The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-03
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 pecuniarly interested in any such contracts.
 You will also see if there have been any extortions in office by any officer authorized to receive fees for services rendered by him in his official capacity (5l05) (510S.)
 Has any person done any act calculated to affect the fair selecting or organizing of juries or jurors? (5O99) (5l0O). Has any sheriff or other officer having discre- tion in summoning jurors, summoned or connived at the summoning of any per son, with intent to produce result favorable to one party having case ia the court in which such person is sum- moned? (5loD (5lo2.)
 You will see that the rules of humani- ty prescribed 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 observ- ed by all with whom the prisoner comes In contact. (45i6.)
 The County Jail.
 Former grand juries have noted the inadequacy of the county jail. That 1t is wanting in space is told by the number of unfortunates who after confinement sicken. and too often contract or de- velop tuberculosis. A measurement of the lower portion where the colored prisoners are confined will show only 26,635 cubic feet of breathing space. Dr. Lederlee. who is at the head of the health department of New York city. advises me that the "breathing space of each prisoner should be 600 cubic feet al least" Yet we crowd 60 to 75 colored prisoners in the space where only 45 should be con- fined. Prisoners are held under pre- sumption of their innocence. for trial and not for punishment or execution. I fear of too many who go there. because of the lack of sanitation of the jail, it were better for themselves and those with whom they thereafter come in con- tact, had been executed and not im- prisoned The State should have an inspector of jails. It is your duty to be such for our county.
 The question of county finances is a very important matter, and you should carefully examine the county's financial condition and the conduct of all those who are charged with it's management
 Inspection of Officials.
 Make an inspection of the office and the conduct of the office of all public of- ficials. Also carefully examine and re- port ss to the correctness and sufficien- cy of the bonds of all county officials (5027.)
 A transcript of the docket of justices of tine peace in all criminal matters, and feed bills by the-sheriff. are also objects of your careful scrutiny. Has the sheriff made illegal charges for the feed for prisoners. or the justices of the peace or other inferior courts extorted illegal fees or unlawfully compromised eases, or illegally assumed Jurisdiction of felonies If so, take such action as you see fit by report or indictment.
 The county property is subject to your examination and critical observation-all public buildings. roads and bridges. Con slider yourselves as having the power and charged with the sworn duty of seeing whether the county property is duly cared for.
 I am sure none of you lack the man hood to discharge tho duties imposed by law, without fear or favor, and regard less of the person to be punished for violating the law. and that you will act according to the dictates of your own conscience, free and unbiased by the suggestion or command of some other man. and that you will keep the vow of secrecy assumed by your oaths. If not you shoull have asked to be excused.
 The concurrence of at least twelve of your number is necessary to find an in- dlctment. and when found must be en- dorsed true biH'' and signed by the fAEAnan: if for any EAAsN-> .HAaAr nl9-Ah---