Evening star., 1914-07-19
McCord Pearce and Frank
Phillips Seriously Injured
in Auto Accident.
BOTH UNDER TREATMENT
IN BALTIMORE HOSPITAL
With Five Others They Were Using
Mrs, T. A. Lambert's Machine
Without Permission.

Arthur L. Nelson. 20s4 I street north
west, who was operating a new five
passenger car belonging to Mrs. Tall
madge A. Lambert Of the Dresden on
q joy ride near Baltimore at an early
hour yesterday morning when the car
ran into a fence and did considerable
damage, was given a hearing before
Justice Sayler in Baltimore yesterday
afternoon and acquitted. The justice
ruled that there was no violation OF
the law. for tho reason that McCord
Pearce a licensed chauffeur. was in the
car when the accident happened.
Nelson returned to Washington in the
automobile, operating under permit
issued to him by the justice of the
peace. Although 1t had torn away six
lengths of a two-inch board fence on
the road. about eight miles from Balti-
more, the car was not seriously dam
aged and was able to make good speed
on the return trip.
McCord Pearce chauffeur for Mrs.
Lambert. who is alleged to be re-
sponsible for the disastrous joy ride. is
confined to the surgical ward of Uni
versity Hospital, Baltimore He is suf-
fering from a compound fracture Of the
skull and severe injuries. which may
necessitate the amputation of his left
leg: His mother. who resides at 1902
lSth street northwest, went To odAtl-
more yesterday to be with him.
Phillips Also in Hospital.
Frank Phillips. another member of
the automobile party, whose home Is
at 632 9Th street northeast, Is also in
the hospital. He has a severe injury
to his head, and his right arm is so
seriously hurt that amputation may be
necessary. Other members of the party
gave their names as Paul Bonavires.
927 Sd street northwest; Paul Scala
and Joe Scala. 2l02 street north.
northwest, and Arthur L. Bridget, 2212
9Th street northwest
Reports received from Baltimore last
are probably fatally injured. They were
unconscious when their companions took
them to the hospital. They regained con-
sciousness later. however. and Pearce
was able to recognize his mother when
she reached his bedside.
A warrant obtained for Pearce charg-
ing that he took his employers automo-
bile without her consent was sworn out
by Detective Boyle and taken to Balti-
more. Should Pearce recover. 1t is stated,
the Baltimore police will see that he is
returned here for trial.
Alleged Disobedience Of Orders.
Pearce. 1t is stated. had been employed
~ chauffeur for Lieut.. Commander Sar-
gent. aid to Admiral Dewey. and was
highly recommended to Mrs. Lambert.
who purchased a new car last week. The
new chauffeur, it is stated, was instruct
ed never to take the car from the garage
except under orders, and it Is alleged that
he disobeyed orders Friday night.
At the trial before Justice Sayler yes
terday afternoon, 1t Is reported, Nelson
told the story of the accident and of
events which preceded it. He and five
companions. he said. met Pearce on
Pennsylvania avenue and accepted his
invitation to take a ride.
Pearce lost his way on the road when
about ten miles from Baltimore. Nelson
stated. and he tNelson) took the wheel.
The car was running at speed Of about
twenty-five miles an hour. he said, when
it skidded against the fence that had
been erected to protect vehicles from
going over an embankment.
Both Thrown From Car.
When the accident occurred. it is al
legged. Pearce was seated on one Of the
doors of the car and was thrown to the
roadway and dragged against the fence.
Phillips was also thrown from the car.
The injured young men were placed in
the automobile, their companions bandag-
ing their injuries with pieces of wearing
apparel.
Nelson said he started with the injured
men, as he supposed. In the direction Of
this city. He soon learned that he was
near Baltimore, however, and was shown
the way to the hospital Detective Boyle
returned In the automobile with Nelson
last night Should either of the injured
men die, the police say. Nelson will have
to return to Baltimore as a witness.