Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-01-15

URGES HIS REMOVAL


Manassas, Jan 10 The special
grand jury which has been in session
since December 8. Investigating the
clerks Office of Prince William coun-
ty, yesterday returned twenty-five
more indictments against Robert E.
Herrell, the absconding deputy clerk,
making a total of thirty in all against
him. Fourteen more indictments
against w. w. Garrison, making Il
total Of fifteen, and eight more
against H. c. Ryckman, making Il
total of nine, were also returned.
Capt. James E. Herrell. the clerk.
who was indicted on several charges,
Thursday, appeared in court and
gave bond. for his appearance at the
February term. Ryckman and Gar
rison were also bailed for their APP
pearance next month. Robert Herrell
has not yet been apprchcnded.
The grand jury also presented the
following report to Judge J. B. 7.
Thornton
eve, the grand jury, find from evi-
dence of various witnesses that the
present clerk of court, J Z. Herrcll
has been grossly degligent in his
Office duties; that the clerks Office
has very frequently been closed dur
ing business hours. t2 the detriment
and Inconvenience of the general
public having business to transact;
that the general habits of the said
j.. f. Herrell, are such that on many
occasions he has been so intoXicat-
ed that no business could be trans
acted with him; that or many occa-
sions he was very profane and in
sulting to those legally entitled to
his services. On these charges and
others which could be recited. we res
pectfully recommend that he pe re-
moved from office at the earliest date
consistent with proper legal proceed
ure.
I'VE also respectfully beg to call
attention of the court to the evidence
Of certain witnesses setting forth
that the retiring chairman of the
board Of supervisors. j T. Syncox,
signed various warrants sin blank.
varously estimated these signed
blanks being separated from their
stubs on which no memo was enter
ed, said signatures being made after
the board of supervisors had organiZ-
ed for the new year and his success
sor in office had bee nelected and
presided over the first regular meet
ing Of this board of supervisors. We
recommend that such action as the
law directs be taken with reference
to this matter.
"We also respectfully represent
that the sense of this jury is in fav-
or cf some competent attorney be
ing employed to assist the Common
wealth's attroney in prosecuting these
| cases, and so recommend. we find
page "a Of court order book No. 6,
of the Court of Prince William coun-
ty, on bottom Of said page 64, what
the jury believes to be falsifcation
Of the court records in certain en-
try for $3.50, purported to be a
court order, which, in evidence, the
| jury finds said order to be forgery,
said order being entered thereon sub
sequent to the signing Of the minutes
by the judge. On evidence of certain
witnesses, it appears that oaths have
been administered, marriage licenses
and letters of administration granted
and wills probated and the clerks
name being affixed thereto by Miss
jamie S. Herrell, an employe of the
clerks office, such employee not be-
ing legally employed to affix such
signatures. To the danger of legal
complications from such practice,
we respectfully call attention of the
court.