The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-02-28
State Of South Carolina.
AbBEVILLE COUNTY.
II. the COURT or SESSIONS, Feb
rua13 Term, 1872. ......'-
Presentment of Grand Jury.

We, the Grand Jury empanelled 1of
the present term, make the following
presentments.
We have visited the County jail, and
find the prison generally, in good order'
and neatly kept, and the prisoners prop
erly cared for, There is a leak in the
tin-roof which should be mended, ana
more blankets are needed.
Calling to our assistance several gen.
4lemen of acknowledged skill as build
.ers. we have carefully inspected the
ruins of the Court House, in view all the
circumstances, and to avoid all apprc-
hension of danger which might hereaf-
ter arise from some undiscovered defect
or damage in the walls, and considering
that in contract for rebuilding the con-
tractor would not probably, make much
allowance for the walls as they stand,
and considering, further, that the ar
arrangement of the windows in the ola
building is not suited to the division of
the basement into the requisite number
Of County offices, we have concluded to
recommend that the old walls be taken
down to the rock foundation, and a new
building erected thereon better adapted
to the public conveniences; and that the
work of reconstruction be commenced as
soon as practicable. We would Call the
attention of the County Commissioners
to the care of the safes that are now ~
ing within the walls exposed TO the
weather. Two of them appear to be Dut
little injured, while the other may be
sold for some amount however small.
By Committee of our body, we have
visited the Poor House, and we find the
inmates comfortably provided for; gen-
orally pleased with their treatment oy
the Steward, and as we'll satisfied as such
unfortunates usually are. The premises
are, upon the whole, well kept and IN
good, condition. "Boisseau" Chapel is
used for q school house, as we are in
formed, without the sanction OF the
County Commissioners. This chapel, as
is well known, was built for the Poor
of this County by bequest OF the be-
nevolent gentleman whose name it bears,
and we think its present occupancy,
without authority, a misuse or mlsdl-
rection Of the truss.
In our Judgment, the expenditures for
the maintenance of the poor, have here
tofore been entirely two lavish, and We
are pleased to learn that under the pres
ent administration, these expenses are
being steadily reduced.
We have visited and examined all the
County Offices and find them in as good
condition as could be expected under the
circumstances.
The office Of Judge Of Probate, es-
pecally, was found in admirable order.
We recommend that this Office be fur
nished with four blank books OF which
there is immediate need.
Having instituted as searching all in
vestigation into the conduct of the Coun-
ty officers during the late disastrous fire
as our limited time and. means Of infor-
nation would allow, we are not now
prepared to say that any of them are
Justly censurable, for the lamcntable loss
of public property; while some of them
merit the public thanks for their prompt
and energetic efforts. The officers re-
port to us that the records and docU-
ments lost in the fire are of historical
rather than OF legal value. But in order
to satisfy the Sublie mind and prevent
future trouble, we have, at the sugges-
ton Of his Honor Judge Orr, appointed
a committee of our body, and have made
it their duty Immediately after the final
adjournment of this court TO make a.
thorough investigation OF these offices,
and ascertain with certainty what has
been saved, and so far as possible what
= has been lost, and to submit the result to
this body, at the next term of the court.
We congratulate our people upon the
diminution of crime and the general
peace and quiet Of the County.
We tender to- His Honor, Judge Orr,
and Solicitor Perry, our thanks for their
courtesy and indispensable assistance in
the discharge of our duties.
BY order and in behalf of the Grand
Jury. ..,-- -r,
~ WIN. a. GILES,