The age-herald., 1897-12-02
And Will Make a Thorough Investiga- E ton of the Astounding Charges.
.sTHE SHERIFF DENIES TIE ALLEGATION
IAs Does Eighteen Prisoners in a Communica- ton Issued Before the Grand Jury Report Was KnomI-An Investigation is
 Invited By Sheriff 0'Brien.

The United States grand jury made a sensational report to Judge Boarman yesterday in regard to the condition of United States prisoners in the county jail.
 Tt suggests that immediate action be taken in behalf of the United States gov ernment and in tine name of humanity.
 Sheriff Frank P. O'Brien claims the re- port is unjust and invites an inspection of the jajil and prisoners by Judge Boar man and any committee of citizens that he may name.
 Wlran Judge Boarman came on the bench at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon inc was informed that the grand jury ready to make 8 report.
 They were brought into the court room and the foreman handed their papers to 4he clerk, skating that "a special report was among them The judge instructed the clerk to hand back the special report unread, which he Instructed them to ecn- body in their final report to the court They insis;ed on having the report read saying that 1t was an important mat ter.
 Judge Boarlnan at once agreed to re- ceive the report, which was as follows:
 REPORT IN FULL.
 TO Hon. Alex Boarman, Judge Presiding:
 Pursuant to your honor's instructions, this grand Jury has visited the county jail (gong in a body) and inspected the same and eNamined the condition of the United States prisoners incarcerated Bherein, and nbw beg leave to submit this spacial report.
 We find, without a single denial, that the general ra.tions consists of small piece Of rnealt and corrR bread issued awioe per day, and that it is of inferior quality badly cooked and not sufficient in quantity and that no vegetables of amy kind are furnished except COW peas once per week.
 The bedliing Of prisoners consists in some instances of but a single blanket of small size, and of light weight, in- sufficient, in our opinion, for the com fort of prisoners.
 NO PROTECTION FROM COLD.
 The hunks are without mattresses and the prisoners are compelled to lie on woven wire and strap iron supports, OF some of which the fixtures are broken and unfit for use. Some windows are broken out, while others are without sash directly opposite the cells.
 The jail is heated by steam and we are informed that the steam is cut off at midnight and not turned on again until late the next forenoon. We also find many prisoners scantiiy clothed.
 The floors are filthy, the cells are crowded and the sanitary condition is bad.
 DOMINEERING TRUSTY.
 We desire to call attention to trusty called Charley. who appears to be in authority. We found him domineering and abusive towards them while the grand jury was seeking information, and we recommend his removal from any position of authority over the United States prisoners.
 We would, therefore. respectfully sug- gest that immediate action be taken in behalf of the United States govern ment. as well as in the name of hu- manity.
 Very respectfully submitted, SAM. M. HAsyBY, Foreman.
 Dec. 1. 1897.
 JUDGE BOARMAN SARCASTIC.
 Judge Boarman gave marked attention 10 the reading of the report and was apparently much surprised by its con- tents.
 He safd 'It Is the old, odd story. I have heard this story for twenty years, but have heard 1t with regret have been told that we are a chivalrous and Christian people, but don't know what 1t means. As I understand it, it is kind ness and tenderness for the oppressed, patience and forebearance with the hum- bic. Is 1t found in our jails and peni- tentiaries? Is 1t found in our dealings with the blind, lame and poor in the paths of our daily life? The prisons that have come under my observation, not alone in the state of Alabama, but in the states of Texas. Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. in real Christian communi- ties would be used for leper houses have spoken on this subject before Such things make me serious. Where such things exist. you will find the greatest number of lynchings. It is demoralizing.