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CHAPTER 29 1851 Y 1851 law and order in Atlanta had come perilously close to extinction. The authority of the municipal government was being openly flouted by hundreds of "toughs" from Murrel's Row and the Snake Nation, none of whom had visible means of support.1 The De Kalb County grand juries for both the first and second weeks of the March, 1851 term of the Superior Court took cognizance of the matter. The first jury reported: ". . . By our Committees we have examined the new Jail and find it completely ready for the reception of prisoners. 'Tis a safe, substantial building, kept in good order by the Jailor, Mr. Robert Jones. The cement floor in the upper story we find to be a failure and would recommend a substitute to be made for it either by plank floor or otherwise. We are unable to find by reference to the records of Court the actual cost of the new Jail, or the receipts and disbursements of the Jail fund. We have been informed that the old Jail building has been sold for twenty five dollars, but find no record of it. We recommend that said proceeds be paid over to the County Treasurer. . . . ". . . We find by our Committee the sum of $79.57 for Retail License, which amount has been paid over to the Treasurer. Considerable complaint has been made in regard to selling liquors without license. We hope the grand jury of next week will examine and enquire into this matter particularly. Also ferret out if possible all persons traficking (sic) with slaves in an unlawful manner. ..." CHAPMAN POWELL, Foreman.2 The following grand jury bore down heavily on crime in Atlanta. ". . . In view of the vast accumulated business on our criminal docket originating in the City of Atlanta, and the difficulty of reaching cases and meating (sic) out justice to offenders against law, we would present the propriety of instructing our Legislators at the next session to obtain for the City of Atlanta jurisdiction over her own criminals by the establishment of a court in the aforesaid city with power to try and punish all offences not embracing capital punishment or confinement in the penitentiary. We would present as a grievance the prevalence of the practice, among our youth, assembling at tippling and other houses to play at the game of Ken, or to be and becoming thereby only initiated into the corrupting vice of gambling, and beg our Legislature would prohibit the same under penalty against those who encourage it in their houses. . . . "We would present as a grievance the administration of Wyllys Buell, Esq., as magistrate in the City of Atlanta in defeating the ends of justice by leniency in offenses of aggravated carictur (sic), insufficient bonds as to amount, and allowing irresponsible securities on such bonds. . . . We would desire to express our commendation of the Marshals of the City of Atlanta for the vigilence they have exhibited in the discharge of their duties. . . . "We present the condition of the road through this county toward Fayetteville as requiring repair; also the road from Atlanta toward Green's Ferry by White Hall; also the road from Atlanta by White Hall to Rough & Ready; B THE EIGHTEEN-FIFTIES 329 also the road in Elijah Donehoo's or Casey District, in which we are informed there are no commissioners. We also present the bridge on Snapfinger Creek near the widow Autry's mills as impassible without danger." HENRY B. LATIMER, Foreman.3 Meanwhile the bitterest municipal election on record had been held in Atlanta. Ever since the better element of the town had secured a charter in 1847, this element, now called the "Moral Party", had been constantly at odds with the "Free and Rowdy Party". It had been nip and tuck for ascendency. The Intelligencer thundered against the "Rowdy Party" and called for a clean sweep. Accordingly early in 1851 a mass meeting of the better citizens nominated Jonathan Norcross for mayor, while the rowdy element resorted to an old political strategem by naming as their candidate a better man than themselves , Leonard C. Simpson, attorney and a former councilman.4 The resulting campaign was characterized by vituperation and was punctuated by numerous fist fights, There were over forty drinking saloons in town, to say nothing of the groceries dealing in ardent spirits, and they all did a landoffice business as the political war raged. While Simpson and his backers were turning their money loose in the bar-rooms...

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