The San Francisco call., 1908-04-26

VIII enjoy tbs 20 minutes chat with
those of his friends who, like him,
prefer the ride across the clear waters
of the bay to the stufty and crowded
quarters OF the streetcarS
1t Is not generally known that there
is a vast tract OF unimproved land lying
within the limits of Alameda, but that
main island. i've miles IN length by
about one mile In width, has about 1000
acres OF unimproved land bordering
principally along the northern side
and scattered throughout the city. The
limits OF the city embrace Bay Farm
II improved, the total area OF which
is about 1000 acres. This land is ideal
for the establishment of business in
terests on account OF the nearness of
the deep sea harbor. and it will
prove one Of the main assets of Ala
medals future prosperity.
The public spirit and muniacence Of.
Alarneda's citizens is shown by the fact
that there was voted recently for pro-
posed public improvements bonds to
the amount of s2,s25,oOo. This amount
was mainly, for the purpose OF purchas-
Ing and equ!pping public Fairgrounds,
for the building OF another large pub
lie school the expansion Of fire fighting
facilities and the rebuilding of the
Webster street roadway, the main ar
1f TT
these additional enterprises Alameda
will make one Of the best showings in
the state and Will be able to hold her
own, substantiating her claims as the
best and most convenient residence sec
tion on the Pacific coast Few people
know Alameda as she really is. Their
attention has so long been directed to
other portions OF the country that a
veritabie surprise IS in store for those
who are drawn into visiting her some
unexpected day. and they will not fail
to appreciate It and to acknowledge
their former ignorance concerning the
beauty spot so near them for years.
In the manufacturing line. too, Ala
media has made great strides The city
owns it's electric light plant, and the
finest public electric plant on the coast
which supplies light and power to pri-
vate consumers at the lowest rate on
the coast; in fact. in the United States.
The people have just now voted a $780,
600 bond issue for a new school site
and before long another attractive
structure will be added to those in use.
These public schools of Alameda are
among the best In the land. They pos
sess good and efficient force of teach
ers. none of whom is permitted to be-
como regular teacher without two
years experience. unless graduated
from q university.
Aiameda's school property is of fine
appearance and Of substantial value
Seven imposing edffices set in spacious
grounds are beautffed by well kept
lawns and ornamental trees and shrubs.
diversified by beds OF blooming flowers.
This number of buildings embraces
1s room brick high school. with an
assembly room capable of seating 500.
which makes the school a social and in
tellectual center. lectures, rallies, de-
bates. school exercises and social en-
tertainments being heid there; Ave huge
grammar and primary schools and one
three room primary school. The 90
available schooirooms are all of good
size, well lighted and ventilated and
sanitary In all respects. Tho COURSES of
study in the high school are elective
and comprise the classical. English,
scientific and commercial courses. A
full course takes four years to oom-
piete. In the grammar schools special
instruction is given, In music, drawing
and sewing. Attached to each gram
mar school is complete manual train
ing equipment for the instruction Of
boys in woodwork and domestic SOL
ence equipment for ths instruction Of
girls in cool<sry.