Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1878 [PAGE 24]

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interest of the University. I recommend his requests and statements to your attention. 5. Prof. Webb's requests for his department are also recommended as far as funds available for that purpose can be had. T h e school of civil engineering is, and has been, one of our most useful and popular departments and ought to be maintained in full vigor. 6. Prof. Weber's paper asks for the usual appropriations for the current expenses of the laboratory, which need no further recommendation, as their necessity is well known. 7. Other appropriations will be needed as follows : For library to pay for the periodicals of the year, $300, and for the purchase of a few books of immediate need or already ordered. For several screens and curtains for the large drafting room of the school of industrial design, to shut off the cross lights, from the casts used in the study of light and shade. Four screens w^ill cost $12. A curtain about 3 yds.xlO yds. $20. Several supports for casts.

CHANGES N E E D E D IN T H E LAW.

Some changes have been found desirable in the organic law of the University, and bills are either now pending, or have already passed, for two of these changes: one to enlarge the powers of the trustees in the investment of the funds, and the other relating to the power of conferring diplomas and degrees. The movement made in the general assembly two years ago to procure an entire revision of the laws relating to the University and their re-enactment as one consistent statute, has been revived in the present general assembly and is now pending before the house of representatives. I have been consulted as to the changes proposed, and have expressed my opinion that some revision and amendments of the present laws are desirable and important. It is evident that such revision will be made at an early day, and I venture to suggest the propriety of the board's offering such recommendations as their practical experience of the working of t h e present laws will enable them to make, to aid in securing a more perfect and precise enactment. I t has been customary for the boards of the state colleges and universities, within my observation to suggest to their several legislatures the changes which their experience had proved desirable. This has been counted as no infringement on the province of the law making power, but as affording to the legislature the benefit of that practical experience by whose aid proper amendments can alone be safely made. I may remind those who were also members of the first board of trustees, that I seriously objected to some of the provisions of the original law, as likely to interfere with the safety and success of the institution, and only waived my objections and accepted the office tendered me on the assurance of prominent members of the board that an effort should be made to secure the proper amendments. Changes amounting to an entire reconstruction of the board have been made, but the objectional features still remain, and the new law introduced some others still more objectionable. The prudence and wise action of the successive boards have thus far prevented any of the evils anticipated, but it is not certain b u t that the university may be subjected to serious danger in the future, unless changes are made.