The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-01
HE is HIT HARD.
J. G. Nicholas Fined $500 by
Police Judge Urmy.
Ran Down Thomas B0Wles With
Auto.
ENTERS A DENIAL.
DENIAL.
ENTERS
Claims That He Didn't Run
Down BOwles.
Case Is Appealed to the District
Court.

Finding ]. A. Nicholas. an automobile
dealer, guilty of being the driver Of the
car which struck Thomas Bowles Satur-
day night. and of not stopping to give
his name and address and render what
assistance he could. Police Judge Urmy
this morning imposed the heaviest fine
ever imposed for a single offense in
the local police court. upon Nicholas
The fine imposed was $500. Nicholas
gave notice of appeal. The accident
occurred at West Sixth avenue near
the intersection of Jackson street.
The case was one of the most bitter
~ fought that was ever dragged OUT
before Judge Urmy. officers who testi-
fed were assailed by the defense, the
city attorney came in for his share
of abuse and even the court did not es-
cape its share of censure and criticism.
On top of it all a woman cried after
the conviction was secured.
The case was taken up late Monday
afternoon and witnesses testihed TO
having seen the car which Mr.. Nicholas
drove near the intersection of Sixth and
Tyler streets just before the accident.
Other witnesses testified to having VIII
messed the accident and two or them
swore they saw the number of the ma
chine. It was also shown that Nicholas
went into the CoWdrey garage between
Fifth street and Sixth avenue on jack
son. One witness said he followed the
car down West Sixth street until II
turned north on Jackson and that he
saw it disappear into the CoWdrey
garage. He went to the garage to see
who was driving 1t.
Testifying for himself, Mr.. N1cholas
said he had driven No. so that night
and had driven on West Sixth ave-
nue.. He said, however, that he turned
north on Topeka avenue, went TO west
Fourth street, then turned east TO van
Buren, street. then south to west F1Ith
street into the garage.
This morning two members OF the
police force testified that when they
visited the garage Saturday night ana
questioned three women VINO were
there about the lights on Mr.. Nicholas
machine, they were told that the lights
were not burning save for the two oil
lamps, which burned lowly. The wom-
en- were recalled and fatty denied hav-
ing made such statements. TWO, Wit
nesses were introduced to prove that
Nicholas had a good reputation and
belonged to a local church organlza-
ton.
Denouncing the police for trying to
conjure up testimony with which to
convict an innocent man was the bur
den of the plea of Eugene Quinton,
who represented the defense. He dwelt
the fact that the city's witnesses were
either prejudiced or mistaken and was
angry indeed when the decision was
announced.
After Nicholas conviction Mr.. Qudn,
ton filled out a blank appearance bond
for $500, the amount of the fine, which
he asked Judge Urmy to approve
Judge Urmy declined and fixed the
bond at $500. He said it was the
worst fine ever imposed He offered
Claude Conroe as a bondsman and
Judge Urmy refused to accept him
Finally it was arranged that Mr. Mich
olas should take his bond out, secure
a signer and return it. Then one of
the women cried and the session was
ended.
In discussing the case afterward.
Judge Urmy said that auto drivers
we're becoming too reckless. He said
that he was firmly convinced of Mr..
Nicholas guilt and that he had not
made the fine the limit, $500, because
more aggravated cases might come up
II was clearly not a case, however, for
the minimum penalty.