Camden Courier-Post – June 1, 1933
Slams Door on Reporter; City Director Sees State Chief After Request to Resign Post
He ‘Never Formally Accepted’
Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, last night continued to be secretive regarding his request for the resignation of Dr. Arthur L. Stone, director of relief in the city.
Dr. Stone yesterday admitted he was asked to quit the post to which “drafted” by Cramer four months ago. He said he is uncertain whether to comply and promised to issue a statement later.
Cramer adopted an evasive course when a reporter repeatedly sought to learn the reason for this latest turn of events in the relief bureau. He attempted to play “hide-and-seek” throughout the day.
Numerous telephone calls drew almost the same response, that “Mr. Cramer is not in his office.”
During part of the day he was seen at his desk.
When a reporter sought an interview Cramer was surprised and insisted “I have nothing at all to say” and slammed the door of his private office. At that time Dr. Stone was in Cramer’s office.
Run Around’ Continues
Rumor that Dr. Stone was asked to resign spread yesterday morning. Throughout the day and last night a “run-around” ensued. The only definite comment came from Dr. Stone.
“Yes,” Dr. Stone said, “it’s true I have been asked to resign but I am undecided what I shall do. Other than that, I have nothing to say right now, but I shall have a statement to make later.”
Called on the telephone at noon at the Camden Club, where he was at lunch, he declined to make a statement.
Never Accepted?
Doubt was expressed in some quarters that Dr. Stone could be requested to resign from a position which he had never formally accepted.
On January 14, last, it was announced by Cramer that he had “drafted” Dr. Stone into the job of relief director, but there never was a formal acceptance by Dr. Stone.
Cramer then said, “There isn’t a better man in the city for, that position, and the best is none too good.”
Dr. Stone then stated: “The news that I have been appointed city relief director is a surprise to me. I have been consulted about it, but I am not exactly clear as to how I can handle it with my present work. I’d rather not say much about it until I can look into the situation further.”
The report, circulated in city hall to the effect that Cramer has been dissatisfied with the manner in which emergency relief affairs have been administered in the city. There is a question whether Cramer has the right to demand the resignation of Dr. Stone or whether the authority does not rest solely with John Colt, state relief director, who succeeded Chester Barnard.
Stone See’s Colt
Last night Dr. Stone said he had conferred with the state director.
“I have talked over the matter with the state director.”
“I have talked over the matter with Mr. Colt. I have not decided what to do, but will make a statement after I study the situation further.”
Several attempts to contact Cramer by telephone at his home failed. Between 6 and 7 p. m. a reporter was informed “Mr. Cramer has not arrived home yet.”
At 7.30 o’clock it was made known that the director “will be out for the evening.”
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