New Britain herald., 1926-09-18
BELDEN DISCUSSES
 DRUNKEN DRIVERS
Chief Believes Policemen Are Competent to Pass Judgment
ENDORSES HURLEY'S IDEA
Julian Martin Dies At St. Francis Hospital-5,000 Expected At New Departure Outing Firemen's Field Day At Fall Mountain.

Field Day At Fall Mountain. Considerable discussion has re suited from the communication re. gently sent by Robert T. Hurley. su. perintendent of the state police, tc Chief William Hart Of New Britain in which the statement is made that the testimony of d police officer is as dependable as that of doctor in determining whether or not a prisoner is intoxicated. Some court officials throughout the state con- cur with Superintendent Hurley al though on Monday Of this week in the Bristol city court a doctors tes- timony was permitted to overrule that of two policemen.
 Robert Dutton was arrested last Sunday by Motorcycle Officer Henry Jeglinski on charge Of reckless driving and operating car while under the influence of liquor. He was taken to headquarters and due to the fact that the officer was i'm mediately detailed on another case Dr. E. E. Robbins, police surgeon was not called in until an hour la ter. Upon the doctors arrival, an examination was made of Duttor and according to testimony present cd the following morning in the city court by the physician, he could detect no sign of liquor on the ac- cused man. Officer JcglinsEy and Officer James McNamee, informed he court that Dutton was under the influence of liquor. Dutton himself admitted having glass of beer ID the morning. Judge Joseph M, Donovan. who was on the bench, ac- cepted the doctors testimony and found Dutton not guilty on a charge of operating a car while under the influence of liquor.
 Chief Ernest T. Belden Of the To- cal police department, when inter viewed this morning stated that he personally believed a policeman fully competent to judge a mans condi- ton, He gave as his reason for this that q policeman in the course or duty has a chance to observe the different effects liquor has on peo- pie. It reacts on persons in varlous ways and while some, when lntoM- cated, are able to walk a perfectly straight course, their brain Is be- fuddled and they are not able to think or act clearly.
 The examination conducted by police surgeons in this city consists almost entirely of an observation ot q mans actions and speech. An et- fort is also made to detect the odor of liouor from his breath.
 It is not known whether or not the local department will continue to call on the police surgeon Tor such examinations in view of the oninion of Superintendent Hurley.
 Wolcott Fair in Progress
 Wolcott Fair, which was opened yesterday. was largely attended and this morning crowds started to as- scruble on the grounds at an early hour. Today riding horses and cooked food will be judged but the chief attraction to most of the Nlsl- tors will be the home cooked dln- ners for which the fair is famous throughout the state.
 The trick airplane riding Of Gus Graf over the grounds was one or the chief amusement features and his performance will be repeated this afternoon.
 Returned to Holyoke
 John Rebelle. arrested by local policeat the request of the Holyoke department, was taken back to that city yesterday He will face a charge of larceny in the Holyoke city court this morning.
 Attending Convention
 Captain Charles T. Blanchard or this city, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Her man Werdelin. quartermaster of Harold F. Emmett Post, V. F. w., are attending the national conven- ton of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Fl Paso, Texas.
 Birth of Son
 A son was born to MT. and Mrs. Arthur c. Bird of Pinehurst road at Bristol hospital yesterday.
 Attending Masonic Outing
 About 150 local masons left carly this afternoon for Towpath Lodge in Avon. where they will attend the annual outing of the Fifth Masonic district. A program of sports has been arranged and the feature of the afternoon will be a ball game between Harmony and Centennial lodges, both of New Britain.
 New Departure Outing
 Approximately 5000 persons gathered this noon near the Endee Inn on North Main street 10 partt-