The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1876-01-16
Report Of the Grand Jury.

Hon. silas Hare, Judge of the Criminal Dis
trict Court, Dallas city:
SIR-COnlOrmlnB TO II general custom, we,
NJ II Grand Jury, make this our formal re-
port to your Honor;
We have been engaged, ms you ARE aware,
for some time In inquiring into oilenses OF
different characters That have been commit
ted In the limits OF our county, In entering
upon our duty, we must say that we felt In
adequate to the task, and NJ the same time II
degree OF reluctance in performing this im-
pOrtant uuSt, but as citizens, The law has
made IL imperative and obligatory upon MS 4;
therefore, with our weak conception of the
law, we have gone FORTH we hope, with the
fun determination OF doing our duty with
out fear, favor or affection.
We have tried In every instance to avoid
matters of trilling or irivoulous character,
thereby running the cOunty 10 M little eX-
pense as possible, but with al our precau-
ton there have been some things presented
In such shape, that under our oaths we have
been compelled to notice.
While crime seems TO stalk abroad In the
land, ana law ~ being offended here aud
y0ndcr, we say whilst such seems to he the
fact, we can but give IL as our opinion, judg-
ing rom our labors, that morality and right
principles re gradually yet steadily gaining
the nScendency. We are fully aware that
among II mixed and unsettled population us
ours Is, that people are more prone to otTond
the law, and 1t takes rigid enforcement to
teach them 10 observe the correct standard
and govern themselves accordingly, and in
this connection we cannot commend our
worthy sheriff too highly in the efforts he
has made In every instance in bringing Of
tenders to Justice.
We have given the jail thorough exam
nation, and under the circumstances we
iind 1t neat and well kept, but ut the same
time pronounce IL altogether UNIT for the
safe keeping OF prisoners, the Sheriff being
compelled very OFTEN to keep an extra guard,
Thereby mourning an extra expense TO the
at 10. ~,
prisoners areof course very much crowded,
making IL detrimental To health, and NJ The
same time very uncomfortable.
We would most earnestly call the attention
Of the County Court TO THIS matter, and ash.
that the evil be remedied in the erection of a
new and more substantial building. We
would further recommend that IL be I'M
mediately enclosed with high and strong
plank fence. We think this u pressing ne
cessty, and should be made without any de-
lay whatever, as II would add very much to
the safe Keeping of the prisoners.
We would also suggest that as 20 have one
OF The handsnmeSt ana costllcst courthouses
IN the state, that steps be taken Immediately
10 erect good and neat fence around it,there-
ny preserving the shade trees and pro-
tecting the grounds from intrudCrs.
We have examined the Treasurer's office,
conducted by Mr.. NJ V. Cole, and find the
books very correct and altogether Satistac-
tory.
We find the Clerks office, conducted by
Captain A. Harwood, everything that would
characterize neatneSs and order.
In conclusion, the Grand Jury desire to ex.
press their satisfaction with the patient
kind and courteous manner in which our
foreman has discharged his duties. and also
would most respectfully return our thanks
TO Capt w. q. Sterrett for valuable and able
council rendered.
Very respectfully yours,
a. j. ROSS. Foreman,
&. W, NELLY,