Gene R. Mariano

GENE R. MARIANO was born in Philadelphia PA on May 5, 1905. He served as a municipal judge in Camden from 1937 to 1942, and as the Camden County Prosecutor in the late 1940s. He was a delegate to Democratic National Convention from New Jersey in 1940 and was an alternate in 1944.

Gene R. Mariano made his home late in his life in Haddonfield NJ. He passed away on May 14, 1992. Before he passed, he set up scholarship funds in the name of his son and wife, who predeceased him.

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.

Former Bridge Official in Speech Asks Baird Seven Questions

Directing questions at David Baird, Republican candidate for governor, Samuel T. French, former president of the New Jersey Bridge and Tunnel Commission, last night attacked the sincerity of Baird’s campaign speeches.

French addressed more than 200 voters at the headquarters, of the Woodrow Wilson Democratic Club, Atlantic and Louis Streets, in appealing for suffrage in the interest of A. Harry Moore, Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

“In a campaign speech at Plainfield on October 17,” French said, “Baird pledged himself to quick relief of the tax burden. In view of past events, I do not know what has come over Mr. Baird; I do not know what has changed his heart. He was a director of Public Service and the controlling power of the legislature when the legislature passed a bill, which relieved the Public Service of keeping the roadways and street surfaces in good condition between the rails on eighteen inches of either side. This resulted in a saving of millions of dollars to Public Service and put the bill in the hands of the taxpayers. Yet, Mr. Baird says conditions must be changed by a change of the taxation system. Is that the way to change taxation— by increasing it for the citizens and lowering it for the corporations?”

Asks Seven Questions

“If Camden County is where Mr. Baird derived inspiration for his Plainfield speech, I ask him to publicly answer these questions:

“First, what was the idea of buying the ground upon a portion of which is erected the county court house and city hall, when the city owned a plot of land much better located on which it would have been unnecessary to destroy property, which was paying into the city treasury annually approximately $70,000 in taxes?

“Secondly, why was it necessary to buy that whole tract of land and destroy all the tax producing property when the city only had use for less than 25 percent of it?

“Thirdly, from whom did the city purchase a large portion of this tract? Why was it necessary to build a city hall at the particular time? What was the total cost of the city hall and court house annex? And, of utmost importance, why was the contract price paid in full on or about December 1, 1930, when the work was only about 80 percent completed?

“Fourth, did Senator Baird approve of all the acts of the City Commission and the Board of Freeholders in the city’s and county’s activities in the purchase of all the land and the erection of the building?

“Fifth, if Mr. Baird’s answer is ‘yes,’ to that question, then I ask him why were former Mayor Price and Commissioner T. Yorke Smith, dropped from the Republican ticket in the municipal election? If Mr. Baird’s answer is ‘no,’ then I ask him why were not the entire five commissioners dropped from the Republican ticket at the last municipal election, instead of making Price and Smith the goats?

“Sixth, I ask Mr. Baird if he offered objection to the selection of the site or the expenditures in connection with the enterprise?

“Seventh. I ask the Republican candidate for governor, believing as he says he does in his Plainfield speech that the spending orgy must stop: What would have been the saving to the taxpayers of Camden city and county if the new city hall had been erected at the Civic Centre instead of its present location?”

Praises Moore’s Record.

French lauded the record of A. Harry Moore, the Democratic candidate for governor, and charged the Republican state administration with “wanton expenditure and gross extravagance of the first water.”

“Property will be led to the point of confiscation if the Republicans are allowed to continue their orgy of spending.” French concluded, “and the only remedy in election of Moore with a Democratic legislature to support him.”

Thomas Madden also spoke at the meeting.

Democratic rallies were also held last night in three wards of the city and in Ashland.

C. Lawrence Gregorio, former assistant prosecutor, and David L. Visor spoke at the First Ward Democratic Club, 315 North Second Street; Firmin Michel and Frank Connors at the Tenth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 822 North Eighth Street; Albert Melnik, Gene Mariano and John Crean, at the Ninth Ward Democratic Club, 543 Washington Street, and Isaac Eason, former assistant attorney general of the United States at the A. Harry Moore Club of Ashland, Burnt Mill Road.

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.

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.

The courthouse plaza was the scene of considerable excitement yesterday afternoon when Democrats and Republicans clashed in an impromptu open forum over the merits of David Baird and A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidates.

An armistice was agreed upon after leaders from both factions took the stump and attempted to drown each other out by shouting the qualifications of their candidates.

A crowd of nearly 1000 persons cheered and booed until the Republicans consented to allow the Democrats to speak without interference.

Just previous to this, the two political parties had alternated in ten-minute speeches when the arguments of one forced the other to jump on the same platform and answer his opponent.

Gene Mariano, Camden Democratic orator, challenged that vice existed in Camden. He defied a Republican speaker to debate with him on the subject. Assemblyman F. Stanley Bleakley stepped from the crowd. He started to address the crowd attacking Moore.

A loud speaker wagon with six megaphones was backed up to the curb and martial music stopped the proceedings. It was later resumed with the Democrats in control.

The speakers included Jack Reynolds, Democrat, of Jersey City; Aaron Gordon, Republican of Jersey City; William E. Sewell, superintendent of elections, and Clifford Jordan, 122 Wade Street, both of Jersey City.

Jordan told his experiences with labor and election conditions in that city.

Gene R. Mariano — Samuel M. Shay

Mucci Gets Lighter Sentence for Salem Robberies— Girl Sent to Home

Salem, Feb. 2.—Lewis Del Duca of Salem, was sentenced to five years in the state prison; Frank Mucci, of Camden, to two years, and Lena Jatz, of Camden, was sent to the State Home for Women at Clinton today, for robbing three gasoline stations.

The sentences were handed down by Judge J. Forman Sinnickson in Salem County Criminal Court. Del Duca is 23 and lives in Fifth street here. The girl is 20, and made her home at 683 Ferry avenue, Camden. Mucci, who also is known as Jatz, is the girl’s brother, and lives at 328 Stevens Street, Camden. The girl’s sentence is indefinite.

Del Duca and the girl were found guilty by a jury January 24 on three indictments charging “breaking and entering in the night time with intent to steal.” Mucci pleaded non vult, throwing himself on the mercy of the court. Gene Mariano, of Camden, their attorney, took exception to the sentences, asserting that the words “in the night time,” in the indictment, made it illegal.

The defendants were accused of robbing the gasoline stations of Nelson Emmons, in Quinton road; Frank T. Dalbrow, of Quinton, and William Harris, of Mannington, on the night of last April 28. Police said some cigarettes, a clock and a showcase stolen from the stations were found in the automobile in which the defendants were arrested at Harris’ station.

O’Grady Elected President of County Association — ‘Racket’ Attacked

Permanent organization of the Camden County Magistrates and Constables Protective Association was effected last night at a meeting in American Legion Hall, Mt. Ephraim, when officers were elected. Ninety-two persons attended.

The officers are John S. O’Grady, Camden, president; Winfield Clark., vice president; W. L. Sauerhoff, secretary; Frank Timmons, financial secretary; William E. Laird, treasurer; Fern Glenn and Joseph Scarduzio, sergeants at arms; Samuel P. Orlando and Gene Mariano, solicitors; Michael J. Mulvihill, Harry C. Longerbein, Albert C. Becker, Vernon Lyon and Thomas Feeser, trustees.

The association went on record unanimously opposing magazine advertising “rackets” and announced it would support anyone who gives information concerning the sponsors of such schemes. The association will meet again February 20.

Declares Punching Due to Insulting Remark to Young Woman

Arrested on the charge of striking another man in the eye “to protect my sister,” Michael Laurino, 27, of 1018 South Fifth Street, was held in his own recognizance for the grand jury by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

Complaint was made against Laurino by Samuel Frankenstein, of 1239 Magnolia Avenue, who appeared in court with his left eye bandaged. Frankenstein was also arrested on disorderly conduct charges made by Miss Anna Laurino, sister of Michael.

Carl Auerbach, attorney for Frankenstein, told Judge Pancoast that his client was ordered out of the offices of the N.J. Steel Company, 1171 Chestnut Street, by Miss Laurino. When the girl made alleged insulting statements to Frankenstein, Auerbach said, the client told her that “no lady would make such a statement.”

The brother, Auerbach said, struck Frankenstein when he heard of the argument.

Gene R. Mariano, attorney for the Laurinos, said that Frankenstein insulted Miss Laurino and that the brother hit the man to protect his sister.

Judge Pancoast held Laurino for the grand jury and dismissed the disorderly charges against Frankenstein.

Lack of Intent Changes It From Murder to Manslaughter

Release of Father of 4 in $5000 Bail Due Today

‘Yes, I Did It,’ He Admits, After Grilling Smashes Accident Hoax

Young Professional Members to Be Guests at Dinner Dance

Six youths of Camden city and county, graduates of various institutions of higher learning, who have embarked upon professional careers within the past ten months, will be honored tonight at a dinner-dance, to be tendered them by the Circolo Italiano of Camden County.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p. m. in Hotel Walt Whitman.

The honored guests are Dr. Anthony Di Ielsi, of 1018 South Fifth Street, graduate of Hahnemann Medical College; Dr. John Carman Canal of 101 Black Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, graduate of the Temple University Dental School; Dr. John D. Del Duca, of 919 South Fifth Street, also a graduate of Temple University Dental School; Philip M. Mealo, civil engineer with a degree from Carnegie Tech., Angelo D. Malandra 1909 South Fourth Street, graduate of the South Jersey Law School, and Dr. P. J. Chinappi, of 1728 Broadway, who holds a degree from Temple University Dental School.

Common Pleas. Judge Eugene V. Alessandroni, of Philadelphia will be one of the principal speakers. Others include State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, Mayor Roy R. Stewart of Camden and Dr. A. A. de Porreca, noted Philadelphia architect.

Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor of Camden County and president of the Circolo Italiano of Camden County, will preside as toastmaster. Other officers of the organization are Edward V. Martino, vice president; Vincent A. Sarubbi, recording secretary; Cosmo Buono, corresponding secretary and Dr. Troiano, treasurer.

The Circolo Italiano of Camden County was organized in October, 1931 with a membership of six. Today its membership totals 44 men. Its purpose, is set forth in its charter of incorporation, “to engender, stimulate, and foster interest in the movement for the betterment of the Italian American citizens in the County of Camden.’

The committee directing tonight’s dinner dance includes Chairman Martino, Gene R. Mariano, John R. Di Mona, Anthony Marino, Dr. Troiano and Joseph Bantivoglio.

The changeable eyesight of chronic offenders doesn’t fool Police Judge Gene R. Mariano one bit.

Two men arrested as drunk and disorderly tried it in police court today but didn’t get to first base. Instead, they got jail terms.

Several weeks ago Wesley Pigwood, 44, of 2390 Farragut Avenue, received a suspended sentence. Yesterday he appeared before Judge Mariano wearing smoked glasses.

“You can’t fool me,” Mariano said. “You were arrested three weeks ago and I gave you a chance. Now you’ll go to jail for 30 days.”

Henry Brownson, 58, of 926 Elm Street, tried the same trick, with reverse English. Wearing glasses, he received a suspended sentence several weeks ago. Yesterday without glasses, he was haled before the court again. Mariano recognized him and sentenced him to 15 days.

Mayor Brunner, as Democratic state committeeman, swore in the new officers of the Haddon Township Democratic Association at the organization meeting.

Officers are George A. McCann, president; T. Marsden Smith, vice president; Ernest Spriger, treasurer; Mrs. Frances Weber, secretary; J. Taylor Reid, assistant secretary; George Thornborrow, Peter Fotinakis, David J. McCaffery, George DeFebb, Wade Locke, Esterbrook Reeves and John C. Trainor, directors.

Mayor Brunner praised the work of Trainor and Mrs. Gertrude K. Mc Caffery, members of the Democratic county committee from the town ship.

Other addresses were made by Mrs. Mary E. Soistmann, Democratic state committeewoman; Vincent L. Gallaher, chairman of the Democratic County Committee and Police Judge Gene R. Mariano.

Jury List Prepared for Coroner’s Action in Holdup Fatality

The coroner’s inquest to decide the cause of death to Angelos Magalas, Greek chef, who was shot during a card game holdup at 725 Penn Street on January 11, will be held today at 10 a. m.

Coroner Franklin P. Jackson III, of Collingswood, will conduct the inquest and will select his jury of 12 from a list of 15 persons prepared by the office of County Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.

Detectives already have subpoenaed 20 witnesses for questioning at the inquest, including players who were the victims in the holdup and three Camden physicians who attended Magalas prior to his death.

The witnesses will include Samuel and Mabel Ermilios, tenants of the Penn Street house where the holdup occurred; George and Annette Mastros, who room at the house; Samuel Bosco, Broadway barber; George Summers, Ross Pantel, Michael D’Andrea and William Caras, who according to police were participants in the card game.

All of the men were held as material witnesses in the shooting when arraigned today before Police Judge Gene R. Mariano.

Doctors to Testify

Other witnesses will include Dr. Paul Mecray, Dr. A. S. Ross and Dr. Edwin R. Ristine and Miss Sophia MacAfee, a Cooper Hospital nurse. Police who will testify include Detectives Thomas Murphy, Harry Kyler and William Boettcher and Patrolmen Richard Powers, Frank Clements, George Nicktern and Sergeant Jack Deith.

The jury will be selected from Guy Clokey, Collingswood; Lawrence Ball, Haddonfield; Howard Friant, Collingswood; Harry Chew, Collingswood; Sig Schoenagle, Camden merchant; Raymond Hanly, real estate broker; Benjamin Brest, Raymond Worrel, John Eby, all of Camden; William H. Lorigan, Merchantville; David B. Robinson, Collingswood; Rev. James Pemberton and John McGowan, of Camden, Earl Jackson, of Collingswood and Morris B. Clark, of Haddonfield.

Coroner Jackson refused to give a certificate of death until the chemical test of Magalas’ brain was made by Philadelphia experts. The result will not be revealed until the inquest.

Assistant Prosecutor Isaac Eason and County Physician David S. Rhone gave it as their opinion that Malagas died of natural causes rather than the bullet wound. Coroner Jackson then ordered an inquest to be held.

Police are searching for Frank Luggi, 21, of 322 Penn Street, who they say was one of the holdup bandits and the one who fired the bullet that struck Magalas.

The last coroner’s inquest held in Camden county was in 1933, in the death of Thomas Timothy Sullivan, and previous to that none had been held here in 25 years.

Sullivan was 57 years old and lived at 401 State Street. He was employed as a detective by the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was found shot to death in a shack in the railroad yards on August 28, 1933.

At that time, County Physician Edward B. Rogers issued a certificate of death that Sullivan had committed suicide. The decision of the county physician enraged members of Sullivan’s family and they demanded an inquest.

The inquest was ordered by then Coroner Arthur H. Holl, who presided. All the evidence in the case was presented to the jury of 12 men, and after deliberating for less than an hour, they returned a verdict that Sullivan had been murdered by persons unknown.

Under state law, the county physician may order an inquest; with 12 persons on the jury of the coroner’s choosing. The jurymen may be taken from the present panel of the petit jury or be picked at random. The Grand Jury does not have to indict on the basis of the inquest. At the inquest Coroner Jackson will be assisted by attaches of the prosecutor’s office.

Malagas, the father of three children, lived at 1110 Langham Avenue. He was shot when several armed bandits held up a card game and he died several days later.

District Court Judge Joseph Varbalow yesterday held under advisement an action by Police Judge Gene R. Mariano seeking to recover $150 from Mrs. Marietta Branin, wife of Police Chief John S. Branin, of Delaware township.

Judge Mariano testified that the $150 represents the balance of a $250 fee for “at least” 25 conferences he held in his office in July and August of 1936 with Mrs. Branin and “other persons interested” in her suit for divorce. Each of these conferences, he said, lasted from an hour to an hour and a half.

“One day I woke up and found out I was not her attorney,” Mariano declared, “so I sent her a bill for $250 for my fee for the conferences. I received a check for $100 on account with the balance promised within two weeks.”

Chief Branin and his wife filed cross suits for divorce last November. No date has been set for a hearing. Both charge infidelity and extreme cruelty.

Judge Mariano also testified he had other conferences with Mrs. Branin’s daughter and “a Mr. Roberts who was interested in the divorce action.”

One man was sentenced to 60 days in jail yesterday while another was given a suspended sentence when arraigned on the charge of attempting suicide by turning on the gas in their homes.

When Joseph Dadich, 52, a plumber of 1438 Louis Street, faced Judge Gene R. Mariano, the man’s wife, Emma asked the court to send her husband away for the “cure” because he had been drinking for several months. Mrs. Dadich found her husband lying across the kitchen stove Sunday with the burners turned on. She got him into the open air and he was revived, after which he was arrested. Dadich drew the jail sentence.

Joseph Grochowski, 22, of 915 Mechanic Street, the second man to be haled before the court on the suicide attempt charge, was found with his head bent over the burner of a hot water heater in the cellar by his brother-in-law, Edmond Kincher. When Stanley Ciechanowski, Freeholder of the Seventh Ward, said Judge Joseph Varbalow had promised to give Grochowski a position, Judge Mariano suspended sentence, and he was released.

Officers were installed at the Nuova Anito Garibaldi Lodge, No. 835, Order Sons of Italy, by T. M. Recchiuti, member of the grand council, and Luigi Faragalli.

Those installed were Mrs. E. D’Alessandro, president; Mrs. M. Pizza, vice-president; Mrs. G. Totarella, orator; Mrs. M. Cardile, recording secretary; Mrs. M. Commando, financial secretary; Mrs. T. M. Recchiuti, treasurer; Mrs. J. Capone, Mrs. M. D’Alessandro, Mrs. A. D’PasquaJe, Mrs. N. Saiola and Mrs. R. Recchia, trustees.

Judge Gene R. Mariano, Professor L. Scotti, Angelo DiPersia, and Dr. Ernest Larossa were guest speakers.

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 committee woman; 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.

Ralph Bantivoglio was elected president of the Eighth Ward Beneficial Association at its annual meeting held at 1921 South Fourth Street Monday night.

Other officers elected were Al Konopka, vice president; John Downes, recording secretary; Frank Di Giacomo, financial secretary and Henry Konopka, treasurer.

Final arrangements were made for the association’s annual ball and show February 25 to which Mayor George E. Brunner, Police Judge Gene R. Mariano and other notables have been invited. Al Di Giacomo was named chairman and Konopka treasurer, of the ball committee, Jimmy De Muro and his Country Club Orchestra have been engaged.

Barber Seized as He Waits Outside Room of Grand Jury

Ready to Testify in Case When Indicted for Murder With Luggi

Attorneys Will Seek Habeas Corpus Writ

Samuel Bosco, widely known Camden barber, sat in the anteroom of the Camden County Grand Jury room yesterday, expecting to be called as a witness in the slaying of Angelo Magalas, Camden chef.

Instead he was arrested on the charge of murder.

With Frank Luggi, fugitive police character, he was charged with slaying Magalas, wounded fatally as he sat in a Penn street card game, January 10.

Magalas, who lived at 1119 Langham avenue, died Jan. 23 in Cooper Hospital. A coroner’s jury found death was superinduced by gunshot wounds inflicted during a scuffle between two bandits and players at the scene of the holdup.

Bosco, who also participated in the card game, was one of the principal witnesses at the inquest. And yesterday he readily answered the summons to appear before the jury.

Indicted by Jury

He was in the ante-room—still waiting to testify—shortly after 4 p. m. when Mark Reeve, clerk of the jury, came out and whispered to City Detective Thomas Murphy.

Murphy walked over to Bosco. He placed a hand on his shoulder and said:

“You are under arrest.”

“What for?” Bosco asked.

“The grand jury just indicted you on a charge of murder,” Murphy replied.

Bosco appeared stunned. He started to speak again. His lips moved but no sound came as he arose, put on his overcoat and accompanied Murphy to the city jail across the street from the old courthouse. He was booked at police headquarters on the murder charge, photographed, fingerprinted and held without bail.

John L. Morrissey and Benjamin J. Dzick, counsel for the accused barber, announced last night a rule to show cause for a writ of habeas corpus will be sought this morning from Common Pleas Court Judge Clifford A. Baldwin, in an effort to win Bosco’s release.

Evidence Held Lacking

“There was no evidence to warrant Bosco’s arrest on a charge of murder,” Morrissey said.

“If Judge Baldwin is available I will appear before the court and ask for a writ of habeas corpus. I intend to ask the court to dismiss the charge entirely. There was not sufficient evidence to warrant a charge of murder and certainly no evidence on which the arrest for murder was made.”

Both Morrissey and Dzick visited Bosco in the city jail last night. They held a brief conference after which Morrissey reported the barber still was stunned over the turn of events but otherwise was unworried.

Police said arraignment of Bosco would be delayed due to the Lincoln’s Birthday holiday. He probably will be taken before Judge Gene R. Mariano Monday morning, they said.

Barber Held Door

Bosco was one of the players in the game, but when the bandits entered, he ran into a shed and held the door in back of him. He told police he held the door to prevent the bandits from following him. None of the players could have fled by the door, either, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando pointed out.

At the time of the coroner’s inquest, officials of the prosecutor’s office questioned Bosco at great length concerning his act in holding the shed door closed.

“I didn’t want the bandits to follow me. I didn’t want to be robbed,” Bosco answered his questioners.

Luggi has been sought for questioning in connection with the holdup ever since it occurred.

Luggi has been identified by other participants of the card game, which was held at the home of Samuel Ermilios, 725 Penn street, as the gunman with whom Magalas was wrestling when the gun went off, the bullet severing an artery in Magalas’ arm.

Mariano Says He Won’t Postpone Any More as Complaint is Thrown Out

Police Judge Mariano gave notice yesterday that “unless a very good reason is advanced,” there will be no more drunken driving cases postponed in Police Court.

He made that statement after telling Virgil Moffett, 47, of 303 North Forty-first street, that he was “very lucky” and that he would be “given the benefit of the doubt.” He then dismissed a drunken driving complaint against the man.

Moffett was arrested last Saturday night after a truck on which he was riding, and a car driven by Ernest Herman, 25, of 214 Byron street, were in collision at Fourth and Federal streets. The hearing scheduled for Monday, was postponed until today so that “additional witnesses” could be called.

Although Lieutenant George Ward testified that Moffett was drunk when brought into police headquarters, Sergeant James Wilson, who arrested Moffett, said he was not intoxicated, but had been drinking.

Moffett admitted driving the truck into the city and said he had a couple of drinks at a restaurant. He said that he did not want to drive back and that two men whom he met in the restaurant and whom he did not know offered to go along with him and drive the truck. The men were not with Moffett when he was arrested.

Herman said he didn’t know who was driving the truck but that after the collision Moffett came over to him. He said he didn’t know whether Moffett was drunk.

“I must dispose of these cases upon the evidence presented here under the law,” Judge Mariano declared. “I will dismiss the complaint. This will be the last drunken driving case that will be postponed by me unless a very good reason is advanced.”

Arrested at Second and Main streets with a sink in their possession, two youths were given suspended six-month sentences yesterday by Police Judge Mariano. The youths, Owen Norris, 19, of 422 Cedar Street, and Richard St. John, 19, of 843 Grant Street, told Detectives William Casler and Harry Tyler they found the sink on a dump.

Charged with mayhem and larceny, Thomas Fletcher, 25, of 814 South Second street, was sentenced yesterday to six months in jail on the latter charge by Police Judge Mariano and held in $5000 bail for the Grand Jury on the other charge.

Appearing against Fletcher was Herman Lundy, 19, of 530 Kaighn avenue, his left hand in a sling.

Lundy charged that Fletcher bit off the end of his left forefinger when he grappled with the man to prevent theft of his bicycle.

Sergeant Nathan Pettit and Patrolman Marshall Thompson, who arrested Fletcher, told Judge Mariano that 200 persons were assembled around the man and threatening him when they arrived at the scene.

Fletcher told the court he was drunk. The policemen said he was not. They told Judge Mariano that Fletcher recently was released from Ancora, where he had served six months on a larceny charge.

Three youths charged with the larceny of 60 pounds of copper from a building at the Highland Worsted Company, Ninth and State streets, were given suspended six-month sentences yesterday by Police Judge Mariano. They are Vincent St. John, 18, of 843 Grant street; Charles Schwartz, 16, of 638 York street, and Edward Sweitanski, 16, of 911 Vine street.

County Jail Aides Refuse to Accept Prisoner of City

Counsel to Seek Writ for Release of Barber in Magalas Fatality

Handcuffed in Court

Sam Bosco, central city barber held since Friday on a murder indictment, finally will get a police court hearing today, it was decided yesterday.

Handcuffed but composed, Bosco appeared briefly before Police Judge Mariano yesterday, but there was no formal hearing then because defense counsel held that the city court no longer had jurisdiction since an indictment was found.

Judge Mariano agreed that the indictment removed the case from his jurisdiction and placed it in the hands of the county, but later when Bosco was taken to the county prison on transfer from the city jail, attaches there refused to admit him on the grounds there was no commitment from a judge.

Went Berserk in Jail

Then it was that his lawyer, John L. Morrissey, and Mariano agreed that a formal hearing should be conducted today and commitment papers for the county jail prepared. After that, Morrissey said, he probably will seek his client’s release on a writ of habeas corpus before a higher court.

Meanwhile, Bosco will remain in the city jail, where, according to police, he went berserk Saturday and, after flinging a plate of food in the turnkey’s face, threatened him with a jagged piece of the broken dish. For that reason, he was handcuffed when taken before Mariano.

Yesterday’s arraignment was to have been a further hearing on material witness charges against Bosco in connection with the death of Angelo Magalas, fatally wounded during an alleged holdup of a card game in which Magalas and Bosco were playing in a Penn Street house last January 10.

Morrissey pointed out that since the previous hearing the case had been taken out of the hands of the city and was now a matter of the county prosecutor’s office by reason of the murder indictment. Mariano said he was in accord with that reasoning.

Bosco, who showed no sign of having lost control of himself, then was led away. After the hearing, Morrissey said:

“I intend to go before Common Pleas Judge Baldwin or Justice Donges and seek a writ of habeas corpus. This will permit me to see what the indictment contains, and if the evidence does not support a murder charge—as we are certain it does not—the charge might be changed to manslaughter, which would be bailable.”

The indictment against Bosco will not be formally handed up until Friday, and it was not certain whether Morrissey would wait until then or would act at once.

Lent Car to Others He Says; Denies Charges

Police Charge He Got One on Credit, Sold and Then Reclaimed It

One of the strangest gyp rackets discovered in Camden in recent years—a vacuum cleaner sales scheme—was believed broken up yesterday with arraignment of Leonard Hauser, 218 North Eighth street, before Police Judge Mariano. Hauser was arrested at his home by Patrolman John Ferry after an investigation by Frank Thompson, representative of a nationally-known vacuum cleaner company with offices at Sixth and Cooper streets.

Ferry testified Hauser paid $10 down on a cleaner for a certain trial period. Then, Ferry said, he represented himself as a salesman for the company and sold it to Mrs. Mary Kirby, 552 Bailey street, for $25, plus her old cleaner for a trade in.

Later, the cleaner mysteriously broke down. Hauser called and said he would take it back, Ferry testified, and bring a new one. He took the cleaner, said Ferry, but never was seen at the Kirby home again.

“If he had taken the broom,” remarked City Prosecutor Cohen, “would you call it a clean sweep?”

Mariano said he had information that Hauser was “working a real racket and that a number of other North Camden residents had been similarly defrauded.”

C. Lawrence Gregorio, defense counsel, waived a hearing and the suspect was held in $2000 bail for the Grand Jury.

Detective Edwin Mills said after the hearing that Hauser did not restrict his activities to vacuum cleaners.

William Shaw, of 1474 Broadway, identified Hauser, according to Mills, as the man who collected $5 from him for an electric toy which was to have been Shaw’s little son’s Christmas present. The toy never arrived, Mills said Shaw told him.

Mrs. Emily C. Hedley, of Berlin, and Mrs. Howard Brown, of Williamstown, also identified Hauser as the “vacuum cleaner salesman” who duped them, Mills declared.

Two agents of the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board revealed in police court yesterday how they played the roles of stage detectives, employing disguises and a prop in the form of a 10-year-old automobile, to nab an illegal seller of beer.

The agents, Earl Howe and William Brooks, got wind that Herman Divinsky, 46, of 2801 Mitchell street, a grocer, was selling beer without a license.

So last Friday they dressed themselves in old clothes and borrowed a truck. They drained the water out of the radiator and waited until it began steaming. Then they drove up to Divinsky’s store.

They went in and asked for water. He gave them a bucketful. When they returned the bucket a man came in and bought a bottle of beer. Howe suggested that he and Brooks have a sandwich. Then they asked and got a bottle of beer each to wash it down. A search of the store revealed several empty cases.

The agents insisted on a high fine, and Judge Mariano assessed Divinsky $100 with the warning that if he is caught again he will be held for the grand jury.

Girl Tells in Court of Twice Buying Beer But He Assails Her Story

Arrested on a charge of violating the city ordinance forbidding the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, Antonio Panetta, 52, proprietor of a cafe at Fourth and Arch streets, was found not guilty by Police Judge Mariano yesterday.

Panetta was arrested by Patrolman John V. Wilkie after Wilkie said he acted on a statement made to him by Nora Williams, 18, of 625 North Front street.

The girl testified she and several other girls bought beer in the place last Christmas night and again on New Year’s Eve, from two waitresses whom she described as “Betty” and “Harriet.” She declared she had bought beer on several previous occasions at the cafe, and identified Elizabeth Matlack, 1287 Thurman street, as “Betty.”

Panetta testified he “keeps a strict watch” on his place and that the girl could not have been served without him knowing it. He said whenever he thinks a customer is under age, he gets the suspected person to sign a card. He said he was in his establishment on both nights when the girl alleged she got beer, but had not seen her there. Mrs. Panetta corroborated her husband’s testimony and the waitress denied serving the girl.

Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen asked that a conviction be found, pointing out that the girl was the only “disinterested witness,” while the others were “members of the family and an employee.”

Carlton W. Rowand, attorney for Panetta, wanted to know “if these things happened on those days, why the warrant was not issued until yesterday.”

Judge Mariano replied that the “information did not reach the police department until a few days ago.”

In freeing Panetta Judge Mariano declared the state “had not borne the burden of proof and that the benefit of the doubt must be given to the defendant.”

Ben Polombo, president of Societa Di N. S. Unione Forza will be honored February 24 at a dinner in the Licata Restaurant, 417 Walnut street. Polombo recently was elected for his seventh term. Guests invited include Mayor Brunner, Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino and John L. Morrissey. Police Judge Gene R. Mariano will be toastmaster.

James J. Scarduzio is committee chairman. Others on the committee are John Colleratti, vice chairman; Samuel Barbarosa, treasurer; Nick Caramanna, secretary; Antonio De Marco, financial secretary; Joseph Mascico, Carman Calvanetti, Ernest Parattoglia, Rocco Melfi, Nick Del Rossi, Louis Bush, Antonio Marcchiore and Fred Muscella.

Because the complainant was not in police court yesterday Judge Gene R. Mariano continued the hearing of a larceny charge against Charles Pennington, 21, of 906 South Seventh street, until today.

Louis Tarter, the youth’s employer, took him to detective bureau Tuesday when Pennington said a stranger stole $25 in receipts from a load of junk shipped to Philadelphia by Tarter.

Detectives Benjamin Simon and Joseph Mardino forced Pennington to disrobe and found $22 in his shoes. Pennington, according to the detectives, admitted his robbery story was a fake and he was held on the larceny charge. Pennington said the money belonged to Tarter, who has a junk yard at Ninth and Liberty streets.

Police Judge Mariano yesterday held Anthony Stavoli, 30, a bakery wagon driver, of 314 Stevens Street, in $500 bail for a further hearing March 1 when his employer charged that Stavoli failed to turn in collections totaling $200.

Complaint against Stavoli was made by Mrs. Elizabeth Cettei, proprietor of a bakery at 320 Stevens Street. Her daughter, Mary, who keeps the shop’s books, said she checked with customers who showed receipts for bills which they paid Stavoli. Mariano said some of the customers should be in court for the further hearing.

Foreman Charges Worker Brandished Knife in Attempt to Prevent Layoff

A man who allegedly tried to keep his job at the point of a 14-inch knife was held in $2500 bail for the Grand Jury yesterday on a charge of threatening to kill. He is Fulgienty Biebinski, 46, of 1235 Lansdowne Avenue, for 15 years an employee of the McNeely Leather Company, 72 Erie Street.

Joseph Dworanczyk, 1014 Kaighn Avenue, a foreman in the plant, testified that on Monday he received orders to layoff a number of employees. Among them was Biebinski, whose sight is so poor, he had to be assisted to the prisoner’s box by Police Court attaches.

The next day, Dworanczyk continued, Biebinski accosted him in the locker room with a long knife used to trim leather and demanded that he be rehired.

Two employees, Sigmund Olesiewicz, 1418 South Tenth street, and Joseph Sagan, 2142 Orkney Street, Philadelphia, testified they saw Biebinski threaten Dworanczyk with the weapon. Biebinski said that he really meant no harm to Dworanczyk but wanted to frighten him into giving his job back.

Judge Mariano said he sympathized with Biebinski but could not condone his methods and held him for the Grand Jury.

The Monday morning washday blues yesterday landed three South Camden neighbors in Police Court in a futile effort to decide who hit who with what clothes prop.

It seems that Mrs. Sophia Anyzek, of 1013 Atlantic avenue, hung out her wash bright and early Monday. Just as bright and early, Mrs. Helen Pepiak, 1011 Atlantic avenue, decided to beat her rugs.

Well, the wind was in the direction from rugs to wash and things became pretty tense between the families Anyzek and Pepiak. Somehow Mrs. Anyzek’s husband, Stanley, got in the argument. According to Mrs. Pepiak’s version to Judge Mariano, it was Mrs. Anyzek who wielded clothes props, whanging her in the back with the ungainly weapon.

That didn’t gee with Mrs. Anyzek’s version. It was Mrs. Pepiak who swung the prop and she (Mrs. Anyzek) simply ducked. The prop hit a clothes pole and broke, said Mrs. Anyzek, and a flying fragment struck Mrs. Pepiak in the back.

Mariano thought he had a solution when he suggested that both families move away from the neighborhood. But then it developed that they owned their own homes and the best he could propose was $500 bonds for all hands to keep the peace.

Mrs. Nettie Angelastro, of 1122 Locust street, testified in police court yesterday that her husband, Jack, 28, beat her “four times a month.” He denied the charge.

Police Judge Mariano was in a quandary. Neither wife nor husband had corroborating testimony.

Suddenly Mrs. Angelastro’s daughter, aged 2, whom she was holding, spoke up: “Papa hit Mama,” were the only words the child uttered. It was enough for Judge Mariano. He found Angelastro guilty, suspended a six months’ sentence and ordered him to make arrangements to provide support for his wife and child.

Charged with stealing brass fittings worth $700 from the Noecker & Ake Shipyard, Twenty-eighth Street and Harrison Avenue, Frank Benson, 18, of 637 Linden street, was held in $1000 bail for the Grand Jury by Police Judge Mariano yesterday.

Benson was caught Wednesday by a shipyard employee who told police he waited two hours in the rain for the suspect.

Detectives Heber McCord and Donald Swissler were commended by Judge Mariano after they reported recovering most of the loot.

by JIMINY

Feed Bag: Former Judge Joseph Varbalow will soon announce he has purchased the Towers and Broadway Theatres from the Ellis family … Circuit Court Judge V. Claude Palmer will probably file his decision today in the fraud charges made by the Republican League against the election of Freeholders Ciechanowski and Francesconi … Since Judge Palmer told the Democratic attorney, Alex Feinberg, that Feinberg must complete his entire case in a half a day “because, frankly, I don’t see what answer you can make to this testimony,” you can draw your own conclusions about what the decision will be … Incidentally, Judge Palmer will take a plane July 12 for a vacation at Calgary in the Canadian Rockies … The name of Walter Uliase, Seventh ward Democrat, has been withdrawn from powwows on appointments to the county tax board … Senator Al Driscoll was willing to okay Joe Ackroyd, Democrat, as successor on the board to Fred Schorpp, whose term expired a few weeks ago … The Republicans are said to have figured that in that way, they could hold Victor King on the board awhile longer, even though his term expired more than a year ago … Lee Smith, former WPA director, is still a possibility for the tax board job … The Democrats are holding frequent conferences on who the assistant prosecutor shall be … Police Judge Gene R. Mariano, a strong contender, has reportedly been dropped with Ben Dzick, Tony Mitchell, Charlie Rudd and the Kraft boys still in the running … Police court habitues believe that Gene himself announced indirectly that he had been eliminated when he said from the bench, while hearing a case, “Lady, you’ll find that even your best friends sometimes stab you in the back. I found that out myself only at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon” … That was on Thursday … Mayor George Brunner told the dept that our guess was still as good as his, so that leaves Ben Dzick still with the fence position in the race … Mariano may be considered for the $5000 State job as sealer of weights and measures …

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Miscellany: Neil F. Deighan, the saloonman who led the opposition to a legislative bill which proposed that liquor manufacturers and wholesalers be prevented from selling goods to any retailer who owed them money and that all purchases be made with cash or quick payment credit plan (the bill will die in committee), is having his troubles with some wholesalers … Suits have been filed against Deighan and the Old Mill Inn, Inc., by Galsworthy, Inc., for $1713.51 plus interest; Joseph A. Reinfeld, Inc., for $1366.43 plus interest, and Majestic Wines and Spirits, Inc., for $1579.80 plus interest … The suits are in the New Jersey Supreme Court and allegedly represent unpaid balances of liquor bills … Tom Dickinson, courthouse custodian, is wearing a bright red face these days because the missus sent him to the store the other night for some sandwich meat for their guest … Because of a similarity of trade names, Tom returned home with a package … Of razor blades … The new office of Bishop Eustace may be established at the old Rodger homestead at 721 Cooper street … Vice Chancellor Al Woodruff has left for Chile and some deep sea fishing.