New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1912-03-23

ton between the cistern and the
iail and we find this to have been
the case for long period OF
time; the only way that the pris-
noers are supplied with fresh wa
ter is by the jailer having it
brought to them in buckets, 4
means which may be frought with
danger as this carrying of water
openly is liable to convey all sorts
of diseases. We also find that
the prisoners have no bath ac-
commodations. There were form
erly some bath tubs in the Jail
but the same having become unfit
for use, we are informed that the
Coroner Of the Parish has had the
same removed, without others be-
ing supplied in their place. The
heating apparatus in the Jail is
also out Of commission, if not
wholly anticipated, we therefore
suggest most urgently that the
above defects be remedied and
taken care of without any further
delay.
Public Roads.
Upon investigation, which was
done by each member of this body
individually, we find the roads OF
the Parish in bad condition, and
in urgent need of attention. They
are wholly lacking of drainage
and we find that in many instan-
ces that instead of the roads be-
ing drained that private parties
drain their properties into the
public thoroughfares. We would
suggest that before the Police
Jury should expend any money
for the working Of the roads, that
they should apply goodly sum
of the money appropriated for the
roads to be first spent for the pur.
pose of constructing drains. We
also urge that all work done upon
the public roads should be paid
for in cash; thereby saving to the
Parish great deal Of money. We
further urge that no work should
be let ON the public roads unless
it is done under competitive bids
and we are informed that the laws
of this State require that such
shuold be done.
Justices of the Peace and Con-
stables.
We find that we cannot be too
severe in our criticism of the
Justices of the Peace and Consta.
bles of the Parish with the excep.
tons hereinafter named Most of
them perform their duties loosely,
carelessly, and in a perfunctory
manner. They accept affidavits
in all sorts of matters that should
never find their way into the
Courts, and in matters of serious
charges they fail absolutely to
furnish the authorities with the
names Of witnesses and in the
event they do supply the names OF
witnesses they fail to give their
addresses and whereabouts, leav-
ing the Grand Jury. the Sheriff
and the District Attorney crop
ing in the darkness without
any hope Of coming to the light
We have had but three eases
brought to our attention from. the
Town of Jeanerette and we are
forced to the conclusion, either
that Jeanerette is the most peace
full community in the world OF
she is sadly in need of officers
who will see that the laws are
either respected or enforced. The
same condition apply to the First
Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards
We, however, desire to do no one
an injustice, and for that reason
we must say that the Justices OF
the Peace Of the I'd, 7th and par.
ticularly the 9th ward perform
their duties as they should be per.
formed.
We note also that a great man y
criminals are allowed to flee from
justice from the Sixth ward. and
this we cannot understand or ex.
plain other than by coming to
the conclusion that the Police Off
GERS are either too slow or too lack
in the execution Of their duties
This applies as well, Of course, to
the City Marshal.
Public Schools.
We have investigated the
school system Of this Parish as
much as was. in our power
and we beg leave to report
that as a. general rule we
find the school buildings in good
shape and kept in a clean, sani-
tary manner, and whilst we
might be able to point out pos
SHY some defects in the school
system, yet las a whole, we deem
that it reflects due crdit upon the
school authorities.
IN closing we desire to thank
the Court officers for their untir-
ing zeal in assisting us in the per-
Torrance of our duties, and for
their ever ready courtesy.
Respectfully submitted,
F. j. DRUILHET.