The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-02


 $5 to $15 per month, based on position and length of service.
 As an additional safeguard to our con gested district the fire limits have been extended. The number of blocks in the original limits were fifty-two and one half, the number added by extension was seventy-two and one-half. making total of 12S blocks in present fire limits. On whole the city of Birmingham Is tp be congratulated on havinug emerged From a condition of suspicion, distrust and fear by the insurance world Into the ranks of cities which are considered the best fire risks in the United States. We should now Insist that the entire city be placed on first-class basis.
 Building, Plumbing and Electrical
 Departments.
 These three departments, under separate and competent inspectors, are accom- plishing quietly and systematically the duties provided for them by law. These ! regulations frequently appear arbitrary and involve a hardship on the property owner, yet they are the basis of all safe, healthy and substantial growth and though largely unknown to the public they are vital to the general welfare. Each of these departments Is self-sustain- ing.
 Police.
 This department needs a drastic reorgan | zation and then more discipline. It needs | such wedding out of ''undesirables' | that the change in its personnel will give an average so high, both in efficiency and in looks, that the conscientious off, oers we now have will be saved from the | criticisms caused by the work and habits of others. Furthermore 1t needs larger | powers in the hands of the chief, and then an authority behind him which can act arbitrarily If results are not accom- 1 plished and the laws enforced | There are many men on the force who have tried and are still trying to come up to every requirement.. These men should be rewarded at the first oppor- | tunity.
 Police Court.
 Much has been done towards systematic l ing routine work in this department, es- peeially in the clerks bookkeeping. The city is lending Judge Feagin every | assistance towards making the public have more respect for the warrants, bonds, orders, etc, of the court. The custom of continuing cases without due cause; of accepting bonds not written and signed in ink and by irresponsible par ties has in the main been discontinued | The result of these business like changes is shown by the fact that while the mum Der of arrests from 1904 to 1906 increased 
 52 per cent, as follows:
 No Arrests. Receipts 1904 ............... 996s $24, ,229 1905 .................. s7g5 31,296 | 1906 .................. 10577 36,99l
 Attention Is called to the judges state- ment that at least 70 per cent of all these arrests can be traced to the low class of l saloons.
 Legal Department | r,t,. oi4.- i. +o I,a tad on tba able and successful work done by the city attorney and his assistant. Through their l efforts your authority and laws are being l upheld and the government of the city of | Birmingham placed in firm and undis- Iputed control of every phase of the municipal problem.
 For some knowledge of the amount of work handled by them you are especially requested to read the detailed report sub mtted herewith.
 Public Schools.
 Your public school system is rapidly making proud reputation throughout l the state of Alabama and far beyond.
 It's thoroughness, training and scope | nave brought commendation from many states and colleges which have known our graduates.
 The value put upon It by residents and non-residents Is shown in the crowded
 
 | taxed to the limit and further enlarge ment of some of the elementary schools | is imperative before the October session.
 In this connection 1t appears to me that | we are not doing our duty to the negro population In the matter of school facil- ities. Since the burning of the Thomas | school years ago the basement of a small | church at the corner of Third avenue and Twenty-hfth street has been used in It's place These quarters are inadequate and unsanitary. As a matter of fact, the negroes are not as well provided for now as they were ten years ago.
 If your honorable body can see your way clear to meet the expense it is here with recommended that you authorize the Board of Education to purchase a good | size lot in whatever section of our city | towards which the negro population Is 1 drifting and then make provision to build a large structure that will relieve the present congestion.
 Too much encouragement or thanks can not be given to the thoughtful women | who have promoted and joined the various | School Improvement associations. Their 1 work and suggestions are covering | branch of service just as necessary and | productive of results as is the broader | part borne by the men. It Is hoped they will all feel that this interest Is noticed | and appreciated by your honorable body. and when possible their recommendations | will at all times be followed.
 Health and Sanitary Departments. l No department has shown greater im- 1 provement or activity as compared with | past years than this | A few years ago the city was full of | nuisances in the shape of dry closets, old | wells, small ponds, old barrels. utensils, | slop buckets, etc. These have practically | been swept out of existence. Your gar l bage can law is being steadily enforced Thousands of inspections are made each month and unsanitary conditions correct | ed wherever found.
 Only two smallpox cases showed up | during the year. They were transient | looking for a doctor. The extra man | asked for by this department is needed | and should be put on. The health officer | recommends the removal of fruit vendors from the streets and gives reasons there | for The question will doubtless come be- fore you during the year
 Meat and Mix Department.
 The public has reasons to be proud of | the results accomplished by the meat and milk department. There is no comparison in quality of milk offered for sale now 1 in the city of Birmingham and that l brought in a few years ago. As result many child is alive today and making 1 happy home that otherwise might have been saddened. The scope of this depart | ment has been doubled during the year by | the addition of bacteriological depart | ment. This is one of the most effective