The Lawmaker Gets Lawless
A state inspector responsible for monitoring traffic safety finds himself on the wrong side of local ordinances after a day of cracking down on speeders.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
R. J. Catlow, deputy sealer of weights and measures for Adams, Franklin, and Benton counties and automobile inspector, created some interest among auto drivers yesterday by arresting three citizens for speeding. The victims were Fred Staufer, Walter Steele, and Sam Stebbins. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Warden; Walter Steele pleaded guilty and was fined $15 and costs, while the other cases were continued until Friday. Later in the day, Chief Raymond arrested Mr. Catlow for violation of the city traffic ordinance No. 240 by cutting the corners in his auto, and a fine of $1 and costs was imposed. About 3 o’clock, Mr. Catlow was arrested again by the city authorities for stopping his auto more than two feet from the sidewalk, as provided by city ordinance, and being found guilty, the fine and costs amounted to $17.50. Mr. Catlow says he intends to enforce the automobile regulations requiring lights on all machines.
“Chief Raymond arrested Mr. Catlow for violation of the city traffic ordinance No. 240 by cutting the corners in his auto.”
The tension between state-level enforcement and local city ordinance remains a classic power struggle in Pacific Northwest municipal politics. Even today, the 'who watches the watchmen' dynamic plays out in debates over how regional authority intersects with local traffic enforcement.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.