Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

or defend all suits in the county, in which the State or county is a party. It is his duty to prosecute those who commit crimes within his county; to give opinions, where the State or county may be a party in interest, when required so to do by any of the civil officers in the discharge of their duties, relating to the interest of the State or county. The Board of Supervisors fix the salary of the Prosecuting Attorney.

The County Clerk is, by virtue of his office, clerk of the Circuit Court, and keeps the records of papers pertaining to that Court. He is also clerk of the Board of Supervisors and of the County and District Canvassers. In addition to many other duties, he is required to keep a record of all the births, deaths, and marriages in his county. Articles of association of the different corporations within his county, and certificates of the formation of religious societies, are filed in his office and recorded by him. His salary is fixed by the Board of Supervisors, but in addition to this he receives fees fixed by law, for the discharge of most of the duties performed by him.

The Sheriff has the charge and custody of the jails in his county; and of the prisoners of the same. Of the many duties he has to perform, we may mention his duty to execute and serve writs and orders directed to him by the courts; to attend the Circuit Court and preserve order therein; and to keep the public peace. The Sheriff appoints an Under-Sheriff and deputies to assist him in the discharge of his duties. His fees are fixed by law.

Questions What are the duties of the County Treasurer? Where does the Judge of Probate hold his office? What are the duties of the Prosecuting Attorney? By whom is his salary fixed? What are the duties of the County Clerk? What are the duties of Sheriff?

CHAPTER XXIX.

OF COUNTY OFFICERS, CONTINUED — CORONERS

DEEDS COUNTY SURVEYORS COUNTY
OF SCHOOLS.

REGISTER OF SUPERINTENDENT

It is the duty of a Coroner, when informed that a person has died suddenly, or from violence, to procure six men to act as jurors, and with them he is to investigate and inquire into the cause and circumstances of the death. This investigation is called a coroner's inquest.

Coroners are required by law to discharge the duties of sheriff, when the sheriff is a party interested. Their fees are fixed by law.

The Register of Deeds provides, at the expense of the county, suitable blank books, which he keeps in his office at the county-seat, and in which he copies or records all the deeds, mortgages, and other papers which by law it is proper to record in his office, that may be presented to him.

The object of recording these documents is that they may be preserved, and to give notice to all persons interested, of their existence. The Register of Deeds is paid for recording, by the hundred words.

It is the duty of County Surveyors to make and execute any surveys within their counties that may be required by any court or by any person. These surveys are made to determine the location and boundary lines of lands, and when completed are entered in a record kept by the Surveyor for that purpose.

It is the duty of the County Superintendent of Schools to examine all persons offering themselves as teachers for the public schools. He is required to grant certificates in such

form as shall be prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, licensing as teachers all persons whom he shall deem qualified.

The law provides that it shall be the duty of the County Superintendent,

First. To visit each of the schools in his county, at least once in each year; to examine carefully into the discipline and the modes of instruction, and into the progress and proficiency, of the pupils, and to make a record of the same; and to counsel with the teachers and district boards as to the course of studies to be pursued; and for the improvement of the instruction and discipline of the school.

Second. To note the condition of the school-houses and appurtenances thereto, and suggest plans for new school-houses to be erected, and for warming and ventilating the same, and the general improvement of school-houses and grounds.

Third. To inquire into the condition of district and township libraries, and to counsel, if necessary, for the better management of the same, and to see that the money collected from fines is devoted to the increase of such libraries.

[ocr errors]

Fourth. To promote by public lectures and teachers' institutes, and by such other means as he may devise, the improvement of the schools in his county, and the elevation of the character and qualifications of the teachers thereof.

Fifth. To counsel with teachers and school boards to secure the more general and regular attendance of the children in his county upon the public schools.

The salary of the Superintendent is fixed by the Board of Supervisors.

Questions-What are the duties of Coroners? Of Register of Deeds? Of Surveyors? For what purpose are surveys made? What are the duties of County Superintendent of Schools in relation to teachers? State his other duties as prescribed by law.

CHAPTER XXX.

[ocr errors]
[blocks in formation]

Circuit Court Commissioners are authorized to do many acts which, were it not for their assistance, the Judges would be required to do. It is frequently necessary, when the Courts are not in session, that orders should be made and duties performed affecting the interests of parties whose rights are to be determined by the Courts. These duties may be discharged by Circuit Court Commissioners. Testimony to

be used before the Court in Chancery may be taken by a Circuit Court Commissioner; and he may perform many other duties prescribed by law.

It is the duty of the Superintendents of the County Poor to take charge of and provide for the wants of those who are unable to support themselves, and have no relatives able to support them. They have the control of the poor-houses erected by the county, for the use of the poor.

Notaries Public are appointed by the Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate. They are authorized to take the proof and acknowledgment of deeds; to administer oaths; to take affidavits; to demand acceptance of bills of exchange and of promissory notes, and to protest the same for nonacceptance or non-payment.

Inspectors of provisions and other merchandise are required to examine and inspect the provisions and merchandise

of those who keep and offer the same for sale, and to affix a brand or mark to such articles, indicating their quality, so that purchasers may be advised as to what they purchase. Thus, beef is divided into three sorts, "mess," "prime," and "cargo;" and pork into four sorts, 66 mess pork," "prime pork," onehog pork," and "cargo pork."

66

When provisions or merchandise have been inspected and branded, it is deemed an offense to sell or offer for sale, under such brands, articles different from what such brands indicate.

Questions-What are the duties of Circuit Court Commissioners? Of Superintendents of the County Poor? How are Notaries Public appointed, and what are their duties? What are the duties of Inspectors of provisions and other merchandise? Into how many grades is beef sorted? Into how many grades is pork sorted?

CHAPTER XXXI.

OF TOWNSHIPS AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS- SUPERVISOR-TOWNSHIP CLERK TOWNSHIP BOARD -TOWNSHIP TREASURER

-CONSTABLES.

Each organized township has a government of its own, and its people elect officers to administer such governmentto discharge certain duties for the good of all the people.

The voters of a township may meet together and make such orders and by-laws for directing and managing the affairs of the township, as they shall deem most conducive to the peace, welfare and good order of the people.

They may annex to such orders and by-laws suitable penalties, not exceeding ten dollars for any breach thereof.

The law provides for the holding of annual meetings in

« ZurückWeiter »