The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1914-03-17
COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS.
Judge /. W. Bowman, Presiding.
Number Homicide CaSeS-Judge'S
Charge to Grand Jury.


This is the frs. official visit 10
Newberry OF Judge Bowman and the
first for Stenographer Perrin.
The charge of Judge Bowman to
the graad jury was full, clear and
comprehensive as to their general du
lies.
In part he said:
Judges Charge to Grand Jury.
Mr.. Foreman and en,lemen Of the
Grand Jury:
This is about the 14ta county in
which I have held court in this State.
| have had the privilege Of visiting
your people once before, and be-
lieve ,hey 1ied to % their duty, and
still believe hat We have on your
grand jury men equal to anything in
cur State.
AID it is well that you are such, be-
cause a great responsibility rests up
on you, and unless you are men,
strong men, fearless men, you can't
perform your duties we'll.
You are called the grand inquest Of
the county. Did you ever stop to
think what that means? You are to
inquire into the affairs of your coun-
ty, and see that the laws are properly
enforced, see that the county officers
do their duty and do it we'll. 1t is
no small job, quite an honorable posi-
ton, and if you are the right kind Of
men you will magnify your position.
l knew gentleman once, every
time he was introduced to a stranger
and was asked What is your bust
ness?' he would aaswer, 81 am fore
man of the grand jury" etc.
! The Judge also told the grand jury
! that they were drawn here from va
vious sections of the county and it was
wise that they were drawn that way,
because they could see that the law
was enforced in the various sections,
and also said that it was their duty to
do so. And it was their duty to see
that the officers in the various sec
tions of the county did their duty
well.
Judge Bowman said he trusted there
were 70 law breakers on the grand
jury, that he once knew this to be the
case, but if there was anyone there
who violated the law, just to whisper
i; to him and he would excuse him, for
he had no right to be there,
He also charged the grand jury to go
10 the Offices Of the sheriff. clerk, su-
pervisor, and examine their books, see
taat the records were kept straight. And
if they 50 wished tley could have a
! committee appointed for this purpose.
But if they found some mistake then
10 give tle officer chance to correct
it.
He also charged the grand jury to
make an inspection of the poor house
or county farm, and the jail and see
that the inmates were we'll cared for,
had proper ventilation, etc. Also to
see to the public roads of the county.
He charged the grand jury especially
strong as TO the public schools of the
county. Told them it was their duty
to visit every school in the county
and see that the officers in charge
were doing their duty well.
Judge Bowman also made special
reference to the young lady school
teachers of the county. He referred
to them as holding a high and noble
position. < -,
! AT the conclusion Of his charge he
announced that in cases of blind tigers
where those charged with the 6fense
pleaded guilty ne gave the alternative
of fine but where the case went to
trial if found guilty by the jury there
would be nothing left for the defend
ant but to do duty on the chain gang.
Very little was done on Monday
morning. The following cases were
acted upon:
State VS., John Boyce, murder, con-
tinued.
The following true bills were re-
turnA:
State VS.. Frank Singleton, larceny
live stock.
State VS. W. E. Koon, dfsposfng
property under lien.
State VS.. jeff Means, murder.
State vs. George Ettison> murder