Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1913-11-21
Report OF The Grand Jury.
To the Honorable Judges of the Circu
Court for MONTGOMERY county. Md.

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The Grand Jury respectfully presents the
following report
We have examined one hundred and
fifty-five witnesses, including the deputy
sheriffs and constables, these officers uni
formly testifying that they knew of no
violation of the law other than such as
had been brought to the attention of the
grand jury through witnesses summoned or
brought from justice of peace courts, and
from the foregoing we found twenty-seven
presentments and indictments. Only one
case of the violation of the local option
law was brought to our notice and indct-
ment was returned therefor.
The Jail, Court House and County Home
were carefully inspected and we desire to
report upon same as follows:
THE JAIL
1t seems adequate for all present pur-
poses and its sanitary condition seems good.
The covering on backyard gate or door is
in need of repair and back porch needs
leveling and repairs, and the cutters and
down spout need renewing in places and
repairs, and we recommend that same be
given attention by proper authorities. We
found fourteen prisoners incarcerated in
jail, all male, four white and ten colored.
COURT House.
We find that damage done by the recent
fire has been adjusted with the insurance
companies and that proper repairs will
soon be made, and in this connection would
suggest that Waterman clock be installed
In the court house and Waterman en-
ployed to safeguard the valuable records
of this county contained in the court house,
and which cannot be replaced and for
m n or
ton could be equivalent. We would further
suggest that hydrant of running water
be placed in the hall just outside of court
room on the second floor
That during the session of grand jury
a proper and comfortable place be provided
for lady witnesses. If it could be arranged
to have communicating rooms, one for the
grand jury and the other for witnesses, it
would expedite the business and obviate
the loss OF time now 0ccasiOned waiting
for witnesses.
Probably from the result of recent fire
and awaiting repairs. we find considerable
rubbish, etc, in basement and under the
front-porch steps. which should be cleared
up With the exception of the foregoing,
we find generally satisfactory condition
existing in the matter of repairs and dis
position Of space in the court house.
The COUNTY HOME.
We understood that five years ago only
the garden was fenced and now the fields
are all well fenced with wire, and the
whole appearance is such as you would
expect to find upon any well-kept farm.
The fields are free from bushes and briars
and the land generally seems well titled
and properly cultivated. The inmates
for tnI
being eighteen in number, as follows Eight
white inmates, four males and four females,
and ten colored inmates, six males and
four females. The farming implements
and machinery seem well cared for and
properly housed and adequate for all
general purposes. The dairy clean and
sanitary. The superintendent reported and
exhibited for our inspection the following
stock and produce on hand, belonging to
the Home Twenty-seven shoats eighteen
porkers averaging about 200 pounds), one
SOW with nine pigs, one boar, three brood
sOws, about one hundred chickens, four
work horses five mich cows. one heifer,
two heifer calves, one bull calf. about sixty
barrels of corn housed, and other when
shucked should bring total crop of corn
made up to about two hundred barrels
thrty-five bushels of wheat for -four, thirty
bushels of mixed wheat and rye to be used
in feeding chickens and hogs. forty bushels
of turnips one hundred and fifty bushels
of Irish potatoes, ten tons of hay In barn,
seven tons of baled wheat straw in barn,
one large rick of straw, plenty of fodder
for rough feed. about three hundred half
gallon glass jars of canned goods, pickles
and preserves; twenty tons of coal on
hand. and about forty acres in growing
wheat.
The buildings seemed in good repair, with
the exception that on the east side of the
house the cutters and down spouts are
badly in need of repair, and the barn also
should have its cutters and down spouts
looked after, and new floor is needed in
kitchen Home. In addition to recommend
ing that these repairs be made, the grand
jury offers as a suggestion that the ques-
ton be taken up looking to the gradual
elimination of common stock now bred on
farm and the installation there of the best
thoroughbred stock. and permitting the
sale Of any surplus to the farmers Of the
county and further SUGGEST the systematic
planting of young fruit trees. which in
few years should yield profit to the county.
These suggestions are made because Of the
intelligent care in the administration of
the affairs by the present superintendent.
evidenced by the general good condition of
the departments in the Home.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding this report, we feel i'm
PEELED 10 call to the attention Of the Hon
orabe Judges that we are informed that
under the present law disorderly conduct
can only occur upon a public highway.
and that no matter how disorderly per
son may be, If he is not upon public high
way he cannot be prosecuted. II seems
for the protection of our homes this law
should be changed or another law passed
giving our homes protection against disOr-
DERBY conduct
Another matter which has come to the
attention Of this grand jury is that numer-
Gus persons are doing business in this
county without having paid proper licenses.
and not having sufficient evidence TO con
vict under the law, and to save the county
unnecessary expense in prosecution, we
suggest that il be required in May OF each
year that the deputy sheriffs and cOnsta-
bIes ascertain whether the traders or mer-
chants In their sections have procured the
necessary general and special licenses
necessary under the law, and upon the
failure Of anyone to procure such license
or licenses 10 report same TO the States
Attorney for his action, and to have direct
evidence ready 20 present TO the succeeding
grand jury.
Having completed all the business that
has been brought to our attention. we re-
spectfully ask to be discharged.
ROBERT A. YOUNG.
November 10, 1913. Foreman.