The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-18
COURTHOUSE TOO
SMALL FOR NEEDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 81


tuition convinces US of the wisdom and
foresight of the Board of Revenue in
acquiring and assuming charge of this
property. We find that it Is a model of
neatness, cleanliness and efficiency. 1t is
a ready receptacle for the diseased and
unfortunate and its doors are always
open to those in need. 1t now accom-
modates 55 persons, of which there are
II white males, % colored males, 7 white
females. colored females and chill
dren. That during the past year it has
accommodated upward of 1000 patients.
The officials in charge have performed
$40 operations and upward of 5000 surgi-
cal dressings and have given upward
of 1000 out-of-door treatments, result
ing in much good. The cost of mainten-
snce has been a little more than $4,000,
the average cost per day for feeding
being about IS cents per capita. From
an investigation of the financial affairs
of the county we find that nearly Is
per cent of the general fund has been
expended for charity. We do not hes
itate to say that this speaks we'll for
our county officials who have the dis
bursement of these funds, and is
speaking testimonial to a magnanimous
public sentiment which supports them.
We wish also to bear testimony to the
excellent ability and hearty interest
shown by Miss Hamilton, the superin-
tendent.
The Aims House.
We find that the aims house is well
conducted; that it's inmates are prop
erly provided for. and feel that it needs
no recommendation at our hands.
Bonded Officers.
We have examined the bonds of the
various officers and in our judgment they
are all ample and in due form. We have
also Investigated the records in the Of
fees of the various departments of the
county government and find that these
records are carefully and neatly kept, and
are safeguarded to as great an extent
as can be under existing conditions, and
the lack of necessary space and equip
ment for their accommodation.
Violations of Law.
We have investigated 463 cases; have
examined 2069 Witnesses have returned
223 true bills; 215 no bills. and request
that Is cases be continued to the next
grand jury. OF the true bills returned
we find that Al were for capital offenses
and 1872 were non-capital and misdemean-
ors. Grand larceny appears to be the
leading crime; followed closely by as
saults with intent to murder.
We are of the opinion that violations
of the prohibition laws are decreasing
since the enactment of recent laws on
the subject, and that the gambling Of
lenses have been proportionately de-
creased
we recommend that the attention of
precinct officers be especially called to
violations of the prohibition laws In the
aparsely settled districts where there Is
no police protection, and against gam
bling, Sabbath dissertation. and cruelty
10 animals. Our observation teaches us
that some of our justices are unfamiliar
with the rules of evidence, and that they
report cases without first obtaining such
evidence as is sufficient to make out a
caae. and In some cases they fail to
furnish the names of witnesses to the
crime. We have had cases where there
were no names of witnesses given.
we suggest that II 1t can be made FEAST
HE that all Of the Justices in the county
he invited to convene at the courthouse
at some future time. which may be con-
venient to the solicitor. and that they
he instructed by the solicitor ~ to the
administration of justice and the furnish
Ing Of evidence We feel that . confer
ence of this kind. with full and free
expression from the justices themselves
would be fruitful of good results, and
would establish a bond Of cooperation
In the enforcement of the law
In connection Win oAaoauA eco w
feel called upon to give an oppression Of
censure to one of our constables M. W
Parsons. whom evidence shows has per
verified the uses of his office, and made
II a means of oppression. having at one
and the same time acted as . constable
a clerk of the court, and attorney for
each OF which three services he received
compensation. We do not feel that the
evidence warranted an impeachment In
this case, and we can therefore only
express cur deep condemnation of such
acts.
Financial.
we find the financial condition Of thu
county = good; the amount Of cash on