OUT OF CONTROL AUTOMOBILE SPEEDS THROUGH LAFAYETTE PARK
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 17, 1925, The Evening Star reports "in the wee small hours of this morning" James M. Johnson of 1912 13th Street here in the Nation's Capital "came zig-zagging...over lawns, paths and potential flower beds at the wheel of an automobile."
According to the Star, General Andrew Jackson, "sitting atop his horse" in Lafayette Park*, "keeping ceaseless vigil over the White House" nearly tumbled from his perch.
Miraculously, the car plowed through the area without hitting anything. Mr. Johnson was arrested and charged with carrying concealed weapons, joy riding and operating an automobile under the influence.
The Star concludes,
"General Jackson will not be summoned as a witness."
JFK+50 NOTE
The Star also reports that Mr. Johnson had stolen the automobile off the street "late last night."
*Lafayette Square, a.k.a. Lafayette Park, is a 7 acre public park located across from the North Portico of The White House in Washington, D.C.
It was once known as 'Presidents Square.' The Andrew Jackson statue was installed there in 1853. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy took measures to preserve the square & surrounding structures.
SOURCE
"Zounds! Crises General Jackson as Auto Speeds by Him in Lafayette Park," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 17, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
