The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-04-25
BONDS AND BLACKBALLS
Suit for Defamation Crow
ing Out Of a German
Club Event.
HOBoKEN SOCIETY INTERESTED.
Erich Heuermsnn Sues Treas
urer Stein for $4,000.
Damages.

Hoboken's most fashionable club had
an airing in the Circuit Court today, the
outcome of suit for damages brought
against one of its prominent members.
The German club of Hoboken is an
institution known far, and near.
1t has among it's members
some OF the most prominent men in this
county. 1t has an elegantly fitted mp
club house which is replete with luxury.
None but solid citizens belong TO the
German Club and entrance to 1t is diff
cult.
Erich Heuerman. well known colleo-
tor for brewery. who had lived in Ho-
boken twenty years, was for long time
member of the German Club. He
moved away from Hoboken and
went to Europe. Before going
he resigned from the club.
He was in good standing and the resig-
manner. He returned to this country
after an absence of several years and de-
sired to again become member.
On March 90, 1891, his name was pro-
posed. and under the rules went before
the Board Of Trustees. This Board
DAhCAudlloQ HILLS Az y bQUbCQucAu A1COoI
ing on March 80 the decision was reviewed
and the Trustees were sustained.
Heuermann learned that August Stein,
Treasurer of the club, was the member
who secured his rejection. He brought a
suit in the Circuit Court against Stein to
character.
WHY HE WAS BLACK BALLED.
The complaint set up that st the meet
ing held March 20, 1891, Stein told the
other Trustees that Heuerman ''came to
my Office In the year 1887, and that he
fSsrs stole onSa Sm ns MS Sr0 sSnA q se
valued at S400 / had him arrested
and locked up in the Tombs in New York.
/ received them back" (the bonds) "oniy
after had made application for them to
tine Judge" The complaint also charged
that ,ha, Stein. at the meeting held March 80,
1891. said:--"Hs committed grand larceny
Of the bonds. for which l could have had
him convicted"
The case came up for trial today betpre
Judge Werts and jury. Judge DAILY
ana James f.. Mipturn represented
Heuermann, and John G. Besson ap-
peared for Stein.
HEARD THE CHARGE.
Gustav Wintschger, President OF the
club, testified that at the meeting referred
to Stein had made the charges alleged He
said Stein declared Heuermann owed him
money and had left the bonds with hing
| as collateral security and shat he took
them away. The trustees upon these
represen tations by the treasurer black
| balled Heuermann.
"Was this action fnalW asked Judge
DAILY.
mo; an appeal could be taken
DO the rules OF your club make SUCH
conversations privater
| "Are these rules printedW
| "No; it is only a CUSTOM"
| Cross-examined by Mr.. Besson:-"Do
| you have a notice posted in the club that
members shall make known any objec-
| tions to candidates."
| II don't know; believe such a
notice is posted"
Are no reasons given for blackball-
ingw asked Judge Daily.
"No, sir"
| Clement EIdermeier, q leather manu-
| facturer, told a similar story, and then
| the plaintiff took the stand, but testified
to nothing of Importance. Charles Schultz
and Francis Hausman testified to the OBJ
| jections made by Stein to Heuermann,
and declared Stein said:--"I could have
Heuermann arrested for grand larceny
| and held in az, 600 bail"
This closed the case for the plaintiff
and Mr.. Besson asked the Court for a
non-suit with costs. He claimed that
4 whatever was said at the club meetings
| came under the head of privi-
legged communications, and he also
| claimed that the plaintiff had not shown
| that he had been siandered. The Court
overruled the motion. and Gustave Stein,
the defendant, told his story.
SAYS IT WAS TRUE.
81 made loan to Heuermann and TOOK
these bonds as security" said he. "Heu-
ermann paid back part Of the money and
| released one of the bonds Afterwards
In nf1tHa
and said he wanted to pay
me the balance. He did not do SO but
when was not looking he took the two
bonds. l followed him and demanded the
bonds. He refused TO give them to me
and | sent the elevator boy for u police
man while held Heuerman. The bonds
| were founa ON him and he was
taken to tho Tombs and before Judge
White. Heuerman offered ME while
there check for $500 to pay his loan. out
l refused to take the check unless 1t was
certified. l was glad to get the bonds
bonds back, and refused to prosecute.
II told these facts to the trustees of the
Club. The trustees refused him member
ship. This action was not tlnal and an
appeal was taken to the club. Before
this meeting. at the request of the MEM
ber who proposed Heuermann.
a conference was held at which the
President and Vice President of the club
| were present. The facts in the matter
| were discussed, and the action OF the
Trustees was sustained"
The defense here offered lot OF evil
dence of financial transitions between
Stein and Heuermann. The case was not
| given to the jury until TOO late TO give
the verdict today.