The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-10-15
Isressntnssnt or the GRAND Jury, FAN
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The Grand Jury, having consider
ed and examined the various matters
of interest which demanded their
attention, make the following pre-
sentiment: ~
The duties devolving upon Grand
Juries are at all times attended with
circumstances of unpleasantness as
we'll as difficulties; but, as citizens,
each one has TO perform his part, and
in doing this are often charged with
doing too much as too little. The
present Grand Jury, acting under the
difficulties which at present attend
our suffering District, perhaps may
be chargeable with the latter, but
when we take into consideration our
political position, may it not be more
proper for us to do less than after
acting to undo? From such con-
siderations, they have deemed it ad-
visable to refrain from making pre-
sentiments that would result in no
good, but confine themselves to mat
ters in which our city and District
are more Immediately interested.
We have carefully examined the
reports of the Board of Commission
ers of Public Buildings, Commission
ers of the Poor and of Roads, and
find their accounts correct, and pro-
per vouchers accompanying the same
for all moneys expended.
In reference to the Commissioners
of Public Buildings, it is their duty
to see that a proper and comfortable
building is appropriated for the. sit
ting Of the Courts. The enc acw e
use is certainly not of that class-the
rooms appropriated for Juries, who
often have to remain oil night, are of
a most uncomfortable structure, more
particularly for the cold season. In
referring to this matter, we do not
charge this Board with O dereliction
of duty; we know the great difficulty
attending the financial affairs Of the
State, and believe they have done all
that the means in their possession
would permit.
We, therefore, recommend that this
matter be brought to the notice of
the Legislature at its session, and re-
spectfully suggest the propriety of
appropriating rooms for the Court in
the new State House, until such
time as the finances and condition of
our State will permit the erection of
q suitable building.
On visiting the Jail, we were much
surprised to find so insecure a place
appropriated for the confinement of
prisoners, among whom are some
charged with the highest crimes
known to the law. AS the safe-keep-
ing of such are entrusted to the She
riff, it is incumbent on him, with the
assistance of the Board of Commits
sioners of Public Buildings, that
place Of perfect safety be provided.
Under existing difficulties, We don't
pretend to charge want of atten-
ton to these matters to any particu-
lar officer or person; but, as before
stated, for the want of means to pro-
vide more safe and accommodating
structure. In connection with this
portion of our duty, we visited the
new Jail progressing to a state of
completion, which it is understood
will be finished by the first of Janu-
ary next. We, therefore, recommend
that the cells of this building be
finished Immediately for the recep-
ton and transfer of prisoners whose
crimes require close and safe custody,
until discharged by proper authority;
and until such place of safety is pro-
vided, we further recommend-if
within our province to do so-that
the Sheriff be required to furnish q
proper guard to prevent the escape of
prisoners. The recent escape of nine
prisoners show the necessity OF II
regulation about o building offering
so little security as the one now in
use.
In connection with the escape of
these prisoners, and without any re-
liable information concerning this
matter, the Jury has come to the
conclusion that there has been cul-
pable neglect on the part of the
officer in charge, and is highly CEN
sureable in this matter.
On examination of the prisoners
confined, we find one George Green
within the walls, without any pros
pect, rs far as we could understand,
of soon being brought to trial. We
therefore recommend that humanity,
as well as justice, requires speedy
investigation of his case; he having
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