 | Board of Visitors minutes June 24, 1856 |  |
STATED ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday June 24th 1856
At a special meeting of the Board of Visitors held
at the University on the 26th & 27th days of May last, it
was resolved that the Board should adjourn to meet on the
24th of June instead of the 25th. In accordance with this
resolution Messrs Joynes, Baldwin and Robertson appeared,
but not constituting a quorum they adjourned over until
tomorrow morning at 12 Oclock.
Wednesday June 25th 1856
The Board met pursuant to adjournment, present the
same gentlemen as on yesterday with the addition of Mr Tucker.
There still being no quorum the Board again adjourned until
tomorrow morning.
Thursday June 26th 1856
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday with the addition of Messrs Carr
& Garnett.
The Rector being detained from his place by severe
indisposition; on motion of Col Baldwin, James L. Carr was
unanimously elected Rector Pro Tem.
The Rectors last annual Report to the Legislature was
then read and approved,
The Proctors report was read and laid upon the table,
The same disposition was made of the Librarians and Chairmans
Reports.
A Communication from the Professors in the School of
Medicine, on the subject of employing an Analytic Chemist
as an Assistant in the School of Chemistry was read and laid
upon the table.
A communication from Prof Bledsoe relating to the
School of Mathematics, was then read and referred to a
special committee, consisting of Messrs Garnett & Tucker.
A Communication from The Professors in the School of
Law, was read, and referred to a special Committee consisting
of Messrs Joynes & Baldwin.
The Rector then appointed the following regular
Committees.
Committee of Finance, Messrs Garnett & Tucker
Committee of Inspection Messrs Joynes & Baldwin
Committee on Library Messrs Joynes & Baldwin
At the request of Messrs Robertson and Baldwin it is
ordered to be entered of record, that they were not present
and did not participate in the action taken by the Board
on the 27th day of May last in relation to the compensation
to be given to the Professor in the school of the Latin
language & Literature, and if they had been present they
would not have concurred in that action.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning.
Friday Morning June 27th
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday with the exception of Mr Robertson
who was detained from his place by indisposition.
The Board proceeded to the "Public Hall" and attended
the closing exercises of the session, after the conclusion
of these, the Board again repaired to the "library" when
the following proceedings were had.
A communication was received from the Professors of
the School of Law, and thereupon on motion of Col Baldwin,
it was
1. Resolved That the School of Law be divided into two
Departments, in one of which shall be taught the Feudal,
Common & Statute Law- and in the other Equity and the laws
of Nature & Nations, and also the principles of Government
and Constitutional Law.
2. That the fees in the School of Law be, for the
senior class, in either Department (with the privilege of
attending all the classes of both Departments) $80- for the
Junior class of either department (with the privilege of
attending the Junior class in the other) $60; and for the
class of Government & International & Constitutional Law
alone, omitting the other Junior Studies $25-
3. That the fees in the school be shared equally by
the two professors, subject to such limitations and conditions
as the other Schools of the University-
On motion of Mr Tucker it was
Resolved That the Executive Committee be instructed to
procure Charles Ellet Jr. or some other competent engineer
to examine into the best means of providing an ample supply
of water for the University, and to report a plan or plans
for the same, with an estimate of cost.
The Committee to whom was referred the communication
of Prof A. T. Bledsoe submitted the following
Report.
"The Committee to whom was referred the communication
of Prof A. T. Bledsoe report the following enactment, and
recommend its passage by the Board of Visitors.
1. In the School of Mathematics, there shall be, as
at present, four classes-
To the Junior class shall be transferred the entire
subjects of Algebra, Synthetic Geometry, and Trigonometry
plane and spherical. The subject of Arithmetic, shall be
omitted from the same, an acquaintance with its rules and
process being a pre-requisite to entrance into this school.
The Subject of Analytical Geometry shall be transferred
from the Senior to the Intermediate Class.
In the Senior Class shall be taught the Calculus,
Differential & Integral, and the History and Philosophy of
Mathematics, embracing the Theory of Numbers.
2. Relying upon the Professor in the School of Mathematics
for the thorough Instruction of all the classes in his School,
the board of Visitors deems it unnecessary to interfere in
any manner with his discretion as to the best use to be made
of his assistant in the accomplishment of that result.
The Committee deem no further action necessary upon
the Communication of Prof Bledsoe.
All which is respectfully submitted:
June 27th 1856
M.R.H. Garnett
J.R. Tucker
The foregoing report and enactment were adopted by
the Board.
A communication from the Hotel Keepers in relation to
Board was read and on motion was indefinitely postponed!
On motion of Mr Joynes the following statement and
resolution were adopted.
The Faculty having requested the Board to express an
of State Students-
Resolved That in the opinion of the Board, a preference
(other things being equal) should be given to applicants
from the respective districts, desiring to attend the academical
schools, but that applicants desiring to attend the
professional schools, should not be excluded altogether!
On motion of Mr Garnett it was
Resolved that the sum of $34.75 be appropriated to
pay for the purchase of the mural ancient maps mentioned in
the letter of Dr Harrison on that subject dated
On motion of Mr Garnett it was
Resolved That the Proctor be instructed, strictly to
comply with the provisions of clauses 5 and 8 of Section 2
of Chapter 1 of the Enactments: He shall make regular weekly
reports thereon to the Faculty. These reports with the
action of the Faculty, thereon, shall be laid by the Chairman
before the Board of Visitors, and it shall be the duty
of the Chairman of the Faculty especially to call the attentions
of the Board to any failure of the Proctor to comply
with these requisitions.
Resolved That the Chairman & Faculty be specially recommended
to cause the dormitories, alleys, and privies, &c
to be kept by the proper persons with strict cleanliness,
and to exert themselves to secure such fidelity on the part
of the Proctor and Hotel Keepers; that an ample supply of
good and wholesome fare be served up in each Hotel, to the
Chairman report all delinquencies and complaints in this
regard to the Board of Visitors.
On motion of Mr Tucker it was
Resolved That the secretary of the Board be directed
to collate, record, and index, all general enactments and
regulations, in a separate Book, passed, since the publication
of the enactments in 1847-
On motion of Mr Baldwin it was
Resolved that a fee of $2.50 be paid for each Diploma
and certificate of proficiency taken by students at the
University, instead of the fee required.
On motion of Mr. Baldwin Prof Maupin was elected Chairman
of the Faculty for the next year.
On motion of Mr Garnett it was-
Resolved That the Faculty be requested at their earliest
convenience to procure plans & estimates for heating the
public buildings by steam or otherwise with suitable ventilation
and report the same to the Executive Committee, who
are hereby authorized to contract for the same on any plan
they think best, at a cost not exceeding $1000- And that the
Faculty also report the present cost of heating the public
buildings.
On motion of Mr Joynes it was
Resolved That the original papers of Richard Henry Lee
decd in the possession of the University be placed in the
hands of Professor Holcombe, who is hereby requested to
may be in such a condition as to require it, and of sufficient
interest or importance to justify it, and to make such suggestions
as may seem proper in relation to their future
preservation
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning at
nine oclock.
Saturday June 28th 1856
The Board met pursuant to adjournment; present the
same gentlemen as on yesterday.
On motion of Mr Baldwin it was
Resolved that in the School of Anatomy &c Students
who may desire to attend the course of Botany & Vegetable
Physiology may do so without being required to attend any
other part of the course. The fee for the class of Botany
and Vegetable Physiology shall be $15 per session and the
Faculty may at their discretion confer certificates of
Proficiency in this class.
On motion of Mr Carr it was
Resolved that the Proctor cause to be erected, under
the supervision of the Executive Committee, a back porch
to Pavilion No 10 at a cost not exceeding $150.
A communication having been received from Hotel Keeper
Mr Addison Maupin, requesting permission to reside with
his family out of the University.
Resolved that in consideration of Mr Maupins agreeing
upon their duties at the University, his request be
granted- But it is distinctly understood, that this permission
does not exonorate Mr Maupin from the faithful discharge of
all his duties & obligations as a Hotel Keeper of the
University-
Resolved that the Proctor be directed to collect all
the furniture provided heretofore for the members of the
Board of Visitors, and purchase such additional furniture as
may be necessary for their accomodation at future meetings.
Resolved that the resignation of Mr Becker as assistant
in the School of Modern Languages be accepted to take effect
on the 1st day of October next, but with the understanding
that his salary shall cease on the 1st day of July next.
On motion of Mr Baldwin it was.
Resolved that the Faculty be authorized and requested
to select among students who have graduated in the schools
of Latin & Greek and of Mathematics persons most distinguished
for their attainments in those studies and to license
them as Instructors.
These instructors shall be privileged to form classes
among the students in the Schools in which they are licensed
and to give instruction in such classes, in aid of, and in
conformity to, the public teachings of the professor. The
employment and selection of these Instructors shall be at
the option of the Student, and no instructor shall be permitted
to charge more than $10 per session for each class.
but shall not be so restricted as to prevent free competition.
The Faculty and especially the Professors of Greek and
Latin are requested to report specially at the next annual
meeting their opinions as to the working of this plan and
as to the expediency of extending it to other Schools of the
University.
On motion of Mr Garnett the following letter was ordered
to be spread upon the minutes and a copy sent to Mr N. F.
Cabell of Nelson
I am instructed by the Board of Visitors of the
University to say they have been gratified to learn, that
you intend to publish the correspondence between Mr. Jefferson
and the late Rector Mr Joseph C. Cabell in relation
to the University of Virginia, and that they anticipate
much pleasure and advantage from its perusal.
Your obedient servant
To
N.F. Cabell, Esqr
The Committee of Inspection submitted the following
Report
To the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia
The Committee of Inspection beg leave to report that
having been appointed late yesterday afternoon, and having
they have been unable for want of time, to make such
an examination of the buildings and grounds of the University
as is desirable. They have made such a general examination
of them however, accompanied by the Proctor, as the time
available for the purpose allowed.
Most of the Buildings appear to be in good condition-The
cornices of the ranges, however, appear to be in bad
order, and to require considerable repairs, though their
present condition and the extent of the repairs necessary
cannot be ascertained without a better examination than
the committee had the time or were competent to make.
Considerable portions of the cornice seem to be rotten and
to require to be entirely replaced. In other places there
are leaks which are occasioning injury to the walls plastering
&c the committee recommend that these buildings be
thoroughly overhauled, by a competent work-men, and that the
repairs found necessary be immediately made. The flooring
on each side of the Portico of the Rotunda looks badly and
the Committee recommend that some plan be adopted to remedy
the defect.
The Committee are informed by the Proctor that the
carpenters work on the terraces has been completed, though
part of the painting remains to be done. The committee are
informed that the terraces leak badly so as to render the
arcades uncomfortable from that cause, in rainy weather.
The original plan for the improvement of the terraces,
with the view of rendering them water tight. It was supposed
that a covering of heart pine well seasoned, and tongued and
grooved, and thoroughly painted, would accomplish the desired
object, and the work has been accordingly executed upon that
plan. The Committee are unable to say whether the failure
of the improvement is attributable to a defect in the plan,
or in the execution, but they recommend that enquiry should
be made into this matter by the Executive Committee, before
the balance due to the contractor is paid. It would probably
be ell also to inquire whether the contract of Mr Shaw
the Superintendent of the work, has been properly fulfilled.
The Committee recommend that the Executive Committee, adopt
such measures as may be necessary to render the terraces
water tight, in conformity with the original purpose of
the Board.
Some repairs are also necessary to the dormitories,
particularly to the venetians. The attention of the Committee
has been directed to the fact that the University farm is
kept up at a large annual expense over and above all the proceeds
of the farm, he Committee are induced to believe that
an arrangement may be made by which the expense may be materially
diminished if not entirely avoided. They recommend
that the Executive Committee be instructed to enquire and
report to the next meeting, whether such an arrangement can
be effected.
Wm T. Joynes Committee
J.B. Baldwin Committee
The Committee on Finance submitted the following report
"The Committee on Finance ask leave to report that they
have examined the Proctors & bursars accounts, and find the
balances reported agree. And in reference to other subjects
connected with the reports of those officers, they respectfully
recommend the adoption of several resolutions, herewith
submitted.
M.R.H. Garnett
J.R. Tucker.
The following resolutions submitted by the Committee of
Finance were adopted.
1. Resolved that the Executive Committee be instructed
to employ a competent landscape Gardener to examine the
grounds of the University, and prepare detailed plans for
their improvement, so as to enhance the beauty of the place,
and provide an ample extent of groves and lawns for the
recreation and health of its inhabitents.
2. Resolved that in such plans, reference shall be had
to the removal of all out-buildings, offices &c to suitable
situations, and also to the future erection of houses for
Professors, and cottages or houses for students, so that
when such structures become necessary, they may be in harmony
with the grounds, and contribute to ornament them.
3. Resolved that the Executive Committee be also instructed
to procure a competent Architect to carefully examine
the buildings of the University, and report such alterations
improvements and repairs as may seem necessary.
4. Resolved that a sum not exceeding $6000, out of
the appropriation made by the general assembly on the 28th
of February 1854, be expended under the direction of the
Executive Committee in painting the exterior wood work of
the buildings and the interior of the dormitories, in the
repair of the cornices, and in such other repairs as they
may deem necessary.
5. Resolved that the residue of the said approprietion
of Feby 28, 1854 be drawn from the state, and placed in the
Treasury of the University. And that the Bursar be instructed
to invest the same, and all surplus funds in his hands, in
Va Treasury notes, at not more than par, taking care to collect
such notes at maturity and reinvest the proceeds.
6. Resolved that the Professors in the Schools of
Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Medicine, Anatomy & Botany,
and of Surgery & Comparative Anatomy, be requested to report
to the Board what additional apparatus plates &c are necessary
for illustration or instruction in their branches, and the
probable cost of the same.
7. Resolved that the Proctor be instructed to pay no
further money on account of the terraces, either to the
Superintendent or Contractor, unless by the order of the
Executive Committee.
8. Resolved that Professors Cabell and Davis be authorized
to expend a sum not exceeding $500 in the employment of Mr
Scharf (or such other person as they may prefer) in making
drawings for their own or other departments of the University.
9. Resolved That so much of the Proctors report as
relates to the ouse erected by Mr Compton be referred to the
Executive Committee, with instructions to do what they may
consider right in the premises.
The report of the Librarian having been received was
referred to Messrs Joynes & Baldwin, who thereupon reported
the following resolutions.
Resolved that in addition to the annual appropriation
of $500 to the Library there be hereafter annually appropriated
the sum of $90 the interest upon the Madison Legacy.
Resolved That there now be appropriated to the Library
the sum of $2427.87, the amount shewn by the report of the
Librarian to be due on account of other applications of
funds properly belonging to the Library.
Resolved that this appropriation be applied to the
purchase of such books of substantial and standard merit,
as the several Professors may deem necessary to supply them
with material for instruction in their several Schools according
to the present and progressive advancement of the
subjects taught therein.
Resolved that the fee for matriculation and the use
of the Library & public rooms shall hereafter be $20
(instead of $15) and one fourth part thereof shall be
annually appropriated to the increase of the Library.
On motion of Mr Garnett, it was
Resolved that the annual appropriation for the Library
be expended under the direction of the Faculty, who are
books as are necessary to facilitate their own investigations
and studies in their several departments.
A communication having been received from the secretary
of the Faculty in relation to an increase of salary
Resolved that action thereon be postponed for a fuller
meeting of the Board, at which time such disposition will
be made of it as may be just to him.
Mr Garnett offered the following resolution with the
understanding that it should lie upon the table until the
next meeting.
"Resolved that the offices of Librarian and clerk of
the Faculty be separated. The clerk of the Faculty shall
hereafter receive $500 per annum, and the Librarian shall
also receive $500 per annum. The Librarian shall be appointed
annually by the Board of Visitors, preference being
given in making such appointment to Graduates of the University
who are desirous to devote themselves to Literary
studies. The Library shall be kept open during lecture
hours, provided however that some portion of the night may
be substituted for a part of the day at the discretion
of the Faculty,
The Librarian shall prepare a full and accurate catalogue
of the Library on the plan recommended by the Smithsonian
Institute."
Resolved that the Faculty be instructed to procure
some competent Bibliographer to prepare under their direction
a Catalogue of such books as are requisite, to make the
such Catalogue special reference, shall be had to
making each department, connected with the branches of
learning here taught, as complete as possible. Purchases
for the Library shall be chiefly made from such Catalogue,
until it is filled up.
On motion of Mr Joynes it was
Resolved that the Rector communicate with the Agricultural
Society of Virginia upon the subject of the proposition
heretofore made by the Society to the Board for the establishment
of a school of Agriculture in the University, and that
he inform them that the Board having been invested by the
Legislature with the necessary legal authority for that purpose,
are prepared now to co-operate with the society, in the
establishment of such a School, upon a scale commensurate
with the views of the society and the wants of the Country.
Resolved that the Board deeming it expedient to return
to the custom which originally prevailed in the University
of electing Professors in the first instance for a single
year, will conform to that rule in making appointments to
the Chairs now vacant.
On motion of Mr Baldwin it was
Resolved that the Board will meet again on the 8th
day of Sept for the purpose of electing a Professor of
Greek & Hebrew, and to consider the question of the Professrs
salaries.
Resolved that applications for the Chair of History
of January 1857.
Resolved that the Chairman of the Faculty make due
advertisement for applications for both of said chairs.
Resolved that the Faculty procure a new plate for
Diplomas upon a design to be approved by the Executive
Committee.
The Board then adjourned until the 8th day of September
1856.
| Board of Visitors minutes June 24, 1856 | |