The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-07-05

10 also visiting DIS 8ranQparenLs.
ton OF one month. He has not decided just
where he will spend 1t.
Presentment Of the Grand Jury,
To lis Honor Judge Gage, Presiding
Judge, June Term, 1899:
We the Grand Jury beg leave to
make the following presentment:
1st. We have passed upon all the
indictments handed US by the Solicitor
and have found true bills, and no bills,
as the facts, in our opinion, warranted.
COUNTY OFFICES.
End. Having made an examination
of the several County Offices at the
last term of Court, we do not deem 1t
necessary to again examine the same.
A committee of our number, however,
will be present at the annual settle.
ment between the Auditor and the
Comptroller General and assist in the
cancellation of all checks issued by the
Supervisor, examine the bonds of coun-
ty officials and make such other and
further examinations as may be
deemed proper.
POOR HOUSE.
3rd. We have, by committee, ex-
amined the Poor House. It is with
pleasure that we report the good con.
dition of this institution. The in
mates are we'll clothed. and fed on
wholesome and suitable food.
The bedding and furniture in the
houses of the inmates are clean and of
good quality. The buildings upon the
premises have lately been white.
washed, and upon whole are in good
condition. While the physical condi-
ton of these unfortunate creatures is
guarded zealously by a competent
superintendent in the person of Mr..
J. r. Kennedy, their spiritual condi
ton is not neglected, as they. have
preaching once a month by faithful
ministers of the gospel.
JAIL.
4th. We also by committee visited
the Jail. It has lately been white
washed, and presents the appearance
of neatness and comfort. The build
ing is in fair condition with the excep-
ton of the rear end of hall, which
needs portico to protect it from dam.
ages by weather, which we suggest
should be built.
HIGHWAYS.
5th. It gives us, also, pleasure io
report the excellent condition of the
highways of the County. They are in
as good condition, with few exceptions,
as it is possible to have them with the
limited funds for this purpose pro-
vided.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
9Th. We heartily commend the in.
terest manifested In the public schools
in the County, realizing as we do, that
an enlightened suffrage is the fOunda-
tion of republican form of govern
ment. In addition to the constitu.
tional school tax, many districts have
voted a special school tax, ranging
from 8 to mills, and sincerely hope
that this course may prevail through.
out the County.
DIsPENSARY.
7th. The Dispensary was examined
and found to be conducted upon bust.
ness principles. This law as enforced
by Dispenser w. A. Calvert, is grow.
ing in public favor and has reduced
the evil of drink to the minimum.
NEEDED LEGISLATION.
9Th. We would recommend to our
legislative delegation the enactment ol
laws looking to the enlargement Of the
Jurisdiction of Magistrates. We are
Informed that an act passed in 1895
giving magistrates jurisdiction on cases
of "larceny of live stock, selling crops
under lien, obtaining goods by false
pretenses, larceny from the field, dis.
turbing religious worship" has been
declared unconstitutional by the Su'
preme Court of this State. So that
magistrates now have very little juris'
diction, and are merely committing
officers. We make this recommends
ton because the ends of justice demand
it, and because magistrates can dispose
of criminals charged with the above
offenses as effectively and far more
economically than the Courts of Gen
eral Sessions.
mlSCELLANEOUSs
9th. Our attention has been called
to the fact that certain funds collected
by ex-magistrate J. l.. Corvin, while
acting as magistrate, have not been
turned over to the County Treasurer
We would, therefore, notify him tc
show cause at the September Court
why he should not be required to com
ply with the law.
The Court room is now being used
for theatrical purposes, thereby result
ing in much damage to its furniture
such as carpets, desks, etc. We recon-
mend that the use of the said Court
room for such purposes be discontin.
ued, and that 1t be not rented hereafter
for any purpose whatever.
Respectfully submitted,
THOS. BOX,
Foreman.
Abbeville, S. c., June IA, 1899.