The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-09
THE GRAND JURY.
Waiting to Present a Batch of
Indictments.
A Complaint Against School Dirsctor-The
Chief OF Police Called as Witness-A
Crank's Plaint-siebe and burst

People with grievances, imaginary and
otherwise, haunt the witness-roOm when
ever the county inquisition Is in session.
"Cranks" they are styled by the Deputy
Sheriffs and policemen in attendance upon
the Grand Jury, but they are quiet and per-
sist in getting into the jury-room with de-
termination bordering on desperation.
The Grand Jury had not been in session
very long yesterday afternoon before q
wrinkled, little woman with scOwling face
and mourning attire, entered the witness
room and demanded that Deputy Sheriff
Stack at once escort her into the presence
of the secret tribunal.
whats your name?" asked the officer,
''and what do you desre?"
"My name," said she, sis Mrs. Mary Muir
ply, and l insist upon being heard at once.
What do 1 want? IT'S long story. but I'll
cut it short. You must all know that L was
the guardian of the four little children of
Colonel Alexander johnson. Well, sup
ported the little ones in princeiy style for
three years, and when the guardianship was
taken away from me by that Judge Coffey,
/ put in the modest board, lodging and
clothing bill of $500. Do you suppose /
got my money? Not much. They cheated
me out OF it."
WHO cheated You" asked Officer Martin
as he winked a. Detective Hogan and tapped
his forehead.
"Who cheated me?" continued the angry
woman In black as she waved huge para
sol wildly. Cheated! Cheated! l should
say | was cheated" and she named a num-
Der of prominent officials whom she accused
of having swindled her.
After waiting until o'clock Mrs. Murphy
was told to "call again and she returned
to her home on Clementina street.
AN AGGRIEvED JANITREss.
The first person summoned before the
jury as witness was Mrs. Jennie Robinson
Primary School. She told pathetic story
as to how she lost her position last June.
Her complaint, which has heretofore been
made to the Board of Education, is that
tied her at her house and demanded the
sum of $40 per month so that she could re-
tain her position, and that on that occasion
he made an attempt to kiss her.
A GREAT CITY VICE.
As Mrs. Robinson departed Chief of
Police Crowley, Captain Douglass and Ser
gean: Whitman put In an appearance in
response to subpenaes. They were kept
waiting some time before Chief Crowley
was admitted to the inner Sanctum. There
the head of the Police Department was
questioned III reference to proposed NUM-
cipal improvements and reforms, particu-
larry about the houses of bad repute. The
jury intends to make a long report on "yices
of a great city," and is considering the ad-
visibility OF recommending the licensing of
certain houses. The Chief expressed his
views briefly and was excused. Upol
emerging he did not take into his confidence
the men who waited outside to interrogale
him.
Captain Douglass was not called upon
and the Chief was followed outside by
Juror John A. lennon, who whispered a
question in his ear. 'Of course that has all
been explained" said the Chief the Cap
tain was in the East to examine the patrol
system and report. He did so satisfactor-
lily. Good-day."
THE JURY's BIG BOX.
The jury has a big tin box filled with tes-
timony aud indictments. This box is care
fully sealed after each adjournment and de-
posted IN vault in the Sheriff's office.
There are several scores of people in San
Francisco who would like to know-only cut
of curiOsity-iuSt what this box contains
Perhaps their wish will be gratified sooner
than they anticipate. for the jury will report
and unload the precious burden Immediately
after the Supreme Court renders decision
IN the BruGer case, provided 1t decides the
validity OF the body in the affirmative. Ii
Is known, however, that if the jury indicts
half OF the persons investigated the box
Will receive additions until Its proportions
are sweied to a greater extent than the
celebrated box OF Pandora.
Assessor Siebe is happy, for bird has
whispered that he will not be indicted in
connection with the lowering of the personal
property assessments.
burst Is MAD.
City and County Attorney burst is mad,
for the same winged messenger informed
him that If declared legal body the Grand
jury Will recommend his impeachment aud
removal from office. Mr.. burst thinks that
he can trace the action Of the jury to the
fine hand of expert Dunn, who was the first
TO call the jury's attention to the manipula-
ton OF the assessment rolls after they had
been turned over 10 the Tax Collector. The
reductions in the assessments were made by
order OF Mr.. Burst under the "clercal
error law. hut the trouble appears that
clerical "errors" alone were not remedied.
MIR. Dunn has personal grievance, and
was therefore cheerful witness before the
jury. He even went so far as to insist upon
Mr.. bursts indictment, and his eloQuence
was only quelled by his expulsion from the
jury-Toom.
An hour after dark last night the jury ad-
j0urned until Friday afternoon.