Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1901-04-02

Therefore. we have endeavored mere.
ly to arouse people to the necessity
of carefully observing the law in this
regard, and have certainly succeeded
to a considerable extent. II any mum.
Der of delinquents still exist at the
time of the next term OF this court
we recommend to the grand Jurors al
that term, that they deal with them
with more severity.
We have examined the various
county Offices and found them all in
good order, with books and records
well kept. and have no criticism and
but little in the way Of suggestion or
recommendation to offer. The county
jail, built nearly fifteen years ago, Is
inadequate In size to the present needs
of the county and ought to be en-.
larged. Its sanitary condition viii
soon be greatly improved by a sewer
or drain. leading from II. which n
now in process Of construction.
We find that there are taxes now de-
linquent to the amount OF $62O, 900.
Could all OF this large sum be collect.
ed. II would free the county from
every dollar OF debt. and we urge
most earnestly upon all officers con.
cerned with the collection OF taxes,
that every possible effort be made
to bring this money into the county
treasury.
that justices OF the peace, in prelim-
mary Investigations of serious
charges, do not exercise proper care
In ascertaining. first. that an offense
has been committed. and. second, that
there Is sufficient evidence against
the accused to justify his being com.
mitted or put under bonds to await the
action Of the grand jury. As re-
suit, both time and money are wasted
by the grand jury in useless work
upon cases of no Importance. On In
which there Is no evidence. This prac-
tice is to be censured, and we hope
I may be discontinued.
One case brought to our notice re-
luires special mention. The evidence
shows that about u year ago. the
then governor of the Indian pueblo of
san Felipe, Juan Montana, received
from the clerk OF this court. In ac-
cordance with an order of the court.
the sum of 500. which had been paid
in on behalf OF the New Mexico q
southern Pacific Railroad company.
as the price OF land condemned for
railroad use. None of this money has
been turned over to his successor in
office, nor to any OF the members OF
the pueblo. all Of whom, as we under
stand. are entitled to share II equally.
He paid from this money some ex.
Jenses incurred in efforts to collect
Il. but we have not been able to ascer-
tain just how much. He still has, on
ieposit with Joseph Bibo. a merchant
It Bernalillo. the sum OF $500. which
Mr.. Bibo says he is ready TO turn
)ver at any time to the proper per
,on. We do not believe that the ex.
penses paid can have been as much
rs $500. We have thought II advisable
o find an indictment against the ex'
Governor. but call attention to this
natter In this way, In the hope that,
jefore another term OF court. he will
iave fully accounted for all of this
money to his brother Indians and
made satisfactory settlement with
hem. Should he not do so. the sub
iect can be presented to another grand
Jury.
In conclusion, we desire to tender
)ur thanks to your honor and to all
The officers of the court for the uni
form kindness and courtesy with
which we have been treated. and, hav
ing concluded our labors, ask to be
discharged. Il. l.. WASHBURN,
Secretary OF the Grand Jury.