New Britain herald., 1914-07-17
WONDER CAUSED BY
 POLICE INACTIVITY
''Favsitbm" is Cry of Public in Case of Mrs. C. F. Bennett.
BREAKS LAW, IS NOT ARRESTED

sMell Known Society Woman Ignored
 Traffic Policemen and Common
 People'' Are Saying Cruel Things
 About Prosecuting Authorities.
 Chairman Joseph R. Andrews of the board of public safety, unf1inch- ingly supports Chief William J. Raw s-lings of the police department for not bringing a prosecution against Mrs.. Clarence F. Bennett, wife of the Z superintendent of the Stanley Works. who is alleged to have violated a traffic law Wednesday afternoon by turning the corner of Main and Church streets on the left side. u Chief Rawlings says he has not re- rorted the matter to Prosecuting At torney George w. Klett and the latter says he knows no more concerning the 5saileged violation than what he read 2 in the Herald of Wednesday,
 Don't Want Arrests''-Andrews. ' At present the board of public safety is trying to conduct a cam paign of education,'' said Chairman Andrews. We are not ready yet to have arrested every one who violates the rules. Officers have instructions to caution violators but we do not tfrink 1t wise yet to haul all violators tato court as that would give a police Court, record to many persons who do mot intend to break the law. Chief Rawlings is right in his stand and ' think the prosecutor will agree with him.,
 .s. According to a. report made at : police headquarteres Wednesday by Supernumerary Officer Charles Grace, who was doing duty at the corner of Church and Main streetes, Mrs. Ben nett turned her automobile around the corner on the left side of the >,street. He signalled to her to stop but the signal was ignored. He then followed her car to the railroad station and told her she had broken the law. It is said she snippishly told him to tell his troubles to her hus- band Officer Grace reported the matter to police. headquarters and many have. been waiting to hear of Mrs Bennett's arrest and wondering why; the police and prosecutor re- mained inactive.
 9s9 "Favoritism'' Is Cry.
 Mrs Bennett is society woman and is wealthy and the people are n,urmuring that she owes her escape from arrest to these facts. If 1t was a poor man with a peanut stand there would be an arrest mighty quick" is the tone of the conversa- ton.
 Chief Rawlings was asked today if he had reported the violation of the law to the prosecutor. He, replied in the negative. He was also asked if the case would be pressed and again he replied in the negative. 'tI have received no official com : plaint from the police,'' Prosecutor klett told Herald man,
 {. Lawyers disagree on whether it would be necessary for Prosecutor klett to receive an official complaint from the police. He claims that such a course would be necessary. Others say this is not so.
 Rules in Black and White
 The traffic rule. which is alleged to have been violated is as follows: "A vehicle turning into a street from the right shall turn the corner as near to the right-hand curb as prac- ticable.''
 According to the folder in which are printed the traffic rules, viola tions of the following regulations or any article, section or part thereof, shall be prosecuted in the police court and shall be punishable by fine of not less than $1 and not exceeding $50."
 Another section states The follow ing regulations for vehicles and street cars, shall be observed by the drivers thereof who shall also comply at all times with any direction by voice. hand or whistle, from any member of the police force as to slowing down. stopping, approaching or departing from any place. the manner of talk ing up or setting down passengers and the loading or unloading of any thing"
 Three Have Been Arrested.
 Despite Chairman Andrews state ment to the contrary there have been three arrests made for violations of traffic rules. Ossian Bennett. young man, was arrested and hauled" into court for allowing his automobile to stand within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant He was rep rimanded and allowed to go.
 l.. W. Corliss, mechanician for Cogswell & Nordstrom, owners of garage on Chestnut street, was not so fortunate. He appeared in police court on Monday, June 27, and was fined $25 for violating the traffic law regarding speed and not obeying a signal from an officer. He was run ming his automobile along Main street at rate of speed which Off, ficer William c. Hart considere reckless The policeman signalled Corliss to stop, but the warning was disobeyed. The arrest followed. Another ease that of mot Otorcyclist