 | Board of Visitors minutes June 26, 1855 |  |
STATED SESSION
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present Messrs
Stevenson, Miller Carr and Robertson there being no quorum the
Board adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 oclock A.M.
Tuesday June 26th
Morning Session
The Board net pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday, there being no quorum present the
Board adjourned until 4 oclock P.M.
Evening Session
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemn as at the morning session there being no quorum present
the Board adjourned till tomorrow morning at 9 oclock A. M.
Morning Session
Wednesday June 27
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday with the addition of Joseph C. Cabell
Rector.
The Rector having called the Board to order, submitted his
annual Report to the Legislature which was read and on motion
of Mr Stevenson it was unanimously approved.
The Rector laid before the Board a Communication from Dr
Harrison in relation to his school, and on the motion of Mr
Stevenson it was referred to a committee of two.
The Rector appointed Messrs Stevenson & Miller a Committee
to consider the memorial of Dr Harrison.
The memorial of the Hotel-Keepers upon the subject of Board
having been read & considered on Motion of Mr Stevenson, it was
Resolved that under existing circumstances and the state
of the markets the Board deem it reasonable and proper that the
sum of ten dollars be added to the present rates for Board, so
as to restrict the full amount to be received for the session
to the sum of $130 but with an express understanding that this
arrangment is to be regarded as temporary and limited to one year.
The letter of Dr Maupin in relation to the addition to his
Pavilion having been read and considered
Upon motion, it was resolved that the Proctor be directed
to pay to Dr Maupin annually the legal interest on $3033.00 the
cost of said addition, computing the same, from the 1st day of
February 1855 until the principal is extinguished
The Letter of Dr Maupin was laid before the Board by the
Rector, and after a full and careful examination of the prior
proceedings of the Board in connection with the resignation of
Dr Smith and the appointment of Dr Maupin to the Chemical Chair,
and the payment of Dr Smiths salary, the Board deem the application
of Dr Maupin inadmissible and it is therefore rejected.
The following report from the Executive Committee was presented
by the Rector, read, and on motion ordered to be spread
upon the minutes.
REPORT.
"The undersigned members of the Executive Committee submit
the following report to the Board of Visitors. In pursuance of
the report of the special committee upon the subject of repairing
the terraces and supplying water for the University [adopted
by the Board of Visitors on the 29th of June 1854] the Executive
Committee to whom the duty was assigned of carrying into effect
the objects of the report, preceeded to do so in the following
manner.
They first caused due notice to be given by the Proctor
in the newspapers of Richmond, Washington Baltimore Philadelphia
and New York, inviting propositions for the works proposed to
be executed, from those who might be disposed to contract for
the same according to the specifications in the hands of the
Proctor. In pursuance of this notification various propositions
were submitted both for the repairs and the water works, which
your committee proceeded to examine and consider.
Upon the subject of a supply of water, it became apparent
at the threshold that nothing could be done, under the authority
In the first place the lowest bid for the work upon the
cheapest and most economical scale, exceeded the $25,000 the
limit fixed by the Board, and to which your committee was authorized
to go, and which presented at once an insuperable objection
to any further proceeding on the subject. But it may
be proper also to state that, if the bids for the work should
have fallen within the limit, another obstacle presented itself
at the threshold, and that was the refusal of the proprietor of
the Springs (or one of them at least, and that the most important,
relied upon for the supply of water) refused to sell or dispose
of the same for the uses of the University, except upon conditions
(which if even just and reasonable of which the Committee
express no opinion) they had no authority to make. These conditions
the Proctor will lay before the Board and explain if
desired.
Upon the subject of the terraces the committee were more
successful- An advantageous contract was made with George W.
Spooner for the entire work, within the limit proposed, and for
a less sum, to be completed by the 1st day of December next, as
will appear by the contract exhibited with this report. This
however could not have been accomplished but by dispensing with
the copper covering and substituting in lieu of it, a covering
of heart pine plank of the best discription well seasoned and
tongued & grooved, with seven coats of paint, and a final covering
of duck or canvass, to render it secure against all weather. For
this latter work a contract was made with James F. Boyer, at a
reasonable price he being the lowest bidder therefor, and which
of the business and preparatory to entering into any contract
for the work to be done, it appeared important to your
Committee, indeed indispensable that they should have the aid
of some schilful person in examining in detail the various bids
and estimates, which had been submitted to the Committee, and
enabling then to decide in the first place upon the relative merits
of each bid (of which it was not to be expected they were competent
to judge in finally contracting for the work) and with that
view they proceeded to engage the services of Mr Shaw a skilful
enjineer and practical man of business, who readily assented to
the proposition, and immediately proceeded to discharge the duties
assigned him in a satisfactory manner, It was moreover apparent
that the work under any contract they could make, could not be
satisfactorily and safely done without such a superintendent
well qualified to judge of the timber and work, and who would
be able to superintend the whole work as it was in progress,
from its commencement to its final completion, for this your
Committee agreed to allow Mr Shaw the sum of $400, which they
regard as a reasonable compensation for the services to be performed
by him.
It may be proper also to state that before anything was
done, upon the subject of the water works it became essential
to have the aid and attendance of Mr Erdman who had made the
original estimate for the water works, and he was accordingly
invited to attend, which he did from Philadelphia in February
last and remained several days at the University and for his
was directed to be paid by the Proctor by your Committee.
All which is respectfully submitted
A Stevenson Executive
Committee
Wm J. Robertson Executive
Committee
The following resolution was adopted.
Resolved that it be recommended to the Executive Committee
to cause a further examination to be made, (if they shall deem
it expedient to do so), during the present summer, by a Competent
engineer, in reference to the supply of the University
with water and its probable cost, and to report to the Rector.
The Report of the Chairman of the Faculty was read and laid
upon the table
The Rector appointed the following Committees
Committee of Finance Messrs Miller & Robertson
Committee of Inspection Messrs Stevenson & Carr
Committee of Library Messrs Stevenson & Miller
A communication from the Secretary of the Faculty was read
and laid upon the table.
The annual reports of the Proctor & Patron, Bursar, and
Commissioner of accounts were referred to the committee on
Finance: and the Librarian's Report to the Committee on the
Library.
On motion of Mr Carr it was
Resolved, that the Faculty be requested to revise and collect
the laws in relation to Discipline, so that the same may be
printed in a condensed form, for the use of the Students.
A communication from Prof Schele De Vere in relation to
the purchase of maps was read, and on motion it was,
Resolved, that the sum of Five Hundred Dollars[1]
be and
the same is hereby appropriated, for the purchase of Maps with the
appendages for the use of the School of Modern Languages;
Mr Sherrard Clements appeared and took his seat at the
Board. Thereupon the Rector placed him upon the Library Committee
in place of Mr Stevenson.
On motion of Mr Robertson the following preamble and resolution
were adopted.
In consideration of the recommendation of the Faculty and
in view of the peculiar circumstances of the cases, and especially
of the fact that the previous action of this Board may
have induced reasonable expectations on the part of the young
gentlemen referred to, that the strict letter of the enactments
would not be insisted on, to entitle them to the degree of
Bachelor of Arts, provided they displayed an amount of attainment
equivalent in the opinion of the Faculty & Board of Visitors to
that required for the degree; it is resolved that the Faculty
be authorized to confer the degree of Bachelor of Arts upon
Messrs Wm G. Strange, H. M. Mathews, and John E. Jones, but
it is declared that in the opinion of the Board the best interests
of the Institution require that in future, in no case
whatever, should the precise requisitions of the law as to the
qualifications of applicants for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts
and of Master of Arts be departed from, but that the same should
be rigidly enforced.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning at 9 oclock A.M.
Thursday June 28th 1855
Morning Session
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday.
Mr Stevenson from the Committee on Dr Harrisons memorial
offered the following report and resolution which were on motion
unanimously adopted. The Committee, to whom was referred the
memorial of Dr Harrison the Professor in the School of Ancient
Languages, have had the same under consideration, and beg leave
to report,
"That the views presented in this memorial, are in the
judgment of your Committee, of a highly important and valuable
character, and the subject one intimately connected with the
usefulness of the school, and the interests and character of
the University.
With regard to the question of appointing another Professor
it is not needful at this time, that any action should be taken
either by your Committee, or the Board of Visitors, insomuch as
by the existing enactments, the number of Professors is limited
and there is no power without further legislation, to increase,
or diminish the number now in existence. What course the Board
may deem it necessary hereafter to take, to remedy the evils
likely to result from the existing state of the school of ancient
languages, will be a subject for future consideration of the
board.
Your committee can only invoke for it early and effective
action.
Upon the subject of increasing the means of instruction
in this important school, your committee have no difficulty in
expressing a decided opinion, that both in regard to the variety
and extent of the subjects assigned to this school, and the
greatly increased mubers frequenting it, there can be no doubt
but that the provision of one Professor and a single assistant
teacher for such a school is totally inadequate, and ought to be
changed. This in the opinion of the Committee is made quite
manifest by the views and statements contained in the memorial
presented to them, and of which each of the members of the Board
is in possession.
To attempt to enlarge or enforce these views of Dr Harrison
would seem to be unnecessary and uncalled for,
Your Committee therefore recommend to the Board the propriety
and necessity of providing forthwith, for the appointment
of an additional assistant teacher in the school of Ancient
Languages, and with that view, submit the following resolution
for adoption.
Resolved that in the opinion of this Board it is essentially
needful to the character and usefulness of the School of Ancient
Languages, as well as the best interests of the University, that
an additional assistant teacher should be forthwith appointed
in that School to take effect from the 1st day of October next
with a salary of $700, and the appointment to be made by Dr
Harrison with the consent and approbation of the Executive
Committee.
All which is respectfully submitted
A Stevenson
F. B. Miller"
Mr. Stevenson submitted the following Preamble and resolution
which on motion of Mr Carr were unanimously adopted
Whereas the Board of Visitors being satisfied that the interests
of both the Academical and the Medical Departments of
the University, would be promoted by relieving the Professor of
Chemistry of the duties of teaching Materia Medica & Therapeutics
& assigning the same to the Lecturer on Anatomy; adopted a resolution
on the 30th of June 1853 making the proposed change.
And whereas at the same time, the Board resolved, that the
fees to be paid by each medical student to the Lecturer on Anatomy
and Materia Medica, should be $25, with a provision that
should the aggregate amount of fees exceed $2000, then the surplus
should be appropriated for the purchase of specimens and appliances
for the cabinet of Materia Medica and Anatomy-
And whereas Doctor Davis receives no salary from the University,
but is paid exclusively by fees from students for doing
full work, and doing it well, it appears not just and proper
that he should be limited to the $2000, but on the Contrary that
he is fairly entitled to the aggregate amount of all fees paid;
subject to the restrictions imposed, upon the other Professors;
And this would seem the more reasonable, in as much as the $2000
besides being no sufficient compensation for the la or performed,
is entirely inadequate to meet the necessary expenses of maintaining
a family, upon a scale of the most rigid economy.
And whereas, it appears that increased advantages have resulted
to the University, from the creation of this department, and the
fees paid by the students matriculating have never passed into
the general treasury of the Institution.-
1. Resolved, as the opinion of the Board that the limitation
aforesaid ought to be removed, and the surplus amount of the fees,
enure to the exclusive benefit of Dr Davis.
2. Resolved that in consequence of the limited accomodations
which the house now occupied by Dr Davis affords and the discomfort
and consequent inconvenience to which his family is subjected:
the Proctor is directed to enter into a contract for the construction
of 3 rooms in the rear of the House, the cost of which is
not to exceed the sum of $2000; the contract and Plan for which
addition shall be approved by the Executive Committee.-
Mr Lucas appeared and took his seat at the Board.
The Committee of Finance submitted the following report
which was read, and laid on the table for further consideration.
"The Committee of Finance have examined the accounts of the
Bursar and Patron and Proctor, and the report of the Commissioner
of the University, which they find to correspond with and verify
each other, showing a balance in the Bursars hands on the 1st
of June 1855 of $5178.15 the receipts for the year previous
being $32978.10 and the disbursments $33799.95
In accordance with the practice heretofore the certificate
of the Commissioner is taken as evidence of the fact that the
items of disbursmerts are sustained by proper vouchers. It will
be seen that the balance on hand is considerably larger than
the estimate made last year by the Proctor, and this although
the disbursements also exceed his estimates.
The proctors Estimate for the coming year is that the receipts
will amount to $43683.15, and the disbursements to
In the disbursements contemplated by this estimate is included
the balance of the debt due the Farmers Bank in Charlottesville
amounting to $3240- only $760 of the principal of
that debt having been paid during the past year, In view of
the large balance on hand, and the fact that the $25,000 which
it was supposed would be needed for the water works will not be
required, at least for some time to come, your Committee are of
opinion that it would be expedient to discharge the whole of this
debt to the Bank at as early a day as practicable.
They think it probable that it can be paid at once without
inconvenience but if such should turn out not to be the case,
they recommend that the Proctor be instructed to reduce it as
rapidly as he can without interfering with the payment of other
demands which ought to be met.
Your Committee have been much surprised at the result exhibited
by the "Labor and Farm" account; and think it proper to
call the attention of the Board especially to it. It will be
seen that the disbursements amount to $1238.44 while the receipts
are only $120.97. Showing a balance against the farm of $1117.47.
It appears however from the explanations of the Proctor given
orally that some items are included in this account which should
not properly be charged against the farm. Of this character is
the hire of three of the servants who are employed, not upon
the farm, but about the buildings of the University. These items
amount together to $255 and to this sum should be added a charge
of $25.07 which it seems from his statement, was for a purchase
not to be included in the estimate of the cost of keeping up the
farm during the past year- But after deducting all these items
it appears that the farm cost, during the last year, the sum of
$837.40 over and above the amounts received from it. The whole
receipts not equalling the wages of the Overseer- In this state
of facts it deserves the serious consideration of the Board
whether some change should not be made in the management of this
matter. If it should be determined to abandon the effort to
keep up the Farm and thought expedient to rent out the land, it
would perhaps be best not to do so until the commencement of
the next year (1st Jany.) especially as the hands and teams may
be usefully employed in removing the old timbers, which will be
taken down when the Terraces are repaired: & which, under the
contract which has been made, will belong to the University.
But the Committee are not prepared to recommend decidedly what
course should be pursued with reference to the farm. There object
is to call the attention of the Board to the subject; so
that some action may be taken which will put an end to the present
state of affairs.
In connection with this subject your Committee would most
respectfully suggest for the consideration of the Board the propriety
of relieving the Proctor & Patron from the supervision
and care of the Buildings and other property of the University;
and employing the services of some practical man of business who
will understand and be able to give his whole attention to the
management and preservation of the buildings and public grounds.
for the Proctor to attend sufficiently to the out door
as well as the indoor duties which are now required of him.
Besides, it is not to be expected that one man can combine in
himself the qualifications requisite for the discharge of duties
so unlike in their character. Without intending therefore to reflect
upon the present Proctor (who as your Committee believe,
has done as much as could reasonably be expected of him under the
circumstances) it seems to them that the interests of the University
would be promoted by the appointment of a superintendent of
buildings and grounds, and a division of duties between him and
the Proctor, leaving to the latter the financial matters, and
those connected with the discipline of the Institution which now
belong to him. In that event the Proctor would probably be able
to dispense with the services of a clerk- whose salary as also
that of the present overseer, might be applied towards making
up the salary of the superintendent. But as to this matter also
the object of the Committee is rather to call the attention of
the Board to the subject than to suggest any definite plan.
Among the recommendations of the Proctor is one for repairs
of the roofs of the dormitories on the Eastern and Western Ranges
which, according to his estimate, will involve an expenditure
of some $2000. The Committee suppose that it would not be prudent
to incur such an expense without a preliminary examination
as to the best plan for the repairs- but this, as well as the
other repairs suggested, will as they suppose be referred to the
consideration of the Executive Committee.
In reference to the recommendation that gates should be
erected across the roads leading around the University the Committee
are of opinion that any which would be likely to afford
the desired protection would interfere too much with the convenience
of the residents at the University and of persons visiting
it on business or pleasure. But while they are not disposed
to adopt any course which can interfere with free access to all
parts of the University they concur with the Proctor in the opinion
that it is not proper that the roads leading around the University
and passing in front of the Dormitories and Hotels,
should be used as public roads by persons passing from one part
of the County to another. They are so used, as they understand,
chiefly, if not entirely by persons travelling the Lynchburg Road.
This may, and in the opinion of the Committee, ought to be prevented
by the erection of gates across the roads, on each side
of the Gymnasium, leading into the Lynchburg road near the points
where they unite with that road- These gates might be kept
locked, except when needed for the use of persons connected with,
or regularly dealing in, the University.
All which is respectfully submitted
F. B. Miller
W. J. Robertson."
A letter from the Faculty in reference to the compensation
of the assistants having been laid before the Board and considered
by them it is
Resolved that the salary of the assistants be fixed at $700
per annum- to be increased to $800 per annum after two years
years of service in the same school and to $1000 per annum after
five years of service in the same school.
The memorial of Dr Allen having been read and considered
it was on motion of Mr Olements
Resolved In consideration of the fact, that the demonstrator
of Anatomy, has been employed in the University for the last
three years, in active and efficient cooperation with those engaged
in the Department of Anatomy at a salary of $500- that the
same be now fixed at the sum of $700.
A Subpoena in Chancery having been served upon the Rector
and Visitors at the suit of Philip H. Jones surviving admr with
the will annexed of William W. Michie decd in the Circuit Court
of Hanover, the Executive Committee are requested to take the
necessary steps, by the employing of Counsel or otherwise, to
have the interests of the University attended to,
A communication from Charles B Shaw in relation to instruction
in civil engineering, having been read it was on motion of
Mr Robertson
Resolved That it is in the opinion of the Board inexpedient
to take any action under the communication received from Mr Shaw
in reference to instruction in Civil Engineering. The Board
then took a recess until 1 1/2 oclock P.M. for the purpose of
hearing the address of Lieut. Mauray and after the same was concluded,
reassembled. When on motion of Mr Robertson it was Ordered
that the Bursar be authorized to draw his checks upon the Auditor
for the amounts required for the repairs of the Terraces.
The Board then adjourned until four oclock P.M.
Evening Session.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
The Library Committee presented their report which was read.
The Committee on the Library beg leave to report.
That its condition, together with that of the books seems to be
good.
It would no doubt, be desirable to have a more full and accurate
catalogue, as the only one in print, bears date in the
year 1828 but in view of the means at the disposal of the Board,
the Committee are not prepared to recommend it. We do recommend
however that, the late additions to the library be included in
the present catalogue or a supplement to it, by transcription.
We beg leave to submit, herewith the report of the librarian
for the present year, giving a detailed account of the books
purchased or added during the present year together with those
which are in the hands of the professors and others,
We beg leave also, to recommend that the sum of named in
the report of the Librarian for the purpose of binding documents
&c be appropriated.
All of which is respectfully submitted
Sherrard Clements"
F. B. Miller"
The board then adjourned until tomorrow morning at 9 oclock A.M.
Friday June 29th 1855
Morning Session.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the same
gentlemen as on yesterday, and before any business had been
transacted adjourned to attend the Public exercises, After the
Mr Stevenson submitted the following Preamble & resolution
for adoption;-
Whereas it appears that the State Agricultural Society of
Virginia, animated by a desire to advance the interests of Agriculture,
by elevating the rank of the farming class of Virginia,
& placing its educational training by the side of the other
learned Professions of the State, and being moreover desirous
to employ a large portion of their ample funds, in the advancement
of an object, so desirable and praiseworthy, and at the same time
as the best means of rearing a monument to the Public spirit, &
Patriotism of the founders, of their Society; did at its last
annual meeting appoint a committee of thirteen of its distinguished
members to confer with the Board of Visiters of the
University of Virginia, for the purpose of ascertaining, upon
what terms, & conditions, & to what extent, that Institution,
would be disposed to cooperate with their Society, in the accomplishment
of their object, by the establishment of a Professorship
of Agriculture in the University, & which it was
the wish of the Society to endow, & support out of their funds.
And whereas 5 members of the Committee viz Franklin Miner,
Francis Cabell, Oscar Crutchfield, J. B. Baldwin, & Thos. Lee,
esquires, have been pleased to attend the Board of Visitors in
person, & a free conference & interchange of opinion, having
taken place upon the subject, to the mutual satisfaction of
all Parties & with a perfect understanding as to each others
views & opinions; the Board have adopted the following as the
Resolved, as the opinion of this Board that the proposition
of the State Agricultural Society of Virginia to endow & establish
a Professorship of Agriculture in the University, meets with the
cordial approbation of the members of this Board, & they accept
it in the same frank & generous spirit in which it has been made-Concurring
most fully, in the views & objects of the Agricultural
Society, as expressed through this committee & regarding the
object to be attained, as one of vital importance, to the best
interests of the People of Virginia, & as one of the most efficient
means for the dissemination of Agricultural knowledge among men
& their Posterity, & the promotion of moral progress; & moreover
as well calculated to ensure the ultimate success and triumph
of this noble institution, identified with the best interests &
glory of our beloved Old Commonwealth; the members of this Board
consent, & agree to accept the endowment of the Professorship
offered; & give to the Society of Agriculture, an assurance, that
the authorities of the University will use the powers confided
to them, to have the proposed Professorship established in the
manner, best calculated to meet the wishes & objects of the
Society, & ensure to the Farmers of Virginia, a complete course
of Agricultural instruction, upon a scale of the most rigid economy:-
Resolved that the Rector be requested to communicate to the
Chairman of the Committee of the Agricultural Society, a copy
of the foregoing preamble & resolutions, with an assurance that
the Board of Visitors, regard the liberal proposition that has
been made, as a fit subject for sincere & candid congratulations.
Mr Stevenson offered the following resolution for adoption:-
Resolved that the Rector be requested to make application
to the ensuing Legislature to remove the restriction imposed by
the present enactments as to the number of Professors, in the
University & to ask that power may be given to the Board of
Visitors to increase the number. This in their opinion, the
interests of the institution should require it.-
The question being put on this resolution, it was unanimously
adopted.
Col H. B. Tomlin appeared and took his seat at the Board.
A report from a committee of the Faculty was laid before
the Board and the following resolution was on motion of Mr
Stevenson adopted
Resolved that the report be referred to the Executive Committee,
and that they be requested to take such order in the
matter, as may appear to them proper under the circumstances.
Mr Stevenson from the Committee of Inspection offered the
the following report.
The Committee of Inspection have not had time sufficient
to make as thorough an examination as might have been desired,
but they have availed themselves of every leisure moment in
making the best examination in their power, and submit the following
report to the Board.
The several departments of the University appear to be in
their usual good order and condition. The library is in good
order, the books being arranged according to the order of the
printed catalogue and the shelves are labeled, but for further
of the Committee on the library. In examining the buildings the
Committee found great delapidation and injury in many of the
buildings and especially in the dormitories and the ceiling of
the terraces, this last however will soon be remedied, by the
contemplated repairs of the terraces.
They find the public water closets in a very filthy state
and a perfect nuisance endangering the health of the students,
and even of those who reside within the limits of the University.
The grounds also seem to have been greatly neglected, and
are in a wretched state, It is an act of justice to the Proctor
to state, that he informed the committee, that he had not the
means nor experience requisite to keeping them in order, The
Committee are decidedly of the opinion that some remedy ought
to be applied, and as a means of remedying the evil it might be
advisable to separate the duties of the Proctor and place all
the out door duties of his office under the management of a
skilful man of business; by so doing your Committee are of the
opinion that the evils referred to may be avoided, and the
Buildings and grounds of the University properly cared for.
All which is respectfully submitted
A. Stevenson
J. L. Carr
Mr Robertson offered the following resolution
Resolved that one of the Dormitories now in the occupancy
of Dr Howard be appropriated to the use of Students, or of one
of the assistant Professors, as the Proctor in his discretion
may think fit, to which Mr Tomlin offered the following substitute.
Resolved that no Professor shall be at liberty to occupy
more than one dormitory adjoining his pavilion, he paying the
rent and making the repairs required of the Students occupying
dormitories.
Mr Tomlin called for the Ayes and Nos on his substitute
and the question was decided in the negative by the following
vote.
| Ayes | Mr Tomlin |
| Nos | Messrs Miller Robertson, Carr, Clements and Stevenson. |
The vote being then taken on Mr Robertsons resolution it
was carried unanimously
On motion of Mr Robertson it was
Resolved that Dr Socrates Maupin be appointed Chairman of
the Faculty for the next twelve months after the expiration of
his present term.
Resolved that the Proctor be authorized to cause to be
erected gates across the roads on each side of the gymnasium,
where they meet with the Lynchburg road, to be kept closed except
when persons connected with, trading to, or visiting, the
University desire to pass through them.
Resolved that one half of the cost of a Band of music for
the closing exercises at the end of each session (including the
celebrations of the literary societies) be paid by the Proctor
and that the band shall be under his control.
Mr Stevenson offered the following resolution which was
adopted.
Having reason to believe from the experience of past years
and benefit to the University be relieved from the supervision
and care of the Buildings and other public property of the
University and that all the out-door duties, might with advantage
be confided to some skilful and practical man, who could devote
his whole time to the discharge of these and other duties for
a suitable compensation. Resolved that the whole subject be referred
to the Executive Committee with authority to divide the
duties of the Proctor in the manner suggested, and with power
to them to make the appointments of such an assistant with a
salary not exceeding $1200 if in their opinion the interests of
of the University would be promoted by such apportionment and
division of labor between the Proctor & such superintendent, and
in case such division shall take place, the offices and salaries
of overseer & clerk of the Proctor shall cease, and their respective
salaries be applied to the payment of the superintendent aforesaid.
It appearing that the Proctor and Patron has executed
bonds in the penalties required by the resolutions passed on the
29th day of June 1854 and that the surities thereto, made affidavit
to their sufficiency on the 21st of August 1854 but that
said bonds have never been submitted to the Executive Committee
for their approval and that there is no evidence before the
board, of the continued sufficiency of said sureties at the
present time, it is ordered that the Proctor and Patron be required
to lay before the executive committee, such evidence within sixty
days from this time and obtain their approval of the said bonds.
And it further appearing that the Bursar has not as yet
executed the bond and furnished the evidence required by said
to do has been purely accidental, the Board doth order that the
Bursar execute said bond and procure the approval of the Executive
Committee within sixty days from this date.
Mr Tomlin offered the following resolution
Resolved that the sessions of the University shall commence
on the 1st day of September and terminate on the 4th day of July
ensuing to which Mr Carr offered the following substitute
Resolved that in future the sessions of the University shall
commence on the first day of September in each year, and terminate
on the 15th day of June thereafter, pending the resolutions Mr
Miller moved to indefinitely postpone their consideration which
was agreed to
Ays Messrs Miller Robertson & Cabell
Nos Messrs Carr and Tomlin.
Daniel Ward is appointed Hotel Keeper in the place of
William Wertenbaker who has resigned.
Resolved that the Executive Committee be requested to examine
into and determine upon the repairs necessary to be made
during the next year and to cause the same to be made upon such
plan as they may deem most advisable,
Resolved that the Executive Committee be requested to consider
and report to the next meeting of this Board the propriety
of providing suitable accommodations for the Board of Visitors.
Resolved that the secretary of the Board be directed to
copy into a book all resolutions referred to the Executive Committee.
Messrs Stevenson Robertson and Tomlin were on motion continued
as the executive Committee.
Resolved that the Rector be authorized to fill any vacancies
which may occur in the Executive Committee during the recess of
the Board.
Resolved that the Rector be requested to apply to the
Legislature for such additional appropriation as may appear to
be necessary to obtain a supply of water for the University;
and to ask also for authority to condemn the land necessary to
be used for that purpose, or to give in exchange for it a portion
of the land of the University if it shall appear to the Visitors
that, that course is preferable to a condemnation.
The Board then adjourned without day.
| Board of Visitors minutes June 26, 1855 | |