Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-06-13

The grand jury of Sumter Superior
court, after session of more than two
v eeks, brought its final presentments
into court late Monday afternoon, and
was discharged by Judge z. A. Little
john. The presentments are interest
irs and exhaustive, as follows:
We. the grand jury sworn and
empaneled for the May term, 1916, of
Sumter Superior court, respectfully
submit the following general pre-
sentiments:
The body was organized by electing
r. M. Furlow, foreman; N. M. Dudley,
secretary; ]. A. Davenport, assistant
secretary; J. L. Peek, bailiff.
Entering upon our duties with a pro-
found sense of responsibility, we have
endeavored to discharge them without
fear, favor or affection, and in man
ner that would bring the greatest bene-
fits to the citizens of the county.
Our labors have necessarily carried
us into unfamiliar avenues and made
obligatory investigation into that side
of life in the community which is I'M
der the ban-labors that have been in
no manner pleasant. However, in our
work we have had an abiding sense
that we were in the path of duty and
have been encouraged to labor with an
intelligent zeal for the accomplish
ment of the highest and best results.
Committees were appointed early in
the session to examine the different
offices and departments of the county,
which has been done and the reports
herewith made part of these present
ments.
During it's deliberations Col. Robert
Ellis, of Tiff county, appeared before
this body in advocacy of the Georgia
State health law, as provided by
statute. We believe that the health
OF our citizens is one of our most val
liable assets, and that by safeguarding
it in every way possible we are rem
dering Invaluable service to our cOun-
ty. BY unanimous vote recommends
tion is hereby made that a county
board of health be constituted as pro-
vided, and that the following commit
tee present the matter to the grand
jury at the succeeding November term
of court for its consideration; Rev.
J. B. Lawrence, ]. A. Davenport and G.
F. Giddings.
We find that legal notice has been
given that at the approaching session
of the general assembly a bill will be
introduced changing the present sys-
tenn of paying our County Treasurer
from the commission basis to salary.
We desire to express our approval of
the proposed change, but are some
what at loss to understand why this
Office should be selected for such
change while others are to continue
under the present system Preceding
grand juries have recommended max
ing the change proposed, but little at
tention has been given them. We be-
lieve that opinion throughout the
county is almost unit in favor OF
specified salaries for our county off
GERS, without exception, and we would
recommend that as early as opportun-
ity shall permit those clothed with the
authority take the initiative for the ac-
complishment of this end.
The committee having the duty of
examining the county commissioners
department desired to make no special
report, but brought to the grand jury
its verbal findings. The report show
Ell all books, accounts and records in
proper shape and well kept by the
clerk of that body, Mr. J. A. Pinkston,
and full information easily accessible.
While the present methods obtaining
In this department have been in opera
ton for some years we cannot concede
that they come within the scope of the
law, as anticipated, or that the best in
forests of the county are subServed by