The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-05-28
GRAND JURY PRESEMTMENTs,
chatham Superior Court, March
Term, 1904.

Term, 1904.
To Hon. George T. Cam, Judge OF
The Superior Court. Chatham County:
sir-We have carefully investigated the
nrblic property of the county, and the
several matters brought to our atten-
zion under the charge of the court. and
respectfully submit the following gem
eraI presentments and recommend that
they be printed in both daily papers.
Pensions.
The list of pensioners has not been
increased since the report of the last
grand jury. when a full report was
made to this court.
Public Buildings.
The buildings of the county are in
good condition, except the plumbing IN
the county Jail, which is old and defec-
tive, also the inefficient supply OF wa
Ter on the third floor of the Court
House. We call the attention of the
commissioners to these matters, and
trust that they will at once, investigate
with a view to remedying same.
Magistrates.
The books of the magistrates in the
different districts have been examined
and found correct and properly kept.
Roads, Bridges and COnvicts.
The county roads and bridges are in
good condition: the conVicts are well
fed with wholesome food and comfort
ably clothed. The care and attention
given to the comfort of these violators
of law reflect credit upon the manage
ment and officers in charge of this de-
partment of the county. We recon-
mend that three miles of the Montieth
road from Meinhard to Monteith be
hardened. and thai the crossing of the
Atlantic Coast Line Railway on the
Augusta road. near Montelth. be put
in good order.
County Officers.
The books and vouchers of each coun-
ty officer have been carefully investi-
gated, and we find them neatly and
properly kept. We recommend the pay
mcnt of the sheriffs bill of $546. so for
returns OF "nulla bona" and advertis-
ing tax executions that have been &C
cumulating for the last three years,
this recommendation is based upon the
report of a committee from this grand
jury, and, under the law, requiring on"
endorsement before payment can be
made.
Drainage.
The great benefit that the county is
deriving from its system of drainage
can be appreciated only after personal
llSbeCLlOll, lIlOuSdlltS VI dCI0S VI III az
tica!ly useless lands have been re-
claimed and turned into cultivated
fields that yield abundant crops, as
we'll as adding to the revenue of the
county. The last and largest undertake
ing of the commissioners on this line
is the drainage of what is known as
Pipe Maker swamp. When this
drainage is COMPLETED it will have
drained twenty-five square miles Of
swamp and low lands in the county.
The intelligence and energy displayed
in pushing this work is commendaDle.
We indorse the plan and recommend Its
continuance to completion.
Public Schools.
We have made a thorough investiga-
ton of the public schools. both white
and colored. and find them in excellent
condition. The discipline of the schools
as well as the care and attention given
to sanitary matters, and comfort OF the
children, reflect credit upon the super
intendent, principals, and teachers in
every department. The rapid growth
of the citv calls for an increase OF
school facilities a. the rate of zoo TO
250 children yearly. Theretore. we
recommend that the commissioners pro-
vide funds that will enable the Board
of Education to construct another Inou-
ern school building.
High school Tuition Fees.
Statistics of the schools show that
during the period of 1S90-1894. when
there were 3,139 children in the gram
mar schools, 1900 per cent. attend
ed the Yigh School, when the tuition
charge of $27 pei annum was made
During the years 1895 to 1897, inclusive,
when no tuition fee was charged IN the
High School, the attendance was near
IL 10 per cent of those who completed
tuition fee of SIS was made in the High
School. the attendance fell off to
: 2l-1OO per cent, Notwithstanding the
general attendance of the grammar
schools had greatly increased. Ihese
facts lead as TO the conclusion that our
High School should be free, and we
recommend the removal of the tultlon
charge. and in order to carry this into
effect we recommend that the County
Commissioners provide funds to the
amount Of $500 to meet the denclt
that would result from the removal OF
these fees.
Manual Training.
We have investigated the subject OF
manual training as far as our taclh-
ties and information will ADMIT, ana
believe that we arr safe in recommend
ing the Introduction of this system III
our schools If by such training our
boys and girls can leave the High
School with an education and pract-
cal knowledge of the various Industries,
the system is designed to inculcate,
they can, at once. command living
In the industrial world. That this rec
ommendation NAV be carried into Ell
feet we recommend to the Board OF
County Commissioners that they pro-
vide $3,500-the an cunt needed for this
purpose.
Budget.
We approve the total amount of ex-
penses of the county for the year 1904.
as estimated by the commissioners, and
submitted to us, for $292,250.
We have examined the different ap- |
portonments in the budget and believe !
them to be as nearly correct as past
experience will admit. We have rec |
commended that $500 be provided for
the cost of introducing manual train |
ing in the schools, and $1,000 to replace |
the deficiency caused by the abolition
Of the High School tuition fee, ana |
leave 1t to the discretion of the hon |
orahle Board OF Commissioners TO take !
lEe whole. or anv part of this amount |
nom either of the apportiohments, ex-
cent the general school item OF $4,000 !
ana $4,000 for roads. which amounts we |
commend be not disturbed.
with utmost respect to the honorable |
Judges OF our courts we feel IL our |
quty to call their attention 10 the large |