Birmingham age-herald., 1895-03-22

of the internal revenue laws, yet very large number, and, as we are informed, a much greater per cent than is usual, were for such offenses as counterfeiting, viola tions of postal laws, violations of pension laws, perjury, and for ecta to intim1date witnesses or otherwise impede the adminis- tration of justice in this court.
 We have, through committee of our body, examined and inspected the county jail of Jefferson county, in which a number of United States prisoners are confined, and have investigated the manner or thelr treat ment and comfort generally, ana we report that, there being two jails joined by cor ridor, the sheriff keeps the white prisoners in one iail and the coored prisoners in the other, and gives each-United States pris- oners as well as state prlsoners-the same treatment and attention. We fiud that the prisoners get two meals each day; in the morning they have bread and meat In sum- cient quant iIies, and at the afternoon meal, in addition to bread and meat, they have one kind of vegetable. For a change, for dinner on Sunday and Wednesday morn ings they are given biscuits and syrup, and twice week they have beef and soup TOT the afternoon meal. Any prisoner has the privilege of taking syrup instead or meat at any time if be so desires.
 The jail is properly heated and ventil- ated, and is kept in good condition.
 The prisoners have regular phy sieian to attend them when sick, and, when illness requires it. the sick are removed to sep. arate building used as hospital, and dur ing their sickness they are given such food as the physician prescribes.
 We found no good reason for complaint on tue part of the prisoners as to food, medicine, bedding or attention, all being as good as could be expected in their condi- ton and circu instances.
 Without any intention to reflect upon the honesty or energy of any of the presentoi- ficias, whom we believe to bo in every way nd of hR "a to suggest that the method known as the tfee systemp of paying court officers for service is not the best for public interest. It seems the marshal and district attorney each, as the maximum for year, may make S60G0. We have no view to express as 10 tho value of the services rendered by either of these officers to the government. It is apparent that the possibilities of fee making by those officials depend on the number or prisoners prosecuted success fully or otherwise.
 We suggest that some system of compen- sating, them could easily be devised by con- gress that would limit or materially lessen the number of cases coming before the grand jures to be prosecuted for other than public in nterest.
 We suggest that the district attorney should not receive any fees as compensa- tion for hIs services; that he should be paid as the judge is paid, by an annual salary. The "iee system,' in the nature or things, we suggest, will ma ke district attorney more partisan than judicial. We think he should have common judicial purpose with the judge in the enforcement of the laws of the United States. We suggest that the public does not secure under such a system the most efficient or satisfactory methods of enforcing the laws, and that 1t should be modified or discon inued by con- gress.
 may be that the marshal should bs paid in some part (say one-half of the pres- ent maximum sum allowed) by a fixed salary, and be allowed the balance in fees.
 We think that more difficulties are brought before the commissioners for hear ing thun the public interest requires, and that such thing is largely attributable to the fee system.
 Under the fee system we suggest that the deputy marshals have large inducement, If they do not in fact, to secure affiants to make complaints against parties charging them with crime, often times not in the interest of the public good. s
 We ask to express our thanks to the judge of the court for bis lucid charge to us at the beginning of our labors, and for his uniform kindness and courtesy towards us during our sitting, and also to the other officers of the court, all of whom have been prompt to aid us, to attend our calls, and courteous in their dealings with us.
 Having performed our duty we ask to be discharged. Respectfully,
 w. F. LYMAN, Foreman F
 SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.
 The following supplemental report, as to the terrible accident which happened yesterday in the federal building. was made by the grand jury:
 To the Hon. Alex Boarman, judge presiding March term 1895, of the United States cir
 cult and district court for the southern di-
 vision of the northern district of Aiabama;
 We, the grand jurors beg leave to report upon the matter given us especially in charge this forenoon. We state that we have investigated the matter of the tragedy which happened in the government build- ing yesterday afternoon. We have caused to come before us quite number of wit nesses whose testimony in the main agrees, and we find that no criminal responsibility or liability attaches to the person in charge of the elevator or other persons. The tes- timony shows 1t to be one of those un nfortu- nate accidents which should not occur, but often do without criminal negligence or in- tent. Respectfully,
 w. F. LYMAN,
 March 21, 1895. Foreman.
 After the reading of the report the jury was discharged by Judge Boarman.
 Indictments were reported as follows:
 G. c. Ray, Walker county; violating postal laws.
 Bill Whitley, Cherokee county; intim l. dating United States witnesses.
 Lawson l.. Melton, Leonauds Price and Frank Box, St. Clair county, violating postal laws.
 CRIMINAL COURT.
 Yesterday Judge Greene, of the criminal court, overruled Heury Wimberly's ap- plication for a new trial. Wimberly WAS recently convicted and sentenced to term of nine years in the peniteniiary for rob. Ding Rev. MT. Stiff near Mary Lee in De. cember.
 Judge Greene signed the minutes of the January term yesterday afternoon and court now stands adjourned until Monday {, April 1, on which date the spring term be- gins.
 CITY COURT.
 Ike Green, by his next friend, has filed suit against the Alabama Great Souther Q Railroad company for S5O00 damages for