San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1886-03-04
opinion and simply devote yourself to on

opinion and simply devote yourself to on
forcing the law.
This is the most important principle In
our government. That deep, strong feel
ing of the citizen that this is free govern
ment because each one obeys the law which
he helps TO make, that lie freely submits to
TO whatever is tho law--where that prevails
You will find that deep reverence for 1t and
its purity and tho nlsintainance OF tho order
and symmetry of society.
Yon must absolutely disregard your pri-
vate feelings, and as citizen representing
public opinion, secure to it in the manner
which the law has indicated, that power
and that influence upon society that 1t ought
to have.
The people of the town Of San Marcos and
other towns in your County arc noted for q
quiet, orderly disposition. The people,
whenever this is tho condition of society
the intelligent and good men Of such COM
munities- have an opportunity of pursuing
the higher purposes Of society, tho higher
aims Of civilization, You know perfectly
well, if law is generally violated in this COM
munity, if individuals are not safe, families
are not secure, ifyou are not secure in the pos
session Of your property, you can not give
attention to the schools, churches, and con-
| tribute to those homo influences that should
be cultivated. All those educational intlu-
ences which prepare men for those higher
conditions of life are only to be secured
when the citizons are vigilant, are earnest
in enforcing the law and the impression
given out that no men who defy the inter
ests of society and violate the law can hope
to escape with impunity. You havo then
the foundation, and your schools and church
es will build up and in pursuing higher pur-
poses you will know more, Accommodations
will increase and you will build tho struc-
turo Of society for which you have laid the
foundations,
II is true your County is comparatively q
good County, it is not lawlcss compared
with other counties, but it is your duty to
maintain it j II that condition. This is only
possible by the exercise of the greatest vigi-
lance. The Grand Jury should determine
with zeal and fidelity to discharge its duties
By this means alone can you maintain so
ciety in that condition.
Every time time tho Grand Jury leaves
| and goes homo each one OF you ought 10
feel that you have helped to create a moral
atmosphere, that you have done some good.
You ought to discharge your duties in CON
nection with the general interests OF society
You out TO feel that You have benefited 80
ciety at large--havo helped civilization,
1 do not know OF any particular otfense to
which would coll your attention. 1t was
suggested to mo to call your attention
to the game laws, certain provisions of the
statutes prohibiting the killing of those ami
ma s during certain seasons; it naturally
belongs to ono of those kind Of offenses that
will not receive the attention of individuals.
I call your attention especially to it,-look
after il and enforce,it.
While have pointed out to you the i'm
portance of giving your attention to mij,
demeanors will also suggest to you that
you, during the first two days, may DO o
week, will give your chief attention to fol
onios. The District Attorney will DO in
your room aud you will have the benefit OF
| his advice,