Albert
S.
Woodruff Jr.



ALBERT SMITH WOODRUFF JR. was born in 1886 in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County NJ. A prominent lawyer in Camden NJ, he made his offices at the Woodruff Building at 328 Market Street in Camden. He made his home in Merchantville with wife Isabel, at 101 Browning Road.  

In 1918 Albert S. Woodruff, Alfred L. Sayres, William C. Davis, Mark Bulifant, Dr. Orris W. Saunders, Dr. William E. Miller and O.O. Phillips founded the Parkside Trust Company, a bank which stood at the corner of Haddon Avenue and Kaighn Avenue. This bank later merged with the West Jersey Trust Company.

Albert S. Woodruff became involved in politics as a Republican, and was a delegate to Republican National Convention from New Jersey in 1924. He served as a Republican state senator from Camden County from 1924 to 1926 and again from 1933 to 1935. He later served as vice-chancellor for Camden County.

In the mid-1930s, Albert Woodruff became involved in a political feud with David Baird Jr. A bitter struggle between Woodruff and his political ally Elizabeth Verga and the organization controlled by Baird Jr. and Florence Baker in May of 1934. Although Woodruff ran successfully, his slate was defeated. The battles between Woodruff and Baird Jr. so divided the Republican party that the organization lost control of Camden's city government to George Brunner's Democrat organization. In the decades that followed the Woodruff-Baird feud, the Republican party in Camden over time virtually ceased to exist.

Albert S. Woodruff remained involved in local politics, but did not hold elected office again.  He passed away in 1949.



From
South Jersey: A History 1624-1924

ALBERT SMITH WOODRUFF—Among the distinguished members of the bar of Camden and that section of New Jersey of which  Camden is the center, is Albert Smith Woodruff, one of the men well grounded in the law and a descendant of one of the oldest families in the State. Besides winning marks of distinction in his private practice, Mr. Woodruff has been chosen to serve the community of Camden in a manner that has called into action his many sterling qualities and various business capacities, and in all the duties which he has performed in the various positions he has held, he has but strengthened his title to leadership in the legal profession.

Albert Smith Woodruff was born in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey, April 15, 1886, son of Albert Smith and Eliza Josephine (Foster) Woodruff, the former dying one month before the son was born. The elder Woodruff was the son of Adoniram Smith and  Katharine (Ott) Woodruff, and was born at Dutch Creek, Hopewell Township, New Jersey, January 13, 1859, and there died March 2, 1886. Mr. Woodruff's grandfather, who married Katharine, the daughter of George W. and Susannah (Hitchner) Ott, was the son of Israel  Woodruff, and likewise was born in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, May 14, 1823. He died March 10, 1893. 

The Woodruffs of West New Jersey are descendants of that family somewhat prominent in the history of Worcestershire, England, and devout members of the Established Church. The progenitor of the American branch was John Woodruffe, of Worcestershire, England, who had a son Thomas, the American immigrant. Thomas Woodroofe (as he spelled the name) was born in Worcestershire about 1630. He was a tailor by trade and occupation and affiliated with the Society of Friends when that sect began its work of proselyting among the members of the Established Church, and became a follower of the new thought and the new life. He married Edith, the daughter of Joseph Wyatt, who located a large tract of land in the township of Mannington, at the first settlement of the province of New Jersey. Thomas and Edith Woodroofe removed from Worcestershire to London, where they had several children born to them. With his wife and four children he left for America in 1678.

The party set sail in the ship "Surray," Captain Stephen Nichols, master. They arrived at the mouth of the Delaware River and proceeded up the bay to Salem, the first settlement already formed by Fenwick. They went ashore in the fourth month of 1679. Fenwick's agents gave to Thomas Woodroofe two lots, next to William Williamson, each of ten acres, he receiving title to the last lot January 18, 1685-86. He had already served as sheriff of the county in 1682 and was a man of influence. He consented to the "Concessions and Arguments" of West Jersey on March 3, 1676, which secured a formal constitution for the safety of the province and the proper observation of the few laws that were framed to govern the peaceful people. He cultivated his land as well as carrying on his trade as tailor and was described on June 9, 1694, as a "yeoman of Salem, late of London," in a transfer of land in Burlington County, of which he was the owner. In 1697 he deeded two lots of ten acres each in Salem to Ebenezer Dorbey (Derby) of Boston, mariner, His will is dated August 17, 1699. The present Albert Smith Woodruff is ninth in descent from Thomas Woodroofe.

Mr. Woodruff received his preliminary education in the Elmer High School of Elmer, New Jersey, and following his graduation entered the South Jersey Institute at Bridgeton. His professional education was acquired at the Temple School of Law, Temple University, Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in June, 1908. He was admitted to the bar of New Jersey in February of the following year and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. From the first he displayed the qualities which have characterized him since and which have assured him eminence in his profession. He has practiced alone since his admittance, perfecting himself in the important details of civil and criminal practice. He was for several years solicitor for the Camden Board of Education, and then assistant city solicitor, and he is also a solicitor for, and a member, of the board of directors of the Parkside Trust Company of Camden.

Mr. Woodruff is a Republican in politics and was nominated at primary election for State Senator after an independent run, free of the organization, with a majority of 2,800, and at election on November 6, 1925, was elected receiving a majority of 4,600 votes. He is a member of Camden Lodge, No. 15, Free and Accepted Masons, Chapter, Crusade Commandery, Excelsior Consistory, and Crescent Temple Shrine, also the Junior Order United American Mechanics, with which latter body he is associated through Elmer Council; Ottawa Tribe, Red Men; Camden Lodge No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose; and Camden Lodge, No. 293, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Camden Club; the Camden Bar Association, and is a Presbyterian in his religious affiliation. Mr. Woodruff speaks Italian and German fluently and is known as a linguist locally.


The Albert S. Woodruff Home
101 Browning Road, Merchantville NJ - 1926
Click on Image to Enlarge



330 & 328 Market Street 
 Camden NJ

Built by the James W. Draper Co.

Photograph Published July 5, 1926

Click on Image to Enlarge


330 & 328 Market Street - Camden NJ - April 19, 2003

On the left The LAW BUILDING, on the right, The A.S. WOODRUFF BUILDING.

Philadelphia Inquirer
June 1, 1911

Charles Van Dyke Joline
Albert S. Woodruff
Robert McCarter
Harry Kramer
John Golden
Martin Carrigan
Daniel J. Woods
Charles D. Crane

Click on Image to Enlarge



Philadelphia Inquirer
July 1, 1915

Dr. John W. Donges
E.G.C. Bleakly

John H. Dialogue
Henry F. Stockwell
Albert S. Woodruff

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trenton Evening Times
February 21, 1925

Edward J. Kelleher - Albert S. Woodruff - Horace L. Brewer

Philadelphia Inquirer
September 16, 1926

Mikey Brown - Albert S. Woodruff - Ethan Westcott

Camden Courier-Post - January 25, 1928

CAMDEN FAMILY WINS $2500 FROM TAXI FIRM

A suit instituted by a Camden family against the Yellow Cab Company for $65,000 growing out of a collision between an automobile in which they were riding and one of the concern’s cabs was settled out of court today for $2,500.

The suit, brought by Thomas W. Jackson, 50 years old; his wife, Sarah E., and daughter, Hannah J., 14 years old, of 1018 Cooper street, was begun yesterday in Circuit Court before Judge Ralph W. E. Donges and a jury.

Settlement was announced by Albert S. Woodruff, attorney for the family, and T. Harry Rowland, counsel for the cab company.

The Jacksons testified they were passengers in a machine that collided with a taxicab at Sixth and Clinton Streets November 15, 1926.  They charged that the cab was speeding.


Camden Courier-Post - January 31, 1928

CRASH VICTIM SEEKS $135,000 DAMAGES
Philadelphia Sportsman Sued by Camden Trio In Circuit Court
 

Damages aggregating $135,000 are asked of a prominent Philadelphia sportsman in suits being heard by Judge Donges and a jury in Camden Circuit Court today.

The plaintiffs, who are represented by attorney Albert S. Woodruff, are Charles Klopp, 1152 Sycamore Street, brother of Henry Klopp, who died as a result of an accident last spring; Miss Helen Groczyk, 1079 Van Hook Street, who was injured in the same crash, and her father Josef Groczyk. Klopp asks $50,000 for compensation for his brother’s death; Miss Groczyk seeks $75,000 for her injuries and her father wants $10,000 for medical expenses incurred by his daughter’s hurt.

The suits were brought against William Poultney Smith, of Cynwyd PA, and are a result of an accident early on the morning of May 11, 1927 on Black Horse Pike at Bellmawr.

According to Miss Groczyk, who went on the witness stand yesterday afternoon, she went for an automobile ride with Henry Klopp, Joseph Klosterman, and Mrs. Esther Rieder. They had been to Chews Landing and were returning to Camden, she said, when she became ill in the smoke-filled sedan. She left the car, aided by Klopp, and was standing directly behind when another machine, driven by Smith, crashed into them, crushing them against their car. The plaintiffs contend that Smith had been playing golf at Pine Valley, had afterwards been drinking, and was in a stupor while driving his machine, thus causing the accident. Klopp was taken to the Went Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where a leg was amputated, and where he died seven days later.

The girl, who is now 18 years old, had both legs broken and suffered other injuries. She appeared in court with a brace on her right leg and limped to the stand. She testified that their car was fully lighted when they stopped on the road.

The defense will contend that the Klopp car had no lights, and will deny all responsibility for the tragedy.

Klopp was a World War veteran, his brother testified and had been the only support for his mother, Mrs. Julia Klopp, his brother and a sister, Ida..  


Camden Courier-Post - February 25, 1928

GHOST SNIPER SHOOTS AT BUS, FELLS COP AT BRIDGE PLAZA
Blue Marble Found After ‘Shot’ Knocks Officer Down at 4 A.M.
WINDSHIELD OF BUS STRANGELY SHATTERED
Four Private Cars Also Have Been Targets; Probers Are Baffled
 

Probing a mystery that sounds more like fantastic fiction than serious fact, police of Camden and officials of the Camden Bridge today were conducting a vigorous hunt for a “phantom sniper.”

After four vehicles had been fired upon during the last month on or near the Federal Street Bridge across Crescent Boulevard, a mysterious bullet or other missile penetrated the windshield of a Pennsylvania bus on the Camden Bridge and spurred authorities into action.

Then at 4:30 o’clock this morning, Bridge Policeman John J. Rodgers was twice fired upon on the span. The second time, he was struck between the shoulders, spun around and knocked down.

Blue Marble Found

The missile that struck him, found a few moments later, was a blue marble. It furnished the first clue to the “phantom sniper” that police have obtained. Apparently it was fired from a powerful slingshot or an air gun, so powerful in fact that it struck Rogers with almost bullet-like force although it must have been fired from a distance of nearly a hundred yards.

Police were unanimous in the opinion that the missile which penetrated the window of the bus on the span yesterday was no such marble, but a bullet. They added, however, that there was a possibility that it might have been a steel ball bearing discharged from an air gun or slingshot such as that which was used in sniping upon Rogers.

It was learned from an official source this afternoon that bridge police will question a15-year-old boy. It was said that he lives 150 feet of the spot where the gun was fired upon yesterday.

The boy and his father are said to occupy the third floor of a rooming house on North Fourth Street. Police have no evidence that this boy fired the shot or marble that struck Rogers, but they decided to question him on ownership of a rifle or slingshot.

Meanwhile it was revealed that still another incident in which the “phantom sniper” had appeared had taken place last night when a Philadelphia-Pennsauken bus was fired upon near the Federal Street Bridge.

At the same time bridge officials disclosed that police on the span have been bothered for the past three months by the fact that the sniper has been shooting out electric lights

Speculation and theorizing over the peculiar incidents ran riot among the police who are investigating them today. Although the slingshot or air gun theory was given considerable credence by Rogers’ extraordinary experience, other officers insisted that no instrument of this nature would discharge a bullet, ball bearing or other metal missile with sufficient force to bore through the windshields of buses and automobiles which have been fired on by the “phantom sniper.”

It was November 21 that the sniper- if he is the same who has now taken the Camden bridge as his basis of operations- first came into public notice. Former State Senator Albert S. Woodruff was fired upon from an automobile which his car was following across the Federal Street Bridge at the time.

Hear Report of Gun

On that occasion, however, the report of a gun was heard by Woodruff, whereas, in subsequent incidents, none of the near victims of the shots have heard any sound. This also strengthens the theory of the existence of air gun or other instrument more powerful than any known to police. If the missiles which have struck other automobiles were bullets, however, it is pointed out that they may have been fired from a rifle or revolver equipped with a silencer.

Since the Woodruff incident, a Riverton family has been fired upon, another automobile windshield has been penetrated, apparently by a bullet while crossing Federal Street bridge and on Sunday night, Mrs. A. D. Kohn, 319 Evans Street, Haddonfield, was cut by flying glass when her car was made the target of the sniper.

Rogers, the member of the Camden bridge police force who was struck by the blue marble early this morning; was standing on the bridge about 10 feet from the point at which the Pennjersey bus was hit by the sniper yesterday. As he leaned over to in­spect a portion of the roadway, some­thing whistled over his head and hit the railing. Hi straightened up and found on the steel railing, the spot at which the missile had struck. The paint had been chipped off and the metal dented as though by a bullet.

Felled By Marble

A moment, later, he had turned toward the south when he was struck between the shoulders by the marble. With such force did the little round object hit him that it wheeled him around as would a bullet and felled him. Although he wore a heavy overcoat, a leather jerkin and thick under­wear, the missile left a severe bruise at the spot where it struck him.

Back on his feet, Rogers saw the object which had hit him rolling away. He picked it up. It was the blue marble.

A house-to-house canvas of all dwellings in the neighborhood from the roofs or windows of which the missile might conceivably have been discharged was being conducted today by four bridge policemen. The search was begun after Joseph Costello, superintendent of the bridge, and Captain Alfred Souders, head of the bridge police, had conducted a conference attended by all the span officers.

Yesterday’s mysterious incident on the Camden bridge occurred as the Pennjersey bus bound for Pennsauken from Philadelphia with seven passen­gers aboard was rolling down the incline of the bridge towards the toll booths at 3:38 o’clock.

Five of the passengers were women and two were middle-aged men. The driver was Franklin Copeland, 29 years old, of 244 South Fifty-fourth Street, Philadelphia.

The bus passed George Clarke a bridge patrolman, at a point about 173 yards from the end of the incline, and perhaps 225 from the tollbooths. ­The policemen and the bus driver are well acquainted.

The driver waved, and the policeman, making a megaphone of his hands yelled “Howdy, Fats.”

Passengers In Uproar

The next instant Copeland heard a sudden buzz and then as if by magic a small hole appeared in the glass before his face. Tiny bits of glass fell upon him.

He yanked on the brakes. Passengers were half thrown from their seats and cried out to know what was wrong.

Clarke came running over. He saw the small hole at once, and instantly scanned the bridge walk to find the source. There was no one in sight but a little girl who strolled on.

The bus went on to Pennsauken and bridge patrolmen took up the mystery. Four patrolled the walks, scanning the skyline on either side to see from which houses a shot might have been fired. Others searched the roadbed, seeking the bullet.

City police were called. Detectives George Ward and Louis Shaw came and examined the skyline and searched one house. They found nothing.

Detectives at Odds

The bus came back and a minute examination of it and the hole in the windshield began. When it was over investigators were divided between two theories and completely mystified.

The hole, the detectives said, seemed to have been made by a steel jacketed .22 caliber bullet. Some bridge policemen said it might have been from a .25 caliber automatic and some said it could have been a .22.

Copeland declared he was positive that there was no automobile directly ahead of him on the bridge- that the nearest was past the curve. No pedestrian except the little girl was in sight.

According to the detectives, it is out of reason that the missile was fired from a house on the south side of the bridge. The glass would have splintered because of the angle from which the bullet would have entered, they declared.

Crank Suspected

That brought up the theory that the missile was fired from within the bus. Lieutenant Gregory Love, of the Bridge Police, suggested that a “crank” using a pistol equipped with a silencer might have fired the shot. A further search was made of the interior of the bus, and on the glass alongside the driver, near the partition at the back, was found a half-inch long scratch. No bullet or other missile was found.

The inside of the glass was chipped and the outside smooth. Generally, detectives said, a bullet will chip at the point of exit, not entrance.

Bridge Policemen John Batting, John Cox, John Curry, and Sergeant Michael Bachmeyer, aiding in the investigation, admitted themselves completely bewildered.

One Card Shy

Then the driver began looking among the cards signed by his passengers as witnesses. He was one card shy.

“Do you know?” he said slowly, “I don’t think that man gave me the card after all.”

When he found the card signed Mrs. Harriet Billingsley, 30 East Cedar Avenue, Merchantville he recalled that she had told him that a moment be­fore the bus stopped she thought she saw a flash on her right- the south side.   

Other women who gave their names were Eleanor Montgomery, 217 North Forty-seventh Street; Mrs. C. Schmidt and Mrs. T. Van Newkirk, both of 1110 North Twenty-sixth Street.

City Police Drop Probe

City Detectives George Ward and Louis Shaw said this afternoon that they would make no further investigation into the incident of the motor­bus on the Camden span yesterday. Both declared they were convinced that a shot was fired from inside the bus.

“We are convinced that no sniper fired the shot that went through the windshield”, Ward said. “We believe the shot was fired inside the bus”.

“There were two men in the bus at the time the bullet went through the glass. These men refused to give their names to the driver of the bus. Bridge police were on the job but I believe that it they had searched these two men they would have found a .25 revolver on one of them”.

“One of these men sat directly behind the driver. There are marks on the woodwork there to show where the man rubbed the revolver when he put it beside the driver’s face and fired the bullet through he glass.”

“ The glass was shattered on the inside which shows that the bullet was fired from the inside. If the bullet had entered from the outside the glass on the outside would have been shattered”, Ward said.

Members of the bridge police- former service men and experts on firearms- discredited the theory of the two city detectives. They declared that the city detectives were wrong in the matter of the shattered glass and that the conditions would be just the reverse.

Bridge Patrolman Crane, who was standing near the bus when the shot was fired, declared today that the driver of the bus asserted he heard no report of a pistol. If the pistol had been fired near his head, he naturally would have heard it, Crane said..


Camden
Courier-Post

April 5, 1928

Hotel Walt Whitman
Market Street
Albert S. Woodruff
Lewis Liberman

Carl Kisselman


CAMDEN COURIER-POST - MARCH 29, 1930

SECOND MRS. MURRY DROPS ESTATE FIGHT
Eight-Year Controversy over Property of Former Detective Ends Here

An eight-year controversy over the estate of former City Detective George Murry, one time alleged vice czar of the Third Ward, ended yesterday when Wife No.2 withdrew her claims.

Murry, who died under mysterious circumstances on the eve of going on trial for graft January 29, 1922, died intestate and Cora J. Murry, who claimed to be his wife, applied for letters of administration. She was the mother of 10 children of the detective. She since has remarried, her name now being Butler.

Elizabeth Murry came forward after the man's death and made a claim that she was the real widow and the other woman was only the detective's common law wife.     

Former State Senator Albert S. Woodruff yesterday withdrew Elizabeth Murry's claim in the estate and Judge Shay granted letters of administration to Cora J. Murry Butler upon application of Surrogate George W. Whyte.

Murry's sudden death caused a sensation in political and police circles. He had been accused of offering protection to gambling dives, dope sellers and disorderly house proprietors for which he was said to have received large sums of money.

It was reported at the time of his death that he drew $200,000 from a bank the day before and gave it to the Butler woman. He once was reputed to have owned nearly all of the property in the Third Ward tenderloin.

The inventory filed in the application for administration papers, however, shows but $2000 in real estate as visible assets. 


Camden Courier-Post - December 9, 1930
Frank B. Hanna - Harry F. Redding - Albert S. Woodruff

Camden Courier-Post - October 13, 1931

LIPPINCOTT WIDOW SUES FOR $225,000
Haddon Heights Woman Files Action Against Railroad for Mate's Death

Suit for $255,000 was filed in New Jersey Supreme Court yesterday by Mrs. Margaret Lippincott against the Atlantic City Railroad in the death of her husband, Willet Lippincott, of 106 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, a real estate operator and son of Benjamin A. Lippincott, first mayor of Haddon Heights.

The widow, mother of four children, charges that her husband met his death on the morning of July 23 at the Warwick Road crossing at Magnolia. Lippincott's truck, loaded with hay, obtained from the farm of his mother, Mrs. Laura Lippincott, on Warwick road, was struck by a northbound Ocean City-Camden train. Lippincott was killed, and the truck and hay set afire when the gasoline tank exploded.

Papers in the suit have been prepared by former Senator Albert S. Woodruff and S. Huntley Beckett, attorneys. Allegations are made in the suit that the railroad was negligent in failing to protect the crossing, which is termed in the charges as "extra-dangerous and extra-hazardous."

It is alleged further that a signal light at the crossing failed to work properly at the time of the tragedy, and that a curve of the railroad, a bank of earth, poles and other obstacles obstructed the view of an approaching train. No bell or whistle was sounded from the engine of the train, it is charged.

Lippincott met his death although he alighted from his truck to look up and down the tracks at the crossing, according to Woodruff. He had seen a southbound train pass, but was struck by the northbound train. Passengers on the northbound train included Magistrate Dennis F. Fitzgerald, of Philadelphia; Mayor Roy R. Stewart, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Byron M. Seabrook, and Jerome Hurley, of the Hurley Stores, all of whom had summer homes at Ocean City.

Children surviving Lippincott include Priscilla, 8; Benjamin, 6; Summitt, 4, and Scott W. Lippincott, 1 year old.


Camden Courier-Post * June 1, 1932

Joshua C. Haines - Isabella C. Reinert
Elizabeth C. Verga -
David Baird Jr. - Walter Keown
Frank B. Hanna - Etta C. Pfrommer - Howard B. Dyer
William D. Sayrs Jr. - Lottie B. Stinson - Anna G. Holl
Mrgaret Wermuth - Carlton M. "Cy" Harris
J.C. Remington -
Charles A. Wolverton
Carl Kisselman - Edward Deibert - L. Scott Cherchesky
William E.A. King - J. Claud Simon
T. Phillips Brown - J.H. Reiners -
Rocco Palese
Morris Praissman - George R. Pelouze
Albert S. Woodruff - Clay W. Reesman
William Wimer -
Horace G. Githens
J. Wesley Sell - A.C. Middleton


...continued...



...continued...


...continued...

Robert Brennan - Marie Mackintosh - William H. Heiser - Mary McCready
James Corea - Susie Marchiano - James E. Tatem - Mary A. Ivins
Martin A. McNulty - Madeline Salvatore - Howard B. Dyer - Mary S. Hartung
Edward A. Kemble - Mary D. Guthridge - Edmund A. Walsh - Mamie F. Piraine
Edward Holloway - Deborah Schuck - Henry I. Haines - Lillian M. Walker
Horace B. Beideman - Etta C. Pfrommer - Carlton M. Harris - Mary E. Hamel
Henry Knauer - Louella I. Whaland - Jesse M. Donaghy - Lottie B. Stinson


Camden Courier-Post
June 17, 1932

Lotus Restaurant
Market Street
David Baird Jr. 
Isabella C. Reinert
Joshua C. Haines
Walter S. Keown
Elizabeth C. Verga
Charles A. Wolverton
George R. Pelouze
Albert S. Woodruff
F. Stanley Bleakly
Frank M. Travaline Jr.
Raymond J. Jubanyik

 

Camden Courier-Post - February 2, 1933

Opposes Bill to Curtail District Court

To the Editor: 

The people of New Jersey, especially in Camden county, look with disdain upon the proposed bill before the Legislature to place in the hands of city commissioners control of district court employees.

This most contemptible move for a political expediency IS debasing and belittles the dignity and usefulness of the court, tends to turn it into a political incubator and shelter for politicians who demand what they feel is an inherent right to feed at the trough of the public treasury.

Why disrupt. an efficient administration of this district court for the purpose of controlling its employees.

Camden District Court is not strictly a city court. The district comprises the entire county and 50 percent of the business before the court is from outside the city limits.

The only connection the city commissioners have with it is that the funds of the court are deposited with the city treasurer and the city acts as paymaster to court employees. Peop1e should know that the Camden District Court is a "pay as you go" court-self-supporting, pays all salaries out of receipts and. the city keeps the profit which is substantial. Therefore the economy talk of budgeteers is a smoke screen to justify an attempt to remove some of the present employees.

We are extremely fortunate in having a state senator representing this district whom we depend upon to crush any attempt to pass legislation affecting office of Camden District Court. Al Woodruff is a vigilant ceaseless fighter, a foe of corrupt legislation which tends to lower the dignity of to our courts and is depended upon to use his best efforts to halt any further attempts of its sponsors to have it passed. 

JOHN J. MORRISON
Camden


Camden Courier-Post *- February 3, 1933

COUNTY COLD TO WOODRUFF BILL
Mrs. Gilpin Fears Residence Law as Peril to Hiring of Expert Teachers

Although they will not make active fight against Senator Albert S. Woodruff's teachers' residence bill, parents and teachers of Camden county feel that the same result could be accomplished by including its provisions among the rules of the State Board of Education.

That was revealed yesterday by Mrs. Marion R. Gilpin, president of the Camden County Council of Parents and Teachers. Woodruff's measure provides that all teachers hired in New Jersey public schools in the future must be residents of the state for five or more years. He said he introduced the bill to to keep open the normal schools, which the Princeton Survey recommended closing because only half of the graduates received appointments.

"The parent-teacher groups of the county," Mrs. Gilpin said "feel that the same results can be obtained if those behind the bill will request the state Board of Education to make it a rule, rather than have it a law of the state.

"For one thing, it would prevent cities from hiring educational experts in some instances. There are times when these experts are not obtainable within the boundaries of our own state and it is necessary to go outside for them.

"Of course, we think. that absolutely our schools should employ as much as possible teachers graduating from New Jersey normal schools. But a law like this would narrow us down too much.

"As to the unemployment of New Jersey normal school graduates, we have been informed that a great many do not apply for teaching positions due to marriage or for other reasons.".


Camden Courier-Post * June 2, 1933

MAN AWARDED $3500 FOR TRUCK INJURIES

A Stratford man, the father of nine children, was awarded a verdict of $3500 in Circuit Court today for injuries received March 1, 1932, when he was caught between an express truck and a wire guard at the Philadelphia ferry of the Reading Company. 

He is George E. Wiltsey, 49, an employee of the ferry company. He brought suit for $25,000, charging permanent injuries when a vehicle of the McCormick Express of Camden pinned him against a barrier in the ferryhouse. 

Wiltsey, according to his attorney, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, suffered concussion of the brain and injuries to the back which caused melancholia, insomnia and shock. 

The express company defended the action on the grounds that Wiltsey left a place of safety and through contributory negligence entered a dangerous spot, where he was struck.


Camden Courier-Post - June 3, 1933

Who Socked Travaline? He Says 'Ulizio', 
So Do Reporters; So Do Others; But Not So Ulizio

Who struck Assemblyman Frank M. Travaline, Jr., of Camden, in the Senate corridor?

Travaline said it was B. George Ulizio, of Pine Valley, campaign manager for Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, former U. S. senator.

Newspaper correspondents and other witnesses said it was Ulizio.

Ulizio said it wasn't:

"I was in Trenton Thursday," Ulizio said yesterday, "but I had no trouble with anyone. I do not even know Mr. Travaline. This must be a case of mistaken identity."

One thing is certain. The blow caused Travaline to lose his balance, trip over a topcoat he was carrying and fall to the floor.

The Assemblyman had entered the Senate chamber to consult with Senator Albert S. Woodruff, of Camden. Debate was in progress over ratification of the child labor amendment to the Federal Constitution. Senate President Richards, who was speaking, made the comment that some senators were not giving him attention;

"Believing my conversation with Senator Woodruff might be disturbing the chamber, I retired to the outside lobby at once," Travaline said. "I was talking there with other Assemblymen when I saw UIizio staring at me. 

" 'You get out of here,' he demanded to me," Travaline said.

"Though I did not know him at the time. I knew he wasn't a legislative officer or a state house officer and I asked, "Why should I?'

"Then, without warning, he grabbed my lapel. I had my topcoat in one arm and my files and papers in the other. I jostled him to free himself. Then he grabbed me by the throat with one hand and before I could do anything he struck me in the face with the other.

"The blow caused me to step back.

As I did so I stumbled on the tail of my topcoat and fell. I jumped up and was about to go after Ulizio when State Trooper John Callahan, on duty in the Senate, jumped between us.  

"I demanded that Ulizio accompany me to the basement where we could have it out with, my hands free. He just shook his head and ran into the private office of Senate President Richards.

"Though I did not know Ulizio at the time, he was identified to me by Senator Richards' secretary, Assemblyman Muir's secretary and Assemblyman Joseph Altman, of Atlantic, who knows him well. There certainly was no doubt that Ulizio was the man, whether he denies it or not."

Ulizio holds no official position in the Senate. He is well known in political circles, also a noted collector of books.


Camden Courier-Post- June 9, 1933

WALKATHON CONDUCT BRINGS FINES FOR TWO

Charged with disorderly conduct at the Walkathon, two men were fined last night by Recorder George E. Yost in Pennsauken Township. Curley Evans, 31, of 918 Serrill Avenue, Yeadon, Pa., was fined $15 and costs. He was arrested by Special Officer William Blank Jr., Ervin J. Reilly, 28, of 224 Market Street, Camden, who eluded Blank and was later arrested by Inspector Thomas Thorpe, was fined $50 and costs. An army pistol was found in his possession.

Edward Slenker, 23, of Martinsville, Virginia, was fined $15 for failing to have registration cards for his truck.

At the request of Senator Albert S. Woodruff, his counsel, J. Francis Mumford, 25, of 5957 Loretta Street, Philadelphia, was granted a postponement until June 16 of a hearing on charges of drunken driving. Mumford was released in Woodruff's custody pending the hearing. He was arrested early Thursday after an automobile accident.


Camden Courier-Post- June 13, 1933

SUNDAY BEER AND BARS ADDED TO STATE BILL;
HOME RULE PROVIDED BY NEW MEASURE 
Supplement to Temporary Regulation Would Give Local Control 
LAST ACTION FACES SEPTEMBER DELAY
Woodruff Makes Move To Have Vocational School Kept Open

Trenton, June 12.-Sale of beer over bars and on Sundays after 1 p. m., in municipalities whose governing bodies provide such authority, is provided in a supplement to the temporary beer law introduced in the Assembly tonight. 

On petition of five percent of the registered voters of a municipality protesting Sunday sales, a local referendum would be mandatory at the next general election. 

Assemblyman Thomas M. Muir, of Union, sponsor of both the supplement and the present law, said no effort would be made to have the new measure reported out of the judiciary committee until next week. 
It also was reported that the present temporary law, at first effective only until May 25, then extended to July 1, probably would be given another extension to September 1. 

Referendum Aids Bills 

It is considered certain the Legislature, now hoping to adjourn some time next week, would take only a recess, returning in the Fall. 
There was considerable opposition by many legislators to Sunday selling, but the referendum clause in the supplement was believed by many to pave the way for approval. 

The supplement reads: 

"For the period during which this act shall be effective, it shall, by resolution of the governing body of the municipality, be lawful, there in, to use bars at all times and to sell beverages, with legal content on Sunday after 1 p. m. 

"However, if a petition be signed by 5 percent of the qualified voters of such municipality and presented to the governing body protesting such sale and use of bars and requesting submission of the question to the voters of the municipality, it shall be mandatory upon the governing body of such municipality to include on the ballot at the next general election for members of the general assembly the question: 

(1) Shall the sale of legal beverages be permitted on Sunday after 1: p.m. in this municipality?' 

(2) Shall the use of bars be permitted in connection with the sale and use of legal beverage?' 

"This act shall take effect immediately." 

Vocational School Aided 

No action was taken by the Assembly on the Reeves, and Kuser fiscal reform bills approved by the Senate last week. Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Altman, of Atlantic, announced the joint Republican conference committee would meet at 11 a. m. to discuss these measures. 

Senator Albert S. Woodruff, of Camden, made two moves to aid the Camden County Vocational School, which faces closing after this term due to lack of funds. 

He obtained unanimous consent to introduce a bill amending Chapter 294 of the laws of 1913. The amendment permits semi-annual appropriations for vocational schools for the year beginning July 1, 1933. The law now calls for an annual appropriation by the county. 

Woodruff also submitted to the Senate Judiciary committee an amendment to Assembly 489 by Siracusa now in the committee. The measure originally provides for referendum to approve diversion of $10,000,000 to state school funds from the $100,000,000 highway bond issue approved in 1930. Woodruff's amendment would permit vocational schools to receive part of the fund. According to Woodruff, Siracusa has approved the amendment. 


Camden Courier-Post- June 14, 1933

N. J. LIKELY TO TAKE CAMDEN SPAN BONUS
G. O. P. Majority Wants Fund From Sale for Aid of Schools

The Republican joint conference committee of the Legislature at Trenton yesterday tentatively agreed on a plan under which the state would take over Camden Bridge bonds and sell them to provide funds to aid financially stricken school districts. 

The plan was proposed by Senator Albert S. Woodruff, of Camden ,and would make available $3,000,000 now owed to teachers in back pay almost immediately after the necessary legislation is enacted. 

Further, it would virtually guarantee return of the $4,000,000 borrowed from the teachers' pension fund for relief purposes last year. 

Woodruff explained the bill, as follows: 

"Some time ago I introduced a bill, Senate No. 207, to permit the state to take over bonds of the Delaware River Joint Commission, which at the present time owes the state $12,199,330.06 on its original investment and about $250,000 in interest on the principal due June 30. 

"At today's conference I suggested that we take over the bonds, sell them and use the money for school purposes, allocating $3,000,000 immediately for back payment of salaries and $9,000,000 for current salaries next year. 

"On receiving, this cash from the state, the municipalities would put up as security an equal amount in tax anticipation notes, against which the teachers would have a lien to the total amount of $12,000,000 for repayment of the $4,000,000 borrowed from the pension fund.

"In addition, they will be paid immediately the $250,000 bridge interest and the $199,330 over the even $12,000,000 principal, or a total of about $444,000 as first payment." 

Woodruff explained that the new plan will necessitate some change in his proposal to aid vocational schools also. Monday night he introduced an amendment to the Siracusa bill providing a share for vocational schools, but the Siracusa bill, setting up school funds by converting $10,000,000 from the highway bond issue, would be supplanted by the plan offered today. 

"I am going to work and try to find some way to include vocational schools," said the senator. "I think it can be done." 

Dr. Leslie H. Ewing, director of the Board of Freeholders, said that Camden County may apply for state aid to assure reopening of the vocational school, should the necessary legislation pass. 

The director said the freeholders will discuss the new developments at their meeting this afternoon, either in caucus or on the floor.

No Other Funds Available

Woodruff pointed out that if state aid is forthcoming, the prospect of the county vocational school reopening next Fall would be brightened. He said that without such assistance, the county would be without funds to open the school. 

The state senator added that he understands' many other counties are in the same position as Camden relative to vocational schools, 

"In Camden county," Woodruff said, "there is a growing sentiment in favor of the vocational school. At this time many parents lack the means for providing higher education for their children, and would prefer to send them to vocational school, rather than high school." 

Except for an allotment of $3500 to protect the property, no appropriation was made for operation of the Camden County school during the 1933-34 school year. Freeholders, during discussion of the 1933 budget earlier in the year, pointed out that the $3500 is in addition to a $7000 surplus in the 1932 budget, making $10,500 available to safeguard the building.

Asked if the freeholders would make an appropriation for the half year of 1933-34, from January to June, as made possible under the Bradley bill passed recently in the Legislature, changing the school year to the fiscal year of cities and counties, Dr. Ewing said he did not think so. 


Camden Courier-Post- June 21, 1933

N. J. Rulers Make Horse Race Legal With Local Option

Trenton, June 20.-Revival of running-horse racing in New Jersey was authorized tonight. 

By a vote of 11 to 1, the Senate approved the bill sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony Siracusa, of Atlantic, which had been passed by the lower house March 13. 

It creates a state racing commission of three members to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The expense of the commission, which would regulate and license horse races, is not to exceed $5000 a year and would be paid by racing and steeplechase corporations owning or operating tracks. 

The measure was amended by the Senate requiring county referendums before races can be authorized. 

Atlantic County has been leading the fight for horse racing and action on the bill tonight, after it lay in the miscellaneous business committee­ the morgue- since March 15, was hailed as a victory for Senate President Emerson L. Richards, of Atlantic. 

Doesn't Legalize Gambling 

It was brought out for a vote by Senator Albert S. Woodruff, of Camden, after Richards turned over the chair to him. The amendment then was made on motion of Richards who was the only one to speak for it. 

He declared that many nearby states which permit horse racing obtain substantial revenues from this source and that New Jersey should reap similar benefits. He insisted the measure does not legalize gambling, which is prohibited by the state constitution. 

Beer Still In Doubt 

Senator Edward P. Stout, Hudson Democrat, in a sarcastic reference to the political deals of the session, said: 

"If the Atlantic county Senator is through with horse trading, we should have horse racing." 

Horace G. Prall, Hunterdon Re publican, cast the only negative vote. Affirmative were Woodruff, Barber, Cole, Durand, Ely, Kusel, Loizeaux, Quinn, Richards, Stout and Young. Not voting were Leap, Loder, Powell, Read, Albright, Barbour and Reeves. 

No action was taken on a companion measure by Assemblyman Joseph Altman of Atlantic which would eliminate the anti-gambling amendment to the state constitution which was adopted in 1897. The Altman bill passed the Assembly March 13. 

That permanent beer legislation remained in doubt tonight, with the state beverage commission unable to agree on the bill sponsored by Richards, its chairman. 

Senate Falls to Act 

The Senate failed, to act on the bill by Assemblyman F. Stanley Bleakly, of Camden, which was adopted last night by the lower house. It would supplement the present temporary law and permit municipalities to approve Sunday sales and sales over bars, with a provision that five percent of the voters could demand a referendum on the question. 
Assemblyman Thomas M. Muir, of Union, sponsor of the present law, introduced In the House another supplement to continue the present law to. September 1. 

His bill would permit bars and also authorize Sunday sales after 2 p.m., unless or until the local governing bodies prohibited It by resolution.

An added fee of $50 from manufacturers and distributors would be collected and municipalities would be permitted to assess additional fees for retail licenses to September 1. The present law is effective until July 1. Bleakly will move to have the supplement made effective to January 1. 
Muir said no action would be taken in the Assembly on this measure until tomorrow. 

The Assembly will meet again at 11 a. m. and the Senate at noon. Leaders hope to be able to recess late tomorrow night until Fall. 

Bridge Bill Dormant 

Before adjourning for its "fun" session tonight, the Assembly adopted a resolution by Dr. Marcus, W. Newcomb, of Burlington, at the request of the attorney general's office, calling on the United States secretary of agriculture to reject the proposed Philadelphia milk-shed agreement, declaring it was in conflict with the New Jersey milk control law.

The Assembly laid over Senator Woodruff's bill to allow the state to accept bonds of Camden Bridge in lieu of cash for the $12,000,000 owed the state for the purchase of the bridge. Assemblyman Joseph Greenberg, of Hudson, insisted that it should contain some guarantee to the state against loss of the total payment through sale of the bonds. Bleakly said the bonds would be sold at least at par and that there was nothing in the bill to require New Jersey to accept them at a loss.

A new bill by Senator Edward P. Stout, of Hudson, was adopted by the Senate allowing counties and municipalities to negotiate with the federal government for aid from the federal public works fund. 

The Senate adopted the following other bills: 

A-515-Rafferty-Requires referenda in boroughs and townships before governing bodies may abolish the election of assessors. 

S-422--Reeves-Provides for payment into state treasury of money collected in tines from overloaded trucks crossing interstate bridges. 

S-309-Leap-Requires licenses to be obtained from State Department of Health by shippers sending milk into New Jersey. 

S-21-Barbour-Gives owners of manufacturing space liens upon machinery for unpaid rent. 

S-3811 - Loizeaux - Appropriates $30,000 for final payment of state soldiers' bonus. 

S-395-Read-Glves harbor masters police powers to enforce state laws against vessels using inland water ways. 

S-344-Young (committee substitute)-Extends time within which railroad and canal companies may appeal from 1932 tax assessments. 

S-272-Powell-Allows police of a volunteer fire company to act in all parts of county where appointed. 

S-209-Woodruff-Authorizes registration of lodge emblems to prevent their being worn by unauthorized persons. .


Camden Courier-Post- June 22, 1933

BRIDGE BOND BILL ASSISTS SCHOOLS 
Senate Adopts Measure Aimed at $8,500,000 Education Relief

Trenton, June 21.-By a unanimous vote of 15-0, the State Senate this afternoon passed Senator Albert S. Woodruff's committee substitute for the Pascoe and Siracusa measures. The bill would provide funds for distressed school districts through sale of Delaware River Joint Commission bonds.

The measure, a companion of Woodruff's No. 207, passed in the Assembly tonight, would permit the state to take over $12,000,000 in Camden Bridge bonds in lieu of cash from the joint commission in payment of the state's investment in the span. The state would then resell the bonds to provide school funds. 

Unlike the Siracusa and Pascoe bills, which would divert the money from state highway bonds, the committee substitute assures assistance for the Camden County Vocational School and other vocational schools throughout the state. 

"This bill," said Woodruff, in explaining the measure, "will, within a few months, release $8,500,000 in new purchasing power in the state of New Jersey. That sum is the amount of the state's school indebtedness now. 

"About $3,000,000 of that amount now is due the teachers in back salaries. The rest is for tuition owed by one school district to another for high school students, supplies bills and transportation bills. 

"It provides further that any balance in the fund in September may be loaned to districts otherwise unable to open their schools because they have no money to pay salaries. 

"The municipalities, of course, must put up securities in the form of tax anticipation notes." 

The bill also provides repayment, in installments, of the $4,000,000 borrowed from the teachers' pension fund for unemployment relief last year. 

"I think it is important," said Senator Woodruff in conclusion, "that we realize the tremendous effect in increasing purchasing power the release of this huge sum will have."


Camden Courier-Post- June 23, 1933

Legislature Makes Sunday Beer Sales Legal
on O. K. of Local Ruling Bodies
BARS ALSO ALLOWED BY AMENDED LAW EFFECTIVE JULY
Lawmakers Provide for Camden Bridge Fund to Aid Schools 
RECESS UNTIL AUGUST

Trenton, June 22.-Sale of beer on Sundays after 1· p. m. and over bars is permitted in a bill adopted by the Legislature before adjournment early today. 

The bill, extending the present law from July 1 to September 1, provides that any municipality may authorize Sunday and bar sales by resolution. It differs from a similar bill passed in the Assembly Monday, but not acted on by the state, in that there is no provision for local referenda. 

The new measure went across in both branches of the Legislature after tempestuous scenes in the Assembly, where it passed on a second roll call, 31 to 18. Assemblyman Cunard, Republican, of once dry Salem, provided the necessary thirty­first vote. 
Three roll calls were required in the Senate before the needed 11 votes could be mustered. Senator Woodruff, of Camden, came in with the eleventh and there were five against. 

The measure was sponsored by Assemblyman Muir, blind Republican from Union county. As introduced, it contained no Sunday provision but during first debate it was amended for that purpose by Assemblyman Pascoe, also of Union. 

The Assembly roll call: 

For-Altman, Atlantic; Blank, Essex; Bleakly, Camden; Bradley, Essex; Burrell, Essex; Carpenter, Mercer; Cavinato, Bergen; Chamberlin, Mercer; Cunard, Salem; Doughty, Bergen; Fort, Essex; Gurk, Gloucester; Gratowski, Essex; Hunt, Cape May; Kinzley, Bergen; Hamill, Monmouth; Mutchler, Morris; Naughright, Essex; Otto, Union; Pascoe, Union; Platts, Essex; Preiser, Essex; Schock, Monmouth; Siracusa, Atlantic; Tamboer, Passaic; Travaline, Camden; Trube, Essex, Waugh, Essex; Willis, Ocean; Yuill, Essex-31. 

Against-Bischoff, Hudson; Bowers, Somerset; Bucino, Hudson; Dunn, Passaic; Galdieri, Hudson; Greenberg, Hudson; Gross, Hudson; Hejke, Hudson; King, Morris; Lance, Hunterdon; McLaughlin, Hudson; Newcomb, Burlington; Pesin, Hudson; Rafferty, Middlesex; Scheidemann, Passaic; Tinsman, Warren; Vavrence, Hudson; Walker, Hudson -18. 

Not recorded-Brown, Middlesex; Burke, Middlesex; Calabrese, Essex; Downing, Sussex; Maloney, Hudson; Muir, Union; Peters, Bergen; Reinert, Camden; Schroeder, Bergen; Turner, Cumberland; Ward, Union -11. 

Eight were recorded for the bill on the first Senate roll call. Senators Barbour, of Passaic, and Kusel, of Somerset, who were out of the Senate chamber were sent for and each came in and was recorded for the bill. The measure still lacked one to pass. 

Four Senators had refrained from being recorded either way. This group included Woodruff, who, however, voted "aye" when the roll was called for the third time. The final vote: 

For-Barbour, Passaic; Durant, Monmouth; Ely, Bergen; Kuser, Somerset; Loizeaux, Union; Powell, Burlington; Richards, Atlantic; Stout, Hudson; Wolber, Essex; Woodruff, Camden; Young, Morris.­11. 

Against-Barber, Warren; Cole, Sussex; Leap, Salem; Loder, Cumberland; Prall, Hunterdon.-5. 

Not voting-Albright, Gloucester; Read, Cape May; Reeves, Mercer -3.


Camden Courier-Post- June 26, 1933

WOODRUFF BOND BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
Moore Expected to Approve Second Measure on Paying Teachers

Trenton, June 26.- Governor Moore today signed the bill by Senator Albert S. Woodruff of Camden, permitting the state to accept Camden bridge bonds in lieu of $12,000,000 cash owed to the state from the sale of the span.

He failed, however, to act on Woodruff's companion measure which would use the bonds so purchased to aid in paying teachers' salaries and other school expenses. It is expected he will sign this later.

The governor also signed the Reeves fiscal reform bills, but with held signature on the Kusel bill to create the office of state finance commissioner. Moore said he wanted first to confer with President Harold W. Dodds of Princeton, whose survey resulted in the measure.


Camden Courier-Post- June 28, 1933

POLITICAL TRADING IS HIT BY WOODRUFF
Senator Tells Rotarians “Deals" at Legislature Were Disheartening

Political trading a the session of the Legislature by persons fired with personal ambitions was scored yesterday in a speech by State Senator Albert S. Woodruff before the Camden Rotary Club in the Hotel Walt Whitman.

"It is true," he said, "that there was a great deal of trading during the past session among persons ambitious and desirous of obtaining their own ends.

“This was very disheartening to those who go to the Legislature to work. However, much was, accomplished, more than in any year in my experience."

The senator then recounted the accomplishments of the lawmakers, telling of legislation suspending mandatory salaries and other expenditures for the municipalities; emergency acts before and during the bank holiday crisis, and the plan to aid financially stricken school districts through sale of $12,000,000 in Camden Bridge bonds.

Senator Woodruff mentioned no names when he charged "trading" among legislators.

During the session, Senate President Emerson L. Richards, of Atlantic, candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, was attacked on several occasions for alleged "deals" with Democrats. 

Former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., and Vice Chancellor Francis B. Davis, of Woodbury, attended the luncheon but neither spoke. William T. Read, former state senator and president of the club, presided.


Camden Courier-Post  - June 29, 1933

STATE G.O.P. CHIEFS SPEAK HERE TONIGHT
Stokes, Kean, Barbour Listed for Fete to Reesman and Mrs. Verga

 A testimonial dinner will be given tonight by the Camden County Republican Committee in honor of party leaders with former Governor Edward C. Stokes as principal speaker.

Those to be honored are Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, vice chairman of the county committee and state committeewoman; Assemblyman Isabella C. Reinert, former vice chairman; Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, new chairman of the county committee, and Joshua C. Haines, register of deeds, the retiring chairman.

Other speakers will include Mrs. Edna B. Conklin, national committeewoman from Bergen county; Congressman Charles A. Wolverton; former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., U. S. Senators Hamilton F. Kean and W. Warren Barbour and E. Bertram Mott, state chairman.

State Senator Albert S. Woodruff will be toastmaster. Carlton M. Harris, chairman of the dinner committee, said last night that reservations have been made at the Hotel Walt Whitman for 500 guests and the committee is swamped with applications.

Other members of the committee in charge of the dinner are William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer, and Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, secretary.


Camden Courier-Post  - June 29, 1933

STATE P. B. A. PRESIDENT ATTENDS MEETING TODAY

 Harry B. Gurley, of Paterson, state president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, yesterday attended a meeting of the executive committee of Local No. 30 in the Hotel Walt Whitman

According to William McCaw, of Audubon, president of the local, the discharging of a number· of police men in nearby municipalities was discussed. State Senator Albert S. Woodruff attended. He is counsel for the local.


Camden Courier-Post - June 30, 1933

Among Guests and Speakers at G.O.P.

Baird, Stokes Lash Richards Ambitions And 'Horse Trading'
Dinner to Reesman and Mrs. Verga Packs Whitman
LOCAL DELEGATES GET HIGH PRAISE
Ex-Governor Denounces Roosevelt Program,
Hits Inflation

By RANSLOE BOONE

Bitter criticism of the "horse trading:” of the Legislature and the gubernatorial aspirations of Senate President Emerson L. Richards, were coupled with appeals for party loyalty and praise for Camden county's leaders at a dinner of the Camden County Republican Committee in Hotel Walt Whitman last night.

The dinner, one of the largest ever held in the hotel, was in honor of City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, new chairman of the county committee, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, vice-chairman of the county and state committees; Joshua C. Haines, former chairman, and Mrs. Isabella C. Reinert, assemblywoman and former vice chairman.

Tribute was paid them by a distinguished gathering of more than 500 national, state and county leaders. So great was the crowd that

Upper left: Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, vice chairman of both the Republican State and Camden County committees; and City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, chairman of the Republican county committee. Left to right in the lower group are Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Republican State Chairman E. Bertram Mott and Senator Hamilton F. Kean.

 that the capacity of the main ball room was taxed and the junior ballroom was utilized also.

The attacks on "horse trading" and Richards were made by former Governor Edward C. Stokes and former United States Senator David Baird, Jr. Baird did not mention Richards by name.

Proud of Own Legislators

"We Republicans in Camden County have a faculty for victory," Baird said, "but we can and will help to defeat selfish aspirants to office if they don't play straight with the Republican party.”

"I am proud of the record of Senator Albert S. Woodruff and our Assembly members, Mrs. Isabella C. Reinert, F. Stanley Bleakly and Frank M. Travaline, Jr. They didn't take any part in the trading of judges, highway commissioners and prosecutors.

 "Camden County has been accused of not wanting civil service. When it came time to vote on the question Camden County stood by civil service as it always has, and beat the ripper.”

"Only when you play the game and stand four-square for the ideals of the party can you expect the people of the state to trust you."

"Whose Legislature?' Stokes declared:

"We won a great victory in New Jersey in the last presidential election. We did it by remaining loyal and not by trading with the Democrats.

“We thought we elected a Republican legislature. John Milton, Hudson County Democratic leader, however, says we elected a Republican legislature but the Democrats are putting on the show. But in that very paternal letter he wrote me not long ago, telling me what I should do and why I should not 'interfere' with' the Legislature, Senator Richards assured me the Republicans controlled the Legislature, I'm glad to know that for, of course:, Richards is always right."

Stokes predicted history would repeat itself and the Republican party soon would come back into its own.

"The party that stands by its principles despite defeat always comes back."

The former governor proposed two means of lowering the present high taxes and ,heavy expenditures.

"I wish this county committee and all those throughout the state would insist on legislation to prohibit municipalities from spending more than they have and from floating bond issues and I wish you would support legislation providing for a limited  local tax rate and providing for a gradual reduction of taxes to that maximum."

Doubts Roosevelt Plan

He expressed doubt as to the wisdom of some of the Roosevelt program. Inflation makes us prosperous, if revoking the gold standard aids us, amen, if calling 18 inches a yard will help us, that's' fine. If we can ask employers to sell us more and not throw more of our own workers out of work, that will be wonderful. But I can't understand how we will be aided by those proposals. It's too much for me."

He demanded that, France, England, and the other nations pay their debts, declaring they were spending five times their debts on armaments.

Congressmen Defend F. D. R.

Wholehearted support of all of President Roosevelt's measures which will promote relief from present economic conditions was pledged by United States Senators Hamilton F. Kean and ,W. Warren Barbour and Congressman Charles A. Wolverton.

Kean explained that he voted for the economy bill after he had been assured the president would not touch the compensation of those veterans whose injuries were service connected and that it was passed only because "pressure was brought to bear".   I

After paying tribute to Reesman and Mrs. Verga, Kean said:

"One of the first bills introduced by the new administration was the economy bill. This bill authorized the president to consolidate departments of the government, of which there are a great many overlapping and which could be done without any injury to anybody except those receiving salaries or emoluments there from. The bill also authorized the president to adjust the wages of government employees and to examine in and make new rules for those receiving pensions from the government. A year ago we tried to give Mr. Hoover power to do away with a lot of these offices that were unnecessary and useless. Mr. Hoover promised if he had the power that he would do so, but this was beaten by the Democrats, so that Mr. Hoover never had; the power to do away with these useless bureaus.

Economy Bill

"The history of the economy bill is this: After it was passed by the House, before they had time to read, it and under a special rule the debate was so limited that nobody knew anything about it before it was voted on, it was then sent over to the Senate and referred to the finance committee. In the finance committee a Democrat moved that the president should not have authority to reduce anybody's compensation more than 25 percent.

"Each senator voted for or against the measure or amendment under consideration. On this amendment, upon the call of the roll, the majority of the Democrats voted in favor of the amendment. Most of the Republicans voted against the amendment and it was a tie on the last Republican name on the committee. This was Senator, Walcott, of Connecticut, and he voted, "pay" on the amendment. This beat the amendment. Next was the question of reporting the bill out of the committee to the floor of the Senate. This was again a tie vote when it came to Senator Walcott and he voted '''aye,'' which reported the bill out.

Won on G. O. P. Votes

On the floor of the Senate the bill would not have passed but for the Republican votes. We were assured by the Democratic leaders that the president would not touch the compensation of those veterans whose injuries are service connected. In other words, the. wounded. When the regulations came out, some two months after this, bill had been passed, they had cut the wounded veterans to pieces.

"'When the president saw that the Senate voted almost two-third to take away this power from him, he got up some compromise formula which was not satisfactory, and got it passed by the House. This was submitted to the Senate and it was on this proposition that every Republican senator voted to support the Senate amendment rather than the House amendment, and I believe that had no pressure been brought to bear on the senators that every senator in the chamber would have voted for the Senate amendment, rather than for the House amendment."

‘Pay Tribute’

"I don't criticize the president, I pay him tribute," Barbour said. "He showed outstanding courage and initiative. He is taking a long chance in many respects and it is the duty of Congress to make the program succeed. It is the program of the nation and I hope it does succeed. However, I do not forget my loyalty to the Republican party. The test is coming this winter in the administration of these great pieces of legislation. I feel, it my duty as a. Republican not to play politics, but I shall raise potent protest against any unfair or unwise laws."

He praised Mrs. Verga and Mrs. Edna B. Conklin, of Bergen county, national committeewoman, who was among the guests of honor.

"I never would have been elected if it were not for the combined efforts of those ladies," he said.

Two future booms were launched.

Mrs. Verga for Senator 

"Some day when Senator Woodruff gets tired of being Senator, I hope to see Mrs. Verga as Senator or, if Congressman Wolverton would become Governor, I should like to see Mrs. Verga in his place; at Washington. She is marvelously capable of filling both jobs."

In response Wolverton laughingly said:

"That's the first time I ever heard a sober man nominate me for governor".

Wolverton's address follows:

‘Cites Relief Jigsaw’

"In the few minutes allotted to me, it will not be possible to speak upon several subjects· as I would like. I do· wish however, to touch briefly and in a general way upon what in my opinion should be the policy of the Republican party at this time with reference to national affairs.

"The economic condition that confronts our nation today, with its attendant paralysis of business, finance, industry and agriculture, creating widespread unemployment, destitution and need, has brought us face to face with an emergency surpassing in its possible consequences even that of the World War. Its devastating effect has brought distress to millions of our people.

"Demand for relief comes from every conceivable source. It is not confined to any particular class. Bankers, railroads, industrial corporations, farmers, homeowners, businessmen, sovereign states, local municipal governments, capital and labor, rich and poor, each with divergent views and often conflicting interests, but all with an insistent demand that each shall receive the particular kind of relief its individual need requires.

Defends Administration

"In answer to the demand of our people for relief, the president called Congress into special session. He submitted his program for relief and recovery to the Congress and it has been enacted into law. To provide effectual relief in the variety of ways made necessary by the different needs to be served required the entrance of our government into new fields of activity.

"There has been a disposition upon the part of some who hold representative positions in our party to criticize the enactment of such laws upon the basis that we have cast aside many of the fundamental traditions of our nation. Such criticism in my opinion is wrong. It overlooks entirely the serious emergency now existing affecting the welfare of our people and which in my opinion is sufficient justification for the enactment of such temporary legislation.

In times such as these, if we are to best serve our people, we cannot hold to the same course of action that has prevailed in other times.

"This is a time of distress and need- a time that calls for the application of new principles or a rearrangement of the old.

"Policies and principles of government set up and agreed upon in times of prosperity cannot be· accepted as standards in times of economic distress when the financial and industrial organizations of the country are prostrate and our pea pie in want.

Warns Of Criticism

'''Nor do I believe our party can gain public confidence by inaugurating at this time a campaign of criticism against the program and policies recently enacted by Congress It has not as yet had a chance or a trial. This is not time to be destructive denunciation without constructive proposals. This is no time to create doubt. It is a time when everyone regardless of party affiliations should co-operate to build confidence, dispel fear and create courage.

"What we need today is constructive co-operation by all political parties. Let each retain his party lines, but co-operate for the common good.

"As a party we must have the vision that will enable us to recognize that new conditions create new obligations and the necessity for the application of new and different policies of government to fulfill our entire responsibility.

"We must have not only the vision as to the necessity, but also the courage to do things which a few years ago would have been unthought of because contrary to accepted theories of what is a proper field of governmental activity arid unjustified under the prosperous conditions then prevailing.

“No Place for Politics”

"Let our thought be in terms of the common good, then there will be no denial of the necessity or the propriety of the government- in times such as these, assuming a responsibility to promote the general welfare and seeking, to fulfill that obligation by entering into enterprises or assuming functions, that otherwise would be unjustified.

"In this time of crisis, when we are seeking to relieve human misery, there is no place for small or mean partisan politics. Nor is this any time for demagogic utterances- this is a time for calm and deliberate consideration and judgment. A time when it is imperative that whatever gives promise of relief shall have our whole-hearted support.

"In conclusion, permit me to suggest that the greatest opportunity for our party in the days immediately before us is to give sympathetic consideration and support to those measures and policies that will best promote human rights. Our party had its origin in support of that great principle and the future measure of its success will depend upon the extent of our adherence to it."

Baird also declared he would support the president.

''Mr. Roosevelt is our president. Republicans will support him, in every thing which is for the bests interests of the country. All should wish for his success”, Baird said.

Sales Tax Urged

Mott urged that Republicans support a sales tax as the most equitable means of raising needed money.

"A sales tax would distribute the cost equally and would be more fair than the income tax. As we know from the hearings in Washington; some aren't paying their income tax, anyway."

Mrs. Conklin paid tribute to Mrs. Verga for her great political sense, ability and understanding of human nature.'              

She urged that all Republicans work as enthusiastically as a minority party as they did as a majority.

"We must go along and build until we become the majority again," she said.

Edge Sends Regrets

Walter E. Edge, former Ambassador to France, who was to have been the principal speaker, was unable to attend because he and his family are at their summer home in Maine. He sent a telegram expressing his regrets and his wishes for success to Mrs. Verga and Reesman. It had been reported Edge would be boomed for governor at the dinner but no mention of such a proposal was made.

The honor guests spoke briefly. Reesman asked for the support of the county committee and pledged himself to give all his energy towards the success of the party.

Mrs. Verga praised the committee members and thanked them for their support. She paid a special tribute o former Senator Baird.

"We have been successful in Camden County," she said, “because we still stand solidly behind our leader, David Baird." Her tribute was greeted by long applause.

Mrs. Reinert and Haines also spoke briefly pledging their support to the new chairman and vice chairman. 

Woodruff Toastmaster

State Senator Albert S. Woodruff was toastmaster. He was introduced by Carlton M. Harris, chairman of the dinner committee.         

The county committee presented a lounging chair to Reesman and a silver flower bowl to Mrs. Verga, as well as flowers to Mrs. Reinert and Haines. Flowers also, were presented to the new chairman and vice chairman by the Twelfth Ward Republican Club and the ladies' auxiliary, by the Young Republicans of Camden county through Harold Joyce, its president, and by the Bergen county Republicans, through Mrs. Conklin.

The dinner committee, in audition to Harris, was headed by Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, secretary; Mrs. Mary S. Hartung, assistant secretary, and William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer.


Camden Courier-Post - September 18, 1933

JOBLESS SON KILLS JAKE SCHILLER 
WHO SAVES BOY’S WIFE FROM GUN

SLAYER CRAZED BY SEPARATION, RELATIVES SAY
Dazedly Insists He Had No Intention of Shooting Sire
ESTRANGED WIFE SEEN IN SUICIDE TRY
Slain Man Long Was Prominent Figure in Camden Politics

Jacob Schiller, 72, for 45 years a political figure here, is dead, shot by his own son.

The slayer, William Schillcr, 30, a former summer policeman now unemployed, was held over today to the grand jury on a charge of murder. He made no comment whatever during his police court hearing.

A few hours later, young Schiller's wife, Augusta, whom he lad also tried to shoot, was found wandering through the city street, in all hysterical condition. 

She had written a note which police believed showed intent to commit suicide, and had staggered dazedly through the streets last night. Both in her note and in her incoherent statements to detectives she declared she was to blame for the tragedy.

She said her father-in-law had tried to save her and was killed in the attempt.

 The slaying occurred Saturday night at the elder Schiller's home, 2420 Carman Street. It climaxed an estrangement between young Schiller and his wife, with "Jake" Schiller attempting to reconcile the couple.

Mrs. William Schiller, who had had her husband arrested several months ago, said she believed he had become mentally deranged, but Police Judge Pancoast was informed that an alienist had examined young Schiller in July and pronounced him sane.

Couple Separated

Young Schiller had been living with his father at the Carman Street address, while Mrs. Schiller has been residing with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John I. Green, 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. The cause of the estrangement has no been revealed by police, but it is stated that young Schiller refused to consent to a reconciliation.

"Jake" Schiller was a Republican worker in the Twelfth ward for years, and was at the time or his death inspector of city street lights.

Were Alone it Home

The father and son were at home 9.00 p. m. Saturday night and apparently were quarreling when the young Mrs. Schiller, her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller and another sister, Mrs. Lottie Bennehler, reached the house.

"Don't come in here," the older Schiller shouted as they started to enter the front sun parlor. But Miller did enter and said young Schiller was clutching a revolver in his right hand. He declared he closed in on his brother-in-law and tried to wrench the revolver from him. Two shots rang out and the father fell to the floor.

Patrolman Joseph Keefe was standing at Twenty-fifth and Federal Streets when two boys ran up and told him there was a shooting at Twenty-fifth and Carman Street. He ran to the scene and said he reached there in time to see young Schiller shooting up the street at his wife.

Keefe said Schiller ran into the house when he saw him. Aided by Miller, Keefe overpowered Schiller and placed an iron claw on his right hand after disarming him.

Jacob Schiller Jr., another son, learning of the shooting, went to his father's home and took him to Cooper Hospital in a passing automobile As he was being taken into the hospital he failed to recognize City Detective Robert Ashenfelter and died five minutes later.

Expresses No Regret

Police Sergeant John Potter joined Keefe and Miller and they took young Schiller to police headquarters.

Keefe said the son expressed no regret at shooting his father.

At about 5 a, m. today, Policeman Keefe was patrolling his "beat" when he passed the Schiller home on Carman Street. He noticed the front door was standing open, and he went inside to investigate.

The officer saw a note on a smoking stand. Picking it up, he read:

"Dear Everybody:

 "Please forgive me ... You have all been so wonderful ... But I couldn't go on to see you all suffer for what is my fault ... Lottie was right ... He killed his father because of insane love for me ... But he didn't. I killed Pop and now am sending Bibs to jail for my weakness.

 "Tell him I love him and ask my poor mother and dad to forgive me. I should have done this long ago and saved everyone all this suffering ... I love Billy and I know he loves me but I am afraid he has been turned against me. But I forgive him for all.

 “Gussie"

 "Gussie" is Mrs. Schiller.

Finds 'Gussie’ Hysterical

Keefe ran to Federal Street, but could not see Mrs. Schiller.

Meanwhile, Constable Dugan of the Twelfth Ward, saw Mrs. Schiller walking on Federal Street near the Cooper River. She was mumbling to herself and was in a hysterical condition, Dugan said.

Dugan telephoned police headquarters. City Detectives Rox Saponare and Maurice DeNicoli went out Federal Street and took her back with them to detective headquarters. There they sought to quiet her, but she continually sobbed.

"I want to take the blame- if I hadn't gone to Pop's home he would be living now."

"Pop wanted to save me," she said. "and he was shot. I can't eat or sleep. I think I'm going crazy."

Later, she was permitted to return to the home.

Young Schiller had been held in the city jail over the weekend. Today he was taken into police court. He wore no necktie and carried a raincoat over his arm. He was rep resented by counsel, C. Lawrence Gregorio, who said he had been retained "by friends" to act as attorney for the accused man.

City detective Benjamin Simon had signed the complaint in which he charged "on information received” that Schiller did feloniously and with malice aforethought shoot and kill his father.

The complaint was read to him and Gregorio told him not to say any thing, as Judge Pancoast would enter a plea of "not guilty" in his behalf. This was done by the court and Schiller was then held without bail pending grand jury action. He was taken to the county jail.

Declared Sane

After the hearing, Mrs. Etta C. Pfrommer, acting overseer of the poor, told Judge Pancoast that on July 26, Dr. Harry Jarrett, Broadway and Cherry Street, well known alienist, had examined young Schiller and declared him sane. The examination was made on the request of Mrs. Schiller in police court on the previous day. At that time young Schiller had been released by the court in the custody of his father.

County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran, who was among the first to question young Schiller Saturday night, said the man did not seem repentant over what he had done. He said Schiller did not give authorities much information. According to Doran, young Schiller declared he had objected frequently to his father that he did not want his wife to come to their home.

"It doesn't seem possible," said young Mrs. Schiller some hours after the tragedy. "It seems as though it was only a dream. I don't seem to remember anything.

"Poor Bill. He must have been crazy. He idolized his father. You can blame this all on the depression. He has been without work since they eliminated summer policemen two years ago. He has been worried as a result of being unable to obtain work. Just recently he started to drink.

"Bill intended to shoot me but his father tried to get the gun away from him and I believe it went off accidentally. Nothing could convince me that Bill would shoot his father in cold blood.

"I went to his father's home last night to try to effect a reconciliation with my husband. He had been drinking."

Registered as Sober

The police docket at headquarters shows Schiller registered as sober. The entry was not made until 2.15 a. m., and the shooting occurred shortly after 9.30 p.m.

Relatives said the father had attempted for months to patch up the marital difficulties of the couple.

Young Schiller had been living lately with his sister, Mrs. Bennehler, 2530 Bank Street and his wife with her parents at 409 North Thirty-seventh Street. He formerly lived at that address with his wife. He was appointed a summer policeman in 1929 and served until they were all dismissed two years ago.

Coroner Holl and Dr. Edward B. Rogers, county physician, yesterday performed an autopsy on the senior Schiller's body and ascertained that death was due to an internal hemorrhage caused by a bullet wound of the upper portion of the abdomen. They said a .32-callbre revolver had been used in the shooting.

Camden Lodge of Elks will hold services tomorrow night at the Schiller home, at which time the body will be on view. The funeral will be private on Wednesday with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

Judge Pancoast last night recalled that young Schiller was arrested two months ago after he had kept his wife a prisoner on a lot all night. At that time "Jake," as he was affectionately known to his friends, tried to act as a mediator between his son and daughter-in-law.

The young Mrs. Schiller at that time told Pancoast she believed her husband was deranged and asked permission to have him examined by physicians she would name. Pancoast released young Schiller in the custody at his father. The police judge said the examination had apparently not been made as no commitment papers had been sent through his office.

Few political workers were better known that "Jake” Schiller. He was born in Philadelphia and was brought to Camden in early life by his parents, who conducted a saloon near Twenty-third and Federal Streets. East Camden was then the town of Stockton and the scene of Saturday night's shooting was a farm. Schiller recalled to friends that he drove cows through a pasture on which his house now stands.

 He was originally a Democrat but became a Republican through persuasion of the late U. S. Senator David Baird and remained a friend of the former leader for 40 years.

 Schiller had been melancholy over the death of his wife on February 13 last, friends said.

 When his son was arrested he remarked to Pancoast:  What is next?"

Figured In Shaw Case

None was more in the public eye 35 years ago in South Jersey than Schiller. It was the that he figured prominently in one phase of the locally celebrated Shaw murder trial.

It was during the second trial of Eli Shaw for the murder of his mother and grandmother, Mrs. Anna Shaw and Mrs. Emma Zane. They were found shot to death in September, 1897, in their bedroom of their home on Line Street near Third. Detective John Painter had found a revolver hidden in the chimney, one of several points in the circumstantial evidence that resulted in the indictment of Shaw. He was then a widely known young man about town and his arrest caused a big sensation. As time drew near for the trial feeling was intense, for there were adherents for and against the son and grandson, those arguments often grew bitter.

Henry Sidney Scovel, then one of the prominent criminal lawyers of Camden county, was retained to defend Shaw. Scovel was son of James Matlack Scovel, himself one of the leading barristers of this section. When the trial of Shaw was under way the city was astounded when it was charged Scovel had tampered with the jury. It was Schiller who made the charge.

The trial stopped abruptly. Scovel emphatically denied the story of Schiller and demanded vindication. An indictment for embracery was returned and at a trial, which had Camden on the tip toe of expectancy for days, it developed there was absolutely nothing to verify the charge, and Scovel was acquitted. He acted in two subsequent trials of Shaw, the second being a disagreement and the third acquittal for the son and grandson of the slain women.

Schiller, strangely enough, in later years became friendly with Scovel and when the latter was prosecutor from 1905 to 1912, "Jake," as he was familiarly known, was usually to be found in the office at the courthouse. Scovel was then a white haired man of flowery speech and impressive personality who let bygones be bygones.

Long Excise Inspector

For more than 20 years Schiller was inspector of the Excise Commission in Camden. It was during the days when the principal object of the inspector apparently was to keep the saloonmen in line. He was considered pretty good at that job, by no means an unimportant one from the organization viewpoint. It was also during that period the city had its troubles enforcing the Sunday liquor laws. There were those who considered they had enough pull to keep their back or side doors open on the Sabbath to let in their regular thirsty trade. Some succeeded in getting by, but "Jake" had his own troubles in keeping the boys straight and sometimes causing their arrest, although that was not frequent by any means.

His reign as inspector, too, was in the halcyon days of free lunch and schooner beers. Saloonmen themselves were against the lunch idea eventually since it meant too much of a financial burden. Jake kept tabs on the recalcitrants so that the liquor dealers knew who was obeying the order and who was "cutting corners" to get some extra trade.

Schiller was virtually raised with the saloon trade since his father was one of the old time German beer garden owners here, having had a place at Fourth and Line Streets. That was in the days when that section was largely populated by the German, English and Irish families lately come from the motherlands. When he was a boy, Schiller entered the U. S. Navy and served several years. When he came out he went to the old Town of Stockton, now East Camden, where he opened a saloon on Federal Street near Twenty-fourth. At that period, some 45 years ago, Stockton seethed with politics and it was just as natural for a young man to get into the game as it was for a duck to swim. Jake at that period was a Democrat and during the battle in the middle 90's when the West Jersey Traction and the Camden Horse Railway Company were fighting for the rail franchises in the town he was a candidate for council from the old Second Ward. The late Robert Lee was the Republican candidate and won out by the narrow margin of two votes. In later years Schiller became a Republican and was elected a constable.

Never Ran From Scrap

Throughout his career Schiller never quite forgot his training In the navy, particularly with reference to boxing or fighting at the drop of a hat. He was a scrapper in his early years and never ran from a fight. That was just as true in political battles, frequent then around the polls, as in purely personal matters. And Jake would battle for a friend just as readily as for any personal reason. He was usually in the thick of the political fracases of the years when it was the accepted thing to fight at the drop of a hat. But he also had lots of native wit which kept things interesting when he was a frequenter of the prosecutors' office during the Scovel and Wolverton regime's. In late years, with the approach of age, he had tempered his propensity to get into an argument and liked nothing more than to tell of “the good old days" when he helped the elder Baird in his organization battles.

He made his last political stand for leadership of the Twelfth Ward in 1926 when he supported the candidacy of Sergeant Ray Smith against Commissioner Clay W. Reesman for ward committeeman. Schiller was supporting Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and the late Senator Joseph H. Forsyth in a campaign against former Congressman Francis F. Patterson and State Senator Albert S. Woodruff.

Reesman won and among the first to visit the hospital after learning of the shooting was the city commissioner. Reesman was his latest chief as lights inspector as he was attached to the highway department. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna also visited the hospital.

"In all the years I have known him he has always been an enthusiastic and loyal friend with a good heart for everybody in trouble," Congressman Wolverton said when he learned of Schiller's death.

Schiller was also a familiar figure at the Elks Club, where he was an ardent card player. But after the death of his wife he gave up this pastime, contenting himself with watching the games. He was also a frequent visitor among old friends at the courthouse.


Camden Courier-Post - October 11, 1933

CIRCOLO ITALIANO HONORS 6 TONIGHT
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.

 

 

Camden Courier-Post
March 10, 1934

John McTaggart
South 6th Street
Sixth Ward Republican Club
William Mills
Monte Bessor
Frank S. Van Hart
David Baird Sr.
Charles A. Wolverton
Albert S. Woodruff
Elizabeth C. Verga
Michael Durkin
Theodore Guthrie
George Chambers
Joseph Leonard
Howard B. Dyer
John Breslin
Mary Hartung
Marie Doyle



Camden Courier-Post - August 1, 1935
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Camden Courier-Post - August 13, 1935
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Camden Courier-Post - August 29, 1935

.... continued...

.... continued...

Albert S. Woodruff - Elizabeth C. Verga - Emma Hyland - Harry L. Maloney - Hotel Walt Whitman
Firmin Michel - Carl Kisselman - Mitchell H. Cohen - Edward V. Martino - John J. Crean 
Clay W. Reesman - William D. Sayrs - Pauline Caperoon - Abe Fuhrman - Harold W. Bennett 
Mary Kobus - George E. Brunner - Frank J. Hartmann Jr. - Frank T. Lloyd - Frederick von Nieda


Camden Courier-Post - February 18, 1936

$1250 FEE ALLOWED IN SALLADE ACTON
Attorneys for Wife Asked Advisory Master for $2500; Appeal Planned  

A $1250 counsel fee yesterday was allowed James Mercer Davis, of Camden, and John R. K. Scott, of Philadelphia, who represented Mrs. Edith June Sallade in her divorce action against Lieut. Wiley U. Sallade. Sallade won a recommendation for divorce and his wife's suit dismissed by Advisory Master William J. Kraft last week.

Davis appeared before the advisory master today and asked a fee of $2500 from Sallade to cover his wife's legal expenses. He said he had been engaged in the case since December, 1934, and also appeared four days in court.

Scott pointed out that he represented Sallade's first wife in her divorce action, had collected a fee five times the amount of Davis' request and Sallade had settled upon his first wife the sum of $70,000 with the divorce.

Former State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, counsel for Sallade, who resides in Haddonfield and is a former chauffeur and adviser to Pierre S. duPont, protested the large fee. Woodruff said Mrs. Sallade was the moving party in the case and her allegations as to her husband's conduct had been dismissed by Kraft.

Kraft is announcing the $1250 fee, remarked it was the largest he has recommended since becoming an advisory master.

Davis told Kraft he intended to appeal the advisory master's decision to the Court of Errors and Appeals. Sallade won his divorce recommendation on the grounds of extreme cruelty.


Camden Courier-Post - January 26, 1938
...continued...
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Camden Courier-Post - January 26, 1938

Camden Courier-Post - February 1, 1938
LEGISLATURE DELAYS ACTION ON SPAN JOB
Line-Up of Solons Supporting Woodruff or Baird Remains Undisclosed

Trenton, Jan. 31 - The line-up in the Legislature on election of either former Senator Albert S. Woodruff or David Baird Jr. as Camden member of the Delaware River Joint Commission remained undisclosed as both houses adjourned tonight.

No election resolution was introduced in either the Senate or the House, with supporters of both candidates seemingly reluctant to force the issue without assurance of sufficient votes.

Today it was understood Assemblyman Rocco Palese was prepared to introduce a resolution in the Assembly for Woodruff, claiming he had enough voted pledged.

It was also reported that Baird's backers were trying to delay action on the job at the present time due to the quick and favorable response which greeted the Woodruff candidacy in the Republican clubs of Camden city and county.


Camden Courier-Post - February 2, 1938

17 Democratic Assemblymen Reported Pledged to Baird
Former Camden Jobholders at Trenton Trying to Line Up Votes
to Retain Ex-Leader on Bridge Board; Hoffman Hinted Back' of 'Deal'

By MERCURY

With both sides at a stalemate over the Delaware River Joint Commission appointment, local political circles today were agog- over a state house report that all 17 Democratic Assemblymen are pledged to vote for David Baird.

Baird, a one-time Republican leader here, is holding an ad interim appointment given him by the outgoing Governor Hoffman while the Legislature was not in session. However, regular appointments to the bridge commission must be made by both branches at the Legislature and not by the governor.

State Senator Albert E. Burling and Assemblyman Rocco Palese were reported prepared to submit former State Senator Albert S. Woodruff's name Monday night. Assemblymen Lawrence Ellis and Millard Allen, on the other hand, hail been reported ready to submit Baird's name.

Neither side made a move toward introducing the necessary resolution, but both factions were busily engaged in lining up votes.

Woodruff Seen Confident

Woodruff supporters claimed they have enough votes- all Republican- to elect the attorney. They said there are 23 Republican Assemblymen who will refuse positively to vote for Baird even should Baird's name be the only one submitted.

It was the well-circulated report that Baird would get unanimous help from the Democrats, however, that had the State House corridors buzzing last night. Some greeted the report with an I-don't-believe-it-because-Baird-never-deals-with-Democrats expression, while others laughingly dismissed the rumor with a I knew-it-all-the-time attitude.

The report started when one of the lobbyists asked Traffic Judge Lewis Paladeau, of Jersey City, a Hague spokesman, whether the Democratic Assemblymen would take sides in the contest. Judge Paladeau replied:

"The 17 Democratic votes are pledged." He declined to say to which candidate.

But several Democrats who had the judge's ear told the wide world that Judge Paladeau had confided that all 17 votes were for Baird.

Hoffman's Hand Seen

Some onlookers who heard reports that this pledge was the result of some footwork by the same ex-Governor Hoffman who was able, when he was chief executive, to find no end of help from the Hague Democrats when he needed it for his friends.

Another report was that the Camden Democrats had asked Jersey City to "keep Baird in the picture" for obvious reasons.

Assemblymen Ellis and Allen surprised their associates by joining the Baird button-holers in trying to enlist votes. Both Allen and Ellis had told Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, state committeeman, that they were for Baird only because they had pledged him their votes before Woodruff's name was proposed, and that they didn't wish to break their word to Baird. They didn't tell Hanna that they had pledged themselves to get other votes for Baird.

Ellis' Statement

Ellis stated this afternoon:

"I was approached after Mr. Baird's name was announced by Hoffman for the ad interim appointment. No one, from the county committee or anyone else, has ever mentioned any other name to me. I was asked by Mr. Baird how I felt about his appointment, and I replied 'All right, Mr. Baird. As far as I know you've always been a Republican. Since I've been approached by no one else, it's all right with me.'

"As far as approaching other Assemblymen last night is concerned, it was to this extent: A number of Assemblymen from other counties asked me how the Camden county delegation stood, and I told them it was two against one,

"As far as I am concerned, unless we can get 31 Republican votes I won't put in Mr. Baird's name. But if the others get help from the Democrats, and bring up Mr. Woodruff's name in the House, it would be no more them fair that Mr. Baird's name be brought up and find out exactly how the vote stood."

Among the vote-for-Baird lobbyists in the State House corridors were present and former jobholders. These included Mrs. Florence Baker, State committeewoman; City Commissioner Frederick von Nieda, former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, former Assemblyman Edwin G. Scovel, and William Lehman, who is a candidate for appointment to William A. E. King's job on the county board of elections.

Von Nieda Explains

Von Nieda declared he was in Trenton because he is "interested in the light plant bill and some fish and game measures." Yesterday, he reiterated this, but also said:

"I didn't go to Trenton primarily on the Baird matter, although Baird is a fine chap, it is a matter of principle. He was appointed by Hoffman probably without his knowledge, now someone is challenging his ability to fill the job."

Scovel was asked whether he and von Nieda had tried to get votes for Baird last night.

“We did what we could for Baird," replied Scovel. "I am for him. There was a lot of button-holing on both sides. You'd think it's a $10,000 job."

Mrs. Baker was the first on the scene and tried her luck with the Essex delegation; including Senator Clee: The latter listened to her exhortation that he had always received help from the Camden Republicans and then smilingly averred:

"It looks like you're trying to sell me an applecart." Mrs. Baker said she wasn't; she was trying to sell him a diamond.

Hanna, Alfred Driscoll, Haddonfield commissioner, and Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino were among those who lined up votes for Woodruff.


Camden Courier-Post * February 5, 1938
CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED
by
JIMINY

The way some of the members of the Camden County Republican Committee are behaving these days, the Democrats can stay home on their own meeting nights .... The Republicans are doing their work for them .... Now some 70 of the Republican committeemen have signed a petition to give Baird a job that won't pay him anything.... It's about time they're giving him something .... They took the U. S. Senatorship away from him .... Moore took the governorship away from him .... Woodruff took the state committeeship away from him .... The New Deal took the city commission away from him .... The New Deal took the freeholders away from him:.:. Somebody always is taking something away from Baird ....

It isn't a question of Baird's ability to fill the bridge job .... The only one to even mention that as an issue was Fred von Nieda .... He's a city commissioner, you know .... It's a matter of principle .... At least, that is what Florence Baker, state com­mitteewoman, says .... Mrs. Baker is telling Senator, Clee and others at Trenton that they owe it to Baird to support him for the job because he has always helped Clee ...Let's, in all fairness to Baird, look at the record .... In the primary, during an address at the First Ward Republican Club, Dave Baird stated he was for Cliff Powell against Clee .... Mrs. Baker did not come out against Clee .... She didn't come out against Powell. Instead, she said she was neutral. In the general election, Mrs. Baker said she was for Clee. Baird never said he was for Clee. (If he had, Clee's majority of 35,000 would have gone to Moore) ....

So we don't think that Mrs. Baker is very convincing when she tells Clee that Baird helped Clee .... She said that the Camden county legislative delegation helped Clee's program against Hoffman. Was Baird a Democrat last year? Sheehan, Roye and Lodge were .... Burling was a Republican, and helped Clee, but he is not for Baird. Perhaps it was because Baird "helped" Clee's program against Hoffman opposition, that Hoffman slipped in Baird's appointment without the knowledge of Burling or the state or county committee members .... Mrs. Baker stated at a banquet that she has copies of the Courier-Post in 1931 in which Baird was praised for his bridge work .... If anyone cares to look at our files, we will show what Mrs. Baker said about Baird in the neighborhood of 1931. ... Or what we said about Baird at other times .... Also what Mr. van Nieda and Frank Travaline said.

But enough ado about nothing .... All we've done is talked about Baird when it had been our plan instead to talk about politics.

* * *

The political ax is hanging over the head of a Mt. Ephraim official on the charge he is assuming too much authority ..... The political ax hanging over the heads of the Delaware township cops is about to be enmeshed in litigation .... One of the policeman is a member of the P.B.A. which will carry his fight into court in a case that will be a precedent for the other township cops, too .... Herb Taylor will be county engineer if it goes to a Republican .... It may be a Democrat however, and newest among the candidates, on that side of the ledger is former City Commissioner Carroll P. Sherwood .... There may be only one assistant county solicitor instead of two in which case it will probably go to Carleton Rowand, city school board member .... 

By the way, don't, be surprised if under the new contract between the city and county on maintenance of the City Hall, the city takes full control of the building with consent of the county ... Which will be tough on some of the county jobholders ...* * *.

Assemblyman Allen now denies he wants all us newspaper fellers to go to the guillotine ... He says he meant lawyers ... Charlie Humes wants to be guillotined ... Standing up ... Incidentally, Charlie is defending his last-place position in the ping-pong league tonight… Firefighter Lennox went to church the other day… And found the roof braced up. When will the borough of Merchantville fix up that dangerous hole in Browning road at the railroad tracks north of Maple Avenue? ... Or is that in the township?

Whenever the state police want Detective Wojtkowiak at the prosecutor's office, ·they ask for "Sergeant Watchyourcoatandhat" … The Mt. Ephraim commissioners are going to buy a police car for their chief ... He's also in for a pay rise ... Bellmawr's chief of police won't get the salary increase he wants, but he will get an additional allowance for the use of his car ... Runnemede's two new cops will also get pay increases …

The other day an alarm was sent to every police department in the county and also to the Philadelphia cops that a car had been stolen in Audubon ... The culprit is glad no cops saw him ... He was none other than a police official who wanted to borrow a storekeeper's car but took the wrong one by mistake ... His face is almost as red as Vince (deP) Costello's ... At the K. of C. roller skating exhibition the other night, Luke McKenna did a few fancy turns ... Vince recalled he, too, had been pretty good at one time, so he essayed to show his friends ... His intentions were better than his legs, and a couple of well-­wishers followed him around the floor with a stretcher.

This all happened quietly The Runnemede police received a complaint from two storekeepers ... It appears that a group of high school students from another town had stopped off at Runnemede to purchase some cakes ... Several other articles disappeared from the stores ... A few days later the dean of the high school went to Runnemede paid one shopkeeper $10 and the other $2.60 ... Representing the goods they said were taken ...

Aside to that clairvoyant weakly editor who reported yesterday that Joe Van Meter is going to be the Republican nominee for sheriff: A sheriff cannot succeed himself in New Jersey ... Silvio Fittipaldi, former Haddon Heights High star, is a veterinarian and doing nicely ... A Philadelphia college professor who lives in Pennsauken uses his spare time writing a book ... Home by 4.30 p.m. from work, he retires at 8 p.m., rises at 3.30 a.m., writes for four hours, breakfasts and goes to work ... The Playcrafters are busy rehearsing "Post Road" for Feb. 18 and 19 ... A warrant is in the mails for a suburban doctor ... Illegal operation ... Fred Homer. Merchantville song-bird, had an audition in New York recently before the Metropolitan Opera Audition Committee ... What Collingswood shopkeeper's missus is having trouble getting a costume for a minstrel show? ... They're still looking for better buses on Route 14 ...

Carlton Rowand told this one at a dinner the other night… The foreman on a western WPA job wired Farley for more materials to finish the job ... "We need 2000 shovels in a hurry," the foreman wired ..."We ran out of shovels," replied Farley. "Let the men lean on each other."


Camden Courier-Post * February 5, 1938
MRS. PETZOLD QUITS BAIRD ON SPAN JOB
Runnemede G.O.P. Aide to Back Woodruff, Erase Name From Petition

Mrs. Katherine Petzold, Republican county committeewoman from Runnemede, yesterday announced she had bolted the candidacy of David Baird Jr., for election to the bridge commission, to support former Senator Albert S. Woodruff .

Mrs. Petzold repudiated her original action in signing the Baird petition, for which she and her colleague, former Mayor Robert F. Sheppard, have been asked to resign from the county committee by the executive committee of the Runnemede Republican organization.

Mrs. Petzold and Sheppard have been summoned before the Runnemede committee on Monday night to explain their action in signing the petition. Mrs. Petzold said she would attend the meeting, but Sheppard, has refused to make any comment on his action in signing the Baird document or on the summons to appear before the Republican organization.

In announcing her break from the Baird to the Woodruff camp, Mrs. Petzold disclosed that William Lehman, in charge of the Republican county headquarters at Broadway and Stevens street, Camden; Mrs. Anna G. Holl, county committee woman from Haddonfield, and Mrs. Mary H. Tegge, county committee woman from Haddon Heights, were the missionaries who persuaded her to sign.

Wants Name Removed

"I signed the petition as they requested," said Mrs. Petzold, “not thinking that I was doing anything against the wishes of our Republican organization or to embarrass our: executive committee."

In leaving the Baird cause yester day, Mrs. Petzold made the following statement:

"I am going to ask tomorrow that my name be removed from the petition supporting David Baird for appointment to the bridge commission. I intend to support the appointment of Senator Albert S. Woodruff.

"I have learned that my signing the petition of Mr. Baird has met with disfavor of the Runnemede Republican Club and its executive committee. I wish it known to the committee and to my friends that I regret my action. '

"The petition was brought to me by Mr. Lehman, Mrs. Holl and Mrs. Tegge, for me to sign. Through my friendship for them I signed the petition as they requested, not thinking I was doing anything against the wishes of the Republican organization or to embarrass our executive committee. .

"After reading in the newspaper, of the executive committee at which I was criticized for my action I realized then what I had done.

Gratetful for Support

"I want it known that I am grateful to the Republican organization and the executive committee of Runnemede for their support in electing me to the Camden County Republican Committee.

"I would do nothing to cause them embarrassment.

"I am heartily in accord with the movement of state Committeeman Frank Hanna, Dr. Warren E. Pinner, our freeholder; Mayor Harry A. Fluharty and other Young Republican leaders to rebuild the Republican party in Camden County. I am always ready to co-operate with them and abide by their wishes.

"I am sending letters to the three Republican assemblymen from Camden County and to Senator Burling to have my name removed from the Baird petition and to endorse Senator Albert S. Woodruff for the appointment to the bridge commission".

What the names of Sheppard and Mrs. Petzold were found to have been signed to the Baird petition, the names having been revealed following the parley last Saturday with state legislators, the Runnemede Republicans became indignant.

A meeting was held by the executive committee Sunday and a resolution was passed at the meeting urging the appointment of Woodruff and criticizing Sheppard and Mrs. Petzold for supporting Baird.

The county committee representatives were held to have been acting without authority when they signed the petition.


Camden Courier-Post - February 19, 1938
CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED
by
JIMINY




David Baird Jr. - Harry Ecky - William Lehman - Samuel P. Orlando - Albert S. Woodruff
Emma Hyland - Marie V. Kelley Verdiglione - Sol Polkowitz - William "Dutch" Kinsler
Charley Humes - Chinny Weber - Beatrice DiGiuseppe - Pasquale Ianuzzi - Pine Street
Mrs. Kathryn Sheeran - Walter Fallon - John Branin - B.R. McLaughlin

Camden Courier-Post - February 23, 1938

Is Zat So!
By
GORDON MACKAY

NOW that Harold G. Hoffman has become "Brother Rat" to Heywood Broun, Jay Franklin, Charlie Humes, Dan McConnell, John Fitzgerald, By Jiminy and Yours Truly, it seems only clubby to warn our new fraternity brother of something that he is up against for sure. 

Perhaps the former Governor felt he was using slick polities when he waited until the eleventh hour before he named David Baird, Jr., to the bridge commission. Perhaps Hoffman figured he would hand a kick in the 'slats to certain sources the former Governor disliked. Perhaps Hoffman figured it a keen piece of work for a slicker to toss the former U. S. Senator in Camden's lap and tell the county to like it or lump it. 

I don't know the motive's that actuated our Brother Rat in this move. Nor am I aware of his idea in making the appointment. 

In fact I'm not even critical of the nominee or of his nomination to the commission. I'm merely taking the former Governor into my confidence and telling him that the sorest folk in local G.O.P. circles over the appointment of B'rer Baird are the Baird adherents. 

Seems far-fetched to make such a statement, but they have confessed that very fact to yours truly. Don't get the idea they are not as strongly behind the former U. S. Senator as ever they are. The thing that riles the Baird folk is that Hoffman tossed that bundle of woe and trouble on their doorstep about 24 hours before he, Hoffman, was through as Governor of New Jersey, 

Baird factionists pay no tribute to Hoffman by citing that he appointed David Baird, Jr., through any friendship for either the appointee or the Camden county G.O.P.

BLAMED HOFFMAN FOR PRESENT STRIFE 

No indeed. These Bairdites tell me the party was getting along pretty well. The factions had been solidified behind Senator Clee during the latter's gubernatorial campaign. The Republicans controlled the legislative delegation from Camden county, the three assemblymen and state senator are allied with the G. O. P. 

True, the Board of Freeholders was lost and the Baird faction was disappointed over that fact, as one might expect. Still the Baird allies had become reconciled to the loss of control of county affairs, were yielding to the inevitable. Olive branches were extended in several directions. Prominent Baird lieutenants were willing to listen to harmony with the Kobus wing of the party. 

Came the appointment. Instantly the old wrangle broke out afresh. It might have occurred in any event but the peculiar circumstances under, which the appointment was made added to the complexity of the situation and the anguish of the factions. First there came a difference as to the meaning of the law which states that a Governor may appoint a commissioner, ad interim, until the legislature elects. 

Whether the ad interim appointment continues until a commissioner is chosen by the legislature is a moot question. So involved is the present dispute, indeed, that I learn on good authority that T. Harry Rowland, New Jersey counsel to the bridge commission, will in all probability be asked at the next meeting of the commission to give an opinion as to the meaning of that law. 

Rowland will be called upon to render his opinion as to whether David Baird Jr., sits legally on the bridge commission today, or whether his term of office as an ad interim appointee expired when the present state legislature came into life.

ROWLAND WILL HAVE TOUGH JOB 

If this question is broached to Rowland he'll wind up behind the eight ball, too.

If he decides the appointment continues until the legislature elects a successor, that will fix Baird's appointment as certain on the commission until somebody is elected to the vacancy caused by the retirement of John B. Kates. 

If Rowland determines the appointment terminated with the inauguration of the Governor and legislature, then comes a legal battle that may wind up in the Court of Errors and Appeals. In either event it's not so hot for Brother Rowland.

Meanwhile I hear by the firmly established Mackay grapevine that neither of the present candidates mentioned for bridge commissioner has sufficient votes to be elected. Both sides, I'm told, assert that when the proper time arrives they'll have the votes to elect their man. 

Others who are impartial in the survey declare neither of the candidates has enough votes. Unless something gives, these seers contend, there will be a stalemate continue so long as the legislature wishes the present situation to exist.

I understand that the balance of power to determine the election of Baird or former Senator Albert S. Woodruff rests with Union county. Four members of the Assembly from that bailiwick, voting together, can hand the plum to either candidate. 

Senator Charles E. Loizeaux, president of the upper branch and Herbert J. Pascoe, Speaker of the Assembly, both hail from Union county. The matter of having their assemblymen vote for Baird or Woodruff has been placed squarely before these two solons. 

Loizeaux, it was told to me, tried to duck the issue with the old moth eaten excuse that he never interferes with "the Assembly matters." Whereupon a Woodruff ally called to Senator Loizeaux's attention a couple of occasions when he seemed to slip from such attitude. 

When confronted with the charge that on several occasions Senator Loizeaux did not hesitate to stick his fingers into Assembly matters, the presiding officer shut up like a clam. Only to open his mouth anew to intimate that he might give the Woodruff cause a boost with the Union county delegation in the Assembly.

Under such circumstances, and, with a rift wide enough to drive a 10-ton truck created in the party ranks, no wonder exists as to the antipathy the pro-Baird folk feel toward Hoffman. 

These same Baird allies provoke considerable comment when they assert that if Hoffman had kept his hands out of the pie, Governor Moore would have named Baird to the commission to spite certain sources of opposition to Moore that dwell in this part of the world. 

Altogether Brother Rat Hal made no 10-strike in his selection. To be frank the pro-Baird chaps insist that he just "played hell all around" with his appointment under such conditions.


Camden Courier-Post - February 26, 1938

Is Zat So!
By
GORDON MACKAY

TALK about the long arm of coincidence, wait until you read this. Some years ago there wall a senator from Camden county named Albert S. Woodruff. A lawyer of recognized ability throughout the state, he was also a political figure 
of prominence in the councils of the state government and the G. O. P.

During his tenure at Trenton a measure was adopted which called for codification of the state laws, or something of that nature whereby a good part of the statute law of New Jersey was rewritten. 

One of the laws that came into revision was the law that created the Delaware River Joint Commission, the group 'that has control of the vested interests of the state in Camden Bridge. 

And one of the committee that revised those laws was Senator Albert S. Woodruff of Camden county. From this prelude we'll give the floor to Br'er Woodruff and let him give an interesting revelation as to the reason why the law 
governing appointments to the bridge commission from New Jersey was rewritten. 

"I was fearful," the former solon I told me yesterday, "that we might come to the time when New Jersey would have a Democratic governor who would have the appointment of the bridge commission in his control. I didn't want the 
Republican party thus to be stripped of membership on the commission so I wrote, deliberately and with premeditation the clause in the bill that provides for ad interim appointments only until 'the Legislature meets.' 

'''I figured that it was rational to assume that in the majority of elections the Legislature would be under Republican control. In fact, my belief is borne out by the complexion of the two branches since revision." 

SEE WHAT FUTURE HAS DEVELOPED

"The intention of that law," continued the ex-senator, "was to have no ad interim appointment last longer than the date when the Legislature organized. Thus we would always be assured of G. O. P. membership in control of the bridge on 
the Jersey side because the Legislature would always remain in our hands, I felt.

"I'm certain that an opinion from the attorney general will bear out this legal contention that ad interim appointments exist only when the Legislature is out of session and those ad interim appointments expire the instant the Legislature 
resumes sittings." 

This opinion of the man who rewrote the law is interesting for several obvious reasons. It also reveals how the long arm of coincidence has reached out to take hold of a vexing situation for legislators, bridge counsel and other interested parties. 

For David Baird, Jr., recently was given the ad interim appointment by the retiring Governor Hoffman. The Legislature has since been in session but no action has been taken on filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of 
Treasurer John B. Kates

Strangely enough the obstacle to the path of electing Baird to the full term, for which he now occupies the ad interim appointment, is Albert S. Woodruff, who has been boomed for the Kates vacancy. Meanwhile David Baird, Jr., sits as 
a bridge, commissioner and the whole kettle of trouble woe and travail boils merrily ever.

The next move in this legislative puzzle must come from some source, while the Democrats have the opportunity to sit back and let the various Republican factions stew in their own juice. 

SEEM TO BE SHIFT IN WHISTLE STOP 

You solons in the State Legislature want to get a load of THIS information. Some time ago we protested as a resident of Camden about misrepresentation on the various commissions affecting Camden city and county by whistle stop 
commissioners. 

This is Chapter Two about the same situation as regards the Camden bridge.

Perhaps you men at Trenton are unaware that the whistle stop commissioner from Atlantic county only represents that bailiwick in absentia. 

I might inform you gentlemen at Trenton that the bridge commission held a meeting yesterday, in executive session,

I understand, the commissioners from South Jersey took yours truly over the coals. They proceeded to slam the portly scribe about with both vim and Vigor.

That's okeh with me. We've been socked by experts. It doesn't destroy the fact, however, that we did a little investigation on, our own account. The result of that inquiry is that we would like you solons to ask the whistle stop commissioner from Atlantic county if he receives communications to himself at Boonton, N. J. If so why? 

Boonton is in Morris county and either the whistle stop commissioner lives in Morris county or he dwells in Atlantic county. If he lives in Morris county, votes there and has his legal residence there, what right has he to sit on the bridge 
commission. as a whistle stop commissioner from Atlantic county? " 

So much for the whistle stop commissioner from Atlantic City, who probably represents the seaside via Morris county. How about the other whistle stop commissioners? Where do they really live?  


Camden Courier-Post - July 5, 1941
CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED
by
JIMINY

 ... Vice Chancellor Al Woodruff has left for Chile and some deep sea fishing.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE

Camden Courier-Post * July 24, 1941

Cooper Street - Market Street - North 9th Street - Carpenter Street
Mary W. Kobus - Albert S. Woodruff 
Mrs. Sue K. Devenny - Joseph R. Hendricks - Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks
R.M. Hollingshead Corporation Fire


Camden Courier-Post * July 30, 1941
..continued...
...continued...
...continued...
Bruce A. Wallace - Chester Andrus - James Conaghy - Albert S. Woodruff
Edna Andrus - Emma Kenney - Domonick Palese - Thomas Bolt - Marion Garrity
Joseph Moss - WIlliam Anderson - Burnell S. Hartman
Ruth Richardson - Mary Niewinski

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