The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1903-03-05
HALIFAX SUPERIOR COURT.
A LARGE DOCKET-JUDGE FRED MOORE
PRESIDING.

daill2X SupeflOf COult 10 III SesSAon
this week. Court was opened Monday
a. II o'clock, Judge Fred Moore pre-
siding.
TIE following were drawn as grand
jury: G. D. House Qoreman) E. w.
Lilies, w. NJ Cullom, w. L. Mlzzell,
W. E. Gotten, w. H. Cole, Geo. w.
Morgan, B Y Harris, w. A. Harvey,
D. L. Anderson, J. A. Dickens, Nick
Hrown, D. B. Dickens, II. L. Haswell,
3 E. Bradley, A. S. Glasgow, G. G.
Wallace, J. J. Draper.
Mr.. J. W. Rammill was appointed
officer to the grand jury.
JUDGE MOORE's CHARGE.
Judge Mocre's charge was able and
instructive and was delivered in slDgu-
larry clear and distinct terms.
He cautioned the grand jury at the
outset that they must not be deferred
from presenting truly all violations OF
the criminal law either by fear or
favor, reward or hope of reward. He
told them that theirs is a secret tribu
nal and no one has right to know
any thing about their proceedings ex-
cept as they appear in the records OF
the court.
The grand jury has the physical
power to suppress prosecution and to
prefer indictment against any citizen,
but it is presumed that they do not use
their power in any questionable way.
The larger part Of grand jury's duty
pertains to the ferreting out of crime,
not as detectives but within the proper
limits OF the law.
It is the duty of every grand juror
who knows Of any violation OF the
law to inform his associates and they
should together make presentment for
such crimes.
Judge Moore then classified crimes,
!
meanors, and discussing crimes against
persons, property, peace of society and
the government.
| TOO MANY ACQUITTALS.
In discussing the crime of murder
he said that there are very few cases in
which man takes the life Of another
without violating the law. Some
times it occurs, but very seldom. To
be justified in taking the life of anoth-
er, and therefore commit no crime, one
must be driven to it by the compulsion
of overwhelming necessity.
Judge Moore here emphasized bis
opinion that there are too many ac-
quittals for such crimes in North
Carolina.
Discussing crimes against the peace
of society much stress was laid on the
carrying of concealed weapons. The
practice of carrying concealed weapons
he said, is productive Of a great deal OF
harm. Recently homicides in North
Carolina have occurred by reason oil
the fact that men were carrying con-
cealed weapons. Said he: "Had not
the criminals been armed with con
cealed weapons the homicides would
not have been committed" It is /;
dangerous and hurtful practice. There
is no community In which man can
not go unarmed safely. IF a mar
thinks he Is in danger he has a rish1
to arm himself, but he must no4 con
ceal his weapons. It is cowardly anG
dishonest IN man to so about armed
and appear unarmej. It the Law
against carrying concealed weapons
could be enforced many homicide:
would be avoided. He concluded hi
discussion OF this crime in these point,
ed words:
81 charge you, gentlemen OF the
, grand jury, to be especially dillgen
in this particular duty. If you know
Of any one carrying concealed weapon
IN this county within the last two
years it is your duty to present him.
Concerning the liquor traffic Judg,
Moore said that the laws prevailing i,
this county ought to be strictly en-
forced.
GOOD ROADS.
The law concerning the working G
the public roads was emphasized
Road supervisors and road overseer.
ought to be dealt with Tor neglect o
their duty.
He said that many eminent mer
believe that good roads are one of The
most important Interests Of commu
nifty. Good roads are needed for the
use of the schools in the country, fol-
commerce and business. Perhaps
the road laws now in effect art
sufficient if properly enforced. He
charged the grand Jury that IT tbs
: officers are not doing their duty fol
: roads OF the county they ought to pre-
sent them for Indictment.