Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1873 [PAGE 114]

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The progress made in the study of Military Science and Tactics, prove the learning, judgment and efficiency evinced by the teacher, and the industry, intelligence and zeal of his pupils. The exhibition of company and battalion drill and evolutions would do credit to veteran soldiers. With the substantial knowledge and practical experience gained by these young men during their attendance here, we may have no apprehension that, should our country again call its citizen soldiers to the field, it will find men prepared to organize and command them. A spacious drill hall has been completed during the past year, and is now occupied. This secures greater regularity and order, and will render this branch of the science doubly valuable. Your Committee find in the influence of this department upon the students, reason to approve the wisdom of Congress and the General Assembly of the State in requiring military science and tactics to be here taught. I t does not disturb the due course of ordinary studies, j t teaches habits of order, precision and regularity. I t requires attention, quickness of thought and obedience. I t inspires dignity of manners, courtesy, self respect and manly conduct. I t excites generous emulation and makes students ambitious to excel, not only in this but in all their studies. The general importance of this department is regarded as beneficial in every respect. An application to the war department is now pending for the detail of a proper military officer to fill the place of military commandant and instructor.. Recent correspondence indicates that Brevet Capt. Albion Howe, IT. S. Artillery, now on duty in California, will be appointed to this duty. I t is hoped that this arrangement will add to the force engaged in instruction a valuable and accomplished officer, without adding materially to our expenses. In the meantime the Committee are content to leave the Department of Military Instruction in charge of Prof. E. Snyder, who has, with patient labor and rare ability, brought it up to its present efficiency. Should the effort to secure the service of an army officer fail, your Committee recommend that Professor Snyder be relieved from duty in other departments, so far as to enable him to give additional service to this. On the organization of the University, a uniform was prescribed to be worn by students, similar to that worn by cadets of the military academy at West Point. Your Committee regret to find that for various reasons compliance with this resolution has been so far dispensed with that more than sixty of the young men appear to be without uniform. Your Committee suggest that young men who attend this Institution ought to be so attired that they can be distinguished from the common throng of the streets. A neat and striking uniform is a badge of honor. It brings respect and causes the wearer to respect himself. It is a pledge of good behavior, of genteel deportment and a security against vicious habits and associations. In proof that the uniform is not disagreeable to the students, the Committee have before them a respectful petition, signed by 218 of the students, asking that the rule may be more strictly enforced. Your Committee will be gratified to find, at the next annual meeting, all the students clad in the graceful, convenient and economical uniform already furnished. And it is recommended that the proper authorities take order to that eifect; and that none be excused except for a convenient time upon first entering the Institution. Your committee would also make an exception in favor of extreme poverty, were it not that the arrangements made enable students to secure uniforms at same cost as ordinary clothing. Your committee find that the expenditures on account of the military department have been managed with caution and strict economy—a former appropriation, though small, not having been exhausted. An appropriation of $200 is recommended for expenses of the armory, the band, and fur the purchase of fencing swords. Also $50 for needed apparatus for gymnastic instruction—a new feature which has recently attained gratifying success. I t is recommended that application be made to the proper authorities, and through them to the United States, if necessary, for the following articles : I.—Two pieces of three inch steel artillery, with ammunition for artillery practice. II.—Twenty-five new breech-loading muskets, for target practice. I t is recommended that formal application be made to the Governor of the State for the issuing of commissions to the captains of companies composing our military organization These young men are required to spend their first year in the ranks. If found proficient there, they are admitted to the military class, which gives them opportunity to teach and drill new students during the second year. During the third year they drill squads and companies, act as adjutants, color bearers, and to receive such instructions as renders them competent to organize and command companies and battalions. Such a commission will be a just reward of merit, and incite the students to zeal and activity in this branch of study, and in future years will invite attention to their qualifications, should our country, unfortunately, require sudden organization and service of the militia. Your commit ee, in concluding, congratulate the friends of the University on the success which has crowned the labors of the last year in its various departments, and in none more than this. M. BEAYMAN, R. B. MASON. JOHN L. MANSFIELD, J. J. BYED.