Three arrests, the capture of a keg of liquor, the seizure of an automobile and an exciting chase of a negro over back fences were the result of activities last night by members of the local battery of field artillery, whose services have been enlisted with special deputies to prevent liquor from being brought into New Bern at the present time.
James McGrath and Arthur Berry, two members of the battery, captured John Goddett, Jesse Mills and Ellis Hooks, all colored, in connection with the first raid which was staged last night.
Goddett and Hooks, it is alleged, managed to get by the guards at the James City bridge. McGrath and Berry saw the men while they are alleged to have been unloading the liquor at Mills home. They arrested all three of them and took possession of a large keg in which the liquor was contained.
Put Under Bond
This morning, Goddett, Mills and Hooks were given a hearing before Mayor Clark. Goddett and Mills were placed under a bond of $500 each, while Hooks was turned loose. Goddett furnished his bond but Mills is still in jail.
A little later McGrath saw a negro acting in a suspicious manner. The guardsman called upon the negro to halt, but instead of doing so, the man started to run. McGrath gave chase but the man managed to make good his escape.
During the night some of the guardsmen also found an automobile in the colored section. It evidently had been used for transporting liquor, for the odor was plainly noticeable about the car. They waited for a while to see whether anyone was coming after the machine and, when no one put in an appearance, they drove the car down to the city hall.
Stop All Liquor Smuggling
Greatest of precautions have been taken to prevent any liquor from being smuggled into the city. All of the guards have been warned to keep a close watch for any liquor that may be brought to town. The assistance of both white and colored citizens also has been asked in this respect.
From the front page of The New Bern Sun-Journal, Friday, Dec. 8, 1922
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