University of Virginia Library

1876-77.

Chapter 6. JOINT RESOLUTION returning thanks to W.
W. Corcoran, Esq., of Washington City, for his munificent gift
to the University of Virginia. Approved January 3, 1877.

"The general assembly of Virginia having learned that W. W.
Corcoran, Esquire, of Washington City, after many acts of kindness
to citizens of the state, and of liberality to her public institutions,
has recently given a large sum to her chief seat of learning;
and having observed with admiration the conduct of one who has
show the capacity to acquire wealth without injustice, to possess it
without ostentation, and to dispense it with no other object than the
benefit of his fellow-man, gratefully acknowledge his right to
fellowship with those whom the commonwealth has deemed worthy
of an enduring place in her annals, as examples to be honored, and
imitated by her people; therefore,

Resolved by the House of Delegates (the Senate concurring),
That it be entered of record on the journals of the general assembly,
that W. W. Corcoran, Esquire, of the city of Washington, has
entitled himself to the thanks of the commonwealth by his munificent
gift to the University of Virginia.

Resolved, that his excellency, the governor, be requested to transmit
to Mr. Corcoran a copy of this preamble and resolution, engrossed
on parchment." Acts 1876-7, p. 5.

Chapter 27. An Act concerning certain State bonds donated by
William W. Corcoran to the University of Virginia. Approved
January 13, 1877.

"Whereas William W. Corcoran, Esquire, of the city of Washington,
has made a donation to the University of Virginia of $50,000
in consol bonds of the state, with coupons attached thereto for
interet from first of July, 1876, payable semi-annually and receivable
for taxes and public dues; and whereas it is desired by the
authorities of the University to convert the said consols into registered
bonds of the state bearing like interest; therefore,

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That it shall be the
duty of the second auditor and the treasurer, on the application of

the rector, to convert the said $50,000 of consols into registered
bonds in the name of the rector and visitors of the University of
Virginia, bearing interest at the rate of six per centum per annum,
payable semi-annually, from first of July, 1876. And for the
payment of such interest, the auditor of public accounts is hereby
authorized and required to place in the treasury to the credit of the
second Auditor a sufficient sum to pay such interest from time to
time as it may fall due.

2. This act shall be in force from its passage." Acts 1876-77,
p. 22.

Chapter 47. JOINT RESOLUTIONS, gratefully acknowledging
a munificent donation to the University of Virginia by an
unknown citizen of New York. Approved January 26, 1877.

"The general assembly of Virginia having been informed that
a citizen of the state of New York (who for the present declines to
permit his name to be disclosed to the public) has made a donation
to the University of Virginia, amounting to more than $60,000,
to be expended in the purchase of a cabinet of natural science, and
in the erection of a building suitable for its safe keeping and exhibition;
gratefully appreciating the generous feelings which
prompted the gift, and respecting the singular modesty which induced
the donor to withhold his name, deem it a duty which they
owe to the people of Virginia, to make in their name, some suitable
acknowledgment of this munificent donation, coming as it does in
this centennial year, which is well calculated to revive fraternal
feeling; and from a citizen of a Northern State, who is bound to
Virginia by no tie nativity or residency, it is doubly welcome,
not only as a timely contribution to the cause of science in the South,
but as a manifestation of that comprehensive sentiment of patriotism
which ignores all sectional lines, and looks to the welfare of every
part of our common country.

Resolved, therefore, by the general assembly of Virginia, That
on behalf of the people of Virginia, they accept with profound
sensibility this noble donation, so gracefully bestowed by their
unknown benefactor, and regret that by withholding his name he
has deprived them of the pleasure of placing it on record with those
of others who have strong claims on the gratitude of Virginia.

Resolved, That the thanks of the commonwealth are hereby
tendered to the generous "unknown donor", and that a copy of

this preamble and resolutions be engrossed on parchment, signed
by the presiding officers of the two houses of the general assembly,
and placed in the hands of the rector of the University, with the
request that he adopt such means as he may deem necessary to cause
it to be transmitted to the generous friend of the institution which
was founded under the counsel and auspices of Thomas Jefferson."
Acts 1876-7, p. 33.

Chapter 82. An Act to amend and re-enact the tenth section
of Chapter 80 of the Code, Edition of 1873, in relation to the
University of Virginia, as amended by act approved March 15,
1876. Approved Feb. 13, 1877.

"1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That Section 10 of
Chapter 80 of the Code, Edition of 1873, in relation to the University
of Virginia, as amended by an act approved March 15, 1876,
be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows: `Section 10.
Each professor shall receive a stated salary, and also such additional
compensation out of the fees for tuition and other revenues of the
University as the visitors may from time to time direct. He shall
also have assigned to him by the board, one of the pavilions of the
University, or other suitable residence, (or commutation therefor),
and such other accommodations as the said board may prescribe.

2. This act shall be in force from its passage." Acts 1876-7,
p. 68.