The Benton weekly record., 1881-09-15
THE DOING.9 AT COURT.

Before dismlss1ilg the GRAND Jury oL tiie
late term Of Court, Judge Wade took occa-
sion to thank them for their labors and TO
remark that their work would long bere-
membered as the beginning Of 3 new era
in Choreau county; that their inquiries
into practices prejudicial TO good morals
would have most beneficial effect, and
that to break up system Of abuses OF all
the laws Of decency and right, would be
lasting good to every man, woman and
child in the community. Judge Wade un-
doubtedly referred to the indictments pre-
sented against individuals living III open
and notorious adultery. A number OF true
bills were foundin such cases and it is very
proper for the Grand Jury to have used its
best endeavors to stop the crime BY In
dictment. Benton is too large and Mon
tana too much under the influences OF civ
ilization to tolerate any such disorganlzed
a condition Of society as may have existed
at times, in portions Of the Territory. Ill
the early days of Benton the situation was
different, and people expected and over
looked many things that to not take notice
of now would be at once disgracefuI and
most Injurious to the welfare Of any conf
munity.
Several indictments were presented
against parties for selling liquor to half
breeds. These cases will be continued un-
til the next term Of the Court when the
constitutionality of the law will be tested.
The final report Of the Grand Jury, which
we publish elsewhere in our columns,
though very brief, is calculated to do much
good. The clause Of covert censure upon
the County Commissioners for not having
completed the Jail by now is certainly fore
ible. It may hurt q little, but the effect
will be good.
Any person willing TO inquire into the
present management of the Jail must
know the prisoners confined are fed well,
80 that that portion OF the report does not
surprise as. We are a little bit sorry that
the report Of the Grand Jury in this mat
ter did not reach farther and expose the
persons who wrote letter addressed s'To
the Miserables," as the prisoners were
designated. Had it done so we might have
ascertained who it is that every term Of
court seeks so diligently TO bring our
public officers into disrepute. Not that
the record of any officer is private, for we
believe In examining into county affairs
thoroughly; but for a year or two the re-
ports OF our Grand Jurieg show that some
one or two persons have made complaint
against officials for the sole purpose OF graf
living private spite. investigations have
been made where the means used Of cali
ing attention to rnismanagement or negii-
gence have been by oircumlocution or
anonymous letters, OF by means Of using
plant servants. IL is dirty business,
this seeking TO injure man because lle is
an officer, by private revenge, and the
sooner it is stopped the better for all Cho~
teau county. We do not blame q man who
will fight an open battle, but we deapfse Q
creature who lies awake at night plotting
how he can possibly disgrace another, and
VET not figure himself! And now let il be
said to the credit of our county, that In
each instance Of where the handiwork Of
any such persons IL visible, despite all ef-
forts to detect irregularities, the result has
always been report ii complete vindtca-
ton OF the target officers.
The report Of the Jury on selling liquor
to half-breeds Ia just what the RECORD has
repeatedly saft and will have its effect.
,rhe trade may not be entirely stopped but
there viii be 4 pereeptlble dininution ia
ita extent,
Weindorse all the report says il regard
70 drainage and sanitary matters.
The good health Of the town de-
rnands that the streets be drained
and that the public health be more of
than heretofore. We COM
mend the Grand Jury for their actions,
and write them down Al unusually lnfelli- !,
gent, juafsef o1 nisn.