The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-12-08
AN ANGRY GRAND JURY.
Want the County Jail Improved
and Justices Rebuked,

The Grand Jury was discharged for the
term Yesterday. after it handed into
court twenty-nine indictments and three
p~resentments. In one Of these present.
nients the following appears
1.-THE Grand Inquest respectfully pre-
sents that in Jul Judgment it is expedi-
mt that a bridge be erected between the
County Jail and the Court House, to be
used for the conveyance of prisoners. At
present the taking of prisoners to and
fro is attended always by serious risks.
and has sometimes led to escapes and
misad venture. We have conferred with
our judges on this subject and they con-
cur in our suggestions. The bridge
should be a single span iron structure
and should be slightly as we'll as useful.
LAWRENCE PAGAN. f oreman."
The second presentment also relates to
the County Jail and reads thus:
1.-The Grand Inquest respectfully pre-
sents that the present holding capacity
of the County Jail is insufficient for the
healthful and safe keeping OF the number
of prisoners usually there. There is
great necessity Of having an extension
built 10 the present structure, of hav-
ing properly ventilated cells and a
modern bath and wash rooms. and
q properly constructed padded cell
for violent persons. These matters, we
think should be called to the of
the Freeholders.
LAWRENCE PAGAN. Foreman"
AFTER JUSTICES OF H PEACE
The third and last presentment Is one of
a most serious nature, and it sets forth a
truth that is known to hundreds of citi-
zens, to the disgrace of the County and it's
law authorities. The document says:
"To The Honorable the Court of Over and Ter
min = and General jail Deiiuert, SeDtem-
Der Term. 1901
1.-The Grand Inquest respectfully pre-
sents that it has many times come to the
knowledge of the Grand Inquest, during
the present term of court, that many
Justices of the Peace of Hudson county
are in the habit Of imposing upon ignor-
ant victims by charging them ex-
tortionate fees. The Justices of the
Peace are also in the habit of deputizing
citizens to act as constaples when no ne
cessity exist therefor. In fact. regular
specials are allowed to loiter around
the Justices offices, waiting for opportu
mites 10 be so deputized.
The conduct of the office of Justice of
the Peace has become very corrupt, and
poor persons ignorant of their rights, are
made the prey of the dishonest magis-
trates, and disgrace is cast upon the
office. These evils should be remedied,
aud, If necessary, proper legislation for
the benefit and protection of our people
be secured.
"The Grand Inquest has not presented
indictments in any of these cases that
nave come TO its notice. because in every
instance the evidence. owing to the ignor-
ance of the victims and the craftiness Of
the justices, has been SO confused as to
render a successful prosecution impos-
sible. The excessive charges were gene
rally demanded and obtained uuder color
| OF services rendered other thar those of a
strictly official character, although there
is little or no room to doubt that they
were always exacted from the unfortu-
nate complainants and defendants
through fear, Respectfully submitted.
LAWRENCE PAGAN, Fore man."