The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-12

GO true bills and have continued three
cases for further investigation and have
examined 800 witnesses.
While we have no desire to be sensa-
tional yet we deem 1t fit that we should
call attention to the great number of
homicides committed. We feel that some
drastic, legitimate steps should be taken
to punish the murderers in this county.
We fear that on account of the great
number of murders not enough attention
Is being paid or efforts exerted to appre-
hend the guilty and when caught and
indicted and tried we feel that justice is
often defeated on account of a failure
to convict. We feel that all law-abid-
ing citizens should cooperate with the Of
ficers in apprehending the murderer and
that the courts and officers, as well as
petit Jurors should see that those appre-
hended be given fair and speedy trial.
I'VE believe that the great amount OF
crime committed by the ignorant negro
eide investigated by us being traced to
this great evil of intemperance
I'VE most respectfully suggest that
where convictions are had for the Illegal
selling of liquor that such punishment
be imposed as will be an example and
in our humble judgment will tend to deter
such crimes. We believe that the place
hard labor for the county.
for the blind tiger operator should be
I'VE have been gratified to see the CO.
operation of the officials of this court in
their efforts to enforce the law.
I'VE desire to most earnestly call your
honor's attention to some immediate needs
of this court. We are impressed with
the great lack of comfort furnished to
those who have to render service as wit
neSses and jurors, we would suggest that
those who have the power be requested
and urged to furnish more comfortable
chairs for the petit jurors, that more ade-
quate heating arrangement be provided
for the court room. We have been in
formed that the grand jury that preceded
us made mention in their report of these
matters. We hope that this suggestion
made by us will get some result. We are
informed that the board of revenue OF
this county has authority and it is their
duty to see that the courts are supplied
with furnishings, therefore, we will re-
quest that a copy of this report be made
by the clerk of this court and sent to
county.
"Another matter that to US seems to
need attention is the pay of jurors. While
we feel that it Is the duty of every citizen
to make some sacrifice in rendering pub
lie service, yet it Is unfair to take a
man from his business to serve as a
juror at such a great Sacrifice. We know
that such service should not be for re-
muneration alone yet we feel that the
compensation should be fair.
1--WE are distressed and regret to see
evident so much idleness in able-bodied
and strong men who seem to lie around
like parasites, living off of the communi-
ty The vagrant should be dealt with
along with the gambler and blind tiger
operator.
I'VE desire to express our thanks to the
officers of this court who have aided us.
We feel that we have investigated all
matters needing our attention and we
request that your honor discharge us
from further duty. Most respectfully sub
mtted, GRAND JURY,
"By L. E. BRUINS, Foreman"
The South Jefferson Sunday School con-
vention will be held in the Brighton Bap-