The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-09-27
Lee County Grand Jury's Present.
ment.

state OF South Carolina, County of
Lee. Court of General Sessions.
fall term, 1913. His Honor Thorn
as Sease, Presiding:
We, the grand jury, beg leave to
submit this our final presentment.
All bills of indictment handed us
for our consideration have receiv-
ed careful investigation and return
ed to the court with our findings en-
dOrsed thereon.
In two former presentments the
S. c. & w. railroad were given due
notice as to the dangerous charac-
ter of the crossings of said road with
the county roads, rendering them un-
safe to the travelling public. Fair
promises have been received but to
delay seems to be one of the pre-
dominant characteristics of the Off
Gals of said road and our attorney is
hereby instructed to take legal steps
to relieve the situation unless work
shall have commenced within fifteen
days.
The grand jury will enter upon no
lengthy discussion of the value of
good roads for we are all of one ac-
cord, but as means to an end we
call attention of our Supervisor to
the advisability Of purchasing a trac-
ton engine with equipments usually
connected Herewith. This would en-
tail no additional expense on the
county for this would enable the su-
pervisOr to dispose of several mules
now used on the roads. The super
visor is also requested to investigate
the advisability and cost of leasing
cOnvicts from the State penitentiary,
should the plan of leasing convicts be
adopted by those in authority, which
policy we fully endorse.
Good drainage is absolute re-
quisite to good and permanent roads
and much of the work of supervisor
is rendered valueless by the continued
and perniciOus practice Of ploughing
in the roads-thus filling the drains
our rural policemen are hereby in
structed to take due notice and take
proper steps respecting the same.
The road committee of the grand jury
will at all times hold themselves in
readiness to aid and advise with our
supervisor.
The committee appointed to inspect
the books Of the county officers en-
ployed an expert to thoroughly audit
the books Of the Clerk Of Court from
the establishment of the county to
present time and the boks Of the su-
pervisor during the encumbency of
Mr.. Evans.
The books and records of the Of
fice of supervisor during these years
are in excellent shape. The minutes
are complete and the claims are prop
erly approved and filed.
The law plainly states that the re-
tiring clerk of court shall within
thirty days after expiration of his
term turn over to his successor all
records and moneys that he may have
in his possession.
Mr.. l.. A. Moore, our late clerk,
has failed to comply with the law
and our county attorney is hereby in
structed to bring suit against Mr..
Moore and his bondsmen should full
settlement not be made by next term
Of court of common pleas, and itemiz-
ed statement may Re had by apply
ing to the chairman. of the auditing
committee.
Our game laws sre not properly
enforced and we call upon our rural
policemen to thoroughly familiarize
themselves with the law and llgidly
enforce the same.
We take notice that our Presiding
Judge is fully conscious Of the fact
that he is a public servant and dis
charges his duty in a manner that
commands our admiration and full
commentator.
For the kindness, courtesy and
consideration Of all officers of court
we hereby express our full appre-
citation.
Respectfully SUBMIT. d,
w. A. Stuckey,