The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-10-15

Yours truly. w H. BRUToN, Pastor Baptist Churc, hRipley. Tenn.
 were deemed of such importance to the legislative mind. that the enforcement is especially enjoined on criminal courts and 1 cannot more forcibly deliver this message to you than in the exact words of the statute: Tt Is the duty of the Judge of the Circuit, City or Criminat Court to especially charge the grand jury and direct them to speciaiiy nqulrs into all illegal voting. and also any ana all illegal acts committed py lnspectors' returning officers or other oincers or eiec- tion." (lGs1.)
 I apprehend that in the past the giving of this section in special charge to grand juries, in some parts of this State, has not resulted in the finding of many bills: because any irregularities or violations or statute there may have been, were dic- tated and excused by the great rule or self-defense, the necessity Tor perpetua- tion in power ofvirtue and intelligence that good government may be insured. A people brought face to face with the tenn norary solution of this question, are en- titled to great consideration for the nght they have made from the days Of recon struction to the present; and it has been and shall always be accorded them. But a faithful discharge of duty on benaiI or the judges of the State. in charging the law as required of them by statute, has served a purpose; 1t has aided in awak- ening and teaching the public conscience that all past eXDeulentS were ltlpOIdtys and stimulated a desire to be relieved of this necessity. 1 have often heard old CT men, (those who not only served their country in the horrors Of war, but Ike- wise in the perils of the reconstructing peace that succeeded war). express the regret of the existence of an imperious necessity" and the hope that the cup would soon pass from them. l have heard the most promising and bravest or our young men (though expressing willing ness to serve their country in the, future, in any necessary capacity Tor its up building and welfare), regret that such a heritage should fall to their lot. If the wisdom and unseltlsh patriotism Of our State has presented a solution of the question, and if we, laying aside self-in- terest accept this proffered relief. the hamburger of better days, l pray God that we make no mistake. By what l say here, I would not embarasS the thought or action on this question of any man. for this is a question of patriotism tand not one of self-interesD to be determined by each man for himself This however, is not the place for discussion or the merits of the proposed Constitution. but I refer to 1t here that may say In the language of that learned Judge, of the City Court of Anniston, Judge James w. Lapsley. that by its ratification l be. lieve there will result such removal or the dishonest and dangerous elements from our elections as to make the vio- lation of election laws without excuse. l do not say all vicious and dangerous vot- ters will be excluded, that Is manitestly impossible, but l say the great dangerous unwieldly mass will be put aside, ana what is left need not cause any fear or giving excuse for violating those needful and salutary statutes formed to preserve the sanctity of the ballot box.
 Bribery.
 And I also quite agree with Judge Laps ley in the belief that after the ratihcaton of the new Constitution, the danger will not be in the form of illegal voting or false registration returns, ana the Ike From what I have heard fear that it Is getting so that men who Iu the long ago, would nave piusneu to pay for, the discharge of the highest duty of citizenship, too often expect II. Let us not descend to that politlcal state when the position of dishurser of cleo ton funds is sought by men who should have a holier ambition!' Let us avert the danger of having important otflces filled only by rich men, who may De able and willing to pay down the money Tor by the people. And to the suppression of this threatened evilH remind you that we have ample laws against every Kind of bribery. Appreciating your qlitlcuity 1 beg that you try to ind If public ofn- cer, if juror, if witness, of if elector. has been reached. or sought to be improperly influenced. Press your inquiries Iufther to know if any one having knowledge or 
 of agreed to take anything or, Denent' to prevent a prosecution, or not to appear as witness. If you find criminal cases have been settled after prosecution was begun, see if the reason be improper.
 Cruelty to Domestic Animals.
 In this county where the tenant sys- tenn so generally prevails, permit me to also remind you of the importance or statute making it misdemeanor to over ride oVel drive overload or starve do- ftD amir statute forced stock would not be cruelty treat ed, and the feed issued for them by the | landlord would not so often find its way | from the half-starVed mule to some little | trade store.
 Integrity of County Officials. If is also enioined on you by the stat | ute to make a diligent inquiry to ascer- | tain if any public official has taken any | contract for work or services or the couh- i ty. or to be employed in any way unuer | such contract or interested in any way | for the hire of county conVlctS, or selhnB | any goods or supplies to the county, or | become in any wise pecuniarily interest | ed in any contract or sale as principle or agent except the purchase ot drugs for | the use of prisoners or paupers me reason for this requirement IS obvious | It is against all propriety and public pol- 1 icy that person be seller and purchaser or master and servant, at the same time | in the same transaction. l have had nc l complaint of such dOube dealings, but 1t | Is your duty to see that Iue law lS Hot | being violated in this regard.
 You will also see if there sto has been af any my l Peace Register, Sheriff, Judge or Fro | bate or othher officer authorized to re- ceivc fees for services rendered by him | in his official capacity (5lOo), (olO")' l If any county Superintendent oi Educa- | tion or township trustee, has demanded, received or taken from any teacher. any return, commission. rebate fee or gratu-
 ty to influence him in the zpT%J, perfoFmahee m an l end you may summon the teachers of the public schools of the nd county tor to aP to believe the law is being violated in this respect
 If public institutions are dependent on the purity of the ballot box, how much more are the enjoyment of all public and l private rights dependent upon the purity of the jury box? Has any person done any act calculated to affect the fair 'se- | lecting or organizing of juries or jurorsE' 1 (5O9O, (51OO), has any sheriff or other - -