The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1897-11-20

within our knowledge, and have re-
turned thirteen true bills and one not
true bill.
We have also inquired into and dis
missed several matters that were of
such trivial nature as not u warrant
further action.
We haye made cursOry eXamina
ton of the county clerks, sheriff's and
county treasurer Offices, and have no
criticisms to offer as to methods or
manner of keeping the records aud ac-
counts OF these offices.
| The attention of the county court is
called to the insecure condition of the
shutters of the window in the vault of
the county clerks office.
| The attention of said court is also
called to the condition of our county
Jail, which we find to be badly arranged
and inadequate for its purposes. Our
Jail contoins four cells, three of which
are only Gx9 and one Sx9 feet in dimen-
sion. In each cell we found three un-
comfortable cots or hammocks, the
cell itself having no ventilation except
with the corridors of the Jail.
To confine three persons TO the lin
tied space of one of these cells, breath
ing only the vitiated air of the corri
dors, and sleeping on most uncomfort-
able beds, does not seem to us to be
either prudent or humane. 4
The inmates of the Jail protested in
strong terms against the food furnish
ed them. We inquired into the mat
ter, and conclude that their com plants
were somewhat exaggerated. Wewould,
however, call the attention of the
members of the legislative assembly |
from this county to the propriety of |
securing an amendment to Sec. 2341, |
Hills annotated code of Oregon, which |
gives the sheriff So per week for keep
ing prisoners when the number does |
not exceed four. and So per week when |
the number exceeds four. Evidence is |
not wanting that in some instances, the |
contractor who supplies the prisoners
with food receives only twelve cents !
per meal and for but two meals each |
day.
1t is the opinion of this grand jury /
that the boarding of prisoners should |
not be source of revenue to any of
ficer, and we believe that it would be !
in the interest of humanity and effect
a saving to the county if the section |
referred to could be so amended as to
give to county courts control in this
matter.
We believe that any person con-
fined in our county Jail is entitled to
wholesome food, pure air and CON-
Portable bed, at least up to the time of
his conviction.
The grand jury visited the poor farm
and questioned inmates apart from the
contractor, none of whom had the least
as to treatment received. !
One lady informed US that it was just
like home there, and all the apart
dered and cleanly.
We deem it our duty to offer word
Of caution to the justices of the peace
and committing magistrates of the
county against sending to the county
Jail persons accused of trivial offenses
which usually result in acquittal, in.
7olving only great expense to the
county.
In conclusion, we beg leave to ac-
knowledge the assistance and courtesy
shown us by the court and district
attorney and the respective county
,fficers.
Having to the best of our knowledge
md ability discharged all the duties
ncambent upon us, we respectfully
SIX to be discharged from further -.
erVice. E. L. SMITH, Foreman.
Dated this 18th day of November, at
The Dalles, Oregon.