The Washington times., 1924-12-06
MEMBERS
SPEEDlJP
TRAFFIC
LAW
Subcommittee Hears Charges
by Policemen That convic-
tons Nearly impossible

Charges that District courts are
responsible for much Of the traffic
evil in Washington through laxity
In enforcing the law, coupled with
threats to remove the District Attor-
ney unless he speeds up cases.
marked the initial meeting Of the
special House subcommittee appoint.
ed to frame legislation on the
traffic evil.
The committee heard charges
brought by Milton D. Smith, presi.
dent Of the oolioer1ans Arsociation.
concerning the impossibility Of Sc
curing convictions for traffic kill.
ings.
Cites Cases.
Smith cited a number of cases In
which pedestrians had been killed
by. known bootleggers who were
driving cars equipped with smoke
screens at excessive speeds. One
OF the most fragrant cases. he de.
clared, was the killing of Mrs.
Katherine KimbaH, 42O Seward
Square southeast, on January IL,
last. Charles G. Merryman, $751;
F street southwest, he said, was
charged with the crime and was
arrested shortly after the killing in
drunken stupor.
"Merryman was held for the
grand jury on January IA" Smith
said. "Or two occasions / attempt
ed to get the case before the grand
jury. On September II, last. ]
spoke personally to one OF the as
sistant District attorneys. wrote
Ito the District attorney direct on
October 26.
"A hearing has been held by the
grand jury, but up to date, nearly
a year after the killing, no action
has been taken.
Under conditions of this sort,
the police are absolutely powerless
to end this reign Of terror" he con-
cluded.
Congressman Ernest w. Gibson
or Vermont declared that he has
| been informed that ten people have
been killed by speeding cars on
Washington streets within the last
thirty days.
Asks Immediate Action.
This is terrible condition, and
Congress must take immediate &C.
ton If we are to maintain our dig.
nifty as legislators" he said.
Smith presented statistics show.
ing that there were IOS traffic
deaths, OF which eighty.Iwo were
caused by motor vehicles, during
the last fiscal year ended June so.
He declared the rate of killings has
greatly increased since then.
The committee authorized its
chairman, Congressman Henry r
Rathbone, of Illinois, to draw up
recommendations for drastic legis-
iatlon in time for presentation to
the Senate and House district COM
mlttees at the joint session SEIZED.
uled for next week.
Many of the recommendations
MADE by Bill Price in an editorial
in The Washington Times last
week probably will be Included in
the recommendations, It was indi.
Gated by Congressman Rathbone
THESE recommendation include a
traffic court, additional Judges. an
increase in the police force and
Etricter regulation of the issuance
of licenses. The recommendation
I also will include legislation to curb
use of the smoke. screen, driving
intoxicated, forfeiture of collateral
and leaving after cOlliding.
BlantOn Hits Taxi Drivers.
Congressman Thomas L. Blanton.
OF Texas. declared that the commit.
tee should summon the manager of
every taxicab company in Washing.
ton and demand that they instruct
their drivers ito obey the laws like
other citizens" He declared that
taxi and bus drivers paid absolutely
no attention to the right.of-way law.
and they drove at excessive speeds
and that they showed no regard for
the rights of others. -
| These taxicab companies exer.
else a power which Is detrimental
to the best interests OF the CITY,"
he said. I'VE, as aldermen OF
Washington, should find out why
they have that privilege"