The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-08

kefouS NOters gre exCtuocus tnat IS thsah~ ifestly impossible; but I do say the great, dangerous, unwieidy mass Is put asids and what is left need not cause fear or give excuse for violating those needfui and saiutary statutes formed to preserve the sanctity of the ballot box
 The demand for primary election. coming from different sections Of the State, is but one of the evidences of a feeling of security among the people, and that the time has come when every elector may directly express his personal preferences at the polls for political pre- ferment. having the assurance of It's con sideration We must henceforth recog- nize the demands of honest citizenship by giving them honest elections. Our State expended largely, and gave the wis dom and patriotism of her best men to the task of removing the threatening, cankering e-cuse for irregularities and, having done this we propose to do all in our power to enforce the law in this regard. And when I beg you investigate and indict for violations of election laws, feel and know that you will take pleas. ure in doing the promptings of honest hearts. Let us acknowledge the fact, that no man can now with impunity interfere with the free exercise of the elective franchise by his neighbor. If irregulari- ties were necessary. and excused to per pctuate "virtue and intelligence in pow err 1t will not be tolcnated when It IS only to transfer that power from one white man to another. A pure ballot box Is essential to Republican form of government: older men can remember when 1t was regarded as a sacred trust Let it become so again!
 !. Bribery.
 q would now call your attention to the dangers of bribery. which is growing evil of the whole country.
 "IJnder Section 195 of the new Consti- tuition. any person who shall pay the poll tax of another. or advance him money for that purpose in order to in- fiuence his vote. shall be guilty of bri- bery. and upon conviction. they shall be imprisoned in .he penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years.
 But the forms of bribery are mani fold. and I beg to say further, that, from what have heard in recent years, Iear it is getting so that men who m the long ago woul1 have blushed 70 nave thought of, or been insuited 70 ps or fered pay for the discharge of the nagh- est duty of citizenship, too often expect it. Let us not descend to that political state when the position of disburser or election funds is sought by men who should have 6 holier ambition. Let us avert the danger of having important offices filled only by rich men who may bs able and willing to pay down the money for office Such government would not be by the people.
 .To the suppression of this threatened evil. remind you that we nave aMpae Iavvs arainst every kind of bribery. Ap- nreciatinr your difficulty, beg that you try to find if public officer, If juror. 1T witness. or if elector, has been reacheo or sought to be improperly innuenceo. Press your inquiries further to know II any one having knowledge of the com ynission of a felony has agreed to re- ceive or take anything of benefit to pre- vent a prosecution or not to appear as a witness. If you find criminal cases have been settled after prosecution was begun, see if the reason be impropeir m@easi.
 Integrity of County oineiais.
 "It Is also enjoined on you by me sta.- ,te to ascertain if any public official has taLar any contract for work or services of the county or to be employed m any wav under such contract, or interested ID any way for the hire of county convicts, or selling any goods or supplies 10 the county. or become in any wise pecunlaH- Iv interested in any contract or sale, as nrincinal or agent, except for the pur- chase of drugs for the use or prisoners or paupers. x xaov,
 You will also see if there have been any extortions in office by Jusuce or the Peace. by Register Clerk of Circuit or C,ity Courts. Sheriff, Judge of Probate. or other officer authorized to receive fees for services rendered by him in his ofii- cial capacity. (5105) (5l03) If County Su- narintendent of Education or township trustee has demanded. received or taken from any teacher anything to influence him in the performance of his omciai duty (5l01) (5102).
 eff public institutions are depenuent up- on the purity of the ballot box, now much more are the enjoyment or all pupho gnu uriyate rights dependent upon the purily ,of the jury box? Has any person done any act calculated to affect the fair se- lectinR or organizing of juries or turorsT (50e9l (5100) Has any Sherin or other officer having a discretion in summoning jurors. summoned or connived at the summoning of any person, with intent 10 produce a result favorable to one party having a case in the court In which suen person is summoned? (510D C5lo2).
 'Your duty does not stop at seeing that inc right of A trial by an impartial jury is preserved, but 1t follows the unfortun- ate prisoner or convict to his place of confinement or punishment and requires that you see that the rules Of humanity prescribed by the laws are strictly op- served, and it is my duty to especlauy charge you that you see that the law is observed by all with whom he comes m contact. (4546.)
 Almshouse.
 There is another class of unfortunates that must appeal to the sympathies Of every enlightened community, for of the virtues. it is of Holy Writ that the great est is charity. I charge you to look to the provision for the indlgent of the county. Is the poor house of ample fa- cillty. are its inmates properly attended and provided with suitable food clothing, bedding, shelter and required medical at- tention? The last grand jury recommend ed that no allowance be made any per- son not an actual inmate of the poor house See that the suggestion Is obs served.
 County Finances.
 Examine the condition of your coun- tvs finances; of receipts and disburse- ments of the Treasurer (5029), and of the County Superintendent of Education, and see that all violations of the revenue statutes be punished 60SD.
 By Sec 962 of the Civil Code, it is required as follows: It shall be the duty of the Court of County Commissioners to make sem-annual publications. on the 1st day of January and July of each year, showing the receipts and expendi- lures of money for the county, specifying the sources from which re- ceived. and the purpose Tor which ex- pended And Sec. 966 of the same Code makes this section applicable to our