Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-11-25
Report of the Grand Jury.

To the Honorable the Judges of the Circuit
Court for Montgomery County,:
The Grand Jurors for the present Term of
Court respectfully report that during their
present session they have diligently exam
ined all matters brought to their attention !;
have examined all witnesses brought before
them and have found presentments in all
cases which in their Judgment the testi-
mony would warrant; having examined
101 witnesses and found 38 presentments.
A committee from our body visited the
Aims House and made thorough examina-
ton Of that institution and found there 33
inmates-8 white males, 3 white females; 10
colored males, colored females and 5 col
ored children.
They found the house in good repair, the
interior clean and we'll kept, and the in
mates in as comfortable condition as their
unfortunate state would permit
They also examined the farm and found
it much improved in fertility, and we have
no hesitation in saying that with the addi-
ton of more lime under the practical man
agement of the efficient overseer, John p.
Council, the farm can and will be brought
to higher state of production.
1t is further suggested by our body, as a
practical and business proposition, that such
additions should be made to the Aims House
as would accommodate all our Insane Pau
pers, and thus save to our county the ex-
pense of several thousand dollars each year
in sending them to Baltimore and Frederick
counties. We are satisfied that enough pro-
visions can be raised easily on the farm to
feed them, and the only expense would be
the first investment, which need not be costly
or burdensome.
We further respectfully report: That q
committee of our body visited the county
Jail and found the interior absolutely clean
and well kept. The prisoners are provided
with bedding, food and whatever would APP
pear necessary and proper for them. The
Warden is man of forethought and intel
ligence and withal, admirably fitted for the
position which he holds. We found the
pump and platform in bad condition and
needs immediate repairs. The lot and gar
den fencing need replacing with new
one. We would also suggest that at the
outlet of the suerage from the Jail should be
removed or deoderized, as it is very dis
agreeable to the Primary School, which is
adjacent to the Jail property.
The Grand Jury consider it TO be theil
duty to call attention TO the insufficient &C
commodation and insecure condition of thu
Court House Former Grand Juries have
again and again in their reports spoken o
this subject, and we desire to emphasize al
that has been said, and to contribute wha
influence we can 10 the creation of public
sentiment favorable TO such action by thu
proper authorities as will afford ample relief
Every year adds to the insecurity of the pub
lie records, and the increasing business of {
prosperous and advancing county constantly
demands more space, and a more convenient
arrangement Of the public offices. 1t is i'm
possible to estimate the calamity which thu
loss or mutiation of the records would en-
tail upon the people. Anxiety over thei
titles, and long and tedious and expensive
| litigation, would be Il dear price to pay fol
delay in abating an evil which all feel, bu
which few have the hardihood to attack. l
is, to say the least, questionable economy t.
neglect needed public work. What bur
dens the future may impose upon our peo
pie we cannot foresee, and it seems emf
nently wise that this period of prosperity
should be embraced to furnish the county
with Court House which shall afford am
pie and comfortable accommodation alike tC
the officers and those who have to deal with
them.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN II. DADE,
Foreman.