The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-19
Military Department.

installed only temporarily In the Dase- ment Of the wooden building. We need another washer and a modern dry room.
 Military Department.
 This has proven to the boys great in centive and has proved helpful factor in our method of discipline. We are now without an instructor. but Mir. Robert A Morris kindly gives what time he can gratis, and frequently holds battalion drill and dress parade, etc. The boys have taken part in a number of pub lie functions, among which may be men toned, opening of new Terminal station. Memorial day parade, public dress parade at State fair and parade in honor Of President Taft.
 The people and the press have been very profuse in their praise and have not failed to show their appreciation ot the efforts made along the military line. Through the kindness of the local head of the United Mine Workers of America the institution was allowed to use 60 Of their new tents, consequently we had a regular military camp of our own for some two weeks. The time was spent in drilling, swimming, playing, etc, and l am sure the experience did the boys a whole lot of good, besides demonstrated the fact they could be trusted. The boys did regular guard duty both night and day, but the lines were frequently open and there were many chances for them to run away.
 I am going to try to secure from the government a lighter and more modern rifle as well as camping equipment, etc. The smaller boys could use wooden guns to advantage.
 Band.
 The band continues to be a never ceas- tr,o ofr rala n nIlpf1a and wonder to the public. Many engagements have been filled throughout the state and the boys have never failed to create a good impression and reflect credit on the institution.
 The first band consists of some 50 mem bers, while like number are in the sec ond. It must be remembered the boys who constitute the first band after they have reached this point they have their full share of work and regular school hours. They use their play hours for practice, except sometimes at night, and then 1t Is optional with the band teacher. If the means were at hand I would recommend quarette of saxophones, and by so doing not only add to the com pleteness of our present Instrumentation, but would give number of boys a rare chance to learn something of this superb instrument. An orchestra could be easily maintained If we had something like six violins, cello and bass. The regular band Instruments would complete the in- strumentation.
 A drum and bugle corps could be used to advantage with the military depart partment. The only extra expense would be the instruments.
 I must add that since the band has been organized-nearly five years-that not one how has uioJa 70 1qf caI in him by running away while out with the band.
 Printing Office.
 In many respects I regard the printing office as the most important branch on the place. While we have continued to print the Boys Banner and have exc cuted considerable job work for our own use, this department Is sadly in need of better equipment. For type and other material $500 would not be too much to invest.
 There is a good demand for hand-type settlers, especially those who understand commercial work. The work is attrac- tive, the pay good and the chance for advancement first-class A number who started the trade while with us are now doing well.
 Barber Shop.
 The barber shop needs practically every thing. MT. Samuel Erkhart continues to. as he has done in years past, give con- siderable time gratis to instructing the boys.
 Health.
 The general health continues good. Three boys have been operated on for appendicitis, one of whom died at the Hillman hospital, December 2s, 1909. We have had epidemic of measles and chicken pox, besides a number of cases of pneu- monia, malaria, etc., and full quota of small accidents.
 Considering all the drug bill has not been prohibative nor the doctors bill large, s2oo.50.
 A nurse Is badly needed, besides an emergency hospital and a strong medi- cine case with bottles of a regular size with glass stoppers and proper labels. The teeth of the boys need attention. but this has been arranged for by Mrs McMester and Mrs. Nelson of the execu- tive committee.
 pr. Carl Fox has given much of his time free to those who were afflicted with defective ears, noses, throat, etc.
 Farm.
 The farm produced fairly well consid- ering the season, the quality of the soil anu our Squlpment- About 16 boys are employed and seem to enjoy the work We raised all the vegetables we could use, besides considerable hay and corn and several hundred bushels of sweet po- tatoes were stored for future use.
 It is our fondest hope to place the farm on strictly scientific basis and maybe some day we will also have in connection with 1t model dairy.
 Improvements.
 Owing to the lack of funds not many improvements have been made, in fact the regular repairs have not been att tended to as they should. Cement walks have been laid between the buildings and considerable grading has been done.
 Recommendations
 Perh aps at this time 1t is ambiguous to make any extensive recommenda- tions, but outside of those I have made under head of the various departments. 1t will not be amiss to touch a few needed improvements, while passing.
 If possible a cottage should be built for the smaller bays. they could then be separated from the evil influence of the older boys. A suitable house could be built for between Ss00o and $40o0.
 The teachers kitchen and dining room should be repaired besides a lot of general painting and repairing of