The Florida agriculturist., 1889-10-02


motives.
If you do not believe from the evidence that he
published said article in the county of Volusia,
you do not believe from the evidence that it is
lbelous, or if it was so published and libelous
you believe from the evidence that the matter
was true and was published for good motives,
you will find the defendant mot guilty.
The presumption of law is in favor of innocence,
and the defendant is entitled to the benefit of
cry reasonable doubt as to his guilt.
You are the sole judges of the weight of the tes-
timony, as well the credibility of the witnesses.
The jury retired and returned in about
two hours with verdict of ''guilty as
charged in the Indictment" with rec
ommendation of mercy.
The grand jury Of last week returned
true bill against J. H. Benjamin, mur-
der in the first degree. Mr.. Benz amin
was arrested and put in Jail. A change
of venue was applied for by his counsel
and granted, and the trial set for Octo-
Der 29th in Orange county.
The case of the State VS.. Mary Lynch
and Jol Lancaster, adultery, was con-
tinued for the term.
1. A. Stewart and J. D. Beggs were
appointed to examine in to Mr.. j. D.
Broome's, Jr., qualifications for admis-
sion to the bar. The report having been
subsequently made, Mr. Broome was
sworn in as an attorney.
In the case of the State VS.. Floyd Aus
tin, the prisoner pleaded guilty to man
slaughter in the fourth degree, which
plea was accepted by the State and the
prisoner sentenced to three months in
the county Jail.
In the case of the State VS.. Daniel
Douglas, assault with intent to murder.
the jury returned a verdict of ''not
guilty"
The grand jury then came into court
and made their final presentment, as
follows:
PREsENTMENT OF THE GRAND JURY.
To the Honorable John d. Broome, Judge of the
Seventh Judicial Circuit of VOIuSia County,
Florida.
We, the grand jury, of Volusia county,
at the fall term of 1889, having disposed
of all business brought before us, or of
which we have personal knowledge, do
most respectfully tender this, our final
preSentment.
We have, by an able committae of the
grand jury, examined the offices of the
several county officers, county buildings,
ETC., with result as shown by report of
said special committee as follows:
Report of Special Committee
The committee appointed to investigate county
offices, buildings, ETC., beg leave to report
OFFICE OF COUNTY JUDGE
We found books, papers and everything neat
and in order, but would recommend that the Of
flee be furnished with more conveniences, which
seem now to be insufficient.
COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE
we find in good cOndition-books, papers and
documents-and everything well arranged for
but would recommend additional room for the
increasing business.
OFFICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION
we find in most deplorable condition. not
worthy the name of room, and without going
into details we would urge without delay the re-
pair of the office, or some more suitable room
furnished for such al Office. But the books, pa
pers and vouchers in first-class condition,
well and properly kept.
OFFICE OF COUNTY TREASURER
we find in good condition-books, papers and
vouchers all well, neat and nicely kept.
OFFICE OF TAX COLLECTOR
your committee was unable to find, as there is no
such office in the county. We, however, found
the collector and his books and papers. He stated
that he did not have an office, and was compelled
to transact his business in offices belonging to
9TH pt those offices