Brooklawn Owners Victims of Tricks Says Judge Neutze
Camden Courier-Post - October 31, 1931
People Sold Out to Money Lenders by Politicians, He Tells Voters
ASKS MOORE SUPPORT
"The people of Brooklawn, faced with the loss of their homes, expected mercy and fair-dealing from the government but they have been sold out to processional money-lenders by a gang of local political tricksters, who pose as their friends."
This charge was made by Judge Frank F. Neutze become 500 Brooklawn residents last night at a meeting conducted in the borough hall under auspices of the Brooklawn A. Harry Moore Club
"The sale of 72 Brooklawn houses and 262 mortgages by the government according to the newspapers through intervention of David Baird, Republican candidate for governor, is the most odious piece of business ever pulled off against a people in the history of Camden county, Judge Neutze said.
"These charges are not made without supporting facts. It does not require great legal intelligence to see into this deal. Let us look into this business in which property rights were given precedence over human rights, and let us see who the persons are behind this deal.
Two Bids Accepted
"Approximately 75 Brooklawn residents, most of whom had at least thirty percent equities in their homes and in mortgages bid on the properties and mortgages. Their bids totaled $126,205.50. Only two of these bids were accepted, and these were from tenants who rented and did not have equities in the properties on which they bid. These two properties went for $1000 and $1200 respectively.
"At this point you will note the eternal choice of the Republican Party between human rights and property rights; how the government allowed you people to buy your homes and then ignored you.
"The bids of the Brooklawn residents on the mortgages, some of which were as high as sixty and seventy percent of the full value, were refused. The Shipping Board, representing the government, said the bids were too low and that the properties the residents bid for were the most desirable ones offered and if they were awarded to the owners the government probably would not receive a bid from any syndicate on the properties that were not so desirable.
"That explanation of the government is a mockery of President Hoover's oft-repeated statement that every governmental effort would be made to make it easy for the tenants of this country to own their own homes!
"On October 7, the bids were rejected. For ten days following, your council and other political lights were at wits ends with all kinds of schemes to save your borough from its financial dilemma. No action was taken until last week when it was suggested the schools be closed as on $40 remained in the borough treasury.
Called Political Trickery
"Your local political tricksters had you where they wanted you. Then came the blow that proves the utter ruthlessness of your so-called friends who claim allegiance to the Republican Party. Last Monday you read in the newspapers where the Tower Company, of Newark, had been awarded the 262 mortgages and 70 properties for $227,000. Then you heard the hullabaloo that Brooklawn had been saved by David Baird. You read he was in Washington with Congressman Wolverton and that he had this deal put over on Sunday. I never knew the government conducted business on Sunday, and I have heard several people question whether Baird was in Washington last Sunday. However, that possibility is of little importance.
"There is a point in these negotiations that must be strongly emphasized. You will note the tenants and homeowners offered $126,205 for approximately 97 properties, or an average of $1300 per property. You will note that the Tower Company, in their bid for 262 mortgages and 70 properties only bid $227,000 or about $700 per property. Do not fail to see that their bid included 235 more properties than the tenants and homeowners!
"Everybody will get profit out of this deal except the home owners! What do you know about the Tower Company of Newark? It is said that Mr. Tower, head of the company, is a former member of the Merchant Fleet Corporation of the U. S. Shipping Board.
"This Tower Company has been represented in this deal by William Okin and Michael Gross, two real estate speculators of Newark and all of you know that the representatives of the Tower Company are calling on you Brooklawn homeowners every day in a car with tags in the name of Senator Pierson, Union county license number 'U 2'. This company has not told you homeowners at what discount they will offer the mortgages to you for.
"But you all know that the representatives of the Tower Company stated to you at a. meeting in this hall about eight days ago that there would be a 'liberal reduction on the mortgages' and that in about two weeks everyone would receive letters from the Tower Company. Mark it well and pertinently that you will not receive these letters until after election day.
Every Bid Known
"As a matter of business reasoning let me point out to you that the Tower Company knows what everyone has bid. If they demand more for a mortgage than you bid with the Shipping Board and if you do not pay it, there is nothing to prevent them from instituting foreclosure proceedings against you immediately.
"You will also note that the government required the home owners to pay within 60 days if their bid was accepted, but you will note the Tower Company has been given the privilege of paying their bid in installments over a period of time.
"Has there been any regard for you in this deal? Just realize that for $100,000 more than the tenants and homeowners bid, the Tower Company got 235 additional properties at about $400 per property.
"The government allowed you to buy these homes, and now political jobbery has sold you out for thirty pieces of silver. You people of Brooklawn, faced with the loss of your homes, expected mercy and fair-dealing from the government but you have been sold out to professional money-lenders by a gang of local political tricksters, who pose as your friends!
"You may expect these money-lenders to demand their pound of flesh, and they will get it. You have no defense, no measure of retaliation, except by the ballot box. Mr. Baird, through the newspapers, claims credit for saving your borough — he wants your vote. If you think he has saved anything you will vote for him but repent later. This man must be rebuked and your ballot must be cast for A. Harry Moore and the straight Democratic ticket if you possess ordinary intelligence.
"You don't want a businessman for governor who does all he can for business against the people; you want A. Harry Moore, who has made the welfare of the people his business. Ten years of your earnings and life's blood have gone into your homes, and now you are in the hands of out-of-town money-lenders and politicians. Your duty is clear on November 3.
Walter T. McCann, candidate for coroner, and Leon H. Rose, also spoke. Prolonged applause marked the completion of Judge Neutze's address. Joseph Drammer presided.