 | Board of Visitors minutes June 26, 1854 |  |
Monday June 26th 1854
The regular day for meeting having occurred on Sunday, there
was no assemblage of members of the Board until Monday the 26.
when the following visitors appeared at the Board and took their
seats. Andrew Stevenson Esqr, William Lucas, Henry A. Wise,
James L. Carr, Andrew McDonald and F. B. Miller. William J.
Robertson Esqr, presented his commission from his Execellency
Joseph Johnson Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
thereupon took his seat at the Board.
The Rector Joseph C. Cabell being absent, the Board proceeded
to organize when Andrew Stevenson was unanimously elected
Rector Pro. Tem.
A communication from the Monticello Bank asking for a
change in the place of deposit of the Funds of the University,
was laid before the Board, when it was; Resolved that the
Board deem it inexpediert to make any change in the place of
deposit of the funds of the University at the present time.
Col Harrison B Tomlin presented a Commission from his
Excellency Joseph Johnson Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
appointing him a Visitor of the University of Virginia,
and thereupon took his seat at the Board,
The Rector laid before the Board an Estimate of George
Nicols (Builder of New York) of the labor and materials necessary
to the repairs of the Terrace roofs of the University,
and the Proctor appeared and gave the necessary explanation as
to the manner and terms upon which Mr Nicols had been employed
and the compensation to be made him, Whereupon the Board directed
that the Proctor be authorized to settle the account of Mr
Nicols and pay him the amount, not exceeding the sum of seventy
five dollars.
On the motion of Mr Miller it was,
Resolved that the Board proceed to the appointment of the
Executive Committee, and the Committees of Finance, Inspection
and Library; Whereupon
Messrs Stevenson Robertson and Tomlin were appointed
Executive Committee.
Messrs Wise and Carr Committee of Finance.
Messrs Tomlin, McDonald and Lucas Committee of Inspection.
And Messrs Robertson & Miller Committee to inspect the
Library.
The Proctor and Bursars accounts and reports were laid
before the Board, and referred to the Committee of Finance.
The report of the Librarian was laid before the Board and
referred to the Committee on the Library;
The report of Mr Nicols was on motion referred to the
Executive Committee.
Dr McGuffy appeared before the Board presented a memorial
and made a statement in regard to granting certain testimonials
to resident graduates of his class, upon which the Board took
time to consider.
A communication from F. Eardman was presented to the Board
containing a report, plans and estimates, for a supply of water,
which were referred to the Executive Committee.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning at ten
o clock.
Tuesday June 27th 1854
The Board met this morning pursuant to adjournment, present
the same gentlemen as on yesterday with the exception of
Mr Stevenson who was detained from his place by indisposition
Mr F. B. Miller was unanimously chosen as Rector pro tem
during the absence of Mr Stevenson.
The Committee of Finance then presented the following
REPORT. The Committee of Finance have examined the accounts
and vouchers of the Proctor & Patron and Bursar as they find
them audited and reported by the Commissioner of the University
and submit the following report:
In accordance with the practice heretofore, the certificate
of the Commissioner is taken as evidence of the fact that the
items of disbursement are sustained by proper vouchers.
| The receipts of the last year ending on the 31st ultimo amounted to |
42,961.65 |
| The disbursements during the same period amounted to |
42,309.59 |
| Leaving a balance in the Bursars hands | 652.06 |
This balance is proved by the correspondence of accounts,
on comparison of the statements by the Proctor and Bursars
accounts
| But as explained by the Proctors statement the warrants were issued for a correct balance of |
651.55 |
| By the accounts for the year 1852 stated in 1853 in the last report of the committee of Finance to this Board, it appears that the surplus fees amounted to |
7514.66 |
| And from the accounts of 1853, it appears that the surplus fees for that year amounted to |
10,043.91 |
| Showing an increase of surplus fees for the year 1853 amounting to |
2529.25 |
| The estimate for the year ending the 1st of June 1854 was that there would be a deficit for the year |
|
| of | $6092.18 |
| The actual deficit amounted to | 4775.55 |
| Amount of the deficit less than the estimate |
1316.63 |
The increase of "surplus fees" more than accounts for this
gain upon the estimates.
The estimates of the Proctor for the coming year beginning
the 1st of June 1854 and ending the 31st of May 1855. are
| For Receipts | $35,421.55 |
| Disbursements | 32,430.00 |
| Supposed bal to be in Bursars hands | 2,991.55 |
This estimate however "does not include the additional
work on the embankment around the New Buildings, but includes
the roofing with slate of the Pavilions occupied by Professor
Schelé and the Hotel occupied by Mrs Ward contracts for which
have been made," what the estimates for the additional work
on the embankments will be, will depend upon the report of the
Executive Committee.
To pay a balance of $4000, on a debt of $4921.66 authorized
to be borrowed at June session 1853, due to the Farmers Bank
of Virginia at Charlottesville and renewed from time to time,
and payable 24th July next, provision will have to be made.
The easiest mode of payment will be to authorize the Proctor to
curtail this balance out of the balance on hand, and current
receipts for the coming year, with authority to renew the note
in Bank from time to time until the balance is extinguished.
Wood is becoming a serious subject of cost to the University.
The improvements of transportation to Charlottesville are
so increasing that the cost of coal as a substitute for wood
will probably be greatly diminished, And it is submitted that
a discretion shall be allowed the Proctor to substitute coal
grates, for wood fire places in case he shall find that the
reduction of the cost of fuel will decidedly compensate for the
change of fire-place construction.
The Proctor calls the attention of the Board "to the fact
that the Farmers Bank, where the Patron is required to deposite
the students funds, are charging a discount of not less that one
per cent on all southern money and that during the year they
have received $91.15 by way of discount. This is a cause of
great complaint with the Students" To require the Bank of Deposite
to receive any and all funds at par would be unreasonable
as some funds from extreme distances may not be bankable or
current at all. But the Bank in consideration that it"works off"
many discounted funds at par, and makes a profit upon the gross
amount of deposites, ought not to charge University students
with the ordinary rates of discount. If the rate of discount
be extra-ordinary, or the funds be not current, the Bank should
charge only its own losses upon the receipt of such funds, on
these terms the University should continue its deposites with
the Farmers Bank, but if that Bank will not accept these terms,
the Patron should be authorized to negotiate the deposites with
some other Banking Institution which will receive them on the
most favorable terms.
The Proctor complains that there is no privacy on the lot
where he resides and that his family is subjected to great
adjoining his house.
It is recommended also that he be allowed to purchase a
fire proof safe for the use of his office not to exceed the cost
of one hundred and fifty dollars.
The report of the Committee of Finance was accepted and
the suggestions therein contained adopted, with the exception of
that relating to Dormitory 56 which was stricken out unanimously.
The Committee of inspection submitted the following report.
The Committee of inspection on yesterday commenced their
duties, and closed the examination this morning "The lecture
rooms were generally found in a dirty & filthy condition the
excuse for which was that so many duties were assigned to the
servants that they were unable to perform them promptly.
The Library is in its usual condition the Books appearing
to be arranged according to the original design. The bequest
of Mr Madison has lately been procured, so far as your committee
are aware, in full, and the Books are now in the Library numbering
431 volumes. The engravings referred to last year in the
report of the committee, still remain as they were. Prof
Smith having made a communication to the Board of Visitors in
reference to the Philosophical apparatus, and the enlargement of
the room designated for them, the whole question is submitted
to the Board of Visitors, as well as the subject of an addition
to the Philosophical apparatus as recommended by Prof Smith."
A communication has also been made to the Board by Prof
Maupin in reference to the Purchase of chemicals, which is
earnestly commended to the attention of the Board. The full
of the Buildings, obviates the necessity of reporting any further
on that subject. The Board is aware of the immediate necessity
of repairs, and it is earnestly recommended that the steps
before the Rotunda be reset at once as a few months may result
in the entire destruction of the Portico unless these repairs
be made. All which is respectfully submitted.
H. B. Tomlin, And McDonald , W. Lucas.
On motion of Col Tomlin it was resolved that the Proctor
report to the board how many dormitories there are in the University,
and how many are occupied by Professors and other Officers
of the University, giving the names of those thus occupying
them, and that he report forthwith.
Col Tomlin offered the following resolutions.
Resolved. That in future there shall be two Professors in
the School of Law, and that James P Holcombe Esqr (the present
Adjunct Professor) be appointed Professor of the Chair now established
in that school.
The subject taught in the School of Law shall be divided
between the two Professors in the following manner to Professor
Minor shall be assigned the duty of giving instruction in the
Feudal, Common & Statute Law; and to Professor Holcombe shall
be assigned the duty of giving instruction in Equity and in the
Laws Civil, Mercatorial, Maritime and of Nature & Nations also
in the principles of Government and Constitutional Law.
Resolved that Professor Holcombe shall receive an annual
salary of $1000 payable in like manner with the salaries of the
other Professors, and to Commence on the first day of July 1854.
between the two Professors, provided however that neither of them
shall receive more than the maximum amount of compensation now
allowed Professors.
It is further resolved that leave be granted to Professor
Holcombe to reside, at any convenient distance, without the precincts
of the University, there being at present no Pavilion which can
be assigned him.
The Board requested Mr. Holcombe to appear before them and
confer with them on the subject matter of the foregoing resolutions,
which conference having taken place, and the Board desiring a similar
conference with Mr Minor and learning that Prof Minor was unwell
directed their secretary to wait upon Mr Minor and ascertain
from him whether he was well enough to appear before the Board or
see a committee of their body. The secretary therupon proceeded
to execute this commission, returned and made the following Report.
"That on his way to Prof Minors residence he met Dr Davis Mr Minors
Physician, and requested to know of him whether his patient was in
a condition to appear before the Board; Dr Davis stated to the
secretary that Mr Minor was too unwell to appear before the Board
or see a committee of their body, the secretary therefore did not
see Mr Minor."
After some deliberations the resolutions of Mr Tomlin were
adopted.
The Proctor made a verbal report in response to the resolution
respecting dormitories occupied by Professors and other officers
of the University, accompanying said report with a drawing of the
University showing how and by whom Dormitories were occupied.
On motion of Mr Wise it was.
Resolved that the subject of the appropriations of Dormitories
by the Professors and Officers of the University be referred
to the Executive Committee, and that they report as
early as they can consider the subject, with instructions to
resume all the dormitories for the use of the students which
are not now necessarily occupied by the Professors and Officers.
Dr Howard made a verbal application to the effect that
the quarters salary in the chair of Mathematics, due the 1st
of January 1854, should be paid to him as representative of
Dr Courtnays estate, which on motion was rejected.
On motion of Mr Robertson the following preamble and
resolutions were adopted.
Whereas it appears, from a printed circular issued by
Prof Agassiz that he offers his European Works for sale, at
half price if ordered before the 1st of July and that he will
make a further reduction of 10 per cent if a complete set be
taken, and whereas it further appears that a Majority of the
members of the Board of Visitors have concurred in the propriety
of the purchase of thses books on the advantageous
terms thus offered.
Resolved that the necessary sum, not exceeding $135.00
be appropriated for the purchase of a complete set of the
European Works of Prof Agassiz.
Mr Wise moved to take up the corsideration of the communication
from Prof McGuffy in relation to granting an
additional "Diploma" in the class of Moral Philosophy, which
motion was decided in the negative.
The Board then proceeded to the reading of testimonials
of the various applicants for the Chair of Mathematics in the
University, and before concluding the same the Board received
through Mr Tomlin a communication from Prof Maupin in regard
to the wants in his department which was laid upon the table
for the present.
The Board then proceeded with the reading of the testimonials
of applicants for the Chair of Mathematics and concluded the
same.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning at nine
Oclock.
Wednesday June 28th 1854
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday with the addition of Mr Stevenson.
Mr Robertson moved to reconsider the resolution adopted
on yesterday in relation to Dr Howards application on behalf
of Dr Courtnays estate, which motion was lost.
The Executive Committee laid before the Board, the plan
of a Hall submitted to them by the sons of temperance, which
plan had been approved by said Committee.
The Rector Joseph C. Cabell appeared at the Board and
took his seat, When
On motion of Mr Stevenson, the Board proceeded to elect
a Professor of Mathematics to fill the Chair vacated by the
death of the lamented E. H. Courtnay. Whereupon Mr Albert
Taylor Bledsoe of the University of Mississippi was duly
elected.
On the motion of Mr Robertson it was
Resolved that hereafter the salaries of Professors, where
it is not otherwise expressly stipulated, shall commence from
the time when they shall accept their appointments and shall
cease whenever from death resignation or removal they shall
cease to perform the duties of their chair (The following should
have been inserted before the resolution of Mr Robertson)
On motion of Col Tomlin,
Resolved that the salary of Prof Bledsoe shall commence
at the commencement of the next session, which motion was
rejected,
Mr Carr presented a petition from Arthur L. Rogers relative
to the fee paid by him in the school of Political Economy
which was laid on the table.
A communication from the Society of Alumni inclosing a
letter from Dr Joynes was received and on motion ordered to be
read.
The memorial of the Washington Society was taken up and
on motion, Messrs Tomlin and McDonald were appointed a committee
to examine into the propriety and expediency of the
petition presented in their memorial,
Mr Robertson presented a petition from the Hotel Keepers
asking an increase of Board, which was unanimously rejected.
The Rector laid before the Board the following Report.
Upon the passage of the act of the Legislature appropriating
$25,000 out of the public Treasury for repairing the
Terraces and providing a supply of water at the University, it
became very desirable with a view to enable the Board of
preliminary information necessary for that purpose in advance
of the meeting, But there was no executive committee in being
to procure this information. Being deeply impressed with the
necessity of making this preparation I addressed myself to the
Faculty inviting them to assume the authority of acting in place
of the executive committee for this purpose. The Faculty declined
to accede to the proposal, and urged the same proposal
back upon myself in my capacity of Rector of the Board of Visitors.
I consented to take the responsibility under the impression that
it might be useful to the Board. With a view to ascertain the
best mode & probable cost of procuring a supply of water. I
addressed myself in the first instance to Mr E. H. Gill superintendent
of the Central rail road and formerly chief engineer of
the G R & Ku Co. inviting him to make the requisite survey &
examination of the environs of the University and to prepare
plans and Estimates. Mr Gills engagements not permitting him
to undertake the task he recommended Mr F Eardman of Philadelphia
as a very skilful experienced & suitable agent. I applied to
Mr Eardman and invited him to the undertaking with a pledge of
reasonable compensation for his services. Mr Eardman as you are
already apprised, accepted the appointments, came on to the University,
and prepared the lucid and very satisfactory Report
which is now before you. On the subject of the repairs of the
Terraces, I addressed myself for information to Mr Alx. J. Davis
architect of New York. It was by the direction of Mr Davis that
Mr Nicols came to the University, and prepared the report
me to enter upon the substance of these reports, my only object
in this brief report, being, to state the measures which I assumed
the authority to adopt on behalf of the board, and to
ask their approval and confirmation. I will only add that I
hope the preliminary information thus prepared will be found to
be a sufficient basis for immediate action on both the important
subjects to which it relates.
On motion of Mr Wise Resolved, that the Rectors report be
received and that the measures therein recited, as having been
taken by him on behalf of the Board of Visitors be approved and
sustained by the Visitors.
June Thursday 29th 1854.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday.
On motion of Mr Stevenson it was
Resolved that the reports of F Eardman & J Nicols upon the
subject of repairs to the Dormitories, & a supply of water to
the University be referred, to a Committee whose duty it shall
be, forthwith to report to the Board what action is to be taken
upon these subjects. The following gentlemen were appointed a
committee under the foregoing resolution, Messrs Wise Miller and
Lucas.
On the Motion of Mr McDonald the following resolution was
adopted.
Resolved that the Proctor be directed to pay to Mr Eardman
the sum of one hundred and ninety one dollars being the balance
for introducing water within the precincts of the University.
Col Tomlin offered the following resolution which was adopted
Resolved that the Proctor be and he is hereby directed to
pay to James W. Saunders the sum of one hundred dollars the
compensation agreed upon, for his services in relation to the
Madison devise, Mr Saunders having relinquished his right to the
5 per cent on the value of the Books recovered. A communication
from certain Boarding House Keepers without the precincts of the
University asking for some provision as to board paid by students
was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr McDonald it was.
Resolved that the small room between dormitories No 4 & 6
be appropriated to the use of the Secretary of the Board of
Visitors to be used as an office wherein to preserve the papers
and records of the Board of Visitors.
Resolved that the Proctor be and he is hereby authorized
to have such cases and presses put up in said room as may be
necessary to preserve the archives of the Board of Visitors.
Mr Wise from the Committee to report upon the subject of
repairs to the Terraces and a supply of water, submitted the
following.
"REPORT. That for these objects and these objects alone an
act was passed by the Legislature of Va. at its last session,
appropriating $25,000 to be applied under the direction and
control of the Board of Visitors. The act limits no amount
within the sum appropriated to either object, but the sum of
$25000 as they ar informed, may be apportioned between the two
was passed it was based upon conjectural estimates only, and the
sum of $25000 was supposed by the Legislature as well as by those
who obtained the passage of the act to be sufficient. But it
was the design of the Legislature and of the Board of Visitors
that both these objects should be accomplished. Since then
formal and detailed estimates have been made, and according to
reports before the Board the sum of $25,000 is found to be insufficient
to complete both these objects, and the questions
now are.
1st Shall the Board attempt to execute either or both,
without further aid from the Legislature? and
2nd If so, how?
| The estimate of expense of repairs or renewal of the Terraces shows that they will, if executed according to the report cost $14,204.90. And the condition of the terraces as reported is such that they must to a very considerable extent be immediately renewed or repaired. But this Committee does not concur with the report of estimates in the full extent of repairs which it proposes. A total renewal may require the sum of 14,204.90cts but in their opinion a sufficient renewal and repair can be done for the sum of $10,000 and no more than that amt should be applied to that object, leaving $15,000 for the construction of water works. The estimate of the minimum cost of constructing the main water works amounts to |
21,229.21 |
| 10 per cent for contingencies | 2,122.92 |
| Total exclusive of engineering | 23,352.13 |
This is exclusive of cost necessary to carry water into the
one of the fountains and of water way therefrom to the grounds
of the University. The Committee thinks that the cost of engineering
may be dispensed with and that it is not necessary at
present or at first to carry the water into the Pavilions.
What the cost of the site for a fountain & the water way will
be they have no ata for estimating at this time but they suppose,
that including every expense, ample water works may be constructed
for the sum of $25,000 and that the expense may be reasonably
limited to that amount in case the Board shall determine to
make contracts therefor. Shall such contracts be ordered?
| The amount appropriated is | $25,000 | |
| Amt proposed to be appropriated for repair | $10,000 | |
| For water works | 25,000 | $35,000 |
| There will be a deficiency of | $10,000 | |
| Can this deficiency be met and if so how? | ||
| The ordinary expenses of the University for the past year were |
$27,463.84 | |
| The estimated ordinary expenses for the current year will be |
$28,306.00 | |
| $ 942.16 | ||
| Excess | ||
| If the ordinary expenses for the current year do not exceed those of the last year the balance on hand on the 1st of June 1855, will be |
$3.933.71 | |
This will be the balance on hand after paying the item of extraordinary
expense for the year of $4,124 the debt due the
Farmers Bank.
| If the ordinary expenses for the year ending 1st June 1856, do not exceed the actual expenses for the past year, and if no extraordinary expenses are incurred, and if the receipts for that year e as large as those estimated for the current year, there will be an additional bal. on hand the 1st of January 1856 of |
$7,957.71 |
| Making total balance for the years 1855 & 1856 of |
$11,891.42 |
The only considerable extraordinary balance this committee is
aware of is the cost of the additional work on the embankment
around the new building. What the probable cost of that will
be, they are not informed. But upon the whole, they are confident
that with due economy the sum of from $8000 to $12000 may
certainly be made available to the construction of the water
works by the 1st of June in the year 1856. That time will include
the period of the session of the Legislature and will be
ample enough for doing all the work of repairs to the terraces
and of constructing the water works. Both objects then are within
the ways and means of the University. According to any reasonable
estimate, and within such time too as, in case of any unforseen
cause deminishing the ways and means of the University;
will afford full opportunity to apply to the Legislature for
relief.
The committee, then, recommends to the Board the following
plan of proceeding-
1st Limit the amount to be expended for repairs of terraces
to a sum not exceeding $10,000 and direct the Proctor to advertise,
Philadelphia & New York), for, and receive, proposals for
that work for two months, and at the end of that time the Executive
Committee shall select from among the bidders the person
with whom to make contracts therefor within the sum limited.
2nd To limit the amount to be expended for constructing
water works to a sum not exceeding $25,000 and to direct the
Proctor, in the same papers to advertise, for and receive proposals
for those works for two months and at the end of that
time the Executive Committee shall select from among the bidders
the person with whom to make contracts therefor within the sum
limited.
3rd That for renewall & repair of terraces the Proctor be
authorized to pay Contractors in cash the amount necessary to
complete the work within the sum limited.
4th That for constructing the water works he be authorized
to pay the contractors two fifths of the amount necessary to
complete the work within the sum limited in cash, and that for
the remaining three fifths of the debt of construction of water
works and bonds of the University shall be given in the usual
form payable on the 1st day of July 1856. And these terms shall
be notified in the advertisements of the Proctor for proposals.
5th That in case there be no proposals either for repairs
of terraces or for constructing water works within the time and
upon the terms named, then the Proctor shall report the fact
to the Proctor, who may in his discretion call a special meeting
of the Board.
6th That $2500 for the year ending 1st of June 1855 and
$7500 for the year ending 1st of June 1856, be set apart out of
the surplus fees, to accrue for those years respectively to
meet the cost of those works.
7th That the Proctor shall contract for the repairs of
terraces and for construction of water works to be completed
in such time as the Executive Committee may prescribe.
8th That in any event, whether the means of the University
to be applied as proposed, will probably fail or not to fulfil
the contracts for these works and to complete them, the Rector
and Board of Visitors should memorialize the Legislature, at its
next session, to appropriate to these works a sum sufficient
to meet any deficiency of the amount already appropriated.
The Committee cannot omit to urge upon the Board the imminent
risk of all the University buildings by fire. They are
ensured to the amount only of $50,000 which would not compensate
for one tenth of their loss. The water works and the repairs
are both works of immediate and pressing necessity and should
not be postponed a day for the want of a sum so small as any
deficiency can possibly be beyond the amount which the Legislature
has already granted. The grant already made by that body
shows its approval of the works and authorizes the Board to presume
it will grant the amount of any reasonable deficiency, and
justifies its undertaking their construction without further
delay.
The Proctor, in executing his duties under this discretion
of the Board, should be subject, of course, to the supervision
and controul of the Executive Committee, and that Committee is
these works."
Mr Robertson offered the following substitute to the report
of the Committee.
"Whereas the appropriation of 25,000 dollars made at the
last session of the Legislature, for the purpose of making repairs
to the buildings, and of procuring a supply of water for
the University is, as it appears by the estimates which have been
made, insufficient to accomplish both objects designed, and
there being no funds under the controul of the Board from which
the deficiency can be supplied, so that it will be necessary to
obtain further aid from the Legislature: And whereas it appears
that the estimated cost of making the repairs does not greatly
exceed the general and imperfect estimate which was laid before
the Legislature, and that it is requisite for the preservation
of a portion of the University buildings from entire decay that
these repairs should be immediately made. While on the other
hand it appears that the estimated cost of the water works very
largely exceeds that estimate, and that there is no such urgent
necessity for their immediate completion although the Board considers
that it is essential to the due security of the buildings
from fire that they should be constructed as soon as funds can
be procured for the purpose: And whereas it would in the opinion
of the Board be improper to attempt to commit the Legislature
money for the water works which is manifestly insufficient for
their completion. Therefore,
Resolved that the Proctor under the supervision of the
Executive Committee be instructed to contract for and cause to
be completed at as early a day as practicable the repairs contemplated,
provided that the cost shall not exceed the sum of
$15000. And it is further resolved that no contract be made at
present for the construction of the water works, but that a
memorial be presented to the Legislature at its next session
representing fully the facts of the case, and the absolute necessity
for the security of the buildings of procuring an adequate
supply of water, and earnestly requesting a sufficient appropriation
for that purpose. The vote being taken on the substitute
it was rejected by the following vote
| Ayes | Messrs Robertson & Tomlin. |
| Nos | Messrs Cabell, Lucas, Wise, Carr, Stevenson, McDonald, & Miller. |
The vote being taken then on the report of the Committee
it was adopted by the following vote.
| Ayes | Messrs Cabell, Miller, McDonald, Stevenson, Carr, Wise & Lucas. |
| Nos | Messrs Robertson & Tomlin. |
On the motion of Mr Robertson it was
Resolved, That hereafter, whenever, during a session any
Professor shall cease to perform the duties of his office under
such circumstances as to make an abatement of his salary proper,
which have been paid him, to be applied to the Compensation of
his successor, or to the uses of the University in such other
manner as, in the opinion of the Board of Visitors, may be proper.
On motion of Mr McDonald it was
Resolved That the Proctor be directed to have the steps to
the portico of the Rotunda reset immediately, in such manner as
to prevent the destruction of the vault by the rain and frosts
of winter.
Dr Maupin was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Faculty
for the next year.
Mr Tomlin offered the following resolution
Resolved that in future the sessions of the University
shall be of ten months duration.
Mr Robertson offered the following substitute,
Resolved That it be referred to a Committee of three members
to enquire & report to the Board at its next meeting whether
any, and if any what change should be made in the length of
the sessions and the time for their commencement & conclusion.
Mr Tomlin moved to strike out all after the word resolved
and insert "That the sessions of the University shall be ten
months duration and that the next session shall commence on
the 15th day of August and terminate on the 15th day of June
ensuing.
Mr Miller called for a division of the question and the
question being taken on the motion to strike out it was decided
in the negative. The vote being then taken on the substitute
offered by Mr Robertson it was adopted and the following committee
On motion of Mr McDonald the following was adopted.
Resolved that 750 dollars be appropriated for the purchase
of chemicals and apparatus for the school of Chemistry
and Pharmacy.
Mr Robertson offered the following preambles and resolutions
which were adopted.
Whereas since the resignation of Messrs Mason & Randolph
there has been no executive committee until one was appointed
at the present meeting of the Board, so that the bonds of the
Proctor & Patron have not been approved, although they were
lodged with the secretary of the Board of Visitors prior to the
first day of October 1853 and the same being therefore now submitted
to the Board for their approval, they are hereby approved-But
insomuch as the amounts which came into the hands of the
Proctor and Patron are now much larger than they were when the
penalty of the bonds was fixed it is in the opinion of the
Board proper that the penalty of each of these bonds should be
increased, it is therefore resolved that on or before the first
day of October next the Proctor shall execute and file a new
bond in the penalty of $25,000 and that the Patron shall execute
& file a new one in the penalty of $30,000.
It is further resolved that the Bonds of the Proctor and
Patron be hereafter submitted to the Board of Visitors, at
each annual meeting, with evidence of the continued sufficiency
of the surities thereto and they shall be annually approved by
the Board and in the event of the failure, from any cause of
the Board to approve the same at any meeting, the same shall be
thereon sixty days after the adjournment of the Board.
All the present rules and regulations applicable to the
bonds of the Proctor & Patron shall remain and continue in force
and shall apply to the bonds required to be given under these
resolutions in like manner and to the same extent as they have
applied to the bonds heretofore given.
The Bond of the Bursar having been submitted to the Board
the same is approved. But insomuch as the amounts which came into
the hands of the Bursar are now much larger than they were
when the penalty of the Bond was fixed it is in the opinion of
the Board proper that the penalty of the same should be increased,
it is therefore resolved that on or before the first day of October
next the Bursar shall execute and file a new bond in the
penalty of $50,000. It is further resolved that the Bonds of
the Bursar be hereafter submitted to the Board of Visitors at
each annual meeting with evidence of the continued sufficiency
of the sureties thereto, and they shall be annually approved by
the Board. And in the event of the failure, from any cause, of
the Board to approve the same at any meeting, the same shall be
submitted to the Executive Committee and their approbation endoresed
thereon within sixty days after the adjournment of the
Board.
All the present rules and regulations applicable to the
bonds of the Bursar shall remain and continue in force, and shall
apply to the bonds required to be given under these resolutions
in like manner and to the same extent as they have applied to
the bonds heretofore given
On the motion of Mr McDonald the following resolution was
adopted
Resolved That Alexander L Nelson (who was after the death
of Prof Courtnay assigned as instructor in Mathematics) having
signed the Diplomas of his graduating class, his course therein
is hereby ratified and approved-
On motion of Mr Carr it was
Resolved That the Proctor be authorized and required to
employ a competent and suitable individual whose duty it shall
be, to superintend the ordinary repairs of the buildings and
cleaning of the grounds of the University, provided his salary
shall not exceed $240 per annum.
A petition from Mr Arthur L Rogers in relation to the fees
charged him for the tickets of Law and Political Economy having
been laid before the Board
On the motion of Mr Carr it was,
Resolved that the secretary be directed to inform Mr Rogers
that the fees charged him, are those established by law and that
the Board deem it inexpedient to make any change in regard to
them.
It being desirable to have as many as possible of the
rooms in the precincts occupied by students the members of the
Faculty are respectfully requested to surrender for that purpose
such of the dormitories now in their occupancy as they may
respectively be able to give up without serious inconvenience
to themselves. And the Board express the opinion that as a
general rule no Professor should occupy more than one dormitory.
Resolved that Pavilion No 1 and the dormitory next to it,
be assigned to Prof Bledsoe.
It is ordered that the Proctor be allowed the use of Dormitory
number 56 on the Eastern Range.
Ordered that the Proctor under the supervision of the Executive
Committee be directed to repair the Observatory and fit it
up as a Dormitory for the use of students provided that the expense
of such repairs shall not exceed the sum of one hundred
dollars.
The Board then adjourned sine die
| Board of Visitors minutes June 26, 1854 | |