Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1900-05-10
The Other Side of the Question.

Mr. EDITOR The following statement was mace
in your paper two weeks ago
at is against the law play ball in the streets OF
Shepherdstown-especiall If you sass folks when
they demonstrate because you climb their fences ana
traniple on their newly-made gardens. his bit oil
Information cost SIX youths So. 90 apiece on Tuesday
dearly bought experience that other boys Will DO
well to profit by"
In regard to the~statements Of "saSsing" anyone,
climbing fences and uamplng newly-made gardens
not one of the boys hned did any OF these things nor
did a single ball go into anyones garden that alter
And now, Mr.. Editor, as to the fines imposed upon
the bows under the circumstances we think II rash
use II not an abuse, OF municipal authority. But be-
fore discussing that proposition wish to lay down 4
few propositions that all must admit are true
l. That the chief end of municipal law is not to put
money into city or town treasury or into the pock-
els OF 4 few officials.
p That while ignorance Of law is no valid excuse
for ITS violation where moral turpitude is involved IN
the act of violating the law. Sl ignorance OF the law
Is an eNtenuating circumstance where the act oil NO
aung the law innocent IN itself per SCI c. g. such
an act as playing ball
= That while playing ball in the streets is not
proper, still It has been and IS common thing IN
Shcpherdstown only the side streets, but also
1 mat If the municipal authorities wished TO break
il up they could have accomplished that end as well
by having the law read 10 the boys and giving them
At least Chancellor none OF the boys from the coun-
try OF whom there were i've OF the SIX hned, knew
that they transgresSlng municipal law as to
have imposed a Tine upon them
3 here Is no place provided Tor the boys 10 play,
and If they wish indulge IN little innocent eXer-
else they compelled 10 so out into the street IN
front OF their college building. which is side street.
where there Is not much passing.
o. these boys were playing with the knowledge
and tacit consent of the principal OF the college.
Now, Mr.. Editor, It these statements are facts,
which they are then there remains but little TO be
added by way OF argument 10 prove that the boys
11hf I. d,
warned.
II then the boys were engaged in an innocent game
Of ball. the only place where they cGuldPlay and
playing ball had been common thing IN the streets
uI ShcpherdsIOwn and If they did tins not knowing
thar they were violating any law OF the town, and
with the knowledge and act consent OF the principal
OF the college, who passed them while playing ana
sad nothing TO them, and II the municipal authorizes
desired 10 break up the playing Of ball IN the streets
and did not give the principal OF the college notice
that his students daily tranSgresSng law oil the
town. give the students warning then TO JERK
them up and fine them TO the extent OF $500 apiece
We hold and think have proved to be 4 rash use,
If not IN abuse. OF municipal authority and that the
proper thing and the just thing 10 be done by sand
authority l. TO remit the hnes and costs IN each case
Tor be u remembered that the patrons OF shepherd
College are also patrons OF the business interests OF
ShepherdstOwn, and while they expect their boys 10
conduct themselves with becoming decorum while IN
ShcpherdsJown. they also expect the citizens OF Shep
herusJown, and especially the municipal authorities,
10 treat them young gentlemen, and not as set
OF jou.hs outlaws and jerk them up Tor the slight
est. uulutcuuOual OitcnSc and hne them Tor ratheT
their parents. Tor they have the fines 10 pay $500
apiece.
The boys from the country who were fined Il am
speaking IN their behalf were among the most or
DERBY and best boys who attend Shepherd College,
and they Is well their parents feel that they have
been rasby and unustly deal, with by the authorities
OF ShcpHeIdsywn, and cal. upon the members Of the
Town Council TO remedy, tar II may be in their
power. the wrong done them.
PATRON OF SHErHEKD COLLEGE.