The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1908-05-08
GRAND JURY OF
COAHOMA COUNTY
Special to Jackson News.

Special to Jackson News.
Clarksdale, Miss, May 2.-The Coaho
ma county grand jury adjourned las
evening without returning the expected
indictment against II. |. Williams, form
er secretary AMI treasurer OF the levee
board.
The action of the Jury, which was by
divided vote, has occasioned much
surprise, as Judge Cook, In his charge
to the body, stated that il the jury
found evidence that any member of the
leyee board, or employe thereof, had
been receiving interest on levee board
funds, and devoted same to his yn use,
he should be indicted.
Eleven members of the jury signed a
written statement, submitted to Judge
Cook, In which they stated that, in their
opinion, the evidence procured by the
jury, warranted a finding to the effect
that Mr.. Williams had been receiving
interest on levee board deposits.
The other members of the body, how
ever, were unwilling TO return an in
dictment. Just before the final ad-
journment was taken the jury came into
the court room and asked Judge Cook
to repeat what he had said regarding
levee board funds. Hon. D. A. Scott
president of the levee board, was in the
court room, and protested against the
action, but Judge Cook repeated his
words, and the grand jury retired, but
was unable to agree on an indictment.
Several officials Of the Planters Bank,
which has been the depository of levee
board funds, were summoned to appear
before the jury. The assistant cashier
of the bank left town on the day court
was convened, presumably to keep from
testifying. The cashier, Mr.. Meek, APP
peared before the jury, but declined to
testify until he had consulted with his
attorney, Hon. Earle Brewer He was
allowed twenty minutes In which to do
SO, and after returning to the court
room Judge Cook tsld him that he
would he compelled to tell all he knew
of the financial transactions Of the levee
board. The nature of his testimony
has not been reavealed.
The probing Of the grand jury has
aroused the keenest interest throughout
the upper section Of the delta, and Mr.. |
Williams was very evidently much wor-
ried over the investigation. Judge
Cook discharged the grand jury without
hut 1t is stated that be will |
renew the same charge six months
hence.
In the meantime arrangements are
being made for the legislative probing
)f levee board affairs which unless
present plans are changed, will be CON-
nenced by special committee OF eight
members next Monday. State Revenue
Agent Writ Adams has also given formal
notice that he desires to make thor
,ugh examination of the levee board
looks, which may be under way at the
Iame time,
The grand jury returned 1863 in
lictments, large number Of them
or poker playing, and other forms OF
some Of the most prominent
'itizens Of the community being i'm.
,licated.
OFFICIALS INDICTED.
Although the levee board officials
we're not indicted on the charge of mis-.
se OF levee board funds, some of them
we're indicted for gaming. The true
ills included charges against +. |. Will
Jams, former secretary, and also Hon.
}. A. Scott, present presiding officer of
he board, Williams entered plea of
utility,
~o-o~~-N~~e~~~-~-e~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~>~-~~~r~~-~~