The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1894-10-29
On AND JURY REPORT.
A Synopsis Of It's Lsbors--Co =
siossrs Criticised--Csurt on
cials Cemplimsntsd.

1 lo HIS HONON, CHAS. IL. NTU ART,
Judge of the United States Court in
the Indian Territory:
We, your Grand Jury, beg to submit
the following report for the October
term OF court, at Ardmore, Third
judicial Division.
We have had submitted to us One
hundred and Thirty-two cases for our
consideration and verdict. Out Of
this number we have returned indict-
ments in Seventy-fve cases. leaving
Fifty-seven cases dismi, ,s"i ior want
Of sufficient evidence to convict. We
beg To submit that in view of this
disproportion, the courts Of original
inquiry be more careful in the inves-
tigation Of cases brought before them.
The record OF this grand jury shows
that nearly half Of the cases sent TO
them from the courts OF original In
quiry are OF light and frivolous char
acter, or have not evidence enough to
convict the accused. This practice
burdens the court with untenable
cases. creates an unwarranted expense
to the government, and works hard
ship upon the people at large.
/ We have visited the Jail and find
the prisoners are well fed, and as well
cared for rs the limited resources will
allow. The Jail is incapable OF accom-
modating properly the number fire.
quently imprisoned therein. Perhaps
the supply OF bedding could be en-
larged TO the comfort OF the prisoners,
we find that the cells are kept as
clean as circumstances will allow.
The sanitary aud yentilating condi-
tions OF the jail are as good rs can be
expected in the limited space. We
suggest the enlargement of the jail to
meet the demands. The Jail force
seems effective and prompt. We beg
leave to commend Marshal Stowe
and his deputies for their ready and
effective assistance to the grand jury
in our labors for the two weeks past
We also wish to acknowledge the
pleasant relations that have contin
ually existed between the grand jury
and the prosecuting attorney, Jack
son. and his afTable and untiring as
sistant. Mr.. Givens. the later remain
ing constantly with us from first tC
, last. willingly clearing away the mist
of difficult problems Of law. We car
not forcgo the pleasure OF compli
, menting our pleasant bailif, W. u
= Freeman, on the prompt service rem
e dercd the jury.
e 1t may be out OF our proper scope a
] grand jurors, but we take the libert
of commenting the active and vigor
Gus manner in which the honorable
court discharges the duties OF hi
oilice. This goes far to create
I healthy respect for the law, whil
promptly setting aside tn
spirit OF malice and petty pcrsecu
tions. We deem II only our duty L
: deplore the fact that this court /
n compelled ia try all larceny cases un
4, der the Federal statutes. Under thi
coudi' ion the court can only asses
the highest punishment at one yea
il iail, aad Dne Thousand dollars fine
: 4 man convicted Of stealing a traiI
= load of cattle, or any possible amount
can only be punished by Imprisonment
: OF one year. and fine of One thous
: and dollars. This is the highest pen
l. atty und2r the existing law, and tn
! defect should be remedied at once.
= We notice with regret the fact tha
+ the Indian Territory is being widel.
; advertised to the world as a land O
: outlaws and high handed crime
While the good people of the land ar
helpless to prevent existing condi
= tions, they are forced to lie under th'
: ban OF the civilized world. For tina
! reason, As well as many others, We ap
peal congress and to our brothers o
r every state, in the Union, to lend II
T their assistance in our battle for hom
: Jurisdiction. and human liberty. w
\ are under Federal control in LAM
4 where we have no voice In the laws @
o our country, and our wishes are no
: consulted in the appointment g
i officers. We are doing the best W
# can as people hoping and prayin
for judicial and political relief. Wit
v the power to elect our own officer
y and TO enforce our own laws, the hon
: or Of every good man is pledged tina
crime shall be suppressed, and tina
life and property will be as safe an
sacred here as in any state in tn
" Union.
y Respectfully submitted,
r. Il. Brown,
Enrpmnu