Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 September 1897 — LAMPS==NIT! [ARTICLE]

LAMPS==NIT!

Their Lights Not Trimmed and Burning. Eight Bicyclists to Pay for Their Neglect. Mel Abbott, Fined and Costed 86.80 Others To Follow. Friday’s Dally: ’Squire Burnham’s office will be bicycle headquarter for several days to come—not that the ’squire is holding out any extra inducements to the wheeling fraternity, but the dignity of the great state of Indiana has been greatly marred and must be righted. Last night Night Police Childers cleared the streets of all bicycles not bearing head-lights and took note of the names of their respective riders. This morning warrants were sworn out for the arrest of Luella McCoy, Virginia Austin, Kenneth Morgan, Bernard Maloy, John H. Jessen, Bruce White, Frank Sayler and Mel Abbott. Up to the time of going to press Mel Abbott is the only one to come within the scope of Marshal McGowan, who has the necessary documents. Mel plead guilty in ’Squire Burnham's court and was fined $2, the lowest limit, and costs; amounting in all to $6.80. The others will be “gathered in one by one” and the state’s exchequer enriched accordingly. The observance of this ordinance was becoming less each day and the bicyclist carrying a lamp was considered a “greenie” who had just “got in.” " In many cases the riders did not appear with lights simply through neglect and their arrest will, have great effect in impressing upon the riding public that the bicycle ordinance is not a dead letter. “Keep your lights trimmed and burning,” or “Childers-’ll-git-you-if-you-don’t-watch-out.”