. To prevent a tip off the resorts were surrounded and the raids started a few minutes after midnight. The roundup was ordered because of defiance of a recent order that roadhouses close at midnight.
Motorbusses were chartered by the raiding officers to carry the merry-makers to the courthouse where three justices of the peace awaited their arrival. The defendants were herded into three rooms and for nearly four hours the justices held hearings and fixed bail. All proprietors of the roadhouses were held in $1,000 bail, while patrons were released after posting $20 in some instances and $25 in others. Officers said that liquor had been found in all places except one and that in three instances slot machines were confiscated.
Joe Montana Wed to Miss Palladino
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Wrestler and Bride Are Given Dinner Attended by Notables
Miss Emma Palladino, one of the fairest daughters of Camden’s “Little Italy” yesterday became the bride of Joseph Montana, heavyweight wrestler, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Fourth and Division streets.
Idol of Italian youth in this city Montana was hailed by hundreds of them outside the church. A number of relatives and friends, including prominent figures in the legal and professional life of the city, attended a dinner in honor of the couple at Overbrook Villa, Lindenwold, following the ceremony.
The bride, 20, is the daughter of Joseph Palladino, commercial photographer of 1115 South Fourth street. She graduated from Camden High school in 1928. Montana is 26 and a contender for the world’s heavy-weight wrestling diadem. Following a wedding tour through the West the couple plan to reside in Camden.
Miss Emenia D’Alesio, of Audubon, and Miss Rose Marini and Miss Cecelia Szymanski, of Camden, served as bridesmaids. Attending the groom were Gene Mariano, Michel D’Ilesia and William Palladino. The bride carried a bouquet of lillies of the valley and white roses while her attendants held tulips and roses. The church was beautifully decorated with varied floral designs, gold ribbons, silks and satins.
The guest list at the bridal dinner included: Assemblyman Frank M. Travaline, Jr., City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, director of parks and public property; Acting Chief of Police of John W. Golden, former Prosecutor and Mrs. Ethan P. Wescott, Samuel P. Orlando, Guido Laurini, Detective Fiore Troncone, Antonio Mecca, Mr. and Mrs. William Denof, Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale Ianuzzi, Frank H. Ryan, Thomas H. Ryan, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Principato, Mr. and Mrs. William Averall, Luke McKenna, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Mariani, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Abbott, Frank P. Cocchiaraley and Miss Regina Cocchiaraley, all of Camden; Miss Mary Montana, and Mr. and Mrs. Ettore Montana, of Columbus OH., and Aristadino D’Guilia and sons, Albert and Peter, of Buffalo, NY.
3 In Assembly Race Plan Tour Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Lodge, Sheehan and Roye to Speak at Democratic Rallies
All three Democratic Assembly nominees—Henry Lodge, Bartholomew Sheehan and Harry Roye—will speak tonight at three Roosevelt rallies, one at Magnolia and the others in the First and Ninth wards, Camden. Announcement was made they also will endeavor to address other Roosevelt meetings tonight.
The other rallies tonight will include meetings in Ashland, Pennsauken and the Fourth, Twelfth and Thirteenth wards. A Collingswood rally will be conducted this afternoon, at 3.30 o’clock, at 784 Haddon avenue, that borough. Lodge will be the principal speaker at the Ashland rally, to be held at the hall of Ashland Fire Company, under sponsorship of the Ashland Democratic Club. The other Ashland speakers will include Edward J. Kelleher, Camden county campaign manager; former Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott, Frank M. Lario, Grover Richman, Jr.; Samuel T. French, Jr.; William Brooks; Thomas M. Madden, of the Camden County Board of Elections, and Benjamin Dzick. The Magnolia rally, sponsored by the Roosevelt Democratic Club, will be held at the fire hall there at Evesham avenue, west of Warwick road. The speakers will include Sheehan, Roye and Lodge; Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Guy Lee, Jr., nominee for Congress; Mayor-designate George E. Brunner, of Camden, state committeeman; Howard Callingham, Daniel West, Mildred Yemmans, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committeewoman; Oliver H. Bond, Kelleher, Prosecutor Samuel Iando, Alice Pearl Harris and George Aaron.
Rally in First Ward
The First ward meeting will be at 235 State street, sponsored by the First Ward Democratic Club. The speakers include Lodge, Roye and Sheehan, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.; Gene Mariano, Camden county Italian campaign chairman; Aaron, Samuel T. French, Sr.; Kelleher, Norman Heine, Frank Crawford and John Blandy. Sheehan, Roye and Lodge also will address the Ninth Ward Democratic Club’s Roosevelt rally at Sixth and Berkley street. Also listed for addresses are Lee, Dr. Ernest Larossa, nominee for coroner; Aaron, Angelo De Persia, Blandy, and Kelleher. The Twelfth ward meeting will be that of the Twelfth Ward Democratic Club at 2822 Mitchell street. Among the speakers will be Kelleher, Allen Dolgin, Samuel Gelfand, Dr. Bowman, Carl Egerton, Foster Meekins and Ralph Acoo.
Fourth Ward Rally
The Fourth ward rally, to be conducted at 428 Stevens street by the Fourth Ward Democratic Club, will be addressed by Meyer Wessel, formerly of the Camden Board of Education; Benjamin Daick, Madden, Lario, Kelleher and De Persia. The Pennsauken Colored Democratic Club is sponsoring a Roosevelt rally at 1838 North Forty-ninth street, Pennsauken, with Dr. Howard Primas, Grace Jones, Dr. Bowman, Milton Jones, Clarence Leigh, and Kelleher listed as the speakers. The Thirteenth Ward Democratic Club will conduct another Roosevelt rally at Haddon and Kaighn avenues. The speakers tonight will include Isaac Eason, assistant prosecutor; Freeholder Andrew J. McMahon, Frank Suttill, B. G. Fox, Leonard S. Bradford, Howard Callingham, Kelleher, Anthony Mitchell and Abe Greenberg. A group of speakers will address two central-city rallies in the morning and afternoon, one at 11:45 o’clock and the other at 7:45 p.m. The speakers listed are Theodore French, John Donges, Clarence Dunkelberger, Grover Richman, Jr., Joseph Moss, A. David Epstein, S. A. Levy, Harry Adams, Benton Childers and Victor Rocco.
The Wescott Family Plot at Harleigh Cemetery
The Wescott Family Plot at Harleigh Cemetery, Camden NJ