 | Board of Visitors minutes June 27, 1881 |  |
27th June 1881.
The Board of Visitors met in annual session at the University
this day. Present: Alex. H. H. Stuart, Rector, John
Goode, Jr., W. C. N. Randolph, Jno. L. Marye & John F. Lay:
Jas. D. Jones, the Secretary of the Board, being too unwell
to attend, C. D. Fishburne was appointed Secretary, pro
tem and a quorum being present, on motion it was resolved that
the Secretary shall notify the Faculty that the Board is in
of the Faculty.
Pursuant to the last resolution, Dr. Jas. F. Harrison
Chairman of the Faculty, being notified appeared in person and
presented reports. He presented also a petition from a committee
of Students requesting the use of the Library for the morning
"Germans" during the Commencement week, whereupon, on motion of
Mr. Lay:
Resolved that the action of the Board in June 1880 denying
to the students the use of the Library for the "German" during
the Commencement week (see page 70) be rescinded and Dr. Harrison,
being present, was requested to inform the students of this action.
The Rector read to the Board the following letter which on
motion was ordered to be spread on the Records and is as follows:
Newport R. I. June 22, 1881
I have regretted that I was not able to attend the late
meeting of the Mining Engineers in Staunton, as besides the interest
of the occasion to which you kindly lent your aid, and
the opportunity of seeing you, one of the very few survivors of
my old Wm. & Mary Comrades & friends, I should have had the
pleasure of speaking to you of University affairs & especially
about the work which Prof. Fontaine is doing for the credit of
his Department.
Until my visit to the Univy last April I had not known
Prof. Fontaine personally, though somewhat cognizant of his
scientific work, through his published papers & my correspondence
my intercourse with him on that occasion & the exhibition he
made to me of the results of his more recent scientific labours,
I was more than confirmed in the high opinion I had previously
formed of his solid abilities as a scientific worker & I became
more than ever assured of the benefits which his labours would
confer upon his Department & upon the community.
Prof. Fontaine's extreme modesty & retiring habits might
perhaps lead a stranger to a false impression as to his merits;
but no one interested in his pursuits could hold conversation
with him, without recognizing the quiet enthusiasm & the true
spirit of the Naturalist.
In examining the extensive work on the fossil plants &c of
the Virginia Mesozoic Rock (the middle & upper Secondary of
My Reports) which he kindly submitted to my inspection, I was
greatly impressed by the critical nicety of his observations
and the beauty & faithfulness of his drawings of the objects,
described, a large number of which are of his own discovery.
I am sure that this forthcoming memoir while adding to the reputation
he already acquired in this Department of Geology will
reflect credit on the University.
From all that I have seen I feel persuaded that with due
encouragement his department is destined to secure increasing
favour with the students & with the public, & to vindicate more
& more the wisdom of its establishment in the University.
With Kindest remembrances, believe me dear Sir.
To Honl. A. H. H. Stuart
A letter was read from Prof. F. H. Smith requesting permission
to extend his absence from the Uy. on a visit to Europe
till the 20 Octo. next: whereupon, on motion:
The Board cordially extends to Prof. Smith a leave of
absence till 20 October 1881.
The Report of the Chm of Faculty is as follows:
Herewith I respectfully transmit reports &c as follows, viz:
1. Faculty Report.
2. Proctor's Reports.
3. Report of Commissioner of accounts.
4. Report of Prof. of the School of Geology &c.
5. Report of the Infirmary Board.
6. Librarian's Report.
7. Report of Prof. of School of Genl & Industrial Chemistry.
8. Report of Adjt. Prof. Thornton (Agricultural Dept.)
9. Report of Prof. Mallett (Agricultural Dept.)
Letters of Prof. F. H. Smith,
A. M. Stone
Tables of salaries.
It is gratifying to report that the discipline of the University
has been good. The students, as a rule, have been
studious: and an excellent condition of health has prevailed
among them: Some dissatisfaction has been expressed by a large
number of them on the ground of their not being able to enjoy
the privileges of changing, at least at the end of a quarter,
such change renders it necessary for them to make an entire
removal of their furniture, etc. after having gone to some
expence, and having taken in many cases, a good deal of pains
to make their rooms neat and comfortable for the session: and
further they say that inasmuch as all the rooms are occupied
and most of them have been fitted up as stated above, for the
term, they are virtually deprived of the privilege to change
their place of boarding under the existing rule. I would respectfully
ask if the Secretary to the Faculty, a position now
held by the Asst Librarian - is entitled to compensation?
There was an allowance of four hundred Dollars, some years
since, for the duties of the position.
Chairman of the Faculty.
The Report of the Infirmary Board dated 22 June 1881
signed by Drs. Cabell, Davis, & Harrison, shows receipts for
fiscal year ending 31 May 1881 $2881.95 and expenditures
$2164.55 leaving Bal. in hand $717.40 and contains the following
suggestion, viz. "Of the balance of funds on hand it will
be desirable to expend about one hundred or one hundred & fifty
dollars for new furniture. It is proposed to invest the surplus
in interest bearing securities to be approved by the
Executive Committee, in accordance with an order of the Board."
On motion of Mr. Lay this was received and approved.
On motion of Mr. Goode- resolved that:
The subjects attended to in the Report of the Chairman of
the Faculty be referred to their appropriate standing Committees
On motion of Dr. Randolph-
Resolved that the Finance Committee be directed to examine
and verify the bonds bought by the Proctor with the sinking
Fund and that they are hereby authorized to destroy the same
if found correct.
Mr. Conrad appeared and reputed [reported?] before adjournment.
On motion the Board adjourned to meet tomorrow, the 28th,
at 9 O'clock A.M.
Alex. H. H. Stuart
Rector
C. D. Fishburne
Secy pro tem.
28 June 1881.
Board met pursuant to the adjourning order of yesterday.
Present: Alex. H. H. Stuart, Rector: & Messrs. Goode, Marye,
Conrad, Lay & Randolph.
On motion - resolved:
That the Proctor be directed to purchase for the rooms in
the Infirmary used by members of the Board, suitable drining
[drinking?] glasses.
On motion
Resolved that the Board approve the recommendation of
Prof. Fontaine contained in his communication bearing date June 28
1881 and that, in addition to the unexpended balance heretofore
appropriated to defray the expences of his Geological examinations,
a sum not exceeding $400. (Four Hundred Dollars) is hereby
appropriated for the purchase of a wagon, tents and for other
also- Resolved that permission is hereby given to Prof. Fontaine
to use the basement end-room in the Museum next to the Rotunda
for the exhibition of Mineral specimens: and that the same shall
be fitted up by the Proctor (under the supervision of Prof.
Fontaine) with cases to hold these specimens as they may be
accumulated.
On motion, resolved:
That the Finance Committee, be directed to appropriate Four
Thousand Dollars ($4000) to the sinking fund- in pursuance of
the recommendation made by the Proctor in his Report.
On motion, resolved:
That the Faculty is requested to appoint a committee of the
Faculty to confer with the Board of Visitors on Wednesday at 10
A.M. in regard to the matter of determining what shall be the
relations of the School of Nat. Hist: & Geology to the Master's
Degree- also:
In reference to the recommendation of the Faculty in reference
to instruction in Botany- and a change in the name of the
School of Zoology, Agricultural Botany, & Agriculture: and as
to assistance in the Schools of Greek & Mathematics.
Board then adjourned, in order to give time to the Committees
to prepare their reports- till tomorrow morning at 9 O'clock.
Alex. H. H. Stuart
Rector
C. D. Fishburne
Secy pro tem.
29 June 1881
Board met pursuant to adjournment of yesterday. Present:
Mr. Stuart, Rector and Messrs Conrad, Lay, Randolph, Whitehead
& Marye.
On motion:
Resolved that the recommendation of the Faculty that, for
the present, the graduates in Geology & Mineralogy, subjects
taught in the School of Natural History and Geology, not studying
Botany - be entitled to diplomas as Graduates in Geology &
Mineralogy, is approved and that they be authorized to issue
the same as recommended.
On motion:
Resolved (pursuant to the recommendation of the Faculty)
that the School heretofore known as the School of Zoology, Agricultural
Botany and Agriculture, be hereafter known as the
"School of Agriculture, Zoology and Agricultural Botany: and
as each of the subjects herein named is taught in a separate
course, a certificate of Proficiency shall be granted to successful
students in each.
The Board having had in consideration the relation which the
School of Natural History & Geology should bear to the attainment
of the degree of Master of Arts and a Committee of the Faculty,
having by invitation of the Board, expressed its views on this
subject in the following recommendation, presented by Professors
Mallet, Price & Page - to wit:
"Resolved that we recommend,
1st That the Degree of Bot. as at present organized be made
necessary to the attainment of the degree of M.A.
"2nd That, in order to bring the School of Nat: Hist: &
Geology within the range of the Master's degree, graduation in
that school be admitted as a substitute for graduation in Hist.
& Lit. or in Chemistry, or in Natural Philosophy or in Moral
Philosophy.
"In respect of the 1st recommendation, the action of the
Committee is without definite instructions from the Faculty and
we would therefore ask to have an opinion, if approved by the
Board, referred back to the Faculty.
Whereupon, & on motion:
The Board do order,
1st That, in order to bring the School of Natural History
and Geology within the range of the Master's degree, graduation
in that School be admitted as a substitute for graduation in
History & Literature, or in Natural Philosophy or in Moral
Philosophy and,
2nd That the attainment of the degree of Bachelor of Arts
as at present organized, be made necessary to the Degree of
Master of Arts.
The "Miller Board", through a Committee, presented to the
Board a Report of Messes Minor & Barbour and a Supplement by
Mr. B. J. Barbour, which gave the results of their visit to
Agricultural Colleges in some of the Northern States and in
Canada- which Reports were read by the Board.
The society of Alumni, through a committee, of which Col.
C. S. Venable was Chairman, presented to the Board the following
communication.
June 29, 1881
The Society of the Alumni of the University of Virginia,
to the Rector & Board of Visitors, Greeting:
We have the honour to turn over to the Board of Visitors
the funds collected for the endowment of the Professorship and
Working fund of the Leander McCormick Observatory with the
following conditions:
1st That the Rector and Board of Visitors shall pay out of
the funds of the University the sum of Two thousand Dollars
($2000) to the expense fund of the collection.
2nd That the Rector & Board of Visitors of the University
shall provide a house for the Director of the Observatory
(Professor of Astronomy).
3rd That Mr. Leander J. McCormick shall have the privilege
of nominating the first Professor (Director) for the consideration
of the Board.
We beg leave to make the following statement of the whole
matter:
Through the kindness of Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt who has consented
that his munificent gift of twenty five thousand dollars
may be applied as is thought best for the interests of the University.
The fund for the endowment will stand thus:
| Professorship (various subscribers) | $50,000.00 |
| Working Fund (Mr. Vanderbilt's gift) | $25,000.00 |
Mr. Leander J. McCormick in addition to his splendid gift
of the Great Telescope has pledged himself to build the
($18,000.)
The Society of the Alumni propose that as an appropriate
and graceful recognition of Mr. McCormick's generous munificence
the Observatory shall always be styled the "Leander McCormick
Observatory" and that this be carved in marble over its entrance.
The Society proposed also that the noble contribution of
Mr. Wm. H. Vanderbilt be kept as a distinctive and separate
working fund, known as the "W. H. Vanderbilt endowment."
We would request also that the Rector & Board of Visitors
shall have prepared a handsomely embossed roll of the names of
the contributors of the larger amounts to the $50,000 fund to
be hung in a suitable place in the Library.
Another condition is imposed upon the gift in accordance
with the earnest desire of Mr. McCormick to promote active astronomival
work by his foundation- and that is, that the Director
of the Observatory (Professor of Astronomy) shall have no teaching
to do in the University, except in Practical & Theoretical
Astronomy.
J. W. Stevenson, Pres. S. of Alumni
of Alumni of U. of Va.
The Rector appointed Messrs Marye, Conrad and Whitehead
a Committee to prepare a suitable response to this communication
recd from the Society of Alumni.
On motion, the following resolutions were adopted and certified
to the Miller Board, now in session: (Mr. Lay being absent)
1st That we offer to the Board of Trustees of the Miller
Fund our thanks for the report of their Committee travelling to
examine the Agricultural Colleges of the United States and
Canada.
2. That in reply to the suggestions that we should make
tuition free for students of agriculture in that School and the
other Schools of the University one would state that at present
tuition is free for Virginia students over 18 years of age, after
examination, leaving the fee for matriculation alone to be paid
and that we will consider at this meeting of our Board the propriety
of conceding that, in addition, to students of agriculture
3. That we will also consider the advisability of offering
a bonus to students of agriculture, the fund to be supplied
from the interest on the Miller fund.
4. We do not think it advisable to incorporate into the
laws of the University one requiring compulsory manual labor
of its students. If any such requirement is to be imposed, it
could only, in our judgment, be successfully maintained under
an arrangement which provides for the separate accommodation,
employment and association of the manual labour students: and
we do not see that the Miller fund at our disposal is at all
adequate to procure and equip a farm with the buildings and appointments
indispensable to the successful conduct of a manual
labor Farm.
5. In regard to the suggestions implied in the said Reports,
that the Professor of Agriculture could inspire interest in &
draw favor to his School by addresses delivered to Agricultural
by some action in aid of this effort on the part of that Professor
6. Always glad to receive suggestions from the Board of
the Miller Trustees as to the management of the School of Agriculture,
we ask that more specific suggestions may be made if
the Board of M. Ts. think proper
At this stage of proceedings, Messrs. Thos. S. Bocock and
Jno. H. Gilmore, members of the Board arrived & reported for
duty.
On motion, the Board adjourned till 9 A.M. tomorrow.
Alex. H. H. Stuart
Rector
C. D. Fishburne,
Secy pro tem.
Board met pursuant to adjourning order of yesterday at
9 A.M.
30 June 1881.
Present: Messrs Stuart, Rector: Randolph, Conrad, Whitehead,
Marye, Lay, Bowcock, & Gilmore.
On motion,
Resolved that another member be added to the Executive
Committee and Mr. Conrad being nominated, was duly elected a
member of said Committee - which now therefore consists of
Messrs Randolph, Bowcock & Conrad & the Rector, ex officio.
The Committee to whom it was referred on yesterday to
prepare a suitable response to the communication received from
the Society of Alumni, reported as follows:
The Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia having
received a communication from the Society of Alumni of this Institution,
tendering to them the funds necessary for the building
and endowment of the McCormick Observatory, desire to place
on record their sense of obligation to the munificent donors to
whose liberality in the main this great accession to the scientific
facilities of the University is due, and to the Society of
Alumni by whose faithful & unwearied labors the consummation in
which we rejoice has been accomplished.
Therefore, resolved;
1. That the Board of Visitors tender to Mr. Leander J. McCormick
their thanks for the very generous gift of the great Telescope
and Observatory-building which has entitled him to the
lasting gratitude of the State of Virginia and of all friends of
learning: and in appropriate recognition of his munificence the
Board hereby direct that the Observatory shall always be known
and designated as the "Leander McCormick Observatory."
2. That the hearty thanks of the Board are hereby tendered
to Mr. William H. Vanderbilt for his liberal donation of Twenty
five thousand Dollars in connection with the McCormick Observatory
which generous aid has proved of special value in contributing
to the full success of Mr. McCormick's design:
3. That the Board of Visitors very highly appreciate the
labors of the Society of Alumni to make available for the University
the donations of Mr. McCormick and Mr. Vanderbilt. To
them and to the various contributors by whose donations the endowment
fund of Fifty thousand dollars was secured within the
limited time, the University acknowledges a debt of inexpressible
gratitude.
4. That the Executive Committee be directed to take all
necessary steps for the receipt and proper management and investment
of the funds now turned over to the University by the
Society of Alumni. And that in consultation with Professors
Smith, Venable, Mallett & Thornton they shall determine the site
for the Observatory and the residence of the Director, and control
the arrangements for the erection of those buildings, especially
taking care that the name, "Leander McCormick Observatory" be
placed on a marble slab over the entrance of the Observatory.
5. That a new "School" shall be established in the University
to be known as "the School of Astronomy", which shall be
opened as soon as the buildings shall be in a suitable state.
The Salary of the Professor shall be the same as those of other
"Schools" and he shall teach theoretical & practical Astronomy, &
no other subject. He shall be Director of the McCormick Observatory
and shall devote his time when not occupied with instruction
of classes to astronomical investigations and practical
use of the Observatory, for systematic exploration & work.
In the election of said Professor for the first time, Mr.
Leander J. McCormick shall have the privilege of nominating a
suitable person for the position to be considered by the Board.
6. That the sum of Two thousand Dollars be and the same
is hereby appropriated out of the funds of the University to be
paid to the endowment fund of the McCormick Observatory according
to the first condition mentioned in the communication of the
Society of Alumni and that the sum of dollars
be and the same is hereby appropriated for the erection of a
suitable residence for the Director of the Observatory, according
to the second condition of the same paper:
And that the donation of Mr. Vanderbilt of twenty five
thousand dollars shall be kept as a distinctive and separate
"working fund", the income of which shall be devoted to astronomical
work proper. This fund shall be known as the "Vanderbilt
Endowment" and the Executive Committee are hereby directed to
prepare and cause to be hung in the Library a handsomely embossed
roll of the names of the contributors of the larger amounts to
the fund of fifty thousand Dollars.
(signed) Jno. L. Marye, Chmn.
Whereupon, on motion:
Resolved: that the Rector is requested to transmit to Mr.
Leander J. McCormick and to Mr. William H. Vanderbilt the resolutions
expressing the appreication of the Board as to the generous
gifts of these gentlemen to the University.
2. That the Secretary of the Board send forthwith to the
Society of the alumni a copy of the Preamble and resolutions
adopted by the Board in response to the communication from the
Society in reference to the McCormick Observatory.
On motion the following order was adopted:
It appearing to the Board of Visitors desirable and proper
that a permanent system of water supply, of drainage & sewerage
and of light & ventilation should be established for the University:
and that all future extension and improvement of the
public grounds & buildings should be conducted on a fixed and
uniform plan.
Resolved,
That to this end the Executive Committee be now instructed
to engage the services of some skilled and experienced person,
premises, will contrive such system and prepare such plan as may
be adequate & suitable for the purpose & report the same, with
the specifications thereof, to the Executive Committee: and the
same, if approved by them, shall be adopted.
And a sum not exceeding $500. is appropriated for the
purpose.
Col. R. T. W. Duke secretary of the Miller Board presented
the following Resolutions which had been adopted by that Board
and ordered to be sent to this Board.
"Resolved 1. That in the opinion of this Board success in
the Miller Agricultural School of this University cannot be
attained without a thorough reorganization of the School - it
having proved a lamentable failure under its present management.
2. That this Board is unwilling to make further appropriations
till such reorganization can be had.
3. That, in accordance with the resolutions of the Board
of Visitors (passed on yesterday) inviting suggestions from this
Board, this Board will be pleased to meet the Board of Visitors,
or a Committee thereof, at the University of Virginia on the
25th of July next, or at such other place & time as may be more
agreeable to the Board of Visitors, when this Board will make
suggestions looking to a proper reorganization of the Ag. School."
These Resolutions having been read, Judge Lay offered the
following:
The Board of Visitors of the U. of Va. have received the
communication from the Miller Board, they deem it pertinent only
to reply to the 2nd Resolution and to say that —
The Board of Visitors can recognize no right to withhold
that if any such effort be made they propose to protect themselves
by proper legal remedy: But as the whole question is the
simple question of legal construction of the Original Instrument
making the donation to the University, we suggest to avoid expense
to both parties that we, by a friendly agreement in writing
submit this question to the five gentlemen who comprise the court
of Appeals of Va. for final adjudication. To them it would in
all probability go, in the event of litigation & to this end
alone it is proposed.
That the executive Committee be authorized to meet the
Committee of the Miller Board as requested, at such time &
place as they may determine, or may be agreed on.
Whereupon, on motion
Resolved that the Resolutions of the Miller Board which
have just been read, together with the resolutions submitted by
Mr. Lay in relation thereto be committed to a select Committee
of three to be appointed by the Rector who are instructed
maturely to consider the important subject, involved in the
said resolutions of the Miller Board and report the proper mode
of action for this Board in relation thereto.
Pursuant to this Resolution the Rector appointed the following
gentlemen as the Committee therein provided - viz:
Messrs Bowcock, Marye & Gilmore.
On motion, resolved:
That the Resolution adopted on the 28th inst. appropriating
$4000. to the sinking fund ( see page 90) be and is hereby
rescinded.
The following Report of the Committee on Library is presented:
The Committee to examine the Library respectfully report
that they have discharged that duty and are gratified to be able
to report the satisfactory & orderly condition of the same under
the charge & supervision of the efficient assistant Librarian.
They regret to report the continued & hopeless indisposition
of the venerable & highly esteemed Librarian incapacitating
him, as for a long time past - for the active discharge, of the
duties of the office, involving also the important duties of the
Secretary of the Faculty, both of which have been efficiently
discharged by the Assistant Librarian.
In response to our enquiry the assistant Secy has no special
recommendations to make beyond that embodied in the report of
the Faculty.
Your Committee feel constrained for the reasons hereinafter
given, to decline recommending the increased appropriation asked
for beyond the $300.00, not that under other circumstances they
would not willingly & wisely they think, recommend the appropriation
of a sum sufficiently large to make the University Library
all that it should be , but in view of the rules of economy &
prudence which should guide us even in our present improved state
of Finance: and also in view of the many immediate calls for
appropriations to insure the health & comfort of the Students
and families comprising the University they feel we can well afford,
without detriment to the true interests of the Institution,
to postpone this appropriation to another year.
The Committee feel especially called upon to endorse the
action of the Rector and to respond to the recommendation of
the Faculty with reference to the "Lee" papers & to recommend
the continuance of Col. Th. L. Preston in the duty of digesting &
collating these valuable papers for their proper preservation
upon reasonable terms of compensation to be approved by the Rector
for his past & future services in the premises, until the completion
of the same - but your Committee do not approve the recommendation
of the Faculty for the sale of these manuscripts, believing
them to be especially appropriate & valuable to the
archives of the University.
The fact of the long continued incapacity of the Librarian,
by reason of old age & attending physical infirmities for all,
or any, of the duties of his Office, has been alluded to, with
the statement that no hope can be indulged of his ever being
able to resume them.
We have also recognized the fact of the faithful & efficient
discharge of these duties by the assistant Librarian under all
the circumstances we recommend, as a special testimonial to the
worth of this aged & valuable officer, born to his duties almost
with the birth of the University & which he has honored by a long
life of faithful service, recognizing it as a special exception
in his favor, that William Wertenbaker be and is hereby promoted
& appointed "Emeritus Librarian" with a continuance of his salary
of $700 during his life; and that Fred. W. Page be promoted &
appointed Librarian and as such Secretary of the Faculty, with
a salary of $700 until the further order of this Board.
(signed) Jno L. Marye Com
Jno Goode Com
Jno F. Lay Com
On motion the foregoing resolutions are adopted and approved
by the Board.
On motion, the following was adopted.
The Board deem it advisable, in accordance with long established
usage, pursued from time to time at their discretion, to change
the incumbency in the office of the Chairman of the Faculty, and,
on motion, the Board elected Professor J. W. Mallet Chairman
of the Faculty for the ensuing year, and directed the entry of
the following minute on the Record, viz:
The Board deem it appropriate, in this connection to declare
their favorable appreciation of the fidelity and zeal for the
welfare of the University exhibited by Dr. James F. Harrison,
throughout his long service as Chairman.
Committee on the "Conduct of Schools" report as follows:
From the reports made by each Professor and transmitted by
the Chairman of the Faculty, there seems to have been an excellent
proportion of hard-working men among the students: and though
the average intellectual capacity despite some brilliant exceptions
has been lower than is generally the case, a very good
record of success has been made. The number of graduates is
large and the list an honorable one. The report from most of
the schools is to the effect that preparation for the classes
was inferior to the average of former years. An exception occurs
notably in the Senior Classes of Latin and Greek, in both which
a great improvement is announced. The same elementary deficiencies
are complained of in every direction, in the language of one of
the Faculty, "still heavy and disheartening."
The general management appears to be excellent: rigid and
yet not too much so, and maintaining the high standard for which
the University is known.
The following recommendations concerning matters referred
to in the several reports are brought to the attention of the
Board.
1. That Mr. Richard M. Smith be appointed assistant in the
School of Latin in place of Mr. W. J. Bingham who declined
reappointment.
2. That the Executive Committee be authorized to appoint
an assistant in the School of Greek, at a salary of not over
$400 per annum.
3. That Mr. Julian Taylor be appointed Assistant in the
School of Modern Languages in place of Mr. F. M. Page, resigned.
4. That the Librarian be directed, if practicable to have
mounted and made available the wall maps and other such aids
prepared for the use of the Schools of Modern Languages.
5. That Prof. Schele de Vere be authorized to add a post
graduate course to his instructions: and that his request to
have an additional hour for Senior German be referred to the
Faculty with directions to arrange for such additional hour, if
it be practicable to do so without injury to other classes already
established.
6. That Prof. Mallet be allowed to procure for the School
of Chemistry a lecture table-balance and such other apparatus
as the Faculty recommend in their report.
7. That the Board take pleasure in hereby expressing their
high appreciation of the worth and proficiency in learning of
Assistant in the School of Modern Languages, and in recommending
him to all whom he may meet in his future career.
8. That the Executive Committee be authorized to appoint
an Assistant in the School of Mathematics at the same compensation
as heretofore allowed.
(Signed) W. C. N. Randolph Chmn.
On motion the foregoing Report and the suggestions therein
were adopted and approved.
On motion of Mr. Lay,
[Resolved that in] In view of the fact that the Degree of
Master of Arts is the highest conferred by the University of
Virginia & ought to be conferred with marked & distinctive formality:
Therefore Resolved that in addition to the signatures
now required to be affixed to the Diplomas conferring said Degrees
the Rector of the University is authorized & requested
in behalf of the Board of Visitors to affix his signature to
said Diplomas and personally to deliver the same to the students
entitled thereto.
The Committee to whom was referred so much of the Report
of the Faculty as relates to the Finances of the University beg
leave to report:
1. That the present condition of the finances afford ground
for congratulation and encouragement and justifies the belief
that a continuance of the Economic methods hitherto employed,
will within a reasonable time relieve the University of the debt
that has absorbed so much of its revenue and leave that revenue
to be applied directly to the promotion of the efficiency of the
Institution.
2. They recommend the following appropriations to meet
the estimated expenses of the ensuing year:
| 15 Professors at $3,000 each | $45,000.00 |
| 2 Adjunct Professors at $2,000 | 4,000. |
| Demonstrator of Anatomy | 800. |
| Asst. Prof. Mod. Languages | 600. |
| Asst. Prof. Latin | 400. |
| Asst. Prof. Greek | 400. |
| Asst. Prof. Mathematics | 400. |
| Officers | 4,750. |
| Commutation of rents | 1,200. |
| Apparatus, Material - School of Chemistry | 150. |
| Apparatus, Material - School of Nat: Philosophy | 150. |
| Apparatus, Material - School of Nat: Hist.& Geology | 100. |
| Apparatus, Material - School of Anatomy | 100. |
| Apparatus, Material - School of Engineering | 50. |
| Physical Laboratory | 250. |
| Physical Instruments | 250. |
| Chemical Balance | 75. |
| Library | 300. |
| Diplomas | 350. |
| Plates for Diplomas | 200. |
| Advertising | 650. |
| Catalogues | 500. |
| Printing | 200. |
| Janitor of Museum | 180. |
| Messenger for Chairman | 120. |
| Increase of Janitors wages | 100. |
| Labour | 1,200. |
| Fuel | 500. |
| Gas | 500. |
| Repairs & Improvements | 3,000. |
| Contingent Account | 1,250. |
| Sinking fund | 1,000. |
| Ints. on debt & Sinking fund | 7,500. |
| Reservoir | 300. |
| Terrace | 150. |
| University Avenue | 500. |
| Agricultural Dept. Salaries of Professors | 3,550. |
| Experimental Farm | 1,000. |
| Special apparatus as asked for in Prof. Page's Report. |
450. |
3. They further recommend the appropriation of $250.00
for the construction of the back porch to the building occupied
by Prof. N. K. Davis.
4. That a sum not exceeding $400. be appropriated for the
purchase of a wagon and tents and other expenses they may be
incurred by Prof. Fontaine and his party in the Geological
Survey to be made under his direction.
5. Your Committee report that they have verified and destroyed
bonds of the University that have been paid off and taken
up by the Proctor as follows viz: Of the Martha Randolph bonds
$7,500, viz: Nos. 4, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
37, 38, & 39 of $500 each.
P. St. Geo. Cocke Bonds $25,000 - No. 1 $5000, No. 2 $5000, No.3
$5000 Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 of $1000 each.
Spooner Debt to Wm. & Mary College $2600.
Coleman L. M. debt $2500.
Carr Hill bonds $10,000 - Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, &5 of $2000 each.
Venable C. S. debt $1250 - 1st Mortgage 8% bond $18,000 -
Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26,
27, 28, 30, of $1000 each: of these No. 30 was presented to the
University by W. W. Corcoran who was the lawful holder.
2nd Mortgage 8% bonds. $30,000 - Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29, & 30 of $1000 each.
That Dr. Wm. C. N. Randolph has expressed the wish to have
for the sake of the family associations connected therewith one
of the series of the Martha Randolph bonds - The Committee recommend
that his wish be gratified and that No. 25 of the series,
which has been cancelled, be given to Dr. Randolph.
(signed) Holmes Conrad, Chmn
On motion,
Resolved that the foregoing Report be approved and is hereby
adopted by the Board of Visitors.
On motion
The Board adjourned till tomorrow morning at 9 Oclock.
C. D. Fishburne, Secy. pro tem.
University of Va. July 1st 1881
Board met pursuant to adjourning order of yesterday.
Present: Messrs. Stuart, Rector; Randolph, Conrad, Marye,
Whitehead, Lay, Bowcock & Gilmore.
On motion, ordered
That the Proctor do cause the skylight over the stand in
the Public Hall to be so improved as to allow of free ventilation-and
the protection of the stand from excessive glare.
The Committee appointed on yesterday to consider certain
Resolutions of the Miller Board presented to the Board of Visitors
of the University of the Virginia the following Report,
to wit:
University of Virginia.
The Committee to whom were referred the resolutions of the
Miller Board, complaining of the inefficiency of the Agricultural
School connected with this University, and declaring that they
will make no further appropriation for this Institution until
the said school shall be essentially reorganized (together with
the resolutions of Mr. Lay in relation thereto) have maturely
considered the subject and beg leave to report the following
resolutions for the adoption of the Board of Visitors.
1st Resolved, That we have read the said Resolutions of the
Miller Board with unfeigned regret. We regret the position
assumed by said Board, not only in relation to the character
of said School, but also as to their rightful authority over it.
We are not without hope that upon a fair presentation of the
facts of the whole case, the amount of funds yearly employed,
connected with its conduct and management, their views as to
the relative efficiency of the School might be to a greater or
less extent modified: if, on the other hand, the Miller Board
should be able to present to this Board facts and reasons which
appeal to and control our judgment in regard to a change in the
organization or conduct of our School of Agriculture. We are
ready as heretofore declared by us, to give due weight to any
such communication. But we can under no conceivable circumstances,
consent to any discussion looking to a divided authority as to
the management and control of any School in this University -
it being our unalterable conviction that to its Board of Visitors
alone belong the entire management and control of this University
in all its parts, & that it would be a culpable abandonment of
the duties and responsibilities with which we are charged were
we to yield up and surrender any portion of said control.
2nd Resolved, That in our view, upon a fair and just construction
of the Miller Deed, the Board created thereunder has
a very limited discretion over the fund set apart for this Uni -
versity. Certain circumstances existing at the time, created in
the mind of the Grantor some apprehensions as to the continued
existence of the University of Virginia and its being maintained
as an efficient institution of Learning. That Board was empowered
and charged, therefore, to inquire into the facts bearing
on these points. These conditions being ascertained to exist:
and a School of Experimental and Practical Agriculture having
been in due time constituted and established at and in the University
by the authorities thereof, the professors of which
by the said Board, the said Board have no discretion but to appropriate
the fund to the said School and place it under the
control & management of the Board of Visitors of the University.
3rd Resolved That the position taken by the Miller Board
in assuming to themselves a discretion as to whether or not they
will appropriate this fund, founded when a claim to have the
School of Agriculture in this Institution managed in conformity
with their views, developes so wide a difference of opinion between
that Board and this Board of Visitors in reference to our
respective rights and powers under the Miller Deed, and places
our claim to this fund upon terms and conditions so variant from
our view of the intent & purpose of the Grantor, and so repugnant
to our sense of our duties and responsibilities as managers of
the University, as to leave us no alternative but to seek an
authoritative construction of the Miller deed and a final determination
of the rights of the parties under it. But, preferring,
as we do, that that such construction shall be given in a way as
agreeable to the Miller Board as may be consistent with fairness
and finality in its enunciation, we propose that the said Miller
Board, by a committee of its members, shall meet a committee of
this Board at the University of Virginia on the 25th of the present
month, (July) or such other day as may be agreed on, to consult
and if practicable, agree on the best and most advisable mode
of obtaining said construction.
4th Resolved, That a committee of four members be appointed
on behalf of this Board to meet any committee which may be appointed
by the Miller Board in pursuance of the foregoing resolution
should agree thereto.
5. Resolved, That a copy of this Report & resolutions
be forwarded to the Chairman and each member of the Miller Board.
On motion the foregoing resolutions were unanimously adopted
and the committee provided for in the 4th Resolution was appointed,
consisting of Messrs Th. S. Bowcock, Jno. L. Marye, Jas H.
Gilmore & Holmes Conrad.
On motion the following was adopted:
The Board, upon further consideration of the matter, instruct
the Chairman of the Faculty that, hereafter the Library-Room
shall not be used for dancing except on the morning of
Wednesday & on the night of the final-day of the Commencement
season.
The Board adjourned to meet again on the call of the Rector.
Secy. pro tem.
| Board of Visitors minutes June 27, 1881 | |