New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1918-06-01
70wn Topics

y
men and also from their mothers for
birth certificates, which are intended
to prove that they have not yet at
tanned their 21st birthday and, there
fore, are not liable under the selective
service act. In countless instances
reference to the records show that
within the past few years the mother
or father of some Of the youths has
appeared in the city clerks Office
and signed a sworn statement that the
boy was 6 years of age in order that
he might go to work. Now, with
call to the colors impending, many Of
these same fathers aud mothers are
reappearing to claim that they made
a, mistake before and to try and prove
their sons are yet under age. Ac-
cording to the city clerks office, it
has become a frequent thing for Ger
tain classes of people to appear and
swear that their son is a year older
than he really is, simply to permit
him to join the army of factory
workers and help swell the family
Golfers. Now. fearing that their per-
jury may result in their son going to
war, they attempt to undo their pre-
vious work. Even with absolute
proof that a youth is but 90 years of
age. in cases whore a parents sworn
statement previously has indicated
that he is a year older. the proper
step to take Is confusing. In at least
one instance, however, a legal adviser
called into the case had but little SYM
pathy for the grasping, avaricious
m other who would lie in order that
her son might go to work, yet who
whjnes when he is called upon to ac-
cept his share Of the responsibility TO
the republic, made short work Of her
plea. In effect, he said
THE boy registers on June as p,
as you have previously sworn that he
is, or he does not register. Proof Of
his exact age is presented and you
stand trial for perjury"
w. S. S.
One Of our advertisers, a dry goods
merchant, tells this one: A lady Wis
tied the store and asked the clerk to
show her some silks. There were
about "a bolts on the shelf and he
took down s3, by which time he had
a kink in his neck and was ready to
faint. Then the woman said: Il don't
think I'll purchase any today: in fact,
I came in to meet a friend" Always
courteous, our clerk rallied to gasp:
MADAME. I am tired, so weak I need
q crutch: burt if you think your friend
Is In the remaining bolt Of silk, III
gladly take it down.
w. s. S.
1t is a. pleasure to introduce this
weeks "25-years-ago column" for we
feel more certain than ever that it will
be read. In proof thereof, we print
| the following: On Monday, George K.
Macauley, superintendent of the New
Britain Lumber and Coal Co., called
| this office on the phone with a tremOr
| in his voice. What did the Herald
mean by printing a story that his
| com pany was selling coal at $3.50 per
ton? Why, the idea was preposterous!
| Selling coal at $3.50 per ton
heavens! Yes, it was in the paper;
for at least two women had called him
up to inquire about it. Investigation
showed that Mr.. Macauley had neg
lected to read the article himself, but
his bargain seeking patrons had been
reading Town Topics in the "25-years-
ago column" in which appeared an
| item that the lumber company was
advertising coal at that price.
And now, % years ago this week.
the Herald said:
May 26.--OficeT Frank English ar
rested a fakir today who was selling
a SIS watch and chain for % cents.
A good many of the men who ride
ride too fast for the safety of pedes-
TRANS. This has been backward
season, but now the apple, peach,
cherry and plum trees are in blossom.
n. G.. Curtis, tenor, who has SO long
been singing at the Baptist church,
has gone to the st. Marks choir.
May 27.-Among other local ath-
letes who are tto take part in the
Y M. c. A. field day events are: Bert
LOOMS, Tom O'Connor, Percy Smith,
| Guy Fitch, George Kron and Walter
Hart Spencer Fl. Wood is marshal of
the Memorial Day parade 1t is said
that William Durham wants the city
to pay him $4,000 for land near
Shuttle Meadow Lake.
May 28.-Sunday.
May 29.-The horse cars were we'll
patronized yesterday. Cookies White
Oak will be open for the season to-
night with a band concert. dancing,
etc. George Fl. samlow and son
Eddie have gone to Chicago and will
represent Arch street at the Worlds
Fair.
st. Mary's new Catholic cemetery Of
| ten acres was consecrated today by
| Rt Rev. Bishop Mcmahon.
May Sip. J. Egan has filed his
bond as water commissioner. The
wedding Of Frank Rvbeck and Miss
| Annie Liman will take place this eve
| ming at the Swedish Lutheran church
June Paul W. Heller and Miss
Norma E. Ray were married in New
| Haven last night. The policemen will
| begin wearing their white helmets
| today.
w. s. S.
| Attention might be called to the
| excellent appearance o. the lawn in
| Central Park which gi1>es the granite