The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-07

grand jury to the existing evils the judge
could go no further until action should
be taken Upon the suggestions thus made
NO INDICTMENTS POUND.
It is understood that no indictments
have been brought against Jackson city
gamblers, as a result of Judge Chiches-
ter's charge 10 the grand jury. Ii Is
said that the Jury brought in a num-
her Of indictments for chicken stealing.
fighting and minor offenses, but, as far
as Jackson City matters were concerned.
they were in the same boat with all the
other officials of Alexandria county,
They could not get any evidence.
THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY TALKS.
Mr.. r. w. Johnson is the prosecuting
attorney Of Alexandra county--"hat
might be called the executive officer OF
the law I'm that section. A Star reporter
who went to Alexandria TO interview
Mr. Johnson was directed 10 the race
track TO find him, as he Is the owner OF
several os which he runs on the
AIexang and track-the course that
is imm, lely adjoining Jackson city.
YESTERDAY was an off-day at Alexander
Island. but Mr.. Johnson was found al
the St. Asaph track, where he Willingly
consented TO talk upon Jackson CITY
matters.
He said that no one is more anxious or
willing to break up the violations OF
law at Jackson City than himself, and
that he will vigorously prosecute any
cases brought before him, in which evil
dence is presented. 4 He said the trou-
BILE lies In the difficulty in getting evil
dence. in obtaining reputable people VINO
will go before a jury and make oath to
the allegations which they made outside.
He said that usually when arrests are
made, and the indictments presented by
the grand jury the witnesses have dis
appeared by the time the case comes TO
trial The interested parties have seen
the complaints and arranged compro-
mise, so that there is no one to appear
against them. and the matter drops.
MIGHT BE IMPEAcHED.
Those who believe that the traction Of
the sheriff and other county officials is
responsible for the condition of affairs,
have been looking up the means provided
for effecting reforms quicker than the
election of new men to till the Offices.
They have discovered that the Governor
has no power TO remove the sheriff, JUS
tees of the peace, or other county Off
cials. IL appears. however. according 10
Virginia law. that upon complaint TO the
Corporation, Hastings or County Court.
such officers may, upon proper and suffi-
cient proof, be removed by the court for
misconduct i'm the discharge of their
official duties. The law Of the State. sec
ton S2i of the Code, directs, OF course.
that the court. upon filirg OF charges
against any such officer, shall allow the
accused official ample opportunity 10
be heard in his defence, and the COM
planned of official may II he so elects.
have the right to a jury trial. From this
It would appear that the citizens OF the
county have a remedy in their own hand.
TIE CASE SUMMED UP.
The case stands. therefore. something
like this The gambling exists, which no
body will deny. The County Court is
aware OF this. and is willing to try the
offenders, but there are no offenders
brought before IL. The Commc nwealth's
Attorney Is The pres ecuting officer, but
he must walt until some one is brought
before him to be pro secuted. The situa-
ton rarrows down to the sheriff, but he
In turn disclains responsibility because
he has not the means to secIIe evidence
10 back up his arrests.
The ease Is submitted withc ut comment.