Huntsville gazette., 1882-02-25
REPORT OF GRAND JURY.
FEBRUARY TERM, 1882.

To the Hon. Fl. C. Speake
AS Grand Jurors Of M,d!son County.
Spring Term Circuit Court, regularly drawn
and sworn sccording to the requirements of
the law, We beg leave to report that after
fifteen days of arduous iabor. to wlich We
have given, as far as possible, our calm and
deliberate Judgment submit the following
result
We have patiently investigated every in
fraction of law and only from preponder-
ance of testimony, have without fear, favor
or affectio-, endeavored to discharge the
unpleasant and responsible duties Of our
Office. We have also examined the books
Of the County Treasury and find them COR
rect. Also, Probate Judges Fee Books
Tax Collectors and Assessors Books, and
find every department thorough and in
strict sccerdance with law.
The bonds of County Officials we dnd
amply sufficient and secure, but would sug-
gest that the bonds of some Juislces of the
odCC III NdIlOub etCtlOuS VI Iu0 COuHtJ Oc
strengthened. We recognise the difficulty
of obtaining, almost without remuneration,
competent persons to discharge important
magisterial functions, yet the safety Of
communities and the business interests of
all classes should be secured by able and
sufficient protection.
Wo hou thnrOnuhlu o,,,iv cd anu
ty Jail. and find every thing safe and Sc
cure. and some urgent and necessary re
pairs already going on. Prisoners. as far
AZ possible, accomplishing rs to treatment
and provisions, yet the common dictates 'bf
humanity would here suggest some farther
sanitary measure for the health and protec-
regard the prison safe and secure, we re-
coguise also the painful fact that its pres
ent ventilation is totally inefficient. That
fault is however in the construction of the
building, and how the difficulty can be
remedied would be for some competent ar
chitect to suggest. We feel, however, that
unless some changes are made upon the
lower floors. pestilence and disease, will be
the inevitable result; and here let US make
an appeal to Christian charity. Many of
the prisoners are fas from home, frie ndless
aud foEtaksa. almost nahsA ana destitute,
and while thsy may b guilty Of crime, We
. ,ould M e.: . that they are human be :
ings and entitled 70 sympathy aud charita-
BILE consideration.
We would also recommend that proper
room be set apsrtfor lunatics, separate and
apart from the other inmates Of prison life,
uatil they can be sent to some asylum OF
other means secured for their protection
and safety.
We recommend also thorough white
washing of the premises OF lie and in
side, at least twice year and every 9th
er sanitary arrangement carefully over
looked aud guarded.
The working of the public roads Of the
CO inty has been a subject Of much thought
The present eystem is almost inadequate
for the public good. Much difficulty is
experienced in obtaining hands at the
proper time, &C. How the difficulty can
bus obvimted will have to b. left to future
legislation. but We believe that the poll
OF the various sections, if properly app lice
under contract, would be far preferable tC
the present plan This system We can on
ly suggest, thinking that it will meet the
approi alton Of all parties.
FINANCIAL REPORT
We have carefully examined the Book
in the Trsasurer's Office and find them wei
kept sources of revenue and expenditures
OF the county of easy reference and readil,
understood The amount Of money Oh
band in the County Treasury on the Isl
february, 1882, s3,37a.14
We herewith submit il condensed repor,
as taken from the books Of the Treasurer
from LIST Au ,',st. 1881, to 1st February
1882
1881,
August /. Balance on hand. - 81 ,838. 81
Sept. 16 Reut Jail lot, .... sou
1881
January. Collsetion on taxes. '19, 1873. 81
= Lacs~sess':.s.,.... oo. =
~ HPaa4>hG{asn~ 1913 0C