The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1893-03-02
The Spring Term Opened by Judge
BOykin.
HIS CHARGE TO The GRAND JURY.
Criminal Frauds" was the Theme of
His Charge-A Number of Cases on
the Docket Thomas Vincent to be
Tried for the Murder of Fred Sher-
relI-OnIy One Weeks Term

Judge Boykin's charge to the jury
was mainly on the line of Criminal
Frauds" and he handled his subject
in very able and convincing manner.
He said that he had been Informed
since his arrival in this city that
there were. forty prisoners in the
county Jail awaiting action of the
Grand jury.
This, said the Juege. is phenome-
nal and remarkably unusual and there
must be cause for such large dock
ct for Grand Jury. 1t is your duty
as such to use all vigilance in discov-
ering it.
1T may be- said the Judge, "be-
cause of the character of certain en-
terprises conducted in your county
and again because of the character OF
employees therein"
One thing is evident and confronts
you as a body, the law must be enforc-
ed and the law has provided that the
chief channel shall be Grand Jury
duly sworn.
1t devolves upon you to examine
carefully and conscientiously into all
violations of the law. This is very
disagreeable duty but as such an Off
Ger, it is one that must not be shirked.
Law does not require you to report
petty inSigniffcance and unlmportant
offences that do not materially effect
society or hinder the rights of citizens.
Law is not intended as machine
of oppression but rather as an agency
for the advancement of liberty.
There are complaints coming up
from various parts of the country as
to partiality used in the bringing of
offenders to justice. This is not as it
should be- Justice should be melted
out to all without regard to personal
likes or the position in life occupied
by the offender.
Failure to punish yiolators of the
law is sometimes attributable to the
petit juries, but very often it is be-
cause of the laxity and inactivity of
the Grand Jury.
In discussing the various offences
that would come before the Grand
Jury, Judge Boykin dwelt especially
on Criminal Fraud" which he dis
cussed under the head of false pre-
tense, sembeZzlement, forgery, false
weights and measures, unlawful dis
position of property upon which there
is lien, with;intent to defraud.
The Judges explanations and illus
trations of these offences were point
ed and practical and elected many
compliments from members of the
bar, and others in attendance.
The Judge further charged the jury
to visit the county home Of the aged
and infirm, and county jail and to see
to it that they were well kept and the
inmates properly and carefully cared
for.
There are III cases on the State
docket and 81 on the civil for
this term. 1t is quite probable that
the civil docket will not be reached as
court will only sit for one week.
The only capital case to be tried is
that of Thomas Vincent, colored, who
stands charged with the murder of
Fred Sheriff., colored, in Winston,
last year. J. S. Fits, colored, will
appear for the defendant.
Judge Boykin has the reputation Of
being one of the best Superior Court
Judges in North Carolina and his
charge to the grand jury Monday
exemplif1ed that statement to be cor
rect. He believes in dealing out JUS
tice to all men alike, regardless of
their social standing.
The Judge has the capacity too for
transacting business in progressive
and businesS-like. manner.
Solicitor Barber, like Judge Boykin,
is "good one" Considering his ex-
perience and acquaintance, he is sue
ceeding admirably. He is handling
the docket with great credit, and the
general opinion is that he only
needs a little practice to make him
one of the finest solicitors to be found
in North Carolina.
The grand jury for this term is COM
posed of the following named gentle
men:
J. Q. Hutchins, w. E. Griffith, 7. R.
Hunter, G. W. Grim, c. A. Hall, e. B,
league, P. r. Banner, G. G. Reed, t.
W. Griffith, &c. w. Smith, J. A. 1.
Phelps, w. N. Whicker,-A. B. Mock,
Y. S. Corum, J. w. Shipley, w. III.
Clark, G. w. Hedrick, A. M. Smith.
During the session of court Monday
afternoon there was chalk" and il
appears that nobody was to blame fol
it. After a jury had been empanelle6
for the trial of case the Judge re
quested Clerk Stafford to call over tn,
names of therjurymen. He did so and t.
his surprise he foundlt that he had onl,
eleven names recorded, notwithstand
ing there were twelve men in the box
all of whom answered promptly to tn
roll call. Here was where the hitcl
came in. The Judge and lawyers wer
ready for the trial to proceed but tn
clerk said he could do nothing unit
he unrayelled the mystery.
ssCall the names over again." sal,
the Judge. This was done, but tn
same thing was repeated. .Wha
shall do?" was the next question tina
presented itself to the clerk.
Call their names again." said tn
Judge.
The s.third and last trip. broagh
~ Tor NJ CT ,irrI,<
two John w. Freemans in the boz
Each arose and explained who b
was, after which the trial proceede
without further trouble.
There are three j. w. FreemanS i
Forsyth, but, the third one, fortur
ately, happened not to be on the jury
Thomas Vincent was arraigned bt
fore the court this morning charge
with the murder of Fred Sherrel
The bill of Indictment was read t
the prisoner by Solicitor Barber afte
which the defendant plead not guilty
Sheriff Macarthur was instructed
which to select a jury. The trial wa
set for $50 Thursday morning.
The following is list OF the case
disposed of since court opened:
State vs. Spencer Burton, larcen
and receiving; defendant plead guilty
is months ON public roads.
State vs.. VIII Hartgrove, indic1
nent, gaming; defendant plead guilt.
kned $40 and cost.
State VS.. Sim BrannOn. ARRAY; iud&
nent suspended on payment OF cost.
State rs. Dicey Nichols and Williar
iebQls, affray; William Nichols nc
Ricey guilty and fined $50 an
enter into bond In the SUI
IN the 71naf.sz