Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1905-03-07
SUPERIOR COURT.

weeks session Of the Pulaski court, the first
since his election, where his charge to the Grand
Jury attracted the attention of the state, and
which has been discussed and commented upon
in several adjoining states.
Yesterday, at 10 o'clock sharp, he raped
for order in the Irwin county court room, and
called on Hon. B. E. Wilcox, representative or
this county in the general bly,, to invoke
divine blessings. The prayer was strlkingly
appropriate and created profound respect tor
the court, and before the attorneys, jurors, and
assembled spectators realized what had hap
pened the proceedings had been dignifed far
above the usual.
In the absence of Solicitor General E. u.
Graham, who was delayed about an hour by a
misconnection at Fitzgerald, Judge Martin pro-
ceeded to prepare the juries for organization,
the bar for prompt and decisive work, and TO
prepare all for the strictest decorum and atten-
ton to the business of the court.
He announced certain rules by which he
would be guided in matters about which there
is usually doubt and indecision.
His discipline is rigid, but meets with gen.
eral approval. He stated that every rule on
that line had been carefully considered, with an
eye single to the public service and not to mag
Nifty the Importance of his office.
He stated that a subpoena from his court
meant something; that it an invitation to
come to court, and that the expense OF second
trip for witness or juryman, that had been
subpoenaed, would probably be borne by the
derelict.
He explained that the court room must be
kept quiet during the transaction of business
and that talking and standing around would not
be tolerated.
To the attorneys he laid down certain rules
by which they must be governed.
After the Grand Jury had organized, he
proceeded to deliver the charge that has attract
ed so much attention thirty-four pages of type
written legal cap.
There is nothing sensational in the charge,
although it is distinct innovation. We would
be glad to publish it in full, and may do so at
some time in the near future.
The charge opens with the following para
graph
"GENTLEMEN OF THE GRAND JURY
1t perhaps would be entertaining and IN
structive to trace the evolution of the ancient ac-
cusing body for each one hundred before whom
no witnesses were sworn or examined but whose
presentments were made upon the knowledge
of the jurors in respect OF any such violations
which have resulted in the Grand Jury of the
present day; but time forbids this excursion in
to the annals of the past. Suffice 1T to say. how
ever, that the oaths taken and the duties devolv-
ing on these hundredors are strlk1ngly similar
to the oaths and duties of grand jury as now
taken from the county at large, and the earliest
innovation which Swallowed forth the establish
ment of the grand jury as it now exist was in
the AZ year of Edward ILL., Of England.
Our law provides that only the most exper-
fenced, intelligent and upright citizens quail
fed and liable to serve as grand jurors. This
is timely and wise provision for in many re-
spects the grand jury is to be regarded en-
joying distinct autonomy.
THE oath taken by each grand juror is to-wit:
You shall diligently inquire and true present
mentS make of all such matters and things as
shall be given you in charge, or shall come to
your knowledge, touching the present service;
the State counsel, your fellows and your own,
you shall keep secret, unless called upon to give
evidence thereof in some court of law in this
State; you shall present no from envy
hatred, or malice, nor shall you leave any one
unpresented from fear, favor, Affection reward,
or the hope thereof, but you shall present all
things truly and as they come TO your know
ledge. So help you God" No man is fit and
proper person to sit a grand juror who
not conscientously and unqualifiediy endorse
and honestly subscribe to every requirement
set forth in this oath. No should qualify
MS grand juror by taking this oath unless it is
his fixed purpose aud determination to faithfully
perform its requirements for he who takes it
with mental reservations, or with no intention
of being governed by it. or with the intention
of knowingly and willfully violating the require