The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-13
By MRS. pRENroN K. rIsk


 In reply 10 the question what would do it were city commis- sioner, l am minded to say with the oft quoted Bard; If to do were as easy as to know what twere good to do. poor mems cottages had been princes palaces" What should l do? l do not know. 1 can only say what I think 1 should do, what I should troy to do.
 About commissioners, 1 am like Gillett Burgess about the immortal Purple Cow, I'd rather see than be one. However, if l were one, my first step would be to seek some hard headed business mans advice on financing and budgeting. as a ba- sis for apportioninE the ctty's rev enue in the most intelligent fashion. This done, and with q clear know ledge of the amount of money avail sbmle for each department. my mot to would be. Correlate; coordinate; cut out overlapping.
 As our most important civic assets are the citizens of tomorrow, should consider money spent for health and education the cheapest money the city could spend. and my first interest would be q splendid health department, including rigid enforcement of pure food and milk ordinances and at least twice g week garbage collection for the whole of Birmingham; then schools, schools, and more schools, embracing a pub lie library building and system com mensurate with the dignity and growth of Birmingham, and thorough compulsory training in citizenship for our future citizens.
 After schools and health, l should desire to build up a broad construc- tive social welfare programme for the city, with the immediate objec- tive of riding the place. in so far possible, of vice. An efficient, law abiding, law enforcing police force tineluding four or more women po- lice) would be a sine qua non, sup ported on the one hand by an intelli- gent, aroused public opinion, and on the other by adequate agencies and institutions such as a properly con ducted city welfare department, and a home to care for erring women and girls who come from the Jail and the detention hospital until they can be set on their feet taught a trade if necessary, and given a fresh start on the right path. 1 should utterly do away with Pisgah home in its present aiSts NiS RCAANy AtS 0iilE tillS NO- cial welfare programme would be based largely on the advice of the best social workers of the city, such a group as Is now working on s sur vey of actual social conditions in Birmingham and Jefferson county, with the purpose of making a report and recomme ndations Tor we'll balanced community programme to the commission.
 Included in social welfare, would come, of course, the continuation [ nd enlargement of our park and play ground system, and the provision for a real auditorium to seat from 5000 to 10000.
 As to street paving, sewers, and fire departments. I should have to depend upon. the advice of experts. But of ssea thing l am certain. In making appointments, should avoid the costly. inefficient. and venal "spoils system" I should refuse to : is- charge honest. able, and satisfactoiy , employees merely In order to reward" my personal friends and supporters.
 These suggestions are all trite and obvious, such as would occur to any interested citizen. How easy 1t all is to desire, how difficult to perform! !! And yet I firmly believe 1t can be achieved, with time. patience, and general cooperation. Alas. the poor commissioners. their way, like that of the trangressor. is hard They are oftentimes expected to make bricks without straw and to gather figs of thistles. It Is only with the whole hearted backing of an intelligent far-seeing and patient electorate that they will be able to make of Bir- mingham what all her sons and