The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1907-09-03
TRICKED, THEY SAY
FREEMAN'S OPPONENTS DIG
UP A FRAUD"
Grover Leaders in East Orange Alleged
Their Followers Signed Freeman Petit
tion Under Misrepresentation.

In the Fourth Ward OF East Orange
where the only real lively political ngnt
In the Oranges is taking place, the frlenos
of George A. Grover, who Is opposing
Alden Freeman for the nomination LOT
member of the City Council to succeed
Chairman Stephen w. Ougheltree or that
body, were busy yesterday getting am
davits from voters whose names are on
Mr.. Freeman's manifold petitions to the
effect that they did not know they were
signing petitions for Mr.. Freeman when
they affixed signatures TO the papers. at.
The newest turn In the lively ngnt
between the two men for office, according
to the followers of Mr.. Grover, ls mat
County Committeeman Frank E. Bell pre-
sented his petition for reelection 70 me
Growers most ardent supporters. including
Frank Hicks. OF 1oS Hollywood avenue,
chairman of the delegation of citizens who
asked Mr.. Grover to stand for the nomi-
nation; Robert H. Nevius, of 80 Steuben
street; Michael l.. Rutan, of 50 Main
street; and William d Greismer, Of th lS$
these men signed for him.. According to
the Grover folks the names are on the
petition for Mr.. Freeman and J. 2. Fentz-
iaff, of 70 Hollywood avenue. signed the
affidavit as tc their being placed on the
petitions with the knowledge of the sign
ers that they knew the purpose OF the
The tangie was reported to the Prose-
cutcr's office today and Chief Weiman
went TO East Orange to investigate. There
is likely to follow interesting develop
ments.
Greismer was the first to sign an afr
davit to the effect that he did not sign a
petition. understanding Mr.. Freeman, was
to be Endorsed, but accepted the explana-
tion that he was merely signing a petit
tion for Mr.. Bells candidacy. The other
men had been away on account OF the
holiday. and thu fiiends of Mr.. Grover
were hlistling about to get afidavits from
them. explaining their reasons for placing
their signatures on the petition.
Michael l.. Rutan, when seen by. a re-
porter today, said he had signed the Pc
tition for Bell alone.
.He came into the store while I was at
work and told me there was no money IN
his job; he was just seeking reelection, and
asked me to sign just for himself. AS !
knew him a long time / signed the petition,
but had no knowledge 1t was for Mr.. Free
man. In fact, I was told it was only for
Mi. Bell"
Curiosity was aroused over the tripli-
catch petitions filed by Mr.. Freeman to Sc
cure / the use of his name on the Republic
can. Remocratic and Independent ballots.
and THIS curiosity prompted some OF the
tons. CNe of the developments was locat-
ing the name of Mr.. Freeman's family
coachmanA John F.. DAILY, of 50 Park
street. on two petitions, the Democratic
and IndepeRdent. and this. the Grover folk
say. is in violation of the law.
The resulf of the securing of affidavits
that the VOTERS did not sign Freeman pc
titions with the understanding that they
were indorfing the candidate for City
Council. will likely be an appeal to Chief
Justice Gunpmere by the Grover folk, to
have the freeman petitions In the first
district. in Which the men who claim they
were deceived as to the character of the
papers they} signed. reside. thrown out.
This course lhas not been decided upon as
vet. but willy be discussed probably at the
meeting of the Grover followers on Thurs
day night.