The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-03-17

nothing approaching an epidemic of dis
ease has visited the city. l regard Ensley
as one of the eleanest cities in the
district. Filth in city can but pro-
duce disease and death. Our cleanliness
will give a minimum of sickness and
mortality. The removal of trash and gar
bage collected in the city is now being
made to dumping selected for that pur-
pose This method of disposition has
been well conducted and the dumping
ground kept In as good condition as pos
sible, they being remarkably free from
injurious or unpleasant results.
Sanitary Sewers.
With the exception Of the construction
of a small amount of connecting and
intercepting sewers there has been prae-
tically no change, alteration or addition
to our sanitary sewers. ] regret that
our experience IN the past has proven
that there are many Of our people who
apparently do not understand and ap-
preciate the value of our sanitary sew
ers. Unless the benefits offered by this
system, are fully realized and taken adj
vantage Of, then the expense of the
sewer will be practically lost desire,
therefore, to most earnestly urge the peo-
pie of the city to promptly do the work
required and avert the destructive in
fiuence of relentless epidemies.
Police Department.
The revenue derived from this depart
ment shows an increase over the previous
year of $5,12010. and the additional ex-
uense only $1,77SO0, which Is an excellent
argument that the department has dis
charged the duties incident to this i'm
portant branch of the government in
most vigilant manner. We must rely upon
the diligence of the department ana
not upon their numerical strength for
the execution of the law. Our force is
small for a city the size of Ensley,
and after dividing 1t into night and day
detail, the individual policemen must COW
err a large territory and be exceedingly
watchful and alert to properly perform
his duties.
Fire Department.
The records of loss. as shown by the
report from this department, tell how
effectuaIly this department has been con-
Quoted, and of the efficiency of the men
composing 1t. In every respect the opera
ton of the department has been most
gratifying and needs no words of commen-
dation here. With the addition of hook
and ladder truck, and the six plugs that
are now being placed by the water COM
many. we will have met all the require
ments stipulated by the Southeastern
Tariff association In order to secure for
Ensley a second class rating, and I see
no reason why renewal of our request
for the reduction cannot be complied
with.
School Department.
The schools of Ensley have stood at
the highest point In the estimation of
the prominent educators. That this high
standard Is in no danger of being lowered
Is evidenced by the statement of the
improvements and by the maintainance
OF the usual high state or efficiency IN
the educational department And under
the supervision of the Board of Education,
and by the sustaining hand of your hon
orable body.
The need of education was never greater
than now and every forward step that
this progressive age calls for should be
taken. The methods of industry art and
manufacturing and the ingenuity which
enters into accomplishments Of work.
both skilled and common. demands Gull
tivated minds and trained hands. In
dulge the hope, therefore, that the ques--
ton Of manual training. which | believe
to be necessary to complete a more per-
feet educational system. may soon be
added to our schools. SO that boys and
girls of our city who enter upon the
struggle of life for existence may be better
prepared for the conflict.
Cemetery.
In this connection desire to bring to
your attention the question of providing
cite for a cemetery. We cannot con-
'ceal from ourselves the fact that in
are simply putting the city in the position