The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-10-19

commissioners do elect or appoint
competent civil engineer, TO have
complete supervision of the road
building throughout the county. This
civil engineer to take the place OF the
County Supervisor. We hope that the
policy OF the County Board in per
fecting the roads radiating from the
city of Sumter will be continued. and
in this way gradually cover the coun-
ty.
The grand jury note the congested
condition Of the court criminal dock
ct. and We suggest that the law be
changed. so as to increase the juris-
diction of the magistrates, or at least
fix the law so that the magistrates can
try all liquor cases.
Your grand jury. at a previous term
OF this court, recommended some re-
pairs and improvements to the jail,
and We note that all Of said improve
ments have not been made, especial
ly Is this so In not providing for the
bath tub and for place for sick
prisoners to be confined. We insist
that these improvements be made,
and the Jail be put In a more sanitary
condition, or that a new jail be erect
ed. The Board Of Health Of the city
OF Sumter have.by letter. called our
attention to the condition Of the Jail,
which letter is hereto attached, and
made a part Of this presentment.
We also recommend. In a previous
presentment, that the seats in the
court room be repaired: We note that
this has not been done. We insist up
on these repairs. so that the county
property might be preserved.
report has reached the ears of
your grand jury that. IL correct.
should bring the blush Of shame to
every good citizen In our midst. The
report is that the County Court House
and grounds are being used for i'm
moral purposes. The report is not
definite enough for your grand jury
to make any special presentment, OF
specific instances. but in order to stop
such practices. II they be true, we
recommend that the County Board Of
Commissioners do at once light the
court house grounds. so as to do away
with the dark places. and that the
locks on the four doors that enter the
building be changed. and only keys
to the front door be given to the
county officers. and this door be so
arranged as to close and lock auto
matically. so that at all times the
court house proper will be locked up
after business hours. and that the
basement to said building be kept
locked at all times.
Your grand jury request the county
officers. I.s.nnins with the next
term. to wit. January 1913. viz: Clerk
Of the court. Judge Of Prostate. sher-
in. Superintendent Of Education.
County Supervisor Auditor. and Treas
urer. to keep an accurate account of
the expenses Of their separate offices,
as we'll as an accurate ccount OF the
receipts OF these offices. The infor-
nation desired by the grand jury Is
the amount Of money expended by
the county for office expenses, books,
stationery. etc; clerk hire, ETC., and
the income derived by the officers OF
said offices. whether in salary or fees.
The grand jury desire this informa-
ton before recommending that all
officers be put on a salaried basis.
1t has been reported to the grand
jury that the Palmetto Club, situated
about two miles from the city of
Sumter, has been selling or providing
whiskey for minors. and other par
ties. Illegally and this practice has
been engaged In to such an extent as
to create n nuisance In our opinion,
and We wish TO notify this club that
unless such practices are discontinued
at once We will take such steps as
are necessary in having this place
closed. We have only been able to
secure evidence against one individual
for selling whiskey at this place, but
your grand jury Is determined that
the matter will not be allowed to
drop here, but will be viligant in an
effort to perform our duty In the
premises. In this connection. we de-
sire to formally present Mr.. John
Turner for illegally selling whiskey
to Herbert Turner. Willie Rivers and
Robert Moore (either separately or
together) on or about September II.
1912; and we submit the following
witnesses to prove the same: j. l..