Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1874 [PAGE 122]

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118

Heport of the

tion oorners and at all quarter-section corners on the section lines. "We were consequently enabled to take a general look at a brisk pony trot, and in the two days spent made as careful an examination of these lands as desirable, unless a map showing the water courses, draws, breaks, etc., had been the object. The land is all high, rolling prairie, situated—as shown by the plat herewith presented—mostly on the breaks of Wild Cat, Hetten and Ayer's creeks in the Southeast portion of the county. There are some improvements adjoining and some in sight of the lands, the settlers for the most part being on homesteads. Upon enquiry, the price asked for adjacent unimproved lands was found to vary from $o to $16 per acre, with occasional sales from $4 to $6 per acre. After a careful consideration I would recommend that the lands be put upon the market, advertised' at least, in the local press of Beatrice and prices fixed at $6 per acre where one 80 aere tract was taken, and $5 per acre where tracts of 160 acres or more would be taken by one party. Although a choice "80'' or 'quarter" might be worth more than the general average of the lauds, but sales even at the best will cause the other lands adjoining to be sought at equally good prices, with a small portion (say one-fourth) paid on the purchase, would recommend as long a time, being given at 87., payable semi-annually, as the party might desire by paying promptly. I would also recommend that some good local agent be appointed to make sales,'and give general information to those who might apply. Respectfully submitted, J. H. PICKRELL.

The report was accepted and recommendations adopted. An amount of" $14 for expenses incurred by Mr. Piekrell for the inspection of these lands was allowed. One hundred dollars from the Library fund for the purchase of sundry books to complete files, and two hundred dollars from the Chemical fund to purchase apparatus for the Agricultural Chemical Laboratory, were placed in the hands of Br. Gregory. Twenty-five dollars were appropriated for fitting the room for the Art collection, chargeable to Library Cabinet. The following communication from Prof. Robinson was referred to Mr. Gardner and the Business Agent, with power to act:

To HON. EMQRY COBB, President of Board and Board of Trustees : GENTLEMEN—I believe that for the vacation now at hand it will be best for the Machine Shop and Pattern Shop of the Mechanical Department to be continued in running operation for the following reasons, viz: 1. We have been doing for the past few months a considerable amount of work for outside parties, so that the shop has more than paid expenses. Orders for work are still coming in. To stop work for three months will, I think, really kill this trade. 2. The Champaign Iron Works lately burned down, having been the only machine works in the two towns doing job work, not only gives us a better prospect for business, but the shop is needed. 3. The photograph trimmer orders are continually coming in and need attending to almost daily. I expect to remain in town during the entire summer, and can give personal attention to the interest of the department in running the shop. The foreman, Mr. E. A. Robinson, will also remain here and can take immediate charge of the work. I have no preference as to how the shop be carried on, whether by the University or by myself, aided by the foreman. If the latter plan be preferred, I would be willing to pay a reasonable rent, say $20 per month if five hands, including foreman and fireman are employed, or $25 for a greater number of hands. I would respectfully ask that the Machine Shop and Pattern Shop be allowed to continue in operation by some plan as might be thought best. Sincerely your obedient servant, June 9, 1874. S. W. KOBINSOK

The following resolutions were passed :

Resolved, That hereafter and until otherwise directed, the Professor of Chemistry shall deliver his lectures and hear his recitations in the rooms provided for this purpose in the new building. Resolved, also, That the other professors shall have free access to all cabinet specimens in the Chemical Department, and to the use of such apparatus in said department as they need in teaching their respective classes, when not in use by the Professor of Chemistry. Resolved, further, That the Professor of Chemistry will be expected to make such analyses and furnish such chemicals as ©ther professors may ask for and the liegeut order.

The Business Agent submitted his report, which was received. The bills presented for payment were audited and allowed. The report of Business Agent was then taken up by items, and acted upon as follows: