The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
Dwells Upon the Increase of
 HOmicideS.
Takes Cognizance of Increase in Number of Men Shot Down by omcers-M. 3. Tough
 ton is Foreman.

Judge William H. Thomas yesterday organized the Grand Jury of Montgomery County for the February term of the City Court of Montgomery and delivered an earnest and forcible charge to the jurors.
 The grand jurors met at 12 clock and were organized immediately. Few Of the. subpoenaed jurors were excused.
 Judge Thomas congratulated the court on the personnel of the Grand Jury. say- ing that he had rarely seen on jury so many representative citizens.
 M. B. Houghton was called forward and the oath of the foreman of the, jury was administered to him by Clerk Henry H. Matthews. The grand jurors then col- lectively took the oaths and their organi- zation was complete. ~ The Grand Jury is composed of M. B. Houghton. foreman: J. s. Brady. w. c. Bostick, T. c. Young, R. Cantelou. F. B. Fiske. J. r. Mcqueen, J. D. Carney, s. A. Solomon, J. P Terrell, G. w. Dickey, c. M. Smith, P. II. Stephens, C. P. Gunter. J. c. Supple, w. w. Underwood, T. J. Gray and II. A. Goldthwaite,.
 w. B. Whiting was appointed bailiff of the Grand Jury. The hours of meet ing have not yet been fixed. It is thought that the Gi and Jury will complete its labors in two weeks.
 
 by Judge Thomas was as follows:
 Gentlemen of the Grand Jury:
 The oath you have taken will be your guide. You have sworn U To eili- gently inquire and true presentment make of all offenses against the law. @ Not to be deterred from a true discharge of duty by fear or favor or moved to oppression by hatred or malice t0 To keep secret all of your proceedings.
 Must Not Be Influenced.
 You will put the seal of disapprobation upon the conduct of man who wants a private word with you of the case to be investigated. He is not entitled te be heard in private; he knows it; you well know 1t; and if you hear him your con- science will sting with your oath A con- versation sought out of the grand jury room in explanation of matters to be considered therein comes with the pre- sumption of improper motive. The ap- proach is an insult to intelligence or an impeachment of honor. The juror who gives ear to the defendant. or to the friends of broken law, or lends his aid to prevent a bill when it should be found. or willfully lets fall word or token that a bill is sought or has been found. Is a wicked perjurer.
 Just here I warn you of another class of indirect violation of duty-that of pro- curing the defendants witnesses to be summoned. The law never intended that you should be the tricrs of the whole facts of the case, only the prosecution side of it.
 In the next place. don't forget that you have sworn to keep absolutely secret all of your proceedings. At all times be on your guard that through indif- ference you may not do the injury sought to be prevented by this secret proceeding. If I should suggest that one at least of your number would be so careless as to give away something to somebody" you would be hurt, and rightly so But I do say. let each of you see that you do not do this. Put yourselves above criti- cism by repelling improper approaches with the righteous indignation of man. ly man. and present such conduct to the court for lesson of honesty. Let it. gentlemen, be said of you. that 'it was q grand jury that did not leak and could not be log-rolled.
 Perjury and Subornation.
 False swearing is not only sin in the eyes of God, but it places life and liberty, reputation and property, at the mercy of the villain IT, then. you are sure that perjury has been committed by any witness before the grand jury or in any court. do all in your power to get the evidence to return an indictment against such perjuring witness.
 When Bills Must Be Found.
 The body of our criminal law is divided into felonies and misdemeanors. If in your investigations, twelve of your num- her should find from the evidence that felony has been committed, no discretion has been allowed. but a bill must be re- turned. When. however, it is misde- meanor under consideration (aud not an offense of which I give you in special charge,. and twelve of you are satisfied from the evidence that the offense has heen committed. you have a discretion to find a bill or not. your judgments dtc- tate to be for the public good. unless some person appear before the grand jury and have his name entered as pros- ecutor. thus undertaking the prosecu- ton of the case, your discretion fin the matter Is taken away, and you must re- turn bill f5n3s-5ai0.)
 Situation as to Homicide.
 The desire to impress upon you the situation as to homicide Is my apology fer again first speaking plainly on that