Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1880 [PAGE 187]

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again the attention of the Board to the feasibility of a partial relief by an increase of the fees. I can only reiterate my conviction that by giving a term's notice, you can double the ordinary incidental fees, without hardship to the students, and without danger to the attendance. The amount of relief gained will be so considerable as to justify the experiment, and with a discretionary power lodged with the Business Agent to accept the notes of students unable to pay cash, all objections on the ground of hardship to indigent students would be removed. I believe that the members of the Faculty quite commonly concur with me in this opinion. It seems evident' that our wants are likely to be too pressing to allow us to wait safely till another Legislature can convene, and a legislative enactment can be put in force, even if obtained without delay; and to me it seems that the course proposed will rather help than hinder the appeal to the General Assembly. Having discharged my duty in again calling your attention to this important matter, I cheerfully entrust it to your wisdom, and await with confidence, though not without anxiety, your decision. The Business Agent will give you the figures, showing probably increase of income from the change proposed. The Business Agent will also, doubtless, call attention to other immediate wants of the University, which at this distance I cannot so well know. I need only mention the following: 1. Miss Patchen having notified me of her resignation of her position of music teacher and choir leader, I would respectfully nominate Miss Jennie Mahan to fill the place for the coming year, or term, if you should deem it best to make the appointment for so short a time. She is highly recommended by Miss Patchen for the place, and has a good reputation as an excellent musician. If your funds would allow the payment of a salary, and if it were the policy of the University to give any great prominence to this merely ornamental study, it might be important to secure the services of an older and more experienced teacher, but I judge that Miss Mahan will prove herself equal to the demands which will be made upon her. 2. I recommend that the appropriation for the payment for the Universal instrument, to be manufactured by Ertel & Sons, be renewed. I have visited the manufacturers, and find that the delay in finishing the instrument is due to the fault of the chief clerk or director, who failed to give the necessary orders, and left the establishment some months ago, without notifying his successor of the work to be done. The instrument can be completed in a few months. 3. I would recommend also the continuance of the appropriation made to the School of Domestic Science for specimens for the Food collection. Opportunities now occur to obtain numerous and valuable specimens at great advantage. Tendering to the Board my continued respect and service, I respectfully ask the acceptance of this as my quarterly report. J. M. GREGORY, Begent.

The following report from Prof. S. W. Shattuck, as Eegent, pro tern, was read and received:

CHAMPAIGN, I I I . , September 9,1879. Hon. Emory Cobb, President Board of Trustees Illinois Industrial University: SIR: I hand you herewith the Regent's report, received by me yesterday. I would also, as Regent, pro tern., make the following report: Mr. C. Hildebrand, appointed Teacher of Drawing, at your last meeting, has accepted the same. In this connection, I request your attention to the communication of Mrs. Hays. It seems desirable that the demand for Art instruction should be met in some such way, but I hesitate to make any definite recommendation in the matter, as the Regent may have other plans. I lay before you several applications for the position held by Miss Patchen. This I should not have done, with the recommendation of the Regent before you in favor of Miss Mahan, if I had not promised, in replies to applicants, that I would do so. The status of students, in the Preliminary year, is at times brought in question. Are they members of the University before matriculation, in the meaning that they shall be allowed to wear the University dress, or required to perform military duty? The indications are that a large number of new students will come to the University this fall. This would require, no doubt, additional teaching force in the Preliminary year. Authority for /the employment of such is asked for. Also, permission for the Faculty to employ a teacher of Elocution, without expense to the University. Attention is asked to the quarterly reports from the several Professors and heads of departments, herewith enclosed. Prof. Burrill's requests for two small appropriations, of $25 00 each, should be granted; also, that of Prof. Baker, for the continuance of one for a chain, $15 00. I trust that notice will be taken of Gen. C. B. Comstock's good will for the institution, in connecting it with the triangulation of the United States Lake Survey, as reported by Prof. Baker. Prof. Weber's request for the employment of a third assistant, is approved. It is essential for the good working of the Laboratory. Prof. Bicker's, also Prof. Taft's requests, for small appropriations, or assignments, I know to be reasonable, and desirable. Prof. Morrow's report gives points of interest. The Head Farmer's report shows the Farm to be in a prosperous condition. The Faculty recommend to the Governor, subject to your approval, the following named students for Captain's commissions in the Illinois National Guard: Coburn, R. P.; Thompson, William, Swannell, Arthur; Walker, F. E., and Johnson, W. P. Respectfully submitted. S. W. SHATTUCK.