The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-17

in Greater Birmingham and in the mining camps.
 There are about 150 justices in Ieffer- constables. besides large varieties of dep- uty sheriffs. Some are on pay rolls of corporations under various .noms de guerre,' to-wit; night watchmen, rent col- lectors. land agents, etc. Some of these are good men withal Some of them were poor when induct- ed into office. It is believed some are yet.
 Surety Bonds Might Help
 When temptation Is strong and the way easy, however many a good man needs the aid of a real surety bond in stead of the doubtful piece of paper usually filed in the probate court as q guarantee that officials of the state Of Alabama will promote justice and protect the innocent. We find that some oorpor- ators fight the justices of the peace and their consta bles. Others consent to be preyed upon
 "Blessings on them If all would hghti
 Tn no instance did we find that inn peachment proceedings against justices and constables resulted in conviction. Such cases are liable either to be settled prematurely or guilty but not proven will result
 Which Is Better?
 The jury Is further convinced that peonage. although It's existence would disgrace, would be far preferable to the monthly gouge that comes with remorse- less regularity.
 "A peon has the protection of his mas ter-has quiet. good food. regular work and presumably. when resignation sets in-peace of mind. Sometimes he is al- lowed a small stipend In lieu of wages.
 Under the eXtortion plan. however. in It's due and ancient form. he has not even the least of these. He fees from camp to camp and though pursued-there awaits his coming always-another difi- gent constable.
 At no time, no place is he safe from arrest on trumped up charge or free from bewiderment and fright over cumulative claims threatened or preferred
 Results
 "Desperate-he feels his only safety to be flight to parts unknown or to the bank ruptcy court.
 And thus in all the states of the union has Birmingham come to rank second to Chicago in the number of bankruptcy cases.
 Considering Birmingham's disparity In population in its justified the further bad emlnence of first place.
 We trust it be no breach of propriety tJ critese the operations Of this system under state and county officers We ara citizens of Alabama well as memberS of the federal grand jury.
 We regret it Is not in our power to draw up remedy and apply it.
 "1f possible we would abolish the en- tire system. In lieu of that we would recommend that final jurisdiction Of justices in criminal cases be abolished. Next we believe 1t would be better for justices and their constables to be s4n salary.
 Tt Is believed some of these Changes will be possible some day when legis- lature composed of business men is elected
 "'The September grand jury of Jefferson county deserves commendatlon for initi- atiug an expose of this shameful situation. The next county grand jury can Y q greater service by arraigning various Jus- tices and constables who are steadily vio- Iating state laws-provided they prepare at the same time for an honest prosecu- ton with means and intent to finish the case
 Shadow of the Federal Government We regret that federal grand juries can do naught but sit and listen to tales of extortion and highway robbery by ben eGeiaries of the fee system that sets one's imagination afame over the ptiful con ditions that might prevail amongst tho masses were it not for the giant shadDg of the United States government standing by with far reaching arms and grim de- termination to at lea&t brook no viola ton of it's statutes. Respectfully sub mitted. GEORGE E. WARD.
 Foreman"