Keeping the Jail Clean

New York, 1895

The Grand Jury Commends Sheriff Doht's New Broom.

The Grand Jury adjourned on Tuesday. Why the body was in session so long is a mystery. The following presentment respecting the jail was placed on file:

The Grand Jury of the County of Queens do hereby respectfully report to this court as follows:

That we have visited the county jail and its several departments and find them maintained in proper, good and healthy condition, the prisoners well fed and clothed, and under proper surveilance.

We especially commend the Sheriff for the many improvements he has instituted to preserve the cleanliness and health of the prisoners of both sexes under his charge, and the general conditions of the several departments under his control.

Dated March 12, 1895.

GEO. P. TITUS, Foreman.
CHARLES HENDRICKSON, Secretary.


Merritt Sues the State

Charles A. Merritt, who ran the Surf House at Fire Island last summer, has brought an action before the state board of claims to recover from the state $13,054 damages. Merritt entered into a contract with the state to run the Surf house. He claims that the state violated the agreement with him, inasmuch as it did not furnish proper steamboat accommodations for the transfer of guests to the island.


Charged With Blackmail

Joseph Grady, of Hicksville, was arrested on Saturday charged by Mrs. Libbie Koshnick with extortion and blackmail. He was held in $1,000 bail to appear before the grand jury, in default of which he was taken to the county jail.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 1.