The log cabin Democrat., 1921-01-10
GRAND JURY GETS VIGOROUS CHARGE BY JUDGE G. W. CLARK Liquor, Gaming, Larceny and Cigar ette Law Violations Especially
 Condemned by Court.

I
 an unsparing investigation of cases of violation of prohibition, larceny, gam and anti-cigarette jaws, Circuit Judge
 George W. Clark delivered strong charge to the Faulkner county grand jury which was impaneled this morn- ing
 Commenting upon the fact that no homicide has occurred in Faulkner
 within the past four years, Judge Clark said, however, we should not be like the Pharisee of old and re- joice that we are not sinners like other men, While we have not been murderers, many other wholesome laws enacted for our safety and pro- lection have been and are daily violat- ed with impunity and flagrantly," he said.
 Judge Clarks charge to the grand jury in full is as fellows:
 "Gentlement of the grand jury, you have been called together by authori- ty of the statute laws of your state to investigate violations of the laws under which we live, and where the evidence standing uncontradicted con- stitutes guilt to present an indictment charging in legal terms the offense complained of.
 "There was never time within my experience when lawlessness was running rampant, unchecked and malefactors going heedlessly, wilfully, violating the laws made for the pro- tection of life, liberty and the lawful possession of property.
 "One of the daily papers asserted short time ago, that for the past 12 months there was an average of one murder committed daily. This is a fearful indictment against the citizenship of this commonwealth; and it is a regretable fact and one to be deplored, that in many instances these men, who have stained their hands with the blood of their fellowman, have apparently been immune from punishment, and in many instances are living in open defiance of the laws which they hold in contempt, and WlCH UlSUdlH. WS have laws denouncing murder and inn posing adequate punishment for the heinous crime, the fault is not with the law, but the officers and jurors entrusted with it's enforcement. When the time comes in Arkansas that men realize and understand that the laws of this state are going to be enforced regardless of who the malefactor may be, regardless of his wealth, influence, relatives or station in life, and that criminals will be certainly and surely punished, then crime will decrease; but just so long as courts, officers, and jurors are recreant to their sworn duties crime will continue unabated. Upon this court and it's officers, of which the grand and petit jurors are a part, devolves the duty of enforcing the laws of the state in this county. Let us measure up to this responsibili- ty, boldly, fearlessly and justly, with our prejudice or partiality. The law abiding citizenship of Faulkner coun- ty have a right to expect us to meas ure up to these responsibilities and will not be content with any pussy footing or evasion of our sworn duties. Notwithstanding the large number Of homicides committed in this state, nearly four years have elapsed since a murder was committed in this coun1 tv. This fact indeed speaks we'll for our citizenship; but let us not be like the Pharisee of old and think we are not sinners like other men, but let us see ourselves as we are. While we have not been murderers, many other wholesome laws enacted for our safe ty and protection have been and are daily violated with impunity and flag rantly. And lest I forget, let me call your attention to the fact that We are not a legislative body, or branch of the legislative department. It is not for you or me to say which laws shall be passed; this is a legislative question and not judicial one. Our duty is to interpret and enforce the laws as written, not as we might de- eide they should have been written; tAiAh lGI iiiC SlstlC lUN, Il luGLG IS q member of your body who is opposed to the enforcement of any law now in existence upon the statute books of this state. that he is ready or willing to ignore i., I want you to speak up and you will be excused from jury ser vice.
 "Ono of the most frequent viola tions of the laws of this state, is the law enacted prohibiting, or seeking to prohibit, the manufacture, sale or having in one's possession of alco- holic liquors or intoxicating spirits. It is a felony punishable by imprison- ment for one year no more or less, either to sell CT manufacture alco- holic CT intoxicating liquors. It is mlsdemeancr punishable by fine of net less than $100, and imprisonment may