The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-28

In the face Of the present hys-
terra growing out of automobile
killings or the resultant effects Of
running away from the scene Of a
collision, many remedies have
been advocated including the abolr
ishment OF the collateral forfeltules
system and the raising cf fines up
on convictions.
According to Judge Mcmahon
the cooperation OF employers with
the traffic and police courts in the
investigation of the records OF pros.
pectve employees win greatly en-
hence the solving Of the problem.
Evidence introduced in court has
shown where business men OF
Washington are hiring truck driv-
ers and delivery men without first
ascertaining il the applicant has
a drivers permit--has peen con
victed of driving an automobile
while under the influence of liquor,
or has a record for driving reck-
lessIy.
Employees Word Taken.
It is apparent that the employees
word is taken when the question
of the cognizance Of traffic rules
is raised. Too often .esponslble
merchants have hired men with
long records in the traffic court.
1t has also been shown where EN-.
ployes are taking positions where
the driving of car IS required
without first investigating the val
idity of the tags on the car and
other features, only to be arraigned
in court at a later date for the vio-
lation OF traffic regulation for
which they are not responsible.
Police court judges believe that
the appointment of an auxiliary
judge who will handle traffic cases
and upon the completion of, that
business to help in other cases,
will relieve the present congested
condition.
other officials of the courts,
citizens associations and the Pc
licemen's Association are backing
this movement. 1t is said that
the appointment Of a third judge
will lessen the demands for jury
trials and other postponements Of
cases. 1t is asserted that fewer
defendants will ask for a trial by
Jury IL such trial can be had on
the afternoon of the day on which
it is demanded.
Seen AS Good Solution.
Judge Schuldt declares the APP,
pointment OF the extra judge will go
farther toward relieving the con-
gestion than any other suggestion
that has been offered.
In the question of the raising or
adjustment OF fines and collateral
it is admitted that steps are being
taken in this direction. Examina,
ton of the regulations reveals the
fact that person may spend y
longer time in Jail upon a convic-
ton for intoxication than for a
conviction for driving an automo-
bile while intoxicated.
For driving while drunk a. fine
of from $25 to $500 or a jail sen.
tence Of not exceeding ninety days
or both may be imposed, which
means that it is possible for a pe~-
son to be sentenced to six months
in jail for driving while drunk.
in default Of payment Of a fine.
Convictions for intoxication are
punishable by fine of from $40
to 500 or a jail sentence of not
less than five days nor more than
thirty days or both fine and i'm
prisonment Leaving it to the dis.
erection OF the court, the District
code allows q Police Court Judge
to impose an alternative of not
more than one year In derault Of
the payment Of a fine. Therefore,
II Is possible for q person TO be
sentenced TO thirty days straight and