Evening star., 1900-10-12

have been enforced with excellent results.
The spawning bed and basin in the Poto-
mac river, within the District, has become
one great fish nest, where they nave mul-
tinl,ed by the thousands. Efforts have
been made to have the fish law amended 10
enable the authorities to connscate poa's
and nets used by Illegal fishermen: ana the
game law so as to do away with the three
day clause relating to marsh shooting.
Other changes, to length or season TOT
some birds, are contemplated Ihe nsn law
will also be amended so as not to interfere
with bass fishing on Labor day. The pnar-
macy and dental laws have been more rig
fdly enforced the year just closed than
ever before. Several prosecutions have
been maintained. There were more crimes
of greater and less magnitude, against per-
sons. and property, reported to this depart
ment during the year which ended June
80, 1900, than for the same period preced-
ing. except that there were three muroers
less, where those charged were held after
a preliminary hearing. There were Tour,
teen persons committed on the last named
charge nine Of them being white and nve
colored. this being an unusual eonditlon IN
this Jurisdiction. In other words, the rec
ords with respect to murder have been re-
versed so far as the social figures are con-
cerned. The District authorities stand
alone 1t is claimed, when considered In
connection with those Of the leading munic-
ipalities, in having apprehended the GRIM
inal in each instance.
Crime Statistics.
There were 25.943 cases OF arrest as
against 25 723 in 1899, Of which 1880 were
charged to colored persons and 1908 to
whites. OF the whole number of arrests "a
per cent were convicted. The male cases
were %, 49O the female 3,45S. The estimated
losses of money and property aggregated
S76 475; lost or mislaid. 81, 207.5O and recov-
cred, $65, ,SS9. 78, a most creditable showing.
The theft Of bicycles continues, o6O ma
chimes being recovered as against 800 last
year.
play grounds:
affect the occupancy Of the streets and
reservations the playing OF ball, flying Of
kites and assemblages. effectually dampen
the pastimes OF city children and tend to
instill defiance into the more advanced
youth. Boys driven from pillar to post In
seeking spots for recreation only and quiet
in the pool and card room. working de-
generacy which is to be deplored. This de-
partment receives more complaints regard
ing the small boys than all others put to-
gether. The citizen whose quiet Is dis
turbed or window pane broken calls for the
police. The parent condemns the officer
and the complainant alike. The member of
the force is directed to invoke parental aid
in the first instance and arrest in the Sec
ond. It is not desirable that children should
be arrested however, for minor offenses. as
the fright and humiliation incident thereto
only tend to harden, il not permanently
mark. the career Of the young. perhaps un-
intentional, yiolator. The proposition of
Col Theodore A. Bingham. u. s. A, super
intendent of public buildings and grounds.
to set aside parks for the purpose, deserves
hearty support. But to make such attrac-
tive there should be established the tennis
court, ball field, croquet ground. bowling
alley, swings. ETC., all to be utilized under
an active and intelligent police detail. The
public bathing beach Is In line with the pro-
posed establishments.
Additional Bathing Facilities.
strong plea Is made by Major Sylvester
for additional bathing facilities for the
public, floating baths along the river front