Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-20
ALEXANDRIA AFFAIRS
Machine Smashed and Joy
Rider Is Fined 500.
ARTHUR MEEKS TO APPEAL
Thieves Enter Lumber Mill Office
of II. K. Field & Co.-Stole
and Ate Chickens.
'ecial Correspondence Of The Star.


an automobile which was the property of
Clarence Howell, which had been given
Arthur Meeks to make certain repairs to,
proved expensive luxury for Meeks when
he was fined 500 in the police court this
morning for destroying the automobile
and an additional fine of $40 was imposed
for exceeding the speed limit. The latter
case was heard first, that being sepa-
rate offense.
In summing up the case Justice Cation
said the amount of the fine would not be
of any special benefit to Mr. Howell. and
that the imposition of the fine would not
prevent civil suit on the part of the
owner Of the machine for damages Con-
tinuing. the court said: There is nothing
more contemplate than the unlawful use
of machine for JOY riding resulting in
the destruction of property belonging to
another
Mr.. Howell told the court he had found
his machine on North Washington street
badly broken up The damage he esti-
mated done is about 500 to $3.50. and he
said 1t would be necessary to send the
machine to the factory to be rebuilt
In addition he said that the machine was
not made for more than three people.
He said he left 1t with Meeks to be re-
paired, although he did not give him
permission to run 1t up and down the
streets.
Claims He Was Crying It Out"
In his own defense Meeks said he was
trying out the machine before turning it
over to Mr.. Howell and wanted to test
1T thoroughly before turning 1t in. While
on Washington street late at night with
several man passengers. he said. he met
another automombile, and in order to
prevent a collision he gave the machine
a turn and 1t skidded down a small en-
bankment, running into tree. He de-
MED. however, that he was going at a
rapid speed. Meeks also told the court
he worked over the machine several
hours following the accident. Attorney
Robinson Moncure, who represented
Meeks, noted an appeal to the corpora
ton court, and Justice Cation said bond
In the sum of $500 would be required.
Meeks expects to furnish bail bond this
afternoon. Mr.. Howell was represented
by Attorney Howard w. Smith.
Police Court Cases.
Ninety days in Jail was the sentence i'm
posed in the Police Court this morning
in the case OF Lewis Cavanaugh, charged
with begging on the street
James Reed, colored. suspected OF rob-
acquitted. Whitney, who is from North
Carolina, said he had $50 pinned in his
vest pocket and that $50 was taken. His
son and the accused were the only people
in the ROOM he said.
Mercer Langley. Charles Schafer and
John McCuen were arraigned TO answer a
charge Of stealing chickens belonging to
Maggie Forbes, cOlored.
The woman testified that the men who
stole her chickens killed them and cooked
them in yard In the northeastern sec
ton of the city yesterday afternoon and
ate a big chicken dinner while she worked.
Langley was acquitted and the two others
were sentenced to serve three months in
Jail each.
William Ale and Edward Brown
charged with disorderly conduct and
fighting, were fined IS each.
Sold at Public Auction.
S. H. Lunt, auctioneer, sold at public
auction this morning the following prop
erty. pursuant to decree in the circuit
court for this city. in the case of Fan
ME F. Bieg against George s. French: