National Puzzlers to Hold Semi-Annual Session Here
Amateur Creators of Brain Twisters Open Three-Day Conclave Tomorrow;
Mrs. Kobus To Greet Delegates on Arrival

 Puzzledom, that world of crypto-grams, psychology and pseudonyms, will have its capital in Camden beginning and continuing through Sunday. It will be the 105th semi-annual convention of the National Puzzlers' League, Inc.

Back in 1926, sesquicentennial year of American Independence, the puzzlers held their 86th semi-annual convention here. The fact Joseph Kobus, retired Broadway merchant, is a charter member of the organization, founded in 1883, and that his wife, City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, is now first vice president, may have had something to do with the selection of Camden for both gatherings. Mrs. Kobus was president in 1929.

Close to 100 members, from all sections of the country east of the Mississippi, are expected. Convention headquarters are to be in the Walt Whitman Hotel. The member-ship includes, besides amateur puzzle creators, affiliated with regional puzzlers' clubs, many of the best known contributors of puzzle ideas to magazines and newspapers.

Have Pseudo Names in puzzledom each is known by a pseudonmy, self-chosen. Mrs. Kobus, for instance, is H. S. Law, which is a reverse spelling of her name before marriage, Walsh. Commissioner Kobus- beg pardon, H. S. Law- is chairman of the reception committee which will welcome members as they arrive tomorrow afternoon and night. Many attractive entertainment features will be crowded into the two-day session.

On the convention program for Saturday morning is a meeting of the organization's board of trustees. Then, following a scenic automobile trip, the opening session of the convention will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A theatre party and a banquet will conclude the day's activities.

Features of Sunday's program, after breakfast and church services, will be a puzzle broadcast from Station WCAM at 11:00 AM, the closing session of the convention in the afternoon, to be followed by award of a cup to the winner of a puzzle contest.

WPA Band to Play

Sunday evening there will be a meeting of the MMM, Minute Men of Mystery, an organization within the league, followed by a dinner and "surprises". The  WPA leisure time band, directed by Joseph Fuhrman, will give a musical program at the hotel for the benefit of the visitors Saturday night.

"It has been generally agreed by discerning critics that Puzzledom, as we know it, received a big upward life toward a higher and better organized plane by reason of a historic meeting here in 1926," Mrs. Kobus said, "and we hope the coming session win prove just as brilliant." Other officers of the league are: Charles Jacobsen (Oedipus), of Whitestone NY, president; Paul E. Thompson (Blackstone), Cleveland Heights OH, second vice president; Lewis Trent (C. Saw), New York NY, secretary; John Q. Boyer (Primrose), Baltimore MD, treasurer; Rufus T. Strohm (Arty Ess), Scranton PA, official editor, and J. H. Wickham (Wick  O'Cincy), Cincinnati OH, Ohio trustee.

ADVISERS BAR 60 FUND PLAN; APPROVE OF 77
Forget Politics and Adopt an Honest Budget, City Rulers Told
COLLECT TAXES, REPORT Urges
Commissions Also Urged to County Affairs

By W. OLIVER KINCANNON 

Disregard Chapter 60. 

Refinance under Chapter 77. 

Reinforce that with what security you can give by resolution or ordinance, but Disregard Chapter 60.

Use a business rather than a political basis.

Take an active Interest In the management of Camden County as well as Camden city, acting as a committee of inquiry on county management.

These are some of the points of advice given to the City Commission yesterday, at a special meeting of the Commission, by its Citizens' Advisory Committee.  

In trip-hammer style, James W. Burnison, chairman of the advisory group, read a report that followed with these recommendations: 

Forget politics and work as a unit.

Cut expenses and stay within your budgets.

Prepare a complete and honest budget.

Let the taxpayers decide when an emergency exists that requires an addition to the budget. Fight shy of gamblers' Interest rates.

Don't default; it's too costly.

Get on a cash basis and stay there.

Make every taxpayer in the city realize and live up to his tax responsibility.

Think about Camden city and county in a patriotic rather than a political sense. 

Vote to Act Quickly 

The commission voted to take quick action by passing a motion introduced by Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance.

This motion empowers Bennett to call, as quickly as possible, a meeting of the commission, representatives of its advisory committee, the finance committee of the board of freeholders, representatives of the city's bonding attorneys, Hawkins, Delafield and Longfellow, representatives of Lehman Brothers and other bond houses to determine what arrangement can be effected to solve the city's financial problems. Setting forth that it is not our intent or desire to criticize the performances of past or present city officers, " the report nevertheless, contained frank condemnation of emergency deficiency appropriations for items that are and were left off budgets. 

Hits Past Budgets 

It contained also implied condemnation of all the city budgets since 1930 and pointed out: "That Camden City receipts have been running behind expenditures approximately $1,000,000 a year since 1930."

"Our yearly budgets do not at present, and did not in the past, in the opinion of your committee, give a frank clear picture of anticipated income and expenditures.  

“The job of contacting bondholders to procure interest reductions, "your 'committee finds, has not been handled as frankly as it deserves. We can find no evidence of a sincere effort to layout a program and attack this problem logically. No more than 30 cents can be lopped off the tax' rate if the contacting program were completely successful. The committee has failed to receive a requested report of efforts to contact bondholders.

The committee was convinced that it is futile to expect any large-scale interest cuts from bondholders. 

 Hopeful of Rate Cut 

It believes the majority of high interest-bearing bonds can be refunded at substantially lower interest rates if constructive action is taken immediately. The committee has been informed that the state has refused to accept "reasonable rates" on the city's bonds held by the State.

Furthermore, "the present difference of opinion on this subject among members of our present city commission would in itself effectively block any real work along this line, " and "We feel that real results along this line require a united front on the part of our commission and the county freeholders." "Our sinking fund, we are informed, is stuffed with our own frozen paper. Such financing, in our estimation, kills the purpose of such funds."

"The present plan of singling out a few wards in our city and call for sporadic tax sales is neither fair to the delinquent taxpayers in these wards nor is it fair to the taxpayers throughout the city." 

Has Detail Report 

After concluding his reading of the summarized report, Burnison informed the commissioners the committee has completed a detailed report of "40 to 42 pages of homework for you" and said that will be submitted today.

"That will contain detailed recommendations, including some errors in figures and in judgment, but we ask that you disregard the errors and use the good in it," Burnison said.

He explained that when he mentioned 30 cents as the maximum figure to be lopped from the tax rate of the city were completely successful in obtaining interest reductions, he figured that would be the result if the city got 2% to 3 percent rates on all its bonds..

"There’s a large number of these bonds you can't hope to refund at lower interest rates, as the rates already are low. You couldn't get under 4 or 4% percent on your first refunding under Chapter 77 and almost all of the bonds not immediately refundable are around those figures, " he said.

Commissioner Bennett immediately opened up argument concerning what the committee thinks will replace his favored refunding plan- Chapter 60 combined with Chapter 77. 

Tells Objection to 60 Plan 

"Sixty seems to give the other fellow more advantages than us; that's our objection to it," Burnison said.

"Apparently you have been assured from some source that we can avoid an increase in the tax rate without adopting Chapter 60," Bennett said and continued:

"I see no way of keeping down this year's budget without 60. Politics is out in my argument, but I honestly believe 60 and 77 combined make the only plan for us. Under the present plan the rate will go up this year. Won't you tell us your source of assurance that it will not?"

Burnison did not answer the question immediately and Bennett said: "We would have to pass resolutions committing us to procedure similar to that under Chapter 60, wouldn't we?"

"Yes," Burnison answered, "but not binding you to as close supervision. You can't continue to exceed receipts and improve conditions anyway."

"Well," Bennett said, "give us the advantage of your sources assurance.” 

Tells Sources 

"We have two such sources," Burnison said. "Mr. Middleton is one.

(Melbourne F. Middleton, Jr., former city director of revenue and finance and now a bond dealer interested in the city's refunding issues.)

"Lehman Brothers (New York bankers who have handled many of the city's bonds in the past and were interviewed last Friday by the advisory committee) also said if we showed a sincere frank idea of economizing and staying within our budget, the bondholders would accept our bonds without necessity of recourse to Chapter 60.

"They said 60 'meant no more to the bondholder than resolutions and ordinances, if you get together and go on record to give security and then do it.

"I don't think the city commission should have any compunction in binding itself not to exceed the budget. Then, if you find it is impossible for you to operate on what you are taking in under the present tax rate, call in a group of taxpayers say 200 of them-and explain the situation and raise the tax rate.

"Any reasonable man or group will see the necessity and logic of that. They will go along with you.

"But under Chapter 60 you put yourself under a rigorous unbending set of restrictions." 

Mrs. Kobus Urges Action 

"Let's quit arguing and do it," Commissioner Mary W. Kobus suggested, and Mayor Frederick von Nieda asked: "If we take an average of the income for the past three years would you not consider that average for this year?"

"Yes", said Burnison.

At that point Bennett made his motion for power to call a special meeting of the freeholders, commissioners, citizens' group, bond attorneys and bond dealers, and it was passed unanimously after Commissioner George E. Brunner seconded it.

"I reserve the right own discretion about dealers will be asked” Bennett remarked.

"It may be that Lehman Brothers are the only ones who will trust us," Burnison said. "They know the lines we are working along. They work with other houses, and there may be other sources of credit we can tap."

"Well, 42 of the largest cities in New Jersey with 62 percent of all at the ratables of the state are under Chapter 60 now," Bennett said.  

"Sixty-two percent could be wrong," Burnison answered and laughed, adding: "In my opinion, those cities going under 60 haven't looked very far ahead."

"That's what we have done," Bennett replied. "My department has done that and that is why we are advocating 60.” 

Burnison Disagrees 

"Well there are members on our committee who know a good bit about that sort of thing and they say the city is justified in not going under 60," Burnison said.

"The Legislature is going to pass a new budget law that will act just the same as Chapter 60, though it will not be passed in time to effect this year's budget," Bennett said.

"Well," said Burnison, "I'd think the commission would prefer to adopt a safe course voluntarily than to be forced into it."

"We have no assurance that those who will have charge of the city's affairs for the next 15 or 18 years will follow the course we lay down for them," Bennett said and added: "Past political experience shows that they won't."

This brought the argument to a close and Burnison, questioned by a reporter, said:

"We are not unalterably opposed to Chapter 60. We oppose it, yes. We believe under 77 a better job for us can be worked out." 

Members of the committee, in addition to Burnison, who attended the session are James V. Moran, Harry A. Kelleher, Carl R. Evered, Dr. Ulysses S. Wiggins, A. Lincoln Michener and Eugene E. Wales.

City Comptroller Sidney P. McCord, with an aide, attended, and a stenographer from Commissioner Bennett's office took a complete report of the proceedings.

MRS.KOBUS TO ADDRESS REALTY BOARD MEMBERS

 City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus will deliver the principal address today at the Camden County Real Estate Board luncheon in Hotel Walt Whitman. Her topic will be "Vandalism and the Police Department." Another speaker will be Emanuel Smith. who will speak on "The Development of a New Idea For State Taxation For Schools."

Hartmann Defended

To the Editor: 

Sir-Will you please print the following article in your Mail Bag. Now, my fellow citizens, where IS your howling and crying over the moneys spent by the city not being used for anything productive? Folks like to talk about others, but never a good word for those who deserve it. Mr. Hartmann has treated WPA workers like men, and they responded like men. I am one of them. I worked all day February 13 in the snow and storm and have not heard any grumbling from any of my buddies. Did the public ever stop crying the blues long enough to realize that I got $76 per month from relief? Of course I have a family and my wife never was satisfied, like lots of others, to take all and give nothing. Now I get $60 a month and we (my family) are happy again. Why? Be- cause I can at least make an effort to earn what I get. It's mine and I keep my kids dressed warmly and they go to the movies every Saturday afternoon. I feel 100 percent better than living on E.R.A. I have two very close friends on E.R.A. who laugh at me for working on W.P.A., but when they need a few pennies they look me up. Due to Mr. Hartmann we were kept on our jobs instead of being laid off. His efforts put us on the snowy streets. I've lived in this town for 38 years, my mother 57 years and my dad 68 years and all of us say the same thing. God give us some more Hartmanns and Kobuses instead of David ? regime. That's all, folks, your street

Improvements to date have cost you taxpayers practically nothing. Just a word to W.P.A. workers: Layoff of Kelly, he is a good man when you understand him.

HERBERT BARD
213 Penn Street.

OWNER HELD IN TAPROOM BRAWLS
Proprietor of Wall Street Club Charged With Hitting Policeman 

Four persons were arrested early yesterday during a free-for-all fight in the Wall Street Club, 340 Federal Street, according to police.

Edward Markowitz, 38, proprietor of the place, was arrested and charged with assault and battery on an officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Ambrose Brown, 31, and his brother, Asher, 27, both of 2104 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, were arrested on complaint of George Brown, 29, of 1214 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, who charged them with assault and battery. The Browns under arrest are not related to the complainant. Brown, the complainant, is a brother-in-law of Patrolman Joseph Schultz.

Patrolmen Earl Wright and Gus Fortune were passing Fourth and Federal streets at 1:45 AM in a radio car with Commissioner Mary W. Kobus when a man ran out of the Wall Street Club and shouted to them that some men had been beating him.

When the policemen entered, Markowitz is alleged to have tried to eject the police. He said they had no right in his place, according to Wright and Fortune.

Markowitz was arrested with the three Browns. Wright alleges Markowitz struck him in the face. At police headquarters Mrs. Eleanor Brown, wife of Asher Brown, said she, her husband and brother-in-law were getting ready to leave the place when George Brown struck her in the face. She said her husband and brother-in-law struck George Brown in retaliation.

Police said when they reached the interior of the taproom men were fighting, women screaming and tables were being overturned.

Markowitz was held in $1000 bail. When booked at police headquarters, Markowitz was drunk, Wright and Fortune said. Ambrose and Asher Brown in $500 bail each and George Brown in $200 bail as a witness. They will have hearings today in police court.

Markowitz last night denied he struck Wright but alleged the patrolman knocked him unconscious at police headquarters. He said he was placed in a wheel chair and pushed into a cell. He charged he was not permitted to use a telephone until 7:00 AM.

"There was no fight in my place," Markowitz declared. "The fight was out on the street and Wright rushed into my place, grabbed me and hustled me to the patrol box. He struck me in the eye in my place and I never raised a hand to him. There were 20 persons in the place can testify I am telling the truth,"

KOBUS NAMED HEAD OF PUZZLERS GROUP AS CONVENTION ENDS
'Nedmac' (Spell It Backwards) Elected; Wife Retires as Vice President
NEW WORDS PRESENTED  

Joseph F. Kobus, retired Camden merchant, was elected president of the National Puzzlers League, Inc. at the closing session yesterday of its 105th semi-annual convention.

The convention opened Saturday in the Hotel Walt Whitman.

The new president, husband of City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, was, one of the earliest members of the organization, founded in 1883. His nom-de-plume in puzzledom is Nedmac.

Mrs. Kobus, retiring first vice president, is H. S. Law in the world of cryptograms, "flats" and "posers."

Others elected were: R. P. Woodman (Macropod) of North Quicy, Mass., to succeed Mrs. Kobus; Mrs. G. H. Ropes (Evero), of Detroit, Mich., second vice president; Lewis Trent (C. Saw), of New York, secretary for his 26th consecutive term; John Q. Boyer (Primrose), of Baltimore, treasurer; Rufus T. Strohm (Arty Ess), of Scranton, Pa., official editor, and J. H. Wickham (Wick O'Cincy), of Cincinnati, 0., trustee.

Following the business session about 50 members participated in a prize puzzle contest in the junior ball room of the hotel and the M.M.M. (Minute Men of Mystery), a social organization within the league, held a dinner meeting.

C. Saw Gets Bowl.

A silver bowl was presented to C. Saw as a testimonial to his 25 years' service as secretary of the league. He was lauded in a presentation speech by the retiring president, Charles Jacobson (Oedipus) of Whitestone, L. 1. ).

In, the puzzle contest a special prize for solution of a cryptogram in 1. was won by "Live Devil," who is William Lutwiniak, of Jersey City, a youthful member of the league. 

The cryptogram was submitted by a New York detective fiction magazine.

Mrs. Kobus, who was chairman of the convention reception committee, introduced several members as speakers on a broadcast program from Station WCAM in the morning.

They were Robert Anderson (Fort Sumter), of Jersey City, a charter member, Jacobson, Boyer, who spoke on cryptograms, and Louis C. Macaran, (Zoroaster) of Stonehurst, Pa.

Organization Recalled

Anderson recalled the organization of the league by a group of young men who met in Pythagoras Hall, on Canal Street, New York City, July 4, 1883. The hall has since been razed to make way for the Williamsburg Bridge over the East River. He said that of the 36 present about 10 survive. After the meeting, he said, the members celebrated by walking across Brooklyn Bridge, which had been opened only a few weeks before.

At yesterday's business session David Shulman, (Ab Struse), of New York City, proposed that the league t officially endorse as proper words for use in puzzledom "ismer" and "poorich."

"lsmer" was suggested by George H. Pryor (Miss Fitts) of Baltimore and "poorich" by Boyer (Primorse), the former to indicate one who is given to an "ism" as, for instance, a "braintruster," the latter to indicate that both poor and rich are not always to be sharply differentiated but may have interests in common.

The suggestion was referred to the educational committee, of which Boyer is chairman. He revealed later he had been instrumental in having the word "carefree" placed in Standard and other dictionaries when he discovered several years ago that the word, though in common usage, had never been listed by lexicographers.

It is the rule in puzzledom that in building up word forms no word can be used that is not in a recognized dictionary or is not officially endorsed by the league if newly coined.

Boston was selected for the 106^th convention which will be held September 5, 6 and 7. .

CAMDEN VOTES TO PAY EXPERT ON REFUNDING OF CITY DEBTS
Applicants With Programs to Be Considered by Board Today
COMMISSIONERS AGREE ON KOBUS SUGGESTION
Chapter 60 and 77 Author Overruled in Plea to Disregard Proposal

Camden's city commissioners yesterday agreed to select a paid financial adviser to guide the city out of its financial morass.

. They said they expect to make the selection today.

A special gathering of the commis­sioners in Mayor Frederick von Nieda's offices at noon today was arranged to hear applications of candidates for the job.

No candidate will be considered un­less he has a plan to submit that looks attractive to the commissioners they said.

Decision to select the paid adviser came near the end of a hectic two and one-half hour conference of the commissioners with their citizens' advisory committee, members of the Freeholders budget committee, various bond brokers, and bankers and attorneys for the city and the bond dealers.

Proposed by Mrs. Kobus

The commissioners decided to en­gage the adviser against the recommendation and despite an eloquent plea of their bond attorney-L. Arnold Frye, of Hawkins, Delafield and Longfellow, New York attorneys.

It was at the suggestion of Commissioner Mary W. Kobus that the decision to bring in paid help was taken.

The action was taken under such a. way as to leave at least one bond house's representatives under the impression the commission is actually, though not legally, committed to accepting whatever plan their paid counselor may suggest.

His questions on this line, however, brought no definite answer.

"Oh. we'll agree," Mrs. Kobus said. "I think by the time we select the man we will select the plan," Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, said.

Beyond that, the commissioners did not commit themselves.

Bennett, however, announced that the adviser's tenure will be "for whatever period we decide to engage him."

Names Confidential

Commissioner George E. Brunner suggested that the advisory committee submit the names of three prospects for the adviser's job and that committee's sub-committee on finance withdrew and returned to offer two names. They explained they could not suggest more than two.

The names were held confidential and no one knowing them would reveal their identity ..

There was some speculation as to whether they were Melbourne F. Middleton, Jr., Philadelphia bond broker and former city director of revenue and finance, and Norman S. Tabor, noted New York adviser on municipal fiscal affairs.

Fall to Make Pick

The commissioners, as soon as they received the two names in secret, withdrew into the mayor's private office for ten minutes to discuss the suggested helpers, but returned to announce that all applicants for the job will be heard at noon today.

This was accepted as tacit admission that no final agreement was reached on either name suggested.

Bennett announced:

"We are going to pick the man on a basis of his helpfulness to Camden, I want to say now 'that we will not necessarily select the man who offers to help us at the lowest cost.

"We want those applicants for the position who appear tomorrow to have a definite idea of what plan they expect the city to follow if they are engaged.

"Of course, we do not expect any minute detailed plan from any man not already acquainted with the situation, but we want it to be definite enough to enable us to know whether we will follow it.

"We want to keep the cost as low as possible, and we advise now that the cost of this help or advice must be low, but we will not pick the adviser on a cost basis purely.

'No Private Talks'

"We will make no commitments in advance. We will talk to no applicant until the time comes tomorrow. My conception of how we will select the adviser is this:

"Ability will come first. Then contacts, experience, the cost to the city and, of course, the acceptability of the plan offered."

The conference was called to discuss proposed refunding plans for Camden city, with most of the talk centering on the controversy over Chapter 60 as a refinancing basis.

Mrs. Kobus suggested appointment of the financial adviser at a meeting of the city commission to be held immediately.

"I have thought similarly during the last few days," said Bennett. "I realize it would be a big expense, but the City is reaching a crisis and it might be money well spent."

Brunner asked the advisory committee to submit three names for appointment as an adviser. The committee suggested two names which were not revealed.

Frye, in requesting the commission not to employ an adviser, revealed himself the principal author of New Jersey's two refunding or bond issuing acts around which the commissions' difference of opinion as to method has revolved-Chapters 60 and 77.

"You can finance your indebtedness entire, Frye said, "under Chapter 77, or partly under Chapter 60 and partly under 77. I personally have no preference, as the principal author of both.

Frye Plan Refused

"As to your tax rate, set what you can set and what the taxpayers can stand. Don't you think you could get together and settled this among yourselves? Don't you think that        would be better?"             

Bennett passed off Fry's suggestion thus:

"No, Mr. Frye, I think it can best be settled by use of an adviser. I am anxious to settle it quickly. We have been unable to agree thus far and I am on the uneasy seat for Camden faces a crisis and I want to get it past."

Frye's suggestion carne after all of the bond brokers present, except Middleton, had advised the city to use the stringent budget, making restrictions of Chapter 60.

James W. Burnison, chairman of the citizens' advisory committee, reiterated that group's objections to Chapter 50, saying the same guarantees can be provided for bondholders under 77, without putting the city under such rigid state supervision for so long a period.

Every person present was invited to speak. Most of the freeholders viewed the matter as a city and not a county problem, but promised cooperation.

Burnison, Carl R. Evered, A. Lincoln Michener and James V. Moran form the sub-committee which selected the two names submitted to the commissioners for consideration as fiscal adviser.

The meeting started as a closed session, but after 25 minutes behind closed doors in the mayor's' office, Evered came to the door and admitted reporters.

The reporters, however, were given to understand that the only statements they were to use were those from Burnison, chairman of the committee; James V. Moran, a member, or Evered, and from other speakers only with their permission.

Attending were the five city commissioners, William H. Heiser, chairman of the Board of Freeholders' budget committee; Freeholders James S. Caskey, Maurice Bart, William Myers, and James W. Wood; George D. Rothermel, assistant county solicitor; City Comptroller Sidney P. McCord; Meyer Sakin and John R. Di Mona, assistant city solicitors; Burnison, Evered, Moran, and Michener, of the Citizens' Advisory Committee; E. Howard Broome, deputy director of finance; Middleton, John T. Trimble, counsel for Middleton; three representatives of Hawkins, Delafield & Longfellow, New York including Frye, Henry Russell and Alfred Gregory; Walter Shuman, representing Rollins & Sons, of Philadelphia and New York; C. C. Collings, of the C. C. Collings Company, Philadelphia; Russell McInes, representing Lehman Brothers, New York; J. M. G. Brown and Samuel S. Blackman, representing Analyses, Inc., Philadelphia, and Leon C. Guest and Herbert Glucksman, Camden bond brokers. 

Rulers Defer Naming City's Finance Adviser During Bitter Session
Hartmann Charges Bennett Agreed to Drop 60 Plan Of Refunding
REVENUE CHIEF MAKES HOT DENIAL
New Applicant for Post as Consultant Interviewed

By W. OLIVER KINCANNON

Camden City Commission failed again yesterday to settle the ques­tion: Who will be Camden's financial adviser?

A meeting called to settle the point yesterday was adjourned until 2 p. m. today over the violent protest of Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance.

Among the surprises of the meeting was the statement by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., that Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, and Mayor Frederick von Nieda agreed Tuesday to abandon Chapter 60 as the basis for refunding the city's indebtedness and making the 1936 budget.

Bennett Makes Denial

Bennett denied this vehemently, but Hartmann, after the meeting, said:

I don't care how much he denies it. He and the mayor agreed to yield on that point. Mr. Bennett is not going to get away with telling me one thing in a private conference and saying another for purposes of appealing to the public."

Hartmann's charge attracted unusual attention due to the fact Bennett has held out from the first mention of refunding of Chapter 60 -a rigid and stringent law requiring the city to maintain a cash basis of pay-as-you-go operations, under strict state supervision, for a minimum of 20 years.

Hartmann said Bennett and von Nieda agreed to "go along" on the less stringent provisions of Chapter 77, bolstered by local assurances that would give bondholders virtually the same guarantees they would receive under Chapter 60, but without invoking upon the city the strict and long-term regulation by state authorities.

Another Applicant

Commissioner George E. Brunner asked for yesterday's adjournment on the ground that another man or agency, whom the commissioners had not interviewed, desired to pre­sent a proposal to the commissioners yesterday afternoon.

Bennett objected that noon Tuesday was the deadline set for applications and said they are closed as far as he is concerned. He took the position it would be unethical to consider any more applications for the job, and delivered this ultima­tum:

"I refuse to accept any responsibility for any further delay in making Camden's 1936 budget and refunding plan. Let's settle it now."

Nevertheless, the other four commissioners interviewed the new applicant at 5 p. m. and may consult another today.

The new seeker of the post of official fiscal adviser is George S. Burgess, president of the State Service Bureau, which publishes the Legislative Index for New Jersey and the New Jersey Municipal Reporter, and also supplies a municipal financial information service to hundreds of officials, including, Burgess said, the state auditor, Walter R. Darby.

Burgess is credited with devising and placing in operation the municipal accounting system in Massachusetts and with setting up the system of accounting by which the War Department settled war contracts, and represented the War De­partment in litigation involving numerous problems of accounting,

Opposes Chapter 80

Burgess is revealed as opposed to Chapter 60 for most municipalities. He is quoted in one of his own publications as saying:

"The Barbour bill (Chapter 50, 1934) is an ideal conception for sound municipal financing, but few places can operate under it until their tax collections increase decidedly. The earning power of the people in a large number of municipalities is far short of such a possibility."

He listed as the municipal finance advisory board of his concern the following men:

William H. Albright, New Jersey State Treasurer, as chairman of the board, Senator John C. Barbour (sponsor of Chapter 60), of Passaic county, president of the State Senate, Raymond M. Greer, Comptroller of Jersey City and member of a New York firm of accountants, Arthur N. Pierson, treasurer of Union county, Samuel S. Kenworthy, executive secretary of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

Promises Price Today

Burgess did not submit a price on his services but told the commissioners he will submit one by 1  p.m. today or before that time.

He informed the commissioners his firm is serving four municipalities in New Jersey as financial adviser now and said his experience covers many similar services to Massachusetts’ cities.

Burgess also said he understands budget-making and financial practices on a big scale, partly through serving after the World War as con­sulting auditor for the War Department, reporting directly to General Herbert M. Lord, then director of finances for the War Department and subsequently director of the budget for the United States.

It was indicated by the commissioners another man may be interviewed today on an application to be adviser for the city.

The interview with Burgess followed a hectic meeting in which numerous charges were hurled and the commissioners teetered on the brink of revealing confidences that have been kept hidden behind closed portals for the past few days.

Bennett Assailed

Among them was a charge by Hartmann that Bennett has done nothing to carry out the commission's instructions to contact bond­holders and attempt to obtain reductions in interest rates on city bonds.

Bennett denied this angrily and asked:             •

"How do  you think I got the interest down? (On tax revenue notes) By sitting back and laughing?"

Bennett argued that the city's budget must be passed by the commission by March 9 and that any further delay past yesterday would jeopardize the city's standing and bring about a state of "chaos."

Bennett also denied he has ever favored employment of a financial adviser, though he told a gathering of commissioners, freeholders, bond dealers and attorneys Monday that he thought the city's differences could best be settled by an adviser.

He declined to follow the suggestion of L. Arnold Frye, of Hawkins, Delafield and Longfellow, counsel for the city on bond matters.

Frye Asks Peace

Frye urged the commissioners to settle their differences and agree upon a plan among themselves.

Hartmann also brought out an intimation that "the city was to be divided up by the bondholders," and this brought another hot denial from Bennett.

Commissioner Mary W. Kobus revealed that in considering applications for fiscal adviser, the commission also has considered having the man with the plan do the actual work of placing the bonds, a function that normally would fall under Bennett's jurisdiction.

Bennett insisted his department is capable of handling the financial affairs of the city and would have them composed by now if it had been allowed a free rein.

Another surprise resulted when Thomas J. Fox, who said he is "a small taxpayer" and lives at 608 Royden Street, urged the commission to hold up all refunding for ten days and promised it could be settled then on a plan he is working out.

Fox said he is retired and told reporters he and two other men are working out a refunding plan for the city that will prevent a tax increase and will enable the city to pay all interest. He added:

"I'm the most important one." The entire debate resulted from a motion to adjourn, made by Brunner. Everything that preceded this motion had been passed unanimously.

Applicants who appeared Tuesday to ask for the city adviser's post were Melbourne F. Middleton, former commissioner; Leon C. Guest, Camden investment securities broker; Thomas R. Lill, New York technical adviser of governmental administration and finance, and J. P. Ramsey, who represented Norman S. Tabor, New York specialist in municipal finances.

Dr. Frank Parker, University of Pennsylvania finance professor and nationally known as an economist, and Thomas Christensen, former Atlantic county accountant, were unable to appear.

Tabor, now doing similar work in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, would be unable to appear personally before Monday, the commission was advised by Ramsey, but the latter's bid was confirmed by his superior over long-distance telephone.

Lill, who has had a wide, international experience in technical finance work, is now adviser to the Atlantic City bondholders' committee.

The four applicants on Tuesday briefly sketched a review of their past activities in similar work, told of their plans for Camden, and the compensation they would require for the work.

Guest, the first to be heard, described himself as a Camden native who has handled many Camden bonds in the past.

Middleton, who followed, said his plan for Camden was substantially the same as the program he submitted October 2, 1935, when he applied for the position of financial adviser. The city's first director of revenue and finance under commission form of government, Middleton is now engaged in the bond business in Philadelphia.

Ramsey described the Tabor company as the only one of its kind in the United States. It has refinanced more than 100 cities, 40 in New Jersey, and works with 164 bond dealers. Ramsey submitted a long list of bank and insurance company executives as references.

Lill said he began his finance career in 1911. In 1918 he was director of the Mexican Refinancing Commission, representing President Carranza in international negotiations until Carranza's assassination.

After that, Lill served the Republic of Colombia as technical adviser for five years; Chile for two, Yucatan for two, and has worked in cities all over the United States and in Canada. He was chosen by the Atlantic City bond-holders' committee 2½  years ago, still serving as technical adviser for that group, he said. 

Camden Courier-Post - March 18, 1936

WIRTZ ORDERED TO FACE INQUIRY BY MRS. KOBUS
Carr and Koerner Will Be Questioned In Holdup Case
CAUTION IS URGED BY JUSTICE LLOYD

Detective Stanley Wirtz, suspended by Police Chief Arthur Colsey yesterday pending investigation into charges that he supplied the guns and an automobile for a holdup, has been ordered to appear today before Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety.

Wirtz, who has been in charge of the city accident bureau, will be asked to "give his side of the story," Commissioner Kobus said.

Later the public safety head will question City Detective Clifford Carr and Police Sergeant Gus Koerner in connection with the capture of an alleged, bandit last Friday night, in an attempted holdup of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll clerk.

Doran Accuses Wirtz

County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran yesterday charged that Wirtz had supplied the guns and automobile to be used in the holdup and then posted Carr and Koerner inside the plant to capture the bandits.

Wirtz, Doran said, admitted the charges in a statement given in the office of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando.

No motive for the detective's action were revealed by Doran.

Following the questioning of Wirtz and Sergeant Koerner at the prosecutor's office, both men visited the office of Justice Frank T. Lloyd late yesterday.

Justice Lloyd said later he had conferred with Commissioner Kobus in regard to the case.

"I advised the commissioner," Justice Lloyd said, "to go cautiously with the investigation and gather the facts before taking any action. It is a common thing for officers to lay traps for men who are prone to commit crime, although they have no business to encourage crime. I think it is bad policy to suspend any policeman before the facts of the case have been heard."

The charges against Wirtz came after an investigation was ordered into a statement made by Walter Lewandowski, 24 of 924 Atlantic Avenue, who was captured when he attempted to hold up a clerk at the wool scouring company, Ferry Avenue and Jackson Street. Lewandoski claimed he had “been framed" and named Joseph Powell, a police stoo1 pigeon, as the one who planned the holdup and then informed Wirtz of the plans.

Powell has been a police informer for some time, according to Chief Colsey. The latter said he had taken Powell into custody for questioning and had released him in his own recognizance. Chief Colsey admitted Powell had given police the tip resulting in Lewandowski’s arrest.

When Lewandowski was nabbed, his gun was loaded with blank cartridges. This gun, according to Chief Doran, was given by Wirtz to Powell, who in turn gave it to Lewandowski. Another youth, Leonard Rogalski, 20, of 1219 South Tenth Street, was supposed to take part in the ho1dup, but "got cold feet and ran away” police were told by Lewandoski.

Doran’s statement follows:

"Stanley Wirtz, Camden city detective, supplied the gun and the automobile used in the attempted hold­up of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll office Friday night. Statements were given us by three suspects all tally.

“Walter Lewandoski worked at the Eavenson & Levering plant, but was laid off there February 28. On March 3 he had money coming to him and he returned to the plant. Joseph Powell accompanied him. Powell talked to Lewandoski then of the payroll, and suggested the holdup. Powell then got in touch with Stanley Wirtz, and told him that Lewandoski was going to stick up the payroll March 4.

"Wirtz on that night loaned Powell a car but someone got cold feet, and the holdup was not attempted. The following week, on March 13, last Friday, Wirtz took a car to Powell’s home and there turned over to him two guns and the automobile. Wirtz then had detectives posted at the scene to arrest the bandits when they made the holdup attempt.

"Powell met Lewandowski and Rogalski and drove them to the plant. There Powell turned over to his two companions the two guns that had been given him by, Wirtz. Rogalski got cold feet and refused to go through with the holdup. Powell then went into the plant with Lewandowski. After Lewandowski went in the door, Powell ran from the building.

“Sergeant Gus Koerner and Detective Clifford Carr, hiding in the office arrested Lewandowski. Powell knew where these officers were hiding.

"Wirtz was outside the building. He did not catch Powell."

Chief Doran said that no one implicates Koerner or Carr in any way in the statements received.

Koerner said:

"I was doing police work. I was brought into this case on a tip that a holdup was going to be staged and I had no knowledge of the guns or the car. I didn't know what it was all about but merely was there to perform my duties as a policeman.

Wirtz is 37 and lives at 1197 Thurman Street. He was one of the first of the new policemen to be appointed to the department in 1924 after Civil Service was put into effect following the adoption of Commission government in 1924. He is a veteran of the World War and got a special rating for that reason when he took the Civil Service examination. In 1931 Wirtz was appointed as an accident investigator in the detective bureau and has served in that capacity ever since. He has a good reputation as a policeman and has never been in trouble before.

About four years ago Wirtz figured in an automobile accident that caused serious injury to one of his legs.

Rogalski was not arrested until County Detectives James Wren and Casimir Wojtkowiak took him in Monday night. The same detectives arrested Powell. Both suspects were charged with attempted holdup and robbery and committed to the county jail.

Lewandowski also is in county jail, committed without bail by police Judge Lewis Liberman Saturday.

Camden Courier-Post - March 19, 1936

WIRTZ TO HEAR FATE IN BANDIT QUIZ TODAY
Colsey Doubts Cop Will Face Charges; Case to Go to Grand Jury

Decision on any action to be taken against Stanley Wirtz, suspended Camden detective charged with having furnished the guns and automobile for a holdup, will be made today by Commissioner Mary W. Kobus and Police Chief Arthur Colsey.

Wirtz, with Sergeant Gus Koerner and Detective Clifford Carr, was questioned yesterday, and decision was reserved.

Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, however, said he would place the case before the grand jury.

The charge involved the attempted holdup of the Eavenson & Levering Company payroll, in which one of the alleged bandits was captured at the scene last Friday night.

"No charges have been preferred against Wirtz,” Mrs. Kobus announced after the investigation.

"And I don't believe any charges will be made," Colsey commented, adding:

"Commissioner Kobus and I are going over the reports and statements of all concerned at 10:00 AM tomorrow and a decision will be made then.”

Suspended Tuesday

Wirtz was suspended Tuesday after County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran announced Wirtz had admitted supplying the pistols and car, allegedly used in the abortive attempt to obtain a $800 payroll at the wool-scouring plant. 

Wirtz was still under suspension last night, Colsey announced. 

William B. Macdonald, court stenographer, recorded the statements made by each man,

Koerner and Carr were "planted" in the office of the company before the holdup and frustrated the attempted crime, capturing Walter Lewandowski, 24, of 924 Atlantic Avenue.

"All three made full statements to us;" Colsey said and then declined to reveal what the statements contained.

Denies Stories Clash

Asked if there was any conflict between the statements made to Doran and those made to Mrs. Kobus and him, Colsey said:

''No, I wouldn't say so."

Wirtz appeared briefly before the commissioner and chief at the start of their probe, which was conducted in Mrs. Kobus' office. He left the room after about two minutes and told reporters, sitting outside:

"I refused to make a statement. I  made one yesterday and that is enough."

Mrs. Kobus, however, said Wirtz did not refuse to make a statement but, instead, asked for a little time to consider his statement.

"He said he had been In court all day and was nervous,” Mrs. Kobus said.

No Charges Made

Asked for a statement at the conclusion of the investigation, Mrs. Kobus said:

"No charges have been preferred against Wirtz. This was not a hearing on any charge. This was an investigation of reports which I read in the newspapers. It is the duty of the police officials to investigate any such report, and Wirtz and the other two detectives who figured in the case were called in to make statements. 'This was not, a trial and I do not care to make a statement now about what went on."

The suspension of Wirtz came after an investigation was ordered into a statement made by Lewandowski.

Lewandowski charged that he had been "framed" by Joseph Powell, a police stool pigeon. He named Powell as the one who "planned the holdup and, said Powell then informed Wirtz of the plans.

Rearrest Made

Doran said Wirtz, admitted dealing with Powell and giving Powell two pistols and an automobile for use in the holdup. As a result Powell, who had been arrested and released by city police, was rearrested by the county detectives.

In addition, Leonard “Rags” Rogalski, 20, of 1219 South 10^th Street, was arrested by the county detectives. They said Lewandowski told them Rogalski originally was intended to take part in the holdup but got "cold feet", and backed out at the last moment.

Powell, Lewandowski and Rogalski are held in the county jail.

When informed last night of the statements made by Mrs. Kobus and Colsey, Prosecutor Orlando said:

"I have nothing to do with the discipline of the police department. I will present the full facts of this holdup to the grand jury and, that body may take any action it desires."

Jury to Get Case

Asked if he would request an indictment against Wirtz, Orlando said:

"I will give the grand jury the full facts. The members will decide for themselves what action to follow."

Doran was in conference briefly with Mrs. Kobus and Colsey before the three detectives were questioned. He said he gave them statements made by Lewandowski, Powell and Rogalski, and also by Wirtz.

Later Doran returned to Mrs. Kobus' office with a copy of charge of carrying concealed deadly weap­ons, preferred in 1930 against Lewandowski in 1930, when Lewandowski was 18.

This charge was no-billed, Doran said.

"He was listed as a mental case," Doran said, "and was examined by the county physician and pronounced O.K." .

City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, recovering at her home from an accidental fall in July, is shown signing the Fire Prevention Week proclamation of the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association, with Battalion Chief Charles H. Errickson, of the city fire department looking on. The above is the first newspaper picture of Mrs. Kobus since the accident.