The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1864-02-20
Honorable John III. Price {;

HONOREp SIR:-ln accordance with Gus.
tom of long standing, the grand jury beg
leave to report that, to the extent of oul
abilities, We have discharged our duties tt
the State by transacting such business as
came to our notice.
1t is much to be desired that the Consti
tutlonal Convention, which is soon to as
semblc, may sorctorm and simplify the cause
of justice, that a great majority of such
cases as usually come before the grand jury
may be disposed Of by the Magistrates OF
the districts where the facts occur. and
where the parties reside: by such form
the labors of the court and the taxes c the
people would be much diminished while
the ends of justice would be as certainly
secured
We have visited the county prison and,
Notwithstanding it has been rebuilt by each
Successive grand jury for many years, we
still find it that ancient pile of stone and
mortar; the same miserable den it has long
been-and utterly unfit for human habta,
ton. Justice, however, compcls us to say,
that the Sheriff is not wanting in anything
that he can do to add to the comfort OF those
immurcd in this cheerless abode. In this
connection, We deem it proper to recon-,
mend to the Legislature, to increase the
Sheriff allowance for boarding the prison.
ers ito take effect from June, 1868 the
present allowance was fixed long since, and
might have been amply sufficient then, but
it is totally inadequate now.
In the present unhappy condition of the
country, we would not advise lavish ex-
penditure Of the peoples money for purpo-
SEES not absolutely necessary; but we do
earnestly advise change in the treatment
Of juvenile and petty offenders, most of
whom are induced to commit crimes through
ignorance, idleness or want; so that their
Imprisonment may be a school of virtue and
industry, in which their habits may be re-
formed, instead of sending them to the
pcnitentary, where, in contact with veteran
offenders, whose nepharious devices they
too often acquire, and graduate confirmed
enemies of the public peace.
In order to test the practicability of the
above change, we propose to sell the entire
Jail property which, from its central posi-
ton, cannot fail to command high price
and to erect suitable building on a larger
lot of land, having sufficient room to fur
nish the inmates with constant employment,
by which they can earn their living, and, at
the same time, acquire habits of industry,
and n knowledge Of some useful trade or
calling. BY this arrangement the town
would be relieved of n most unsightly nui
SunCc, WHICH WOulu SooII w
elegance and taste while the money de.
rived from the sale would go far towards
the erection of the new building.
1t may be objected that, during our ma
tiona struggles, involving onerous taxes, is
not proper time for costly improvements I;
to which we reply that, though we owe SUI
prcme allegiance to the government. of our
fathers, We must not neglect our local inter
ests or domestic duties. But, sympathizing
as we do, most earnestly with the Republic,
struggling for its life, and invoking as we
do most humbly, the blessing of heaven on
its counsels and its arms, that justice. peace
and unity may be established, we must still
regard our subordinate duties as citizens oil
the county and State.
All which is respectfully submitted.
DAVID SCOTT, Fore man.