Alleged Whiskey Turns to Vinegar, Sept. 12, 1919

From The Franklin Times, Louisburg, N.C., Sept. 12, 1919

Alleged Whiskey Turns to Vinegar Over Night. . . Warrants Are Issued Against Court Officers Charging Them With Theft

Norlina, Sept. 9—Charging the theft of 11 quarts of whiskey, warrants were sworn out yesterday against John D. Newell, clerk of the Superior court, and his chief deputy, Frank. B. Newell Jr. The chief of police for Norlina captured a suitcase of liquor on September 1^st and the alleged owner was arrested. After a hearing before justice of the peace J.C. Hardy, the case was sent over to the recorder, bond being fixed at $50.

The man forfeited his bond but the court paper and the whiskey were turned over to the court authorities. Mr. Hardy had received information that the whiskey had “turned to vinegar.” He was on hand in the recorder’s court yesterday and insisted that the suitcase be brought into the court and examined.

Sure enough the 11 quarts of “Four Roses” had changed into 11 quarts of plain, common vinegar. The clerk did not give an intelligent explanation as to how the change had occurred. No alarm had been given about the breaking open of the vault.

Warrants were issued and the case goes to Superior Court next week for a full and complete investigation.