Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1908-05-22

Robt. A. Naylot, II, +. Albfittain,
John /. Murray, John T. Murdoch.
ueorge HALEY. Samuel II. Cox,
Lewis J. SpaIding, S. Frank Bowie,
G.. w. Henderson, VIM. A. Greer,
VIM. f. Rowe. Arthur w. Thomas,
William Croft. Stanley II. Canter,
Sam'l. K. Neave, DeLange Robinson,
VIM. II. Cuttings, Sam'l. G. Ryon,
Richard A. Boone, John Dudley,
Walter NJ. Page, ConstantineA Bowl
John NJ. Burch, ing,
Robt P. Bowling, Fred. S. Barber.
Judge Briseoe delivered the following
charge to the Grand Jury
sit has been custom in this State
more honored in the observance than IL
the breach for the Court, at the com
mencement Of the session, Of each jurJ
term, to deliver what is called a charge
TO the Grand Jury. In practice, it is
simply an instruction given by the Court
to the Grand Jury in regard to theil
duty, and the submission Of each alleged
violation of the law as the Court, in the
exercise Of sound discretion, consid srs
necessary TO be presented to them, fol
consideration and investigation. The
character and nature of the charge, Ia
some jurisdictions, are controlled by
statute, but in our State, the matter is
left largely to the discretion Of the
Judges, except as to certain police regu-
latiOns and statutes which the Court Is
required to call specially 10 their atten-
tion. The object and purpose Of this
instruction, Is simply TO submit few
plain and general rules, as to your duty,
which if observed, will be of service in
the discharge Of the work you have been
selected to perform, and at the same
time, calling your attention to the stat
utes and principals of law, applicable to
the cases, that will probably come to
you for investigation.
sin the first place, however, gentle
man, permit me to congratulate you
upon the apparatiye absence of any very
serious crimes, except those hert after
mentioned, and through you, the people
of your County, upon the general OBJ
servance Of the State and County laws,
Neither the dockets Of the Court, nor
the information received from the Off
GERS of the law, disclose many violations
of the law. 1t will not, therefore, be
necessary for the Court to detain you at
the threshold Of your work, except to
present few suggestions as indicated
as to your general duties and as to those
violations Of law brought to its atten-
ton.
"You will, however, remember that
you are not limited in your investiga-
lions to those matters that may be given
you, in charge, but you are required to
diligently inquire and true presentment
make of all matters that may come to
your knowledge, touching this present
service.
'eThe Court could urge upon you a
Strict observance of the oath which has
just been administered to you. Itclear-
ly points out your general duties and
will be safe guide and a sure support,
upon which you can rely and depend, in
case of difficulties along the work. 1t
is not the province of the Court to re-
view or comment upon the facts Of any
case, whatsoever they may be. This is
for your exclusive consideration and
| finding. And the Court believes, as
good citizens and conscientious men,
having at heart the welfare and material
progress of your County, the mainten-
ance of law and good order therein, and
the peace, government and dignity of
your State you will fully measure up
to the requirements"
Judge Briscoe then called their atten-
ton to the Acts of the Assembly relat-
ing to abortions and defaulters,
and to the law requiring the Clerk to lay
before the Grand jury list of all licen-
SEES granted by him for two years prior
to the meeting of the jury, etc.
He stated that there would be several
cases of larceny for them to investigate
and explained the full meaning of lar
cenY.
He urged them to carefully investigate
the charges of assault with intent to
murder which would come before their
body and make a Just presentment of
the facts. He further urged the jury to
carefully examine into the charges OF
selling liquor on the Sabbath day, and
to make presentment in every case
where satisfied of the guilt of the party,
stating at the time that there was no
excuse for the violation of the Sunday
law.
The Justices of the Peace have juris-
dietion under the local law, and citizens
of any neighborhood where the law is
violated can proceed at once to prefer
charge against persons violating its pro-
visions.
He urged careful observance of the
oath of jurors requiring strict secrecy as
to their proceedings.
In concluding, the Court said there
was no reason assigned for long ses-
sion of Court at this term.
The doekets were then taken up and
judgments entered in plain and uncon-
tested cases.
Benjamin Tubman, F. NJ. Acton,
George Haley, Thos. II. Ching, W. W.
Cobey, ]. Reed Mccarthy and Richard
NJ. Payne we're excused by the Court
from serving as jurors at this term.
No. /. Grim. Appeals. VS. VIM.
P. Bragunier. Tried by jury and found
not guilty. Cooksey for State. Nit
chell & Digges for traverser.
TUEsDAY.-Judges Merrick and Crane
on the bench.
Stanten H. Canter excused from fur
Their service on the Petit Jury.
No. Grim. Appeals. VS. Geo.
Miller. Motion to quash warrant over
ruled,
Grand Jury br ought in presentments
against Annie Brown for larceny of
property valued at s., and against Hen
ry Harvey and Lessie Green for break
ing into the store house of Michael Shea
and larceny of s..
No. 2 Crim.-State VS.. Samuel Hen
derson. Indicted for larceny of fish