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the manual training will do much toward keeping the boys in the
high school, thereby causing a much larger number of them to
graduate at the end of the full course; and this is a consummation
that would be pleasing to the school board and everyone connected
with public education in this city.

Police department.

The report of W. M. Rea, City Marshal, which has been filed
with the Council, shows that the numerical strength of the police
department is thirty-three, including the chief and his assistant.
That this force is too small for a city of forty-five thousand
persons is apparent to anyone who makes a study of municipal
conditions.

The City Marshal makes a recommendation--in addition to
asking for an increase in his force--something be done
in regard to the condition of the City courtroom; and I must submit
to your Honorable Body that the condition under our city hall is
one of the very first things that should be remedied by an appro-
priation, and, if possible, in the coming budget for this year
ways and means should be devised to remedy this disgrace upon the
fair name of our city.

Fire department.

The report of the Fire Chief shows this department of our
city government to be in first class condition so far as it goes;
and the recommendation of the chief that some extra men be added
to the department is founded upon justice and upon the reasonable
demands of the service. A large portion of the South Side of
our city without adequate fire protection, and the recommenda-
tions of the chief of the department should be taken up and care-
fully weighed and if possible granted by the City Council.