The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-08-01


 To keep an open shop meant a $3 fine. Tavern keepers even in those days enjoyed privileges they are now seek ing, of serving liquors to strangers. He told of the penalties of stripes and the like that were attached to certain violations of the Sunday law. Then he showed that after two re- visions, in 1888 the law made it a moral duty to attend divine worship, yet continued the law as to the Sun ing it in practically the form it ex- isted back in 1796. right down to the universal disrespect and non observ- ance of this law"
 '"The city of Bridgeport" said he, leach Sunday afternoon in the face of this prohibition holds a concert of music and gathers together thou- sands of people, and in the face of this law makes all those people liable to fines of $4 each"
 He held that even trolleymen are not exempt from prosecution, apd when Judge Booth asked if special statute had notSbeen passed exempt ing the trolleys, he said he under stood only steam roads were affected.
 He called off many instances of violation of the law, the open drug store, cigar stores, even the milk men. Forty years ago when I was in the milk business said the law yer: T wouldn't think of driving in- to the city on a Sunday. We always made two trips on Saturday
 There can be no Justification for the prosecution and punishment of these men. If Judge Case is right and I respect him so much that can't believe that he is wrong-there can be no finding of guilt. If the element of the disturbance of other individuals enters into the question of ;o1o l,A cyrri1f for none is found in this case. If he is not right. and your honor be- s5iexes that when -I s.4sn IS sTs1ght un- rSer suoa circumstances as these that he must be found guilty of any of these infractions, the only trouble is that the jails won't hold them all
 eff one is caught, and he must be found guilty, it seems to me that there is only one alternative, that is to suspend judgment" He declared it would be injustice to fine either of the accused nickel.
 Then turning his attention to the Pastors Association he declared that no one class of people should be per mitted to pick out victims and ask to have them fined for committing an offence which every one is commit ting simply because such persons as they pick out don't agree with their views.
 Prosecutor Delaney said he was heartily in accord with certain views expressed by the counsel for the de- fence, and he believed personally the Legislature has no right to tell men what they shall do with reference to religious observance. However, he said his view of the, case was that the acts of others did not enter into the question of guilt of the accused, how ever they might have bearing upon penalty
 Chamberlain again called attention to the attitude of the Pastors Asso- citation against Steeplechase Island, and said it was their plan to close it up.
 Delaney replied that his position in the matter was known to the pastors and to the public, and as far as clos ing up the island was concerned, it would not be done through his instru- mentality.
 Judge Booth announced that he found both the accused guilty, and the ntold the counsel he would hear them on a question of penalty.
 "The question arises,' said Cham berlain, ''of how far the city court will group of people. To select Steeple- chase Island away from everything and everybody and make no effort to reach the fragrant violations of the laws right in front of them it seems to me is a thing to which the court ought not to lend assistance.
 "A penalty will please the Pastors Association continued Attorney Chamberlain, ''and that am sure is the only group of people that will be pleased.''
 He said the violation of which the men were convicted was nothing worse than both Prosecutor Delaney and he had been guilty of for the last 10 years or more.
 Judge Coughlin brought out the fact that there are no policemen at the island, that such excellent order pre- vails there that police are not need ed
 'It is just as much the duty of the prosecutor continued Chamberlain, '-to get after other violators of the Sunday law as these" Turning to Delaney, in lighter vein he said: "I'1l take next Sunday and help you to draw up all the warrants"
 '1'll not be in town next Sunday" smilingly rejoined Delaney.
 Judge Booth then fixed the penalty at $10 and costs in each case. Ap- peals were taken, bail of $75 each be- ing furnished for the appearance of the two in the Common Pleas court.