Frederick von Nieda

FREDERICK VON NIEDA was born in Bavaria in 1868. After graduating from a seminary in 1885, he intended to join the ministry. Illness changed his plans, and he emigrated to America in 1885. He worked at different jobs, including that as the first professor of German at Temple University in Philadelphia. He moved to the Cramer Hill section of Camden NJ in 1902. A civic minded individual, he began his involvement in politics shortly after moving to Camden.

One of his earliest civic involvements came through his love of boating, fishing, and hunting. He was a founding member of the Farragut Sportsmen’s Association in 1907, and was instrumental in the organization of the Delaware River Yachtsmen’s League. With Dr. C.F. Hadley and John Schimpf among others, he co-founded the East End Trust Company in 1905.

A lifetime Republican, Frederick von Nieda became Mayor of Camden in 1935, and served until 1936 when he lost a bitter political battle to Commissioner George H. Brunner. City finances at the time were troubled, and Camden in April of 1936 was paying its bills through the issuance of scrip.

The defeat of Mayor Von Nieda marked the end of Republican dominance in Camden politics. He remained involved in local politics and civic affairs for most of the rest of his life.

Frederick Von Nieda’s greatest accomplishment was the filling in of Baldwin’s Run, a creek that ran from the area near Beideman and Westfield Avenues down to the Delaware River. In the area around River Road, Baldwin’s Run became “a mosquito-filled swamp” and a “public health menace.” Frederick von Nieda campaigned ceaselessly for 40 years until the swamplands were filled in and the land turned into a park. This park was named Von Nieda Park shortly after his death on February 17, 1950. Since Frederick von Nieda’s passing, the Delaware River Yachtsmen’s League has held an annual picnic in his name, which is attended by hundreds of boaters up and down the Delaware River.

Fifty years ago, the old town of Stockton was annexed to the City of Camden over the protests of Democratic members of the town council.

But a Republican Legislature approved a bill introduced by former Justice Frank T. Lloyd on March 24, 1899. He was a member of the Assembly at the time. He resided then in the structure now occupied by the Sheltering Arms Home at Eighteenth street and River avenue.

The town of Stockton had been in existence five years when the annexation took place. Merchantville and Pennsauken township were part of the original Stockton Township with the present East Camden area. Merchantville received its charter as a borough 75 years ago this month. In 1892. Pennsauken township withdrew, from the township to become a separate municipality.

For two years East Camden remained in the township. In 1894 Alfred Cramer, founder of Cramer Hill, launched a movement to create the town of Stockton and the first governing body was elected. Edward Dudley, then a leading lawyer, was elected councilman-at-large, which entitled him to preside as mayor. William S. Abbott, a lifelong resident, became became clerk.

The town was divided into three wards. fred voigt and Justice Lloyd also served with Cramer and Dudley in the town council. The town hall was on the triangle, at Twenty-seventh and Federal Streets.

Albert Plum and William C. Reeves were justices of the peace. Samuel M. Jaquillard served on the Board of Freeholders as did W.O. Buck and Joseph Funfer. Charles E. Allen was a member of the Board of Education.

After the annexation Abbott was elected to Camden City Council. Others elected were Dr. William H. Kensinger, now a resident of Florida; Frederick S. von Nieda, Frederick H. Finkeldey, president of the first Playground Commission; Arthur R, Gemberling, now of Woodstown.

Other active citizens were Lemuel D. Horner, undertaker; Dr. H. F. Hadley, Jacob Bendinger, proprietor of the Rosedale Inn, and Walter L. Tushingham, former vice-president and general manager of the Courier-Post Newspapers.

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

In his annual report to City Council on January 1, 1918, Mayor Ellis urged the appointment of a committee by City Council on City Gardens and Councilman Frederick Von Neida was named as chairman. This committee with a committee of representative citizens met in the City Hall in February, 19 18, to organize for the ensuing summer. The members of the Councilmanic committee were: Frederick Von Neida, frank s. van hart, William J. Kelly and John J. Robinson.

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

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

Slash of $702,890 Is Revealed in Totals Passed at Session of Rulers

LEASE ANNOUNCED OF RADIO STATION

Commissioners Debate With Von Nieda as He Charges Gross Extravagance

By WALT BATEZEL

The Camden City Commission yesterday approved the 1933 city budget after hearing and rejecting economy recommendations of several civic and labor organizations.

Eight speakers representing five organizations urged budget reductions and protested the total of $3,353,124.60. Verbal clashes over opinions were frequent between Commissioner harold w. bennett, director of finance and revenue, and former Councilman Frederick von Nieda and Thomas B. Hall, representatives of the Congress of Civic Associations of New Jersey.

Nearly 300 persons attended the hearing, in marked contrast to the 5000 who marched on city hall last year to demand budget reductions. The hearing lasted three hours. The departmental budget appropriations of $3,353,124.60 with the local school appropriation of $1,250,000 and other appropriations, totaling $960,060.55 to be added in the tax ordinance yet to be adopted, will give the city a total expense of $5,563,185.15 for 1933.

Tax Bill About Same

The tax rate will not be known until the tax ordinance is adopted. After the hearing Commissioner Bennett declared that due to equalization of assessments, the bills of some taxpayers will be a few dollars higher than last year, and a few dollars lower in other cases. The commission, after approving the budget on a motion by Commissioner Bennett, adopted a resolution leasing WCAM to the Broadcast Advertising Company for $1000 per year and a percentage of all receipts over $24,000. All maintenance costs will be born by the company, of which Rudolph Preisendanz, Jr., is head.

After the budget was adopted Bennett declared the City Commission would take into consideration an allegation of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of the Civic Congress, that the $125,400 appropriation for street lighting was $26,450 higher than it should be according to figures obtained by him concerning the city’s lighting equipment. “If there has been an error the budget can be amended at any time,” Commissioner Bennett said.

Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, under whose department street lighting comes, declared that figures in his office concerning street lighting were different from those quoted by Hartmann. The figures he used, Hartmann said, were obtained by him from City Comptroller Sidney P. McCord.

Von Nieda Case

Von Nieda was the first citizen to address the commission. Shifting papers in his hands, he faced the commissioners and said: “We have here $40,000 for your Recorder’s Court in 1932, and $25,000 for 1933.”

Commissioner Bennett jumped to his feet.

“Those 1932 figures,” Bennett said, “were merely an estimate of the receipts to be taken in, but that amount did not come in. This year we anticipate only $25,000, which we consider a fair estimate.”

“That’s fine” said von nieda, “but we have never had a chance to sit in with you on these figures.”

“You can sit in with us at any time,” responded Bennett, “We’re glad to have you.”

“I see here,” said von nieda, “that the transportation inspector is paid from fees, but you show no fees and the inspector should be paid by the Public Service. I also suggest that you turn Convention Hall over to the poor. Now in dealing with Station WCAM, I see you show a profit for the last three months of $1000, while in 1932, you show no records of receipts, and we are just wondering.’

Worried by WCAM

“Do you want that answered now?” asked Bennett. “WCAM has given myself and the other commissioners some concern during the past year. It is our duty to see that we receive as much income as possible. Different methods have been used in the radio station to make it pay during the past three months, and during this time that station has been in the black. We figure that in 1933 there will be no deficit in this station, and we look for a profit of more than $1000.”

“Now in this matter of eliminating deputy directors,” von nieda said.

He was interrupted by Commissioner Reesman.

“I’ll tell you,” said Reesman, “about my deputy director Carlton Harris. My deputy receives $1750 a year. He has charge of all labor in the Department of Parks and Public Property. He is on the job every morning at 7:00 AM, and often works until 10 p. m., with the labor outside.”

“In speaking of the assessors,” von nieda continued, “we should have assessors who are not influenced by politicians or political dictators.”

“You know I won’t stand for that,” answered Bennett. “The readjustment of ratables is only a small part of the work we are doing. Each property is assessed on a basic principal. Any time you have a suggestion that will help us in our work we will be glad to hear from you but I firmly believe that real state must be relieved of its heavy tax burden by an income and sales tax, and this tax must come sooner or later.”

Seeking Relief

“As far as the city commissioners are concerned, we are studying it from day to day, in efforts to get out of the wilderness.”

“In speaking of the purchasing department,” von nieda continued, “we know what happened there last year. You fired your purchasing agent, and if you had not fired him it probably would have afforded the public some interesting reading about this purchasing department.”

“All of my men are working overtime,’ replied Bennett. “It is true the purchasing agent is out and his work is being done by an assistant (William Dilmore) at half his salary. We have got rid of as many people in these departments as we can. I had to let one girl go in the purchasing department and one girl in Controller McCord’s department. One man went on pension in the tax office and two were let out in efforts to balance the budget.

“In one of my departments where there were three girls I had, to make a $900 cut by leaving one girl out. called the three girls into my office and told them that one had to go and asked them what their home responsibilities were. One had to take care of her family, including a 77-year-old aunt; another a family with a 66-year-old aunt, and the third was supporting three or four brothers with the help of another brother, who is a barber working for practically what tips he could get.

“But I had to make a $900 cut. The girls asked me not to dismiss any of them, as they each would take a $300 cut in addition to cuts already applied. Another man took an extra $260 cut so that he would not be out of work. But I had the budget to take care of, and I am ready to challenge any city the size of Camden to show so nearly a balanced budget. Our plan is to pay as we go.”

“You cite two or three instances,” protested von nieda. “But I want to show you scores of families which have no money and they are taxpayers. You say you have cut to the bone, but you should cut through the bone. This is no grandstand play by us. Maybe we can give you some help. Then, too, the debt interest must be paid on this tragedy,” he shouted, pointing to walls of the commission chamber.

“Maybe you can tell me how to get rid of the bonds,” suggested Bennett. “You must remember this year we have cut $900,000 from the budget.”

Offers Recommendation

Von nieda said the Civic Congress recommended that work now being done by two city solicitors should be done by one, that when more policemen and firemen are needed “little fellows” be restored first wherever possible; that the city incinerating plant be closed; that the personnel of the city’s two’ sewage disposal plants be reduced; that the city’s lighting bill be cut $40,000; that inspectors of lighting be abolished and their work done by policemen and the city’s engineer’s department. Personally he favored an income tax, he said, to relieve the burden on real estate.

“I realize,” von nieda said, “that the city commission has done a fair job, but of the congress, with conservatively 15,000 members, think you can do even better.”

Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, director of public works, interrupted von nieda on the subject of the incinerating plant, which von nieda declared could be abandoned because it did not burn garbage, but only rubbish.

“Can you see me at 9:00 AM tomorrow and go through my department with me?” asked Hanna.

“Any time,” replied von nieda.

Warns of Tax Strike

“However,” von nieda continued, “we are wondering what the figures in the right hand corner of the tax bill will be. Assessments may be lower and the tax rate higher, and that does not give a true picture. I fear the bills will be more for 1933 and for one am willing now to take the 1932 assessment on my home.

“The congress vigorously opposes this personality tax. You expect to tax the homeowner for everything he has. I warn YOU gentlemen that if this tax is imposed in Camden there will be a run on banks and building and loan associations. If that happens homeowners and renters will leave this unfortunate city. There will be a tax strike here, and so help me God, I’m helping it!”

Von nieda was followed by William Hughes of 578 Mickle street, who spoke for the Unemployed Council of New Jersey.

Hughes reiterated demands of the union for increased relief payments to unemployed, urged a municipally-owned lighting plant, operated at a profit, the same as the city’s water department; a municipal lodging house; use of hand labor instead of machinery in all city contracts and the employment of labor to “tear down the slums in Camden.”

Hartmann was the next speaker. He read from a prepared statement which he declared was an analysis of the city’s 1932 lighting expenses, and which, he said, could be lowered “had we used larger lamps.”

Reesman Contradicts

After enumerating the individual costs of lamps of various candle power, and contending a change in the lamps would effect a saving this year, Hartmann charged the city has overpaid for electric energy in street lighting.

Commissioner Reesman declared that figures used by Hartmann were in error and that therefore, his computations as to possible savings were wrong. He announced, however, he would study the situation to discover if there was any error in the budget concerning street lighting, as alleged by Hartmann.

“The Civic Congress is now circulating petitions for a referendum on a municipal lighting plant,” Hartmann said. “We now have 10,000 of the required 11,000 signatures, and we do not intend to stop until we have 25,000. You commissioners can stop these petitions by adopting a resolution declaring a referendum on the question.”

He then asked that the work of the city electrical inspector be taken over by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, and that “when the next tax sale is held, all properties be advertised, including banks, garages and to whomever the property belongs.”

Commissioner Bennett then arose and said: “I’ve used discretion on that. There are some who are paying as low as $5 per month, and I think these people should be helped. We commissioners do not want to sell the home of anyone. That is what we are trying to stop. We are in perfect agreement on that.”

Debt Moratorium Asked

“How about the Bridge Garage?” some one in the audience shouted.

“The Bridge Garage has just paid $1500,” Bennett said, “and promises to pay something every month. We are trying to make the tax bills lower by getting in all the monies we can, and where possible to take in delinquent payments no matter how small.

Clarence Moullette, secretary of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, then arose. He asked for a moratorium on the city debt service for five years, and urged the commission to adopt such a resolution memorializing the Legislature for that relief. He announced opposition to the personality tax.

“We are not questioning the actions of the commissioners,” Moullette said. “Spending less money will not help the situation. Commissioner Hanna told me if he had $51,000 additional in his department six closed garbage trucks could purchased. This will help give work. By cutting down salaries you decrease purchasing power. Work must be had. Eventually you will pay in scrip. Why not pay in scrip now and give out work.”

Hall asked that Convention Hall be abandoned and the building used for hospitalization work for the needy, and urged the city commission to “meet in the evenings so that citizens will know and see what is going on.” He asked for abolition of the positions of plumbing, building, sewer and heating inspectors.

‘Close High Schools’

“The commission should face conditions as they are,” he said. “I speak for myself, and not the Civic Congress. I ask that the high schools be closed. I heartily approve closing of the Vocational School, but if choice was to be made between high schools and the Vocational School, I would say close the high schools. Before selling the home of anyone to meet impossible taxes, I say cut to the bone by getting rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary.

“You commissioners must be made to realize that increased taxation is what has destroyed purchasing power in America. Meet this condition!

Commissioner Bennett challenged the statement of Hall that government costs were responsible for conditions of today.

“There are numerous causes,” Bennett said.

“I would rejoice in debating it with you or anyone you select,” Hall replied, “including United States senators, and convince them in 20 minutes.”

“I’ll debate that with him,” shouted Morris Stempa of Audubon from the audience. Stempa later addressed the commission, speaking for the Socialist party, and urged the moratorium advocated by Moullette, also a Socialist.

Eugene Wasilewski, speaking for the South Camden Civic Association, denounced the commission for failing to call in civic association representatives in their preparation of the Budget.

Bennett Gives Reply

“You called in the bankers, but not those others of us who also are interested in city costs,” Wasilewski said. “You tell us now there is a reduction in assessments and then come along and wallop us with a higher tax rate. That is not fair. You were elected to look after our interests and that you have failed to do. You are making us eat red herring, and we want you to eat red herring with us.”

The last citizen to address the commission was Salvadore Guadelli, president of the Citizens-Taxpayers’ League. He made a general indictment of conditions, and asked that the city commission “do not let sectionalism creep into city affairs.”

Commissioner Bennett then arose and addressed his fellow commissioners and the audience.

“All these things suggested here today have been considered,” he said. “We five men came into office with the idea of serving the people. I know the business of financing the city is a serious problem. We have endeavored to move the budget into that realm of ‘pay-as-you-go!’ We appreciate everything presented here. Every taxpayer we look upon as an employer.

“Looking at it from every angle, this budget cannot be delayed any longer. You’ll find we were severe in preparing this budget; you’ll find we were severe last year. Last year we cut a half million. This year we cut $702,890.74, and to that the board of education, we hope, will add a cut of $250,000. That is a total cut of $952,890.74. Other cities in New Jersey show nothing to compare with it.

Budget Adopted

“I hesitate in making more cuts. I speak from experience when I say I’m a taxpayer. In the past two weeks I’ve been trying to raise money to pay taxes. I want all of you to know we commissioners can sympathize. It is not easy being at the head of a government in times like these. I hope that municipalities will receive federal relief in payment of debt service. There has been a tremendous cut in our budget, including the board of education figures. I feel the commissioners are to be commended for the work they’ve done this year.

“If we pass the budget we won’t stop at that particular point, but will see what else we can do all along the line. I feel the essential thing is to pass the budget. I’m proud of the fact we came through 1932, and are started in 1933 the same way, although I make no promise for the future. I wish for a moratorium for interest on bonds. There are the bondholders on one side and the taxpayers on the other, and the man out of work to be considered.

We are in sympathy with the man out of work. I say let the federal or government put some money into to the interest rate. We must pass this budget this afternoon. Do not delay longer. This is not an arbitrary stand on my part. I make a motion the budget now be passed.”

City Clerk Frank S. Albright called the roll and all five commissioners voting unanimously. No demonstration followed passage of the measure.

*Eugene Wasilewski referred to in this story was Eugene Waleskiewicz, who was later known as Eugene Wales.

North Camden Association Told Affidavits Are Being Taken; Cramer and Howard Accused Of Evasion; Protest Rally Called

Court action to force the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration to reveal its books for public inspection is planned by the Congress of Civic Associations of South Jersey.

This was announced last night at a meeting of the North Camden Civic Association in the headquarters of the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 939 North Fifth street. Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of both organizations, disclosed the proposed step.

Affidavits charging irregularities in the relief administration are being gathered, Hartmann asserted.

Wayland P. Cramer, director of the county relief board and Captain Albert S. Howard, deputy director, were charged with evading public inquiries.

‘Fathers Fired—Girls Hired’

“They’ve given us a grand run-a-round,” Hartmann said in relating his efforts in behalf of a destitute family.

The Congress of Civic Associations, headed by Fred von Nieda, is determined to force inspection of the relief records by applying for a court writ, Hartmann said.

Vince Marinelli, member of the North Camden association and active in the Civic Congress, declared a number of married men were discharged from positions in the relief administration and single women engaged for their posts.

Protest Rally June 11

The association agreed to join with the Unemployed Union of New Jersey in staging a public mass meeting to protest against the relief board.

The meeting is scheduled for June 11, at the Convention Hall.

Clarence E. Moullette, executive secretary of the unemployed group, addressed last night’s session, which two score persons attended.

‘Only 8 In 25,600 Rejected’

Hartmann declared that of Camden’s 117,000 persons, 25,600 are receiving emergency relief. The figure in the county is comparable, he said.

Quoting Dr. Arthur L. Stone, who recently resigned as city director of emergency relief, Hartmann asserted 6828 of the 11,400 city’s colored are in the relief line.

“In all these cases the great Emergency Relief Administration has found only eight this year that were not worthy of receiving aid,” Hartmann said he was informed.

“The taxpayers are paying the bills and they have every right to know how the money is being spent.

“If Director Cramer and Captain Howard can be out of their office all day without anyone knowing where they are I think there is ground for investigation,” he insisted.

Cites Backyard Fires

Hartmann reviewed the plight of 11 families on State Street who were forced to cook meals over a backyard fire last Saturday after gas and electric service had been suspended for non-payment of bills. Thirty-five children were affected.

Hartmann estimated that Public Service could produce electricity to supply the apartment house for one month at a cost of $2. The charge is $22, he said.

Hartmann described advantages of a municipal electric plant, for which more than 11,000 persons have signed petitions circulated by the association and civic congress. He compared this city’s tax rate and assessments with those of Jacksonville, Fla., and said the southern city earned $2,000,000 profit from its municipal light and power plant in 1932.

A campaign to further sentiment in favor of the municipal plant idea is being advanced daily, Hartmann reported. A staff of speakers is being enrolled.

Dr. Stone’s Work Reviewed

Moullette, in appealing for support of the civic association for the mass meeting next week, said that the resignation of Dr. Stone was a political move, designed to create a position with pay for some Republican organization favorite.

“Dr. Stone spent $25,000 for emergency relief in Camden.

“As a result of the efforts of Dr. Stone in his office as municipal relief director there are children in more than 500 families who obtained milk that was not given them be-fore he took the position,” Moullette said. “The purpose of the mass meeting is to bring forcibly to the attention of the authorities here and in the state that there is need for an investigation of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration.”

New Fire Alarms Protested

Joseph Munger, of East Camden, asked the association to protest against proposed expenditure of more than $50,000 for a new fire alarm system in Camden.

He charged that the project is needless, and said that transfer of the present system from the old city hall to the new courthouse annex could be made for $2500.

“The present system is sufficient for this city,” Munger said. “The cost of removing it to the new building would be less than what the city might pay in interest for one year on $50,000.”

Hartmann said that a new system in the fire department would require employment of additional employees and thereby add more expense to the taxpayers.

Mrs. Stephen Pfeil, William Coughlin and Miss Elsie Stein were named by Harry Walton, president, to a committee with instructions to ask Mayor Roy R. Stewart to move against alleged vandalism. They charged that young boys are destroying vacant properties throughout the city.

The Mail Bag — Where Is the ‘Charity’ in Relief Methods — Who Founded Church of England — Reforestation and Economic Recovery

To the Editor:

Sir—Beautiful words, well spoken.

Especially when Charity means, in a general sense, love, benevolence, goodwill, that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men, and do them good.

We read where Dr. Stone was asked to resign because his heart ruled his head. In your editorial, Mr. Editor, something seems wrong somewhere. There seems that Mr. Cramer is unaware of the meaning of charity. Dr. Stone may or may not be the man for the job. When one has a comfortable job at the taxpayers’ expense one can easily dispense charity, especially if he uses somebody else’s money. Dr. Stone has a comfortable job, and, perhaps, he was better suited for the job because he was sure of where the next meal was coming from but Mr. Cramer evidently was of another opinion. To him Charity is a business. Since the taxpayer and the philanthropist both practice charity, the former directly or indirectly through taxation, the latter of his own free will and accord. The latter knows where his money is going or he does not give it; the former has a right to know if he so desires, Because whether it be salaries or relief, he is the one paying the bill.

The present way the relief is being run is, perhaps, the most autocratic thing ever done in the city of Camden. The ones in charge think they are above question or reproach. But one thing is certain, and that is the citizens do not think that way about it. If these in the seats of the mighty refuse to give interviews without long waits, then the citizens should inquire from someone who will give them satisfaction. We want to know who is working for the relief, where they live, how long they have lived there, their salaries, where they came from and their qualifications. Also who is getting relief and where they live. There is little to fear for those who need relief, who are, either getting it or not getting it, it is the people who do not need it that causes those who do need it not to get it.

Imagine, if you can, 6828 people of one race out of a total of 11,400 getting relief; imagine, if you can, 25,600 people getting relief in the city of Camden alone and, perhaps more than that number in the county and only eight of these were found to get relief who did not deserve it. And then they say it is none of your business, go to the Courier and get it.

When information is desired. Mr. Editor, we have to believe somebody. Do you have the information and are you holding out on us? Or is it a case of passing the buck? There is hardly a person in this city who knows somebody that needs relief and there are few people who don’t know somebody who is getting relief and does not need it. Increasing pay of investigators, employing college girls and laying off married men, cutting allowance of those who need relief, makes undeveloped minds run around in circles. When no satisfaction is given to those who pay the bills and are told that it is none of their business, then one must feel as if there is no justice, and the very fact that of all virtues the greatest of them is charity, then the words charity and relief, such as shown and practiced in the city of Camden, should never be used in the same sentence.

FREDERICK VON NIEDA
President of Congress of Civic Associations

A total of $1400 has been received from the 2800 gardens in Camden under supervision of the Emergency Relief Administration, against a cost of $811.80, according to Frederick von Nieda, chairman of the food show committee planning for the convention of the Camden City Home Garden Clubs at Convention Hall September 14, 15 and 16.

Von Nieda summarized the work of the new gardeners at a meeting of the clubs Tuesday night in Woodrow Wilson Junior High School, presided over by Arthur Y. Taylor, of the relief administration.

Representatives attended from these gardens: Cramer Hill, Taylor, Harrison, Garden City, Cox, Pyne Poynt, Princess Pat, Forest Hill, Tracy, Parkside, North East, and Clinton. Roy Adams, chief of the garden police, and Charles F. Hettinger, supervisor of gardens, were among those attending.

Pancoast Refuses Leniency to Sons, Blames Hartmann, Who Hits Back, Charges Inconsistency and Reveals Threat

Hysterics among three mothers, one of whom fainted, as their young sons were held for court yesterday inspired another attack on Police Judge Garfield Pancoast by Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of the North Camden Civic Association.

The three women shouted frantically as their sons, each 15, were led from the court to be taken to the Juvenile Detention Home on charges of incorrigibility. They had been accused of vandalism in North Camden. It was brought out, however, that Hartmann did not make the complaints against the boys, who will be detained until the next session of juvenile court is held by Judge Samuel M. Shay.

Hartmann in a statement last night disclosed that a threat had been made against him by the father of one of the boys who allegedly declared he “had a gun and was going to use it.”

Led from the courtroom after screaming and after one had fainted, the women cried so bitterly in the corridor that court attendants ordered them to leave.

The episode was one of the most turbulent in the history of the Camden police court, according to veteran attendants. So great was the turmoil there was question whether Pancoast would not have to recess other hearings.

Pancoast remained adamant in his decision despite the shrill protests of the mothers; the plea of one of the boys, who begged for release with arms outstretched, and of the complainant, who urged leniency.

Criticizes Hartmann

Pancoast criticized Hartmann for “condemning him for showing leniency in such cases, yet never making formal complaint himself against youthful vandals in a specific case.

Pancoast added that he “was compelled to act as he did because of the facts in the case and general complaints against vandalism in North Camden and other parts of the city.

The boys are: Lester Jamison, of 326 North Second Street; Frank Smith, of 521 Elm Street, and Henry Egerton, 15, of 212 Bailey Street.

Complaint against the youths was made by G.T. Moore, of 313 State Street, who charged that he had found the boys destroying a property at the northeast corner of Third and State Streets.

Value $25,000, Now 25 cents

“That property once was worth about $25,000,” Moore testified, “Today it could be bought for 25 cents because of vandalism.”

The youths admitted they had been on the premises, but denied they had caused any damage.

The court then directed that a disorderly conduct charge against them be changed to incorrigibility, the complaint for which was signed by Moore.

Moore testified that the defendants and other boys had been warned to keep off the property, but they would cross the street and ridicule him. He urged leniency, however, when the court revealed that the boys would be sent to the detention home. He said he did not want to see the youths placed in confinement and their reputations blemished.

Calls Him Liar

“I can’t be lenient in his case,” Pancoast replied. “I’ve been charged by Mr. Hartmann, of the North Camden Civic Association, with taking care of criminals and politicians who come to this court, and that is a lie. Also there has been a great deal of publicity about vandalism in North Camden, columns and columns of it, yet Hartmann has never made a single formal complaint against any boy in my court. As a citizen, if he knows such things are going on, it is his duty, as well as that of other citizens, to make a complaint to us.

“This occurrence by these boys is undoubtedly a part of the vandalism going on in North Camden and I’m going to send these boys to the detention home.”

Moore again pleaded for leniency for the boys, but Pancoast said he had no other alternative than to sentence them under the circumstances.

The arrests on complaint of Moore were made by Gus Reihm and Wilbur Prentiss, motorcycle policemen.

Civic Clubs Protest

Apprehension of youthful vandals has been urged repeatedly by the North Camden Civic Association officers, including Hartmann, who said recently that damage by the vandals in the city has reached more than $500,000 and the city officials and police have “done little or nothing about it.”

Hartmann and other officers of the association appeared before the city commission last week, urging prompt remedial measures by the city officials, and charging that too much leniency is shown in such cases. Mayor Stewart replied that the city had taken steps to eliminate the evil and was doing all that could be done to end it. The civic association’s officers protested nevertheless that this was not so, and that the police could minimize the damage if they were on the job.

Hartmann, in company with Frederick von Nieda, president of the Congress of Civic Associations, to which the North Camden association is allied, and George I. Shaw, vice president of the uptown group, conferred with Captain Arthur Colsey, at police headquarters. Captain Colsey promised further co-operation of the police in stamping out the practice of wrecking vacant dwellings and invited all citizens to report such instances to the police.

Hartmann’s Reply

In replying to Pancoast’s criticism Hartmann said:

“I learned from the father of one of the boys committed to jail by Judge Pancoast that the three boys could not be released unless I gave the word. This parent was quite alarmed, and I am told made threats against me. He declared that he had a gun and was going to use it. I can appreciate this man’s feelings, because I understand that when he returned he found his wife in a terribly excited condition, and because of the fact that their son was arrested for playing tag with some chums. But I can’t go to the detention home and order release of the boys. That’s impossible. Only the judge can do that.

“The attitude of Judge Pancoast in criticizing me indirectly as the complainant not only is uncalled for but is the direct cause of this threat, as well as the distracted state of the boy’s mother.

“Judge Pancoast is trying to throw a cloud over the real state of affairs in Camden.

“As a member of the North Camden Civic Association I have helped to point out conditions here that have existed for a long time without the police taking any notice of them, conditions which should not have been tolerated and which have caused considerable expense to property owners.

“This needless expense could have been prevented by the police and Judge Pancoast, in a quiet, yet determined manner.

‘Children Victims of Anger’

“Simply because we have criticized him and the police is not reason for Judge Pancoast to vent his anger at us upon innocent children, such as he has done in this particular case.

“He states that because we have complained it is necessary for him to hold the three young boys for court.

“On top of this he said that we never made any complaints.

“The latter is true, for we have not accused any child and do not intend to do so. It is the job of the police department to stop the wave of vandalism, not our task.

“Judge Pancoast’s attempt to blame me in this situation is ridiculous. As I look at it he seems to be trying to evade the real issues.

‘Reprimand Sufficient’

“He made a disgraceful example of three boys, to whom a reprimand would have been sufficient had they been brought before him for merely playing tag, but if they were accused of vandalism then I think his action in committing them to the detention home was justified. But, since the charge against them was changed from vandalism to incorrigibility it is apparent that there is some doubt in the judge’s mind.

“Even with this reasonable doubt I cannot reconcile a case with the disposition of two others, immediately prior to the hearing of the three boys. I understand that two defendants on charges of stealing pipe from a vacant dwelling were dismissed.

“The difference in these two instances, certainly does not give evidence of Judge Pancoast’s sincerity in dealing with vandalism, or convince me that he is co-operating with the mayor in correcting the evils of which the Citizens and taxpayers have rightfully complained.”