Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-07-07
The Knight Case
Demands New Ruling
Regarding HerOism.

Pittsburg, Pa, July 7.-(Speeial)-
In officially submitting the petition to
the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
for recognition of the heroic actions
of Harry l.. Knight the Westcott race
driver who saved the life of c. l.. An
derson, the Case mechanieian, in the
International sweepstakes at In
dianapolis. Ind, May 80, a pertinent
question is asked to be settled by the
Commissioners.
The petitioners seek to have the
commission establish q ruling on hero
ism in connection with scientific ex-
! periments. 1t is claimed that the
commission heretofore has not taken
INTO consideration requests in which
tthe participant has been engaged in
what is donominated by some as sport
and by others as scientific experi-
menting. 80
| Inc latter accompanying the petit
ton contains the names Of some
Icharacters of national repute. Col.
russell b. Harrison, son of former
President BENJAMIN Harrison. and
! Booth Harrington have their names on
the petition The petitioners come
from various parts of the United
States and in the majority of cases
are powers thatbe in their various
i localities.
This is the letter that has been sent
TO the commission:
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission pits
! burg, Pa i'eS-
/ Gentlemen:
We are sending you herewith. nv repts.
tetleu s mai petitions which seek recogni-
/ ttoi from your worthy Commission for
a,to aeti1h u Harry knight. driver of an
i ndniq9'anapols, Ind, Speedway, May 80
The affair was a national event tend
liis 70 ASSIST motor car builders i'm per
tectlng their machines in the interest of
pnpnc safety Some manufacturers have
mace benehclal improvements as a result
| Harry Knight was one of the vol1fip
! men willing to test the standard Of
American built motor cars With his
own funds, he caused TO be constructed
an automobile said to be fitted with the
pest material in the various factories
| that built his parts
With this specially constructed automo-
bile Mr. knight, accompanied by John
| i. Glover, started in the contest
| We enclose. herewith, Mr. Knights own
statement of the details leading up to the
| situation that caused him to save the l.e
i of C. l.. Anderson, who was the meehani-
/ clan In a competing car called the Casa
| No. s.
| 1t was at the risk of Mr. knights life,
] that of his meehanican and the wreck
/ ing of his car, that he performed a deed
! that will long be remembered by many
ieye witnesses.
! A number of newspapers have CO.
| operated in securing petition signatures.
| Throughout, it has been our endeavor to
secure the names of reputable and com
lpetent business men. We have been
| specially anxious to obtain names of eye
witnesses. However. we know that a
| number of the names are those of SYM
| pathizers
We would be pleased to assist you in
any investigation into the merits of this
| petition you desire to make We feel
sure that any recognition that
| your honorable Commission will make in
| connection with this request will be APP
i preciated by those In general who realize
| the difficulties and dangers attendant
upon the advance of mechanical science.
1t is now generally conceded that new
! inventions must be tried out. We hope
that il was Mr.. Carnegies intention. IN
the establishment of the Carnegie Hero
Fund Commission, to take cogniZanee OF
| this progression; and IL not, We would
/ appreciate your Commission making such
| a thorough investigation as will establish
| for the future ruling on matters tha'
affect scientific advancement. -
! We de not approve of unnecessary risks
/ but we do hope that in your investigation
your Commission will consider strongly
/ the condition of mind that confronted Mr.
| knight when he witnessed human form
! in the path of his swift moving machine
| lie had the chance of continuing straight
| on. crushing out human life to gam
worldIv and financial reward He chose
different course. for which many pro-
| claim him a hero.
Respectfully submitted,
| (Sigued) II. C. BRADFIELD.
| For CHARLES p HENDERSON,
y representing the Petitioners
| Accompanying the letter and petit
tion is a deposition sworn to by Mr..
Knight