Evening star., 1901-11-12
Mr.. EDSON'S REVIEW
Continued from Tenth Page,

Continued from Tenth Page.)
that the government rebuild
the wharyes in the best manner and con-
struct substantial bulkheads, that ample
accommodations may be furnished, and the
present insanitary condition of the docks
eliminated.
and spring has placed it in excellent condi-
ton.
The committee is of the opinion that the
railroad and highway bridges should be pc
more than 500 feet apart; that it will be
dangerous to vessels passing through the
draws, as it will be difficult to handle
them with so little space between the
the attention of the authorities in order that
SO great a mistake may not be made in
the construction of these bridges.
Public Order.
The committee public order speaks In
praise of the favorable condition and ef-
fciency of the police force and department
of the District of Columbia. AS hereto
fore, emphasis is laid upon the fact that
the force is inadequate in numbers. The
committee again recommends that Con-
gress should be appealed to to provide for
the increase needed.
In the past year, on the occasion of the
centennial celebration and the inaugural
ceremonies, the good order that prevailed
throughout the city, especially in the con-
gested parts, as the result of the discipline
and efficiency of the police, commanded
commendation, not only from the District
and federal officials anu citizens, but from
many prominent men visiting the city.
The school of instruction proposed by
the major and superintendent of police for
physical and mental training, ETC., must
surely further raise the standard of his de-
partment.
The committee very properly calls atten-
ton, after careful consideration, to the
fact that the police force should not be
used for any other purposes than to per-
form the legitimate duties that belong to
that department, |. e., the preservation Of
order, the protection of property, and the
handling of criminals. 1t is obvious that
placed upon members of the force it de-
tracts from and interfereS with good disci-
pline and efficiency Especially is this true
when the force is already inadequate in
number A law of Congress or an order of
the Commissioners should prohibit abso-
lGtely any foreign duties being placed upon
officers and members of this department of
the government.
The Public Schools.
Much good work and enlargement have
been made in the public schools during the
past year. The two manual training schools
are in process of completion and are COM
modious and well equipped. They will in
crease the efficiency in this branch of the
public school system and permit the addi-
ton of other and essential branches.
At the opening of the schools in Septem-
Der, 1901, four new buildings were occu-
pied three of eight rooms and one of four
rooms. By September, 1902, under provi-
sions already made, eight buildings will be
occupied, containing in all fifty-six rooms,
and in the present years appropriations
eight other buildings, with forty-six rooms,
a wi
commodate about five thousand scholars.
With these buildings completed, there will
not be the necessity of halliday schools
above the second grade. Heretofore the
normal growth of the schools has not been
properly provided for. 1t is evident that 1t
will be the part of wisdom in future to
regularly provide for the normal increased
demand for school privileges. 1t will be
more economical, and will enable all the
children to receive full public school edu-
cational facilities.
RecOmme ndatiOns Renewed.
The committee renews it's recommenda-
tions of last year for the erection of q
business high school. The present building
is inadequate and unsuitable. This branch
of the school system has proved the wis
dom of it's establishment. 1t provides a
practical education, training and equipping
it's pupils for business life. With a new
building provided, proper methods can be
employed, thus inSuring better and more
complete results.
The enlargement and remodeling of the
Henry school building is recommended foI
the use of the normal school. This improve
ment is much needed to prepare and equip
the necessary number Of teachers. The
night schools have been reorganiZed, prop
erly graded and well supplied with the
ne cessary facilities. This provision for af-
fording education to those who are unable
to attend day schools was just and proper
and has proved successful.
The kindergarten schools established have
sixty-one teachers and assistants, and they
are doing good work.
Washinston's Birthday Anniversary.
Under the auspices of the Board of Trade
arrangements were made for the appro-
pirate commemoration of Washington S
birthday. Exercises were held in all Of the
public schools of the District. Over 2oC
speakers and presiding officers participated
The exercises embraced music, recitations
and essays, well as addresses After
several years of thus observing Washing
tons birthday in the schools there can be
no question about the benefcent impression
made upon the pupils, inspiring patriotism
and love of country and it's Institutions
Flag day" was another impressive occa-
sion in the public schools Every pupil
was presented with a neat miniature ma
tional flag. 1t was inspiring and created
and it's effect could not be otherwise thar
good.
Taxation and Assessments.
The committee on taxation and assess
ment again urge action against the personal
tax law. They make strong arguments and
objections as to it's existence. Among them
are that 1t is inquisitorial and requires un.
warranted exposure of citizens affairs
that it would occasion unequal returns ano
consequent injustice to the conscientious
| and law-abiding citizens. 1t fosters mo-
| nopolies and does not reach those at whom
| 1t is directed. Such a tax does not fal
| upon merchants, but upon the consumer
| 1t is tax upon the necessities Of life, at
| fecting in a greater degree the poor thar
| it does the wealthy. 1t causes a double
| tax. A personal tax may be avoided by
various questionable methods that canno
| be detected or prevented. For these ant
other reasons the committee conclude tha
| a personal tax Is impracticable, unwise ant
| harmful both to the community and thu
| government in attempting it's enforcement
| The report of the committee is an able ont
| and worthy of careful consideration.
Assessments on Sound Basis.
| The board of assessors has continued t
| do good work and to fix the assessments OF
| property for taxation upon a sound basis