Norwich bulletin., 1911-07-25
INSPECTOR DONOVAN
 EXPLAINS ABOUT ROADS Had Nothing to Do With Trap in MontviIIe-Gave Autoists Warning.


 Concerning statements that he had caused traps to be set for the catch ing of autoists on the Montville road, Inspector John Donovan writes as fol- lows to committee of Willimantic autoists:
 Norwich, Conn, July g, 1911. MT. G. A. Bartlett, J. B. Fullerton,
 George E. Hinman, Committee:
 Dear Sirs: I noticed several articles in local papers to the effect that I had caused traps to be set in the town of Montville for the purpose of catching automobolists who had exceeded the speed limit. In answering. I would say caused no traps to be set, neither do I know where they were set. On July z, I was in the town of Mont vile, getting ready to repair the state roads In conversation with First Se- Iectman Chapman we discussed the accident that happened in that town, where team was run down by an auto. MT. Chapman said he was go- ing to have the town constable sta tioned on the road to catch reckless drivers, as some drivers were so reck- less he feared there would be seri- ous accident if it were not stopped. He asked me what the law was in re- gard to speed. I told him and he said he would stop the speeding, as he was afraid his town would be sued if something was not OOne.
 Friday evening called up a report CT on the Norwich Bulletin and told him what was to be done to reckless drivers in Montville. He published the law in The Bulletin, July 8, en- closed please find copy I also called at Swans garage in Norwich and told Amos Swan and number of drivers around there to look out for the po- lice Tn Montville and to tip off all the automobile people was in the air. July 14 in conversation with ex-May- or Osgood of Norwich in the Waure- gan hotel he asked me if the road was to be policed July 15. I told him I did not know, but I told him I would try to find out and if they were I would phone him.
 I also requested Charles Hubbard, who owns a large summer home in MT. Osgood if he saw the police along the line. I heard the traps were set opposite MT. Hubbards place, and I also heard MT. Hubbard had 'phoned Swans garage July that the traps were set opposite his place. Before 1 found out whether the police were on the road MT. Osgood came down in his auto July 15. I was talking to MT. Chapman. I introduced MT. Osgood to Mir. Chapman and I asked MT. Chap man in MT. Osgood's presence if he had the police on duty that day. He said
 
 Rudd of the state police had 'phoned him if he wanted the services of the state police. He said if there would be no expense to his town he would be glad to have them. He said he sup posed they were on the road some where. MT. Osgood thanked him and rode away.
 The above facts are correct and I court the strictest investigation by your committee as far as I am con- cerned in this controversy: I did not request police service in Montville from the selectmen. Commissioner Mac Donald is the man I report to, and all the business of whatever nature that comes within my observation is report ed to Commissioner MacDonald's office and every move which I make is di- rected by him. Personally know Com missioner Macdonald is very much op- posed to making trouble for anyone. The last time I heard or saw the missioner was about May 27. left him in your city at 11.12 p. m. with Civil Engineer Mitchell in an engine house. Trusting this explanation will be investigated,
 I am respectfully yours,
 JOHN DONOVAN
 Inspector State Roads.
 Norwich Conn