The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-01-22
Walker County Grand Jury Criticizes and Compliments
 In Partial Report to Court
(Continued From Page Onel

sent the same authority. with our reconAm en dation that q general court-marffal he convened as soou as practicable for the trial of ,hcsc two officers.
 We may say, in explanation, thst there was not sufficient evidence before us to authorize their iudict ment for any violation of the statutes of the state, but that we do believe them to he wholly nm fitted for the responsible positions they now hold.
 While thesc two officers of Com pany M are subject to the seyercst criticism, we are glad to say that there Is much to be commended in our National Guard. The conn mandfng general in Birminsham. Gen. K. E. Steiner, hus been at all tames ready to appear before HIS without subpoena. We did not caiI htm because the evidence of his efficiency and fairness was sJ- together satisfying. General Stein CT has rendered every possible assistance and co-operation in this investigation, and has set nm OK ample as an officer and n gentle man that Is worthy of emulation.
 The only criticism of General Steiner is the nasty interview in the press, given out before n com plete investigation had been made. We respectfully suggest that those in authority should refrain from giving interviews to the press that might possibly hamper the solici- tor and the grand Jury in the per- n pn H<y <~f h-s- ly until after complete Invcsti- gatfon is had. This interview which hns been In measure mis- understood. was probably the cause of much of the misundcr- standing on the part of our people as to the attitude Of the military on this matter.
 SMITH VIGOROUS
 Col. Dallas V. smith. commando ing the Jasper district, took prompt, vigorous nnd wise mcas- ures to have the guilty apprehend- cd immediately upon being advised of the lynching. He has evidenced . sincere desire to cooperate in every way in this inquiry. and his relations with our citizens arc most pleasant. He Is entitled to much credit for the skill he has shown in handling trying and difficult situation.
 Maj. T. H. Fallnw, Capt. c. R. Fleming and Capt. H. l.. McMeans composed n board of inquiry or- dered by Colonel smith to make n preliminary investigation of the military. These officers worked unselfishly, long through the night In the performance of their du- ties. and much of the valua bIe evil dence that will be used by the state on the triaI of the accused is the result of their Inbor.
 DISAGREEABLE DUTY
 We cannot too highly commend their industry and sincere desire to get at the bottom of this mat ter. They have shown n proficien- cy in the discharge of their duties that should make the people of the state proud that they hold commissions in the national guard.
 We are satisfied that the na- tionaI guard has rendered valiant and valuable service in the .lis- charge of a very dfsagrecabIe duty. The majority of the off, cers and men on duty in this dis trfct are men of high character and lovers of law and order. De- casionaI indiscretions and mis- takes have sometimes been magni- fled, and credit sometimes with held when credit was due.
 We feel confident that the guard should be retained on duty in this county until all danger of disorder has passed. and we recommend 10 the soldiers and citizens nike. in- creased respect for the rights md privileges of each other.
 SHERIFF CLAUD GUTTERY
 A careful investigation of the conduct of our sheriff convinces us that he is not subject to any eriti- cfsm for the lynchinG of MT. Baird.
 He has heartily cO-Operated in this investigation, and rendered very efficient service. The useful ness of public officers should not he impaired by baseless criticisms or ill-advised opinions and re- marks.
 1t is apparent. however, that the jaiier, MT. Bud Sides. and his son, Watty sides, failed to render this prisoner adequate protection They were slow In giving the alarm and negligent in failing to use some force, at least while the mob vas attempting to 1aeve the jail. in an effort to protect the prisoner un- der their care.
 We respectfully recommmend the immediate dismissal of these two deputies. md more secure quarters for the new taller who will he assigneA to duty in the jail. We found that one door of the. jaiIer's room was fastened only by a cheap door lock that was easily forced open, and under the con- ditions existing we believe that the prisoners would have been more secure had there been no jniier at the jail.
 LAW ENFORCEMENT