The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-02
Charged as to Gambling.

The evil of gaming unfortunately continues, notwithstanding the fact that an enlightened public sentiment is against 1t. It Is to you that the aw-abiding public looks for its sup pression. In the investigation of this evil, strike at 1t in all classes, the man of standing as well as the ignorant crap shooter. The former can do an hundred fold more harm to public mor- als. by his example. than the latter, and because he happens to be clever in so- ciety, and profitable in business rela- tions, is no reason why he should be excused, and the unknown negro in- dicted for shooting craps in dirty alley. It is absolutely impartial and uniform enforcement of the law that strikes terror to the law breaker of every class; though offending the law. the lawless will respect it's impartial administration.
 See that all statutes relating to the sale of spirituous liquors are observed. It is this disregard, as I have just stated, that goes hand and hand with other misdemeanors to the commission of grave felonies.. Often do you find the minor and man of known intem- perate habits, with reason dethroned by drink, armed with a concealed weap- on, taking life with little provocation.
 know we live in business age; and that progress, teeming with its results. presses for every moment of time: the night Is turned into day, and the working week is, by some, sought to be made longer. But for the economy of human energies. the seventh day was declared amid the thunders of Sinai to be for rest and worship. have examined our Sunday statute and find the exception to be extended only to druggists. from the class of mer- chants and shop keepers. If the law Is to be relaxed or extended, the Legis- lature must be applied to; Grand Ju- TOTS cannot be expected to disregard g violated law by one class, and punish the same violation in another class.
 I am also required to give in special charge:
 (5sOS) Trespass upon the public lands of State.
 532s) Adulterating and sale of can- dies. In this connection, I think 1t more important that call attention to the whole statute for preventing the sale of unwholesome food. These stat utes are founded on the right of self protection, for nothing can be of more general importance than the public health.
 You will also see that the Tax As- sessor and deputies administer an oath to tax payers. (5149); that the Register does not practice law. (5130); that hard labor sentences are reported to the proper officers, (5110; that concealed brass knucks, slung shots. bowie knives. pistols or ari guns. rifle or shot gun walking canes, be not carried, (4420- 44220 Of this evil practice of carrying concealed weapons I have before re- ferred. and I hope you will indict in every case coming to your knowledge if evidence warrants.
 It is also made my duty especially to- charge that you look to the en- f2rcement of the following statutes: Any person or corporation, who en- gages or agrees with other persons or corporations. or enters into, directly or indirectly, any combination, pool or trust. or confederation to regulat or fix the price, to limit the use or flN the quantity of production of any article or commodity" must on conviction be fined not less than $500 nor more than $.,000: and the like penalties for the combinations to control corporations with the intent to fix the price or pro- duction of commodities, (5557-58,) These statutes are intended to prevent illegal combinations of capital with It's pow erful and far-reachlng results, from coiling around the body polite, and crushing individual industry, or suck ing the life blood from the citizen. Have individuals or corporations form ed such illegal combinations, to limit or fix the price, or restrict or diminish the production, manufacture sale or use or consumption of any article of commerce, and if so, find an indict- ment, though the offender be a corpor- ation in which you are a stockholder, though he be your business associate, or brother In the church.
 As to Election Frauds.
 Upon the purity of the ballot box depends the permanancy of good gov ernment. And when the will of an in- telligent and moral public sentiment fails to speak at the polls in the se- lection of men of public trust, because of frauds and corruptions, in violation of the election statutes. the system Of local elf-government is being denied, and our public institutions tremble at the result. As the life-givlng oxygen sustains and keeps pure the human system, so the spirit of liberty, sym bolized in our system of local self government Is the life of American institutions. Hoy important. then, that you should Investigate all com plaints of election frauds. Indeed. the exact observance of these statutes were deemed of such importance to the legislative mind, that the enforcement is especially enjoined on criminal courts, and I cannot more forcibly de- liver this message to you than in the exact words. Tt is the duty of the Judge of the Circuit, City or Criminal Court to especially charge the Grand Jury and direct them to especially en- quire into all illegal voting, and also any and all illegal acts committed by inspectors, returning officers, or other officers of election" Q691). You will not fail to diligently make this in- quiry.
 Bribery has also most baneful influ- ence if 1t operates on any public in- stitutions. It is difficult to discover for he who accepts the brbe is con- federate in crime; and the attempt to bribe if made will be in such polite language and inoffensive manner that if the approach is not encouraged, there