100 years ago in The Saratogian
Monday, July 23, 1917. Stricter new regulations for motorists are in effect in New York thanks to recent legislation that makes it easier for the state to take away drivers’ licenses, The Saratogian reports.
The Cromwell-Kelly Act, signed into law last month by Governor Charles S. Whitman, requires drivers in New York City to have licenses if they operate vehicles for more than ten days a year. More importantly for people outside the city, “it also gives the Secretary of State the power which places this state on an equal footing with New Jersey and Massachusetts in regulating the motorist.”
The legislation allows the state to revoke licenses without a criminal trial. The secretary of state’s office “can now reach forth a legal arm and after ten days’ notice he can give the defendant a chance to be heard, and then if the circumstances warrant, can strip the offending automobilist of the rights which had hitherto given him the use of the State’s highways.”
The circumstances include a third speeding violation, conviction of a felony, physical or mental disability, intoxication, gross negligence resulting in personal injury or property damage, failing to stop after a collision, and “operating a motor vehicle in a manner showing a reckless disregard for life or property of others.”
Before the law took effect, sixteen people statewide had had their licenses revoked this year, while 44 had their licenses taken away in all of 1916.
CATHOLIC FUNDRAISING. The Knights of Columbus have been commissioned by the War Department to raise funds for aid to Catholic soldiers in America’s war on Germany. The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus helps kick off a million-dollar national fundraising campaign tonight at its Woodlawn Avenue headquarters.
Among the needs to be covered, according to an ad in today’s Saratogian, is “the providing of moral safeguards for the American Catholic youth who will soon take up the fight for the principles of Washington and Lincoln. Knights nationwide have already pledged $750,000 to the fund.
WHAT’S HAPPENING. James Oliver Curwood is one of the most popular novelists in the U.S. The feature attractions at the two leading Saratoga Springs are both based on books by Curwood.
At the Palace, H. B. Warner stars in “The Danger Trail,” a typical Curwood story. The ad describes it as “A tense drama of the Canadian Northwest.” A Pathe comedy short completes the program.
At the Broadway Theatre, “America’s Daintiest and Foremost Screen Actress,” Anita Stewart, stars in “Clover’s Rebellion.” The feature is supported by a live vaudeville program headlined by The Three Bronze Men, a “Grand Spectacular Posing Novelty.”
— Kevin Gilbert