Arrested, Tried, Convicted, and Sentenced In 24 Hours-This Day In Norwood History-August 18, 1894

Shows What Can Be Done.

Last Tuesday night Officer Adams, assisted by Officers Creed and Fulton, raided the Italian shanty near Winslow’s station and secured 125 bottles of beer.

Previous to making the raid the officers bought two bottles of beer, drank some to make sure of its killing qualities, and poured the balance on the ground. At about 10.30 they came down upon Mr. Tony Tarrell, the proprietor of the place, and took him with his stuff to the lockup. On Wednesday he was tried before Justice Lane, found guilty, and fined §50 and one month in the county jail, where he was at once committed.

For more than two months this illegal business has been going on and Officer Adams has had an eye on the place. Young men have been seen going to and from this place. Boys, whose parents would blush to see them in such company, have spent their time around and under the bushes, indulging in the poisonous beverage. Fighting has been going on every Sunday. One man lost about $13 in money around this place; another $5; and another a watch. Last Sunday sixty-seven different persons went to this shanty between 4 o’clock a.m. and 10.30 p.m.

This paper has repeatedly called attention to the fact that Norwood should be freed from the liquor evil, and that her special officer should do his duty, and it is gratifying to find one officer at least who dares to do the right. Never in the history of the town was quicker work made than this. In less than twenty-four hours from the time of his arrest this man had his trial and was placed in jail.

This is only one of many places in Norwood, and the result of Officer Adams’ efforts shows what can be done. Now let the work go on. Stop every place. If the vote of our town means anything it means that liquor shall not be sold, and there ought to be force and determination enough among our law-abiding citizens to maintain the good name of the town. Let this be the beginning of a work that shall continue till the traffic is driven from our village. If Norwood has an officer who can’t do his duty let him get out and make room for men who can, and an officer who does his duty should be upheld to the bitter end.

Mr. Editor:

“It has reached my ears that certain parties are circulating a story to the effect that I have been seen lounging around the Italian shanty on several occasions of late, that I have had “free beer” and have drunk with the crowd. And I desire to state that this story is false. I was never at the place above mentioned except as follows : About two months ago I, with another officer, called, there to warn the occupant not to sell anymore; and again last Sunday, when a man stated that five dollars had been taken from him, I called to see if it could be recovered. On no other occasion have I been to this place until the day of the raid and arrest. Parties who persist in circulating this report will be called upon to prove it.

James H. Adams,
Constable.
Norwood, Aug. 17, ’94.