The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-02

doubtedly result in giving additional impetus to the school. IL Is already at tracting each year larger numbers oi mature men and women. It Is rendering conspicuous service to the whole sys- tenn of education in Alabama. The Pea body chair of education. established ir 1912, has greatly strengthened this de- partment
 The School of Medicine
 Tt is gratifying to report that the school of medicine in Mobile is main taining it's high rank as a Class A in- stitution. It is steadily developing in strength and efficiency. There is, how ever, need of a definitely assured leg islative appropriation of sufficient size to maintain the present status of the school It is essential that the authori- ties shall urge this matter with zeal and determination. Only the action of Governor O'Neal in releasing a portion of the conditional appropriation made by the legislature of 1911 has saved the school. Any backward step at this time will mean nothing less than annihila- tion. The great national standardizing agencies are demanding a further strengthening of the courses of study and further improvement of the equip ment of the school. l strongly recom- mend that every reasonable demand oi the school of medicine shall receive the united support of the trustees and alumni of the university.
 The graduate school of medicine ir Birmingham is beginning its work un- der favorable auspices. The authorities of the school recently organized a move ment to provide a free dispensary Foi this purpose the sum of $50.000 has been subscribed by the citizens of Bir- mingham. A lot adjoining the college buildings and immediately adjacent te the Hillman hospital, has been pur- chased. It is proposed to erect the new dispensary building on this lot in tho near future. To maintain the graduate school on its present basis of efficiency will require an appropriation of not less than $500 per annum from the legisa- ture, and 1t is earnestly recommended that the university authorities shal1 unite in an effort to secure adequate state aid.
 The Summer School
 The summer school continues to de- velop with remarkable rapidity. Three years ago there were only PAS students enrolled. Last summer we registered 562. The content of the curriculum has been greatly enlarged and enriched. Ii Is clear that the time has come when the legislature should increase the small appropriation made for the support of this great enterprise, which has con tributed so largely to the growing ef- hciency of the entire public school sys- tenn.
 Special Improvements
 The past year has witnessed re- markable headway in the systematic effort that has been made in recent years to improve the physical property hn II nj fftr | ic a,fo flying to me that so much has been ac- complished at such a moderate outlay The improvements already made are beginning to attract widespread atten- tion. Five years hence. If the work Is progressively continued, the entire ap- pearance of the buildings and grounds will be transformed.
 Prominent among recent improve mentS may be mentioned.
 1. The renovation of the second story of Clark hall, which is now avail able for social and other events. This will mean great addition to the es- sential equipment of the summer school It is proposed to use this room for basketball. and as a general reception room. It will serve many purposes.
 "2. There has been substantial prog ress in the work of grading and of constructing modern roadways and granolithic wallSways and curbings
 "S. The exterior painting of the old college buildings has been practically completed. A considerable amount Of in- terior painting and repair work has also been accomplished.
 "A. New quarters for the Young Mems Christian association and for the two literary societies have beeen provided in Barnard hall.
 "5. Rapid headway has been made in the direction of providing tennis courts of standard construction and within convenient reach of the dormitories.
 Confederate Memorials
 "The University of Alabama has dur ing the past year beeen the recipient of handsome boulder presented by the Alabama division of the United Daugh- ters of the Confectionery with the gem erous cooperation of the alumni. On May 13 the dedicatory exercises were held. It was an impressive function. The on the bronze tablet was prepared by Alabama's gifted historian. pr. Thomas M. Owen of the class of 1887. It recounts the remarkable con- tribution made by the University of memorate this record this memorial stone has been erected.
 Preference should here be made to the presentation of honorary diplomas on that occasion to a group of students of the University of Alabama Cor to their representatives) who served as soldiers in the war between the states, and who on account of that service were denied the opportunity of completing their college course. The trustees had