Camden Courier-Post - February 1, 1933

JOBLESS DEMAND CHANGES IN RELIEF
3000 Parade Here and Join 2000 Others at Huge Mass Meeting

More than 5000 unemployed men and women assembled in Convention Hall yesterday and demanded a complete reorganization of the state relief program.

Long Misses Meeting Here Fearing Wall St. 'Tricks'

State Senator Huey P. Long did not come to Camden yesterday to address the throng of 5000 unemployed in Convention Hall because of the fear some Senator would take advantage of his absence from Washington to "slip through some form of “Wall Street legislation."

"I have no doubt," Long said in a letter to the Union, "that if I should absent myself from the floor of the Senate somebody dominated by Wall Street would see to it that some form of legislation was slipped through to further concentrate the wealth and industry of this country in the hands of our millionaires."

The mass meeting was preceded by re a. parade of 3000 men, many of whom displayed protest banners, and was addressed by James H. Maurer, of Reading, vice presidential candidate on the Socialist ticket last November.

The demonstration was staged under allspices of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, which charges that relief now dispensed is "inadequate."

Recommendations for further relief to the jobless, contained in a statement addressed to Governor A. Harry Moore and the state Legislature, were unanimously approved. The recommendations are as follows:

1. Cash relief on an outlined basis suggested by the Union.

2. Broadening of the relief plan to include single men and women.

3. An Immediate emergency measure to halt all evictions for the next six months.

4. A moratorium on taxes for unemployed home owners.

5. Protection of the unemployed In necessary measures to prevent the shutting off of water, light and heat.

6. Discontinuance of compelling unemployed to work for food orders, and placing of such work on a cash basis with a minimum rate.

7. Direct representation of unemployed in the State Emergency Relief Administration.

A resolution adopted requested the City Commission to grant use of the old city hall as a headquarters for the unemployed.

After citing these recommendations the statement continues:

Six-hour Day Hinted At

"We anticipate that it will be said that there is not sufficient money to carry out this program. This answer does not satisfy us. We are familiar with the fact that New Jersey corporations paid millions of dollars.

In income tax to the Federal Government last year and we also know that many of these corporations are making money. If a decent program of unemployment relief can not be carried otherwise, we call upon the governor and the Legislature to take the necessary steps to put these corporations, including Public Service, under state control for the purpose of reducing the working day to six hours or four hours If necessary and also to distributethe money now going to stockholders to workers in the form of wages. We further declare that the state government must recognize the emergency which exists and if public officials are not prepared to take the necessary drastic steps, then they should resign and make way for those who will dare to take the responsibility to meet this situation.

"We are interested in more than relief. Primarily. we want work and we will not make our peace with any government which does not accept this challenge and take the necessary steps to put industry on a basis that will bring prosperity to our fellow-citizens instead of the . present hideous situation of famine relief in the midst of plenty.

"We request a statement from you regarding this communication."

Capitalism Blamed

Maurer said capitalism and not "the man in the White House," is to blame for the depression. Maurer charged the government operation for the protection of the capitalistic system. The speaker deplored the fact that the United States has not adopted a plan similar to the Soviets' Five Year Plan, and he characterized depression as "a five-year plan instituted by the capitalists." The government has "robbed the people in the name of patriotism" through high taxation, he averred, and he declared "bonding and borrowing" by municipalities "must stop."

"It is strange," began Maurer, "at a day like this and on a day like this that so many unemployed should be assembled in Camden's largest hall. The richest and the poorest people on earth are living here, in the richest nation in the world. You have so many good things that you are starving because you have them.

"Four years ago, the capitalists here in America started a five-year plan. In Russia, the five-year plan was designed to put every man and woman at work. And the Americans talk about Russia's five-year plan. It’s too bad someone in America doesn't adopt that plan here.

Hoover Is Criticized

"When this depression first started, the President told us that It was just a minor disturbance. Later, he said prosperity was just around the corner. No one has found the corner. He then told us we lacked confidence. But you can't get the merchants to believe we lack confidence. What they want is more customers.

"There is only one way out of this and it will come when we fill up the pay envelopes of the toilers. The people are becoming agitated about technocracy, and those who know the least about it attempt to explain most of it. Capitalists and apologists have lined up with colleges because they are afraid of the truth. But why are our demonstrations broken up? Because they don't want us to speak the truth.

"At the last presidential election, an overwhelming majority of people thought what was wrong was the man in the White House. Some others said it was because we didn't have beer.

"I hold no brief for Mr. Hoover, but he was no more responsible for the crash than Mr. Roosevelt would have been had he been there. It's not the man, it's the system-capitalism. And the way our government operates is merely a protection for capitalism. We gave it a good trial and it doesn't work.

"Then along comes the doctor who gives us a pill. He's going to fix us up.

'Bankers Get Homes'

"They, the capitalists, want taxes cut down and the cry is 'Reduce the taxes.' What good does that do to the worker and the farmer? He can't pay his taxes, and he can't pay the interest on his mortgages.

'So the homes and farms go to the bankers, and that's why they want taxes reduced.

"All over the country we can't get enough money out of the communities, the counties and the states; we may get it out of the federal government. But this bonding and borrowing must stop. If we continue to borrow, we must pay it back, and the question is, who will pay?

Mayor Stewart, in a brief welcome, urged cooperation "if we are to get anywhere."

"In city affairs we all are sometimes misunderstood," he said. "We must work together if we are to get anywhere. We hope there will be projects which will provide work. It seems to me it should be easy for local, state and federal officials to work out a plan for jobs for all."

Frank J. Manning, director of the Unemployed Union and organizer for the Socialist party in South Jersey, presided. He charged "famine relief in the midst of plenty," and made a plea for relief to single men and women.

"The single men are out of work to keep the married men in jobs," he said, "and when they apply for relief they do not get any because the relief is reserved for the unemployed married man. What are they to do, commit suicide or turn criminal? Three months ago, we were promised relief for the single men and women, but as yet nothing has been done."

The parade, in which members of the Unemployed Council of Camden County joined, was conducted in an orderly fashion, while at the meeting speakers' voices frequently were drowned out in bursts of cheering.

There were approximately 3000 men in the line of parade, grouped in delegations from various municipalities in the county and wards in the city.

Most groups carried banners announcing those communities from which they came, while placards and banners dotted the marchers with a wide variety of slogans. Among these were, "We Advocate Unemployment Insurance," "We Want Representation on Relief Boards," "A 4-Hour Day Means Work for All," "Nationalize the Banks" and "Beans Three Times a Day-Oh, Boy!"

Marshals Total 40

There were about two score marshals, each wearing a red band on a sleeve, in the parade to keep the marchers in line. A police escort led the marchers east on Cooper to Broadway, south on the latter thoroughfare to Kaighn avenue, east to Haddon avenue, north to Line street and east to the Convention Hall.

A smaller parade began at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets at noon to Second and Cooper streets, comprising the jobless of the Eleventh and Twelfth wards, to participate in the larger march.

There were only two women among the marchers, but at least 500 women were at the hall, ostensibly unemployed but many of them there merely to hear the speakers.

When the 3000 marchers reached the hall, they found that about 2000 others had already entered the building.

While the paraders were still outside, the Unemployed Council distributed pamphlets which incorporated a number of demands.

Relief Demanded

The literature demanded cash relief of $7 a week for married men with $1 additional for each dependent, and $5 a week for unemployed single persons. This was on the premise that the $4.50 now paid to a family a week was not sufficient and "only prolongs starvation and drives us to flop houses." The reading matter further demanded free rents, gas and electricity. The money, it was set forth, should be derived from an income tax ranging from 5 to 50 percent on a graduating scale for incomes of from $2500 to $500,000 a year. It also was requested that moneys appropriated for road building be used for unemployment relief.

Camden Courier-Post - February 10, 1933

CITY ADOPTS CUT BUDGET AFTER CLASH
Slash of $702,890 Is Revealed in Totals Passed at Session of Rulers
LEASE ANNOUNCED OF RADIO STATION
Commissioners Debate With Von Nieda as He Charges Gross Extravagance

By WALT BATEZEL

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

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

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

Tax Bill About Same

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

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

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

Von Nieda Case

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

Commissioner Bennett jumped to his feet.

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

"That's fine" said von Nieda, "but we have never had a chance to sit in with you on these figures."

"You can sit in with us at any time," responded Bennett, "We're glad to have you."

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

Worried by WCAM

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

"Now in this matter of eliminating deputy directors," von Nieda said.

He was interrupted by Commissioner Reesman.

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

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

"You know I won't stand for that," answered Bennett. "The readjustment of ratables is only a small part 1 of the work we are doing. Each property is assessed on a basic principal. Any time you have a suggestion that will help us in our work we will be glad to hear from you but I firmly believe that real state must be relieved of its heavy tax burden by an income and sales tax, and this tax must come sooner or later.

Seeking Relief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offers Recommendation

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

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

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

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

“Any time," replied von Nieda.

Warns of Tax Strike

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

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

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

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

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

Reesman Contradicts

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

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

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

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

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

Debt Moratorium Asked

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

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

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

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

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

'Close High Schools'

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

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

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

"There are numerous causes," Bennett said.

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

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

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

Bennett Gives Reply

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

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

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

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

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

Budget Adopted

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

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

We are in sympathy with the man out of work. I say let the federal or government put some money into to the interest rate. We must pass this budget this afternoon. Do not delay longer. This is not an arbitrary 10 stand on my part. I make a motion the budget now be passed."

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

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

Camden Courier-Post - June 2, 1933

STONE QUITS RELIEF JOB IN MYSTERY CLASH
JOBLESS UNION DEMANDS All FACTS PUBLIC
City Director Refuses to Discuss Battle With Cramer
REPORTERS FORBIDDEN TO ATTEND MEETINGS
County Chief Continues Secrecy, Refers Queries to State Head'

Dr. Arthur L. Stone last night resigned as Camden city director of the Emergency Relief Administration.

His decision to quit came as a climax of a clash with Wayland P. Cramer, Camden county relief director which has stirred the city for the past two days.

Cramer, who "drafted" Dr. Stone for the municipal post last January 14, continued to mantle in mystery the reason behind his request' for 'the resignation. He referred inquiries to John Colt, of Princeton, who is state director of the relief administration.

While speculation over the reason for the rift between Dr. Stone and Director Cramer was spreading throughout the city the county administration was denounced at a meeting held in Convention Hall annex.

All Facts Demanded

Frank J. Manning, president of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, made a public demand "for all the facts” behind Cramer's request for the city health bureau chief's resignation.

Dr. Stone announced his resignation after Director Cramer had added to his long series of refusals to inquiring newspapermen. Asked for a statement Dr. Stone said: "I have no statement. I have sent my resignation to Mr. Colt, through Mr. Cramer. That's all there is to it."

In response to an inquiry regarding the reason for Cramer's action in asking him to quit, Dr. Stone said: "I feel it is better for the service not to say anything about the matter at the present time,"

Prior to the conversation with the city physician Director Cramer was asked by a reporter if he had learned whether Dr. Stone had resigned .

"I'm awfully sorry but I can't say anything about the matter. Director Colt has instructed me to say nothing. I'm going to follow his instructions.

"I'm not trying to be nasty about this situation. When the director gives me an order I have to obey it. Any information you desire must be obtained from Director Colt."

Press Ban Adopted

A. Lincoln Wood, Jr., secretary to Cramer, answered telephone calls for the county director yesterday. He denied that Cramer was in his office and announced the administration's new policy, that from now on the press would be excluded from personal or telephone interviews with the county relief director.

"I've had my orders," said Wood, "and they are that Mr. Cramer will grant no interviews to newspapermen If you aren't satisfied with that arrangement, you had better call Mr. Colt, the state relief director.

"How will the public receive news of the activities in the relief administration?" Wood was asked.

"Written statements will be sent all newspapers," said Wood.

"Will newspapermen be permitted to ask questions after the statements are received?" Wood was asked.

"No," was the answer.

A week ago Wood and Cramer criticized the Courier-Post Newspapers for the stand they had taken in printing the statement of a forestry recruit who had left Camp Dix, in protest against living conditions there. Cramer intimated that the recruit's statement should not have been published before the relief authorities were consulted.

Called by telephone at Princeton, Colt, the state relief director, declared that he had Cramer's request for Dr. Stone's resignation under consideration, but denied rumors he already had ordered an investigation.

"In due time," said Colt, "I shall have a statement to make. Until then, I have the matter under consideration and have nothing to say."

Later, a typewritten statement by Cramer was handed newspapermen by Captain Albert S. Howard, deputy county relief director. When asked to elaborate, Capt. Howard would not comment.

The statement follows:

"The Camden county director of the Emergency Relief Administration, of the State of New Jersey, Wayland P. Cramer, states that the situation connected with the recent publicity concerning the city of Camden's municipal directorship has been referred to John Colt, state director of the Emergency Relief Administration, and all information in this matter will be released through the state director."

Ask for Shakeup

In attacking the relief bureau before the unemployed union meeting Manning demanded a "shakeup" of the whole crowd from top to bottom." He suggested a protest parade be held July 4.

"It is about time we had someone in the relief organization besides army officers and others who know nothing about the administration of relief," he declared. "What we need is people who are versed in social service work.

"It is about time the unemployed slackers wake up to the manner in which relief is being administered. Let's band ourselves together in a mammoth parade on July 4 and demand a shake-up of the whole crowd from top to bottom.

"I read this week," he continued, "about Cramer's request that Dr. Stone resign. It is the right of the unemployed and the general public to know all that is behind this request. If Dr. Stone is incompetent or if there is something more serious behind it, let’s have all the information to which we- the public- are entitled. In making this demand, I am not defending Dr. Stone or any other official."

Termed as 'Politics'

Circumstances surrounding the request for resignation of Dr. Stone were characterized as "politics" by Clarence E. Moulette, executive secretary of the Unemployed Union.

"It looks to me," Moulette said, "as though the politicians are trying to ease one of their henchmen into Dr. Stone's job as relief director. They thought it policy to oust him because he is giving too many babies too much relief. Dr. Stone probably has been the best man in that job, but he hasn't done as much as we expected he would do. It appears to me as though he would like to have accomplished more for the unemployed but couldn't.

"Let's find out why they want to dismiss Dr. Stone. As long as Cramer is head of the relief organization in Camden county, there isn't much hope for the unemployed."

A motion was then presented and adopted that the Unemployed Union demanding that the reason for the Dr. Stone resignation request be made public.

Charges that Ralph Baccellieri, a Berlin relief official, was using his relief office to depress wages in his mill were submitted at the meeting from unemployed representatives of the town.

"Our Berlin representatives," said Manning, "charge that Baccellieri is paying the workers in his factory such low wages that they have to apply to the emergency relief for food. What a fine situation that is. Here is a man, the joint owner of a sweatshop, who is trading on his relief office so that he can employ people at starvation wages.

"A copy of a letter," continued Manning, "was sent Cramer and John Colt, state relief director, pointing to the situation in Berlin. And what do you think I received today from Mr. Cramer? Well, he thanked me for the informat

Camden Courier-Post - February 1, 1933

Three thousand men and women under auspices of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey participated in a parade yesterday preceding a mass meeting in Convention Hall, where they urged a change in the state relief program. The photo above shows the marchers on Broadway near Carman Street. In the inset below is James H. Maurer of Reading PA, vice-presidential candidate on the Socialist ticket last fall, who spoke. Officers of the union, left to right, are Frank J. Manning, director; Clarence E. Moullette, secretary; and William R. Kennedy, vice director.