 | Board of Visitors minutes April 18, 1916 |  |
April 18, 1916.
A called meeting of the Board was held on this date at 8:00
P. M., and was continued to April 19th at 10:30 A. M., with the
following members present: Rector Gordon, Visitors Hatton,
Turnbull, Craddock, Michie, Lewis, Norton and Irvine.
Messrs. Geo. R. B. Michie and R. Tate Irvine, reappointed,
Judge J. K. M. Norton to succeed Walter Tansill Oliver and
Robert Turnbull to succeed Dr. W. F. Drewry, all having been
nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve
for terms of four years from February 29, 1916, presented
duly executed qualifications, as members of the Board of Visitors.
The Rector appointed the following standing committees:
Executive: Messrs. Michie, Chairman, Norton, Turnbull and the
Rector.
Finance: Messrs. Craddock, Chairman, Norton, Turnbull and the
Rector.
Grounds and Buildings: Messrs. Hatton, Chairman, Irvine and Lewis.
Special Committee on Improvement of Gounds: President Alderman,
Michie, Lambeth and Jones, with power to act.
In the matter of the improvement of the grounds, Mr.
Craddock suggested that an expert from the Agricultural Department
of the United States be secured to assist the committee.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED: That the Finance Committee be and is hereby authorized
to sell the securities belonging to the Francis L. Wilson estate,
when deemed by them necessary, to provide funds for erection
of the new heating plant, and the Rector is authorized to sign
on behalf of this Board such certificates of stock as may
be necessary to effect sale of same.
RESOLVED: That the Finance Committee be and is hereby
authorized to sell the $17,400 of Virginia Centuries now held
in the Sinking Fund securities, and re-invest the proceeds
for the Benefit of said fund in such securities as the said
Committee may deem advisable.
RESOLVED: That Allan Perkins, Attorney for the University, be
and he is hereby directed to bring suit vs W. L. Smith et al
for the purpose of collecting the rent due the University
for the store room in the Entrance Building known as the Fountain,
unless satisfactory arrangements are made with him on or before
Monday, April 24th, 1916.
The following gifts were announced by President Alderman:
Mrs. Charles H. Senff ($10,000) for improvement of grounds.
Mr. Charles Steele ($10,000) for equipping new wing of hospital.
Mr. John Blackwell Cobb ($10,000) for equipping Chemical
Laboratory.
Mr. Robert Hall McCormick ($2,000) annually to the Observatory.
$1200 from the Colonial Dames of America for establishment
of the Kate Cabell Cox Scholarship,-reported by Mrs. A. F.
Jamison of Lawrenceville, N. J.
Gifts to Engineering Library (estimated value $951.00) reported
by Prof. W. S. Rodman.
Professor Archibald Cary Coolidge ($500.00) to help University
of Virginia men in Harvard Graduate School.
Dr. S. H. Watts ($274.00) fir tiling two surgical rooms
in new wing of hospital.
From a friend ($1,000.00) for the Chapel.
Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge ($100.00) for Chapel.
Prof. Charles Lane Poor, of Columbia and Prof. Pickering
of Harvard, to Observatory (apparatus) estimated at ($371.37)
Geological Specimens from W. A. Clarke, Jr., of Montana.
Portrait of Dr. J. L. M. Curry presented by Mrs. A. T.
Connally.
By Mrs. W. M. Rose, of Little Rock, Ark., some addresses
of her husband.
Portrait of Prof. Ormond Stone by former students.
Portrait of Dr. R. H. Whitehead by faculty and students.
WHEREAS, since the last meeting of this Board, sundry gifts
have been made to the University, as enumerated above, therefore
be it
RESOLVED: That the President be and he is hereby requested
to make to each of said donors, in the name of the Rector
and Visitors of the University of Virginia, suitable acknowledgment
of and thanks for said gifts.
President Alderman announced to the Board the death of
Dr. Richard H. Whitehead, Dean of the Medical School, on February
6th. Whereupon, a committee consisting of the President, Mr.
Michie, and Judge Norton was appointed to draw appropriate resolutions
touching the death of Dr. Whitehead, to be apread
on the minutes of the Board.
President Alderman announced that the Carnegie Foundation
for the Advancement of Teaching had granted to Mrs. R. H.
Whitehead a pension of $915. per annum, to become effective
from Feb. 7th, and suggested to the Board that the salary
of Dr. Whitehead be continued to his widow until September 1st,
1916; whereupon, Mr. Craddock offered the following resolution,
which was adopted:
RESOLVED, That the salary of the late Dr. R. H. Whitehead,
be continued and paid to his widow until September 1, 1916;
but this action on the part of the Board shall not be construed
as establishing a precedent in such cases.
President Alderman announced the appointment of Dr.
Theodore Hough as Acting Dean of the Medical School, to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Whitehead. This
appointment was approved.
Upon the recommendation of President Alderman, the following
promotions were made:
Associate Professor George B. Eager to Full Professor of Law.
Associated Professor A. L. Hall-Quest to Full Professor of
Education.
Adjunct Professor A. G. A. Balz to Associate Professor of
Philosophy,
Instructor L. S. Pratt to Adjunct Professor of Chemistry.
Upon the recommendation of President Alderman, the following
adjunct professorships were created: in the School of Mathamatics
one, in the School of Romance Languages one, and in the School
of Philosophy one.
Upon the recommendation of President Alderman, Dr. John
J. Luck was elected Adjunct Professor of Mathematics; his services
President Alderman announced the resignation of Adjunct
Professor Justus H. Cline in the School of Ceology, to take
effect with the close of the present session, June 15th, which
was accepted.
Applications for the Mallet residence were presented from
Messrs. Newcomb, Goodwin and Dobie, the present occupants,
and also from Prof. Ivey F. Lewis, the Miller Professor of
Biology. The applications were carefully considered, and the
present occupants were again granted the use of the house, as
the Board did not feel itself justified in refusing the application
of the present occupants for re-rental.
Application of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity for a site
on University land on which to erect a chapter house, was granted,
subject to selection by a committee consisting of the President,
Mr. Michie, and Dr. Lambeth.
The High School Literary and Athletic League was granted
the use of the Board House for the purpose of accommodating
some of the visiting boys attending the Literary and Athletic
contests.
E. N. Cox presented a claim against the University for a
sum due him by reason of the failure of a sub-contractor in the
rebuilding of the University after the fire in
The Board declined to consider the application as there
is no legal or moral obligation resting on the University.
In connection with certain gifts in the list heretofore
recorded in this meeting, the following letters are recorded:
16 East 79th St.,
New York City.
I am turning to you again as one turns to a
strong and trusted friend whose kindness and good will have been
the source of strength and comfort to me and to the University
in the past. The gifts which you have hitherto so generously
given have been devoted, as you know, to the purpose of inaugurating
a beautiful and satisfactory grounds and road system
throughout the University, including gateways and such road
building as tend to make the Institution more beautiful and modern
in appearance. This is a unique and distinguished form of benefaction
to the University which no one else has thought of, much
less attempted. We have made, I think, economical and successful
use of your last gift of $10,000, and the roads put down
are wonderful in their detail and in their effect. They are,
however, quite expensive. The soil basis here is stiff red
clay, and nothing will conquer it for all time except the best
and most enduring form of Travia road. It is really a great
macadam tied and made solid by the use of tar. It is such a road
as you find in the finest roads in the north. This road now
extends from the western gateway almost to the Fry's Spring
road where we hope to put another gateway. It branches off towards
the gardens and the Lawn. It covers nearly all of the
East Range road. As a matter of fact, however, the work cannot
be completed by that gift. In order to make the situation what
it ought to be, and worthy of the beginning, made possible
by your beneficience, I estimate that the sum of $15,000 will
be necessary. This, of course, might extend over a number
of years. I am wondering if it would be possible for you to
make us another gift of $10,000 for 1916-'17, which would
enable us to come very near completing the scheme in mind.
As I have indicated, it need not be given in one sum, or it
might be given in any set of payments that suit your convenience,
but if we had the knowledge of it, we could go about
consummating the work we have set our hands to under your
great generosity. I think the standard of dignity would
then be insured here for all time. A new gateway somewhat in
harmony with the one at the front entrance would also then be
placed at the Southern entrance where the new Chemical Laboratory
is to go which will make the main highway of the University
handsomely cared for.
It would make me very happy and give to the
University great satisfaction if this announcement could be made
at our Founder's Day celebration on April 13. I remember you
gave us the great honor to be present on that occasion one year
again. I want to come to New York in the later spring and give
myself the pleasure of seeing you and being with you and talking
over many things. I have had a hard and trying year which has
greatly taxed me and makes it a little difficult for me to run
hither and thither as I formerly did.
Trusting that I am not taking a liberty in bringing
this matter to your kindly thought, I am,
President.
April 3, 1916.
I am very glad to learn that your system
of roads is progressing so well, and I would like to complete
the work as you have outlined it in your letter, in memory of
Mr. Senff.
I will give you Ten Thousand Dollars as you
need it in the next few months, and you can announce the gift
on Founder's Day. I would like for the new gateway to bear
the same inscription which is on the present gates. I will, if
I see my way clear, give you that additional Ten Thousand
Dollars next year to complete the gateway and roads. I thank
you for your invitation to be present on Founder's Day, but
I cannot get down this year.
I am very much interested in your work at the
University, and wish very much if you and Mrs. Alderman come
to New York, you would stop with me, so I might ask Dr. and
Mrs. Butler, Miss Gildersleeve, and some of my friends to meet
you at dinner. I go to Long Island May 1st, and a visit
from you to my Long Island home would also be a pleasure
to me,—to hear about your work would be a great pleasure
also.
Gustavia A. Senff.
May I add that if you could get a good gardener to work
up the grass on the University grounds, and keep the bare spots
green, and put out some more shrubs, that would greatly improve
your grounds. I would like to be interested in this, as grounds
give a great impression to the outside world, and the influence
on the country around would be greatly benefited I think by
your example. — Please forgive me if I am speaking too frankly,
(signed) G. A. Senff.
23 Wall Street,
New York City.
The new wing of the hospital, made possible
by your beneficence is about completed. It is the handsomest
thing in its way in the whole University and makes of the
hospital a really efficient and powerful agency in our life.
I want to put a tablet on the inner walls simply recording the
facts of its gift by you, and adding any name or memorial
tribute that you would care to have on it. Would you mind
telling me just what you would like to have it called, and
any wording of the tablet that might suggest itself to you.
I want to send you a photograph of the building as soon as the
builder's debris is removed from about it.
I wonder if I might dare to make this
suggestion. Every cent of the money and a little more has been
necessary to complete the building. I had hoped that the
Legislature of Virginia would give us the money to equip it.
We felt they owed it to the generosity of private beneficence
which had made it possible. The financial condition of the
State, however, owing to a bad tax system has prevented them
from giving us the money necessary to equip it. We asked
for $10,000. for that purpose, for it would need about that sum
to put it into scientific and modern condition for use. I
am being bold enough to express the hope that you might be
able to help us out to that extent in order that the overcrowded
condition of the institution may be relieved at as early a date
as possible.
Our Founder's Day, April 13, is the day on
which such gifts are made public. It is a notable day here with
us, and I cherish the hope that you may be able to gratify
me and serve the University by enabling me to announce the practical
completion of the whole big scheme.
University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, Va.
I have your letter of March 24th, and I shall
to equip the Hospital.
With reference to any name or memorial in connection
with the new wing, I have no desire except to do whatever
you prefer. I should have no objection whatever to your
suggestion of a very small tablet on the inner wall recording
the fact of the gift, but my personal preference would be to
have whatever is done made as simple and inconspicuous as
possible. If the building shall prove to be of some real use,
I should ask for nothing further.
Let me know when you want the additional money,
and I shall be glad to send you a check.
Wishing you every success, believe me,
101 Park Avenue,
New York City.
I hope you won't think me impudent or bold, or
lacking in delicacy if I bring this matter to your attention.
The plans, made possible by your beneficence,
for the Chemical Laboratory are perfected, and I am sending you
shortly the elevation in order that you may see just what the
building is to look like. We have tried to build the building
and save money enough to have this equipped. We have not been
able to make both ends meet in that direction, however. I
appealed to the Legislature for money for its equipment, but
the fiscal condition of the State was so chaotic and rigid that
I had to choose between extra annual maintenance appropriation,
which is more vital, and special appropriations of this character.
We find that we are about $5,000. short of equipping the building
for its immediate and effective use. I have just wondered
whether or not I should not make this statement to you in the
hope that you might be able to help us out to that further
extent. You are under no sort of obligations, of course, to
think of it, much less do it, but I fought so hard for it all
and I have such pride in it, and the failure of the State to
help me disappointed me so greatly that I am impelled to make
this statement, confident that you will understand that if you
are not in a position to help further, I will appreciate the
situation perfectly. We are already under a mountain of obligation
March 28, 1916.
Charlottesville, Va.
I cannot see the slightest bit of impropriety
in your writing me of your need of $5,000. in order
to equip the new laboratory for "immediate and effective use."
On the contrary, I am very glad you did write me and I cheerfully
subscribe the $5,000. and will send it when you let me
know it is needed.
Really, I have considered writing you
inquiring whether the General Assembly met, what seemed to me,
your very reasonable request for the University's needs. As
the weeks went on I finally decided not to write you because
of the expectation of seeing you. When you come down on
the 4th of April we can talk further about the matter and I
shall be very glad to receive at any time the plans showing the
appearance of the building which you offer to send me.
Sincerely yours,
April 10, 1916.
Sedgefield,
Greensboro, N. C.
You may be sure I was deeply touched and more
so than I could give owrds to by your expressed willingness
to increase your gift for equipment to $10,000, if it were
needed. In any event, of course, this equipment money will not
be vitally needed until early next spring, when it will be necessary
to make the building ready for use. In venturing to ask
I naturally put the sum at the minimum, because I felt you
had done so much that I had no right to suggest anything except
a mimimum request; and, too, we are so accustomed to doing things
here on the mimimum basis that I felt that was all I dare present
to you. The extra $5,000 would, however, be of immense value
to us in adding real fullness and power to our equipment, both
in certain external phases as to approach and in certain internal
machinery and equipment. We will spend nothing, of course,
for mere frills. I have not mentioned the matter to any of my
faculty, save to talk with them a little about their needs.
They do not yet know of your gift of $5,000. I find that they
feel that in Industrial Chemistry more money for equipment is
needed than could possibly be covered by the sum of $5,000, which
could only cover the needs of General Chemistry.
It would, of course, be tremendously encouraging
and helpful if I could announce on Founder's Day, when all these
announcements are made, a gift of $10,000 instead of $5,000
for this great purpose. It would be, of course, most wisely
expended. I would not think of doing so without your permission,
and I would not want to suggest for a minute that you give
me that permission at this time, unless it is perfectly convenient
and suits your desires in every way. As I have said,
the actual money would not be needed for another year. Our
Founder's Day is on Thursday of this week.
I took the liberty of telling Fuller about
your great kindness in the matter of the $5,000 gift, and his
reply was "Cobb is the salt of the earth" in which I most warmly
agree.
April 11, 1916.
I am happy at receiving your letter of the
10th inst., and am well pleased that you return home feeling
rested.
I really prefer giving the $10,000.00 because
I think you will need at least this amount for full equipment
and finish for the Laboratory.
You may therefore consider this amount as
pledged and at your call at any time.
We enjoyed every minute of your visit. With
all good wishes.
April 15, 1916.
101 Park Ave.,
New York City.
My heart was deeply touched by your swift
and generous accession to the suggestion born of your own purpose
but coming from me in the second instance. There was long
and grateful applause and deep appreciation of your action.
The Board has not yet met to make formal acceptance of the
gifts. They meet on the 18th of April. I know you know without
words from me how deeply it all strengthens my mind and purpose.
Hoping to see you in New York before the
Spring is over, I am,
of the
"Colonial Dames of America"
The University of Virginia,-
About a year ago, I wrote regarding
the establishment of a Scholarship in the University,
by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, the
scholarship being a tribute of our loyalty and gratitude to our
President, Mrs. William Ruffin Cox of Richmond, Virginia.
This Scholarship is to be called
the Kate Cabell Cox Scholarship, to be given for work in
American History, preferably Colonial. If possible, it is to
be given to a student from one of the Schools maintained for the
education of the southern mountaineers.
The amount collected will be about
$1,200.00.
Will you kindly write me if these
terms are acceptable, and if I may send the amount immediately.
May I ask that the letter repeats
the items as I have given them, if they are acceptable, so that
I amy read it as a part of my report.
Committee on Scholarship.
Lawrenceville, N. J.
April 12", 1916.
April 15, 1916.
Lawrenceville, N. J.
I shall take great pleasure in reporting
to the Rector and Visitors, at their spring meeting, on April
18, the very generous action of the National Society of The
Colonial Dames of America offering to establish at this University,
as a tribute of their loyalty and gratitude to their former
President, Mrs. William Ruffin Cox, of Richmond, Va., a scholarship
in American History. I am quite sure that the Rector and
Visitors will agree with me that this is a beautiful action
on the part of the Society, and will accept this thoughtful
gift with gratitude and appreciation. I take note of your
statement that the work should be not only in American History
but cover American Colonial History, and that wherever possible
it should be given to a student from one of the schools maintained
for the education of the youth of the mountain regions of the
Southern States.
There will be no question, of course,
about the grateful acceptance of this fine action, and I am
warranted, I think, in sending you in advance of the meeting
of our Board, the assurances of their gratitude and their
high esteem.
Stratford House,
11 E. 32" St., New York.
I have a magnificent portrait of J. L. M.
Curry, painted in Madrid by the Elder Madrazzo, when he was
President of the Royal Academy. It is a work of art and appropriately
and exquisitely framed in carved apple-wood. I find
it too large for my house. It would give me pleasure to present
it to the University of Virginia, thinking it might be hung in the
hall used for the Curry School of Pedagogy. I remain,
March 3, 1916.
Stratford House,
11 E. 32nd St.,
New York.
Your letter received today, informing me
of your purpose to present to the University a portrait of Dr.
Curry gives me great delight and satisfaction. I have wanted
a portrait of him ever since the completion of our splendid
building which houses the Curry School of Education. There is
a perfect place for its hanging, and the whole matter gives me
very great pleasure. The Curry School of Education is growing
in power and influence, and is just at the threshold of its
usefulness. I venture to predict that it will be in the end
one of the most permanent memorials to Dr. Curry's fame that
could have been conceived of. It will be an inspiration to
the young men to have knowledge of his face and form.
With my very deep appreciation and the
gratitude of the Rector and Visitors of the University, I am,
Washington, D. C.
7, March, 1916.
University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, Va.
At the request of Mr. J. M. Carlisle,
Surviving Trustee of the late Mary W. Curry, I am shipping
to you tomorrow, March 8th, by Adams Express, charges prepaid,
and addressed as above, one box containing the portrait of the
late Dr. J. L. M. Curry, painted by Mrazo. The portrait is
insured for the sum of $5,000, and a valuation of $400 is placed
upon the box with the express company, according with Mr. Carlisle's
request.
The case has been packed with especial care
and I trust it will reach you safely and promplty.
I should very much appreciate it if you
will advise me of its safe arrival.
The President presented the following letter he had received
tombstone:
December 6th, 1915.
In reply to Miss Worrell's letter of Nov.
26th, will say that the work on the monument to Dr. Green,
is well done. The family is very grateful to you for this
gift to his memory.
Best wishes for yourself and the University,
I remain,
The budget for the fiscal year 1916-17 was considered
item by item and unanimously adopted as a whole, as follows:
[see page 72 for Financial Budget]
| Board of Visitors minutes April 18, 1916 | |