The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-09-26
Presentment of Grand Jury.
Abbeyille, S G.,
Sept. II, 1905.

AbDeVllle, > u,
Sept. II, 1905.
To His Honor,
Judge James Aldrich, Presiding
Fall term of Court.
The Grand Jury listened with much
pleasure to His Honor's remarks as to
the historical origin of grand jury
and its power; and beg leave to make
the following presentment:
We have carefully examined each
bill Of indictment presented us by the
Solicitor and have returned them to
the court.
We have visited the Public Build
ings of the County together with the
County offices, and desire tc make the
following recommendations:
After consultation with the County
Supervisor we find the financial con-
ditions Of the County warrant the
building of new Court House, and
we, therefore, request that the proper
parties be instructed to proceed at
once with that in view, and further
recommend that the building be equip
ed with all modern improvements, it,
cluding a fire proof vault for the
Clerks office. We also recommend
that the present building be kept in a
more sanitary condition. On visiting
the County farm we find that the
building for the inmates is only par
TALLY completed, and it is necessary
therefore, that it be completed with
all possible haste that the inmates may
have comfortable quarters Tor the
winter The building having a solid
brick wall separating the whites from
the colored we recommend that
solid board fence be built so as to
connect with this wall and divide the
yard. Also recommend that a piazza
be built the entire length of the build
ing as there is nothing to protect the
windows from the extreme heat and
glare o. the sun. We should Judge
that the agricultural part of the farm
had been well managed by the Supt.
Mr.. Hunter, and as we have been in
formed that he has rendered his resig-
nation, We suggest that younger man
be appointed to fill the vacancy with
an increase in salary, and that he be
required to keep the premises in a
more sanitary condition. 1t is further
recommended that the inmates be
provided with more uniform ward
robe containing several changes.
On visiting the Jail we all were very
much pleased with the general sani-
tary conditions, but, recommend that
the sc werage connection be extended
to the third floor, and that the walk
leading to the main entrance be paw
ed.
We are very sorry to learn of the es
cape Of several convicts during the
year which has been heavy loss to
the county and recommend that blood
hounds be purchased for the use Of
the County, also that the guards sala-
ries be raised in keeping with so re-
sponsible position. We earnestly
request that the Representatives from
our County use their best endeavors
to have more stringent vagrancy
law enacted.
Our Foreman was present at the al
nual settlement between the several
officers, examined and Cancelled al
vouchers and found the books neatly
kept.
We previously requested that we be
allowed to employ an expert account
ant to audit the books of the several
County officers, but as this could not
be done, we earnestly request our
Senator and Representatives 10 use
their influence in the enactment of
such law as will give the grand jurors
such authority. We make this sug-
gestion in justice to the efficient offic-
ers we now have as we'll as to tax
payers of the County.
We find from the report of County
Supervisor that only three magistrates
have filled their reports as required by
law. The filing of these reports at
the proper time is very important and
must be complied with
Respectfully submitted,