The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-24

Anticipated sensations did not hap pen when the April term of the grand jury made it's final report to Judge Harrington P Heflin yesterday at 12:30 o'clock Intense interest was manifest yesterday following the appearance of Attorney General J. Q. Smith and As sistant Attorney General Horace C. Wilkinson before the grand jury for about an hour It was rumored around the courthouse that the appearance of c. W. Austin, state investigator, before the grand jury last week would bring some sensational developments this week and apparently the final report yesterday was not expected.
 The grand jury heartily indorsed "the efforts being made by Governor Kilby in having accounts and records of all county officials thoroughly investi- gated" They reported the courthouse to be kept ia a disorderiy way, and recommended steps be taken for keep ing the building cleaner and better lighted.
 After Investigating 1155 witnesses. returning 300 indictments, 70 no bills, passing 39 cases over to the next grand jury in the 22 days they were in ses- sion, and recommending number of Improvements, the final report was sub mitted.
 Recomm end atiOu was made that it has been customary for negro license agents to solicit bonds of white women mt the city jail, be discontinued.
 Following the reading of the report Judge Heflin thanked the grand jury for it's services and discharged them from further service. The next grand jury will be empanalled in July.
 The report as submitted by J. B. Sandifer, foreman, follows:
 "We, the grand jury, impannelled and sworn on the 11th day of April, 1919, for the April term, 1919, having com pleted our labors, beg leave to make our final report, as follows
 THE REPORT
 We have been in session 22 days. During this time, we have examined 1155 witnesses; returned 300 indict- ments; found no bills in 73 cases, and passed 30 cases for investigation by the succeeding grand jury.
 County Jail--We have inspected the county jail, and find it clean. The pris- oners report that they are well sup piled with plenty of well prepared food.
 County Almshouse-We inspected the county almshouse, and found 1t well kept and the patients report that they are kindly treated and supplied with wholesome and well-prepared food. We suggest that farming imple- mentS used at the almShouse should have better care taken of them while not in use, as they seem to be permit ted to lay out in the weather, unpro- tected. We note there seems to be some land in connection with the almshouse that is being used for pastures. We are impressed that some steps should be taken to make this land more produc- tive, as, at this season of the year. when it should be at the height of pro- duction as pasture, we find it almost barren. We made some inquiry as to the cost of maintaining the almshouse, and, from the best information ob- tained, we think that that is possibly economically done. However, we sug- gest that there should be a system of bookkeeping inaugurated in connection with the almshouse, making monthly reports in systematic manner, that any who wished to, could know fully the total cost of maintaining the insti- tuition. We further suggest that an in- ventory should be made of all the prop erty belonging to the county, at this institution, and a check should be taken at least once year, to see just what condition the property of the county is in at these intervals.
 COUNTY FARM
 County Farm-We also inspected the county farm, and we find it in splendid condition, where we were advised that all kinds of vegetables were produced for the consumption of the prisoners during season.
 we also find well-equipped machine shop, where we were advised that al kinds of work was done in connection with property belonging to the county.
 ''We were also shown a canning factory where much canning is done during the seaaon, which we commend as being great asset from an economical stand point.
 we also find a well-equipped laundry. which we were advised did the work for the Hillman hospital, the county jail. the county aImshouse and the county farm.
 Girls Industrial School: We inspected the Girls Industrial school. We found an ideal location for an institution or that kind. We feel tha this is a great work, and that it should have the un-' qualified indorsement of the county Tn connection with the state.
 "Boys Industrial School: We also in spected the Boys Industrial school. Wc were told tl-at there were something over ROO boys in this institution. We talked 
 to different ones, and they all seemed to be we'll pleased and seemed to be happy
 we note the condition of the buildings here are rather bad as much repairs would add very greatly to the comfort of the boys and to the appearance of the buildings.
 "DISORDERLY" COURTHOUSE
 Convict Camps: We visited Flat Top and Banner mines. The prisoners at these different camps reported that they were we'll fed with wholesome food. We note, howeve-, that the sanitary condi- ton of both of these mines are very oad We also note that the hunks at these
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