The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-01-19
GRAND JURY REPORT.

To the Hon. Judge of the 9th Judicial
District-We, your grand jury duly en-
paneled for the January term OF 1901. Of the
! said court. to enquire in and for the parish
! of East Carroll. respectfully beg to submit
/ this our final report.
We have examined forty-three cases, and
found thirty-one true bills, among them
two bills for murder and one case for man
slaughter.
We have visited and inspected the parish
Jail, which contains fourteen prisoners, and
we find that the Jail needs repairs outside.
and paipting aud white washing inside,
and we are sorry to say, sadly IN need of Il
thorough cleaning with soap and water.
We would therefore respectfully call the
attention of our police jury to this matter
and trust that that body VIII take this mat
ter up at its next meeting, and We would
further suggest that the sheriff OF this par
ish personally look after the sanitary con-
dition of the Jal and make a personal IN
spection from time to time
We would further suggest that the Jail
yard fence be put in proper condition so
as to present neat and orderly appearance.
AS per your Honor's charge. this body
personally made an Inspection OF tie
clerks office We fluid the books neat and
properly kept. owing to the fact that 1t is
very essential that our records should be
properly preserved. we deem II most neces-
sary and essential to the welfare Oh all VINO
might have real estate transactlons III ibis
parish and to avoid complications. confu-
sion and litigation, we most urgently re-
quest our Hon. Police Jury at It's next
meeting to make sufficient appropriation
to properly rebind any and all records that
may be in delapidated condition.
We have visited the sheritf's office and
find his books neat aud properly kept, ana
since our Hon. Police Jury seem to be quite
skittisn about awarding contract to build
a new court house. We would therefore
suggest. that they, at beast, appropriate
few dollars to patch the roof of the court
house. to prevent the books OF the sheriff
from being damaged and also, thereby rem
dering the jury box; which is Immediately
over head, upstairs. dry and comfortable.
We are sorry to say that crime seems to
be on the increase. and since the session OF
the last jury term of court, which was 10
August, five homicides have occurred in
this parish four OF WhIch, TOOK place. III
levee camps.
1t is with much regret that we have been
very seriously handicapped in our investi-
cations of the above name crimes. for the |
reason we have had great difficulty in get
ting the principal witnesses before us |
without serious delay. coupled with the
seeming total indifference on the part of
some of the intelligent class to aid the au-
thorites in bringing the offenders to just
ice. 1t is noticeable tact, that the most |
s eriolis crimes have occurred in one ward,
viz: The first, which is where the levee
camps are located; and unless the good
citizens aid the officers of the law in appre-
bending the guilty parties and securing the
evidence at the time the crime was COM
mitted. our laws will be brought into dis
repute, mob violence viii! be encouraged,
5he floating characters who pay no taxes, |
will soon take charge of the parish.
Your Honor has especially charged us in
'e; violations of theSunday law and carrying
concealed weapons. AS to the first, we
from all parts OF the parish, and
ifter due investigation have return ed
number of true bills tor this offence.
We are satisfied that the practice of car
wing concealed weapons tends to increase
rhine, and we have endeavored to sift this
natter most thoroughly with Very little
success, as there seems to be decided dis
position on the part of many to shield such
Iiolators of the law.
We have also Investigated the gambling
With slot machines; have returned several
rue bills. We sincerely trust that all good
itiZens who desire to see this form of
ambling put down, will report all viola
ions of the law in the future. as the slot
nachine encourages the youth of Louis.
ana to love the game of .cbance, thereby
eading to all kinds of gambling.
We especially request the coroner in
ase of future homicides. to use every
fort in securing all possible testimony.
ogether with full and complete list of ii .
ames, their residences &C., who were at,
ear or parties, to the crime.
In conclusion. we desire to thank the
heriff and his deputies for prompt and
fhcient service; also, the officers of the
Ourt for many courtesies extended.
Having completed our labors for this
erm. we respectfully ask to be discharged.
Respectfully submitted,
W. III. BENJAMIN, Foreman.
Lake Providence La. Jan. IA. 1901.