Milford chronicle., 1941-03-07
Blue Lam Drive Is Held COerciYe
Act By Representatives

ment Of the ancient law. They stress
sed, however, that they also opposed
the blue law repeater as introduced
by Senator Rinard.
]. r. Leverage of Milford, one of
the leaders of the delegation, eX-
planned they oppose an open Sun
day" but favor a more liberal Sun
day to meet present day needs.
One of the group commented that
after he had been arrested for al
legged violation of the blue laws, po-
lice continued coming to his place
to purchase gasoline in order to
make arrests.
Representative Pritchett earlier
had said he regretted that Mr. Nor
ford thought it necessary to take
the action he did.
Evidently intended to coerce the
members of the Legislature and to
intimidate the citizens of the state
in general, it would have been much
better if he had done as on a good
many Sundays in the past and al
lowed the Legislature further time
to consult with the citizens and find
out what the majority wanted" he
said
definitely lost ground through his
action. Nevertheless l am of the
sincere opinion Mr.. Morford acted
in good faith.
Representative Charles E. Patter-
son of Wilmington said he favored
arresting every one violating the
blue laws as they now stand 'or else
to lock up no one"
The drive strengthened the side of
the opponents of the bill, according
to Representative Harlan r. Blades
of Harrington, an opponent. "The
reaction of the people is stronger
against the bill now than it was on
Friday" he said.
Representative Frank Hainsworth
said he had received anystelegrams
and letters urging him to favor SEN
ator Rinard's bill for which he had
voted.
VIII Back BIZ
Representative w. Dean Johnston
of Dover said he had voted for the
bill "but / still don't believe in black
Jack legislation"
Representative Francis @. Lemon
of Wilmington said that with blue
law repeal he also favors a com
panion measure in the form of my
initiative and referendum bill We
cannot afford to have this law on
the books only part way enforced.
During prohibition those favoring
dry laws were opposed to any lack
of enforcement of them. The same
attitude must be taken on all laws
in the books. The blue laws can't
be enforced They must be changed"
First Fine Levied
William Nipple, garage proprietor
of Roxana, gained the dubious hon
or of being the first of the 493
persons arrested in the state to be
fined.
He was assessed $4 and costs by
Isaac Williams of Days
boro.
A similar charge against Chester
Townsend of Ocean View, a feed
store operator, was dismissed by the
same magistrate on the grounds
that his was a work of necessity"
Townsend had claimed that he was
forced to remain open to supply
he needs of farmers who had been
showed in from Friday until Sunday
md whose chickens were in danger
If starvation because of lack of
eed.
Raymond Jarvis, Selbyville res
aurant proprietor, was also dismiss
ID by Magistrate Williams after he
lad pleaded that a number of Sell
'yvjlle residents had no place to
at other than his restaurant
Several other cases were contin-
ed until Friday.
Dover, Milford, and Georgetown
Tere believed to be the only towns
Il the state where no arrests were
rdered. Mayor J. Wallace Wood
ord of Dover said he saw no reason
Dr. disturbing the people of that
Dwn. Mayor Edward c. Evans of
lilford said he supposed "the only
hing we can do is put up gates at
ne entrance of town Saturday mid
light and close the town altogeth-
r."
No Instructions
Mayor Ira Davis of Georgetown.
iId no instructions will be issued
town police regarding Sunday ar
'sts until the town council meets
lis evening.
hQ p1,osidornf VIC TH,,o.,.I....1.