Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1892 [PAGE 197]

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200

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

students who drill between 4 and 5 o'clock dark winter afternoons, viz: several arc lamps. From this date onward these are not so essential, b u t of course will be similarly demanded another year. Attention is asked to the request of Lieutenant Hills for four trumpets tor his battalion drill practice, and for target materials, $25.00; also to his request for more labor upon the muskets, so t h a t they may be kept in better order. The work of the military classes seems to be fairly satisfactory. The new arrangements of this year continue to show adaptation to existing conditions, and better results are anticipated for the future. So far class instruction has been given but once a week, as provided for in the rules; but for the summer term the professor wishes to meet twice a week those who continue the study and from whom the officers are chosen. This has been done in former years and is especially needed next term on account of the introduction of the new drill regulations. The military band is doing admirably under the leadership of Charles A. Elder. Twenty dollars is desired for new music.

ATHLETICS.

The general interest in out-of-door sports has been kept up by the victories of our foot-ball team; and gymnasium practice has been stimulated by preparation for an exhibition in Champaign under the auspices of t h e University Athletic Association. Instruction in the gymnasium has been given by three students selected for proficiency and paid by the University. While good work has been done, better arrangements should be made as soon as practicable. A question has been raised in regard to the provision of baths in the gymnasium building. If possible to construct them, they would largely contribute to progress in athletic affairs and work an advance in physical culture.

THE ILLINI.

The Illini is much improved in the new dress provided for at your December meeting, and these responsible for its reputation are straining every endeavor to make the paper creditable and useful. I submit a proposition to furnish 300 or more copies for the rest of the year, mailed for 28 cents per copy.

CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS.

The Young Mens' and Young Womens' Christian Associations have energetically undertaken to raise a fund for a new building for their uses. Subscriptions have been taken among themselves amounting to over $2,000; and they propose to raise in some way at least $25,000. In this great and laudable enterprise they need every possible encouragement; but believing t h a t success is attainable, they withdraw the request presented at your last meeting for better quarters in University Hall. These statements alone testify to the activity of these helpful organizations. They are alive and full of interest. How much more effective will they be when they get a new home for themselves! A question is sure to arise as to the character and use of the building in connection with University work. The rooms may be devoted entirely to the direct affairs of the associations, or they may in part be available for all students and for class purposes. In some cases such structures are placed on the grounds of the institution with which they are connected; in others they are erected upon land the title of which is in the association for assigned reasons. The uses to which the building is designed should be settled first, then the question of site may be an easy one. I t seems to me a committee of conference to report at your next meeting will be desirable.