Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-22
GRAND JURY'S REPORT
GENERAL VIOLATION OF LIQUOR
Law ALLEGED.
The Cases at Chesapeake Junction
Charges of Bribery Against
County Officials.
Special DISPATCH to hellEveping Star.

Special DISPATCH to TheiEveping Star.
UPPER MARLBORO,g Nd, October o.
In the circuit court yesterday afternoon
Judge Merrick formally discharged the
grand jurors for the October term Of the
court after the jurors had submitted their
report. About o'clock in the afternoon
the members of that body appeared in court
and informed the court, through the fore
man, that they had closed up their bust
ness, but at the suggestion of one member
postponed final action until o'clock. This
was done because the Jurors were expect
ing to receive a telegram telling of addi-
tional witnesses who might appear. These
witnesses, it was expected, would give i'm
portant testimony in the bribery investiga-
ton. No telegram or other message was
received. and shortly after o'clock the
court received the grand Jury's report.
Inc report is a lengthy document OF Its
kind and covers the entire work of the ses-
sion. The grand Jurors stated that the
liquor law had been generally violated, es-
peclaily along the line of railroads. Special
reference was paid to Chesapeake Junction.
This place." said the report referring to
the Junction., lis a den of low, groveling
vice and outrageous indecency, where all
forms OF iniquity have been committed day
and night, and especially on Sundays, I'M
der the eyes of the officers of the law. 1t
is not only disgrace to the county, but
reflects upon the character of the officers
iSSE'oIiSlbic IOT THESE cOnultlOHS, WHtlHtI lle
be sherln, magistrate or constable
Alleged Bribery.
The jurors also reported to the court that
they had heard sufficient evidence to con-
vince them that there was some foundation
for the rumors concerning alleged bribery
in the county. They were convinced that
officers of the county had participated in
the profits of Illegal traffic, and expressed
the belief that ne at CheS3 Ike
junction would have been different had the
officers of the law performed their duty.
Zen of higher standard of efficiency
should be appointed to Office by the county
commissioners, says the report, and rec
ommendation Is made for the dismissal of
two constables who have done duty about
Chesapeake junction. The report shows
that the grand jurors were hampered in
their investigation because of the fact that
witnesses were advised to keep out of the
jurisdiction Of the court. During the four
teen days the grand jurors were in session
they examined 1874 witnesses. found forty
eight indictments and dismissed fifteen
cases.
The usual thanks of the jury to the court
and states attorney were embodied in the
report. Arthur B. Suit the constable who
captured Thornton Cooper. colored. the
murderer Of Henry Warner, was highly
commend by the grand jury for his work
in that case.
The resort keepers at Chesapeake juno
ton who were indicted for alleged viola
ton of the law have not yet been arrested,
nor have they surrendered to the authOri-
ties. Sheriff Hardesty,. who was also in
dicted. did not appear In court yesterday.
He will make no effort to escape the juris-
diction Of the court, however, but the re-
sort keepers will, In all probability not re-
turn mere until after the close of the pres
ent session Of the court. Should they de-
sire to return to the county from Washing
ton and resume active business they will
have to give bond for their appearance at
the next term Of the court, which convenes
in April of next year.
1t is possible, however, that special
term of the court will be held to try the
cases should all the defendants come with
in the jurisdiction Of the court.
Chesapeake Junction Cases.
AS published in Yesterdays dispatches to
The Star, there are eighteen indictments
growing out of alleged lawlessness at and
about Chesapea Junction. Should the
proprietors of the resorts in question come
within the Jurisdiction of the court they
will be summoned before the grand jury,
either at a special the next regular
sion of the court, and questioned in regard
to the rumorS of bribery. Gov. Smith will
be asked to issue acquisitions for the men
under indictment. Some doubt is expressed
concerning the probability of the requisi-
tons being honored in cases where only Vio-
lations of the liquor and gambling laws
charged. 1t is the intention of States At
torney Levin to make the effort, however,
and then the Supreme Court of the District
Of Columbia will have to decide the ques-
ton.
Andrew Beach, the proprietor of one Of
the restaurants at Chesapeake junction, has
offered his place for sale. The sale. it is
believed, will be effected in few days
There is an electric plant on the place, and
this, 1t is stated, will probably be used by
the purchaser to conduct manufacturing
enterprise. Residents of that section of the
county are also endeavoring to establish a
creamery and other business places. Some
thing of this kind, they say, will have to be
done to restore the reputation of that sec
ton and offset the effects of the dsordery
element about the junction during the past
three years.
The conditions last summer, it Is stated,