The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-02-03
GRAND JURORS.
PETIT JURY


+. NJ. Henderson, James Stefc,
#. M. JAY, l.. E. Stephenson,
D. S. Jones, >. W. Inarp.
S. q. Young.
The Solicitor gave out a number Of indict-
1nents, of which special mention will herca;-
ter be made. Before handing them to the
grand jury, his Honor charged them some
what after this fashion:
Charge Of the Judge to the Grand
Jury.
Mr.. foreman and Gentlemen Of the GrdndJtay:
AS this is the first term you have been called
upon to serve it becomes my duty to charge
YOU upon the Important public functions you
are called upon to perform. AS you know the
constitution and laws are intended 10 secure
the peace and good order of society. Moreover
under the law every citizen is guaranteed the
peaceful enjoyment Of his life, liberty and
property. You have doubtless heard 1t stated
IN the Court House, and 1t Is not Improper
that should state 1t here, that whilst society
recognizes distinctions and classes, before the
law all men stand on an equal footing. In the
Court House every man is entitled TO the same
treatment from the law, however humble or
however high he may be. Your first business
licitor.
The Court here instructed the jury how to
proceed upon the examination Of bills.
Continuing the Judge said: / suggest that
in bills for larceny you see that the name of
the owner is properly laid in the indictment.
The Solicitor depends upon the papers sent up
finds there. If it appears upon your examina-
tion that the name OF the owner of the prop
erty Ia not properly laid you should report 10
the Solicitor in order that he may give out an
other bill.
After you have passed upon the bills given
you there are other and important duties for
you. AS have said the laws are intended not
alone for general security but for the protec-
of tp,I I,.iA Irir hfC oil r.
der, arson, burglary or assault and battery
and offences of this nature have been com
lnitted upon the property or person OF q cltl-
zen it is the duty, of that citizen to bring
punished or others deferred by their example
from committing like offences. But there are
offences against society at large, which per-
ten unpunished because there are none to re-
rort them. The office Of inforiner is odious.
Where such offences come to your knowledse
supported by creditable evidence it is your
duty to present them in your general present
ment with the names Of witnesses-the time
and place of said offences. For instance, the
Legislature having the undoubte1 right. to
regulate the sale Of Intoxicating liquors, has
exercised it, and prohibited its sale without
license. Only incorporated towns and cities
can grant these licenses. If 1t comes to you
that persons are selling these liquors without
~ weapons concealed about the person is
m Ide D misdemcanor. The weapon must be
concealed from ordinary observation. If you
know of cases of violation Of this law you
should present them IN order that 1t may be
shown that II e NV, which is good one, shall
be en- lOrced and this pernicious practice stop
ped. Whatever our individual opinion of a
1,w we are sworn to enforce It, and 1t is only
this that oil necessity for mob violence which
is disgrace to our State, and our civilization
should cease, If 1t ever existed. 1t Is also your
duty to inspect the work and the records Of
public officials. 1t is not incumbent on any
man to accept office. But if he does accept 1t
he becomes a public servant and his official
conduct is subject to the supervision of the
proper officers, which officers you are. see
here q bill for official misconduct. 1t is not
the fault of the law If guilty or incompetent
plen remain in office. The law is explicit and
adequate and provides for the punishment of
offending officials. If any officer is guilty Of
kabtual drunkenness, or habitually neglects
his business or is corrupt. or Is guilty OF fraud
in office, or oppression, he onght NOS TO re-
main In Office. 1t is q scandal to the public
service.
The County Commissioners have large pow
crs. They nave supervision of public build
tngs, OF the poor house, Of roads and of bridges
You ought to see that they are properly dis
charging these important duties. You ought
also 10 see that the trial justices present their
you examine into the suf1iciency of The bonds
given by public officers. This IS primarily the
duty Of the County commissioners, and l
lave no doubt they attended to ii. But bonds
through the vlcissitudes OF business, or death
of the sureties, be now worthless. This, there
fore. demands your attention.
l know OF nothing else that I need now
charge you upon. Consider the bills given
you and report at o'clock.
The Judge sounded the calendar and found
no cases ready for trial.
Solicitor Orr gave notice that a motion was
pending to change the venue in the Ferguson
Ease. Counsel were not ready and Court ad-
journed at twelve o'clock till three o'clock to