Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1879-06-19
I Court,


last Monday, His Honor Judge Aldrioh pre-.
siding. The Clerk proceeded to read the
commission of his honor, after which the
witnesses in tho case Of tho State against AL,
Henderson, {colored,) for'assault and battery
on an officer wero called and sworn. "A I.
His Honor then charged the Grand Jury
as to their duties worry briefly. lie eongratu-
lated tho county on the return to economy
and stability in government and said he could
see no reason with our generous soil, genial
climate, abundant water powers, with tho on.
orgy, muscle and dintelligeneeof our population,
why the State should not in a few years
attain tho highest stage of prosperity.
Our resources arc abundant and only need
developing to mako US wealthy and prosper
Gus. Our government has been restored to tho
Intelligence and integrity of tho State, and is
boing administered in the interests of peace
and order. AS q consequence on all hands
are seen evidences Of renewed encrgy and
activity, the true sources Of wealth
lie then adverted to tho largo diminution
of crimo, which had taken place in our
State since he was FIRST elected to tho bench.
For number of years since reconstruction
our civil dockots woro blocked up by the trial
Of criminal business, which consumed the
term, and no opportunity was afforded for tho
settlement of estates, tho collection of debts
or other matters pertaining to the business
interests of tho country. Since law has
been passed by tho Legislature authorizing
tho hiring out of conviots to work on rail-
roads and other public improvements, tho
penitentiary has become place of punish
ment and been made terror to the idle, the
thriftless, the lazy stroIlers and yagabonde,
by whom nearly al the crimes in tho State
arc committed. They no longer SEQ it rs q
school, place to bask in tho sunshine in tho
winter and in the shade in tho summer, eats
ing the bread of idlenoss and planning
schemes for future crimes when they are
released.
His Honor then charged the Grand Jury
as to the oath thoy had taken. and especially
as to that portion Of it which enjoined OF,
each member to keep sacredly secret the
Statos counsel, their own and their fellows
not only because SO required by law, but as
tho only means to secure the fullest discharge
of duty by tho Jury. 10 open out the secrets
Of tho Grand Jury room to public scrutiny
would prevent the prcscntment by member,
of that body of many acts, which should b,
brought to notice and corrected, and in man,
instances lead to hard feelings and noighbor-
hood chickering's. lilo advised them rs t,
their powers and duties over the officers 0
tho county, stating they had the right t
supervise the conduct of every officer from
tho Sheriff to tho constable, and from th
Probate Judge to Trial Justice. They shoule
examine as far rs they deemed necessary til,
manner in which tho Offices of tho count,
are kept and in which the various officers ar,
discharging their duties.
His Honor then spoke of the necessity o
providing tasty and comfortable furniture fo
tho court room, that jurors and persons re.
quired to perform public service should b
made comfortable.
The Solicitor, in consideration Of tho bus,
season Of The year for farmers, determined t
hand out no bill whore the parties were OF
bail, 80 there was but ono bill handed to tn
Grand Jury and one criminal case tried, tha
against AL. Henderson. The jury on tn,
trial of this case rendered verdict of guilt,
of assault and battery with intent to kill, ant
the prisoner was sentenced to the penitcntiary
for six months.
In tho afternoon, docket was called ant
judgments rendered, after which the equt,
and other dockcts were called All litipate(
cases were continued, and court adjourned a
o'clock P. NJ. to tho next regular term.
Judge Aldrich is pleasant and courteou
on the bench and dispatches business rapidly