Birmingham state herald., 1896-12-03
OUT THE OLD--|N THE NEW City Administration Passes Into
 Other Hands. MAYOR EVANS. lNDUCIED Along With All of t.s Aldermen Save One Last Acts P' 9nH0Ose's Board REPORTS OF sN HoOSE AND OTHERS Mayor Evar Tiinging Inaugural Address Committees Appointed-It IS City
 Attorney Lowe-Other
 Matters, Etc.
REPORTS OF sN HoosE AND OTHERS

The board of mayor and aldermen met in regular session last night. It was the last meeting of the old board. A large crowd filled the council chamber and much interest was manifested.
 Several committees made reports. The tax collector reported as follows Real and personal tax, 1896, s3295.79; Real and personal tax, 1895, $23S3; total $3,919.62; sidewalks and improvements, $967.2S; curbing, $3,6S3.56; street paving, $1,720.84; total, $e,371.6S; merchants tax, 1S96 $50; grand total, $9,741.90.
 Junius W. Johnson offered a petition to set aside assessment.
 Mrs. M. D. Sharpe desired damages for fall on sidewalk.
 Amzi Golden petitioned for privilege of erecting iron house in rear of store.
 There being no further routine business Mayor Van Hoose handed his annual report to the clerk, which was ordered filed without reading.
 MAYOR VAN HOOSE'S ANNUAL RE-
 PORT.
 To the Honorabl Board of Aldermen.
 Gentlemen:-The year just closing has not been marked by many changes in the work and plans mapped out or reported in my last annual report. Owing to the fact that the city's fiscal year and the general reports of all departments close on Dec 31, and not with the expiration of the mayors term of office, the various re- ports from which I can derive the fol- lowing statements, are Incomplete and somewhat approximate, rather than ab- Solutely correct.
 Not only the condition of the country at large but the condition of local affairs and existing laws were such as to pre- clude the practical execution of much which otherwise would have been deemed advisable. Still much has in a quiet way been done to better get together and con- serve the best interest of the city.
 CITY JAIL.
 Tn addition to the improvements and changes laid before you in 1895, remind you and those who employ us as their public servants, that unusual care has been exercised by the city physician and warden to keep the jail as clean and well kept as was possible with such 8 large average number of prisoners as were constantly on hand.
 The practical operation of the inferior court which was so outrag eously fasten- cd on the city has been to keep the jail crowded far beyond the danger line of decency, safety and health.
 It is almost marvel that no outbreak of sickness has occurred, especially dur ing the fearful heat of last summer. It brings out in strong light the watchful care of the city physician and wardens.
 NOL muCn WOfk 0dS Deen QOne OH pHe jail proper, beyond putting in steel wire screens on the windows in the warden's office and on the dungeon cells. Boards have been fitted on the steel straps of the prisoners hunks so as to provide better sleeping facilities. Some necessary changes have been made in the plumbing and ventlation also extensive repairs on the range and smoke stack Two large stoves and a supply of blankets for this winter have been purchased. In the po- lice court room, steel wire cage has been constructed so as to prevent the possi- bility of rush of prisoners to effect an escape. Many benches have been re- paired, a door cut between the clerks office and the court room. Also much needed railing in front of the judge and clerks desks
 A large tool room has been fitted up in the new market for tools and street implements.
 The attention of the new board is ur- gently called to the necessity of enlarged jail facilities and police headquarters as suggested in my last annual report.
 POLICE DEPARTMENT. In addition to the changes and improve ments last reported, Q most desirable inn provement has been contracted for In the Gamewei police alarm system. The operation of this will greatly strengthen the protection of life and property.
 Bicycles have been provided for two oficers, and I am advised by the chief, have been of great aid both in quick ar rests and also in general patrol work, and have many times over repaid for their purchase.
 A number of inside changes and im- provements have been made in the head quarters.
 The vigorous operation of the pound urged by the vast majority of our citi- Zens has not only been of great protec- tion to gardens and homes, but has been a source of such revenue over and above its own cost and maintenance, that the expenses of house rent, feed, water and lights at police headquarters have been nearly, if not entirely met by this excess of revenue.
 in retiring from office I desire to ex- press and put on record. my high appre- citation of the work the police depart ment, as well as to thank each and every member, both of the commission as well as well as of the force, for the unfailing courtesy and respect shown me as mayor. This is especially appreciated, whent it is remembered that the mayor has no con- trol whatever over this department
 MARKETS.
 Few changes are to be noted under this head. The old market has been re- covered with new tin roof, and should be repainted inside and out. Sooner or later the city must permit market stalls to be opened wherever cit- zens will select. and rent the city stalls as any other places of business are rent ed but not by compulsion.
 FIRE DEPARTMENT NORTHSIDE.
 Additional repairs and improv ements have been made, also much painting and white washing. the wn,k all being done by the men thoTs T"s with little or no cost to the city
 A new Ahrens engine and 2500 fee. of hose have been purchased. This engine Is magnificent machine, eapa ble of throwing water over our highest build- .rGs, and greatly strengthens the fire Fighting force Of tbe city. It ,s a matter of bitter regret that such a machine was not in the city on that eventful night of the Caldwell hotel fire. Had it heen