Evening journal., 1901-02-08
GRAND JURY
MAKES REPORT
Recommendations Refer to
County Institutions
WORKHOUSE GETS MENTION
Copy Of The Document Ordered Sen. 10
LegiSlalurC-BOdy Thanked
BY Court
WORKHOUSE GETS MENTION

12.45 this afternoon the grand jury
which has served the county for one
year, presented its annual report, and
was formally discharged The report
follows:
''To the Honorable. the Judges of the
Court of General Sessions of the
State of Delaware, in and for New
Castle County:
"The grand jury of New Castle
county, beginning with the May term.
A. d. 1901, respectfully submit the
following report:
fThe attorney-general presented IT'S
! bills. of which number 16S were re-
turned as true bills, and ten were ig-
nored.
"In our examination of these bills,
we found a great many of them for
minor offenses. and would recommend
that the General Assembly make pro-
vision for the transfer of such cases to
the Municipal Court, where speedy
trials could be had at a small expense,
compared with the present system.
The grand jury have made exami
nation of the Court House Building,
land would recommend that the inclos-
ure within the bar. and also the judges
room be recarpeted, and that addition
al chairs be provided for the use of
| jurors. We also recommend that the
sanitary arrangements of the building
be attended to. We desire also to call
attention to the rooms on the third
| floor. which are assigned for the use of
! jurors. The rooms should be heated
and ventilated. and someone directed
! to look after them. We would recon-
mend that the building be thoroughly
renovated and cleaned. The sleeping
accommodations for prisoners, in the
basement. should also receive atten-
ton. While the officers in charge of
prisoners were found attentive to their
duties, they are seriously embarrassed
| by the large number of visitors who
are permitted to visit the prisoners.
while they are detained there awaiting
trial. This privilege should be re
stricted. and more discretion should be
exercised. in allowing people to visit
this apartment while prisoners are
confined there.
THE Grand Jury also recommended
that the court bailiffs and tipstaffs should
be uniformed. while in the performance
Of their duty, in order that persons visit
ing the court room could recognize and
respect their authority. We recommend
that an Office be provided for the coroner
in the Court House building.
I'VE are of the opinion that some place
other than the court room, while the
court is in session, should be provided to
pay witness fees.
I'm pursuance Of our duties. the grand
jury visited the almshouse. at Farnhurst,
and the county Jail. also the new work
house. and the eFrris Reform School
The visit TO the workhouse was made on
November %, 1900. The Board of Trus-
tees, under whose direction the buildings
are being erected, were present and ac-
companied the jury in their tour Of in
spection. The various details and ar
rangements were pointed out and ex
planned, and the judgment Of the mem
bers was that the buildings were splen-
didly adapted for the purpose, and would
fully meet the expectations of the people,
who have repeatedly expressed the desire
that a proper institution should be pro-
vided for the care and custody of the
county prisoners. This institution will
not only provide for the detention of
criminals, but is making arrangements
whereby prisoners will be obliged to
work. We therefore recommend that a
stone breaker be erected on the premises
and the crushed stone be used to improve
the public roads OF the county. After an
examination of the building and premises,
we approve of the request Of the trustees
for an additional appropriation for the
completion Of the buildings and furnish
ing the same.
THE visit to the county almshouse was
made on November 2s. This institution
was found to be in splendid condition,
and evidence of careful management on
the part of those in charge was apparent
in every department. We desire to state
that the efforts Of the trustees in estab-
I fishing a hospital in connection with the
! institution, meets our approval and should
prove a great benefit.
I THE jury visited the county Jail, at
I New Castle. on December IS. We found
the place in as good condition as it is
, possible TO make it, under the circum-
5 stances, but as has before been expressed
/ in previous reports, 1t is entirely made
quate and unsuitable for the number of
prisoners confined there. The condition
of the Jail fully iustifes the erection OF
the new wOrkhouse. and in our judgment,
the change cannot be made too soon.
ION December 90 visit was made to
the Ferris Industrial School. This insti-
tuition was found TO be in excellent con-
dition, and reflects credit upon the man
; agement. The boys had every appear
p ance Of good treatment. and besides q
: well conducted school for their education
p and advancement, they have excellent
opportunities Of learning useful occupa-
tions in the manual training department
? More buildings are needed TO accemnlo.
date the increasing number of inmates
WHEREBY the trustees could more efficient