Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-09-02

CHARLES w. JoNf4S, 1lSIh.
FRANK j. HAM, Sheriff.
FRED w. LEE, Stenographer.
Augusta, Sept. 1.
The September term of the Kennebec
county Superior court convened at 10
O'Clock, Tuesday morning. Prayer
was offered by Rev. G. G. Mosher, pas
tor of the Free Will Baptist church of
Augusta. After the prayer Judge Hall
charged the grand jury, saying in
part:
Your sole duty consists in ascertain
ing who have violated the laws of the
State and presenting them for trial. 1t
is not for grand juries to sit in judg-
ment upon the propriety of any law
which has been violated. 1t is enough
for courts and juries to know that it is
the law of the State. Has the law
been violated and who was the viola
tori are the only questions for you to
determine. The people make the laws
by their Legislature. 1t is not for
courts or grand juries to ignore, sus-
pend or nulify them, but toaisee that
they are not broken with impunity. The
oath you have taken enforces this duty
at your hands.
"A large portion of the indictments
presented in this court by former grand
juries have been for the violation of
the laws prohibiting the sale of intoxi-
eating liquors. There is too much rea
son to believe that this law is still be-
ing often violated Notwithstanding a
more active enforcement and the in
creased penalties which the courts
have determined to inflict on violators.
Your Investigations will doubtless in
clude such cases. The increased vigil
lance of officers in some counties, in
Guiding our own, and an improved pub
lie sentiment are doing much to lessen
this great evil and, fortunately for the
public welfare, our grand juries can be
depended on to present offenders for
trial, whenever the evidence will war
rant it. But of course, the same care
must be exercised in these as in any
criminal complaint to see that the in
nocent are not made the victims of
mistake, perjury of malice"
The grand jury Immediately began
it's deliberations and it is probable that
it will be in session the rest of this
week.
Tuesday was occupied in the calling
of the docket and the assignment of
cases.
This is the first term at which
Charles w. Jones of Augusta, has
otficiated as clerk of courts, he having
been appointed by Governor Hill to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of
Gen. w. S. Choate. Clerk Jones ham
died the work in an able manner and
the concensus of opinion among the
members of the bar is that Mr.. Jones
will make a most efficient official.
Reuel w. Carleton of Augusta was
chosen foreman of the grand jury.
The following members of the bar
We're in attendance: Warren G. Phil
brook, S. S. Brown, Frank f. Brown,
Harold z. Cook, +. w. Clair. Harvey
D. Eaton, Norman K. Fuller, Dana P.
Foster, Waterville; George w. Field,
Fl. l.. Hunton, Oakland; Henry A.
Priest, Vassalboro; Oliver Il. Clason.
Will C. Atkins, Guy r. Iildreth,
Charles A. Knight, George W. Hesel-
ton, A. G. Stilphen, Gardiner; Fred
Emery Beane, Hallowell; Herbert NJ
Heath, Arson M. Goddard, Benedict T.
Naher, Willard i. McFadden, George
c. Sheldon Lewis A. Burleigh, W. II.
Fisher, M. S. Holway, Fremont ]. C.
Little Thomas J. Lynch. Melvin E.
Sawtelle, Augusta; Fl. E. Foster, Win
throp: l.. w. Folsom, Norridgewock.