The Washington times., 1924-12-01

ing to consumers of the District
would result"
Gasoline consumed here last year
totalled about 10000, 900 gallons
Tests are regularly made OF gas
measuring equipment in the city.
OF 2O.934 scales tested during the
year, S.6 per cent were adjusted and
rs per cent condemned. 1t was
found necessary to institute ninety.
four prosecutions.
The commissioners report the bis
trict markets had a large volume of
business during the year.
Regulating Hucksters.
They recommend that legislation
sbe enacted authorizing more rigid
regulation of hucksterss peddlers,
pushcart' men and other transient
vendors. They also recommend en-
actment of a law requiring the owner
or owners Of every business under n
corporate, trade or fictitious name
to register with the proper official
of the District the correct name and
address of the owner of such ,busi-
ness.
The commissioners report that
72.573 children were enrolled in the
publis schools during the fiscal year,
19.711 white and 22,862 colored.
These children were divided as fol-
lows: kindergarten. 4,981; grades.
/ to 8, 50,186; ungraded, 1855; vo-
cational, 259: junior highs 1921: Sc
Nor high, 1852. and normal. BOB.
The total enrolment shows an
increase of / ,070 over the proceed
ing fiscal year. The number OF
weeks in the school year was So;
number of school days Isl.
2,576 Teachers.
The total teachers in the schools
last year were 2,576.
In the summer schools. 1883
pupils were enrolled: American
ization and school Fairgrounds or
outdoor instruction, 1865; night
schools, 1856.
During the year 157 schools
were in operation.
The total amount of money spent
during the year for public schools.
including $1,510, 539,79 for buildings
and grounds, was $7,046, 171.59.
Municipal athletice and play
ground sports are developing rap
idly" the report says. 1t is reco-
mended that Fairgrounds be opened
twelve instead of ten months Of
the year. The Fairgrounds now
close January and February.
Aim of Fairgrounds.
1.-THE aim of the playground
department" the commissioners
point out" is to provide for the
children and youth an opportunity
for Diversion and for physical inn
provement. 1t encourages ard
promotes beneficient sports and
games; habits of justice, obedience,
industry, loyalty, and cooperation
are taught strict adherence to the
rules of the games, teach respect
for law; civic pride and regard
for property rights are other val
liable outgrowths of the public
Fairgrounds"
1.-THE Catholic University" the
report states, has recognized the
worth of the playground depart
ment by giving credits. in sociology
on a masters degree for certain
work done on the Fairgrounds and
under our supervision for the past
year"
Is City Fairgrounds.
In addition to the twenty-five
municipal Fairgrounds there were
four play stations in operation;
thirty-three school yards were open
during the summer vacation, ARD
eight of the larger school yards
were opened during the fall and
spring terms daily after school, Sat.
urdays and vacation days.
Visits to the Fairgrounds during
the year totaled 5000 900, with
10000 in average daily attendance.
Three new grounds were opened
during the year.
The Commissioners declare that
Judging by statistics, the people
Of Washington are coming more ard
more to appreciate the opportuii-
ties offered to them in their public
library"
There were 50, 500 registered users
of the Public Library and 1,13G.222
volumes were loaned for home use.
an increase of 92,0Og volumes over
the previous year. In order TO meet
the demands, the trustees in their
annual report asked for support
fer several branches in public
school buildings, larger book funds
and a larger staff.
Branch Library Reports.
The southeastern branch c,n.
pleted its first year with a circ,iln-
ton of 130,675 volumes; the Takoma
branch records an increase of 3,1S4
volumes
The new Mt. Pleasant library win
be opened after January 1, 1928.
"The Importance of good reading
as a factor in making desirable citi-
zens is unquestioned, and larger ap.
preparations are needed SO that more
children may be reached" the re-
rort says.
The police department reports
seven of it's members dropped and
154 cited before the police trial
board. Proper disciplinary action
followed in each case.
The Commissioners report the
death of Policeman John w. Pur-
cell. who was Killed on October Il,
1928, in fight with gangsters.
1924 Arrests
Notwithstanding the varied and
complex nature of the duties devol-
wing upon the individual officer"
say the Commissioners, 1.-THE police
department as a whole has dis.
played unusual activity in the en-.
forcement OF the laws and regula.
tons in the District"
During the fiscal year 1925 ar.
rests were made, as compared with
66,75S the previous year, an in.
crease Of 6,476 or 80 per cent.
The arrests for felonies totaled