The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-07

tCOntinued From Page Three)
political considerations Officers who do
rheir best consistently, may always rely
upon the obligation of their oaths of Of
Nice, the approval of their consciences and
'the support of an enlightened public
iopinion. In the long run, they will not be
disappointed. But, regardless of conse-
l1uences to individuals, something must
Hbe done to improve and straighten out
con6itions in this county, so that peace
lable and law abiding men may be pro-
fected from prevalent vice and crime. No
man, however powerful his influence
Ikhould daily trample upon the laws of
Ithe land, without fear of punishment
IOur criminal courts must be divorced
nrom politics and deal out justice rather
Mhan personal favor. Any other course
l1neans scandal and disgrace to popular
government. Likewise no man, however
humble, is beneath the protection of the
law. The weak, the helpless and the
oppressed must he fearlessly shielded
from the wongdoer.
Begin New Year Well
II rejoice in recent opportunity to
know the people of this county first hand.
ID am convinced from this acquaintance
that the average man wants only right
and justice to prevail and will himself do
what is right when he sees il. An officer
of the law, with hidden strings and per-
sonal obligations binding him to a par
Tal discharge of his duty, is an offense
to all honest men and should be sternly
rebuked. Practical results, efficient SER
vice, and above all, conscientious work
are urgnetly required in our courts. In
the name of the people of this county,
whose commission | hold in this urt,
appeal to you, gentlemen of the jury, TO
begin the New Year well by dschargins
your full duty in all respects. without
and criminal pratices with an eye single
TO the public good
Corrupt Elections
Unfortunately many crimes have been
ruthlessly committed in our gerat county
and some offenders have escaped justice.
Life has been too frequently taken upon
slight provocation contrary to the law
of God and man. Robbers and burglars,
thieves and grafters carry on their ne
tarious work without seeming to fear the
punishment provided for their wrongful
acts. Elections are held and men spend
money with lavish hand To corrupt the
electorate and secure the grand prize Of
some great office and under the forms
sanctioned by the letter of the law thou
sands of dollars are extracted from the
people or from the county treasury every
year by the operation of the notorious fee
system. These evils must be checked by
fhe iron hand of official courage, backed
by the active support of the public, who
pay for protection, which they do not re-
ceive The chief fault of our people lies
in being too much preoccupied with pri-
lwate business. while public business is
allowed to drift along unheeded Good
government, like everything else worth
having, can only be obtained by sacri-
dice and unselfish effort The light of
public criticism must be turned on and
the pressure of public opinion must make
dtself felt, before relief can be fully OBJ
tained. If conditions are bad, let our
people make their demands known from
hthe house tops and let our newspapers
point the finger of public censure at those
who thrive by vice and likewise at offi-
cers whose eyes are blind in the midst of
.1awlessness. Grand jurors are not only
isworn to indict for violations of the law,
.but to investigate and condemn conditions
and practices, which injuriously affect the
lpublic morals and the welfare of the peo-
iple. As grand, Jurors. you have the whole
ipower of the county behind you and
should fearlessly expose evil as YOU find
It, unhampered by personal considera-
tions Gentlemen, / charge you to look
behind the surface of things. pry into
the secrets of the lawless elements. make
q searching inquiry into every fraud and
corrupt practice and let us see If we can
not drive the crooks out from their places
OF shelter. Only thus may we have
cleaner and better Birmingham and en-
i1oy the blessings of peace and security IN
This otherwise thriving and prosperous
oounty. This court in all its branches