The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-14
GRAND JURY SCORES
 MOB VIOLENCE IN ITS
 CONCLUDING REPORT
tcont,nued From Page Five.)

(Continued From Page Five.)
 ter. J. H. Elliott and J. D. Evans. Some of these inducements we have found to. be unauthorized by the par ties whose names were signed to the lndorsement, but that they were a1c- tual forgeries This practice of se- curing the appointments of illiterate and incompetent people to the office of notary public must, of necessity result in abuse of authority, and can not be too severely condemned. New Courthouse and Jail
 This grand jury desires to go on record as favorihg the construction, as soon as possible, of new court house and county jail. The present buildings are altogether inadequate. insanitary, inconvenient, poorly lighted and badly ventilated.
 Additional Judges
 The population of this county dur ing the past 15 or 20 years has dou- bled. Crimes have greatly increased. New laws have been passed which are being constantly violated. Fifteen or 20 years ago two judges sat upon the criminal bench for the purpose of trying criminal cases. Notwith- standing the increased population and increase of crime we are today en- deavoring to enforce the criminal laws of this county with this same number of judges sitting in the crim- inal division of our circuit court. If the number of judges were increased as per the population and the increase of criminal cases, we would today have engaged in the trial of criminal cases at last four judges. Present arrangements for the trial of crimi- nal cases in this county are made quate and should not be permitted to so continue any longer. As a grand jury, we recommend to Judge Dan A. Greene, as presiding Judge of the circuit court of this county, and ito Judges William E. Fort and H. P. Heflin, associate judges presiding in the criminal division of the circuit court. that the chief justice of the supreme court of this state assign at least one additional judge to the criminal division of the circuit court of this county, from the body of judges of this state, who will re- main in actual service in the crim- inal division during the present term, or until the condition of the docket is brought within the reach of the two judges who are at present as- signed to try criminal cases At the adjournment of this grand jury there will be approximately 1,550s state eases on the docket and TOY city ap- peal cases making a total of 2,257 cases on the criminal docket. We further recommend that, at the next session of the legislature, there be enacted such laws as will relieve the present congested condition of the crim inal docket We would also rec ommend that there be an appellate court created, with jury division to preside at the city hall, for the trial of city appealed cases which are now appealed from the recorders court to tn ecircuit court.
 County Jail
 We have inspected the county jail. and find it well kept and clean. The food Is ample. and well prepared.
 We have inspected the county aims house, and found it well kept and clean. The patients report that they are kindly treated and are supplied with wholesome and well prepared food. We find, however, that ample fire protection is badly needed at the almshouse.
 We visited the county farm, and find it in splendid condition.
 We have investigated the com- plaints made about the grade of ice manufactured in Birmingham. We fourd the quality of the ice good. and the service satisfactory; and that the prices charged are in keeping with the prices charged in cities of like size of Birmingham.
 Juvenile Court
 We inspected the juvenile court, and found conditions there satisfac- tory.
 We have visited the Hillman hos pital, and were shown through this magnificent institution by Dr, Hogan and Miss Dugan. The grand jury de sires to compliment the management of this institution, and the way anc manner of it's upkeep and the great work being done by 1t and by the corps of assistants. We also wish to compliment each member of the beard of revenue for the recent improve ments made in this institution. and especially for the purchase of the Ray equipment. which was recent ly installed.
 We find that the free dispensary is doing magnificent work, treating dreds of patients who are able to walk from their homes and obtain this treatment, who would otherwise have to be taken Into the hospital proper. We wish to compliment tho board of revenue for it's efforts on behalf of this branch of the service. for the people.
 We found the nurses home to be inadequate, and we desire to rec ommend the construction of a new nurees' home. Circult Solicitor
 We take great pleasure in com mending the efficient, painstaking and careful work of the circuit so- licitor, Joseph R. Tate.
 ' Now. having concluded our labo-s, we asked to be discha1ged. Respect fully submitted,
 LYNN R. PATTON. Foreman.
 Tn . previous report the grand jury had submitted the result of it's in- quiry into the killing of Father James E. Coyle in which report Rev. Edgar R. Stephenson, accused of slay- ing the priest, was charged with murder in the second degree.
 Tho memhers of the grand jury are.
 L. R. Patton, precinct 21, clerk, foreman: A. A Warden, precinct g, .aaiegman :. John H, Allen. precinct 37, clerk; J. Fred McRae, precinct g. ma chlnist; H. c. Ashmead. precinct l5, manufacturer's agent; B. |. Crump- ton. precinct S7, salesman: Berry F. Ryiant precinct 87. dispatcher; L. M. Shepard. precinct S7. clerk: c. c. Penny. precinct g, clerk: Timothy 0. Pierce, precinct 10. inspector; E, T.