The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-08-09
Game Bet N Montpelier
Knights : Columbus and
Barre s A. Prevented
Thror > Action Brought
by = ,ate's Attorney
Day =
HEARING IN BARRE
COURT TO-DAY
Members of Two Teams
Issue Statement in
Which They Claim Dis
elimination Was Made
Against Them When
Other Sports Flourish.

| The arrival of Sheriff Frank Fl.
Tracy of Montpelier at Intercity park
yesterday afternoon brought the base
ball game between the Barre A. A. and
the Montpelier Knights OF Columbus
| TO stop before the first inning had
been completed. That the move was
unsatisfactory to the crowd was eyi
dent from the protest which arose as
soon as the sheriff stated that he had
been detailed to stop the game and
arrest the players. The eighteen play
ers and the managers of both teams
were brought to Barre, and there al
lowed to 90 upon their promise to re-
turn the following Monday, morning
at nine. o'clock When time came for
hearing it was learned that the hear
ing had been continued TO this after
noon.
The stopping of the game had not
been entirely unforeseen by either
team; in fact. word had been re-
oeiyed beforehand that warrants would
be served on the players if the game
was played. The interruption came
| lust after Barre had had its first time
at the bat, and had put three runs
across. Sheriff Tracy walked onto the
field, told the players how matters
stood. and then explained TO the crowd
that he was forced to serve warrants
on all the players, and that the game
would have TO be discontinued. The
crowd Immediately voiced its dissp
provsl. but to no avail. Money was
refunded TO those desiring it,
Statement by the Players.
. with reference to the arrest of our
players for taking part in baseball
game at Intereity park yesterday We
wish TO state our position 80 that
there may be no Misunderstanding
I'VE are not in favor of law breaking
or any form of disorder. In view Of
the fact, however, that baseball has
been played in many parts of the state
on Sunday for some time, st. Adams,
Rutland, Burlington, Swanton, Win
ooski, Bennington, Brsttleboro. Wind
sor, White River Junction and other
places too numerous to mention, as
well as at North Montpelier, Middlesex
and other places in Washington
county, we felt that it was unfair to
prevent the enjoyment of this psstime
on the part of the lovers of the sport
in this vicinity 1t develops that there
was ball game al two places in this
county yesterday. as well as at Inter
city park, and without interference on
the part of the states attorney. We do
not desire to infringe upon any ones
convictions as to Sunday amusement,
but under the circumstances neither
do we believe that we should be sub
ject. to discrimination and special per-
secution in the enforcement of the law.
"The law under which the complaint
is filed is section Io97 Of the Revised
Statutes, passed in l7s7, il being a SO
called blue law 1873 years old; under IL
no works not of necessity can be per-
formed, nor any amusement Of any
kind INDUCED in; this prohibits the
ringing of church bells, the opening Of
stores. stables, ice cream psrlors,
garages, the running of electric cars,
trains. and automobiles for pleasure,
the playing of golf and tennis. etc sd
infinitum on Sunday. All these in
fractions have been permitted and We
submit that baseball conducted in an
orderly and proper manner is as un-
Not all people are in
favor of stores being open but arc
willing TO ooncede this privilege for
those who do; not all people are in
favor of playing golf on Sunday but
are willing to concede this privilege
for those who do, etc; not all people
are in favor of Sunday baseball but
We are satisfied there are a large
number who are willing to concede
this privilege for innocent amusement
for those who do so desire.
There is no opportunity for going
to q beach. playground. etc, in this
locality, which leaves Sunday to be
spent BY a large part of the people in
lying around. walking the streets and
going mayhowering We submit that
baseball is less harmful to the ethics
Of the community than many activities
new INDUCED in.
while We have no quarrel vith
any one. We propose to see the law
in all directions ss to sny
Sunday business OF recreation Of any
sort not Of necessity and We believe
that the majority sentiment Of the
ommunity uill uphold Us in this view
Is Il has done IA every other part q
the state
Montpelier < of c Baseball Club.