Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1872-12-20
Charge by Chief Justice Bowie.


Charge by Chief Justice Bowie.
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRAND jury
You are selected from the body of your
fellow-citzens, most distinguished for their
intelligence, sobriety and integrity, ''and with
out the least regard to their political opinions, -
as assessors of the Court in the administra-
ton gifts criminal jurisdiction.
As censors of the public morals and senti-
nels Of the public interests, it is expected that
wisdom, moderation, impartiality and dill
gence, will characterize all your proceedings,
and the Court are gratified TO recognize among
you, SO many whose intelligence and expert
ence qualify them to fulfil these high expecta-
tons.
The oath which imposes on you the solemn
and express obligation diligently TO inquire
into all such matters as are given you in
charge, touching your present service" i'm
plted{y imposes upon the Court. the duty of
directing your attention to the subjects proper
for your consideration. Among these, the
public morals, the public service, the public
highways, and public instruction, are the
most prominent.
As the Grand Inquest of the County, it is
your province and duty to inquire into the
faithful execution of the laws by all public Off
GERS, judicial, administrative, or executive,
and whatever affects the public peace, the good
order, and general welfare of the community
In proportion MS these chief interests of So
ciety are preserved, viii the character of the
county be exalted and the prosperity and hap
piness OF its citizens advanced and perpetual
ted. The natural advantages which Provi-
deuce has so bountifully bestowed upon this
county, together with its vicinity to the Ma
tional Metropolis, and the spirit of improve
ment which distinguishes the age make it
probable that its population will be fourfold
its present aggregate, within tins century.
To make this accession a blessing, rather
than a curse we must cultivate, cherish, and
enforce the highest standard Of moral reciiude
and intellectual ability in all the departments
of municipal government
That fruitful source OF public and private
decentralization, intemperance, must be ar
rested. Weeping and lamcntatioa, poverty
and crime, and Tall the woes that flesh is heir
to, follow in its train.
Public opinion is the chief barrier which
can be reared against its progress. All men,
exercising public authority, should testify
against an evil which brulalizes their race.
You are vested with authority, and specially
charged to inquire, whether any Intoxicating
| liquors are sold withou. license, and whether
those who are licensed, pcrvert and abuse the
| privilege, to the destruction of individuals,
aud the corruption of pubic morals.
| The numerous devices resorted to by those
who design TO evade the law, should be coun-
teracted by the most stringent scrutiny and
no consideration of the general responsibility
of the offender, or his position, or influence in
society, should permit him to escape Where
ever the morals of II neighborho1d are found
TO be witherng under the influence of licensed
establishments, you are required to recommend
to the Court that the license be withdrawn.
In recent case, n distinguished writer,
speaking of this trade, says: zone who fur
niShes another with the msans of committing
crime, although it may be only to the detri-
ment ofhimsef and family, knowing the use
to which such means will be applied, must be
regarded as in some sense 'particepS crimiQts -
No man can be justified in rendering the re-
motest aid to another, in committing an of
Tense against the universally recognized canons
OF morality and decency. He has no right TO
place himself in any position where the ext
gences OF business, or trade, will require him
to do any act, tending in the remoest degree
towards the commission of an immortality He
is, in fact, bound to conduct all trade and
business upon the plan of offering no motive
to immortality to any one and, if be knows of
any one so disposed TO withhold from him the
means of its accomplishment.
zone who has resolved 10 commit an immo-
rahty is TO be regarded as unsoaad in mind and
entitled to demand the aid of his fellows in
destruction. 1t can never be regarded as fairly
within the legitimate range of available traffic
for one to furnish another with the means of
self-destruction, or the destruction of Others
or OF any of the universally recognized inter
ests of society. Hence, in such cases, the law
regards knowledge and mere knowledge of the
intent TO use the commodity unlawfully, as
legal evidence tending to prove connivance at
and participation in, the unlawful purpose
i n wi pfh rOr -
nished. "-Redfelds note upon Hill VS. Speer.
Amer. l.. Reg for Aug, 1872.
Without adopting these views in all their
BREADTH they are certainly applicable TO those
who sell poisonous drugs or sprituous liquors,
to minors, vagabonds, or persons habitually
addicted TO iutoXication.
The License Laws are not intended TO en-
courage, but TO restrain the vending of spir-
| ituous liquors. Ordinaries are designed to
furnish travellers with accommodations and
such refreshments as the toll OF travel make
necessary.
| An 0rdinary.kceper, or 0yster-house, and
observation-disclosures, is not justified by his IL
| cense, in converting his saloon into dram
shop.
Regular and legitimate customers. to whom
liquor is an incident, and not the principal OBJ
lect of their call, are designed BY the law to
be licensed TO buy, but minors, oafers, and
habitual drunkards, have no right to buy or
drink at such places and if they are per-
mitted TO buy, or drink, the licenses should
be Withdrawn upon the recommendation OF the
Grand Jury.
Another means of arresting this evil, and
which is intended for the reformation and pro-
lection of the unfortunate victim of intemper-
ance, is furnished by Art. 46, of the Code of
Public General Laws, Entitled, Inebriety.
BY this Article, an Asylum called 'sThe
Maryland lnebriate Asylum, is incorporated
and vested with very ample rowers for the
custody and control of lnebriates committed
to its care by parents or guardians of minors,
or by the Trustees or Committees of Adults,
with the sanction of the Court.
The Inebriates are to be employed in some
useful occupation, and the proceeds of their
labor tafter paying their expenses) to be paid
monthly 10 their families; and if they have
no families, TO be paid 10 the lnebriates at
their discharge from the Asylum.
Whenever by petition under oath. any per-
son shall be alleged TO be a drunkard incapa-
BILE of taking care of himself or herself, or his
or her property, any Circuit Court has power,
in its discretion, on such petition, in any ex-
animation, or inquiry, as it may think proper
to make, ex parte, 10 issue warrant TO the
Sheriff, to arrest and bring before the Court,
the person charged, and 10 cause jury to be