The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-07
POUGHKEEPSIE MOTOR IST CLAIMS KNOWL- EDGE OF WOOD
 BURY RACKET
September 3, 1888.

September 3, 1888, Editor Waterbury Democrat:
 My attention has been called to the numerous protests voiced by motorists through your paper on the alleged injustices meted them with regard to so-called infractions of the motor vehicle laws In Wood- bury, Conn.
 l should like to subscribe. to these protestations: First, that the com missioner of motor vehic!es of Con- necticut be made cognizant of the racket" and trap" being operated by the local authorities that e thorough and intensive investiga- ton of these activities will be made; second, to avenge the inscrutable injustice and terrible insolence to which I was subjected.
 On Sunday, August s, 1884, en- tered Woodbury from the west and on approaching the main thorough fare made full stop on warning of a "stop boulevard. I was appre- hended by Constable Atwood in Q malicious manner and, after my H. censes were inspected, was com manded to appear before the justice of peace. I demanded, and I believe rightly so, on what grounds I was being detained. He steadfastly re- fused to inform me until my in- sistence drew from him, first, charges of reckless driving, second, passing "stop boulevard" sign. and third. contempt of justice. He pre- ferred the first charge because paralleled another car at the stop. I replied that sufficient width of the road permitted me to do this without interfering with oncoming traffic. The charge of passing the stop boulevard" I branded as an outrageous lie. The third charge was lodged because I stood for my rights as an American citizen an- gry, by this time, ct the effrontery that was accorded me. He stated he had witnesses to verify his charges of the violations when he pointed, to a Connecticut licensed car with several occupants. l immediately questioned this fact since from the moment of my apprehension he hadn't left the side of my car. It was only then I realized was the victim of "small-town trap" and the futility of argument was read- fly apparent. Thus I submitted to be brought before the justice of peace while he dismissed with a wave of his hand the witnesses with which he pulled me.
 Although Justice Boyd's quiet de- meanor was in sharp contrast to the ungentlemanly dominance and ver- bal phrases of 'Constabl, Atwood, 1t was readily descernible that my word accounted for little in the relation of past events. I deposited a bond for my appearance at a justice court to be held in Woodbury, Friday, August 10, 1884. The inconvenience that would be incurred combined with the assurance that court costs would add to my expense enmeshed in this ruse constrained me to rec main away. The sum total of the fines ultimately amounted to the in- credible sum of 20 dollars and some odd cents.
 Do you wonder why, after reading the chronicles of other would-be offenders, I write to cite another case of injustice in the local courts to substantiate their feeble pro- tests and aid in instigating an in. vestigation of this racket" under the guise of justice2 It should be the concern of all victims so far invol- we'd, as well as, and this is far more important, the state authorities to probe into this matter, uncover this evil, and obliterate the terror 1t has caused. The state of Connecti. cut possesses unequaled scenic beau- ty, good roads, and on enviable reps utation on the part of her citizens for honesty and integrity. Why per- nit these continued atrocities in. stilling fear in the hearts of rnotor- ists and stigmatizing that name which Connecticut has for 50 long enjoyed?
 Permit me, at this time, to express my sincere thanks in the whole. hearted manner in which your pa. per has 50 indulgently presented this case in the cause of justice.
 Respectfully yours, JOSEPH D. CLARK. $50 Church street,
 pouRhkeepsie, N, Y,