Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1868 [PAGE 97]

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roll call, the call to and from duty, the tatoo—all in their regular order, can come into place, without disturbing, but rather aiding and directing the observance of college duties and discipline. I t is due to the dignity of this institution, and to the expectations of the people, t h a t in this, as in ail other departments, we fix a high standard in the outset, and work up to it as we can. The committee would include in the general plan, artillery and cavalry, as well as infantry study and drill; but have, for the present, purposely omitted the two first named, until success in the last, and sufficent resources, shall justify attention to them. Your committee, cordially approving the plan prepared by Major Whittlesey, recommend that a proper expression be made by the Board of Trustees, and our Senators and Representatives in Congress requested to aid in its passage into a law, and that we stand prepared to avail ourselves of its benefits, by entering upon the organization of the militry department, according to its provisions. I t is deemed good policy, however, to put the students in uniform, and inaugurate a system of military government, instruction and drill, on opening the University in March, or at all events at the fall term of 1868. The office of Military Professor can be temporarily filled by the incumbent of another chair, and, if necessary, a competent drill officer employed to organize the first company and commence with the usual simple exercises. Brigadier General Haynie, Adjutant General of Illinois, has given encouragement that the necessary arms and accoutrements may be obtained from the State Arsenal. Indeed, we can, by organizing as volunteer companies under State laws, become entitled to arms, as well as to the commissioning of officers. In this way a beginning can be made, almost without cost to the Institution, and we can go forward in compliance with the law, prepared to adopt the great national plan, when enacted, or to proceed independently under existing laws. It is proper to say here, that in either case, the military department will fall quietly .into place with other branches in nowise interfering with t h e m ; it being particularly provided in the Congressional bill referred to, and in the lucid explanation of Majbr Whittlesey, that officers detailed by the W a r Department shall act in subordination to the Regent and observe the regulations established for the government of the University, not departing, of course, from the plans prescribed by Congress. I t is designed, and eminently desirable, that the connection be perpetual; but the officers and aid of the government will be withdrawn whenever the authorities of the University so determine. In preparing this report, resort has been freely had to the text of the very able communication, made to the Secretary of War, by Major Whittlesey, who with great courtesy, promptly supplied the committee with valuable information on all the points here presented. To give effect to the foregoing views, the following resolutions are respectfully reported for the consideration of the Board. Respectfully submitted, M. BRAYMAN, Chairman. THOMAS QUICK, LUTHER LAWRENCE, LEMUEL ALLEN, November 26, 1867. Committee.

RESOLUTIONS.

1. Resolved, That in compliance with the laws on that subject, the military department of this University shall be established as part of the regular and necessary means of education. 2. Resolved, That there shall be appointed, as soon as the same shall be needful and proper, a Professor of Military Tactics and Engineering, and such assistants as shall be necessary in his department.