davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

regard to Warren B. Creamer, the engineer in charge of the work. The jury feels that as an engineer he has done his work we'll. By order of the Commission CT he was obliged to assume some responsibility for the price set on the real estate involved. But it was fact well-known to the Commis- sioner that MT. Creamer's only ex- perience had been as an engineer, and in no sense could he be look ed upon as an expert in settling real estate prices.
 There has been much contro- versy regarding the curves at the approach to the various under passes and overpasses, construc- tion of bridges, and other engin- eering features. This is highly technical subject and one on which only engineers can reason- ably be expected to pass. Since the engineers are not in agree ment, this jury does not feel war ranted in commenting.
 The jury has also given consid- eration to the Merritt Parkway Commission created by statute for the purpose of regulating the uses of the Merritt Parkway after its completion. The jury recommends the abolishment of this commits sion since 1t only results in di- vision of authority, conflicts with other departments established by the statutes of the State, and would seemingly serve no useful purpose whatsoever.
 The grand jury is further forced to the conclusion that the experi- ence gained in the layout of the Merritt Parkway points to the ne- cessity of a different plan for any such future works. It is our unani- nous opinion that no one man should be given all the power and authority which must necessarily be exercised in a work involving so many millions of dollars. It is our opinion that there should be over the Highway Commissioner 8
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

unsound, and should be emphati- cally condemned as waSteful of the States funds; unfair to the land owners, susceptible to fraud ulent practices and leading to the encouragement of speculation. The failure of the Highway Commis- sion to resort to the use of con- demnation proceedings is in no small measure responsible for this. It appears that the Highway Com missioner specifically instructed his purchasing agent not to resort to condemnation proceedings but in all cases to acquire title by purchase. The obvious result of this was that where a property owner set figure and stubbornly adhered to it, even though 1t was several times more than the act- ual value, he would eventually get his price. The institution of con- demnation proceedings in a few cases would, doubtless, have served to have brought about more req sonable demands upon the part of land owners in many cases.
 Purchasing Agent
 The system adopted provided for the employment of a real estate broker as the purchasing agent for all property to be taken for the Merritt Parkway, excepting in Stratford and Trumbull. He was set up by the Commissioner as the recognized authority on value and his judgment was final. The en- gineer in charge of the project appointed by the Highway Com- missioner was relied upon by the Commissioner to check these values established by the purchas- ing agent; but 1t was a fact well- known to the Commissioner that this engineer had no experience whatsoever in the purchase of land in behalf of the State until he was assigned to this present task.
 The purchasing agent employed by the Highway Commissioner was made an allowance of $15 and expenses for each day, or part thereof, employed in the work and was at the same time permitted to carry on his regular business in- volving real estate and insurance transactions, both with the indi- vidual from whom he made pur- chases in behalf of the State and with the agents representing them. He was in a position where he could favor certain agents by placing them in contact with those from whom the right of way was to be purchased before the layout became a generally known fact. It could scarcely be expected that such situation would not lead to abuses resulting in selected agents procuring 8 great many clients
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

tirely to blame. In view of our general findings on the whoe sub- ject matter. we feel constrained to recommend his immediate re- moval for the following reasons:
 (a) His appointment of G. Le- Roy Kemp as purchasing agent for the State without any suffi- cient recommendation as to his fitness for the position:
 (b) His failure to support or regard MT. Creamer's written pro- test against the prices demanded by the Greenwich Water Company and the Fry Estate, and despite Mir. Creamer,s written request for the appointment of appraisers on both properties;
 Co For the lack of personal supervision and inspection which he should have given to the Park way construction and to the pur- chase of land;
 (d) His failure to leave his office properly prepared during his frequent absences to deal with the important matters requiring prompt attention:
 (e) The Commissioner appar- ent unwillingness on the witness stand to cooperate with the Grand Jury in its search for facts;
 O In not making a thorough Investigation of the activities of his purchasing agent after it was brought to his attention, on sev- eral occasions, that the purchas- ing agent and a real estate broker who was most active in represent ing property owners along the right of way, were sharing offices together in New York City.
 Many of the criticisms above di- rected against the Highway Con- missioner could with some force be applied to his deputy, F. c. Weldon. The grand jury does not feel, however, that his conduct calls for anything more than cen- sure, as 1t appears that he acted on most occasions under direct or ders of the Commissioner.
 Considerable. has been said with
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

commission of three representa- tive citizens, who would be in act- ual charge of the work to be done and with who'll the Highway Commissioner should consult from time to time before deciding ques- tiors when so much of the tax payers money is involved. A study of the system in use in the State of Vermont might not prove un- profitable.
 Warrants Condemnation
 In the course of its investiga- tion the grand jury has been in- formed of a practice in vogue in at least two departments of the State government, which seem to warrant condemnation and should be called to the attention of the people of the State in no uncer- tain terms.
 It has become the custom for the Highway Department and the Health Department, at least. to employ each year 8 publicity agency at cost to each depart ment of 5000 per year. This agency is the source to which the newspapers of the State must look for all important information to be given out by these departments. No sound reason has been dis covered why either the Health De- partment or the Highway Depart ment need employ publicity agents. It appears that the news papers of the State would gladly obtain for themselves, directly from the departments. all inform ation to be distributed to the peo- pie of the State. In fact, the irl- ability of the press to secure this information from the proper head quarters has led to some friction and the system produces no bene- ficial results.
 To be specific, 1t is found that Clarence c. Willard of New Haven, has for several years re-
 (Continued on Page 3
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29
Merritt Parkway Grand Jury Submits Sensational Report

After investigating Merritt Parkway land purchases for more than three months, the Fairfield County extraordinary grand jury yesterday submitted a report of the results of it's investigation to Judge Kenneth Wynne of the superior court. The report, which urged the removal of State High way Commissioner John A. Mac donald, was accompanied by number of secret indictments. Three indictments were previously returned by the jury. After sub- hitting the report, the jury ad- jcurned for an indefinite period.
 The text of the grand jury re- port follows:
 To the Honorable Superior Court, Fairfield County, State of Connecticut:
 On January 25, 1888, this grand jury was impaneled and sworn to make inquiry into the purchases of land for the location of the Merritt Parkway, so-called, and to determine whether any of the criminal laws of the state had been broken in connection there with or in matters relating there- to.
 The grand jury started its hear ings on January 8 and has held 4o sessions, One hundred and Seventy-Six witnesses have been examined under oath and more than 200 exhibits have been re- ceived. The grand jury has care fully considered all available evil dence, and not only has studied the exhibits with considerable care but has caused the financial rec ords of many witnesses to be stud jed by Milton Friedberg, a cer- tified public accountant, whose analysis of such data has proven most helpful. The grand jury also has made a personal inspection of the Parkway to familiarize itself with the various properties and conditions under scrutiny.
 Best Interests
 In addition to the criminal acts of the several persons against whom indictments have been pre- sented to the court, the grand jury has found evidence of certain ex- isting practices not, criminal in nature but of character which in the best interest of the state should be brought to light with view to their correction by the re- sponsible heads of those depart ments of the state government in which they appear.
 In the light of most careful investigation and consideration of the entire procedure by which the State of Connecticut, through its Highway Department, attempted to purchase a right of way through Fairfield County, the grand jury has also reached cer- tain conclusions which it feels should be spread upon the record fer the guidance of those who may have charge of some future pro- ject of similar nature.
 The grand jury is unanimous in it's opinion that many of the pur- chases of land for the Parkway were accompanied by waste and extravaganza, indicating gross in- competence upon the part of those whose duty it was to deal fairly with the owners of land to be taken, and, at the same time to avoid a reckless dissipation of the public funds. Except, however, in those cases where indictments have been returned, the grand jury finds no sufficient evidence warranting the belief that any criminal acts have taken place in connection with such land pur- chases.
 Particular attention is directed to the item of consequential dam ages allowed as a part of the pur- chase price of the land taken in
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29
God Forbid The Need Again Ofa Grand Jury"- "--Judge Wynne

casionally has 1t been necessary to summon grand jury such as this one. God forbid that there should ever be 8 need again. Thoughtful citizens must all join in this prayer. Granting the good that is accomplished now, we must avoid, if possible, any sem- blance of star chamber sessions of odious memory, which unchecked might well lead to a reign of ter- TOT and destroy the orderly proc- esses of law enforcement which have been the slow and painful growth of centuries of ordered government.
 It is the glory of the English common law, in which we have our roots, that it is better that 100 guilty men go unwhipped of jus tice than that one innocent man should suffer. A grand jury is a great instrument. We must not let it become one dangerous or sub versive to free government and personal liberty. If 1t is necessary to clean the Augean Stables the state has the power and the will to do 1t. If there are malefactors and servants faithless to their- srust they must be brought before the bar of justice. To us in 8 great democracy public office is a pub lie trust. We subscribe to the great principle and truth that as an honest man is the noblest work O. God, an honest government is the noblest work of man.
 I hope, gentlemen, that it will not be necessary again for you to assemble, but because it may be I shall not now discharge you. I shall dismiss you now in indefinite recess with the gratitude of your state and the appreciation of the court.
 MT. Clerk, you will file the re- port which has been handed to the court, and will turn over to the states attorney for his action any indictments which have been re- turned.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

Expressing the fervent hope that God forbid that there should ever be a need of another grand fury session." Judge Kenneth Wynne in addressing the eighteen men who have figured in the Mer- ritt Parkway probe since last January, praised them for their patriotic duty. The text of the Judges statement to the jurors was as follows:
 Gentlemen of the grand jury:
 You may be seated.
 You and I are meeting person. ally for the first time, although officially I have been presiding as judge during the latter weeks of your deliberations. Judge Foster who called you into being last January. finished his term here at the end of March and is now holding court in New Haven. I have been here since April 1, and am holding the present criminal term of the superior court. Theo- retically, therefore, I have been in charge of you in your recent deliberations, and I now have the honor to receive your report and to take such action as may be in- dicated as necessary.
 For many weary weeks you have rendered conspicuous public serv- ice of an extraordinary high or- der. You deserve and have won the gratitude of your state for the duty which you have so pa- tiently and periodically per- formed. Your hearings began January 25, 1898, and have con- tinued during 12 long weeks, dur ing which there were 49 sessions held. You have listened to 176 witnesses, and have examined over 200 exhibits. The printed record of your deliberations covers $500 pages of testimony. The labor has been indeed Herculean. I express to you the grateful ap- preciation of the court, and, as spokesman for the state and its
The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-29

honest citizenry salute you, and, paraphrasing St. Paul would say that you have proven yourselves good and faithful servants: that you have fought a good fight and have kept the faith.
 Unfortunately there had devel- oped in this county such situa- tion and such conditions growing out of land purchases in behalf of the state that the impaneling of an extraordinary grand jury was made imperatively neces- sary. The public was aroused, and, if persistent rumors were true, it would become an outraged pulp lie. You were therefore impaneled, and have done your job.
 Connecticut has proud record for orderly government. Only oc-
The Washington times., 1938-04-29
"ENS Don't Count -
Short: Story

But you can't win all the time,
you know"
ct was one Of those things, !"
he said. But it doesn't look so
good. The sales manager wants
to see me-"
"You don't think they'd let you
out. do you?" she asked.
1.-THE 'exs' don't count, Marion"
he said soberly.
Chin up!" she commanded.
"Oh," he laughed, at isn't that.
But I had sort of counted on win.
ming"
Maybe you were too sure" she
said. But your friend seemed so
sure you would win"
MY friend2" he asked. who
do you mean?"
THE fellow you had sit with
me. Dave Parks"
II never saw him before" he
said. He clenched his fists as he
remembered Marks whisper,
timed just before the opening
whistle
He got the idea. Mark had
planted this Dave Parks-and Just
before the start had whispered to
him to get him off guard, nervous,
so that he would do just what he
had done-make mistakes, press,
and lose the championship.
A GOOD LOSER
There was one consolation
Chester had won the champion
ship and kept it in the company.
"Oh, there you are, Oliver"
The sales manager Of the COM
pany had come upon them I'm
noticed. II want to talk to you"
II guess this is just as good q
place as any, Harvey" Oliver
said. you know Marion, Of
course"
"Of course" said Harvey Foley,
the sales manager. How did you
like the contest?"
well" said Marion, "Oliver
lost, you know"
Eyes, Oliver lost" said Harvey.
That's what I wanted to see him
about.
ut looks as though your demon
strating days are over, Oliver"
Eyes, I know" said Oliver
Soberly. 1.-THE 'exS' don't count"
he added with a smile, as Marion
slipped her arm through his.
But anyway" he said, I'm
glad that Chester won it. That
keeps the championship in the
company"
"Yes," said Harvey Foley. "I'm
glad that Chester won it, too. In
fact, Oliver, to be candid, I would
prefer that Chester win rather
than you.
For a long time I have been
watching you. You had won the
The Washington times., 1938-04-29
SUBURBAN ROOMS

ALASKA AVE NV. 7535-Front furn,
rm.. private bath, for ] or persons.
CHERRYDALE, Va large corner room.
LIST H., next to bath. u square from
bus SIS month. Clarendon 2O54.
SILVER SPRING. $40 Second Ave, block
from District line half block E.-W high
way, bet. 18th and Ca Ave-LargS. WE'LL
furn rooms. single or double: high eleV..
large grounds and porches. SHep. 500.
NEW HOME-Very large corner bedrm.,
next bath; breakfast, gar; near bus: for
couple Walnut 6902.
COMFORTABLE, cool rm,; exposures;
private emit; adj. bath. Wal. 7247.
371O no. 4TH ST.. ARLINGTON, VA
Newly furn. corner ru.. priv. home: use
of kitchen. Walnut 1901.
ROOMS FURNISHED
A ST. n. e. 31s-singie. double. clean
rooms, c.h.w.: walking dist. to Govt.
A n E, 714-2 lovely fr. rms. semibath.
elect; gas. ". 90: LIZ: I'm, So.
CONTINUED on Next Pager
The Washington times., 1938-04-29

cup and championship two years
straight. You we're a good winner
But I didn't know what kind Of a
loser you would be.
you're good loser. You proved
1t today. And to get ahead a man
needs character to be a good loser
as well as a good winner.
II need an assistant sales man
ager to handle school sales and the
demonstrators. The job pays 500
a month more than you're getting
now. Do you want it?"
do I want It'll" shouted Oliver
you bet do"
Marion'S cool voice interrupted
them. mot unless he gets a two
weeks vacation starting tomorrow,
Harvey. divers going to get mar
ried, and his wife will insist on a
two weeks honeymoon"
THE END
The Washington times., 1938-04-29
ADAM A. wEsCHLER 8 SON, AuctlOneer.
TRUSTEES SALE OF Two-sToRY
BRICK DWELLING, EIGHT ROOMS
AND BATH NO. 1Qnn E0IIR TEENTH

TRUSTEES SALE OF Two-SToRY
PRICK R6 RW ply ~ SSoo Eight Rooms
STREET. s. E.. WITH GARAGE.
By virtue of deed of trust recorded,
in Liber No. 6s71. folio ATS. ct seq. one
Eof the land records Of the District of
Columbia, and at the request of party
will offer for sale by public auction. in
front of premises, on MONDAY. THE
SECOND DAY OF MAY 1898, AT TWO
FORTY-FIvE O'CLOCK P. M. the follow
Columbia. to.wit: Lot 1856 in Henrietta E.
Martins subdivision of lots in Square
5605, as per plat recorded in the Office
of the Surveyor for the District of Column
bis in Liber 80 at folio 40; subject to
said plat. Subject to the right of re-
demption by the makers of the aforesaid
deed of trust. their heirs and assigns.
within period of sixty days from the
HOLIDAYS. as provided in said deed of trust.
Subject to any and all liens created by
conditional bills of sale for heating and
other equipment liza II any and overdue
ments to be adjusted to date of transfer
TERMS OF SALE: ons-third of the pur-
chase-mOney. TO be paid in cash, balance
in equal installments. represented by
promissory notes of purchase payable in
one and two years, with interest at per
cent per annum from day of sale. pay
able semi-annually, secured by first deed
of trust upon property sold. or all cash,
at option of purchaser. deposit of
$4,000 required of purchaser at sale
Examination of title. conveyancing. record
ing revenue stamps and notarial fees at
cost of purchaser. Terms to be complied
with within ten days from expiration of
redemption period. otherwise trustees re-
serve the right to resell property at risk
and cost of defaulting purchaser, after
five days advertisement of such resale in
some newspaper published in Washington,
D. c. or deposit may be forfeited. or
without FORGETTING deposit trustees may
avail themselves Of any legal or equitable
rights against defaulting purchaser.
CHARLES A. JONES,
PAUL J. FRIZZELL.
APRIL %, 90, maya Trustees.
The Washington times., 1938-04-29
ADAM A. WEsCHLER q son, AuctIoneer,
TRUSTEES SALE OF Two-sToRY SEMI
De 1ETA 1dnGIs sH IN ~, DWELLING;

AnOS1bcO DALG Or IWO-SIOhY SEMI
SIX Rooms AND BATH, NO. 6104
sHERRIER PLACE. N. W.
By virtue of a deed of trust recorded.
OF the land records. of the District of
Columbia and at the request of party
secured thereby. the undersigned trustees
will offer for sale by public auction. in
r TaN q n RrSm nS MS9 MOI SoSDAT THE
THIRTY. O'CLOCK P. M, the following
described property in the District of Co
lumbia. to-wit: Lot 90 in Block / in
Clark and Cottrell, Trustees subdivision Of
''whitehaven" and "st. Philip and Jacob"
as per plat recorded in the Office of the
surveyor for the District Of Columbia in
Liber County at Folio 49,. said Block
/ now known for purposes of assessment
and taxation as Square 1415. Subject to
the right of redemption by the maker of
the aforesaid deed of trust, her heirs and
assigns; within a period of sixty days
from the date of sale. not excluding Sum
days and holidays, as provided in said
deed of trust. Subject to any and all
liens. created by conditional bills Of sale
and overdue water rentals. All other taxes
and assessments to be adjusted to date
of transfer of title.
TERMS OF SALE: One third Of the pur-
chase-money to be paid in cash. balance
promissory notes Of purchaser payable in
one and two years, with interest at s
per cent per. annum from day of sale.
payable semi-annually, secured by first
deed of trust upon property sold, or all
cash, at option of purchaser. A deposit
of $500 90 required Of purchaser at sale.
Examination Of title, conveyancing. record
ing revenue stamps and notarial fees at
cost Of purchaser. Terms to be complied
with within ten days from expiration of
redemption period. otherwise trustees re-
serve the right to resell property at risk
and cost of defaulting purchaser. after
five, days advertisement Of such resale in
some newspaper published in Washington,
D. c.. or deposit may be forfeited, or
without FORGETTING deposit trustees may
avail themselves Of any legal or equitable
rights against defaulting purchaser.
CHARLES A. JONES,
PAUL ]. FRIZZELL,
apr 81 20, 20, % maya Trustees.