University of Virginia Library

The Board met pursuant to adjournment on the 23d of
September last.

Present- R. G. H. Kean, Rector, E. B. Montague, Moses
Walton, Thomas Smith, & Micajah Woods.

The Rector appointed the following Committees.
Finance Com. Mr. Walton, Col. Campbell, & Maj. Carrington
Committee on Grounds & Buildings Judge Smith, Col. Berkeley
Committee on Apparatus Col. Montague, Mr. Baker
Committee on Library Mr. Woods, Mr. Baker.

The Rector laid before the Board the following communications,

1. The Report of the Faculty

2. The Report of the Librarian,

3. The Report of the Proctor and Superintendent,
all of which were reserved for future consideration.

Resolved that B. Johnson Barbour Esq. be requested to prepare
the proceedings on the occasion of the inauguration of
the Jefferson Statue, and to have the same and the address of
Hugh Blair Grigsby at the time, published, for the use of the
University provided the cost shall not exceed the unexpended
balance of the appropriation for the erection of said statue.

The Chairman of the Executive Committee made a verbal report
of the transaction of said Comee since the last meeting of the
Board, - as follows-

1. That the General Assembly had been applied to, for, and
had passed an act authorizing the appointment of a Conservator

of the Peace at the University- Acts 1872-3 Ch. 11.

2. That in consequence of the movement made by the Society
of Alumni, the Comee regarding it as injudicious to have two
competing agencies in the field, have taken no action under
the resolution of the last meeting in respect to the appointment
of an agent to solicit endowments.

3. That the General Assembly has passed the profered Act
to encourage donations to the University. See Acts 1872-3 ch 121

4. That the Comee had found it necessary to authorize the
appropriation for Gas, to be exceeded by a sum not exceeding $75.

5. That application had been made to the Genl. Assembly
for the passage of an act looking to a connection between the
University and the Public Free School System as indicated on page
364 of this Record, [p. 319 typed copy], but in consequence of
the development of very unlooked-for opposition in the House
of Delegates the proposition was withdrawn.

6. That the Comee had at the instance of the Faculty,
authorized the expenditure of $150 in advertizing during the
months of May & June, as authorized by the Board.

7. That the illness & death of Dr. Wm. H. McGuffey had
rendered necessary some arrangements for completing the term of
instruction, and conducting the Examinations in the School of
Moral Philosophy for the remainder of the session, and this had
been done, by the Faculty with the approval of the Comee through
an arrangement between the family of Dr. McGuffey and D.T.D.
Witherspoon in a manner reported to be highly satisdactory.

8. That Prof. L. Boeck having been appointed a Commissioner
to the Vienna Exposition by the U. S. Government, the Comee

had given him leave to absent himself after the 7th June, 1873,
for the residue of the present session, the examinations in
his class having been completed and arrangments made for continuting
the instruction of the class, to the end of the
session.

At a regular annual meeting of the Board of Visitors of the
University of Va held at their office in the said University
on the 25th day of June in the year Eighteen hundred &
seventy-three.

The Rector laid before the Board the correspondence between
him & the Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United
States in respect to the gift to the Library of this University
by the Government of Great Britain of certain publications of
the Record Office consisting of Two hundred and fifty-eight
volumes transmitted by the British Government to this Universty
through the American Minister to Great Britain and the State
Department at Washington, from which correspondence and the
papers therewith as well as from the report of the Librarian
it appears that the intrinsic value of the said gift, is enhanced
by the marked courtesy with which it was made.
Whereupon it was resolved

That the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia
hereby record their grateful thanks to the Government of Her
Majesty the Queen of Great Britain for the very valuable contribution
to the Library of the University made in November
last consisting of Tow Hundred & fifty-eight volumes of the
Publications of the Record Commission.

That this Board desires at the same time, to put on record
their high appreciation of the very courteous manner in which
they are informed the said gift was made.

That the Librarian of the University cause the said volumes
to be placed together in a separate alcove in the Library conspicuously
marked with the words "Donation by the Government of
Great Britain", and that he cause each of the said volumes to
be marked with a label bearing the same words.

That the Secretary of State of the United States be respectfully
requested to cause a copy of these proceedings to be communicated
to the proper Department of her Majesty's Government
in token of the sentiments of this Board- and to that end that
a copy thereof duly attested under the seal of the University
be transmitted by the Rector to the said Secretary of State.

Resolved further That the thanks of this Board are due,
and are hereby tendered to the Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary
of State of the United States and to the American Legation at
the Court of Great Britain for the kind interest, efficient
aid and courtesy extended to this University in connection with
the said donation. The Board adjourned to meet tomorrow at
10 A. M.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment on yesterday.

Present, the Rector and the same members as on yesterday
and in addition, Col. Campbell.

The Rector laid before the Board a letter from Prof. Charles
S. Venable expressing his thanks for the kind manner in which
the Board expressed their confidence in him as the Chief Executive
Officer of the University and asking for reasons stated
in the letter to be permitted to decline the office- which
letter was ordered to be filed.

The Finance Committee submitted its report, which being
considered was adopted as follows:

Resolved-

1. That in view of the continued embarrassment of the
finances of the University and the difficulties arising out

of this fact- it is deemed best to avoid the adoption of any
general rules of action in relation to salaries, at the present
session of the Board.

2. That without intending to establish any precedent for
future action, the Board with a view to provide for the present
emergency deem it expedient to fix the salaries of the Professors
for the ensuing year as follows: viz-

Ordered

1. That until the further order of the Board, the following
be the stated salaries paid to the respective Professors, viz-

                             

To the Professor of Latin	$1000
To the Professor of Greek	1000
To the Professor of Modern Languages	1000
To the Professor of Mathematics	450
To the Professor of Applied Mathematics	800 M.B.$20
To the Professor of Natural Philosophy	900
To the Professor of Chemistry & Pharmacy which $500 is paid by the Miller Board	550 of
To the Professor of Medicine	1000
To the Professor of Physiology & Surgery	1000
To the Professor of Anatomy &c	1000
To the Professor of Moral Philosophy	1000
To the Professor of History & Literature	1000
To the Professor of Int1. & Const1. Law	100
To the Professor of Common & Stat Law	100
	$10,900

2. That each professor be paid the full amount of fees
of tuition paid on account of his chair.

3. That if in any school or chair the aggregate emoluments
from salary and fees be less than $2000 there shall be paid
to the professors, from the general fund, for instruction of
state students, and other non paying students such a sum as
shall make his aggregate pecuniary emoluments up to the sum
of $2000.

4. That if the aggregate number of paying students shall
decline below the number of the present session (1872-3) then
in each school or chair affected by such decline, to an extent
greater than if such decline were uniform in all the schools
or chairs, there shall be paid to the professors thereof out
of the general fund for instruction to state students and
other non-paying students, such a sum as will make his emoluments
equal to what they would be, if such decline were uniform
in all the schools or chairs.

5. No professor shall under any circumstances whatever,
receive less than the sum of $1000 a year. And if by reason
of any general disaster, such as the dispersion of the students
early in any session by the breaking out of an epidemic, or
other extraordinary misfortune to the University, the foregoing
scheme of compensation is rendered inequitable, the
Board reserves to itself the authority to make such special
provision in such case as to it may seem just and right, and
will be consistent with the general laws.

On motion the further consideration of the Report of the
Finance Committee was postponed until tomorrow.

The Board then proceeded to consider the letter of Prof.
Venable noted as filed, in a previous part of today's proceedings.
It was thereupon

Resolved That the Board of Visitors recognize the sufficiency
of the reasons given by Professor Venable for declining the
office of Chairman of the Faculty.

The Board desires to express upon its records its earnest
appreciation of the zeal, ability and success with which Professor
Venable has administered the office.

On motion the Board adjouened to meet tomorrow at 10 A.M.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment on yesterday. Present
the same members as on yesterday.

The Board proceeded, on motion to consider the Report of
the Faculty, thereupon

1. Resolved, That the Professor of Natural History & Agriculture
be authorized to use the large room in the rear of the
old chemical lecture room for his lectures and for the display
of Specimens connected with his Department.

2. Resolved, That the Professors of Greek be authorized to
use the room heretofore assigned to the school of Moral Philosophy
such arrangements to be made as will avoid any conflict in
the use of the same between the two schools.

3. Resolved That a diploma of graduation may be given in
General Chemistry, in industrial Chemistry or in industrial &
general Chemistry- the arrangement of degrees to correspond
with that hitherto in use in the School of Modern Languages.

4. Resolved, That a diploma of graduation may be given in
analytical Chemistry and a certificate of proficiency in
Agricultural Chemistry.

5. Resolved, That the three preceding resolutions shall
take effect as of the commencement of the session of 1872-3,
and that diplomas and certificates of proficiency as therein
provided for be awarded accordingly.

6. Resolved, That a diploma of graduation may be given in
Natural History and Agriculture- as in each of the schools of
the University and a certificate of proficiency in Natural
History when studied alone.

Resolved, That hereafter there be one assistant in the
school of Applied Mathematics, with a salary of $500 who shall
also give instruction in drawing, for which he shall receive from
each paying student in the drawing class a fee of $10.

Ordered, That the Pavilion No. 9 heretofore occupied by
Prof. McGuffey, be assigned to Professor Venable, and the
Pavilion now occupied by Professor Venable be assigned to
Professor Peters, with authority to the said Professors to
make such different allotment from the foregoing, of the said
Pavilions, between them, as they may agree upon.

Resolved That there shall be no curtailment of the appropriation
for labor or repairs & improvements, but that the wages
paid for an Overseer shall not exceed five hundred dollars.

The Committee on Grounds & Public Buildings submitted their
Report which the Board proceeded to consider.

Resolved, That in accordance with the recommendation of
the Committee on Grounds & Public Buildings, the cowhouses &
stables on the road to the Cemetary be removed and that the
Executive Committee be directed to indicate the site where other
such buildings may be erected by the Professors desiring them
upon such terms as may be agreed upon between said Executive
Committee and professors.

Resolved, In accordance with the report of the Committee on
Grounds & Buildings it is ordered that the Procter proceed to
remove the small building at the Eastern Entrance of the Grounds
now occupied as a shoe shop, and that such removal be made before
the 1st of October next.

Resolved, That the Chairman of the Faculty be requested to
have the water tanks over the library inspected and take such
steps as may be necessary for the certain protection of the
books from injury by the overflow or leaking of these tanks
and that it is hereby intended to put it in the discretion of
the Chairman to repair or remove the tanks or cut off the water
from the same, provided that no expense exceeding one hundred
dollars shall be incurred without consultation with the Executive
Committee.

On motion, ordered, that the Report of the Committee on
Grounds & Public Buildings be received and recorded.

Resolved, That the Board have received with much gratification
the information through the Committee on Public Buildings

&c, that the paths which so seriously disfigure the lawn have
been overcome, and that it is their earnest desire that the
Superintendent shall use every expedient for the prevention of
such paths in the entire grounds.

Resolved, That the attention of the Proctor is directed to
the condition of Dawson Row as reported by the Committee on
Public Buildings with instructions to make the repairs that
may be necessary for their preservation out of the general
appropriation for repairs & improvements but not to the neglect
of more essential matters.

On motion the Board proceeded to the election of Chairman
of the Faculty, which resulted in the unanimous election of
Professor James F. Harrison, his term to commence on 4th July
1873.

Resolved, That Natural History i.e. Botany & Zoology, be
replaced amongst the requirements for the degree of Bachelor
of Science.

Resolved, That authority is granted for the establishment
of a practical Laboratory class in Pharmacy and that a Certificate
of proficiency, may be granted to students passing an
approved examination in such Laboratory class & upon the regular
course of Lectures upon this subject; and that the fee for such
Laboratory course & Lectures be the same as that now charged
to Medical students working in said Laboratory.

Resolved, That the Rector be requested to confer with the
Miller Board in reference to the recommendations of the Faculty
in regard to an appropriation for the working Laboratory and
Scholarships.

Resolved, that the following appropriations be made for
the ensuing year, viz

Estimate of Expenditures for the year ending June 1874.

                                             

Salaries of 14 Professors	$10,400.00
Rent of 2 Professors (commutations)	600.00
Salary of assistant Professor	500.00
Salary of officers	3,600.00
Salary of adjunct Profes or (A & A Chy)	800.00
Advertising	600.00
Printing	140.00
Interest	6,500.00
Catalogue	400.00
Repairs & Improvements	2,000.00
Labour	1,200.00
Add for improvements & change ordered in the large room in rear of the Chemical lecture room	50.00
Library	200.00
Add for repairs in removal of water tanks	100.00
Contingent Expenses	1,250.00
Ice	200.00
Fuel estimated at	6,000.00
School of Nat. Ph.	100.00
School of Chemistry	150.00
School of Applied Math	30.00
Insurance	600.00
Gas	500.00
Diplomas	300.00

                 

Infirmary
Matron	$480.00
Servant	135.00
Physicians	1500.00
Fuel	145.00
Gas	25.00
Ice	15.00
Repairs	40.00
Contingent	90.00	2,400.00

Resolved, That all students over 21 years of age and such
students, under that age as may receive the permission of the
Faculty may reside outside the University, provided that upon
such students there be changed pro-rata the rents of all rooms
left unoccupied within the University itself; Such assessment
not to exceed to any student the ordinary amount of room rent.

Resolved, That the following students who have been prevented
from standing the examinations for graduation in their
respective schools by sickness, be permitted to stand their
examinations at such times as may be determined by their professors
of the respective schools in which they have so failed
to be examined. Mr. George Mason, in the school of law.

Mr. John R. Steele in the school of law.

Mr. Thos. E. Wilson in the Department of Medicine

Mr. Geo. A. Boone in the Department of Medicine

Report of the Committee on Grounds & Buildings.

To the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The Committee to whom has been committed for consideration

and report the condition of grounds & buildings beg leave to
submit the following: That the usual inspection indicates the
great need for repairs throughout the entire University property-
the buildings are suffering in many cases to decay, and
in some to ruin whilst the grounds themselves present appearance
that does not impress us and cannot impress the public favorably.
We would renew the suggestions continued in report of the Comee
for June meeting 1872 that some means should be devised and
steps taken to repair until it is made water proof the Terrace
around the Lawn. The brick walks under the Terrace will evidence
to the most casual observer dampness & moisture which
your committee fear may be prejudicial to health; and are admonished
by the few cases of Typhoid Fever to which attention
has been called in the annual report of the Faculty, that no
pains should be spared or reasonable outlay of money withheld
that may be conducive to the health of the University. Some
of the houses on what is known as Dawson's Row and to which the
attention of the Comee was called present evidences of dilapidation
and neglect which should have been remedied- for example one &
possibly more of these houses where false or Dummy windows
were intended by the architect and so left rough & uncouth
for blinds or shutters, still remain so & detract greatly
from the symetry [sic] & appearance of the building. The steps
made of common pine & so easily replaced are in several cases
decayed & in two entirely rotten. There are very many repairs
which your comtee could suggest and to which attention could
be profitably directed: but the embarrassments of the University
and the small & comparatively inadequate sum that can be
appropriated for this purpose render it useless in this report.
Your Comtee however would call the special attention of the
Board to the water tanks upon the rotunda building immediately
above the Library. In consequence of some defect in original
construction or in subsequent use or decay (neither of which
it would seem has been remedied) The Books of the Library have
been seriously injured from leakage of these tanks. The
Librarian informed the Comtee that various efforts had been
made to remedy the defects, but invariably without success; and
as evidence exhibited to us many of the Books which had been
permanently injured & in a few instances rendered unintelligable
and worthless. Your Committee recommend an investigation of
some competent engineer of these tanks and that provision be
made for their thorough and effective repair or removal.

The paths & short cuts made promiscuously through the
grounds are an eye sore; and should be broken up by some vigorous
means if only vigorous ones will accomplish that end.
They are unnecessary, unsightly and mar the general appearance
of the grounds. The Comtee have been gratified at the partial
success which seems to have followed the endeavours which they
are informed have been repeatedly made to break up the paths
especially the entire disappearance of them on the Lawn. But
they insist that renewed exertions and endeavor accompanied
with every kind of expedient shall be resorted to until they
shall disappear entirely from every part of the ground & Lawn.
Underbrush, bushes, saplings & dead limbs disfigure the trees
& foliage in some cases & may be easily cut up & destroyed &
should be done.

Your Comtee recommend the approval of the suggestion contained
in the 6th item of the report of the Faculty- and that
leave be granted the Professor of Natural History and Agriculture
to use for purposes of Lectures, display of specimens,
illustrations &c &c the large room in rear of the old Chemical
lecture room and that the appropriation of $50 as suggested
by the Faculty for repairs be audited and allowed. The Comtee
also recommend for approval 7th item of said Report; and in as
much as lectures of the two schools of Moral Philosophy & Greek
are delivered, one in the morning & one in the evening that
they both be permitted the use of the room heretofore used
only for the Moral Philosophy class.

The consideration of the 12th item said report belongs perhaps
strictly to the Finance Comtee yet this Committee deems
it proper & pertinent for them at least to say, that the rooms
& houses & property of the University could be less exposed to
disfigurement and better preserved if these rooms & houses were
in the possession of and under the control of the students;
and that in this view the suggestions of the Faculty are entitled
to consideration.

Your Committee further recommend the repair of the lightning
rods upon the public Buildings & Professors houses as may be
deemed necessary.

The attention of the Comtee has been called to a range of
stables, cow houses &c in rear of Dawson's Row, lying immediately
on the graveled walk to the University Cemetery- They are in
horrible condition, seemed scarcely to be used for any purpose,

still less that for which they are designed, the tops of some
of them fallen in and in all unsightly and apparently useless.
It is recommended that these stables be removed and the brick
either sold or stored for use of the University.

The shed houses opposite the Infirmary used as stables were
directed by Res- of last annual meeting to be removed by session
73-4-Reference is now made to these resolutions that the attention
of the Superdt may be recalled to them and that they be
strictly enforced.

Your Comtee have made some inspection of the Experimental
Farm, Prof. Page in the report heretofore filed before the
Board leaving exclusive reference to this Farm details its establishment
with the difficulties which he has experienced in
its advancement and development the past session 72-3 owing
partially to a protracted drought; to his dependence upon irregular
labor; to want of team &c. &c. The farm itself evidence
to your Comtee that as yet it is in its infancy and needs persistent
labor and attention if it is to become an ornament or of
practical value to the University. There was nothing to indicate
either high culture or thorough development in design or
execution. The spot selected for this Farm seems to be unfortunate
and altogether undesirable- the soil extremely poor and
barren, in part very moist and easily overflowed until put in
good heart and thorough drainage it is not probable the Experimental
Farm will be of practical benefit to the University.
This matter however is more directly connected with the Miller
Board of Trustees and therefore your Comtee declines to make
any suggestions to the Visitors or propose any Resolutions.

Your Comtee find scattered about the grounds and lawns of
the University the objectionable Alantton Tree. We think these
shd be removed and thoroughly extirpated. The grounds are
will filled with handsome trees which are neither offensive in
odour or prolific in progeny as the Alanttons, and no detriment
could be done by this removeal.

Your Comtee have observed in the public entrance to the
grounds from Charlottesville side and immediately at the Post
Office & directly visible from the R Rd. a small wooden structure
which detracts from the appearance of that portion of the
grounds and would doubtless impress unfavorably a stranger
visiting the University. It seems now to be used as a shoe
shop. It is thought best to remove this shop at once and your
Committee so recommend.

The usage which seems to have prevailed at the University
for many years would seem to be justification sufficient for
the recommendation that Yr. committee makes that the McGuffey
pavilion be assigned Prof. Venable. This usage together with
the reasons assigned by Prof. Venable in his communication upon
this subject to the Board, and a like Communication of Prof.
Peters herewith filed as an Exhibit (A) waiving his application
heretofore made, have removed all difficulties out of the way
of the Comtee and they therefore approve the application of
Prof. Venable that the McGuffey Pavilion be assigned him; that
the one heretofore used by Prof. Venable be placed at the disposal
of Prof. Peters; with the proviso that Prof. Venable and
Peters may make any other disposal of these two pavilions among
themselves that may be mutually satisfactory.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment on Saturday last.
Present, the same members as on Saturday last. The Board
was called to order by the Rector and proceeded to business.

Resolved, The Board having been informed, by the Chairman
of the Faculty, that satisfactory arrangements were made between
the family of Professor McGuffey and Rev. T. D. Witherspoon
in reference to the salary of the Professor of Moral Philosophy
for the session of 1872-3 it is ordered that said stated salary
be paid in full.

The Library Committee submitted its Report which on motion
after being read was received and ordered to be recorded.

To the Rector & Board of Visitors of The University of Va.

The undersigned on behalf of the Committee on the Library
begs leave to report that the condition of the books in the
Library is as good as could be expected in view of the difficulties
in the way of preserving them encountered by the Librarian
Some of the books in a few shelves have been injured
by the leakage or overflow from the water tanks above the
Rotunda. Your Committee has been informed by the Chairman of
the Faculty that this damage resulted chiefly from the over
flow of the water from the tanks and that recently pipes have
been so laid on the roof of the Rotunda as to prevent a recurrence
of this overflow.

Your Committee would recommend that the sum in the hands
of the Librarian collected for fines during the past year

amounting to $74 be specially appropriated for binding.

Your Committee would further recommend that the Board do
specially acknowledge by resolution the donation of 35 vols. of
the London Philosophical Transactions made by J. R. McDaniel
Irby Esqr. a student of the University of this session.

Next to the contribution made by the British Government to
the Library this one made by Mr. Irby is probably the most
valuable of the past years donations.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment on yesterday. Present
the same members as on yesterday.

The Committee on Apparatus submitted its Report which upon
being read on Motion was received and ordered to be recorded.

To the Rector of the Board of Visitors of the University
of Va.

The Committee on Apparatus respectfully report that they
have made the best examination of the subjects submitted to

them, which their limited time and information warranted.
Professors Smith and Mallet have both complied with the laws
of the University & returned to your Board full, and we presume,
accurate inventories of apparatus belonging to the Philosophical
cabinet of the University & to the schools of general, applied,
anylitical and agricultural Chemistry, which are desired to be
read as a part of this report. Your Committee feel constrained
to state in general terms that the condition of all the departments
examined, shows even to the uninitiated, not only that
master minds control, but that material exactness prevails. It
is hardly necessary to say that from Professors Smith & Mallet
your Committee received courtesy & aid in their investigation
which was as instructive as pleasant. Your Committee are pleased
to say, that no special appropriations are asked for by either
of these Professors, not because they are not needed, but because
they appreciate the financial embarrassments of the
University.

No formal meeting of the Board was held on this day.

The Board met at 9 1/2 A.M. Present the same members as
heretofore except Messrs. Walton & Carrington.

1. On motion Resolved, That a class of Practical Physics be
established in the School of Natural Philosophy and that such
class be formed whenever at least six students shall signify
their desire to attend it

2. The Faculty is empowered to award a diploma of graduation
to such student therein as shall exhibit distinguished proficiency
in the exercises and examinations in such class.

3. The course in such class will embrace the study of the
construction, management, preservation and practical use of
Physical Apparatus; the use of instruments of precision the
conduct of experiments; and such other appropriate subjects as
the Professor of Natural Philosophy shall prescribe.

4. The fee for instruction in such class shall be one hundred
dollars, to be paid by each student who shall attend six days
in the week, and fifty dollars for such as attend three days
in the week- such fees to include all charges for materials used-but
not to include charges for damages done to apparatus.

Ordered that the Board Stand adjourned until the next
regular annual meeting in June 1874.