The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1923-06-14
GRAND JURY REPORT SUB
MITTED TO THE COURT
Upon Completion Of It's Work
Wednesday Afternoon

Upon completing its work last
Wednesday evening the grand jury,
which had been in session Since Mon
day morning, submitted its report
to the Court and was discharged from
further service at this time.
The report Of the jury was as fol-
lows
To the Honorable, the Judges of the
Circuit Court for Garrett county:
The grand jury for the June Term
Of the Circuit Court for Garrett coun-
ty respectfully reports to the Court
that we have been in session for the
past three days and during this time
have to the best of our ability enquir-
ed into all violations of the laws and
have endeavored to faithfully per-
form all of the other duties required
of US as such jurors.
We have had before us and have
examined mnety-two witnesses and
have found presentments and indict-
ments in all cases which we believed
the evidence warranted.
We have looked over and examined
the records in the several county of
fees and are pleased to find that they
are kept in a neat and systematic
manner and we commend those in
charge for the manner in which they
conduct the affairs of their respective
offices and the courteous treatment
extended the patrons thereof.
We are pleased to note the neat
and clean condition of the interior of
the court house and the neat and at
tractive manner in which the grounds
surrounding the court house, sheriff s
residence and jail are kept.
We regret to learn that in several
Of the districts of the county there
are no constables nor magistrates and
we are informed that this is caused by
the insufficient pay provided for these
officers for their services, and we feel
that proper legislation should be en-
acted providing sufficient and proper
pay for constables and magistrates,
and that no district in the county
should be without these officers.
The jury desires particularly to re-
fer to the matter Of the illegal sale Of
liquor and other violations of the pro-
hibition laws and to state that under
present conditions it, appears to be al
most impossible to secure evidence
which VIII lead to convictions for
these ofenses. We refer to the pres
ent method Of summoning witnesses
before the grand jury. This alone, in
our opinion, IS not a sufficient and
practical method of experimenting
the yiolators Of these laws. Of course
we recognize that this method par
italy serves the purpose, but it is not
etfectual, and we believe that in order
to properly and effectually handle this
branch Of the criminal law and appre-
bend the violators thereof it would
be necessary to have for the county
sufficient number Of experienced
and competent prohibition officers.
However, we point with pride to
the fact that for the past year there
has been a marked improvement in
peace and good order in the county,
and we believe that there have been
fewer violations of the laws in this
time, including violations of the
liquor laws.
y We had before us the mine inspec-
tor for Garrett county who reported
that conditions in Garrett county were
good and that the mining laws are
being observed.
We have been informed that from
time to time since the adjournment
of the last grand jury that a number
of cases in which magistrates have
jurisdiction have been disposed of be-
fore the magistrates, which practice
we commend, as it saves the county
considerable money.
We were much pleased with the
new system OF bookkeeping inaugu-
rated by Mr.. Albert L. Lee, treas
urer whereby daily statement of the
financial condition of the county is
kept. The system of the daily state
ment is the one adopted by all mod
ern financial institutions and we COM
mend Mr.. Lee for adopting this sys-
TEN in the handling of the tax pay
ers' money.
We were also impressed with the
uniform neatness and accuracy Of the
records found in the office of +. Z.
Tower, Esq, Clerk of the Circuit
Court, and commend him for his cOur-
teOus treatment extended to the pat
rons of his office and for his obliging
mannersin looking up and furnishing
information to all persons applying
to him for the same.
As instructed by the Court, we have
examined the several county build
ings and find that they are in gen
eral good condition.
The concrete walls, steps and pave
ments surrounding the court house
and Jail are in bad condition and they
should be repaired without further
delay.
We would also suggest that an ad-
ditional bookcase be provided for the
office of the Register of Wills.
We have also examined the interior
of the sheritf's residnce and the coun-
ty Jail and are pleased to report that
the same are neat and sanitary and
that the prisoners confined in the jail
are properly and comfortably cared
for.
We would also suggest that the
working space in the treasurer's office
be enlarged.
The States Attorney, Mr.. William
r. Otfutt, has been with US during
the present session and has been IN
firing in his efforts to prepare and
present such matters as should come
to our attention, as well as to expe-
dite the work and save expenses