Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-07-08
COUNTY MATTERS.
Important Presentments of the
Grand Jury.

GFan0 jury
The following presentments of the Grand
Jury of the Superior Court, which were
made Yesterday, contain some valuable
recommendations, and win be read with
much interest:
At the close of our term of service, we,
the grand jury, make the following report
of the various matters to which our atten-
ton has been called:
We have examined the books of the fol-
lowing magistrates: z. L. Strickland, James
Dooner, Michael Norton, Isaac Russell, ;.
Elsinger, NJ. f. Molina, Waring Russell, Jr.,
w. H. Woodbouse, j. M. Buckner, Mcleod
King, Henry Beber and W. X. Pritchard,
Jr., and have found them neatly kept. As
far as we can Judge, they appear to be cor
rect and In order.
The books of Magistrates Jefferson Rob
erts, W. I'll. Matthews and j. I. Fogarty
were not presented to us, and consequently
have not been examined.
The accounts of the County Treasurer
submitted to us we find correct, with proper
vouchers for all disbursements.
The books and records OF the Clerk OF
the Superior Court we found In the very
best order, with everything most sYstemati-
cally arranged. The county is fortunate IN
having so efficient an officer as the present
incumbent.
The Ordinary's Office was also visited and
examined. 1t was found in perfect order
and the records beautifully kept. The
rooms devoted to this office are entirely too
| small for the amount of business to be
transacted, and it is only by the exercise OF
thorough system and order that the duties
| Of the Ordinary can be conducted there
AS it is, great many valuable papers have
now to be stored in the garnet OF the court
house, and in case of fire they would be en-
| tirely destroyed. In thte connection we
heartily indorse the recommendations of
previous grand juries advising the remodel
| ing and charging of the court house as
soon as the funds of the county may admit.
We find the county jail clean and
we'll kept. as far as the construc-
ton of the building will allow. The
cells have recently been whitewashed,
and the prisoners are we'll fed and attended
to, but, owing to the faulty construction OF
the jail, they suffer much from want OF
proper ventilation. We also find that 9
number of lunatics are confined with the
prisoners, there being lack Of suitable sepa
ratio apartments for this unfortunate clas'
of our community. These defects can o1Iy
be remeded by new jail of better pl sd Anu
construction than the present one. we nave
been informed by some of the CIunVy CoLn-
missioners that they have ri manu- SoI1e
$27 900. With this amou'', ana Ih9 pro-
ceeds Of the sale of IT, present buildings
and the lots upon whhh Cney sUahu, much
could be done towarS putting up more
desirable and commcdious jail. Before this
"a done however we would recommend
that a comnetpntlxper be employed at the
exnense of the rjunty to visit other cities,
examine theiy public buildings, and so
Gather data or a report as to what plan
wouId he Appropriate for the construction
of a prisopAdapted to our climate.
A copnittee from the jury visited
tho coVict camp, about seven miles
from Ie city A thorough and complete
insnotion was made of everything pertain
inc TO the cOnvicts-the food furnished
thin, their sleeping quarters and general
'sanitary CONDITIONAL of which have our
approval and commentator. We advise,
| though, that greater formality and care be
exercised in the matter of administering
corporal punishment to fractions convicts.
Admitting the occasional necessity of
such punishment, there should be a well
| defined limit, beyond which it should, under
no circumstances, pass. Punishment should
| be inflicted only in the presence of a re-
sponsible officer, who should be charged
with seeing that it does not exceed limit
| of absolute safety to the life and health Of
the prisoner.
Any system not thus guarded is frsught
with danger. We specially recommend a
consideration of this matter to the County
Commissioners, and respectfully urge our
views upon them.
The committee appointed to visit the
public schools were courteOusly received by
Mr.. w. H. Baker, the superintendent, who
offered every facility for proper inspec-
ton. The various school buildings were
found in 2 God order and the system of in
struction In them well adapted to the wants
of the young of the county.
There have been received during the past
year 4, 222 pupils, of whom 3,136 attended
the schools in the city, aud 10S6 in the
| county. The pupils in the high schools are
required to pay SO per month for instruction.
This tax has the effect Of keeping away from
the high school course the children whose
parents are unable to pay the amount. We
recommend therefore that tuition be entirely
| free throughout the whole scholastic course,
especially as we learn that this can be done
without any increase in the regular annual
appropriation of S35 000, which amount we
likewise recommend to be appropriated this
year.
The public roads OF the county we tind
to be IN good order, excepting a few small
| bridges on the Ogeechee road, which need
| immediate attention, and the Montgomery
road, in the vicinity of Hainer's bridge,
which Is also requiring considerable work
| The road through the Sabian rice fields IRE
| Gently made public road) has been reported
to US by citizen as almost impossible, but
! the report reached Us too late for us to give
a personal inspection.
In conclusion, we desire to express our
thanks to His Honor the Judge, the Solicit
tor General, and the officers of the court for
| courtesies extended and the facilities given
for the prompt discharge of our duties.