1935 January-April

The Great Depression as seen through the pages of the Daily Record (Morristown, NJ) 

January-April 1935

 

“…President in Address to Congress…. he declared that instead of continuing outright doles, the government should put 3,500,000 unemployed to work at slum clearance, elimination of grade crossings and other permanent public works…. he reaffirmed his belief in the “profit motive” but warned against wealth “which through excessive profits creates undue private power over private affairs and, to our misfortune, over public affairs as well.”…States and communities in the future must take care of some 1,500,000 “unemployables” now on federal rolls, he said, before turning to the principles which will govern the “new system” to supplant FERA.  The principles were:  1-All work undertaken should be useful.  2—Compensation on emergency public projects should be in the form of security payments which should be larger than the amount now received as a relief dole but at the same time not so large as to encourage the rejection of opportunities for private employment or the leaving of private employment to engage in government work. 3-Projects should be undertaken on which a large percentage of direct labor can be used.  4-Preference should be given to those projects which will be self liquidating in the sense that there is a reasonable expectation that the government will get its money back at some future time.  5-The projects undertaken should be selected and planned so as to compete as little as possible with private enterprises….7-Effort should be made to locate projects where they will serve the greatest unemployment needs as shown by present relief rolls….”  (Jan. 4, 1935, p.1)

“…Samuel Kenworthy, executive officer of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, announces that of all the pension funds in New Jersey the only two that are absolutely sound are the Teachers’ Retirement and Pension Fund and the State Employes’ Retirement Fund.  It is this kind of frank talk that has now induced the police and firemen in some of the municipalities to offer to pay four per cent of their salaries rather than the two per cent now required.  The plan is to make the police and firemen’s pension funds solvent again.  Under the existing law the state pays four per cent of the salaries into the pension fund and the firemen and police have been paying two per cent, but this allotment has not sufficed to provide the necessary money to meet the drain.  As a result budgets have been further burdened to take care of the deficiencies.  It would be well if besides adding to their contributions the police and firemen would also help enact legislation raising the pension age for firemen and police officers retiring at half pay at 50 and then getting very lucrative private jobs to supplement the money that is paid out of the pension funds have made many a hard-pressed taxpayer groan and complain vigorously.”  (editorial from the Jersey Journal, appearing in the Daily Record on Jan. 4, 1935, p.4)

“BOONTON--….Mayor Oscar P. Myers announced recently that he and the Board of Aldermen anticipate going on a “pay as you go basis”.  Regardless of appropriations spending will be limited to the money on hand.  The Taxpayers Association has been inactive if not nonexistent….Better conditions in general have also contributed toward a more tolerant attitude on the part of taxpayers….”  (Jan. 4, 1935, p.16)

“….lending institutions of all kinds are loaded to the ears with funds available for good mortgage loans.  A good mortgage loan is exactly that, a loan of conservative proportions on a welllocated, well-constructed property owned by a financially responsible person.  There are some prospective loans which meet those requirements, but not many.  Competition for desirable loans began months ago.  As a result several large insurance companies began making loans at 5 ½  per cent.  Now they are considering dropping to 5 per cent, on amortization mortgages….but not until banks decided to drop their savings deposit interest to 2 ½ per cent, did there arise a general demand for a concurrent reduction in mortgage interest….Many lending institutions have been unfair and unreasonable during the depression.  The borrower with a small mortgage on his home, with taxes and interest paid to date has been made to toe the line, the lender taking advantage of the borrower’s large equity and consequent reluctance to lose his property.  The borrower with a large mortgage, in arrears on taxes and in default on interest, has been given every consideration, to avoid taking over the property,  which probably should not have been accepted for a loan in the first place.  There undoubtedly are very plausible explanations for this discrimination, but it has been, nevertheless, a bitter experience for many a homeowner.  Now the institutions have no choice but to cut their rates….The supply is now excessive….we are entering upon a period during which money put out to work on loan will bring its owners a low return.  We’ve had 4 per cent mortgages before, and we may have them again.  Such periods in the past have foreshadowed economic booms, which fact should cheer up unhappy lenders.”  (editorial from the Sunday Call, published in the Daily Record Jan. 5, 1935, p.4)

“WHIPPANY—Approximately two-hundred members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, advanced detail of the detachment to occupy the quarters on the Morristown road, arrived yesterday morning…when the detachment left Camp Green there was three feet of snow on the camp street and the thermometer showed 12 degrees below zero.  On arrival here the weather was warm and foggy and there was about three feet of mud on the camp streets….”  (Jan. 7, 1935, p.1)

“…Suppose…that the Townsend old-age pension plan, the 30-hour week bill, the greenbackbonus bill, and a measure providing for widespread unemployment insurance financed by a stiff payroll tax should be passed and should be signed by the president or passed over his veto.  Simply to meditate on the resultant tangle in governmental and industrial finance is enough to make one start looking for the nearest cyclone cellar… Behind these measures there is a great body of public sentiment which may be confused, misguided, and somewhat thoughtless, but which nevertheless represents the making of a great decision by the American people….That is to say that the people generally do not intend to put up with a repetition of that era of declining payrolls, declining living standards, declining bank accounts, and general, all-around hardship….the result is a demand for legislation which may be completely illogical, but which cannot be defeated by mere argument.  Unless Congress and the administration can agree on some program which gives a fair promise of protecting the average man from the cruelties of hard times, the sentiment which supports these measures will continue to gather strength.…”  (editorial, Jan. 9, 1935)

“ “Some restoration” of depression salary cuts totaling  fifteen per cent was asked by the Welfare Committee of the Morristown Teachers’ Association in a letter presented to the Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting….”  The teachers have loyally cooperated in the face of increasingly difficult classroom conditions,” Fogel [secretary of the committee] said, asking that provisions for restoring a portion of the cuts be included in the 1935-’36 budget….”  (Jan. 10, 1935, p.1)

“The percentage of pay cuts taken by county employees for several years past were reduced by about one-half by the Board of Freeholders yesterday.  A lively tilt between Freeholders A.S. Kirkpatrick and Howard F. Barrett, with the latter voting no on the proposition, marked the discussion.  The deductions had ranged from 2 to17 ½ percent and were changed to run from 1 to 9 percent.  Road employees such as foremen, machinists, truck, tractor and roller operators, had been working a five day week, getting approximately a 16 percent cut but receiving a day off, and they were put on a five and a half day week with a return of about one half the paycut made.   The new scale, with the previous percentage given in parenthesis, is as follows:  1 percent (2) on salaries of $999 and less; 2 percent (4) from $999 to $1,499; 3 percent (6) from $1,499 to $1,999; 4 percent (8) from $1.999 to $2,499; 5 percent (10) from $2,499 to $2,999; 6 percent (12 ½) from $2,999 to $3,499; 7 percent (15) from $3,499 to $3,999; 9 percent (17 ½) over $3,999….  Morris was one of the first to make deductions and these were as high as any.  When living costs were down the employees could and did take these cuts.  The costs have gone up and other counties are reducing their deductions at least fifty percent, he said.   Mr. Barrett declared he couldn’t see his way clear to go along with the deductions but he favored the cuts on those who receive the higher salaries and was inclined to exempt those around $1,000 but take more from those in the larger brackets….While he was sympathetic with the employees, conditions had not righted themselves to the extent that he could go along with the restitutions as made   He believed they should be modified for another year….”  (Jan. 10, 1934, p.1)

“The labels which we use to describe various human activities—such words as “radical,” “conservative,” “progressive,” and so—are useful things, since they serve to classify intangibles in a handy, card-index manner.  The interesting thing about them, however, is the fact that their value changes from year to year without our knowing it.  President Roosevelt’s address to Congress is an example.  Half a dozen years ago this speech—calling, as it did, for a network of old age pensions, unemployment insurance schemes, collective use of certain natural resources, and the addition of 3,500,000 men to the federal payroll—would have sent shivers up and down some millions of honest American backs.  Coming when it did, it was rather generally accepted as a “middle of the road’ venture.  Many people even saw in it a swing toward the right….”  (editorial, Jan. 10, 1935)

“WASHINGTON, (AP)—A broad social security legislative program was outlined to congressional leaders today by President Roosevelt, providing for unemployment insurance, old age pensions and public health aid….The fourth point provides aid to dependent children, including the crippled and those otherwise handicapped….” (Jan. 11, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—Senator Dryden Kuser of Somerset, chairman of the emergency relief committee, “admitted” today the State’s share of emergency relief funds must be raised through new taxes.  “….Rather than earmark any of such taxes or part thereof for relief, I believe we should await the re-formation of the taxing system, which will have to be done at this session of the Legislature.” …..”  (Jan. 11, 1935, p.1)

Editorial cartoon on January 14, 1935, p.4, by Herblock, “THE DIFFERENCE”, depicts two men, one on the RELIEF ROLL, shabby, bent over, counting the few coins in his palm, the other on the PAY ROLL, CITIZENS EARNING A LIVING THROUGH WORK ON USEFUL PUBLIC PROJECTS, upright, full of purpose, clad in shirt and tie with overalls, coat over his muscular arms, carrying a lunch box to work.

“….We talk about unemployment, about the need to get people back to work, about the “American standard of living” which must be preserved; and all the while, tucked away in the relief statistics, are figures which give us a dismaying new view of the way a large percentage of our people have to live.  These statistics were studied by C. Hartley Grattan in a recent issue of Scribner’s Magazine.  Mr. Grattan takes his figures from the FERA lists, which show that in September, 1934, some 18,300,000 persons were receiving relief.  Slightly less than two-thirds of these people were city folk; the rest were from the farms or the small towns.  Then by analyzing the figures, he makes a further discovery—that most of the people on relief are precisely those people who, when employed, receive incomes so low that they cannot build up a nest egg for hard times.  For instance:  Unskilled and semi-skilled urban laborers make up only 41 per cent of our general urban population; but they compose 63 per cent of our urban relief group…It is the same way with rural workers.  The share-croppers, the tenant farmers, the men who have been struggling with marginal or sub-marginal land, never prosperous even in good times—these are the men who make up the bulk of the relief group in the rural regions.  In city and country alike, these people are the ones who never, even in boom times, touch our famous “American standard of living.”  They live in those homes of which our slum clearance plans are aimed.  They never get adequate medical attention, diet, or clothing; they never can build up bank accounts big enough to carry them very long when trouble comes.  Studying the relief figures makes us realize, as we did not realize before, how many of these people there are.  Year after year we have to carry this load of poverty….We can not be complacent about any “recovery” that does not permanently raise the status of these people in the lowest income brackets.”  (editorial, Jan. 14, 1935)

“TRENTON, (AP)—Harold G. Hoffman, inaugurated governor of New Jersey today, recommended imposition of a 2 per cent sales tax and an income tax in an effort to raise $35,000,000 of new revenues to finance emergency relief and to relieve the tax burden on real estate.   The 38-year-old Republican governor addressing the Republican-controlled legislature and a large crowd attending inaugural ceremonies, estimated a sales tax would yield $20,000,000 and an income tax, at rates and exemptions averaging one-half those of the federal act, would yield $15,000.000….In recommending new taxes, Hoffman said he did so “in the full knowledge that they will not be popular.”  “I have no personal desire for new taxes of any kind,” he said, “but I hold that the economic unsoundness of past policies of side-stepping and camouflage with borrowings against unknown futures, demands this change in our system of taxation.  “….I can assure the people of this state that the essential services of their governments will be maintained, that the necessary education of our children will be assured, and that in the end less tax money be spent for the costs of government than heretofore...”…. Hoffman proposed that there be “statutory safeguards to insure the use of the money solely for assumption by the state of school and other costs now falling upon municipalities and counties, and emergency relief.”…”  (Jan. 15, 1935, p.1 & 12)

“MADISON—A plea for more work for local relief workers was voiced last night at the meeting of the Madison Borough Council by Roland G. Cheesman, executive secretary of the Mayor’s Emergency Employment Committee and W. Reginald Baker, chairman of the committee.  The plea was brought about by a strike last week of relief workers who are digging trenches for a Woodland road water extension.  Cheesman and Baker pointed out that the men are not striking merely because of a “grievance” but because they want steady work and more money.  The strike was broken when the workmen were assured that their plea would be considered.  The Council will consider a plan under which relief workers will receive one day’s work for cash for each two days employ on state relief.  An appropriation of approximately $800 for this purpose from the water and light department is under consideration.  Approximately 90 workers are available….”  (Jan. 15, 1935, p.3)

“Henry Ford is one of those men whom you’re pretty apt to feel strongly about.  Either you are one of the many who feel he is a great industrialist and a great man, or you are one of those who feel he is a man whom fortune has advanced beyond his actual talents and deserts.  Lots of people didn’t like Ford’s defiance of the NRA, didn’t like his attitude that his plant must be an exception.  And some liked him all the better for that.  In the same way, opinion divides on his attitude toward organized labor.    But neither partisans nor enemies can quite laugh this off:  That today in his River Rouge works there are 70,000 men at work, more than at any other time since 1929.  Addition of 10,000 more men since his new models were announced has stepped up his production to a 3000-a-day pace, and he may soon achieve 5000.”  (editorial, Jan. 15, 1935, p.4)

“The following annual report of the Old Ladies Home for the year ending December 31, was presented at the meeting of the Board of Managers:  “Perhaps the uncertainties of this very trying year have been felt less by the inmates of this Home than elsewhere.  The comfortable warm room, the daily allowance of milk, the generous dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas, even the special small gifts made possible by the Gordon Sherman Fund, have continued the same as in the prosperous years.  “There have been no deaths and no cases of serious illness, thus no vacancies have occurred…” ….Our expenses have been met by our income from trust funds and our allowance from the Community Chest….Some of our investments are paying less and if we do not receive our full quota from the Chest the coming year, other methods to meet our needs will have to be considered….”   ”   (Jan. 15, 1935, p.5)

“An increase of from eight to ten points in the 1935 County tax rate was indicated by the Board of Freeholders yesterday when the official budget for the coming fiscal year was introduced by Freeholder A.S. Kirkpatrick, the chairman of the finance committee, and passed and approved on first reading….an appropriation item of $92,000 for surplus revenue in the 1934 budget will be omitted….The higher tax rate is directly related to the inability of the budget committee to insert the surplus revenue item, it was explained….Boosting the tax rate the anticipated eight to ten points will mean the highest county rate in three years.  In 1933 the rate was .91 per $100 of assessed property.  Last year it was lowered to .85 by virtue of drastic salary reductions and curtailments of expenditures in several departments….”  (Jan. 17, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON, (AP)—Making its long heralded attack on the problems of “social security,” the Roosevelt administration laid before Congress today a five-point program designed as protection against what it terms as the “hazards” of modern existence…….

1. Compulsory unemployment insurance to be paid for by employers through a payroll tax….2. Compulsory insurance against poverty-stricken old age, for wage earners and small salaried workers, to be paid for by employers and employees on a 50-50 basis.   3. Old age pensions for the needy aged who could not be covered by the compulsory insurance, to be paid for by the Federal and State governments.  4. A voluntary federal annuity system for those who would not be included in the compulsory plan and who could afford to save for their old age out of income larger than those to be affected by the compulsory plan.  5. Large federal grants to states for aid to needy and ill mothers and children…..”  (Jan. 17, 1935, p.1)

“MADISON—More than 60 men enrolled on local relief met at the Settlement House here last night to discuss plans for obtaining more work and more money.  Ronald G. Cheesman, executive secretary of the Mayor’s Emergency Employment Committee, and W. Reginald Baker, chairman of the committee, explained the local situation to the men who recently struck for more money.  Cheesman and Baker explained that local relief is being administered under state aid regulations which must be followed if state aid is to be gained by the borough.  W. Kelton Evans, a member of the committee, explained that the group has done everything within its power and said that Madison is “doing a better job on relief than most towns.”  Complying with a request by local relief workers, the Borough Council is considering a plan whereby those on relief will receive a day’s work for cash for each two days’ employment by the state.  An appropriation of $800 from water and light department funds will finance the scheme if adopted.  Workers are now allowed to work out delinquent water and light bills as extra work….”  (Jan. 17, 1935, p.7)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—“It’s too large a dose for one swallow,” was Representative Charles Eaton’s comment on President Roosevelt’s message to Congress on Unemployment Insurance and Old Age Pensions.  Mr. Eaton said that he has been an advocate of these measures as well as stabilization of industry—employment assurance—for some time….He said that the President’s message was so large an order that it was practically impossible for the members of Congress to handle it all at one time and keep the facts straight and do the work intelligently.  “The best we can do,” Mr. Eaton said, “under the President’s plan, will be to develop costly mistakes until we are further enlightened by experience along these lines”….”Personally, I shall vote for Old Age Pensions and Unemployment Insurance if a sound and workable bill is presented by the administration.”  (Jan. 18, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—The state’s emergency relief problem, becoming graver daily, took Governor Harold G. Hoffman to Washington today where he sought a reduction of the state’s monthly relief quota of $2,000,000 set by Harry L. Hopkins, federal administrator.

…The governor, who in his inaugural message advocated a two per cent sales tax and an income tax to raise $35,000,000 for emergency relief and relief of real estate, was concerned over Hopkins’ suggestion New Jersey contribute $24,000,000 to relief.  Hoffman had proposed using approximately $20,000,000 of the new revenue to adsorb the state school and soldiers’ bonus taxes, levied on real estate.   Meanwhile, the legislative committee moved to cut the municipalities’ relief bill by rejecting a proposal they contribute $5,000,000 to finance relief.  Instead they will be asked to include in their budgets only what they expended in 1928 for poor relief, approximately $1,500,000.  The decision to curtail the municipal contribution was predicted on the principal that they should not be assessed too heavily in view of the fact they would have non-representation on the relief administration.  All funds will be disbursed through the state relief counsel, the state director and the county directors….”  (Jan. 19, 1935, p.1)

“A new plan of assisting prospective home buyers in the financing of residential properties in Northern New Jersey is being sponsored by one of the largest financial institutions in the world.  The plan is known as the 139 Month “New Deal Plan”.  It is being employed in the sale of a large selection of dwellings thru-out Northern New Jersey.  The system operates on a monthly payment purchase plan.  Up to 90% of the purchase price is left on a reducing first mortgage, the sponsors of the plan pointing out that the plan was designed primarily to make home ownership easy for families of moderate income and limited cash reserve.  Under the plan, payments which include interest, taxes, insurance, and reduction of principal are made monthly like rent.  At the end of 139 months the property is owned free and clear.  No charge is made for financing or settlement, and it is held continuously until it is cleared by the original mortgagor.  The average monthly cost, it is said, is comparable to a moderate rent.  The homes available under this plan are completely conditioned inside and out…the most modern equipment...first class condition…no expense has been spared….”  (Jan. 19, 1935, p.10)

“Perhaps the most interesting thing about the security program offered to Congress by President Roosevelt is not the program itself, but the Congressional reaction to it….

Criticism seems to be based almost entirely on the contention that the measure does not go far enough….If such a measure had been presented to Congress at any time before, say, 1933, it would have aroused a great deal of protest.  It would have been called dangerous

experimentation, and its attempts to provide protection for the victims of economic stress would have been dubbed an un-American form of coddling, designed to sap our national self reliance….We simply were not ready to admit that things can happen in our country against which no amount of individual effort could avail.  But now the plan is offered—and the objection most commonly heard is the charge that it isn’t strong enough; that it does not provide enough security, or promise to pay out enough money….We have had a revolution in this country… and it has taken place in our minds….We have found out that a country in which great masses of the people never earn more than fifteen or twenty dollars a week, and are subject to spells of complete unemployment at varying intervals, is not a country in which every man can attain any measure of independence and security by his own efforts….we as individuals, cannot stand it to have that state of affairs continue indefinitely….”  (editorial, Jan. 24, 1935)

“Approximately $200,000 will be paid to New Jersey farmers who participate in the 1935 program of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration for the reduction of corn and hogs, W.H. Allen, administrator of the program for New Jersey… reveals….Farmers who reduce their corn acreage at least 10 percent will be paid 35 cents per bushel for the reductions, although they are permitted to receive additional payments for reductions up to 30 percent.  Those who lower their hog numbers are to be paid $15 per head for a reduction of 10 percent….”  (Jan. 24, 1935, p.10)

“WASHINGTON, (AP) -- …William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor, told the State Finance Committee, his organization wanted a minimum old-age pension of $50 a month and greater insurance protection for the unemployed than provided in President Roosevelt’s social security program….”  (Jan. 28, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON (AP) – Dwindling cash resources put Federal aid for the jobless on a “day to day” basis and focused capital attention anxiously on a Senate committee behind whose doors were locked a $4,880,000,000 money bill….At Federal relief headquarters, Harry L. Hopkins said his administration was down to $50,000,000 and was making no commitments beyond February 10.  He estimated the month relief needs at $150,000,000.” (Feb. 1, 19335, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—The State administration bills for a two per cent sales tax and an income tax, designed to raise approximately $34,500,000 were introduced in the Assembly today.  A bill for a 4 ½ per cent business franchise tax on corporations, designed to produce $2,500,000 also was introduced as part of Republican Governor Harold G. Hoffman’s program to finance relief and lighten real estate taxes.  The sales tax would be imposed upon retailers of tangible personal property, including food, but exempting amusements, hotels and professional, mechanical and personal services.  The bill would require the tax to be added to the sales price….The income tax would allow the following exemptions:  $1,000 to a single person or married person living alone.  $2,500 to a married person.  $2,500 to the head of a family other than husband or wife.  $400 for each dependent.   The rates on net income above exemptions would be: 3 per cent on the first $1,000; 4 per cent on the second and third $1,000, 5 per cent on the fourth and fifth $1,000, 6 per cent on the sixth and seventh $1,000, 7 per cent on the eighth and ninth $1,000, 8 per cent on all net income over $9,000.  The sales tax upon gross sales is expected to raise approximately $20,000,000….Exemptions for this tax would include sales of feed for animals, fertilizers, motor fuels and alcoholic beverages, which already are subject to sales tax.  Sales of gas and electricity are exempted since they are subjected to a gross receipts tax and water delivered through pipes and mains would be tax free.  Magazines sold for less than 11 cents and newspapers would be exempt because they are usually purchased singly and it would be impossible to assess a fraction of a cent on such purchases.  Other exemptions would include goods sold by all state use industries and by one governmental agency to another.  Goods sold in interstate commerce would be exempted….However, a resolution memorializing Congress to permit such purchases to be taxed by the consumer’s state was introduced by the administration.  A bill is now before Congress….”  (Feb. 2, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON (AP)—Senator Warren W. Barbour of New Jersey has requested public Work Administrator Harold Ickes to extend for 60 days the time limit on a loan and grant authorized for the borough of Mt. Lakes, N.J. for the construction of a new school….the Board has been informed the PWA would have to rescind the loan and grant authorization because the borough had failed to take advantage of the authorization….the bond election  failed by only 37 votes at the last election….”  (Feb. 6, 1935, p.1)

“…It is most important for us not to forget that even the wisest relief bill is only a poultice.  Even if every idle worker in the land were drawing ample relief allowances under a scheme which magically prevented the financial load from burdening the taxpayer, the real problem would remain.  We would still face the task of getting these idle men back to work….The immediate need may be to take care of the jobless, but the long-range need is to get the jobless back to work.  Any relief bill, strictly speaking, is a piece of extravagance—a sign that our economic machine is out of gear somewhere….the problem won’t be solved until we have fixed things so that the jobless man can get a job and not a handout.”  (editorial, Feb. 6, 1935)

“Death and taxes are two things said to be inevitable….For a time there were encouraging drops in tax rates as the depression made itself felt and expenditures were cut to the bone but this time is passed despite general continued economy on the part of governing bodies.  The use of all surplus revenues and the need of repairs which had been let slide until they can no longer be ignored are two things which contribute to the upward trend.  Another is the continual growth of aid to the unfortunate….Once a tax is put on, it is extremely seldom that it is dropped, much less lowered….The town budget has not yet been determined but there are every indication to show that it will increase considerably with the inclusion of 1931 unpaid taxes and the necessity of including about $14,000 for emergency relief from last year.  This was financed last year by emergency notes, which the counsel had ruled illegal as the need was known and it did not constitute an emergency.  This year about $21,000 has to be put in for emergency relief.  This combination alone means about a $75,000 increase in the budget….Teachers, police officers, firemen and others have given loyal service during the depression, despite the slices taken out of their salaries, but then on the other hand they have been fortunate in having steady pay whereas in many communities the workers have been without salary for months and even years and they are even more fortunate in having jobs when so many millions are out of work….”  (editorial, Feb. 7, 1935)

“Several ERA projects were before the Board of Aldermen last night and were referred to committees to report.  The State ERA pointed out that Morristown was facing an acute housing problem as the Board of health had condemned certain buildings housing nine colored families.  Two landlords planned to dispossess 30 families next month and other landlords were refusing to rent on the grounds the tenants would be too destructive.  The ERA said it felt it was the Board’s problem and said the town should set aside lands to build barracks.  The Board felt it had no land available except that owned by the street department on Clinton and the matter was referred to that committee.  J.W. Brown of the ERA Work’s Division, suggested that ERA offices be built on the old reservoir site on Fort Nonsense and when the ERA ceased these would be turned over to the town as a municipal activities center…. (Feb. 9, 1935, p.1)

The editorial cartoon by Herblock appearing on February 9, 1935, page 4, is titled The VICIOUS CIRCLE.  It depicts earth seen as a globe in the air, with three men, labeled WAR, NATIONALISM, and DEPRESSION, chasing each other around it.

“The amount of ratables in Morris County will likely be two million dollars less than last year, it has been indicated at the County Tax Board office…Various reasons are attributed.  Foremost is the natural drop in real estate valuations during the depression years while there has been a tremendous decline in new building in the last four or five years.  Another important reason is the closing of any large estates and the tearing down of large mansions which under present conditions are extremely difficult to sell.  In this relation, Morristown has been the hardest hit with destruction in the last couple of years of places like the Mellon and Willis houses.  Several other large property owners threatened to follow suit and it was only through the granting of radical slashes in the assessed valuations that further destruction was averted.  In these cases, the town figured that half a loaf was better than none and it was better to have a house originally valued at $100,000 be assessed at $50,000 than to have it torn down so that there would be nothing at all to assess….”  (Feb. 12, 1935, p.1)

“ ‘FORGOTTEN MAN’ STILL UNDER DARK SKIES”

“Experts working for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration sat down not long ago to try to find out just who this forgotten man we have been hearing so much about really is.  Examining their records, they came to the surface at last with the following description:  He is between 45 and 65 years of age.  He makes up about 27 per cent of the “employable” relief population; but there’s a catch in the use of that adjective, because his chances of re-entering private industry are almost nil, 45 being accounted a sere and yellow old age in employment offices these days.  The forgotten man, further, has little hope of cashing in under any unemployment insurance scheme, and unless he is getting very close to 65 no old-age pensions will do him much good.  If the administration’s $4,800,000,000 work relief scheme goes through, it may mean a job for him, but the job will be only temporary and it won’t pay him any very princely sum.  All in all, he is plodding along under a pretty dark sky, and there is little indication that his sky is going to get much lighter.  And his existence under such circumstances is one of the most telling indictments imaginable against our whole social system.  The man who has passed 45 ought to be just entering the age in which he can enjoy the fruits of the society in which he lives.  The experience he has gained in his work ought to make him a valuable man in his job; his year of living ought to have ripened his wisdom so that he could get more human values out of his life than ever before.  Instead, in all too many cases, passing on into middle age is apt to take him over the deadline beyond which there is no secure place for him.  We seem to have arranged things so that we have no use for him.  If he has a job, he must worry about losing it; if he loses it, he is pitched into a situation from which it is constantly becoming more difficult for him to extricate himself by his own exertions.  There is something both heartless and silly about such a state of affairs.  One of the prime features of any proper “new deal” ought to be the discovery of some workable way to remedy it.”  (editorial, Feb. 12, 1935)

“….the Board voted not to restore even a part of the pay cut suffered by local teachers

[Morristown] during the past three years on the ground that it could not “fittingly” do so.  The Teachers’ Welfare Committee had last year asked consideration of a proposal for “partial restoration” of cuts, totaling 15 per cent, which local teachers have taken….” (Feb. 15, 1935, p.1)

“Property owners, most of whom had tenants paying in the lower rent brackets, appeared before the Board of Aldermen last night urging that some consideration be given them and the proposed sale of property for unpaid 1931 taxes be deferred.  These men pointed out that the small wage earners, losing their jobs had been unable to pay rent and therefore the owners could not keep up taxes and interest….General feeling was expressed that the banks and mortgage holders were receiving altogether too much interest under present conditions….Mr. Farino pointed out that many of the people they had as tenants were absolutely dependent on charity, some were starving and you couldn’t put these out, he said.  He declared he took a 50 to 75 per cent loss himself and he saved the town at least one-third of the cost of paying rent for these people.  Mr. Petrozzo, at a previous meeting, said that the ERA in some places had paid part of the rent of the destitute, but not here.  Mr. Farino said that he could afford to pay “if you gentlemen economize,” and said all taxpayers were in the same boat and must organize.  Mr. Esposito declared he had lost about $1,600 in small rents in two years and Mr. Dante said his taxes were paid but it was with his own sweat and from other earnings for he couldn’t collect rent.  Some tenants moved away over night and in some cases the town even furnished a truck for them to move.  He said he was $7,000 behind last year on rents.  He offered a man a job cleaning up to pay for his rent and the man refused because he might lose his relief.  Frederick Franklin, of Washington place, pointed out that mortgages in New York had been reduced to five per cent and he suggested that a committee of the Board might be able to work to get the banks and others to give lower rates here.  It is the fault of the banker, he collects all of the money for interest, declared Alderman Camisa.  Alderman Stephen S. Whitney, employee of the Morristown Trust Company, said Mr. Camisa was wrong.  He said they had cases where they were paying all of the rent collected for taxes….”  (Feb. 16, 1935, p.1)

“There were 120 families, representing 1829 persons, and the non-family persons given relief in Morristown in January at an average cost of $27.67 per family and $6.13 per person, a report made to the Board of Aldermen last night showed.  The Relief Committee of the Board met with County ERA officers yesterday relative to the problem of housing families which will be ousted when houses condemned by the Board of Health are razed.  ….”  (Feb. 16, 1935, p.1)

“One of the oddest things about the depression is the fact that the death rate has been falling.  When people are going hungry and are unable to pay for medical care, you would expect more of them to die; on the contrary, in such a representative state as New York, the death rate has dropped from 12.4 per 1000 inhabitants in 1929 to 11.1 in 1934.  The chief explanation, according to D.J.V. de Porte of the New York state health department, is fairly simple.   It is, he says, “the fact that state and federal governments have assumed ever greater responsibility for maintaining of life among the millions of unemployed and their families.”  A sharp commentary on American society, when you stop to think of it—the fact that so many people get better attention when they are broke than they do when they are self-supporting.”  (editorial, Feb. 16, 1935)

“Fifteen projects which are being conducted in the northern section of Morris County under the County Emergency Relief Association, were inspected this morning….The tour was conducted for the express purpose of giving the people of the county an insight into the work that has been conducted through relief funds and the opportunities to the various municipalities throughout the county to beautify public grounds, rectify dangerous hazards, eliminate mosquito breeding places, building roads and in general doing work that a municipality, thru the absence of necessary funds, could do under ERA assistance.  At the same time the work that the ERA has done and plans to do is benefiting mostly the needy who through the absence of jobs cannot buy food for themselves and necessities vital to life.  The labor is being paid in cash for food orders.  The men hired are compelled to work one or two weeks in order to balance the food that they receive….in December 74 per cent of those on relief were available for work in the county….at the present time there is approximately a total of 10,000 people in the county receiving relief and this total is gradually mounting.  The party first drove to Dover where 38 men are employed cutting wood….At Hurd Park, Dover, the pond has been cleaned out….The group then visited Wharton where more projects are being carried out than in any other like municipality in the county.  One project…is the erecting of retaining walls in the rear of the high school

….A municipal park was constructed near the high school….Another street is being constructed at Irondale road…eliminating a dangerous railroad crossing….A hump on another road in Wharton was cut out and a new road constructed to eliminate a dead end street….At Ledgewood the ERA last summer cleaned out a flood condition prevalent at the site of the old Morris Canal.  Some years ago a dam in a small lake a short ways farther up broke and flooded the old canal bed.  Silt and dirt washed down onto the property of residents.  Later old automobile tires were thrown in and tin cans and trash were added.  This was cleaned out….Steps were constructed at the Budd Lake School….In the rear of the school work in filling in lowlands in order to construct a playground and baseball diamond will be continued in the spring.  A large stone directly in front of the school will be blasted out in order to allow school buses and cars to pull in and stop….At Netcong 1,200 feet of water pipe was laid along the shores of Lake Musconetcong and fire hydrants were placed at intervals…Houses tapped onto the pipe for water supply….”  (Feb. 19, 1935, p.1 & 5)

“The man who is on the relief rolls needs a smoke, now and then, as well as something to eat; and relief authorities at Cleveland, O., are requesting state relief auditors to permit them to put in requisitions for cigarets as well as for foodstuffs….It is important to preserve the morale of the jobless man; and for some reason being entirely without anything to smoke ruins morale about as quickly as anything.  A few cigarets can sometimes revive a man’s spirits more than a whole cauldron of soup.”  (editorial, Feb. 19, 1935)

“Norman Thomas, nationally known as a leader in the Socialist and Labor movement in this country will lecture at the Alexander Hamilton School tonight at 8 o’clock.  The lecture is under the auspices of the State Committee of the Socialist Party of New Jersey and the Morristown Branch….The topic of his lecture…will be “After the New Deal— What?” ”  (Feb. 23, 1935, p.1)

“WE DO NEED A FAIRER WEALTH DISTRIBUTION”

“Start to talk about redistribution of wealth and you immediately set people thinking about the Huey Longs, the Dr. Townsends, and all those other enthusiastic people whose desire for a reshuffling of this world’s goods outruns their sense of what is practical.  Yet there really is an immense gap between the abstract belief that wealth should be more equitably distributed and the theory that the only way to do it is to take dollars directly out of the rich man’s pocket and hand them over to the poor man.  The demagog who likes to present an easy formula to cure all social ills does not see this.  But that wise old battler for the common man, Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska, gets the idea perfectly.  In a speech … at the University of Nebraska the other day, Senator Norris demanded redistribution of wealth through the simple means of a progressive federal inheritance tax….It means taking money from the estates of the very wealthy…and spending it in the interests of the man at the bottom of the heap.  Such scheme, as he points out, would accomplish two things; it would check the steady, progressive concentration of wealth in the hands of a small class, and it would help materially to relieve the country of pauperism.  Furthermore, it would put the redistribution forward in a fair way.  A man’s right to profit by his industry or his brilliance would not be infringed.  Only his right to pile up an untouchable fortune for future generations would be reduced.  “We have the wealthiest country in the world, and yet one-third of our people are in beggary and want,” says Senator Norris.  “We have millions of starving who must be fed.  “Whether we like it or not, we must raise billions in taxes.  Are we, in this dire predicament, so foolish as to think that the money can be raised by taxing the beggar?”  Even so conservative a country as England taxes the estates of the wealthy far more heavily than we do.  We can move a great distance in that direction without departing from the traditional American economic framework….”  (editorial, Feb. 23, 1935)

“The number on relief in Morris County went up 350 percent in a year, the State ERA figures shows while there was about 80 percent gain in the state as a whole.  In January 1934, there were 3,037 on relief in Morris County and in January of this year the total was 11,478, and increase of 8,441.  The state totals were 610,900 for this year and 337,355 for January, 1934.   There were decreases in only three of the twenty-one counties, Hudson, Bergen and Passaic….”  (Feb. 25, 1935, p.1)

“Norman Thomas Here—Styles New Deal Big Failure…Pack Auditorium To Hear Address” 

“….Recovery, he said, would be perfectly satisfactory if there was anything to recover…. “There is no recovery to attain,” he said, but there should be reform in the present methods of the capitalists who, through their trusts, have tied up all natural resources which God did not create for any one person but for all, and should benefit all instead of spilling money into the pockets of a few….Among the  benefits, Mr. Thomas said, which would rightfully go to the workers, as provided for under the Commonwealth Plan, is the 30 hour week for all wage and salary workers…; unemployment insurance until a job is found;…minimum pay of $1 per hour; one month’s vacation with full pay for all workers; a guaranteed market at guaranteed prices, security of land tenure, and free crop and livestock insurance for all farmers; a modern home for every family;…retirement insurance for persons reaching 60 years of age; free health and accident insurance during disability; free medical and dental service; free education from kindergarten through college; an end to the causes of war, and a general planning board to plan plenty for all….He said under the socialist plan all trusts, such as steel, which should be spelled two ways at the present time, iron, coal, petroleum and the rest, would be placed under a board of control and administration made up of representatives of the workers…. He said when the capitalists commence to slow up in money making they start a war and sell arms to the belligerents.  “If war is started with Japan or some other country our boys who die will have died with two thoughts in their minds, namely, that first they died for their country and second that they died by an instrument manufactured by their own country….”  Mr. Thomas said that the Civilian Conservation Workers and unemployment relief receivers, when the facts are boiled down, are in the same condition as the peasants of the old countries….”  (Feb. 25, 1935, p. 1 & 3)

“RIVERDALE—Riverdale’s “Pay As You Go” policy, the governing factor of the Borough for the last five years, effected a tax rate of approximately 17c per $100 valuation, it was learned last night at a special meeting of the Council, to pass on final hearing, the 1935 budget of $11,950.  This rate cuts last year’s by almost two thirds, it being 47c per $100 in 1934.  Since 1929 when the economy plan was first adopted, Riverdale taxes have steadily declined.  They were than $1.47 per $100….Riverdale property owners will be the lowest municipal tax-payers in the state for the year of 1935 as a result of the sound “borrow no money” “cut down debts” and “reduce interest charges” policies of the Borough.”  (Feb. 27, 1935, p.1)

“This Happens To Be Everybody’s Business” is the title of Herblock’s editorial cartoon appearing on February 27, 1935, p.4.  “DON’T TELL ME HOW TO RUN MY BUSINESS!” says the plump executive in homburg and coat to top-hatted Uncle Sam.  The background depicts oil derricks and storage tanks with a sign in front reading “THE OIL RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES”.

“….most of us find it a great deal easier to feel than to think….The demagogs and the dictators may be ignorant of many things, but they are fully aware of the ease with which people can be persuaded to use their hearts rather than their heads….What if his program, intellectually considered, is empty and contradictory?  He induces people to FEEL about it rather than to think about it.   Emotionally, they cannot help being for it.  Consequently it goes over with a bang.  It is the same way here at home.  When we rushed into the first hectic period of the NRA, for example, we gave way to our enthusiasms.  We felt that this was the program that would lead us out of the wilderness.  We refused to listen to the men who analyzed the plan’s imperfections; our emotions made us deaf.  Hence the imperfections were not remedied, and a certain disillusionment is the result today….The greatest difficulty modern democracy faces is this universal human propensity for letting emotion take the place of honest thought.”  (editorial, Feb. 27, 1935, p.4)

“About 75, including contractors, architects, real estate men and others, attended a meeting at the Women’s Community Club last night for the purpose of stimulating interest in the federal housing campaign….A campaign will be started here shortly and a local house to house campaign in the interests of better housing will be organized.  All local banks were qualified to loan money under the federal plans.  Mr. O’Connor announced he will launch a campaign among farmers to make repairs and improvements on their homes and other buildings, as part of the FHA Better Housing Campaign in the State.  He will have the cooperation of Calvin Lawrence, President of the Morris County Agricultural Society….

“For those who have cash available, cash payment is, of course the best method, the favorable time is now.  But if a farmer finds it more convenient to pay for this type of work out of his farm income—as he receives it—now is the opportune time for him to go ahead also.  He may borrow money for those needed improvements from any financial institution cooperating with the Federal Housing Administration.”  “  (Feb. 28, 1935, p.1)

“Judson P. Nesbitt, deputy director of relief in the County, today attempted to dispel the idea the Morris County relief situation was three times worse than it was last year at the same time.  Queried for an explanation of State ERA figures showing 11,478 persons on relief rolls last month as compared to only 3,037 a year ago, Nesbitt said the most recent figures are no higher than the average of other counties of about the same population, and in many cases compares favorably.  He adds, however, the January 1934 figure was unusually low.  This he attributes to the speed with which the CWA was organized and put men to work in this county….Other county CWA units found it difficult to place as large a percentage at work in such a short time…”  (Feb. 28, 1935, p.1)

“BUTLER—State Forrester C. P. Wilbur chose a crew of twenty men from the C.C.C. No. 239 near here to combat locally the Dutch Elm Disease now prevalent in America.  The C.C.C. members will be busy for some time cutting down, digging the roots out and burning the residue of 2,000 Elms in this vicinity.  At the suggestion of Dr. Paul Richards, camp physician, two dozen C.C.C. members were selected for types and had blood tests made at the Paterson General Hospital to be kept on file and referred to in an emergency, when a blood-donor is needed without delay.  The Butler C.C.C. will hold its first Camp Dance next Tuesday night in the barracks social hall.  Lem Peter’s Orchestra of Lake Erskine will supply the dance music.  Plans are under way for the establishment of two more C.C.C. units in this section: one to be near the No. 239 Company of Butler and one to be near Franklin….”  (Feb. 28, 1935, p.5)

“One word describes the situation in Trenton regarding tax relief legislation.  It is chaos.  Governor Hoffman and the Republican Legislation that was to do his bidding are deadlocked— hopelessly, it seems.  Since the lawmakers have refused to pass the Governor’s two per cent sales tax and his state income tax bill, the man who would try to predict the final outcome would be rash indeed.  Now that the Legislature has balked so decisively… no agreement as to a compromise appears in sight.  With the present emergency relief funds to be exhausted by Thursday of this week, Washington has been appealed to for another $2,000,000 loan to help New Jersey tide over the situation for another month….If the $2,000,000 expected from the federal government as another loan …is insufficient, the state will doubtless be able to scrape up a million or more in various departments to help feed the 600,000 New Jersey jobless during March, while the Legislature struggles to strike upon some financial plan that will command the necessary votes in both houses.  A hunger march on the State House will be averted.  That’s a comfort, anyway.”  (editorial from The Jersey Journal appearing in The Daily Record March 1, 1935, p.4)

“TRENTON, (AP)--…Five weeks of sparring with the governor, whose plan for new sales, income and business franchise taxes failed to attract their support, have left the House leaders about where they started, with no program….The clean government group of north Jersey…revised recent proposals over the week-end.  They maintained considerable secrecy about their suggestions, but it was understood they included diversion of $2,000,000 from county and township road funds, $5,000,000 from general state highway monies, authorization to the governor to recapture any department funds deemed non-essential and appropriation of at least $5,000 for a study of the governor’s tax plan….

Other proposals before the caucus included the Young income tax measure designed to raise $50,000,000; a combination income tax and fund diversion program estimated to produce $36,180,000 and the general recommendation of House leaders for governmental economy before new levies are initiated….”  (March 4, 1935, p.1)

“The advising of taxpayers to withhold their payment of taxes…will only result in the payment of increased amounts by all who take part in such a move….The cost of government must be met, whether it be national, state, county or municipal.  County Treasurer Fletcher L. Fritts declared Wednesday at a meeting of the Board of Freeholders he was prepared to meet any evidence of a tax strike in Morris County as soon as it becomes apparent.  He aimed his remarks at James V. Loughlin, of Dover and other leaders of the Morris County Taxpayers’ League who have been calling for a strike at meetings in Dover and Wharton.  Fifty-five members of the Wharton league pledged themselves Tuesday night not to pay their taxes until municipal, school and county budgets are lowered for 1935.  The county budget, which increased ten points this year…appears the main objection of the league of which Loughlin is president.  Fritts indicated he would throw responsibility for failure to pay taxes at the door of the municipality where the defaults occur.  He added that where there is justification for non-payment his office has been and will continue lenient, “but where we know the taxes can be paid and are not, we will act”….He cited court proceedings taken by municipalities “in a south Jersey county,” which penalized striking taxpayers.  Fritts without naming him directly, branded Loughlin a radical.  Eight municipalities of the thirty-six in the county have already paid their first quarter county taxes before they were due.  He listed these as Morristown, Morris, Boonton, Hanover and Pequannock Township, Riverdale, Kinnelon and Wharton.  The Freeholders believe talk of a tax strike is unjustified.  They cite the budget, which decreased for three years and is up this year “only because other revenues have decreased and because no surplus revenue is being appropriated.”….Freeholders say increases in this year’s budget are mostly due to higher appropriations for old age relief and permanent relief, which last year were financed by notes.  There are reduced anticipated revenues from the Surrogate’s Sheriff’s and County Clerk’s office and a cut in the moneys coming from the State Highway Commission, it is contended.  The voiding of half the pay cuts instituted two and a half years ago was the principal point criticized when the Taxpayers’ League appeared to protest passage of the budget January 25th.  Freeholder Kirkpatrick, chairman of the Finance Committee, justified the raises by declaring living costs had increased.  He also told objectors higher salaried officials took cuts up to 17 ½ per cent, while the state required only a 10 per cent reduction….”  (March 4, 1935, p.4)

Daily Washington Letter, by Rodney Dutcher, March 4, 1935, p.4: “Good or bad, the $4,880,000,000 work-relief program is of supreme importance to Roosevelt….it is the administration’s one big bet that the New Deal can be kept from sagging into unpopularity and political chaos….it is F. D.’s lone blue chip in a great game against forces of reaction, depression, and partisan politics which threaten to steal his shirt….Roosevelt presumably will win the fight—at least to the extent of getting that $4,880,000,000….But the handling of the measure has been so bad as to restrain confident predictions….”

“BOONTON—Gibson N. Vincent, chairman of the Boonton Taxpayers’ Association, declared last night he was not prepared to give a definite view on the “tax strike” proposal of James V. Loughlin, president of the Morris County Taxpayers’ Association, but presaged activity on the part of the local Association in fighting against tax increases.  He asserted Loughlin’s measure was an “extreme one” and that he desired to consider the matter thoroughly before advancing any opinion.  He said, however, that Loughlin was right in criticizing Freeholders on their budget increases….After receiving an indifferent reception here at the beginning Loughlin’s idea is reported to be gaining support in this locality but thus far no organization has taken up the gauntlet for concerted action….” (March 4, 1935, p.5)

“The pitiful spectacle of a starving horse and a dying cow at the door of Minnesota’s statehouse spurred action by the legislature after pleas of 50,000 desperate farmers had failed to bring relief.  The Senate voted $500,000 to feed the state’s starving livestock.  This picture shows the scene that met the eyes of legislators on the statehouse steps.”  The photograph captures a crowd of people watching the horse being led to the entrance, and a horned cow on a lead unwilling to move onto the steps.  (March 4, 1935, p.5)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—The $13,173,830 recommended by the Ordinance Department of the War Department for the rehabilitation of Picatinny Arsenal may be sought in the deficiency appropriation bill, according to Representative Charles A. Eaton….”When this fund was omitted from the regular War Department appropriation, it was generally understood that it would come from the Relief Bill but that was not guaranteed as no earmarking of the bill was permitted…”  ” (March 4, 1935, p.13)

“…Despite recent decisions on currency problems the housewife still considers her food dollar to be of much more importance than the “gold” dollar of the banker.  Food dollars … must operate in a mart where rising food prices prevail.  Habits of boom days and habits of the days of lowpriced food must now give way to more efficient buying….When making a selection from a display of fruits and vegetables…personal preference is often subordinated to price….If one is familiar with the factors that affect eating quality and those that affect appearance only, selections can often be made which not only suit the personal preference but also prove to be economical.  Generally speaking, the excessive waste in preparation, and the inferior quality of wilted, decayed, immature, or overripe products are such as to make the best quality the least expensive in the end….”  (March 5, 1935, p.6; column by Fred W. Jackson, Director, Division of Consumer Information, Department of Agriculture, Trenton, N.J.)

“MOUNTAIN LAKES—A marked increase in tax collections for the first two months of this year over the similar period in 1934 foreshadows a reduction in the Mountain Lakes tax burden for 1936, provided this excellent showing is continued throughout the remainder of 1935.  Tax Collector Herman C. Martens produced figures at the semi-monthly meeting of the Mountain

Lakes Borough Council last night which figures revealed that during January and February $6,407.57 more was collected in taxes than was gathered during these two months in 1934….The first two months of 1935 brought in $43,643.80 as compared to $37,246.23 last year.  Another note of financial encouragement was struck when Councilman Harry Wilson in his financial report stated that all state and county taxes had been paid up to date….”  (Mar. 7, 1935, p.9)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—Five separate jobs of roadside landscaping in Morris County have been approved by the Bureau of Public Roads…at an estimated expenditure of over $10,000 of federal money.  About one hundred men, to be selected from the relief rolls of the U.S. Department of Labor office in the county, will be employed on the projects.  Bids on the work will be accepted soon from reliable landscape architects…who will submit the bids to the New Jersey state highway department, which in turn will award contracts with the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads.  The jobs are:  2,398 miles of landscaping between Littleton and Dover, scheduled at a cost $2,000 and employment of 20 men; 1.142 miles of landscaping near Ledgewood, to cost $1,000 and employ 10 men; .932 mile landscaping of part of the Succasunna-Ledgewood Highway, to cost $1,000 and employ 15 men; 2.648 miles landscaping in the Boros of Butler, Riverdale and Kinnelon, to employ 25 men and cost $6,000; and .186 mile landscaping in Morris, to cost $400 and employ 10 men….”  (March 8, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—The search among departmental expenditures for funds to finance relief, begun ambitiously by an Assembly committee, may result in substantial reduction of Governor Hoffman’s proposed budget of $35,892,000….Their proposal to survey all departmental expenses, in a search for at least $12,000,000, comes while the appropriations committee is preparing the annual money measure based on the Governor’s budget for the consideration of the legislature….Accepting suggestions from representatives of such civic groups as the State Chamber of Commerce, the State Taxpayer’s Association and the Good Government Council, the committee mapped an extensive program, which will begin Monday with a conference with Highway Department officials.  The Department was asked to demonstrate the possibility of operating on a highway maintenance basis alone, without new construction contemplated for a period of 18 months.  The committee expressed belief that such procedure might release $4,500,000 from construction projects to relief costs.  The cost of relief themselves will be surveyed with hope that they too may be curtailed….Other sources of funds to be studied include the proposal to raise truck license fees to conform to those charged in New York and Pennsylvania; a one-cent increase in the gasoline tax and repayment of state loans to the Port of New York Authority….”  (Mar. 8, 1935, p.15)

“Congressional leaders appear to have made up their minds that new taxes cannot be avoided much longer.  Washington dispatches say that Congress is beginning to agree that all expenditures above budget estimates will have to be matched with new revenues, and reenactment of a number of “nuisance taxes” is expected before the winter ends.  A nation which is already groaning under a heavy tax load can hardly be expected to throw its hat in the air over this news.  Nevertheless, it is the only sensible attitude to take.  We are piling up our national debt at a prodigious rate these days.  It cannot be helped, and there is nothing to do but make the best of it.  But we are under the obligation to pay as we go, as far as we possibly can.  Debt increases cannot be avoided, but they should not be resorted to as long as existing sources of revenue remain untapped.”  (editorial, March 8, 1935)

“Not the least valuable way of sizing up our own re-employment program is to have an occasional look at the things other nations are doing to solve the same problem….On April 1 the Nazi government begins a new assault on unemployment which will have the result of making every person under 25 a unit in a rigidly state-controlled labor scheme.  All jobs for persons under 25 will be at the disposal of the state….This organization will have the power to send him to work on a farm, to toil on a construction project, or to enroll in a labor camp.  Thus the young worker is to pass under the sway of a centralized, disciplined authority quite as rigid and strict as that of the military conscription….he must work at jobs someone else picks for him until he is halfway through his 20’s, and not until then can he choose his own employment….the reason for examining that scheme…is…simply to point out that control of this kind is the logical result of any nation-wide, authoritarian control of the labor market by the central government….Our own re-employment program has manifold imperfections, certainly…But it is worth remembering that to give up this voluntary system in favor of something quicker and more efficient is a first step on the road to a despotic regime like this one in Germany.  A certain amount of inefficiency is the price of democratic government.  By trying to build re-employment around our existing industrial framework, we are preserving our political freedom….”  (editorial, March 8, 1935)

“…additional funds have been allotted for the restoration of the Tempe Wick house in Morristown National Historical Park.  The amount of the new funds is $12,700.00 which has been made available from P.W.A.  Before the new assignment of money, funds for restoring the exterior of the house only had been allowed….With the additional funds it is planned to restore the inside of the house to very much the appearance it had during the time of its occupancy by the Wick family….”  (March 9, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—Morris County farmers who have signed the AAA pledge have received only $4,119.71 out of the more than eight hundred million paid out by the Agricultural Adjustment administration since its inception in May 1933….Morris County was one of nine counties in New Jersey where payments were made on wheat….The only other item on which payments were made is corn-hogs, under which head Morris County farmers received $3,781.10….”  (March 9, 1935, p.1)

“Arrangements are being made to hold an Open House Night at the High School Gym on or about March 26.  This program will consist of an exhibition of athletic games, dramatics, glee club, music, handcraft and boxing.  These activities have all been taking place during the Winter months at the various indoor centers, under the supervision of the Morristown Recreational Department and Leisure Time Division of the ERA.  Among the outstanding selections shall be:

1.  Morristown Junior Tournament, Basketball game.  2. Young Men’s Italian Club, Glee Club. 

3.  Firemen’s Volley-ball game.  4.  Leisure Time Orchestra.  5.  women’s Basketball Game.  6.  Boxing Exhibition.  7.  Morristown Police vs. County Officials, Basketball game.  8.  Olympic

Gymnastic Team.  9.  Table Tennis and Handcraft display.  10.  Square-set Dances….”  (March 9, 1935, p.2)

“People on relief should qualify for that aid by having at least one member working on some project and this will help in restoring their morale, Mrs. Thomas W. Streeter, of Sussex Avenue, believes.  Head of the Morris County Welfare Board and member of the citizens’ committee of the State ERA, Mrs. Streeter expressed her views to Helen L. Manning, feature writer of the Jersey Journal…. “In short,” said Mrs. Streeter, “men and women are on the relief rolls because they cannot get any sort of paid work, and I am one of those persons who believe that men and women will come much nearer having a restored morale if they believe they are earning the money paid them by the government, and that the money they receive is not charity, but paid them as a result of their labor.”  Regarding old age pensions, Mrs. Streeter says:  “I deplore the present tendency in Washington to feel that old age pensions will lead us out of the depression; for, while I believe that our aged men and women should be taken care of, I do not believe in letting down the age limits, for money spent in old age pensions is not as productive as money spent on children….” ” (March 9, 1935, p.6)

“…Comparing our industrial output today with that of 1929, Mr. Flynn demonstrated that we have traveled 54 per cent of the way back—a pretty fair record, as far as production is concerned.  But in the matter of re-employment, we have covered only 28 per cent of the distance.  In wage levels, the gain from the 1932 low point is only 18 per cent.  In payrolls, we have gained but 21 per cent….This does not mean that employers are a mean and conniving set of chiselers.  It simply indicates that our recovery efforts are bumping us up against the knottiest problem of the modern age—the dismaying fact that modern industry is progressively able to produce more and more goods with the expenditure of less and less human effort.  In the long run, any society which hopes to find its way back to a condition of peaceful plenty must some way of answering that challenge….” (editorial, March 11,1935)

“At the height of the Civil War, northern citizens learned with a shock of dismay that their government was spending $2,000,000 a day to carry on the fight.  Such expenditures, in that period, seemed astronomical—too big for the mind to grasp.   One wonders what those startled citizens would have thought if they had been told that eventually their government would spend two and one-half times that much merely to take care of the victims of unemployment….Yet that is just what is happening.  Relief Administrator Hopkins reveals that federal relief rolls are now carrying 22,000,000 persons, with daily expenditures for food and clothing of $5,000,000.  It is a tremendous, unheard-of load, this relief bill.  It has to be carried—but it is terribly obvious that it can’t be carried forever.” (editorial, March 12, 1935)

“TRENTON, (AP)—Governor Harold G. Hoffman had $2,000,000 in pocket today for the state’s relief costs, while a legislative committee prepared to scan departmental payrolls for economies which would produce more for the needy.  The compromise relief financing plan, evolved by the Governor and House Republican leaders after weeks of deadlock over his tax proposals, began to function after the legislature authorized him to take $2,000,000 a month for the next two months from available state funds.  After signing the bill yesterday, the governor immediately arranged with state fiscal officials to divert $2,000,000 from motor fuel tax receipts to the emergency relief account.  The money was taken from a surplus in the highway sinking fund.  More from that source and from a $500,000 insurance fund was expected to carry relief until the house committee and the legislature acted to provide permanent financing.  The fundfinding committee, headed by Assemblyman Herbert J. Pascoe, of Union, resumes its search tomorrow….The committee has asked for a detailed list of all departmental employes and their salaries, particularly those receiving more than $3,000 a year.  Pascoe indicated that his committee would ascertain whether all of the assistant executives in the various departments were essential to efficient operation as well as the necessity for dual job-holding by a number of the higher-paid officials.  The committee hoped to extract at least $12,000,000 from present departmental resources and from economies, making up the balance of the $24,000,000 required for relief either with a new tax or by issuing bonds.  The governor has advocated sales and income taxes.  The alternative to a new tax, Pascoe pointed out, was to divert and sell more of the highway and grade elimination bonds authorized in 1930.  State relief costs heretofore have been financed largely with such diversions….”  (Mar. 13, 1935, p.1)

“NEWARK, (AP)—Federal Judge Guy L. Fake today rendered a decision in which he declared the National Industrial Recovery Act is unconstitutional in respect to its authority to regulate intrastate business.  The jurist handed down his opinion in grant the Acme, Inc. of Jersey City an injunction restraining the government from enforcing the fabricated metal code regulating hours of labor, wages and the payment of code assessments.  The action also enjoined the government from indicting or prosecuting the company for failure to comply with the code.  U.S. District Attorney Harlan Besson indicated he would recommend to U.S. Solicitor General Crawford Biggs that an immediate appeal of the ruling be taken.  “We can arrive at no other conclusion,” Judge Fake said, “than that the recovery act is unconstitutional because it attempts an unlawful delegation of legislative authority.”  “The Recovery Act,” he added in the opinion, “and the incidental codes in so far as they attempt to regulate the hours of labor, the fixing of wages or the furnishing of so-called confidential reports thereon are without sanction under the constitution and, therefore, are void.”….” (March 13, 1935, p.1)

“RIVERDALE—The old Riverdale School House will be torn down by the E.R.A. with the provision that the Borough pay for supervision of the work….As the Board of Education has no funds on hand for this work and would be forced to borrow the estimated $300 required, the Council decided in the characteristic “pay as you go” fashion for which Riverdale has become famous, that the Borough can assume the responsibility, paying for the work out of the 1935 contingent fund.  Riverdale’s “Strictly business” method of municipal government applied for the last six years with gratifying results to the taxpayers who now enjoy what is probably the lowest rate in the State, allows for no interdepartmental bickering over a necessary town expenditure.  Rather than have the Board of Education borrow either from the Borough or a bank, the interest and principal of the loan to be added to 1936 taxes, the Council unanimously approved the bill…..”  (March 14, 1935, p.3)

“There has been a good deal of loose talk going around of late in regard to the Board of Freeholders and certain taxpayers units have charged all sorts of extravagances and needless expenses and one small faction has even gone so far as to try and urge the taxpayers of Morris County to go on a tax strike because of the Board’s budget.  The bids received by the Board of Freeholders yesterday by leading metropolitan bond houses for a short term $201,000 bond issue should be a silencing answer to the objectors.  An interest rate that figures at less than two percent could not have been secured for the county bonds unless they were considered a most excellent risk.  As a matter of fact the bonds have been accorded a practically AAA ranking than which there is nothing higher and they only have received it because the bonding houses believe county finances have been carefully handled and are one hundred percent safe.  The bond bids should stop the harping of the critics and serve to turn their energies into the field of municipal finances where perhaps they may not find such fine conditions prevailing.”  (editorial, March 14, 1935)

“5000 Minnesota Jobless Put Legislators ‘on Spot’ ” headlines a photograph showing a horde of people in front of the Minnesota capitol building.  The caption reads “In one of the most formidable demonstrations staged against state lawmakers this winter, a howling mob of 5000 relief seekers stormed the Minnesota capitol at St. Paul, forced a House rollcall and shouted threats against the legislators if they failed to pass unemployment, old age, and social security insurance bills.  Part of the throng in the menacing demonstration is shown here, jamming the steps of the statehouse.” (March 14, 1935, p.9)

“Morristown may soon be the site of the third CCC camp in Morris County as one for colored boys may be located here if suitable arrangements on sewerage can be made by the military authorities with the Board of Aldermen at the latter’s meeting tonight.  Site for the proposed camp is at the corner of Hanover road and Ridgedale avenue which is between 500 to 700 feet from the town’s sewer disposal plant.  The military authorities are prepared to lay their own pipes to the plant, the only dispute being over fees to be charged.  The initial asking price by the town fathers is about twice what the army wants to pay and Major William P. Morris, 18th Infantry, who is district executive will appear together with Captain John R. Debell, head of the CCC camp on Speedwell avenue, to request that the town lower its proposed charges.  The matter of locating a colored camp here has been sounded out and practically all of the town’s leading citizens have seen no objections to it.  Merchants especially, it is said, are in favor of it because of the additional business that will result.  It is expected that if the camp is situated here a skeleton company will be brought here while local and county colored men will be used to fill the unit to full strength.  Construction would start at once provided the military authorities are able to secure the necessary utility arrangements…..While there are no colored CCC camps in the northern part of the state there are four in South Jersey, Captain Bedell states, and the men are working on mosquito control…..”  (March 15, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON (AP)—Herbert J. Pascoe, chairman of the Assembly Economy Committee, declared today state department heads were failing to cooperate in the search for administrative savings to release funds for relief financing….“I’m inclined,” Pascoe declared, “to recommend that the legislature slap a ten percent blanket cut on department appropriations and let the heads go home and worry about it.”…Pascoe’s repeated question concerning possible reduction of payrolls or elimination of certain employees failed in each case…to produce an affirmative answer.  He pointed out that the alcohol tax and control division absorbed more than twelve percent of the liquor revenue in administrative costs….”  (March 15, 1935, p.1)

“The Sales Tax was the subject of talks given at the meeting of the Young Republicans held Thursday evening in the Republican headquarters in the Park Square Building.  Benjamin Greenberger, representing the retail merchants, declared that a sales tax would drive millions of dollars of business out of the state and cause unemployment.  It is the most difficult tax to collect, he said, and bears heaviest on the poor man, because it is not based on ability to pay.  Assemblyman Albert R. Riggs followed Mr. Greenberger and declared the sales tax is the easiest to collect and it gives revenue immediately.  Such a tax, he said, is going to be paid by people who buy things and consequently is not only a tax paid by the poor man but by the people who spend money….”  (March 15, 1935, p.1)

“The Morris Community Chest has announced that a 10 per cent cut in the budgets of each of its 14 member agencies has been made necessary due to the failure of the chest to raise the funds to maintain its services.  The statement of the executive committee follows:  “In spite of its intensive campaign for funds last November, and an additional emergency appeal this year, the Morris Community Chest has still failed by $14,434 to meet its actual needs for 1935, raising only $135,794.70 of the $150,228 budgeted by the 14 member agencies to maintain essential services….This will seriously impair the hospital and charitable services now being rendered through the county even though the hardship and suffering has in no way diminished.  For four years the chest, with its member agencies, has consistently pared budgets to the bone in the effort to maintain vital services despite increased difficulties in raising necessary funds, and what surpluses have been stored up by careful management in past years have been exhausted….”  (March 16, 1935, p.1)

“Members of the Board of Aldermen met in executive conference with Major William P. Morris, 18th Infantry, and Captain John R. Bedell, head of the local CCC Company, last night relative to the proposed establishment of a CCC camp for colored men at the intersection of Hanover and Ridgedale avenues in Morris Township….The colored unit to be transferred here is at present established in South Jersey and it is to be sent into Morris County to fight the Dutch Elm disease.  Several other places are under consideration, including a location near Boonton.  One of the purposes of the conference was the request of CCC officials for a lower rate for use of the sewerage.  The Board stated that it had a rate fixed now which it could not well change and that the plant was operating at capacity at present and could not stand additional sewerage.  Edgar Gilbert, president of the Gilbert Laboratories, on Ridgedale avenue, a short distance beyond the proposed camp location, spoke at the open meeting of the Board.  He pointed out that the road by the camp was practically the only approach to Cedar Knolls and it essentially was a part of Morristown as to shopping, work and business.  The bus service has been discontinued temporarily but many walk into Morristown anyway, due to present economic conditions, and it would seem out of order to place the camp on such a street.  He also advised the board to think of the welfare of the local colored people and thought it might make for a bad influence here. …”  (March 16, 1935, p.1)

“Timid Americans who fear that their country is in a very bad way might be comforted by hearing the words of Nicholai Osinsky, head of the statistics bureau of the Soviet government.  Returning from a tour of America, Osinsky declares that “the most powerful capitalist system in the world is still standing on its feet” in spite of the terrible losses of the depression.  Now it is worth remembering that if there is one man on earth who would have shouted the news from the house steps if he had seen signs of approaching collapse in the United States, it is this same Osinsky.  But he didn’t see any such signs.  Much as he hated to admit it, he had to report that things were going along pretty robustly.  Those of us who tend to get the jitters over the seeming slowness of our recovery program might well take heart from that report.”  (editorial, March 16, 1935)

“At the Young Men’s Forum meeting last night at the Y.M.C.A, B. B. Van Sickle, New Jersey Field Supervisor of the U.S. Re-Employment Service, spoke on the subject “How the Government is Helping Men to Get Jobs.”  He stated that State Employment Service started in New Jersey some 18 years ago, with offices at Camden, Trenton, and Jersey City.  A few years ago, the U.S. Government co-ordinated the employment work in 23 states, under national direction.   There are now 14 State Employment Offices in N.J., including the one in Morristown.  These offices provide a free employment agency with interstate service and a personal interview with each applicant.  The office is located on the second floor of the Sheriff’s former residence, adjoining the Court House, with Miss Brunger and Mr. Beatty in charge.”  (March 20, 1935, p.3)

“…A generation ago the average citizen kept a wary eye on big business.  The gigantic new industrial combinations frightened him.  He had an uneasy feeling that they were growing so big and so powerful that his liberties were in danger of being trampled under foot.  Today he looks in another direction.  He is used to big business, now.  He has discovered that the worst sweatshop conditions, for instance, are often to be found in the small industry….But high finance is something else again….the events of recent years have demonstrated that altogether too many of these busy financiers are not “men of vision” or “makers of America” so much as clever and not too scrupulous self-seekers.  The president expresses the average reaction pretty clearly:  “It is time to make an effort to reverse that process of the concentration of power which has made most American citizens

…helplessly dependent for their daily bread upon the favor of a very few, who, by such devices as holding companies, have taken for themselves unwarranted economic power.”  That says it.  It draws the line between industrial leadership which seeks to produce and the kind of financial leadership which seeks to exploit.  The former helps to enrich the whole country; the latter is distinctly anti-social….The financial outfit that expresses itself through a chain of holding companies…is interested in profits rather than production—and if you play that game cleverly you can make profits without doing much producing.  To attack the holding company system is not to attack big business.  It is to attack a thing which is a parasite on big business—and on all the rest of us as well.”  (editorial, March 20, 1935)

“DENVILLE—Reports that the colored C.C.C. unit originally slated to make its headquarters in Morristown will occupy a site in Denville Township served to arouse members of the Taxpayers’ association to action here last night.  Members of the club are today enlisting the populace in a petition drive which, they hope, will net them sufficient signatures to persuade C.C.C. authorities the dusky Dutch Elm workers are not wanted here.  The petition drive is being augmented by letters of protest from as many churches, clubs and civic groups the Taxpayers’ Association can muster to its interests.  These include St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Community Methodist Church, Woman’s Club, Civic Association, Indian Lake Club, Rainbow Lakes Club, Cedar Lakes Club, Business Men’s Association, Estling Lake Campers’ Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake Arrowhead Club.  Members of the Township Committee will also be approached to bring pressure to exclude the camp from the Township limits.  One Township Committeeman, Charles W. Rodgers, has been quoted as stating that location of the camp here would bring local merchants “two to three thousand dollars a week” in added business.  J.O. Miller, a Pullman conductor, declared at the meeting last night that Rodgers had evidently been misinformed.  Such camps are furnished food and supplies from Army commissaries, he said.  “They even bring their own cobbler to fix their shoes,” he asserted.  It has been reported that Army officials have been negotiating with George Lash for property along the Rockaway River, near the Rockaway Township line.  It is also said that permission had been granted the group to connect with the Jersey City Trunk Sewer.  One of the problems which confronted the C.C.C. officials in their dickering with Morristown was inability to come to terms on a sewer connection.  It was feared by members of the group which is leading the crusade against the camp, that its location here would depreciate property values and contribute to failure to rent Summer cottages.  Miller cited the recent Harlem riot as reason enough to keep the camp from locating here….”  (March 22, 1935, p.1)

“MOUNTAIN LAKES—A marked increase in total receipts, including road assessments and collections from back taxes, and a substantial decrease in total obligations, have helped put the finances of Mountain Lakes on  a “cash basis”… We failed to collect as much as we needed for payment of assessment bonds by nearly $8,000.  The additional amount was taken care of by a loan from current account….Total receipts including road assessments increased about $22,000 in 1934 over those of 1933 and over $24,000 over 1932.  At the same time total obligations showed a substantial decrease.  Every outside obligation was met when due except State and County taxes.  The amount of delinquent State and County taxes was reduced and has now been brought fully up to date.”….”  (March 22, 1935, p. 1 & 5)

Herblock’s editorial cartoon appearing on March 22, 1935, p.4 is titled “The Difficulty With Going Down The Middle Of The Road”, depicting a man walking half-crouched down the middle of a road, a big basket of eggs on his arm.  He is being pelted with eggs by attackers on his right side, RIGHT WING ATTACKS,  and on his left, LEFT WING ATTACKS.

“What meaner or more contemptible individual than the ERA faker!  Needing no help, perhaps even holding down a decent job, but lacking all moral sense, he will lie and cheat to get on the public relief rolls.  Nothing matters to him but the satisfaction of his inordinate greed….the guilty should be vigorously prosecuted.  Within the past two weeks a half-dozen cases have been brought into the Essex courts.  These involve men and women, who, it is charged, either misrepresented their resources to get aid, or while on relief obtained work sufficient to support them but kept the fact concealed.  The circumstances make little difference….In New Jersey the law is broad enough and the punishment provided stringent enough to cope effective with the situation…Some of the fakers are exceedingly cunning.  If they have money in the bank, they will transfer the accounts to other names.  They will try to palm off a neighbor’s small children as their own, an easy subterfuge in some districts….self-interest should prompt the average citizen to support the ERA in any way he can in bringing the chiseler to book.”  (editorial from the Newark Evening News, published in The Daily Record, March 22, 1935, p.14)

“The trend of taxation is once again upward in Morris County, announcement of tax rates by Secretary William B. MacCracken, of the County Tax Board, today, shows.  Only five of the 38 municipalities have succeeded in dropping their rates for 1935 over last year.  In 1934 there were 12 which showed a reduction over 1933 and in that year there were 34, faced by the needs of drastic economies and depression, which made cuts.  Due to the utilizing of all surplus revenues during these periods and faced by greater relief problems the swing upward was forced.  The five which have this year effected cuts over 1934 were Hanover and Rockaway Townships, Mendham, Mountain Lakes and Wharton.  It was the second year in a row that Mendham had been able to cut its rates….Honors for the lowest tax rate in the county is retained by Harding with a 2.90 mark despite an increase of 6 points over last year….”  More information about valuations as well as a tax table by municipality is included in the article.   (March 23, 1935, p.1)

“SACRAMENTO, Cal., (AP)—Former President Herbert Hoover told a group of California Republicans today the recovery “theories of this administration do not work” and the country must decide between a government based on American principles of liberty and one “of regimentation and bureaucratic domination.” “We stand on the threshold of a great forward, economic movement,” he said…”if only the paralyzing effects of mistaken governmental policies and activities may be removed.”…. “…Small business men have been disabled and crushed.  Class conflicts have been created and embittered….” ” (March 23, 1935, p.1)

“DENVILLE—Assurance was given yesterday that the colored CCC camp, slated to locate here to further Dutch Elm disease work, will locate elsewhere.  The decision on the part of CCC officials was reached after a delegation representing Denville civic groups and clubs protested the plans of the Army organization….In the list of organizations opposing the CCC camp published yesterday the St. Mary’s Catholic Church was included by error.”  (March 23, 1935, p.1 and 2)

 “The fact that emergency relief for 600,000 jobless is now to cost New Jersey $84,000,000 a year, with the state government contributing $2,000.000 a month and the federal government $5,000,000 a month, is appalling to Rev. Dr. Lester H. Clee, speaker of the General Assembly….He is not the only one who is appalled, and who wonders what would happen if the cow should go dry and the milking suddenly cease.  This situation stresses the necessity for the Pascoe committee to dig deeply and fearlessly into the question of whether New Jersey relief is being administered along the most economical lines.  Hunting for funds to avert and render unnecessary new taxes will be only half doing the job if the committee fails to make a most thorough investigation of the emergency relief bureau.”  (editorial from the Jersey Journal, published in The Daily Record March 25, 1935, p.4)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Reconstruction Finance Corporation during February agreed to participate to the extent of $65,000 in a loan to the Boonton Full Fashion Hosiery Mills of Boonton, by the Boonton Trust Company, it was announced today….Interest on the loan will be at the rate of six per cent.  It was explained that the RFC does not by this procedure actually loan the money to the Mills, but buys up at face value the notes of the borrower to the extent of the participation, after the bank has made the loan.  How much the Boonton firm is borrowing altogether was not revealed….”  (March 26, 1935, p.1)

“New Jersey is again the lead !  The state has found ways for spending more PWA money than any other commonwealth.  Almost a billion and a half dollars is requested for projects ranging from improvements of armories to protection of shellfish beds.  Without doubt many of the projects, notably grade crossing elimination, are worth while, but we doubt the wisdom of remaking the entire state in a few years.  New Jersey many not be able to find taxes suitable for meeting its relief needs; it may be blind to potential economies in its government; but it does not totally lack ingenuity.  The thought of spending the federal government’s money has inspired the state to reach new heights in the art of handing out taxpayers’ money.  Frankly, New Jersey official have never been backward in this particular.  Whatever other weaknesses they may possess, the art of spending other people’s money has always been among their strong points.  And now they have exceeded themselves.  A billion and a half dollars for public works projects!  And plans for spending every nickel of that staggering sum!  Others might not know where to turn in trying to relieve themselves of all this money.  But not New Jersey politicians.  With them it’s a gift.”  (editorial from the Asbury Park Press, appearing in The Daily Record, March 26, 1935, p.4)

“TRENTON, (A/P) — Governor Hoffman’s opposition to suspension of state highway construction conflicted today with economy proposals of the Assembly Relief Fund Committee.  The committee, searching among departmental resources for funds to finance relief, contemplated diversion of at least $5,800,000 of Highway moneys by suspension of construction in 1935.  The committee, continuing its survey of departmental budgets this week, sought to divert about $12,000,000.  The Governor, however, attacked the committee’s program last night, declaring “it is disheartening to note the eagerness of some people to discontinue New Jersey’s only public works activity and throw more men out of employment.”  He pointed out that suspension of construction this year might deprive New Jersey of $5,000,000 of federal road aid.  Relief legislation before Congress, he said, contained provision for distribution of $800,000,000 to state road work….”  (March 27, 1935, p.1)

“DENVILLE—A report in yesterday Daily Record concerning the Colored C.C.C. unit which is slated to locate at Boonton, again aroused local citizens interested in keeping the camp out of Denville.  The story stated that no official protest had reached Washington channels.  The article further stated that it is assumed that any agitation over the transfer was adjusted in the field.  Township Chairman immediately took steps to remedy the lack of protest in Washington by getting in touch with Army officials there.  Last week Hughes and George M. Denny, president of the Chamber of Commerce, protested against the camp and received assurance it would not be located here, but apparently official notification in Washington was unnecessary….”  (March 27, 1935, p.2)

“In order to keep as many men working as possible, the county will likely follow the same plan of staggering the men as last year, Chairman William C. Spargo of the Board of Freeholders announced at the Board meeting yesterday.  The Disabled War Veterans had written asking that Anthony Cillo, a disabled veteran, be placed.  Mr. Spargo said that the Board sympathized with all men out of work and would put the name on file but that they would have to work the laborers every other week as last year….”  (March 28, 1935, p.1)

“BOONTON—Opposition to the establishment of a negro C.C.C. encampment on the outskirts of Boonton, exclusively reported in the Daily Record last Tuesday, crystallized here today although Mayor Oscar P. Myers denied having official notification of the proposed camp.  The Mayor said today that he had been trying to locate “the proper authorities with whom to lodge a protest” against transferal of 200 colored conservation corps youths from Tuckahoe in Cape May County to Boonton.  “Of course, I’m against the establishment of such a camp here, Myers said….Added to Myers’ criticism of the camp proposal was that of Harry Griffith, one of the directors of the local Chamber of Commerce.  Griffith said his organization would vigorously oppose the plan if current rumors were verified.  It was also unofficially reported the Woman’s Club was taking an active part in stimulating protests against the negro encampment and would probably file a petition bearing several hundred names if and when the transferal was officially announced from Washington, C.C.C. headquarters.  Mrs. V. B. Franklin, supervisor of the girls’ camp in Rockaway Valley which is maintained by the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York City said her company would take up cudgels against establishing the camp near here.  One of the sites tentatively mentioned for the negro encampment was located near Camp Kenilworth, the girls’ camp….”  (March 23, 1935, p.10)

“DOVER—Declaring the Republican and Democratic State platforms were so similar they could have been draughted by the same man, Governor Harold G. Hoffman last night made a vigorous plea for bi-partisan recovery efforts and urged “tolerance and understanding” for the work of his own administration.  The Governor urged support for his sales and income tax plan on the grounds he was resolved “not borrow any more money” and that the state should owe “less, not more” at the end of his three-year term….

He scored as “unsound finances” the conditions which had lead to the present national deficit of, he said, 14 billion dollars….”   (March 29, 1935, p.1)

“….Governor Hoffman received assurances yesterday from United States Senators A. Harry

Moore and W. Warren Barbour that they would confer with Harry L. Hopkins, Federal Relief

Administrator, in an effort to reduce New Jersey’s 1935 relief bill.  The state has received about $3,000,000 from federal sources and for the balance of the year, at the rate required, $19,000,000 must be raised….”  (March 30, 1935, p.1)

“By asking the assistance of United States Senators Barbour and Moore in an effort to have Federal Relief Administrator Hopkins reduce his requirement that New Jersey raise $2,000,000 monthly for relief purposes to qualify for  federal allotments, governor Hoffman yesterday took a step which should result in a declaration by the federal authorities why New Jersey should be asked to raise a larger amount for  relief purposes, in proportion to the amount of federal funds allotted to it, than is the case in many other states.  In the matter of unemployment there is little doubt that states in which employment is largely industrial have a larger percentage of unemployment than is the case in other states, and that for this reason they should be treated at least as liberally in the matter of the proportion of federal to local funds for relief as any other state in the nation.  New Jersey is one of a dozen or more leading states in the matter of income taxes and other revenues paid by its people….There are some southern states which have contributed practically nothing in the way of relief funds, the federal government bearing nearly the whole burden.  This discrimination necessarily makes the burden of the other states, which are forced to contribute a considerable percentage of relief funds expended in the state, a heavy one that can hardly be justified under the circumstances.”  (Paterson Call editorial, published in The Daily Record, April 1, 1935, p.4)

“DENVILLE—The group seeking to keep a colored C.C.C.Camp from locating here was called into action again yesterday after Township Clerk David B. Sofield received a letter from C. P. Wilber, state forester, which indicated a site recently approved by Army officials has been chosen for the camp.  Protests were sent last week to Wilber, asking that the camp be located elsewhere.  Wilber, in his reply…is…said to have stated that the local group was “apparently misinformed” as to disadvantages of the camp, and added that colored C.C.C. camps have been conducted under strict discipline….Members of the local group declare they are against the camp because they fear its location here would keep away Summer residents, upon whom local merchants depend for year around existence.  The group believes the camp will seriously affect Denville residents and add materially to relief rolls next Winter.”  (April 3, 1935, p.1)

“It took a long time to do it, but the $4,880,000,000 work-relief bill finally got passed; and the interesting question now is, What is all the money going to be spent for?  The prime purpose, of course, is to put men to work….But there are ways and ways of doing it.  One way is illustrated by the CWA project of a year ago….As far as tangible accomplishments are concerned, it did not begin to be worth the money it cost.  Another way is involved in the large-scale construction of needed public works.  And while a program of this kind is necessarily hard to start, because of the time taken by getting blueprints, contracts, and so on in shape, it is the sort of thing that pays for itself in more ways than one.  Think of the big jobs that await the doing in this country of millions on flood and erosion control alone, for instance, in our great river valleys.  We could spend as much more on the colossal job of replacing our urban and rural slums with houses fit for Americans to live in.  We would be amply repaid for almost any sum we cared to put in reforestation.  There are dams and bridges to be built, grade crossing elimination schemes to be carried out, public recreational centers to be devised, highways to be built—a long list of things which would be well worth doing even if we had no unemployment problem at all.   Used on projects like these, the $4,880,000,000 would have a double usefulness.  It would accomplish its primary purpose of taking men off the dole and stimulating private industry, and it would be an investment in the nation’s physical plant which would pay for itself many times over in the coming years.  We have allowed that plant to deteriorate pretty badly in the last few decades.  To make it the magnificent productive instrument that nature intended, we must spend something for upkeep and repair….”  (editorial, April 3, 1935)

“If the five billion dollar Federal Public Works bill, sponsored by the President, becomes a law, new school building projects will receive first consideration with the government paying all labor costs….Due to the present economic conditions, with work almost impossible to secure, there has been a tremendous growth in high school enrollment in every section of this county.  While the grammar school enrollment has just barely moved upward there has been a more than fifty percent increase in high school pupils….some temporary junior high schools have been established.  There is a demand for new schools but in Chatham the proposition was defeated and Rockaway found difficulty in securing a federal loan because of the big sewer project it undertook under the PWA….Madison alone has built an addition to its high school.  In Morristown some of the junior high school grades had to be transferred to other schools and yet despite an addition a few years ago that just about doubled the capacity of the local high school, the building is now so crowded that notices have been sent to all of the districts sending pupils to Morristown notifying them that it is impossible to take any additional pupils next year.  One proposal that has been under consideration is for erection of a central high school for a special school district made up of some of the rural districts now sending pupils to Morristown, Madison, Rockaway and Boonton.  Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Denville, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Mountain Lakes were among those considered for this.  A later proposition was for a school that would take in Chatham and Passaic Townships of Morris County and some municipalities in Union County.  An alternative proposal and one given serious consideration was for a county vocational high school, centrally located….To such a school in which vocational training is stressed over the academic, although some of the latter is given, all districts including those now having high schools would send pupils better fitted for this special training than for the usual high school courses now offered.  This would relieve the congestion now existing in all high schools….One of the main problems that would be faced would be the transportation from all sections of the county….”  (April 4, 1935, p.1)

“The plowing and harrowing of ground for the Morristown Community Gardens is to be donated by Twin Oaks Farm, it was announced today by Alexis L. Clark, member of the Kiwanis Club committee which is cooperating with the Park Committee of the Board of Aldermen in sponsoring the gardens….the generous office of the Frelinghuysen estate is expected to be a great boon for the project….The applications are to be made for the use of the lots on…August 13….Due to the facts that the ground will be ready two weeks earlier than usual it will be possible for those wanting to plant their own potato seeds to do so….

The committee…has arranged for the growing of 20,000 cabbage, tomato and pepper plants and these will be available for the amateur gardeners when they start their work.  The sign on the property, the use of which is donated by Mrs. R. D. Foote, is being repainted and it will indicate clearly the cooperation of the Town and Kiwanis Club in the project.”  (April 4, 1935, p.1) “TRENTON, (AP)—Governor Hoffman charged the Assembly Economy Committee today with impairing negotiations to reduce New Jersey’s relief quota at Washington by “premature” publication of its report….it was reported the committee would recommend economies and divergence of funds to raise $20,000,000 for emergency relief….”I was never invited to nor advised of the meeting that was held at the Essex Club in Newark for a discussion of the Assembly committee’s report,” the Governor announced.  “I was shocked to find that this information, which at the suggestion of the committee itself, was to have been withheld until after our conference with Mr. Hopkins…has been made public.  Up to the present time, I have not seen a copy of this report.”  The Governor indicated that New Jersey’s case would be weakened before Hopkins if it were pointed out that any substantial sum, such as $20,000,000 could be saved through economies….”I intend to urge the Federal administration—as I have consistently done since becoming governor of the state--to effect every possible reduction in the relief amount.  “I intend particularly to point out,” he said, “that New Jersey has done more than its share in taking care of the so-called unemployables.  I feel that the Federal government should give New Jersey additional credit, for instance, for the $4,000,000 expended in the care of dependent children….” (April 4, 1935, p.1)

“If and when the federal five billion dollar public works funds become available there are going to be lots of ways devised of spending the money.  The State Legislature has voted to ask the Federal government to allocate moneys to build new armories in New Jersey.    Morristown lost its National Guard unit because of the condition of the Armory here, which was afterward torn down.  With new moneys available, the Morris County legislators and others interested should seek to have an armory here and the National Guard company restored.  With the National Historical Park here, such a company would be in wide demand for various ceremonies and possibly a site near the entrance to the park could be made available….”   (editorial, April 4, 1935)

“LOOK OUT FOR THAT RIGHT!”  trumpets the editorial cartoon on April 4, 1935 by Herblock.  Two men are boxing – the one with WORLD TRADE on his shorts is up against a powerhouse attacker with DEPRESSION on his.  The gigantic left glove of Depression labeled NATIONALISM has just knocked WORLD TRADE in the chest, with a roundhouse punch from the right glove labeled WAR on its way.

“NEWARK—A purge of ERA activities in Essex County by the new Grand Jury has resulted in disclosures 400 person were chiseling relief funds, Prosecutor Wachenfeld announced today, indicating seventeen indictments had been returned in fraud cases during the past two days of investigation.  Arthur E. Jones, County relief administrator … indicated that news of fraud cases had resulted in the withdrawal from relief rolls of numerous persons who suddenly volunteered they had found sufficient funds to carry them and their families….”  (April 5, 1935, p.1)

“DENVILLE—More than 150 residents attended an open meeting of the Chamber of Commerce here last night to protest against location of a colored C.C.C. camp here.  The meeting was held at the Wayside Inn in Main street….Consensus of the discussion which followed indicated that no camp is wanted here, regardless of color of its members.  It was pointed out that news of the camp has already been responsible for decision of a number of summer residents to spend the Summer elsewhere….”  (April 6, 1935, p.1)

“Fourteen hundred and twenty packages of assorted vegetable seeds are to be distributed gratis among county relief recipients the latter part of this month, it was announced at Morris County Emergency Relief Administration headquarters here today.  Each package sufficient to give the average family a steady supply of garden produce all summer, will contain lima and kidney beans, beets, carrots, corn, spinach, turnips, swiss chard, lettuce, squash, kale, seed potatoes, and onion bulbs….County Relief Director J. P. Nesbitt said today that if the supply of 1,420 packages is not exhausted by persons on relief, the remainder will be available for the general public.”  (April 6, 1935, p.2)

“For the people of Morris County, there is no clearer indication of the most recent trend of the depression than the fact that more than three-quarters of the new cases added to the county relief rolls since the first of January have been white-collar workers or skilled laborers.  The middle class is going on relief.  This trend should occasion no especial alarm in Morris, because it is being duplicated daily in every section of the country….Last September the percentage of middle class cases in this county was so small as to be measured on the fingers of one hand.  Now, however, when the new cases being added are so predominantly from the ranks of white collar workers and skilled laborers, the percentage of middle class cases has jumped to between fifteen and twenty.  Meanwhile the total number of Morris County residents receiving aid from the Emergency Relief in Morristown has been rising gradually and certainly.  The steady disfranchisement of the middle class here is not so much a matter for alarm as it is a matter for serious thought.  The extension of the depression through the long, dreary period of five and onehalf years is bound to mean some invasion into the security of those who, when jobs are abundant, draw “salaries” instead of “wages”. ”  (editorial, April 6, 1935)

“TRENTON, (AP)—The State Taxpayers Association and the New Jersey Anti-Sales Tax Committee, which said they represented 1,000,000 citizens, called upon legislators today to resist new taxes.  The organizations supported economy suggestions and diversions which the assembly’s fact finding committee is expected to recommend….”The movement to readjust state expenditures downward is gaining irresistible force except in those quarters which, from the start, have sought to minimize and have scoffed at the entire economy movement, the association and committee stated….the tax structure of the state is already top heavy and…financial collapse is a certainty unless the tax load is scaled downward….”  (April 8, 1935, p.1)

“DENVILLE—A new angle on the fight to keep a colored C.C.C. camp out of Denville Township was revealed today when George Lash disclosed that he will not “willingly or otherwise” lease the property to government officials for use as a colored C.C.C. camp.  Lash is the owner of the property which has been chosen for transferal of the camp from its present location in Tuckahoe….Congressman A. Harry Moore…declares that the history of Colored C.C.C. camps is “good” and that the local group is apparently not justified in making the complaint…”  (April 8, 1935, p.1)

“DENVILLE—According to a telegram received here yesterday  by George M. Denny, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Governor Harold G. Hoffman has notified Colonel Weeks, who recommended a Denville site for location of a colored C.C.C. camp, that he will withhold approval of transfer of the camp to Morris County….Governor Hoffman’s action in refusing to approve moving the camp in question from Tuckahoe to Morris County is thought to be sufficient to block the transfer here….”  (April 9, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—Governor Hoffman and Assembly leaders went to Washington today to ask that the state’s $200,000,000 Monthly Relief Quota be cut in half.  Whatever the result of the request to be made to Harry L. Hopkins, Federal Relief Administrator, the governor said he would still insist on enactment of his sales, income and business tax program to finance relief and relieve the burden on real estate…..”  (April 9, 1935, p.1)

“There is a growing dissatisfaction around the country with the way relief is being handed out under the ERA.  In some places it has been so badly handled and with such graft that grand jury investigations have been necessary.  Fortunately here in Morris County no such conditions exist, for from all accounts the ERA leaders in this county have done their work beyond reproach.  However, the growing connection between relief and politics throughout the country is calling people’s attention to the need of something being done to rectify matters.  Many schemes have been put forward but one deserving serious thought is the separation of relief from politics by the use of churches as administrative centers for relief….Divided as the churches may be by theological controversies they have always presented a solid front when it comes to giving food and clothing to the destitute.  The fact that the church has the contacts and confidence of the people which the civic relief agencies can never have should make the churches the best source from which to handle the whole relief problem….”  (editorial, April 9, 1935)

“WASHINGTON—The Boonton Dress Company, Boonton, New Jersey, will be permitted to pay its employees less than the wage provided by the NRA code for the dress manufacturing industry under an order handed down here today by the National Recovery Board.  The order exempts the company from the wage provisions of the code under which it operates and sets out a scale of wages which shall supplant that provided by the code.  The scale which will be paid employees of the company are:  Operators 56.75 cents per hour; Finishers 45.01 cents per hour; Pressers 63.05 cents per hour; Cleaners and Pinkers 45.76 cents per hour.  The Boonton company manufactures dresses exclusively for Miller and Green, New York City, and studies of the cost ratio of the company have shown that the labor ratio was higher in the Boonton plant than in others operating under the same code.  The company laid this discrepancy to the fact that it was difficult to obtain skilled labor of the type needed in the plant in Boonton.  The exemption takes effect immediately …”  (April 9, 1935, p.8)

“NEWARK, (AP)--…Governor Hoffman vigorously pressed his drive for support of his sales and income tax program in speeches here and in New York.  The governor termed New Jersey’s tax system antiquated and illogical.  Calling for a broader tax base he declared in a radio address over WEAF than in New Jersey ‘it is estimated that 25 per cent of the people who should pay taxes own real estate.”  “Yet we place 80 per cent of the tax burden on real property and 20 per cent on personal property and intangibles having twice the value,”….he said it was “grossly unfair”  to describe his proposed levies as “new taxes.”  They should be called “replacement taxes,”…since they simply shift the tax burden from real estate to real wealth and income.  Hoffman expressed opposition to the suggested toll on the Pulaski skyway between Newark and Jersey City which has been advocated as a means of providing about $1,000,000 a year for relief.  “The ordinary motorist of this section going to Jersey City on daily business would be paying about $60 yearly for the use of the skyway,” he said.  “Sixty dollars is the sum that would be paid by a man with a $5,000 income under the income tax I have proposed.”  ” (April 10, 1935, p.1)

“In conjunction with the recent Statewide action of the ERA to purge its rolls of unworthy relief families, the Morris County ERA has set up a Bureau of Special Inquiry to investigate and prosecute such cases….information which might lead to the uncovering and removal from relief of such individuals will be welcomed by the Morris County Office, at 17 South street.  Signed statements are desired, and those who might feel a certain amount of hesitancy about affixing their names to any such information may feel no uneasiness about the matter.  All communications will be held in strictest confidence.  The following statement…has been issued by the Morris County ERA headquarters.  “While the Morris County ERA, believes that its rolls are clear of ineligibles, it is also cognizant of the fact that it is sometimes extremely difficult to discover chiseling without outside aid.  This aid is often times withheld—“That’s the ERA’s job”—one hears or, “Let the Family Visitor find it out.”  “This is true enough in substance, but the ERA cannot divine off-hand unadmitted funds held in reserve by undeserving people who do not scruple to make false statements, nor does the Family Visitor, no matter how well trained she may be, possess omniscience….”  (April 10, 1935, p.1)

“WHARTON—The citizens of this Borough could have been saved $12,500 without decrease in efficiency or any hardship to municipal employees, if the tax program advocated by the local Taxpayers’ Association had been adopted,  William H. Whitham, president of the association told Council members at a regular meeting here last night.  “We did not seek salary reductions of employees of the school receiving $1,400 a year,” Whitham declared, “but we did ask that the salaries paid teachers above that figure be reduced the same as in other communities the size of Wharton.  “About 50 per cent of our citizens are out of employment and it seems only fair to ask that they be given some relief in tax reductions.  The pap offered by the council to take off interest charges if taxes are paid immediately is not going to help the taxpayer because these reductions will be included in next year’s budget and you will pay just the same….”  (April 10, 1935, p.3)

“Allegations that Morris County owes the state a lot of money are absolutely untrue, County Treasurer Fletcher L. Fritts declared in a prepared statement at the Board of Freeholders yesterday afternoon.  There is due to the State $16,429.31 from the municipalities of ParsippanyTroy Hills and Lincoln Park owing for school and bonus taxes, while East Hanover and Passaic owes school taxes, all for 1934.  This money is paid by the County to the State when the county receives the money from the various municipalities.  The municipalities are the principal losers for when they do not turn over the state money they did not receive back the various apportionments of school funds and are so handicapped.  “…The statement is absolutely untrue unless you would assume $16,429.81 out of a total of $331,821.25 to be a lot of money.  “Let me repeat that Morris County owes no state taxes of any kind prior to 1934….”Morris County not only has a good record in this respect, but all State departments, such as State Institutional bills, widow’s pensions and so on, are paid just as promptly as bills are due…..”  (April 11, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON, D.C.—In protesting against removal of the colored Civilian Conservation Corps camp from Tuckahoe, Cape May county, to Boonton, residents of Boonton and Denville may be cutting off their noses to spite their faces, an official of the CCC inferred today.  The Tuckahoe camp workers, skilled in control and eradication of the Dutch elm disease, were scheduled for a campaign against the disease in the vicinity of Boonton.  If the camp is prevented from being shifted to Boonton, the vicinity might be entirely without a CCC camp, it was said.  The Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture advised the CCC that the Denville-Boonton district was in need of Dutch elm disease control, and recommended the services of the Tuckahoe camp, which has done excellent work in eradication of the disease.  Charles A. Taylor, assistant to Robert E. Fechner, director of the CCC, said that very few protests against the transfer had been received in Washington.  Colored boys have built remarkable records for discipline and self-control as members of the CCC, he said, and the Tuckahoe boys not only have good personal records, but have been excellent workers….” (April 11, 1935, p.7)

“TRENTON, (AP) – The New Jersey anti-sales tax committee charged Governor Hoffman today with “mishandling” the recent application to federal authorities for reduction of the state’s $2,000,000 monthly relief commitment.  In a telegram to the governor, the committee asserted he had publicly declared many times that the state was ready for his program of new taxes and that the people “were in a position to stand the exaction of many millions of dollars.”  In view of such statements, the committee asked, how could federal authorities be expected to believe New Jersey was hard-pressed for funds?  Harry L. Hopkins, federal relief administrator, declined this week to reduce New Jersey’s requirement but indicated that in July after the $4,880,000.000 work-relief program was operating he might listen to a new plea for a cut….The committee urged the Governor “to ally yourself with the proponents of economy and to give up your determination to place an additional yoke on New Jersey.”…. “Even if Mr. Hopkins had said that the federal government would supply all the money necessary for relief in New Jersey,” the governor asserted, “I would hold that the base of taxation should be broadened so that everyone would contribute within his limits of ability to pay for the cost of government….”  (April 11, 1935, p.10)

“The new NRA bill hangs fire in Congress while the lawmakers try to figure out the best way of taking the brakes off of business recovery without putting any further obstacles in the way of the small business man….As consumers, we look for the lowest price levels available.  If a big corporation offers us commodities at a price which the individual merchant cannot meet, we rush to the bargain counter and snap them up.  Yet few of us care to picture an America in which the industrious and ambitious man can no longer branch out for himself and establish a little business of his own.  That freedom of opportunity is one of our most prized national assets….”  (editorial, April 11, 1935)

“The Community Gardens, started as a project to benefit the unemployed three years ago by the Kiwanis Club, will be run by that club again this year, without the cooperation of the Board of Aldermen.  The two had worked together in the previous two years but the break came this year after the request of the Kiwanis Club that Theodore More, who served as superintendent last year, was ignored by the Board of Aldermen, who named William Dempsey, who acted as superintendent in the first year.  The Aldermen have paid the salary of the superintendent and on this ground contended that it should have some say in who should be appointed.  A year ago the Kiwanians recommended More, the Aldermen named Dempsey and then reversed its action and appointed More.  When the Aldermen took action again this year to name Dempsey, the Kiwanians announced that they would proceed with the project without the town aid….If the town should decide to operate a similar garden project then it would have to secure a different plot of ground.  One of the main questions in operating the gardens is the matter of financing.  The Kiwanis Club has borne the expense of seeds and other supplies in the past with the town paying the superintendent but with the town officially out this extra cost will have to be carried by the club.…The ERA, which was aiding in the project, is furnishing extra funds ….The Kiwanis Club has the land and buildings, plants, plans and all it needs is the extra money….An offer from the Frelinghuysen estate to furnish the ploughs and horses…has been made to the club and this work will be done just as soon as weather permits ….The Kiwanis Club committee said today it had “nothing in the world” against Mr. Dempsey and had cooperated with him fine in the first year.  If he had applied to the committee for the position this year he would have been considered but he did not ask the committee, instead applying directly to the Board of Aldermen….”  (April 12, 1935, p.1)

“The problems of welfare, road maintenance and the work of the various departments of county government were the subject of discussion at a meeting of the Young Republicans of Morristown last night.  The speakers were Stephen C. Griffith, jr., Director of the Board of Freeholders, and Mrs. Thomas W. Streeter, president of the Morris County Welfare Board….The care and maintenance of indigents, he [Griffith] said…accounted for expenditures of fifty cents out of every tax dollar.  “Morris County,” he said, “both in good times and bad has maintained a sound, economical administration with the result that our bonded debt is less than three million dollars.  Our last bonds were issued at less than three percent and had many bidders.  The county ranks highest in the state.  “In view of this it seems deplorable than any group, particularly under the guise of a taxpayers association, should take it upon itself to go about the county agitating for tax strikes the result of which would be to add a greater burden upon the taxpayer.  So much more could be accomplished by cooperation….”  (April 12, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON, D.C. –Protest against the removal of the colored Civilian Conservation Corps camp, now at Tuckahoe in Cape May County, to Boonton or Denville, will result in the scheduling of only two camps for Morris County, instead of three, according to J. J. McEntee, assistant director of the CCC.  It is the practice of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Mr. McEntee said, to withdraw completely a scheduled camp when protests are made against it.  According to the law which inaugurated the CCC, he explained, camps were to be established anywhere regardless of “color, race or creed.”  Where the Tuckahoe camp will be eventually located, he does not know….When told that Denville and Boonton interests protested removal of the camp to their vicinity because they thought it would interfere with their summer visitor trade, McEntee said that CCC camps are usually an attraction to visitors, and that money spent in a local town by a camp of 200 men or over, in cash and for supplies, averages $3,000 to $4,000 a month.  “All colored boys in New Jersey camps are residents of New Jersey,” said Mr. McEntee, “and the action against the Tuckahoe boys is hardly justified.”  ”   (April 12, 1935, p.1 & 7)

“Field Supervisor John R. O’Connor of the Emergency Crop and Feed Loan Office at Trenton, has announced that applications for emergency crop loans and feed loans are now being received by the Morris County Loan Committee, with offices located at the County Agricultural Agent’s Office, at the Court House.  In accordance with the Act of Congress authorizing the loans, and regulations issued by…the Farm Credit Administration, loans will be made only to farmers who are unable to obtain elsewhere seed, fertilizers, supplies, feed or the necessary credit to purchase such items.  Loans will not be made to applicants who can obtain credit in the amount needed from any other source, including the production credit association….The regulations provide that the largest loan to one farmer this year is $500 and the minimum $10, but no loan may be made in any amount greater than is actually needed to cover the cash cost of…supplies.…Loans will be made for the purpose of growing and harvesting crops, for summer following, for purchasing feed for livestock; but not for the purchasing of livestock or machinery, or for the payment of debt or taxes.  Loans will be made only to applicants who are cooperating with the Production Control Program of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.  As in the past, the security for an emergency crop or feed loan will consist of a first lien on the crop financed or on the livestock to be fed.  A tenant must also give a first lien by getting the landowner to waive his claim in favor of the crop lien; but the landowner is in no way obligated for repayment of his tenant’s lien….” (April 12, 1935, p.17)

”MOUNTAIN LAKES—Describing the present Mountain Lakes Schoolhouse as “an antiquated shebang squatting on a marsh” and accusing the Citizens’ Economy League as wearers of “regalia consisting of a cloak with ‘Economy’ emblazoned on it, thus worn to conceal the sordidness of their anti-school motive,” Daniel E. Hanlon, a former member of the Board of Education, former chairman of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals, and one of the outstanding residents of the community, in a public letter to the voters of Mountain Lakes urges the voters to vote in favor of the $254,000 PWA project for a new schoolhouse at the election to be held on Wednesday.  He appeals to the people to “come out on the 17th and redeem the community from the doldrums of gloom and defeatism and make the place a fitting abode for children, instead of a hide-out for  glooms, grouches and premature old fogies.” ”  (April 15, 1935, p.1)

“WASHINGTON – The stupidest line of the month seems to be one produced by the AAA in a defense of food costs, referring to the fact that about 20 million people are on relief.  As to them, the AAA says officially:  “The price level, the cost of living, whether high or low is to them a matter of little consequence, because they have no purchasing power except that provided by relief.”  AAA economists and publicity agents produced that one without consultation with any family which buys food and other necessities on $5 or $10 weekly relief.  It is also doubtful whether the 3,500,000 who are to average $12.50 a week on work-relief will consider the cost of living a matter of little consequence….Tendency has been to stress the fact that food prices in general are still below the pre-depression level and to take credit with farmers for the drouth and its effect on prices, while bemoaning the drouth as an act of God when discussing meat prices with consumers, and promising them lower prices eventually….”  (Daily Washington Letter by Rodney Dutcher, April 15, 1935, p.4)

“New ways of looking at the unemployment problem are rare.  Rexford Tugwell seems to have provided one the other day in his speech at Rochester, N.Y., when he suggested that the unemployed constitute in themselves a great national resource which the country might as well start using.  Mr. Tugwell’s point is simple.  In addition to depression unemployment, we have technological unemployment—men displaced from their jobs by improvement in productive technique rather than by hard times.  Even when prosperity returns, a large number of these men won’t be able to go back to work.  They’ll be with us in good times as well as bad—skilled and industrious workmen who want nothing under the sun except a chance to work.  It is Mr. Tugwell’s idea that these men be used in what he terms a “third economy”—a system half way between Socialism and individualism.  The government would put them to work on projects which would not be done by private enterprise, and which would be of benefit to the country as a whole.  Such projects would include the Civilian Conservation Corps, a gigantic slum-clearance program, checking of soil erosion, provision of sanitary and recreational facilities that are now lacking, development of reclamation works, and possibly some large-scale scheme for resettlement of the underprivileged.  All this is worth thinking about, because it reverses our ordinary attitude toward unemployment.  We look on it as a sad and expensive responsibility; this plan would have us see it as a great opportunity.  This country is enormous, and it is more richly blessed by nature than any similar place on earth.  It can be turned into a veritable garden spot, where human life can be richer and freer than anything we have yet dreamed of….All we need do is go after it….until our marvelous productive plant has given an abundance of necessities to every citizen—until that day comes, it is silly for us to say that there is no work for the jobless.…”  (editorial, April 17,1935)

“WASHINGTON, (AP) --  Representative Charles A. Eaton…, attacking administration expenditures and governmental regulation of industry, has warned the House of Representatives it is undermining the “foundation of our civilization.” ….” (April 18, 1935, p.1) “BUTLER—This week 50 new members are being enrolled in CCC Camp No. 239, near here to complete the quota of 206 men allotted by the government to the Butler unit.  It takes the boys who are coming from Boonton, Newfoundland, Butler and numerous other towns in Morris County, a full day to become established in their new surroundings.  First, the camp officials check their certifications from the ERA or WRA, which, in most cases indicate that the applicant has one or more dependents in need of relief.  They are then relegated to the recreational hall where they undergo a very thorough physical examination according to regular army requirements.  More often than not…the boys are found to be undernourished….To date, no man has been discharged from Camp No. 239 without having gained at least six pounds in three months and in many cases the gain shown is between 16 and 20 pounds.  Following the physical checkup, it is usually lunch time and the rookies have their initial experience in the Mess Hall which means, eating a meal somewhat like yesterday’s, that included lima beans, corn, potatoes, bread and butter, sliced apples and coffee.  After the meal, inoculations against typhoid and vaccinations for smallpox are in order.  This completed, the boys are assigned to the warehouse where all their clothing is issued, also sheets and blankets for their bedding.  They are then distributed to the barracks and taught, by the veteran men, how to make up their beds.  The boys, by this time, are told to get into their O. D.’s  * in readiness for the evening meal.  After supper they may choose to join any of the numerous educational classes in session or they may apply for candidacy in the track and baseball teams now being formed.  Should they lay any claim to talent in singing, dancing or acting, they are welcome to join the amateur group which is now rehearsing for a vaudeville show which will be given by the CCC members on May 2.  Camp lights are out by 9:30 and taps are blown at 10 P.M.  Not till revely [sic] the next morning at 6:30 do the new recruits start active participation in the camp activities—at this time chiefly comprised of fighting the Dutch Elm disease and planting the half million trees assigned to the local unit as its spring job.”  (April 18, 1935, p.2)   

*OD “general duty uniform”  - Olive Drab (A Dictionary of Soldier Talk, by John R. Elting, Dan Cragg, Ernest L. Deal, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1984)

 “The Department of Special Inquiry set up by the Morris County ERA has recently uncovered two cases of chiseling.  Guided by information furnished by public spirited citizens it was revealed that a Rockaway woman had, through withholding financial information, been the undeserving recipient of relief in the amount of $132.97.  This was returned to the ERA and the client removed from the relief rolls.  A similar case in Jefferson Township, of a man who had withdrawn bank funds prior to his applying for relief was brought to light.  In this instance the amount was only $3.25.  This was refunded and the offender removed from relief.  Further action by the ERA is pending in both cases.  A Boonton relief client who has refused to make restitution will be prosecuted on April 23.  Since January 1, the total sum returned to the State through investigations of the Family Service and the Department of Special Investigation total $233.84 and it is expected with the present active co-operation of the Prosecutor’s Office and awakened public interest to soon remove all chisellers from the relief rolls of the County….Commenting on a move made by the Chester Township Committee last night, which move is publicized in the columns of the Record today, Nesbitt said that names of persons receiving emergency allowances would not be divulged in the form of letters to municipal governments, although these names will be freely included in official discussions at the headquarters at 17 South street here.”  (April 19, 1935, p. 1 & 6)

CHESTER—Reported abuses of relief allowances by citizens of Chester Township led the Township Committee last night to direct its clerk to write to the county ERA offices in Morristown and inquire the name of every family on relief….examples were reported of township families who have allegedly split up into two or three smaller “families” in order to obtain a greater amount of relief.  Coincidentally, a member of the Chester Borough Council stated in the meeting Wednesday night that he knew of a man who had refused to “work off” his relief allowance.  It was said the individual had been given his money first and had then avoided working when the borough gave him means of earning it back.  Frankly puzzled last night by the fact that 29 families representing 122 persons in a municipality of about 1,000 persons are on relief, the township committeemen moved to write to county headquarters.  $600 is spent monthly for township relief, whereas the cost previously under the Overseer of the Poor was only about $200 monthly….Many abuses might be wiped out, it was freely expressed, if the distribution of relief monies were placed in the hands of local authorities….”  (April 19, 1935, p.21)

“NETCONG – To pay teachers’ salaries, now nine weeks in arrears, the Borough Council last night voted to borrow $7,500 to pay to the Board of Education.  There is due the Board of Education from the council about $9,000.  The amount to be borrowed will pay salaries up to date and the council promised to endeavor to pay the $1,500 balance to the school board before the end of the year.  The repayment of the $7,500 will be made through collection of delinquent taxes, it is expected.  About $4,000 in tuition and state funds are expected early next month…..” (April 20, 1935, p.1)

“JERSEY CITY, (AP) – Alfredo Pugliese, 38, unemployed laborer, shot and instantly killed his wife today, police announced, then shot himself fatally through the head.  A six-year-old son, the only child, was eating breakfast in a room next to that in which the shooting occurred.  Pugliese was on the city relief roll and was despondent because of unemployment.  His wife had been ailing for the past week and police found there was almost no food in the house.  Leaving his wife sleeping in bed, the man prepared breakfast for the boy.  While the latter was eating in the kitchen, his father killed the sleeping woman and then pressed his .25 calibre automatic to his own head.”  (April 22, 1935, p.1)

“TRENTON, (AP)—Opponents of new taxes today invited Governor Hoffman to withdraw his proposed sales and income taxes and hailed the Rev. Dr. Lester H. Clee of Newark, speaker of the Assembly as the champion of economy.  The New Jersey Anti-Sales Tax Committee told the governor that “Never before in the history of the commonwealth has an administration program been viewed with such repugnance nor has any governor proposed a measure that has been met with such resistance by the people of New Jersey.”  The committee, which has laid down a daily barrage of statements from Camden, reported “An irresistible economy movement in full swing.”  “You have sought to ignore the economy movement,” the governor was informed, “have shut your mind to the sincere counsel of those who sought to advise you and continued stubbornly to advocate new taxes, without logic, for no other reason than that you have committed yourself to this program and do not want the loss of standing that a reversal of your stand would entail.”  The committee suggested that the governor go before the Assembly tonight and withdraw his bills which he could do with “dignity and countenance.”  The State Taxpayers Association declared that the public “will no longer stand for fiscal trading and prodigal politicians.”…”  (April 22, 1935, p.1)

TRENTON, (AP)—Governor Hoffman and legislative leaders sought today to compose conflicting proposals for relief financing, with a one-percent sales tax a probable compromise.  The Governor’s plan of new taxes on sales, incomes and business and the governmental retrenchment program of the assembly economy committee were to be studied together at an allday conference.  Participating in the meeting were Republican state and county leaders, with U.S. Senator Barbour designated to preside.  Impervious to attacks of labor and taxpayers organization upon his program, the governor prepared to present arguments for new taxes and against the committee’s proposals for departmental fund diversions and economies and license fee increases.  Legislative leaders through 12 weeks of the present session failed to support the governor’s program and a compromise at today’s conference appeared the only solution.  A combination of a one-percent sales tax and several of the economy recommendations would produce the $20,000,000 needed for relief.  In a telegram to Senator Barbour, the New Jersey anti-sales tax committee declared: …”The larger interests the governor so obviously seeks to protect while he bilks the poor will not be able to protect him from the clamor and wrath that such action will bring down upon him.”….”  (April 24, 1935, p.1)

“BOONTON – Recorder John Rosenbaum held Steve and Mary Sova last night on charges of obtaining relief under false pretences and their cases will go before the Grand Jury next month.  Complaint was made by ERA officials who claimed that they had taken relief orders while Mrs. Sova was employed in the Fusee plant for the past year at $14 per week, and a daughter was working in the Van Raalte mill at $8 per week.  Miss Beatrice Whereat and Miss Rosaria Williams testified against them.  They said that Sova had signed a statement saying that no one in the family was working steadily and that an investigation had been made when another relief client had entered a complaint.  William K. Simmons, of the ERA, offered letters from the two plants showing that the wife and daughter had been regularly employed…”  (April 24, 1935, p.1)

“WHIPPANY—Two cases of scarlet fever have broken out in separate parts of Hanover Township, one at the Veterans’ Camp of the CCC on the Whippany road, and another in the seventh grade of the Cedar Knolls School.  The CCC camp was placed under quarantine last night following a report received from Governor’s Island, N.Y., on a diagnosis of the illness of J.W. Roseborch, of Suffern, N.Y., a worker at the camp, who was taken ill Monday and sent to the base hospital at the island….Roseborch had been on a weekend pass and returned Sunday night to the camp.  Monday morning he reported to the camp doctor that he was ill.  He became so ill that he was sent by ambulance to the hospital at Governor’s Island…The camp was …immediately quarantined for a period of seven days….Each man at the camp is being examined several times during the day in an effort to determine as soon as possible whether or not any more men have contracted the disease.  The men have been engaged for the past month in cleaning the banks and course of the Whippany and Passaic rivers.  A vaudeville show, under the CWA plan for the relief of unemployed actors, was to have been given last night at the camp but due to the outbreak of the disease the show was immediately cancelled….”  (April 25, 1935, p.1)

“Although the federal government has taken unprecedented steps in the last two years to reduce American farm production….Census Bureau officials estimate that at least half a million new farms have sprung up in the United States during the depression.  For the most part, it is believed that this is due to the return to rural areas of city folk whose jobs vanished when factories shut down.  Over a period of many years our farm population steadily declined.  It is surprising enough to find this trend reversed, over a five-year stretch; but to try to figure out just how this reversal is going to go hand-in-hand with our new policy of reducing farm production is something that might keep the brain trust awake nights.”  (editorial, April 25, 1935)

“BUTLER – In compliance with the government check-up of all industries to determine whether or not they are operating within the law, F. W. Olsen of the NRA Compliance Board visited the plant of the American Hard Rubber Company Tuesday to make a thorough inspection.  Part of the duties of the investigator were to go through the factory and question at random various operators with regard to working conditions, relations between executives and employees, etc. These were found to be more than satisfactory and far above the average factory in operation.  The records of the company were found to be in good order and met with the examiner’s approval.”  (April 25, 1935, p.16)

“It is encouraging to learn that the bulk of the $4,880,000,000 recently voted for work-relief will be put to work quickly on projects creating the greatest number of jobs.  One of the first things to get under way, for instance, will be the grade crossing elimination program.  Another will be a project for checking soil erosion in the western states.  Still another will be expansion of the C.C.C. by 300,000 new enrollments.  All these undertakings are of a kind in which the bulk of the expenditure goes for jobs rather than for materials.  It is hoped that they will put 3,500,000 men to work.  If they do, a big bite will have been taken out of the unemployment problem—and we shall be able to take a little more time at the next task of importance, stimulation of the heavy goods industries.”  (editorial, April 26, 1935)

Sign of the times:  numerous articles and photographs about the Dionne quintuplets during February through April 1935.