Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1882 [PAGE 197]

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I present a report from Professors Weber and Scovell on the progress which they havemade this season in the preparation of sugar from sorghum. The quality of the product is better than that of last year. Some photographs and drawings belonging to the University yet remain at Philadelphia, which were part of the Centennial exhibit. An organization of teachers of the city of Philadelphia ask that this remainder be transferred to their collection, and I recommend that the request be granted. I refer to you a communication from the Hon. Geo. B. Loring, Commissioner of Agriculture, who asks that the University be represented at conventions called by him at theDepartment of Agriculture, in Washington, in January next. I respectfully report that under your authority the Faculty have reappointed Prof. J. C. Feitshans, of Springfield, to be instructor in elocution, and Mrs. Abbie Wilkinson, late of Eantoul, to be instructor in music, for the year now current. Both of these instructorsto be paid, as heretofore, by the fees derived from their respective classes. I again ask your attention to the need of assistance in the School of Mechanical Engineering. A proposition from the Hon. C. B. Smith, in reference to some work which he desiresto have done at the machine shops, was referred at your last meeting to a committee. Judge Smith has not brought the subject forward in such a way that it can be presented to you for action, and I suggest that the reference be continued until the next meeting. Near the close of last term a few of our students appeared with badges of a newly organized college secret society. Well acquainted as 1 am with the workings of such, societies in the older colleges, familiar with their best and worst phases. I believe that their naturalization in this University would be harmful, and that once having taken root, it would be nearly impossible to eradicate them* My predecessor, Dr. Gregory, discussed this question very fully in his communications to this Board, which then expressed a very decided opinion against the societies, but made no order as to the course of action to beadopted in the premises. The advice which was suggested did not produce any effect and the societies continued for some time, but having no affiliation with societies in other colleges, died after a time, when a number of its active men left the University. The case is now different, and if action is to be taken, it should be taken now. Professor Burrill asks for $50 for purchase of seeds and flower pots for use of green, house. He also asks extension of time nominating a man for Horticultural work. At thisseason of the year no harm can come from the delay. I present the requests of Professors Pickard and Boos for increase of salaries. S. H. PEABODY, Regent. September 13,1881.

After hearing the report the Board adjourned to 7:30 P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

The Board assembled on time; present as before. The following appropriations and assignments of funds were made:

For For For For For For For For For For For For painting woodwork in mechanical shop fence in front of main building case for agricultural lecture room improvements of walks and drives extension of librarv cases books and publications collection of fossils, freight, etc microscope and objectives flower pots and seeds acoustic apparatus construction of milling machine construction of rifle range $100 00 500 0 * 0* 150 00 100 00 800 001,000 00 350 00 450 00 . 50 00s 150 00 175 0= 0 100 00

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It was voted that the State appropriation for current expenses ($5,700) be used for salaries, and that the Business Agent is directed to arrange the payments and vouchers. The photographs of the University left at the Philadelphia Exhibition, were donated to the Teachers' Association of that city. The Begent, the President of the Board and Prof. Morrow were appointed delegates to the convention at Washington, they to appoint one of their number to read a paper. Adjourned to 9 o'clock A. M.