Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-06-25

Of the Court is the distance Of the jail
from the Courthouse. 1.-THE Court wishes
= prisoner, an officer has to be sent to
the jail for him and adelay of one or tsco
hours is had, during which the Court,
Officers, jurors and witnesses do nothing,
and this when 165 persons are in prison
awaiting trial.
JURY SYSTEM.
It appears to the Grand Jury that there
is defect in the jury system or In its
practical workings, for not unfEequentIy
more time is occupied in getting jury
than in trying prisoners.
"sTRAw BALL.
It has been shown to the satisfaction
of the Grand Jury that there are a class
Of persons in this city who make q busi-
ness Of "gOing bond" and who are
worthless. They are ready at all times
for g small consideration, to sign any,
body's bond, and, if necessary, make
good their claim as sound - by the most
nnblushing aud bsrefaced perjury, and
this they have heretofore been able to do
with impunity, for 1t appears that for
years back the officers Of the Court can
not call to mind one single case where s
forfeited bond has been collected. The
universal return is no property" while
in a large number Of cases the b0ndsmen
cannot De f0und-the bonds being signed
ia fictitious name, or by companions of
the prisoner who flee with him.
The Grand Jury would most respect
fully represent to your Honor that more
caution be used in the taking of bail.
Where applications are made for bail,
would it not be q safeguard ia the future
If your Honor would consult the Sheriff
and County Register as to the sOlVency
of the sureties? We would also suggest
the Sheriff have close spring wagon, SO
arranged that prisoners could be carried
TO and from the jail SO as to save time.
Prisoners seem to have accumu-
lated, and the Court has to be in
dustriOus to get the docket reduced
during the present term. Business men
eau now attend as jurors without
serious injury to their business. II your
Honor will, through the Attsrney-Gene-
raj, have sure action taken ia reference
to The present psrnlcious course Of mag
istrates, we think the business Of all the
Courts would be reduced.
YOUTHFUL PRISONERS.
Not only are there large number OF
youthful delinduents in jail, but large
nun bsrs run the streets and are arrested
and confined in the ststionhogse. The
experience Of older communities has,
We think, settled the question that it
agrees with the humanity of the age,
the interests of society, aud the future
Of the young offender to establish for
this class house of refuge or workhouse.
No city is more sadly in need of such a
place than Memphis.
ATTORNEY GENERAL.
The Criminal Court OF Memphis re-
quires an Attorney General of marked
legal ability, OF business tact, and suffi-
GENTLY acquainted with our people to
know the character Of witnesses, Jurors
and defendants. In order to command
SUCH ability and to keep It, be aust be
paid, The present compensation is az
tiFely inadequate. Formerly the fees Of
Attorney Generals arising from INSIDE
meanOrs afforded reasonable compeusa-
ton but since the Municipal Court has
taken exclusive cOgnizance Of that cIass
OF eases, the pay is merely nominal.
Gentlemen Of ability, in order to become
known to the community, may for
short period accept the office, but as soon
as they become effective they will leaveb
their place and resume their private
practice.
CLERK'S EO0Es.
The jury have had examined the books
Kept by the Clerk, II. L. Fox, and his
deputy, +. S. CapeFs, and find them I'M
good order and style and correctly kent
& Y Of which is respectfully sublailted.7
Il. y. Cornell. Foreman Of the Grand Jury J.e
7. MCCOY, janis e. Marshall, r. Clark. r. I
\. hughes, w, W. Coleman, j. p. Miller IA
u. WtuipIns, J. T. FargasOn, Gee. 81. Blood,
J. EiCarpenJer, Oscar T. Prescott.
June p, 1853.