Putnam patriot., 1916-09-29
KEEP TO THE RIGHT
Obey the Silent POlieeman's Order or
 Ii Will Cost You Money.
Eight Alleged Traffic Regulation YiOla- tors III City Court Tuesday Morning
Some Dismissed, Some Fined, Some
 Forfeit Bonds

some Dismissed, Some Fined, Some
 Forfeit Bonds
 Eight alleged violators of traffic laws were invited to attend session of Judge Fuller's court Tuesday morn. ing. The invitations were extended by Putnam's finest. Most of the in- vitations were accepted. Two thought itwas worth two iron men to stay away.
 And now the "silent cop" stands up straighter and chuekles as some of our prominent citizens motor by. It was the oldest member of the "silent" force down at the junction of Front and South Main street that caused the gathering in the basement of the mu. nicipal building just to the north of the cell room. The little fellows warning, "Keep to the Right" was not obeyed. Addis Welch, the officer in charge of the silent division, spotted the offenders and took their numbers. But it developed in court thatsthe cars |
 were not complained against and some of the drivers were not known. But this was only so in couple of in- 1 stances.
 When the ceremonies were formally 1 opened the names of the invitees were called. The first on the list was George Hall. George was absent. He had deposited two dollars to show his good faith to attend. The two bones were delivered to the clerk to put into the city's strong box.
 David LaRose of Moosup was next on the official list. David gave his address as Moosup whenshe deposited his two spot with the officer. David's two followed the course of Georges two and so the city so far had four.
 LII. Burdick responded to!his name and said he was guilty of disobeying the silent command of the silent cop. He had an excuse however and the court thought it good one. He said he lived in Danielson. He had not been to Putnam since the silent de- partment went on duty. Itswas night when he arrived in our pretty little city. He was proceeding down South Main street. He saw the red light but n the darkness did not see the silent limb of the law holding it. In fact he thought that it meant danger and sig nified bad place in the city's high way. lie saw too late that 1t was a dignified silent copper and went to the left. From out the darkness came whistle. He stopped, backed and talked it over with Officer Welch. When he left he had on deposit two cases. He accepted verbal invita- ton to be present and left the two dollar Willie to bind the bargain. Ills case was dismissed.
 Percy l.. Waterman next took the center of the stage. He said that he was running slowly and ran by the place every day and always went to the right.
 "What is your plea MT. Waterman" asked the prosecuting attorney. 1T didn't do it but don't want to fight it so I.suppose I plead guilty" MT. Watermen's contribution brought the total collection sup to six dollars. Later lhe said there was something back of his being brought into court that had to do with the traffic officer Helvolunteered to tell the story but the court ruled it out. Harry Stambalis of the Progress Confectionery store had his name read of. Harry said he was guilty. nApy excuses?n asked the court.
 "Well you see forgot all about 1t, that's all. I just didn't think of 1t, said Harry. And then there was eight dollars to the credit of the city Florence Dean, Danielson. This was the irst and only woman's name on the list. A man answered so 1t IS as- sumed that the car was registered in the woman's name. The man said he represented the,accused and told the court that he was driving down Front street at might. Directly in front Of him was a wagon. On the wagon hung a lantern. Not far from the ofhcer of silence the lantern globe came,off and broke in the street. The wagon stopped. He. the witness, saw what he thought to be a child getting out of the wagon He wanted to avoid any accident and steered to the left. The silent officer did not once enter his mind. "But l am not making any excuses" said the witness. "I am in favor of traffic regu- lations and think they ought to De obeyed."
 The prosecuting attorney said that there were times when drivers were not altogether to blame. He suggested that the case beIplaced on file, which was done.
 James B. Tatem, ,Jr., was asked to stand up and plead. Il should like to know what date and what time l am accused of this offense" he asked. Ut was about four fifteen the 22nd,' said Ofieer Welsh. "Not guilty P said the accused. aI went 10 Worcester early in the morning and was gone ali day said MT. Tatem.
 Officer Welsh was asked about the affair. He said he took thesnumoer or the car. It was. Tatem's. The car was full of women but he could not seii