The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1891-02-14
Report of the Grand Jury.

Dist District Court, for st. Martin parish.
We the Grand Jurors impaneled and
sworn to do and make inquery into the
violations of law occurring in this parish
Of st. Martin, beg leave to present this
our final report.
We have examined all cases and
charges sent up by the different justices
of the peace throughout the parish and
handed us for investigation by the Clerk
and from said charges have found eight
true bills-seven not true bills, making
in all 10 cases or charges examined by
| us.
There are many laws. such as the SUM-
day LA W, carrying concealed weapons,
selling liquor to minors and many other
misdimeanOrs We could mention which
are openly violated but yet, we have no
evidence before us on any one Of these
laws and hence have taken 10 action on
them.
We recommend and trust the officers
of the parish whose duty as such, it it TO
see that the laws are enforced, keep a
more yigilant eye and report all viola
lions.
We have visited the Jail and found the
prisoners well cared for and express
themselves as well satisfied with the
quality and quantity of food furnished
them. The Jail itself is in need of re-
pairs, there is hole cut through the
same for a stove pipe to pass. This hole
makes it very easy matter for a pri-
soner to make his escape. There is also
needed in said Jail water pipe to convey
water in different parts of the Jail.
We recommend the Police Jury to
make these necessary repairs at once
for the safe keeping Of those charged
and convicted of crimes and for the
health and cleanliness of the Jail.
We further recommend the Police Ju-
ry to have painted the floor of the vault
where the records are kept, also to have
shelves put in said vault.
We think it more than advisable and
proper that our Court House and more
especially our Court Room should be re.
fitted and Some comfort given those who
give their time to the public.
The Court Room is sadly in need of
lights and lamps for night sessions
which are invariably held during the
criminal terms; it needs also better
means of heating the room during the
winter, and last but not least, some ac-
comodations and comfort should be pro-
vided for the petty jurors who have to
spend nights in the jury room, locked
up in the performance of public duty.
Hence it is we recommend that mas
much as the parties attending Court are
taxpayers, that the Police Jury furnish
or instruct the Sheriff to furnish the
Court room with adequate lamps to ena-
BILE the transaction of business; that
they purchase for the sole use of the
jury under such circumstances as are
herein contained "cOts" for their comfort
and so as to make them better able and
qualified Lv means of rest and queit |
sleep to pass upon and do justice to the
matters submitted to them and also for
the protection Of their health.
The public bridge at Breaux Bridge is
in a very bad condition and in need of
repairs, and We recommend
and urge the Police Jury to make all
needful and necessary repairs without
delay.
We have made inquiry as to tresspass
on the school lands and obstruction of
streams but failed to find any
evidence showing that these two laws
have been violated.
This completes our labor and we pray
your Honor to be discharged. With
thanks TO the officers of the court for
their uniform kindness and material
aid; We are
Respectfully,
ALBERT j. THOMAS,
Feb. 18th 1891. Foreman