Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1882 [PAGE 189]

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•departure of Mr. C. I. Hays, in April, left a vacancy then, and there are some changes in t h e course of that year, which must be provided for. I recommend the appointment of Mr. C. W. Rolfe, now of the public schools of Kankakee, to be Instructor of Mathematics, •and Mr. James E. Armstrong to be Taxidermist and Assistant in Natural History, Prof. Rolfe is a graduate of the University, and has heretofore served acceptably as a teacher in its preparatory work. Besides the mathematical instruction, he would give some valuable assistance to Prof. Burrill. Mr. Armstrong is a member in the present raduating class, of high standing in his specialty. He has taught certain items in the epartment of Natural History during the past year, and with commendable success. 5. I recommend that a suitable person be employed as Foreman of the Green House, who shall give his entire attention to its care, and to the horticultural and ornamental work of that nature about the University. I believe that such a man can make that part of our business pay a reasonable profit and become a help to our exchequer, but to do that he must give his time to it, with only such teaching as pertains to the practical work of the greenhouse and the garden. As this department is under the immediate care of Prof. Burrill, it wbuld be proper that his wishes should be consulted before making an appointment. 6. The question of the appointment of a Preceptress is still an open one. The lack of such an officer during the year now closing, has not caused any noticeable inconvenience. The young ladies have attended to their work as faithfully, as quietly, as properly, as in preceding years. No cases have arisen in which any discipline or special care seems to nave been needed, which required the management of a woman. The practical difficulty •appears to be the assignment to a lady of such duties in instruction as shall give her proper and adequate position in the University. 7. The instruction in Music during the past year has attracted but very few pupils. It has made no draft upon the treasury, and but little figure in the working of the courses of instruction. It is possible that some arrangement may be perfected during the vacation by which this work may be provided for, and a Preceptress secured at the same time. Yet the music does not appear to promise an adequate support to a competent teacher. Several young ladies have applied from time to time for appointment, but none who would do more than give instruction in the elements o f piano forte instruction. Unless something of more dignity, and more in harmony with the general character of the University, can be done, it might be better to cut off the department altogether. 8. I would suggest that the appointment of a teacher of elocution be referred to the Faculty, as last year. The following gentlemen have asked either in person, or by letter, that I would indicate t o you their wish to have their salaries increased: They are Prof. Prentice, Prof. Baker, Prof. Scovell and Mr. Kimball. They are all good and faithful men, each fitting excellently into the position occupied. Dr. Prentice has been engaged in his present work for seven years, and is well known as an expert in his profession. The Board added an important item to his duties last year, but did not raise his compensation. Prof. Baker is filling with great efficiency the chair vacated some years since by Prof. IVebb, and I believe, with a very happy influence upon his students. He has also done important service in filling vacancies, which the Board should not forget. Prof. Scovell has made good progress in his department. Mr. Kimball is a man of rare qualifications for the duties devolving upon him, and his departure would make a vacancy which would be very difficult to fill. Mr. Sondericker has done the best work in the department of Hight Line Drawing that has been done there for five or six years, or since it was in the hands of Prof. Baker. I recommend his re-engagement for the next year. Prof. Weber desires that Mr. C. C. Barnes be appointed First Assistant in the Chemical Laboratory in place of Mr. Henry Beardsley. who withdraws from the service to pursue his professional studies. I concur in the request of Prof. Weber. Mr. Charles E. Pickard desires to remain in his present position, and will continue to -do good service as in the past.

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BUILDINGS AND IMPKOVEMENTS.

In accordance with the instructions of your Board, inquiries were addressed to the Attorney General of the State, as to the authority vested in the Board to sell or otherwise dispose of the Old Dormitory Building, and the ground on which it stands, or of either. The opinion was given, very broadly denying the authority of the Trustees to sell either the real or personal property of the University, without authority from the Legislature. Finding that the opinion, if followed according to its literal interpretation, would seriously interfere with the current business of the University, I addressed a second -communication to the Attorney General, asking a more specific interpretation of the first, which he gave. Both these documents are herewith presented. On the evening of Friday, May 27, a box containing combustibles and an ignited train was found in the basement of the building. Had it not been discovered in consequence of a fire which consumed the out-building in the rear, this lighted train would at a later hour have started a fire which would doubtless have consumed the dormitory. It is customary to charge any such offense to students, and it is possible that students were the perpetrators in this case, although the condition of the train, as I carefully examined, ieads me to think that it was arranged by one who had acquired practical experience in such matters. It was clearly my duty to take precautions against the repetition of the attempt, and I accordingly obtained from the Mayor of Urbana a special guard, who have had constant .attendance at the building, and will continue such care, until you shall direct what other steps shall be taken. At the least, the building contains material too valuable to be wasted. The appropriations made by the Legislature for the constructions you have •desired to erect, were cut down somewhat from the estimates made. I have had the -estimates revised to see what saving could be made by using old material where it can