Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1898 [PAGE 45]

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1896.] -

PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

45

the absorption of that institution by the University, respectfully reports that the committee visited the institution in October and thoroughly inspected the same. It held a very full conference with the officers.thereof, and it has since received from them a statement showing the receipts and expenditures of the institution during the three years prior to the present one. The proposition of the Board of Trustees is, briefly, to the effect that they shall rent to the University the property of the College, consisting of the College building and of its furnishings and appurtenances, and transfer to the University its good will; and that the University shall thereupon assume the full authority for the future conduct of the institution. The College of Physicians and Surgeons seems to stand exceedingly well in the public sentiment of Chicago. It is certainly one of the three most prominent and thoroughly well established institutions of its character in the city. Its location, in close proximity to the Cook County General Hospital, is highly advantageous. Its building.is not of such a character #s we would construct upon the part of the State of Illinois, but it is exceedingly roomy and apparently very well adapted to the purpose for which it is used. There were about 280 students in the institution last year and we are advised that there are 310 registered up to the present time this year. It seems to be shown that the tuition fees go considerably farther than is necessary to meet the expenses. The committee is of the opinion that the University could absorb the institution without being in any danger of incurring expense in behalf thereof. If the same result should be obtained in this connection as in the case of the School of Pharmacy it would apparently be a good step for us to take. Doubtless the assumption of the institution by the State University would serve te increase materially the attendance. On the other hand, the students and alumni of the College of Physicians and Surgeons would thereby become related to and interested in the State University, and thatlaet would operate to our advantage in many ways. Again, it is surely incumbent upon the State of Illinois to maintain professional schools in connection with its State University, and particularly to exert its great influence towards the uplifting of medical training and practice. It does not seem important that there should be any special haste about the matter, for the reason that the institution is fully organized and it is not imperative that there should be any decided "steps taken until nearer the closeof the present college year. The committee therefore recommends: 1. That, without entering into any agreement in the matter, the Board express its intention of accepting, at a later day, the proposition made by the Board of Trustees of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, reserving to itself, of course, the right to suggest or require modifications as to detail. 2. That the Board of Trustees appoint a committee, or continue the present one, with instructions to proceed with the investigations and perfect plans as to details, and report thereupon at a subsequent meeting. Your committee was also charged with the duty of reporting upon a proposition from the National Medical College in Chicago, looking to an absorption of that institution. The committee visited the institution, held interviews with its officers, and thoroughly considered the whole matter. Practically, in view of our recommendation as to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, it is thought unadvisable to take any steps in connection wTith the National Medical College at present. Respectfully submitted,

JAMES E. ARMSTRONG, •••.... Chairman.

The report of the committee was approved and tKe committee was continued with instructions to report further at the March meeting of the Board.