The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-27
CAUTION URGED. NAMING TRUSTEES
 AMONG CONNECTS
Grand Jury Recommends Continuation Of City
 Hall Investigations

As an aftermath of the murder with an ax of the infant daughter of Mrs. Blaney Collins and an attack upon the mother by John Milton, serving as trusty at Morris convict camp, early in August, the Jefferson county grand jury Friday made known its recommen- dation that no trusties be made of con- victs with past criminal records, having been convicted of felonies.
 The action of the grand jury, made known in its report to Judge H. F. Heflin upon completion of its work, is in direct line with Age-Herald editorials calling attention of officials to the need af caution in choosing men for positions of trust in convict camps.
 A complete and comprehensive inves- tigation into alleged shortage at the city hall, was recommended ill the final report.
 The report stated that because audi tors had not completed their work, it was impossible for the present grand jury to make an investigation, but the recommendation urged that "the next grand jury go fully into the investiga- tion of same, if the audit has been com pleted by that time."
 Caution Urged
 
 tion of the attack upon Mrs. Mary Col lins and the staying of her baby was couched in strong language.
 ''1n this connection, we wish to rec ommend that no 'trusties' be made out of convicts with past criminal records, having been convicted of felonies. It is our opinion that if this custom were discontinued, such crimes as this could be averted.'
 During the present term of the grand jury, which was convened in July, the report shows that 155 true bills were returned and that 75 cases were dropped after investigation To do this, it was necessary to examine 5S9 witnesses, according to the report.
 In this connection, it is understood that Robert Dewel Edwards, slayer of his sweetheart, Miss Imogene Lee, will be brought to trial the week of October 20. Edwards has made no effort to secure attorneys, it is said, but seems to be depending upon his family to provide legal assistance.
 Several indictments are said to be the outcome of various murders, while the great majority charge robbery and obtaining money by false pretense.
 City Jail Condemned
 In the grand jury's tour of inspec- ton of county institutions, the report shows thatt he county jail was given a clean bill of health and was in as good condition as could be expected under the circumstances. While the report did not mention the fact, deputy sheriffs stated that the POO prisoners now il jail, greatly crowd the institution, pre- venting officials from giving each pris- oner the best possible care.
 The city jail, on the other hand, was exercised in no uncertain terms In this connection, the report reads:
 Conditions at this place are almost unbearable. It taxed the grand jury very much to stay in there long enough to make an inspection. It is filthy and the foul air is almost stifling. What they need as bad as anything else is a place in which to keep insane and drunk prisoners"
 The work of Dr. Hogan and Miss Dugan at the Hillman hospital was re- ferred to in highest terms, stating that because of crowded conditions they were greatly hindered in their work. The record recommended that a bond issue of at least $500, ,000 be provided to build an addition and to improve the present structure.
 The juvenile court, the Rosedale prison camp and the Trussville prison camp were approved, and while general conditions at the county almshouse were found satisfactory it was recom- mended that the state fire inspector make a report on fire condition. It also recommended that bed-ridden patients be removed from the second to the first floor, to provide for greater s:fety in case of fire. Conditions at the county farm also were found to be good, &C., cording to the report