St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1916-02-05


There was more than usual in
terest in the convention Of the Dis
trict Court last Monday. For the
first time in many months Judge
Lancaster was able to assume his
plsce on the bench. and occurrences
Of the recent election gave intimation
that the judges charge to the grand
jury might be stringent criticism
o. q condition that has been grow
ing worse at each succeeding cleo
ton, and that has eliminated IN ex-
cssses taat have become intolerable.
Notwithstanding the trying wealth
or, Judge Lancaster opened court
promptly at the usual time after the
arrival Of the morning train. The
serious operation which he had un-
defgone and tae physical and mental
strain of his illness were visible IN
his paid features, but his voice was
clear and distinct and he conducted
the business of the court with much
Of his old-time energy throughout the
days long session. Members Of the
bar and other friends offered their
through the courtyard and into the
courtroom, and there were express
sions of pleasure on all sides that he
was again able to assume his duties.
Charge to Grand Jury.
Judge Lancaster's charge to the
Grand jury was an unequivocal enun-
ciation of their duties. They should
investigate violations Of the Sunday
law and the Gay-Shattuck law. He
spoke OF the editorial in the st.
Tammany Farmer relative to the re-
cent election; that the people were
aroused to indignation at the ex-
istence Of such q condition; that he
was not able to be out himself. but
II such things were shown to be true
1t was their duty to assist in melting
out punishment and putting them
down.
The Judge laid special stress on
investigating violations OF the re-
Stficted district ordinance OF Coving-
toni He said the town had abolish
ed the old district and made It un-
lawful to carry on any lewd voca-
tion within the town limits; that the
town had the right to govern Itself
and to pass ordinances, and that
those ordinances could be enforced.
but that where there were no Ordl-
nanees the State law was In eject.
He also called attention to the ply
INK Of their trade by negro prost1-
tutes. He said this should be stop
ped.
Judge Lancaster spoke with some
feeling to the Jury of the inability
Of the officers Of the law to correct
evil conditions II they were not as
sisted by the grand jury; that no
matter how much he might desire TO
put down violations Of the law ne
was helpless II indictments could not
be obtained.
As several terms had passed with
out q sitting of the Court, there was
quite long docket to be disposed OF
and there were quite list OF cases
BY default.
Much interest is manifested In a
case that may be tried next week.
In The matter of the election OF as
Oe0Sor there Is q contest OF the re-
turns of the first precinct (the San
dy Ford box) of the second ward.
petition has been filed by Geo. Koepp'
Jr.. one Of the candidates for asses
sor. through his attorneys. b: NJ.
Miller, A. L. Bear and l.. G. Noise.
The petition recites that the returns
were not compiled and returned prior
to Januaary %, 1916, but that the
Parish Executive Committee met on
January % and proceeded themselves
to compile ard tabulate returns made !
BY commissioners and celrks OF cleo
ton after a protest in writing by the
petitioner that the poll list and tally
sheet required by law to be made 'oy
commissioners for clerk Of court ana
chairman of Parish Executive Com
mittee we're not signed by commls
sioners and clerks of election OF sa1o
precinct and not sworn to as requir-
ed by law; that list to clerk OF court
showed that 1874 voted in said pre-
cinct, while tally sheet showed zol
votes for the two candidates TOT IS,
oeesor. showing that II more voteo
tor such candidates than there were
votos actually cast; that list to the
Executive Committee gives names OF
.l9l voting and the tally sheet gave
lit Tor Crawford and 70 for koepp;
IN another place 1872 for Crawforo
and "a for Koepp, the aggregate IN
both cases being more than the num-
ber-actually voting: that the Execu-
tivs Committee overruled the written
protest OF petitioner and wrongfuAy
and illegally declared that petitioner
received - votes and Crawford III
totss. . y
The petition further ssettss t4at