Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-02-01

X. b. Halter. All are busily engaged
in preparing for the morning session.
At s o'clock Mayor Young arrives.
His first duty is to sign the afidavits
and issue warrants. Prisonkeeper
Washer brings the prisoners into court
and they are assigned to the "bench'
Court then begins.
The names of prisoners are called.
They are Informed of the charges
against them, and permitted to enter
a plea. In all cases, with the cxcep-
tion of intoxication, where the de-
fendant pleads guilty, Prosecutor Ben
ner makes statement to the court of
facts he has found In the case, after
careful, thorough investigation. If
the court is satisfied with the merits
of the charge. he passes sentence, but
in great many cases witnesses are
called to further establish evidence
in the cases, or to enable the court 10
better determine what sentences shall
be imposed. If the prisoner pleads
mot guilty" the case is continued
until such set time as he and the
Prosecutor shall have met to discuss
the case. and secure witnesses to tes-
tify at the trial. The Mayor always
informs the prisoner, when his case
is continued, to leave the names of his
witnesses with the Clerk. The wit
nesses are promptly subpoenaed.
The regulation fine for intoxication
is 50 and costs for the first offense.
If the offender appears in court again,
accused of intoxication, he is usually
given an additional fine, or sentenced
30 days to the workhouse at Canton.
Immediately upon the Adjournment
of the session, the prisoners are sent
to the clerk, who collects fines and
costs, imposed by the Mayor, from
those who are able to pay, or those
whose friends will pay for them. If
payment of fine and costs is not made,
the prisoner is obliged to serve time
on either the "stone pile" or the
street, at the rate Of 20 cents a day.
In State cases, where the defendants
are found guilty, and are unable to
pay fines, they are sent to the county
jail.
Police court does not alone consist
Of court sessions. From 1:3o until
noon, people are continually calling to
see officials about the various offenses
that are committed, and having affi-
davits drawn and warrants issued.
Prosecutor Chas. G. Benner is a
busy man. INTO his ears are poured
tales of woe that are really distress
ing, and, in many cases particularly
as well as ludicrous. Some
times Prosecutor Benner is inclined
to believe that people regard him us
n "Regularator" of all evils. Besides
the cases which are reported and re-
ceive the Prosecutors careful atten-
ton, he has been invited to appear as
n family peacemaker, TO advise peo-
pie ''to quit lying" and 10 dictate to
husbands how they should love their
wives, when non-support cases are in
sight. Most of Prosecutor Benner's
time is occupied with the preparation
Of affidavits and warrants, and advis
Ing people generally in criminal cascs
within this city. Usually be is busily
at bis office in the City
building from 7:20 until noon every
lay.
A great many people call TO see May
Or Young about matters pertaining to
the court, but they are promptly sent
Dy him to the Prosecutor. Mayor
Young has always refused to talk to
in cases or witnesses
Interested.
A good many people are Of the opin-
on that complaints hould be made |
o the Mayor. This il wrong. All |
should be made either To
he Chief of Police or the Prosecutor.