The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-07
FORT DELIVERS HIS CHARGE ID JURY Criminal Courts Will Take Up
 Work Today GRAND JURY IN SESSION Special Attention is Called by Judge to New Laws-Former Chief
 Wier is Elected
 Foreman.
GRAND JURY IN SESSION

1 1Oudy VIII marx the DeSlnnlnS or ac- l tivities in the, criminal courts of Jef-
 ferson county. Both the first and sec- ond divisions will convene for the fall
 term this morning Judge William E.
 Fort presiding in the first division and
 Judge S. .L. Weaver being on the bench in the second division. Judge Fort l charged the September grand jury yes- ] terday morning and the inquisitorial l body will go to work in earnest to- day.
 Judge Fort in charging the grand , jurors outlined the duties of the body, emphasizing the idea that the essen tial rights oI life, liberty and property can only be guaranteed by strict ob
 servance of the law; and, telling rhe
 jurors that they formed a body of inquiry and accusation, he urged them
 to uphold the law and to fearlessy point out the weak parts of the ma chinery of justice.
 He also dwelt at some length on the greatness of Jefferson county and in this connection called attention to the lawlessness which necessarily de- velops in so populous a community. He charged the jury specially on the law relating to carrying of concealed weap ons, reckless speeding in automobiles, prohibition, trusts and combinations to fix prices, the care of convicts and prisoners, gambling and other offenses. The charge follows in full:
 Gentlemen of the grand jury: You have been chosen as grand jurors on account of your honesty, impartiality and intelligence, and because you are esteemed In the community for your integrity, good character and sound Judgment. Before you enter upon the discharge of your duties 1t remains for the court to call your attention to the general conditions of this county with reference to the administration ot the criminal law and also to outline your duties under that law.
 Our system of laws was enacted and courts were established to preserve peace, security and justice among the people. The essential rights of life, liberty and property can only be guaranteed by a strict observance of the law. Courts must be respected and the law enforced, or no man will be safe in his home or business. In the administration of law, We have stern duties to perform. It rests primarily upon the grand jury to charge a man with violating the law and fearlessly to point out the weak parts in the machinery of justice. You are essen tially body of inquiry and accusa- tion; it rests with the presiding judge and trial jury alone to determine the question of guilt or innoncence.
 Jefferson county is great in resources and population; are first in wealth, numbers and industrial importance. We pay one-ffth of the entire taxes of the state and have developed the greatest financial enterprises. Mine and factory, furnace and foundry have attracted na- tional attention. Every week sees the tablishment of new plants and indus tries. Our schools maintain high stand- ard and are filled with bright and prom
 sing youth. Our churches are doing their full part to strengtheni the moral fibre and ideals of the people. Our coun- try is rich in men of courage, ability and patriotism. Every day offers new oppor- tunities for men to win prosperity, com fort and happiness; but we have cos mopolitan population, comprising people from every state in the union and every quarter of the globe. In such teeming
 diverse and widely scattered population it is but natural for men who are but slightly acquainted with each other to develop friction. In fact some of us seem so busy with our private affairs that we
 care little about the law and it's just en- forcement. Every daily paper contains an | account of some murder, robbery, or burglary in our midst Our courts are | crowded and both county and city jails are oyerfowing. Arrests are made with 1 alarming frequency and prisoners go in | and out of custody by thousands every l year. IL is no wonder then that We hear l 1t charged that one-fourth of the crimes |
 | mitted in Jefferson county. Alabama. If l this charge Is true, we must face the 1 situation like men, and find a remedy. | The burden is on us, as sworn officers of the law, to stamp our disapproyal on l needless arrests, and likewise to see to it | that no violator of the law escapes the l penalty. Every public offense should be 1 investigated honestly and promptly and every public offender must be speedily tried and punished A great majority of
 our people are law-abiding They have
 a right to demand that lawlessness be l stamped out.
 l Not Worse Than Others. | We are not worse than other com ] munites, but we need firm and im-
 partial enforcement of the law Today
 is the best time to begin; for, every other
 day, we have heard of some citizen rob- \ bed or stricken down by the assassin in { the very heart of the county; street cars
 are held up at night in the suburbs; | stores and homes are burg1arized. The criminal fraternity has favored us en- I tirely too much. It is high time to lay
 upon these men the heavy hand of the
 law. We must make this county sacred l ground, consecrated to honest toll, happy l homes, and security for the lives and l property of all.
 l If hermit A man to yiOlate 0ua
 law today and go free that man and
 his fellows will surely feel less respect l for all law, and tomorrow your rights
 and property, your peace and safety will
 be trampled under foot It matters not ] whether the offense be carrying concealed
 pistols selling liquor, theft or murder
 the offender should be brought to speedy | trial; and, if guilty should be punished. l Courts of justice deal with the law as 1t is, and neither court nor jury can law
 fully try cases by public or private opin-
 ion and jury, solicitor and sheriff, clerk
 and baliff are all officers in the tenn
 pie of justice, which cannot stand unless
 founded on the rock of public respect
 for and honest and fearless enforcement
 of the law. In the language of our state
 constitution right and justice shall be
 administered" by our courts without sale.
 denial or delay Prompt investigation
 and speedy trial can injure no man. If
 he is guilty. the sooner he learns his
 lesson the better; for no man, whether | rich or poor is above the law or can
 long escape the penalty for the violation | Law is the will of free people, the foun- dation of our liberties, the protection of | our homes