Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-24

Richie stated that he found that Mr.
Cariin had been convicted simply upon
the written report Of the case which
Patrolman Leroy Herman, who made
the arrest. gave to Magistrate Stokes
The governor said that he was told
that the magistrate considered the re,
port sufficient
Gov. Richie stated:
II have heard that police magistrates
In the counties sometimes think tina,
the only thing necessary to convict mo-
florists OF exceeding the speed limits
Is the written report or statement OF
the police officer who makes the arrest
The present case. however. is the first
one Of this kind which has been spectfi-
cally brought TO my attention.
1T Is possible that this practice. %
the extent TO which Ii exists, may be
due 70 the magistrate not being sum.
GENTLY informed about the proper lega
procedure.
Whether motorist lis guilty OF ex.
ceding the speed limit or not, II II
his right TO have the officer and any
otne- witnesses against him sworn b.
the magistrate and give their testimony
under oath. and II is also the right oil
the motorist TO be sworn and have AM
witnesses he may offer also sworn and
give their testimony under oath.
In every case In which ! find these
rights where claimed but were not grant
ed viii refund both the fine and the
costs on the ground that they have
been imposed without any trial. When
nnotorist Is arrested he lis Just al
much entitled 10 trial in the regular
way before he is convicted as any ont
| else. Is and hope that my action In
this case win result In putting an enc
70 any future convictions OF the same
kind"
Motorists Praise Action.
Many Washington motorists have ex'
perienced the tame kind Of trials In sew.
erai counties Of Maryland. Motorist,
have recalled the so-cailed trials at Lal.
/ rel and Waldorf. which q short time agt
local motorists felt stood out as the mos
fragrant places Of disregard Of rights.
The action OF the governor and tn,
statement 0f Commissioner Baughmar
are being praised today by motorists o
the District who enjoy Marylands I'm
! highways
Coy. Ritchie's announcement WA
Landed today by Stanley II. Horner
chairman 0f the advisory board OF TN
District Of Columbia division of tn
American Automobile Association, III,
| Homer stated
! The action Of GOV. Ritnhie In in
Slstins upon complete and fair tria
| ~ nobristS charged with violation q
| i1hfyIhiid motor yehicIe laws il char
aEhiiAtn of the attitude which official
| oi liif State vi Maryland have take
WIN regard 10 motorists This
| nHectiy M lire with views OF Tn
American Automobile Association viii
regard W the trial Ut motorists befof
magistrates. The A. A. A. has aiway
maintained that In many cases III
Hot9fiht haIed before ii Justice OF ia
peace Tor q violation Of the m1t0
vehicle laws does not have a fair on
DorLnnity " defend himself,
we are certainly glad that The offi
ciais ~ Maryland have recognized hi
abn are taking Steps 10 insure ever
h'1pfha fair ana impartial trial.
Found Officials FAR.
The stand which Maryland ma
taken il indeed encouraging and ma
wen De followed by other States /
tllen dealing with violations u III
nl0t1r vehicle laws.
In the association which the. Distyli
~ Columbia division Df the n A. 4
has hsd with the officials NJ tins Etal
| 0i Maryland, We have always foun
that They are willing 10 give The inot0I
lAt ialT chance G1y, HitGhisk pos
ton 0n this question viii 90 b bi
way tJward promoting SIN mo-
friendly tsrliIg among tiie u'ohAEA
of the District of Columbia toward ~
stae of Maryland In which ulsy ire
g4eatiy haze occasion W travel"