The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1879-03-07
REPORT
OF THE
c. R a M ID JUR Y.
FEBRUARY TERM, 1870.

To the Honorable James d. Waters, Associate
Judge Of The Third JudicialDStrict of Mary
| land.
| THE Grand Inquest of the State of Maryland
for the body of Hartford county respectfully
n ssd fasp February term OF
We have inquired into the conduct of the officers
having charge of the election which was held No
Congressman, and are graufed to be able to inform
your Honor that said election was conducted fairly
of a republican form of government than a pollu-
ted and fraudulent ballot box, and 1t is therefore
important that all violations of its sanctity and
punished It matters not whether the ballot-box
is tempered with by State and County officers or
by Federal officers, who, under the preteXt of pre-
serving the purity of the ballot may at the same
time, by having the whole power of the Federal
Government at their back intimidate and overawe
by threats of prosecutions. Whether such acts
have been perpetrated let impartial history deter
We believe that the county expenses have been
swollen beyond reasonable bounds, during the I'M
passed, and can be reduced without detriment to
the public interest by the application of the true
and rigid rules of public economy.
New roads and new bridges have become a whirl-
pool that has swallowed up in its vortex large
amounts of the taxes wrung from over-burdened
The Office of General Road Supervisor, we think
is not provided for by law; but if it is we think
It a useless and expensive office and should be
The recent change in theinterior arrangement
of the Court Room we think decided improve
ment, and one which has been long needed; and
we think the changes should be continued until
the defective sound shall be obviated.
We believe that public sentiment demands such
reduction OF the county expenses as will be in a
reasonable proportion as far practicable, to the
shrinkage of values and the increased inability of
the people to pay taxes.
We visited the Jail in body, and found it kept
in as good condition as is possible to keep build
tn W in tahl
as it is possible to make them. We found two
criminals serving out sentence; four for larceny ;
three for assault one for rape; two witnesses;
one for keeping disordery house. We believe
the Sheriff to be man skilled in his work. and one
who does perform the duties of his Office with A.
good people of Hartford county.
We visited the Aims House in body and after
thorough examination of the buildings and
grounds, came to the conclusion that Mr. Hugh
smith, the efficient keeper, is the right man in the
right place.
The inmates are all well cared for, and seemed
to be happy and contented. They spoke in glow
ing terms of their keeper The inmates numbered
In all thirty-three 49, Sixteen white males, six
white females; six colored males and five colored
females.
We have examined ninety-two witnesses, and
found sixteen presentments and sixteen true bills.
In terminating our relations as Grand Jurors
with the Court. we desire to express our high APP
probation of the faithful manner in which you
have aided us by COUNSEL and the facilities you
have afforded us in the discharge of our important
duties.
We also desire to express our thanks to the
States Attorney for the promptitude with which
he has always responded to our calls for legal adj
vice. WIN. b. STEPHENSON,
feb2S Foreman