Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-08-17
COUNTY AFFAIRS.
Report of the last Grand Jury Of the Grim.
lnal Court.

Hon. J. R. Flippin, Judge Criminal Court
Shelby county.
Sfr-We, the members of the Grand
Jury, for the July special term of your
honorable court, being now about to close
u labors, respectfully report: That in
the discharge of GU duties, we have had
before US as witnesses in various cases,
citizens from all parts of our county, and
the patience OF the people appears en-
tirely i'll contemplation of the
numerous crimes committed throughout
this county, and 1t seems to be the deter
mination of our citizens to vigorously en-
force the penalties of the law against all
offenders, they being encouraged in this
resolve by the efficiency and vigilance
displayed by our worthy Sheriff and as
sistants in promptly arresting and bring
ing to trial violators of the law.
We find that the i~nstigating cause of
many cases of violence and murder is
traceable to the too prevalent habit of
carrying concealed weapons, and although
it is evident that this practice exists to an
alarming extent, we find it very difficult
to procure sufficient evidence for indict-
ment, except after the preparation of
some act of violence where weapon are
used, in which cases we have returned
bills, and respectfully recommend that
the provisions of law relating to this of
Tense be rigidly enforced. We regret to
say that in our examinations the un-
pleasant fact has been revealed, that
many of our most respectable citizens
are engaged directly and indirectly
through agents) in encouraging crime
and offending justice, by permitting pro-
perty on Our most public streets and
thoroughfares to be occupied as houses of
prostitution, when under the existing
laws relating to landlord and tenant,
there can be no reasonable excuse for so
doing, and in the discharge of our duty,
we regret the necessity that has required
US to indict many worthy citizens for the
above offense.
In our visits and examination of the
County Jail, County Poor-House, and
City Station-House, we have found each
and all those institutions in a remsrka-
bly, good and clearly condition, and well
regulated and conducted in every respect;
and the officers thereof in charge and
control are entitled to much credit for
their management, efficiency displayed
in discharging their duties, and in in
augurating a needed reform ove the
management of the past.
We urge upon the proper authorize
the great importance of Immediately
making some provision for the govern
ment of those pests of our city known as
"Mackerels." Houses of refuge and
correction are, we believe, more needed
thar any thing elsethat the public moneys
could be expended for.
We also regret to say that keepers of
bawdy houses, gaming houses, and others,
seem heretofore to have been prosecuted
as a source of profit to officials, rather
than with the view OF suppressing the
evils; but in this honorable court we
hope and believe we see the indications of
a much-needed reform, and recognize in
your Honor the evidences of a faithful
and efficient Judge, who gives promise of
proving "an ornament to the BENCH" M
ia terror to evil doers."
In Luke E. Wright, Attorney General,
and Marcus j. Wright, Sheriff, we find
faithful, vigilant and gentlemanly officers,
who will do their whole duty, without ia
vor or prejudice, and we congratulate
Shelby county in their fortunate selec-
ton.
In the other officers of the court we
rave witnessed nothing which does not
command our appreciation, discharging
their duties with industry and gentleman
ly bearing, and to all we return our sim
cere thanks for courtesies shown us while
connected with your honorable court.
James d. Davis, foreman; /. NJ. Cans,
r. s. Jones. S. Vendig, B. Mcbride, X. G..
Tucker, F. Glassick, ID. Finnerty, W. w.
Schoolfeld, Z. Marshal, Julius Behr, Jno.
L. Eichberg; Chas. Stout, secretary.
FINE French Soft Hats.
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