have been destroyed by blasting, others have been rendered harmless by oiling the surface of the water. The men in the highways bureau are principally occupied with oiling the inlets and other accumulations of water on public property. The general drainage work of the bureau has, of course, a bearing on the case. Early in the summer there were some very encouraging examples of non-official interest and co-operation. The Sherwood Improvement Association carried on an aggressive campaign, and in spite of great obstacles were partially successful in their section of the city. There is some evidence of a dawning realization of the relation between mosquitos and real estate values. At least two dailies within the last year printed editorials on extermination. Both had a good word to say for the bats of San Antonio, Texas, who are reputed to be energetic and relentless mosquito killers. One editorial suggested "Mosquito Day." While there may be some slight question regarding the merits of municipal bats or even of Mosquito Day, there can be no question but that the official extermination of mosquitos would "pay" and should be pushed with more vigor. Assuming an average yearly expenditure of ten cents per family for mosquito remedies, we would now have a present individual outlay of $30,000 in Philadelphia. That much effectively spent by the city would go a long way toward prevention. Now is the time for planning so that the project can be taken care of in the budget for the coming year. RECO SEF 4 1916 In making these plans and estimates certain things must be borne in mind: 1. Provision for the closest possible co-operation between the existing official agencies, i. e., bureaus of health and highways. 2. The utilization of other officials, such as the police, garbage inspectors, building inspectors, school teachers, etc. 3. The co-operation of non-official organizations. 4. The co-operation of specialists who have acquired experience in other places. 5. An adequate fund for nuisance abatement. This Bureau has been stung individually and collectively, staff and line, to a point where we will gladly co-operate to the limit. We make this offer frankly from the instinct of nerve preservation. We claim no civic spirit as our motive. RULE-BOARD OF HEALTH In accordance with Act of Assembly Approved June 11th, 1915. "Weeds, noxious and poisonous plants, docks, tall grass and other offensive vegetable growths, shall not be permitted to attain a height of more than one foot on grounds surrounding dwellings, two-family dwellings, rooming houses, tenement houses or unimproved or unoccupied lands in any portion of the City of Philadelphia laid out in City blocks; Provided, That this regulation shall not apply to lands under cultivation with growing crops." When you see such a nuisance, report it. TO PROMOTE EFFICIENT AND SCIENTIFIC MAN- No. 226 Issued weekly by the BUREAU OF Municipal RESEARCH Sept. 21, Real Estate Trust Building, Philadelphia Subscription, Fifty cents a year 1916 Entered as Second-class Matter June 7, 1913, at the Post Office at Time is Money! Sometimes it is considerably more! The New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Ave., New York Cit Averting disaster depends upon instant and dependable means of communication T HERE would have been no battle of New in operation. Peace had been declared two weeks before the battle was fought but, alas, in New Orleans they did not know it. Needless waste of life and property which results in Philadelphia today from antiquated police and fire signal apparatus cannot be measured. Of thefts and murders, criminologists tell us that severity of punishment is not so effective a deterrent as certainty of capture and discipline. The ever lengthening arm of the law, with lightning communication as its "nervous system," is the best preventive against the professional and deliberate criminal. Likewise, increased speed in reporting is making fires smaller than heretofore. Few fires start big. They grow big while excited citizens hunt for keys to boxes, or try to fight the blaze singlehanded. Philadelphia once had the last word in safety signalling, but we are facing retrogression. Time has brought new and perplexing problems, but mighty little new equipment. We lead the world in fire fighting, after we are on the scene. Of this we are proud, but we should have fewer news items which tell how "the firemen concentrated their efforts upon preventing the spread of the flames." The alleged reason for our backwardness is "economy"-not real economy, of course, but a penny-wise-pound-foolish policy that neglects the leak in the roof because it "mought not rain." Any means that reduces fire and theft losses more than pays for itself in reduced insurance rates. But even if the entire insurance saving is required to pay for the improved service, we shall still gain by conserving our resources, and by saving on those losses for which money cannot compensate. Right now, the city needs 1300 new fire alarm signal boxes to replace obsolete boxes now in service. Some boxes now in use are worse than no boxes at all under certain conditions. The signal can be lost through two boxes striking at the same time. They can give a false impression of service accomplished. The police signal system is in somewhat better shape. Only 700 boxes need replacing. A call system for patrolmen, however, should be considered. Many cities now use lights, horns, bells, etc., to call the patrolman to his box for instructions. The patrolman is not only available for emergencies but must be continually alert. An objection has been raised that such an arrangement might have a tendency to make the officer "hug" his box, but this can be overcome by placing additional boxes on his beat. When called, he can report to the nearest box. In suburban sections, where a beat may extend over many blocks, it is especially necessary to have some such means of locating the officer quickly. It almost goes without saying that all wiring should be underground. In providing for alterations and improvements, Councils would do well to give the Electrical Bureau wide latitude in planning the details. Only last spring its chief devised a fool-proof fire alarm box that is said to be superior to any |