The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1916-12-14
GRAND JURY PRESENTMENT

To. Hon. w. s. Bullock. Judge Circuit
Court:
We, the grand jurors, sworn and
empaneled at this the fall term o.
the circuit court, A. D., 1916, in and
for Marion county, having completed
our labors, beg to submit this our fl
nal presentment.
We have examined a number of
cases and have found true bills in
only those cases where we thought
the evidence would justify a convic-
ton, and in those cases where the
circuit court had no Jurisdiction we
referred them to the lower court for
trial.
We have carefully investigated all
complaints submitted to US, and have
either taken action or submitted rec
concentrations covering the same.
We have investigated the complains
submitted by your honor with refer
ence to B. l. Freyermuth, justice of
the peace in and for the Both justice
district of Marion county, and also
J. L. Miller, constable for the same
district We desire to condemn the
action of these two officials. We find
that the justice of the peace, assisted
by the constable, has brought parties
before the court on trifing and f-iN-
| olous offenses, and on which they
secured no evidence to justify taking
any action. We also find that a
great number of cases were tried OF
which no record was ever made. The
justice of the peace admitted these
| facts before our body. We find that
the activities of these two officials
are of great annoyance to peace and
order and the best interests of the
community. We desire to recommend
to the governor that each of those of
fcials be at once removed for mai
practice in office.
We have also investigated com
plants with reference to other jus
Itices of the peace and constables. We
find great many of these com
plants are well founded. Upon thor
ough investigation we have reached
the conclusion that the offices of jus
tice of the peace and constable should
be abolished. We desire to recon
mend to Hon. w. j. Crosby and Hon
L. s. Light and Hon. Glenn Terrell
our representatives In the state leg
islature, that our constitution ant
laws be SO amended that these offices
be abolished, and the work handled
through the county judges office.
We have investigated the matte
of building and repairing hard surfac
ed roads in the county, and desire
to heartily endorse the action of thu
board of county commissioners il
buying modern machinery and tn,
system that they propose to follow IL
the future.
i 1t has been called to our attention
that the game laws are being violated
and the Sabbath being constantly des
ecrated in the county. We call THU
matter to the attention of the sher
iff, and ask that he instruct his depu
ties to enforce strictly all of the gam,
laws, and more especially that o
hunting on Sunday.
H We have examined the county Jail
and find the same we'll and neatly
kept, and the prisoners well provided
for. We recommend that the toilet!
and windows be repaired.
We have examined the court house
and beg to again call the attention o.
the board of county commissioners tt
the general repairs needed
We have examined the various
county offices and find them all neatly
kept, and the officers courteous an6
ob1iging.
We are glad to say that crime is ap
parently on the decrease in Marion
county.
Il We have, to certain extent, ex
amined into the financial condition
of the county, and are glad to say
that under the able management q
the board of county commissioner
our outstanding indebtedness was de
creased $4,000 during the past ST,
months
We request the clerk of the circui
court to furnish certified copy o
this presentment to Hon. Park Tram
NELL, governor, Hon. Glenn Terrell
and Hon. w. J. Crosby and Hon. L. S
Light, and the entire report be pub
lished in the various county papers
In conclusion we desire to thanl
your honor for your able charge AM
assistance, and likewise the state q.
, torney for his assistance in the dis
charge of our official duties.
We now ask to be discharged.
Respectfully submitted,
JNO. L. EDWARDS,
Foreman.