Introduction
George Kleinheinz
The German Mass Meeting.
Camden Daily Courier —
A PURELY DEMOCRATIC GATHERING AT THE COURT HOUSE.
Tuetonic [sic] Republicans Fail to Turn Out—An Audience of Vice Presidents—Judge Wescott Expresses a Love for German Vote.
About two hundred persons, one half of whom were vice presidents and all known as Democrats, gathered at the court house last night to attend the German Democratic mass meeting. There were few Republicans present and consequently the meeting and its object—a German-Republican revolt—was a complete failure. A German band played some familiar tunes of the Fatherland. Four airs had been rendered and yet no speakers appeared, when finally Editor Alexander Schlessinger, of the Camden County Journal, Captain Stahl and Dr. Beurnt, of Philadelphia, appeared. John Heilemann then walked up to the bar and called the meeting to order. Eli Bachrach was unanimously chosen chairman, and Messrs. Pfeiffer and Goldenberg were appointed a committee to escort the gentleman to the chair. In a few words of his native language he thanked the meeting for the honor conferred. Dr. Conrad G. Hoell, Jacob Vissell, Anthony J. Oberst, H. Gausselman, were elected secretaries.
THE VICE PRESIDENTS.
The following long list of vice presidents was then announced: At large, Dr. B. J. Weyle; First ward—Francis D. Pastorius, John Scharnagl, Wilhelm Hage, Christian Killinger, David Goldenberg; Second ward—John Heilemann, John Pfeiffer, Christian Eckert, John Hausbeck, Charles E. Wentz, Ernest C. Wentz; Third ward—Solomon Seybold, Wilhelm Myers, J. Henry Sauers, Gus Weber, George Bristle, Joseph Meyer, Sr.; Fourth ward—George Holl, Theodore G. Mayer, Emanuel Schneider, Conrad Spalt, Charles Benkert; Fifth ward—Peter Dankelmann, John F. Riegen, George Horneff, Sr., Theodore Krug; Sixth ward—Anthony Kobus, George Pfeiffer, Sr., George Pfeiffer, Jr., John Welsh, Sr., Dennis Lutenbacher, Frederick Lutz, Fred George Brum, A. Tegtmeier, Michael N. Voll, George Kleinheintz, Lewis Schiemer; Seventh ward—Edward N. Cohn, Charles Helm, Anthony Vall, Dr. H. W. Miller, Edward Schuster, Sr.; Eight [sic] ward—Dr. John W. Dognes, John Heim, John Schaus, Martin J. Eno; Wrightsville—Frank Berberick, David Hess, Jacob Meyer; East Camden—Fred Spuhler; Merchantville—Jacob Moeck, Gottlieb C. Moeck; Gloucester City—Fred Geissel, John Bender; Berlin—Peter Mucker; Blackwoodtown—Christ. Ebensperger; Milford—Louis Clipper; Collingswood—John Schnutzius.
WESCOTT ON IMMIGRATION.
Vice President Pastorious read the following letter from Judge Wescott, the Democratic Congressional candidate:
“Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen:
“I regret my inability to be present at your meeting to-night. In my letter of acceptance, and in another to the people, you will see my views in brief upon what seems to be an important practical question of the day.
The history and record of the Democratic party show it to have extended the hand of hospitality to all immigrants who come to this country to enjoy the opportunity of free institutions and individual liberty. No element of our diversified population has contributed more skill, industry and good citizenship to American nationality than the German race.
The thrift and sturdy mentality of your people contributes much to the grand problem of Democratic government. I would favor the establishment at New Orleans, Philadelphia, Boston and other metropolitan centres, of institutions similar to that now existing in New York for the purpose of regulating and perfecting a system of immigration, correcting its abuse, protecting the inexperienced from fraudulent impositions to which they are subjected and providing safer and better modes of immigration and transportation.
In my judgment this is a matter that not only needs but should promptly receive additional legislation. You cannot but see its importance. I call your attention to it that you may see that this subject has not escaped the attention of our people.
Sincerely, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. WESCOTT.
THE SPEAKERS.
The chairman had just sat down on a ubiquitous German reporter for interrupting the meeting, when candidate for the legislature Harry B. Paul entered the room. He made a few remarks and told how he would support all questions of the people and not of corporations. The next speaker was George Pfeiffer. He said speech-making was a new thing to him, but judging from the papers and documents he brought to show how corrupt the last legislature was because it was not Democratic, was sufficient evidence that he had come prepared to spend a week if necessary. He soon tired of talking however, and adjourned to the auditorium in favor of Dr. Beurnt, of Philadelphia. Addresses were also made by Captain E. C. Stahl, Albert Hoffman, Editor Schlesinger, and others.
Camden Candidates Ready for Primaries
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Though City Clerk Extends Time the Line Up of Contestants Is Virtually Complete
Virtually all of the municipal candidates, Republicans and Democrats, filed their petitions with City Clerk Brown in Camden yesterday. Although the new law apparently provided that yesterday was the last day on which the petitions could be filed, Clerk Brown placed a different construction on the act and extended the time until next Monday.
Those seeking nomination were not aware of this, and most of them had their petitions ready. The various Councilmanic candidates, with those for Freeholder and Excise Commissioner, follow.
City Council—Republicans, First ward, John A. Mather, George W. Ealer; Second ward, M. F. Middleton, Jr., Willis DeUnger, Arthur Colsey, William F. Kelly; Third ward, R. J. Garrison, William Hall; Fourth ward, James E. Hewitt; Fifth ward, R. S. Carney; Sixth ward, Arthur L. Jones, Edward Ivers; Seventh ward, Lawrence Reader, George J. Schneider; Eighth ward, Grant E. Kirk; Ninth ward, Edward Francis, David Goff, James Massey, Charles C. Read, Joseph Pfeiffer; Tenth ward, Daniel R. Smith, F. Wayland Potter, John A. Rogers; Twelfth ward, A. R. Read, William C. Read, J. W. Wilson, J. O. Grear.
Democrats—Second ward, S. H. Quint; Fourth ward, Harry Richmond; Seventh ward, J. A. Woljkowiak, Andrew Hatz; Ninth ward, Thomas Lattlehales; Tenth ward, E. F. Wilmot, George Evans; [a partly cut line at the top of the next crop is not legible] Twelfth ward, Charles C. Old.
Freeholders—Republicans, First ward, James F. Walton, Harry Campbell; Second ward, David A. Henderson; Third ward, John T. Rodan; Fourth ward, William Monroe, A. R. Dease; Fifth ward, David Rankin; Sixth ward, F. W. Gercke; Seventh ward, Walter W. Johnson; Eighth ward, Thomas Leeson; Ninth ward, John Prentice; Tenth ward, J. W. Wilkinson; Eleventh ward, F. W. Geisler, George Simpson; Twelfth ward, J. M. Pennock, Charles Laib.
Democrats—Fourth ward, J. R. Kirkbride; Sixth ward, Louis Shimer; Ninth ward, John Hurley; Tenth ward, A. R. Romba, F. A. Kendall; Twelfth ward, Charles F. Tracey, George A. Wilkins.
Excise Commissioners—Republicans, William B. Stephens, J. H. Sweeten, John Baker, M. H. Bains, W. H. Chamberlain, E. J. Alff, Jacob Gnang, G. C. Stratton, Howard Lee, Walter Simpson, H. A. Budney, J. H. Morang.
Democrats—John Miller, William J. McGettigan, George Kleinheinz, Frank Richmond, Jacob Neutz.
Camden Democrats to Invade Trenton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Aiming to take a thousand men to Trenton to march in the parade the Camden Democratic Club is preparing for participation in the inauguration of Governor-elect Edwards on January 20. A special train will carry the Camden faithful, who will be marshaled by George Kleinheintz. George Fisher is chairman of the committee and is being aided by Samuel Shay, E. J. Kelleher, R. Gimello, John T. Cleary, William Schmid, Joseph Keefe and Frank Homan.
Hyland Succeeds Kleinheinz on Election Board
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Among appointments to membership on County Boards of Election made by Governor Edwards yesterday were those of Mrs. Emma Hyland and Major George Selby, of Camden. Mrs. Hyland is a Democrat. She succeeds George Kleinheinz, president of the Camden board. She is very active in party circles and is the widow of John Hyland, who died in France while in the postal service during the war.
Major Selby is a Republican and is a present member of the board. He served in France throughout the war and was promoted for bravery.
Bennie Approval Awaited in Senate
Camden Courier-Post —
Governor Sends in His Name as Camden County Jury Commissioner
Trenton, June 11 (Saturday) — Nomination of former Freholder [sic] Joseph Bennie, Camden Democrat, as Camden county jury commissioner, was sent to the Senate yesterday afternoon by the governor. It had not been acted on early today as the Legislature prepared to adjourn.
Bennie, who would serve a one-year term at $750, would succeed George Kleinheinz, also a Democrat. Kleinheinz has been acting jury commissioner since April 1, when his term expired, being named temporarily by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
Bennie has been slated for the job for some time but Senator Stewart said he had been holding up his approval of Bennie’s appointment while awaiting a report on the case of Judge Frank F. Neutze, of Camden district court, from the ethics committee of the Camden County Bar Association. The committee is investigating charges made by Stewart that Neutze was guilty of “ambulance chasing.” Stewart cited the charge as one of his reasons for refusing to approve the governor’s re-appointment of Neutze.
“I have changed my mind,” Stewart said yesterday, “because the Neutze matter cannot be settled now and the jury commissioner appointment might as well be approved.”
Bennie’s appointment was recommended by Harry L. Maloney, and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committee members from Camden county.
Selects Jurors
Camden Courier-Post —
JOSEPH BENNIE
Former Democratic freeholder, of 511 South Fourth street, Camden, whose appointment by Governor A. Harry Moore as jury commissioner of Camden county, has been confirmed by the Senate. He is well known in fraternal circles and until this year was the only Democrat for three years on the freeholders’ board. He will serve a one-year term at $750, succeeding George Kleinheinz, also a Democrat.
Vincent Gallaher to Be Named County Solicitor by Freeholders To Replace Keown Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Vincent J. Gallaher, of Collingswood, a Camden attorney and chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee, will be elected county solicitor at tonight’s regular meeting of the coalition-controlled Camden County Board of Freeholders.
This was learned through two unimpeachable sources yesterday. Gallaher informed close friends he would be chosen for the post.
Gallaher will be chosen despite claims of Walter S. Keown, present county solicitor, that he cannot be removed from the position. Reports last week that Keown had decided to resign without a fight to keep his job were declared by him to be false. He said yesterday he had no statement to offer.
Further it was learned that Keown was sworn in as county solicitor by Deputy County Clerk Truax on January 7. It was the first time he had even taken the oath of office.
Others Take Oath
Truax also admitted a number of other county officials were sworn in last month. No record of the other officials previously taking the oath of office is on file in the county clerk’s office.
“As I understand the law the county solicitor does not have to take the oath of office,” Truax said. “The act specifically sets forth that he shall be elected for a term of three years. Mr. Keown was elected county solicitor on January 1, 1937.
“An act does require the county physician must be sworn in by the county clerk or deputy clerk. Dr. Edward B. Rogers, who was elected county physician, neglected to take the oath.
It is understood that City Solicitor Firmin Michel recommended the appointment of Gallaher, who also is said to have the endorsement of Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, who successfully directed the coalition movement that wrested the control of the Board of Freeholders from the Republicans after an uninterrupted reign of 92 years.
Michel with Isadore H. Hermann and Edward V. Martino, all affiliated with the Camden city legal department, are said to have looked up the law and reached the unanimous conclusion that Keown can be ousted from his job and that Gallaher’s appointment will withstand all tests in the courts.
Other Jobs in Doubt
Other present Republican jobholders may also be routed out of office at tonight’s meeting of the freeholders, it was indicated.
Apparently some who have held county jobs, many for long periods; anticipate the freeholders plan to replace them.
Among several known to have taken oaths of office during the last month are Mrs. Grace Anthony Riggins, superintendent of the county juvenile detention home; William B. Macdonald, county court stenographer; George R. Braunwarth, custodian of the Court House-City Hall; his assistant, Thomas B. Dickinson, Jr.; Jacob Price, county supervisor of roads; Martin J. McNulty, county purchasing agent, and Dr. Lee J. Hammett, secretary-treasurer of the Camden County Welfare Board.
All members of the Camden County Park Commission have been sworn in. They include Leroy A. Goodwin, president; Dr. Frank O. Stem, treasurer; Horace L. Brewer, assistant treasurer; former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, William H. Dunn, of Collingswood; J. William Markeim, of Haddonfield and George Kleinheinz, of Camden.
Royden S. Matlack, assistant county treasurer and assistant auditor to the board of freeholders was sworn in on January 13, for both positions.
Truax did not attach any significance to the fact that the number of officials decided to take their oaths of office.
Following the appointment of Dr. David S. Rhone as county physician, Dr. Rogers did not legally oppose the naming of his successor.
Records of the county clerk’s office show that Dr. Rhone was the first county physician to be sworn in and to sign the “book,” as the official registry is called by attaches of the office.
3000 Face Loss Of Parkway Jobs In Board Threat
Camden Courier-Post —
Delay on Bond Issue By Freeholders Brings Lay-off Ultimatum
MARKEIM DECLARES HE’S READY TO QUIT
Showdown Demanded on County Fund for WPA Work
Complete shut-down of all county parks projects and the dismissal of approximately 3000 WPA workers was threatened yesterday by the Camden County Park Commission.
A resolution was adopted advising the Board of Freeholders of such action unless the pending $350,000 parks bond issue is approved or the board, at its adjourned meeting next Wednesday night, provides emergency funds to carry on the parks program until March 9.
Failure of the freeholders to approve the bond issue at its meeting Wednesday night, when action on the bonds was deferred until March 9, precipitated a stormy meeting of the commission.
Yesterday’s meeting originally was called to receive bids for equipment.
Markeim Threatens to Quit
For nearly an hour members of the commission debated what action could be taken to compel the freeholders to give financial relief and prevent the closing of all projects and the layoff of WPA workers.
J. William Markeim threatened to resign if the others did not demand a showdown. Markeim and Horace L. Brewer engaged in an argument after which the former repeated his threat to quit. LeRoy A. Goodwin, commission president, said he was “bitterly disappointed” because the freeholders failed to hold a public hearing and approve the bond issue of $350,000.
John H. Osier, Jr., chief engineer, submitted a report in which he declared the future of the parks projects is dubious because of lack of funds.
Mandamus Plan Defeated
The engineer pointed out that unless more money is allotted he would be forced to recommend to WPA officials the immediate lay-off of at least 2000 workers, and asserted a complete shutdown would force the dismissal of about 3000 workers. The monthly payroll loss, he said, would be about $210,000.
Brewer moved the commission solicitor, Henry M. Evans be empowered to institute mandamus proceedings to force action by the freeholders.
The motion was opposed by William H. Dunn, of Collingswood. Goodwin said the situation called for calm and deliberate judgment and he said nothing could be gained by mandamus proceedings.
“There is no use of the members of this commission sticking their necks out any more,” Brewer said. “The people of Camden county twice voted for bond issues for parks. The freeholders promised the commission this money. If these men are laid off and thrown on relief the blame cannot be put on the park commissioners. The freeholders will have to take the rap, whether they like it or not.”
Goodwin explained that out of the $150,000 appropriated to carry the projects to December 31 last approximately $21,000 has not been allocated. He warned that this sum could not possibly carry on the work more than two weeks.
Markeim Urges Layoff
“It is high time we took a stand,” said Markeim. “We’re a bunch of fools, if we don’t force the issue. The Freeholders make promises and we believe them.
“If we don’t have the money we cannot continue to keep the WPA workers employed. Let us shut down every project and lay every worker off. It’s time for a showdown.”
Brewer suggested the engineers make a quick check-up and survey and determine just how long the WPA workers can be continued on the job.
“That’s the whole trouble,” Markeim shouted. “We make surveys and we listen to promises but we don’t ever do anything but wait and wait and wait.
“I don’t intend to waste my time sitting in meetings of this commission when we can’t get anywhere simply because the freeholders are playing politics with human misery and poor devils who can barely exist on WPA a pay.
“I tell you all that unless you take definite action right now I will quit as a member of this commission.”
Goodwin asked Evans if the freeholders could legally move up consideration of the bond issue from the March 9 date.
The solicitor said such a procedure would be illegal and would surely affect the credit standing of all park bonds. Goodwin said the parks projects could not be continued another month.
“Unless the freeholders give us financial relief in less than 10 days we must shut down every project and lay off virtually every WPA worker,” Goodwin said.
Emergency Fund Sough
Goodwin suggested the freeholders may be induced to make an emergency appropriation to prevent the shut down of projects. Evans said he thought this could be done if the freeholders agreed,
“We must have the guts to demand a showdown,” interrupted Brewer. “There is no time to spare. We must take action right here and put this matter right in the laps of the freeholders.”
Brewer moved to communicate immediately with the freeholders and demand action at its Wednesday night meeting.
The resolution was dictated by Goodwin who asked for a vote. The vote was unanimous. Those voting were Brewer, Dunn, Markeim, former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, George Kleinheinz and Goodwin.
An adjourned meeting will be held Wednesday. No action was taken on a suggestion that members of the commission attend the freeholders session.
Verga Gets Crane Work
Eugene F. Verga, local contractor, was awarded the contract for the rental of a gasoline powered crane with pontoons, all equipment and with operators at a charge of $7 an hour for 300 working hours.
Other bidders were Emil E. Estoclas, of Philadelphia, whose bid was $7.60 an hour, and W. H. Todd, of Camden, with a bid of $8 an hour.
Bids were received for the purchase of two reconditioned caterpillar cranes with equipment. J. Jacob Shannon, of Philadelphia, submitted bids of $2950 each. The Service Supply Company bid $3550 and $3600 on the two cranes.
The Locomotive Crane Company, of Philadelphia, offered a bid of $5491 and Estoclas gave a price of $2850.
Payment of $2800 to the Eastern Engineering Company for two reconditioned cranes was approved. Payment of $9685 to Verga for a steam pile driving machine also was authorized.
George Kleinheinz Dies in 83rd Year
Camden Courier-Post —
George Kleinheinz Dies in 83rd Year
Prominent Democrat, Member of Park Board, Succumbs to Heart Attack
George Kleinheinz, 82, member of the Camden County Park Commission since 1932, died in the Cooper Hospital last night shortly after being admitted to the receiving ward. Mr. Kleinheinz was stricken in his home, 574 Spruce street, and was removed to the hospital in the ambulance of the Second police district. Coroner Franklin P. Jackson, 3rd, issued a death certificate giving heart disease as the cause of death.
Mr. Kleinheinz was born at Fifth and Division streets, a short distance from the Spruce street home which he occupied for many years. All of his life he took an active interest in Democratic politics.
Pressman by Trade
By trade, he was a pressman and was the first pressman on the old Evening Courier at 132 Federal street when the late Frank F. Patterson, later Congressman from the First district, was the publisher. Mr. Kleinheinz later was pressman with the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia and was foreman of the press room when he retired on pension in 1923.
Mr. Kleinheinz was a life member of the old Weccacoe Fire Company, the last volunteer fire company in Camden, which had its headquarters on the North side of Arch street, above Fifth. That building was torn down when the new City Hall-Court House Annex was built.
A life-long resident of the Sixth Ward, he made politics a part of his life. At 21 he was named a member of the election board in the Sixth ward, his first political appointment. His next appointment was one with the United States mint in Philadelphia in 1888 during the administration of President Cleveland. He was the first Democrat from New Jersey thus honored.
Later he, with friends, organized the old Americus Club, which was as famous in its day as the Union League in Philadelphia. The Americus Club became the most famous Democratic organization in the State. Mr. Kleinheinz became the first president of the club. Among the members was Gov. Leon Abbott. Mr. Kleinheinz served as superintendent of the Camden County Asylum for eight years and was a member of the Camden County Board of Elections. He was named jury commissioner in 1929 by Gov. Morgan F. Larson, Republican. While Mr. Kleinheinz was a Democrat all of his life and fought for the principles of the Democratic party, he had as many Republican friends as he had Democrats.