The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-02-22
THE GRAND JURY's WORK.
The Final Presentment Deals With
Various County Affairs.

After long and arduous session, the SUI
perior Court grand jury came into court
yesterday afternoon at 4 :45 o clock and male
its last presentmont. The court in finally
discharging the jurors complimented them
very highly upon their conscientious dis
charge Of duty and the zeal and earnestneSS
with which they had performed the labors
! imp )scd upon them during the term.
The following report, handed the Solici-
tor General by Foreman f. ID. Blo)dworth,
was read by Mr.. uuBignon IN open court,
after which the grand jurors were dis
charged:
To the Honorable the Superior court Of
The grand jury for the December term, 1897,
beg leave 10 submit the following general pre-
sentiments:
We have examined the books accounts and
vouchers of the Clerk Of the superior Court,
Tax Receiver, Tax Collector, County treasurer,
County Comm sslOue7s Ordinary ana Sher11,
ana have found same correct.
We cordially commend the systematic, pains
taking method employed by these officers in
keeping and caring for public records. We
deem 1t OF the highest Importance that records
Of such value should have better protection
than Gun be afforded them where they are now
kept.
The necessity for new court house, to which
our predecessors for years past have called atten-
ton, grow, more urgent.
The books Of the Justices Of the Peace exam
med by rs were apparently correct, except
those Of Thomas j. Sheftall and j. b. Fountain.
To these we have called the attention of the
Solicitor General
We have found the public roads in good condi-
ton. The committee appointed for that p1r-
pose made a thorough examination OF the con
wet camp and report the couvicts as apparent
ly well cared for and humanely treated.
Recent Investigations 10y the County Commits
SiOncrS confirm the published reports OF cruel
treatment Of the convicts by one OF the guards,
bat these officials have taken steps to secure If
possible the arrest and punishment Of the cul-
prit, who is now fugitive from justice.
The erection of hospital at the poor farm
and a stockade around the building 50 that the
cOnvicts may, with security. have open-a ex-
ercise on Sunday, are urgent matters which
we learn the Commissioners have now under
consideration.
The judcious system Of drainage which has
been carried on by convict labor under the dl-
rection Of the County Commissioners has re-
suited in improving the health OF the people
and in large increase in the value of prop
erty.
Our attention has been called by property
owners TO the necessity for drainage IN the i'm
mediate vicinity of the city on its southwest
border We have conferred with the County
Commissioners, who promise to undertake the
work at an early day.
The completion OF the new jail is a matter of
congratulation, as it enables the authorities to
securely keep prisoners awaiting trial without
subjecting them to the hardships which confine-
ment in the old jail necessarily entaied. There
are certain changes in the arrangement of the
furnace which will contribute to the security
from fire, and other alterations involving no
very great outlay, but which, in the judgment
of the committee, would add to the security of
the prison and add to the comfort Of the prison
ers, which have been brought to the attention
of the Commissioners. and which will no doubt
receive prompt attention. We have also sug
geSted TO the Commissioners that an arrange
menJ should be made whereby prisoners con
fined for light offenses, or held as witnesses,
may be allowed daily exercise in the open air.
We thank His Honor Judge Adams for his
able charge, ana for cOurtesies to this body, and
Solicitor General duBignon for counsel and
assistance in the discharge of our duties We
acknowledge our Indebtedness to the officers of
the court for courtesies shown us.