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 t~wenty-nine indictments and three
presentments. in one of these present
ments the following appears:-
"The Grand Inquest respectfully pre-
sents that in our Judgment it is expedi-
mt that a bridge be erected between the
County Jail and the Court House, to be
used for tine conveyance of prisoners. At
present the taking of prisoners to and
fro is attended always by serious risks.
and has sometimes led to escapes aud
misad venture. We have conferred with
our judges on this subject and they con-
cur in u suggestions. The bridge
should be a single span iron structure
and should be slightly as well as useful.
LAWRENCE PAGAN. brennan"
The second presentment also relates TO
the County Jail and reads thus:
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 to the present structure, of law
lug properly ScnttltucQ CcllS duN Il
modern bath and wash rooms, and
a properly constructed padded cell
for violent persons. These matters, we
think should be called to the attention of
the F~reeholders.
LAWRENCE PAGAN, Foreman"
AFTER JUSTICES OF THE 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:s
"Io the Honorable the Court of Over and Ter
min,r and General jail Deliverl, Septem-
ber Term. 1871
''The Grand Inquest respectfully pre-
sents That 1T 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 exists therefor. In fact. regular
specials" are allowed to loiter around
the Justices offices, waiting for opportu
mites TO be so depulized.
'.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 upop the
| office. These evils should be remedied,
and, if necessary. proper Legislation for
the benefit and protection of our people
be secured.
"The Grand Inquest has not presented
indictments in ans of these cases that
have 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 under color
OF services rendered other than those of a
strictly official character. although There
is little or no room to doubt that they
were always exacIed from the unfortn'
nate c~omplAinants and defendants
through fear. Respectfully submitted.
a. LAWRENCE PAGAN, Foreman