Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-09-10
Justice of Peace Reports.

A short time ago the Common Council
decided to investigate the workings of the
justice courts, as exemplifled by the JUS
tices of peace, and from reports we have
heard, we believe such ought to be done.
The fines go to the school library fund,
and we suggest that the Board Of Educa-
ton examine the justice books and see
II the fines have been properly turned
over. There are plenty OF other matters
In connection with said courts that also
need investigating. In some cases per-
sons have been arrested for violation Of
the city ordinances, and 1t Is claimed the
money belongs to the county, when 1t
should go into the city treasury. 1t Is
the business Of the justice to notify the
city attorney in such cases, so that the
city can be properly represented. Inves-
tigation of the county treasurers books
brings to light the fact that no fines have
been turned over to the county, except
from Justice Cavanagh.
We also wonder why no attempt has
been made to prosecute the liquor cases.
The marshal entered complaints about
two months ago against several firms for
violation Of the liquor law, and as yet no
action seems to have been taken. Who
Is at fault? Surely not the Marshal.
We submit the following, which shows
the number OF arrests, amount of fines
collected and paid over to the city treas
urer, and the amount of Justice Clothier's
bill, for the months of April, May, June,
July and August Of last year, as compar-
ed to the record of Justice Gjorud for the
corresponding five months Of this year.
Justice Clothiers record shows 81 ar
rests amounts of fines paid over to the
city treasurer, $4,000; his bill against
the city, $77.95; which shows a balance
in favor of the city of $15.05.
Justice Gjorud's record shows 80 ar
rests amount of fines paid over to the
city treasurer, $4542; his bill against
the city, $1,000; showing a loss to the
city Of $61.58.
Gjorud had two more arrests than
Clothier during the five months, and yet
his charges against the city were $29.05
more than Clothier's, while the amount
Of fines turned over to the city treasurer
by Gjorud was $47. SO less than Clothier
turned over to the city treasurer for the
same length Of time.
We do not claim that Gjoruds record
Is wrong. but In view of the great differ
ence between the two records, Alderman
Comstock was but doing his duty as an
alderman when he moved to reconsider
the. action Of the Common Council and
called for thorough investigation Of the
books OF the justice.
We trust the committee appointed by
the Common Council will carefully exam
inc the records on the subject. 1t Is their
duty to do so, both in justice to the city
and the justice Of peace.
The Board OF Education should also
appoint committee to examine into the
matter and see II the school library has
received the amount of fines that law
fully belong to It, Sec. 7112 Howelrs
statue requires that
All fines imposed by any such court,
IL paid before the accused is committed,
shall be received by the magistrate who
constituted the court before which the
accused was convicted, and by such ma
gistrate paid over to the county within
thirty days after the receipt thereof, to
be distributed according to law.