The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-10-14
makes it your duty to find and present an indictment (Secs. 4420-2)
 Trusts and Illegal Combinatiols.

Another of these statutes. far-reaching in importance, which the law requires me to give in special charge.
 Sec 5557. It is provided that any per- son or corporation who engages or agrees with other persons or corporations or enters into, directly or indirectly, any pool, trust or confederation to rule or fix the price or limit the use or fix the quantity of production of any article or commodity must on conviction, be fined not less than $J00 and not more than $l,O00; and like penalties for combina- tions to control corporations with the in- tent to fix the price of the production of commodities.
 Election Frauds.
 It is also made the duty of judges of the Criminal Court to especially charge the grand jury and direct them to in quire into all illegal voting, and also all illegal acts committed by officers of elec- ton (4e91.). I apprehend that in the past the giving of this section in special charge to grand juries has for obvious reasons not resulted in the finding of many bills. With the adoption of the new Constitu- tion the old menace passed away, and the necessity for irregularities ceased. The demand for primary elections com ing from different sections of the State was but one of the evidences of feeling of security among the people, and that the time has come when every elector may directly express his personal pref erence at the polls having the assurance of it's consideration. We must hence- forth recognize the demands of honest citizenship by giving them honest cleo tions. And when I beg you to investi- gate and indict for violations of election laws feel and know that you will take pleasure in doing the promptings of hon. est hearts. Let us acknowledge the fact that no man can now with impunity in terfere with the free exercise Of the elective franchise by his neighbor. If irregularities were necessary, and ex- cused to perpetuate virtue and intelli- gence in power" 1t will not be tolerated when it is only to transfer that power from one white man to another.
 Party Primary.
 Since the last grand jury. we have had a primary election for the Democratic party. By act to regulate so-called pri- mary elections of recognized political parties 1t is made a misdemeanor to buy or sell suffrage, and a fine of not less than $25 nor more than S100 for any off, ficer of election failing to discharge the duties of the office upon which he enters. in accordance; with the laws of the State and the rules of the party holding such election, and to accurately and truly count and return the vote as cast. The only regret is, that the punishment was not made the same as violations of gen. eral election laws. The time has come when we must have honesty, not only in general elections, but in party primary, which every one knows selects practical ly all of our officials Such useless frauds are now in the nature of a larceny after trust; yes as it were, an assassin's stab at our liberties. If we seriously consider such dishonest conduct can we escape the feeling that he perjures himself in the violation of his oath, and when he fraudulently takes the honor and emolu ment of office from one white man for the benefit of another does he not also steal? A pure ballot is essential to re- publican form of government. Older men can remember when 1t was regarded as sacred trust. Let it become so again. If you really wish to enforce honest cleo tions, and you hear of any fraud. I would summon the managers of the last party primary and enquire of them of the same. I do not know of any viola tions but you should let the people know we mean to have honest elections under our new Constitution.
 Bribery.
 would now call your attention to the dangers of bribery, which Is a growing evil of the whole country.
 Under Section 195 of the new Constitu- ton, any person who shall pay the poll tax of another. or advance him money for that purpose in order to influence his vote. shall be guilty of bribery, and, upon conviction. they shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years.
 The mind revolts at the conduct of the man who falls to the temptation of gold. But do we so regard his tempter. who comes to him from plenty, filled with an unholy ambition to be called by title he is unworthy to bear. or to rob the public of a wight? Do we turn with dis gust from the taker. and walk half a block out of the way to speak to the man who gives the bribe? Remember the ringing words of that famous English clergyman. Frederick w. Robertson, Neither is he worthy who bribes a man to vote against his conscience" If bribery comes to your knowledge. don't forget to indict the briber first. for he will go on with his corruptions, while the taker will not be worth his buying again.
 Integrity of County Officials.
 It is also enjoined on you by the statute to ascertain if any public official has taken any contract of the County, or to be employed in any way under such con- tract, or interested in any way for the hire of County convicts. or selling any goods or supplies to the County or be- come in any wise pecuniarily interested in any such contracts
 You will see if there have been any eX- tortions in office by any of1ceE author ized to receive fees for services rendered by him in his official capacity. (5105, 5103)
 See that the rules of humanity pre- scribed by the laws are strictly observed as to convicts and prisoners. and it Is my duty to especially charge you that you see that the law is observed by all with whom he comes in contact. q546)
 The question of County finances Is very important matter. and you should carefully examine the County's financial condition, and the conduct of all those who are charged with its management.
 Inspection of Officials.
 Make an inspection of the office. and the conduct of the office. of all public of ficials Also carefully examine the off, cial bonds of all County officials and re- port as to their correctness and suffi- ciency. (Sec. 50270
 A transcript of the docket of justices of the peace in all criminal matters. and feed bills by the sheriff. are also objects of your careful scrutiny. Has the sher- if made Illegal charges for the feed for prisoners, or the justices of the peace or inferior courts eXtorted illegal fees or unlawfully compromised cases. or ille- gally assumed jurisdiction of felonies? If so. take such action as you see fit by