The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-07-18
A REPonr WoRrH nEADrNc.

- &<@S% 0&%& WO4H8& &A &@&16 &A&f &e
 The Advertiser gives to its readers this morning the final report of the Federal Grand Jury which ended its labors and was discharged yesterday. and we ask that 1t be carefully read. Especially do We ask that 1t be read and studied by certain of our esteemed Northern con- temporaries who have been endeavoring to create the impression that the offence of peonage is an almost universal practice in Alabama. and have virtually piacarded the entire State for the offences of a few.
 It will be observed that this report makes 10 attempt to gloss over or deny the charge that ther, have been cases of peonage, but shows that after weeks of careful and laborious research they have found the practice in but two counties and involving only eighteen persons Certainly this Is a triumphant refutation of the many and gross exaggerations that have appeared from time to time In certain newspapers. and in some cases grounded on falsesstatements sent out by irresponsible romancers from our own State.
 Certainly The Advertiser has not now. and has never had. any disposition to minimize the wrongfulness of these prac- tices for which the Grand Jury indicted eighteen persons. We contend now. as we have contended all along, that the practice is wrong and that it should be utterly broken up. We rejoice to believe with the jury that these investigations. indictments and convictions have given death blow to these shameful practices and will prevent the State of Alabama again being disgraced by the acts of her own people. At the same time we wish to call special attention to the statement in this report that careful investigation has failed to bring to light any cases of peonage except in the two localities where the indictments have been found. That there were any cases of the kind in Ala bama is to be regretted, but it is a subject for congratulation that the number of offenders Is so small and the locality so circumscribed.
 Another matter dwelt on in the report. which we wish to endorse in the most positive tetrms, is the recommendation of the jury that the authority be taken from justices of the peace and other minor officials to impose hard labor under any circumstances. To this authority, reolxiessly used, may be traced all the undeniable and indefensibe wrongs that have caused so much comment and so much exaggeration. As long as justices of the peace and mayors can sentence men to hard labor. just so long will the illegal and unjust practices now sought to be broken up continue. And to all those who, like The Advertiser desire that our own State courts shall punish all crimes triable before them, 1t is specially gratifying to believe that the blow given to peonage in Alabama will make the practice so unpopular and so improbable that no future interposition of the Federal courts will be required. All citizens of Alabama should rejoice if that proves to be the result of these trials.
 It was not our intention to do more than call attention to this report, but portions of 1t are of such importance that we have felt impelled to comment on it at some length by way of endorsement, Let all read 1t carefully.