The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1913-02-07
A JURY'S P o
To the Hon. Monroe McClurg, presid-
ing Judge of the Circuit Court Of
Lefiore county, Mississippi, this

4 aFoIueu IIuIhB indictments on sue
cases as in our opinion were not SUI
ported by credjtable evidence.
We have been in se&ion six days, an
have examined GO witnesses. We hay
p returned into court sc true bills, an
have left several cases open for the al
r tention Of the next grand jury, not be
u ing in position to secure proper wit
nesses in such cases.
3 We have examined the county iail
and find same in a sanitary condition
We questioned a number of prisoner!
in the county Jail, and they were unan
lmous in stating that they received
good treatment at the hands Of theil
Jailer. We f und everything so far as
available means at hand of the jai
authorities regarding the condition of
the Jail in first-class condition.
We a not criticise, however, too
severely, the conditions now existing at
the county jail. During this term of
court approximately 60 prisoners were
lncacerated, and quite a number of said
prisoners had to stand up during the
first night of their confinement on &C.
count Of the lack of room for such a
number of prisoners. We recommend
that stepts be taken to increase the
size of the Jail and provide at least sim
pie Accommodations for a reasonable
nun Der Of prisoners. We also recon-
mend that some additional quarters be
provided to separate the races and
sexes. The present crowded condition
of the Jail is inhuman, and we note
your former grand juries have made
complaint regarding the conditions, and
recommended larger Jail for prisoners.
We sincerely hope that some steps will
be taken regarding the deplorabIe con-
dltlon in the Lefors comfy jail, and
that your next grand jury will not have
this cause for complaint.
A committee composed of members
of this Srand jury visited the Lehore
county convict farm, and found the
conditions there to be good. We COM
mend very highly the satisfactory con-
dition, and the treatment of prisoners
by the manager of this farm.
We have also visited the Lelore
county poor house and find this institu-
ton in tirst-class condition. Sanitary
and warm quarters have been provided
all paupers, and We congratulate the
keeper Of the poor house on his excel
lent management of this institu-
ton and the treatment of its inmates,
We report two sick paupers, which the
county physician states can be we'll tax
en- care Of at the poor house.
We did not make examination of the
books of Mr.. Gay, manager of the
farm, for the reason that the
grand jury at the November term made
a complete report regarding this mat
ter,
Owing to the almost constant exam
nation of witnesses as to crimes COM
we have been unable to make a
thorough investigation Of the county |
books and Justice dockets. So far as
investigation shows, with a few t
minor exceptions, these dockets and
appear to be in a satisfactory I
condition.
We recommend that the Board of
Supervisors, or other committee ap-
by your honor, investigate the
conditions of the County Farm, and if
'ou find the same being maintained at
oSs to the county, We most highly rec
'mmend and confirm the endorsement
made by the grand jury of the Novem-
yer, 1912, Term, that the farm be dis
.Ontinued, and the prisoners of Lefore
.ounty be worked on public roads. I'M
,assable road conditions in the winter !
months IN u county are a detriment |
o trade and commerce, and the energy \
# all county and state authorities
hOuld be centered in the betterment of
'ur road conditions. !
We recommend that the district at !
orney and the county attorney lend J
heir best efforts in requiring the Justi- |
of the Peace thr0uphout the countv l
0 maintain a better system of reports \
nd a clearer record on their dockets, \
nd do everything in their power to add
0 the dignity of this Office.
In conclusion, we wish to thank your !
for your kind consideration to |
ur plea in behalf Of certain criminals !
those sentences have been reduced in !
he penitentiary, and certain cases nolle I
rossed on account of ignorance and !
ge; also your honor for your wise !
ounseI in certain cases.
We also wish to thank every officer I
f the court for their kind considera- J
ion and support, I
And now having finished all business I
'hich we believe to be of Importance. .
re ask to be discharged. -
Respectfully submitted this the Ist =
ay of February, 1918.
T, H. BAIRD. Foreman.