The record-union., 1895-06-29


tain the condition OF said street. We find
that the railroad company are occupying g
all OF the sidewalk and portion of the
west side OF said street for the purpose OF
storing iron, coal, etc. They also main
tain two tracks, occupying the center and
a considerable portion OF the remainder
of the street 10 such an extent as to pre-
vent the use of said street by the prop
erty-owners living on the eastern side
thereof, who should have the use OF at
least one-half of said street. This matter
is now in litigation in the Superior Court
OF this county, and as remedy, and TO
afford the relief asked for, we recon-
mend that the railroad company con-
struct bulkhead on the eastern line OF
said street, and I'LL the same up to the
hight of the present tracks, and plank
between the rails of the easterly track on
said street.
We have been assured by their presenta-
tlves OF the railroad company that any
reasonable recommendation made by tins
Grand Jury would be cheerfully COM
piled with. We believe the above propo-
sltiOn TO be a fair one, and due TO the
property owners on said street.
VIOLATING THE PURITY OF ELECTION
LAWS.
We have given much time and have
examined many witnesses in relation 10
the violation Of the purity OF election
laws, which seems to have been done
with lmpunity by many persons. EX-
ceptlng III a few instances, however, we
have been unable to obtain sufficient
evidence TO warrant US In finding indict-
ments, although we are of the opinion
the law has been tiagrantly violated and
that the guilty parties should be prose-
cuted.
FEEDING COUNTY PRISONERS.
The Supervisors have entered into a
contract with the Sheriff whereby he is
allowed for feeding prisoners OF the
county % cents per day and I24 cents ad-
dltlOnal for all prisoners working at rock
breaking and other work. This price
we believe to be excessive. The daily
average number OF prisoners in the
County Jail is 90 and are fed ut cost Of
SIS % a day, aggregating $S43 10 per
month, or $40, l25 per year.
Owing to the very low price of food
products we believe the cost shonld not
exceed ID cents day, with an additional
amount OF J cents per day for those who
engage in hard labor, which would make
saving to the taxpayers OF the county of
Sll 70 per day, $}31 90 per month, or
81, $50 per year.
The Sheriff being paid very liberal
salary and perquisltes we think he should
be allowed but little if any more than
actual cost for feeding the prisoners, aud
we believe il can be done for the above
named price, and leave a sufficient profit,
as the county furnishes 1uel, stove,
dishes, etc, the labor of cooking being
all performed by the prisoners. We
most earnestly recommend that such re-
duction be made.
FUNDED DEBT COMMISSION.
The Grand Jury entered into very
full investigation of the transactions of
the Bonded Debt Fund Commission of
Sacramento City. A number of promi-
nent citizens. who have given this sub
ject much consideration, appeared be-
fore the jury and gave their views and
OF the condition of the
clty's bonded debt, and their views in
reference to rounding same. Sparrow
Smith, one of the Commissioners, ia
VOred us with his views on these ques-
tions. as did G. ii. Cummings, the other
Commissioner, who brought before us
the bonds aud coupons now held by the
Funded Debt Commissioners, which
were all examined and the bonds were
counted III our presence. The mum bers
and amounts were found to correspond
with the report as made by the Commits
siOners.
While we are fully aware that the work
Of the Bond Commission IN the past has
been Of great benefit 10 the city, we be-
lleve that but very little more could be
accom- plished by it, and it is therefore the
opinion of the Grand Jury that the Trus-
tees OF The city should refund the bonded
Indebtedness with new serial (forty-year)
bonds, not including interest on bonds
due in 1888 and 1898, with interest at per
cent. per annum. providing that all bonds
outstanding, past due and TO become due,
be surrendered for new bonds at not to
exceed par.
We are informed that there is now about
ONE HUNDRED AND TwENTY-oNE THOU
SAND DOLLARS
In the hands of the City Treasurer to the
credit of the sinking and interest fund.
We recommend that the Mayor, Board of
Trustees, City Treasurer and runded
Debt Commissioners agree upon some
plan or terms whereby this large amount
OF money may be used in payment of the
Clty's indebtedness, thereby stopping in
terest on that amount.
CITY JAIL-WATER WORKS.
On May 7th the jury visited the City
Jail, Police Courtroom, Water Works
building, etc, and found all in as good
condition as could be expected.
The jail in particular is clean and prop
erly cared for. The pumping plant for
the City Water Works is about to be re-
condition OF the present pumps was
necessary. The jury would suggest to
the Board OF Trustees of the city that a
thirty y-siX-inch main be placed as far east
as Sixteenth street; also, that the receiving
pipe be extended to point above the
mouth of the American River.
The Board of Trustees having en-
ployed competent expert to examine
the city's books, ETC., the jury id not
II r adj viz II Ia to INF hot
alton.
THEATER EXITS.
Complaint having been made to the
jury charging that the exits from the
Theater were not sufficient,
a committee was appointed from the Jury
who reported that the exits are sufficient,
and that this Lheater, as well as the
Clunie Opera house, seating 200 persons
each, can be completely vacated in two
minutes time.
HOUSES OF ILL-FAME.
Regarding the houses of prostitution on
l. street, the attention of the Jury was
called TO the matter, but as no evidence
Or complaint was furnished US, we could
not see the way clear to act. We believe
If the laws regulating these matters were
properly enforced by the police depart
ment OF the city the evil would be cor
recled, as it is clearly in the power OF
the Mayor and Board of Trustees to COM
pei the police officers so to do. Subdi-
vision 10, Section 70, of the charter of
City. gives the Trustees the
power TO regulate, prohibit or suppress
All houses of ill-iame. etc.
THE LEGISLATIVE SCANDAL.
4 few days before the adjournment of
he last Legislature charges OF very
grave character were made by one mem
Der OF the Senate against another mem Der
lf that body. Said charges were investi-
gated by a com mmittee OF the Senate, but
owing TO the limited time at their com
naud they were unable 10 make a full in
yestigation and SO reported to the Senate,
and asked to have the matter referred TO
.his Grand Jury.