Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-07-20
CROQUET AT NIGHT.
Mr.. and Mrs. Marsh Bring an Inter-
estfnE Test Case.

The game of croquet Is the basis of an
action at law filed in the Supreme Court of
the District of Columbia Yesterday Mr.
William ]. Marsh, the architect and his
wife residing at 1448 Huntington place.
University Park are the complainants, and
the suit is directed against Margaret Lacey,
as owner of a vacant lot directly across the
street from the Marsh residence and James
o. Akers, who is said to be the proprietor
of boarding house at 1441 Huntington
place. Mr.. and Mrs. Marsh complain that
they are very much annoyed by the playing
of croquet ON the Lacey lot. which goes on
under the direction of the defendant Akers
and that Mrs. Marsh, who is IN delicate
health, is menaced by the noise and Gis-
agreeable features of the alleged nuisance
They ask that the playing be stopped by in
junction.
Until II o'clock, it is alleged, every even
ing in the week, from two to eight persons
play croquet upon the Lacey lot. The
light necessary for the players TO see how
to play the game Is secured, the petition
recites, through immense torchiights fas-
tened to upright rods leading from the
wickets. These are burned with coal Gil
and Kerosene, and smoke and sputter Civ
ing fiaring light and emitting an odor
which permeates the atmosphere and is
borne hither and thither by the movement
of the Winds
Mr.. Marshs profession as an architect, It
is dlitStu, cdllS Tor the constant and alert
exercise of his Intellectual faculties, requir-
ing full composure of the nervous system
Mrs. Marsh, it is stated. is especially sem
sltiVe to noises of every description. Owing
to the season Of the year. the Marshes nee
essarily have the windows of their home
open throughout the night. and their house
Is consequently permeated by the light of
the torches, the odor therefrom and the
noises incident to the playing Of the game
The street is only fifty feet wide from
building line to building line.
In addition to the noises made by the
striking of the balls with the mallets" con-
tinues the petition, (which noises are very
sharp and resounding, there are other
noises anent the game, including the con-
versation and cries of the players"
These noises, 1T is stated, deprive Mrs
Marsh Of her sleep, and her comfortable
enjoyment of life is made impossible MIR
Marsh is greatly worried by the light and
odor from the flaming torches. 1t is fur
Their stated that the complainants have re-
quested and notified the defendants to
cease. or cause to cease, the PLAYING of
croquet in the manner and at the time COM
planned Of, and have. in addition, com
planned to the authorities of the District
The latter have informed Mr. and Mrs
Marsh that they are powerless to give any
relief. The playing of late, 1t is added has
not been prolonged much after 10 or 1918
o'clock at night
Justice Hagner read the bill of complaint
ana granted a temporary restraining order
against the defendants. The case will come
up for further hearing next Thursday
Meantime there will be no more night-time
croquet on Huntington place. under penalty
of the law
Messrs. Henry E. Davis and Charles G
Tucker are solicitors for Mr.. and Mrs
Marsh.