The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-08

this is wise law under the conditions
as they exist.
Next ] would call your attention to
the practice Of carrying concealed weap-
ons. 1t is appalling when we contem-
plate the homicides that have been re-
ported in our state from the VIOLA
ton of this law, and If you feel as l do
about Il you will recommend that the
limit Of the law, of five hundred dollars
and six months at hard labor be i'm
posed on each individual who is not
justified by law.
You have a large docket 10 begin
with. which J hope is not indicative Of
an increase of crime in your county [
do not think such will be considered
true when we take into consideration the
rapid Increase Of our population, NUM-
bering now nearly, or quite, two hum
dred thousand-be this as it may. there
rests upon you a duty, If you fulfill with
hdelty and courage the violator of the
law will learn that crime shall. be pun
ished, and that justice sure and swift
shall follow and overtake the criminal,
and your good example will be felt by
the public at large.
II would call your attention to the
vagrant element Of our county. as they
furnish the great retailing station for
all sorts of crime-you will find onfthe
streets at all times hundreds of idle.
able-bodied men Now this condition of
affairs should not exist.
IF any grand juror knows Of or has
reason 10 believe that a public offense
has been committed indctabe and tri-
able in this county. 1t is his duty to dis
close the name TO his fellows. No grand
juror must be present at or take part
In the deliberations of his fellow jurors
respecting any public offense with which
he may be charged which was commit
ted against his person or property, or
where he Is connected by blood or mar
rage with the person charged. Should
any witness Wilfully refuse to answer
any question from which he il not ex-
eused by law, or divulge any informa-
ton not privileged concerning any public
offense, you will report such fact to the
court for whatever action may be legal
and proper
1T is my duty also to cali your atten-
ton to the fact that large portion of
the worst crimes are traceable to the
hoD-jack stands located all over the
county. You can't pick up a paper and
read Of a crime, with few exceptions, that
the same is not traceable thereto. | am
informed that hop-iack, or what they call
soft drinks, is exhibited to the public
and that the demijohn CT hardware fun
of the meanest liquor is kept conveniently
under the gunter Now, these dens of In
iquitys should be broken up. They are
fraught with the very worst evils to So
ciety, debauching the character of the
young men and leading one and all on the
commitment of crime and all sorts of dew
lltry. These vioators of the law should
not escape punishment. speedy and ade-
qGate.
"In conclusion, It becomes my painful
duty to call your attention to the alleged
fr0n1 tho pOuntV iail of DriEOOprS
or persons confined under due process Of
law. Now, the law is plain upon this sub
iect. and the solicitor will instruct fully
In this respect.
Now, | have finished Do your duty.
and in all cases hew TO the line and let
the chips fall where they may. You can
retire.