The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-07-14
WAKE JAIL TOO SMALL
PRISONERS CROWDED IN 1T
AWAITING TRIAL.
TOO MANY FRIVOLOUS CASES SENT UP
The Health of the Prisoners and the Condition
Of the Jail Would BIZ Much Improved
by The Acop ion # a
Uniform.

work and was dismissed by the court.
men,ts. True bills were returned III
eases where there was, sufficient evl-
dence. In several cases mot Il true bill
was returned, and in a few cases it
was recommended that the county pay
no costs for the reason that the grand
Jury did not consider it had before. it
evidence to justify the defendants i'll be
ing bound over to court
Mr.. A. X. ID. Johnson was foreman of
the grand jury and Solicitor Pou says it
was one OF the best grand juries he EVER
knew.
The following recommendations We're
made by the grand jury in its report:
I'VE are informed that the county is
put to great deal Of expense annually
on account of frivolous cases, many of
which are hardly for the public good.
We therefore. beg to suggest that the
magistrates and justices of the peace
might possibly find it in their power to
lessen such expense, to limited extent,
by exercising, if possible, greater care
to the end that no cases be sent to the
Superior court which should not receive
the attention of the grand jury or the
court.
"a committee of three of ollr body,
viz: Messrs. Carter, Gulley and House,
appointed for the purpose of inspection,
visited the County Home and found that
institution in charge of a very capable
anu efficient superintendent who seem
ed to be. using his best efforts to promote
the comfort and happiness of the inmates
who are well cared for and pleased with
tne fare and treatment they receive. The
entire premises are Clearly and in good
condition. The growing crops are look
ing we'll and there is good prospect for
an abundant harvest.
1.-The grand jury visited the Jail and
found the building in a cleanly condition.
Everything possible is being done !.
the sheriff to promote the health and
comfort of the inmates of the Jail, but
he is very seriously handicapped in this
by the fact that the county has made
no provision for change of clothing for
prisoners during their term of incarcera-
ton. Prisoners frequently remain in
Jail for months before trial without a
change Of garments. If the county would
make some arrangement by which this
could be obviated it would unquestiona-
bly, tend to promote cleanliness and
healthfulness and prevent the introduc-
ton of vermin and disease. If the coun-
ty would adopt cheap uniform and
provide undergarments in sufficient
quantity to enable the sheriff to require
the prisoners to change clothes as often
as might DE necessary, such clothing to
remain the property Of the county and
kept for nse at the Jail only and used
until worn QUE; with such provision, it
the persons committed to Jail We're prop
erty washed and cleansed before being
lodged therein and then required to keep
their bodies in Clearly condition there
would certainly be great deal less dan
ger of sickness and disease among the
prisoners.
AT times, as is the case now, the jail
is badly crowded with prisoners, many
of whom have been there for months
without change of garment. Many
people confined in one house under such
conditions, especially in warm weather,
is a condition undoubtedly dangerous to
public health as we'll as to the health and
comfort of prisoners in Jail.
I'VE therefore recommend that the
county commissioners be requested to
look into this matter and give it care
full consideration, same to be acted up
on as they deem WISE"