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Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1870
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73 in order to answer the requirements of the act of Congress, our charter from the State, or the wishes of the industrial classes—whose servants we are. Respectfully submitted. SAMUEL EDWARDS. The Kegent reported 3480 volumes in the library. Referred to Committee on Library and Cabinets, with instructions to report. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MILITARY D E P A R T M E N T . Gen. Brayman, from the Committee on Military Department, made the following report: The Committee on Military /Department, respectfully report: That at the present time 181 students are receiving efficient instruction in military science and tactics. The good effect of daily drill upon the health, discipline and development are apparent, and give promise of great usefulness in this department, when proper facilities are at command for a full compliance with the requirements of the law. The number of arms and accoutrements received from the State (100) being insufficient, it is proposed to make an application for an additional supply of 50 muskets, together with 25 swords and sabres for exercise. The chapel, now used for a drill hall, is inconvenient, unsafe and inadequate. The committee respectfully recommend the erection of a drill hall, one story in height, not less than 135 feet in length, and 72 in width—upon a plan approved by the Committee on Buildings and Grounds—and that an appropriation, not exceeding $2000, be made for that purpose. A drill hall is indispensable to regular and systematic instruction, during inclement weather, and no part of the college building is fit for such uses. The committee recommend an appropriation of $100 for cleaning and repairing arms, the purchase of fencing gloves, whalebone bayonets, and other articles incidental to instruction. The committee adhere to the rule, heretofore established, requiring all students to take part in military exercises and studies—unless excused for sufficient cause. The country has a right to demand, as it has done, that those receiving the benefits of an education here, shall be prepared to render patriotic and skillful service in war, and no young man should be deprived of the honorable advantages which such instruction secures, should his service be required. While it is the purpose of this department to conform in discipline and instruction to the national code of arms, as taught at West Point and other national schools, the want of adequate means must, for years to come, confine our instructions to such branches as are most easily taught, and are in most need in those emergencies which arise, calling our citizen-soldiery hastily into the field. What we want is, to prepare our young men to organize and instruct recruits, and to perform the usual duties of line officers, not to be com- —11
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