Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1872 [PAGE 157]

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153 the prospective appropriation for the finishing of the new building, and that he call such members of the Board to assist him in his work, as he may deem necessary. Carried. On motion of Mr. J. M. Pearson, it was resolved that the Book-keeper be instructed to prepare for the next meeting of this Committee an account of the amount paid for students' labor during the year ending January 1,1872, also, state in what departments said labor was employed, and as far as possible, the amount of profit and loss involved in the operation. The Eegent then read the following communication from Hon. F. Watts, Commissioner of Agriculture:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, D. C. December 20th, 1872.

J . M. GREGORY, L.L. D.,

Megent Illinois Industrial University: SIR : By the act of the 2d of July, 1862, Congress donated to the several States a portion of public lands, in the ratio of their population, for the purpose of establishing Agricultural Colleges, thereby evincing a purpose to promote that great interest, through the instrumentality of the respective States. Many Colleges have been and doubtless more will be established. State Agricultural and Horticultural Societies and Boards of Agriculture have also been established by law in many states. A correspondence and consultation between friends of these interests have lead to the conclusion that a convention of delegates representing them, for the purpose of conferring upon subjects of mutual interests, would promote the good of all. I t has been suggested that I take the responsibility of initiating such a meeting. I therefore propose, that each Agricultural College, State Agricultural Society, State Horticultural Society, and State Board of Agriculture, depute two delegates, to meet in convention in the city of Washington, on Thursday the 15th of February next, to take such action regarding the interests of Agriculture as they shall deem expedient. I am, very respectfully, FREDERICK WATTS, Commissioner

Dr. J. M. Gregory and Hon. C. E. Griggs were appointed delegates to the meeting. It was moved and carried, that the bill for extra work on the Mechanic and Military hall, and the subject of acceptance of the building, be referred to the Chairman of the Building Committee with instructions to report at 2 P. M. The Committee adjourned to meet at 2P.M

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Committee assembled at the hour appointed. The Chairman of the Building Committee made the following report :

Tour Committee, to whom was referred the bill for extra work rendered in the construction of the Mechanic and Military hall, together with the proposition to formally receive from the hands of the contractor the above named building, would respectfully report that they have had the same under consideration. They find the building well and substantially constructed, so far as they can see, in accordance with the contract entered into with Mr. Grehlman. They also find his bill for extra services in construction of building, including the setting of the engine, and sidewalks in front of the building, amounting to $730 64, reasonable. They therefore reoommend that the building be accepted from the hands of the contractor, and that he be paid the amount of such bill. M. C. GOLTRA, Chairman.

The reprot and recommendation were adopted. —15