Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-09-16
The Grand Jury.

Inc Gf;lnd Jury.
A MEMBER OF THAT BODY TALKS ABOUT THE
SUDDEN ADJOURNMENT-A LARGE MAJORITY OF
THE MEMBERS OPPOSED TO REsPITE-THE
ACTION OFsTHE DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUR
PRISE TO THEM.
This morning reporter of THE STAR inter-
viewed one of the members Of the grand Jury as
to the unexpected respite of that body till Oc-
tober Sd, in the Criminal Court, day before YES
terday, as follows:
Question.-Aftera recess of about two months
it was expected that there would be business
enough accumulated to 60 right on, was it
not?
Juror.-Why certainly, and as il usually the
case there are greater number of Jail cases in
which early investigation is urged, to say
nothing OF recOgniZance cases.
Questlon.-There were some post Office cases
also?
Answer believe 80; several: and I under
stand the post office inspectors were ready to
present them the very morning We were re-
spited. These had no connection with the star
route business, and, with the Jail cases. could
have occupied the two weeks we are now losing
very profitably.
QuestiOn.-How about the star route cases?
ANSWER know nothing except what has ap-
peared in the papers; but If what appears is
true, the government will need about all the
spare time of the grand jury from October Sd to
late in November for these cases for mich of
v.
Question-Then the assertion that the bust
ness was not ready is not strictly correct?
Answer.-NO. sir. Had there been another
foreman selected we could have examined
nearly all the Jail cases without any special pre-
paration in the District Attorneys office and
thus saved time
Question.-It is stated that several members
| OF the jury who are business men desired the re-
spite that they might purchase their fall goods
| How is that?
Answer.-Besides the foreman not over two
jurors were In favor of a respite know of but
one other. We know that the foreman desired
to go away. and was under the imnression thot
another would act in his absence. and therefore
made ourselves easy.
Question.-When did you learn that Won were
| to be adjourned? ~ WV"
Answer-We knew nothing of it until we
questionable the adjournment conflict with
the arrangements of the Jurors? :'
| AnsWer.-1eS; with several Ofthem Ono a
mechanic, declined to take profitable ioh ot
work, because he was engaged on the jury: an
other had employed substitute to perforn h;s
work and now finds himself out of emnlovmant.
another, third. declined an engagement ont al
| the city for the same reason, and Others com.
plain that the adjournment has inflicted 9rea,
inconyeniences upon them, and in some cases
losses In the Reorganization of their plans.
| Question.-What is the expense that is saved
by the government by the adjournment
Answer.-The jury costs $46 per day, when
all are present, and cannot see how the gov.
eminent could lose by the jury being In session
Inc work has to be done, and will cost as mu.f
at one time as at another. There may be some
nardsnips, too, committed on prisoners, fol-
at the expense Of the government, and In casel
where the grand jury and no bll1, the govern
ment loses the expense Of board and maintA
nance While the grand jurors sEe unemployed