Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1934 [PAGE 151]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

149

W H E R E A S , this state and country are in the midst of a world-wide financial depression which is having its effect on every line of business, rendering it absolutely necessary, if these conditions a r e to be corrected, that the strictest economy be practiced, not only by individuals but by all activities of state and nation; and W H E R E A S , the Illinois Press Association has long felt the great necessity for an adequate and suitable building to house the School of Journalism at the University of Illinois, and that it should be so designed that it would meet the present demands as well as the future needs, and such a structure as would be a credit to the State of Illinois, and the men and women engaged in newspaper work in this State; and W H E R E A S , since definite, affirmative action has been taken by the Association looking to the ultimate construction of such a building, by the appointment of a Building Committee, which has been functioning now for two years, actively engaged in efforts to carry out the instructions of the Association, and since the time is near at hand when the University authorities must know what our wishes a r e ; T H E R E F O R E , B E I T R E S O L V E D , by the members of the Building Committee of the Illinois Press Association, in special session convened in the city of Springfield, Illinois, on the 24th day of August, 1932, that we deem it unwise, in view of all the existing conditions, to ask the Board of Trustees to incorporate in their budget this year, for submission to the next session of the general assembly, a request for an appropriation for a School of Journalism building; and that the chairman of this committee transmit a copy of this Resolution to President H . W . Chase, and the Board of Trustees, of the University of Illinois. R E S O L V E D F U R T H E R , that in reaching this conclusion, this committee desires to state that it is as firmly as ever of the opinion that there should be a School of Journalism building at the State University, and that we are suspending our efforts in that behalf for the present, simply and solely because, as individuals and publishers, we believe it is our duty in this crisis to practice the strictest economy in public affairs, as well as in private undertakings. We believe further that the tax-paying public should not be asked in these times to assume financial obligations for anything except that which is positively an actual and immediate necessity. It is in such spirit that this Resolution is offered, and with the definite understanding by the members of this committee that we, representing the Illinois Press Association, will renew our efforts to secure a building for the School of Journalism when, in our opinion, the economic situation in state and nation is such as to warrant it. A copy was transmitted to President H . W. Chase, who replied as follows: September 13, 1932 Mr. J. E. McClure, The Carlinville Democrat, Carlimrille, Illinois

DEAR M R . M C C L U R E :

Although Mr. Johnston has acknowledged your letter of August 26, I want to send you a personal word of appreciation of the resolution adopted by the Illinois Press Association with reference to a building for the School of Journalism here at the University. It surely is a fine expression of the public-spirited attitude of the Association. I know how much you people had your hearts set on securing this building for the University in the near future, and I know how much the Board of Trustees will appreciate the stand which your organization has taken in view of the financial situation which confronts all governmental bodies. I shall be looking forward to seeing you and your colleagues at the meeting here in November, and if you have occasion to come here before that time I hope you will give me the pleasure of a visit. W i t h best wishes, I am, Cordially yours,

H. W. CHASE

President