Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 248]

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PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

249

I inspected and witnessed the drill of the battalion—six companies of infantry, one artillery detachment, and band. Appended hereto is a field return showing the strength present and absent, how absentees are accounted for, etc. All of the cadets present at inspection were in complete uniform. Owing to a rain storm the exercises under arms were held in the drill hall, which was not large enough to admit of a review. The command formed by battalion in column for inspection. The cadets presented a neat appearance and are well set up. The band has a very neat uniform and serviceable cap. For drill the six companies were divided into two battalions of three companies each, the cadet captains drilling the battalions. The drill was excellent. All the captains showed a perfect knowledge of battalion movements, their commands were clear and distinct, and all movements were executed promptly, accurately, and in a very soldierly manner. The drill of the artillery detachment in manual of the piece, loading and firing was well executed and showed a good knowledge of the drill. I t is regretted that, owing to the storm and wet condition of the ground, the detachment was unable to give an exhibition in the mechanical maneuvers, dismounting piece, etc. Great credit is due Captain Hills for the excellent state of proficiency to which he has brought the cadet battalion of this University. He labored under many great disadvantages when he first entered upon his duties, but by patient and persistent efforts, a great deal of tact and good judgment, he has succeeded in placing the military organization in an excellent condition." I communicate herewith a petition from the leaders of the different athletic organizations, and commend it to your attention.

LIBRARY.

The report of Professor Moss, as librarian, is herewith submitted. The library matter has become a very serious problem, which, no doubt, can only be well solved by erecting a special building. But what to do< while waiting for a new building is a puzzle. I t may be thought t h a t sufficient room will be easily spared in University* Hall after the engineers move into their new quarters, but any attempt to distribute the rooms among the remaining departments will quickly show t h a t the room in University Hall will be more than demanded. I t seems absolutely impossible to find any place for the proposed model school until Engineering Hall furnishes relief, and, as it is not certain t h a t this buildirlg will be ready in any part for occupancy at the beginning of the next school year, it is difficult to see what can be done for the new school. Much, too, has been said about needing a musical department, but there will be no spare room for this, even in a small way, after the engineers all leave University Hall. With things as now arranged for the next year, there will not be a room in this building unoccupied. On the contrary, double occupancy will be necessary in some cases. Special attention is required to assignments for the preparatory school. The regent's office, perhaps before any other needs are considered, requires enlargement and adjustment. To the Board of Trustees. GENTLEMEN: The work connected with the library has progressed with very little friction during the year, though several difficulties have stood in the way. The labors of Mr. Cleaves Bennett have been well and faithfully done. Upon him has fallen t h e major share of the routine work, and it has taken all his time from morning till night throughout the year. The assistants also have done their work acceptably. The difficulties mentioned are, first, the well-nigh total absence of such facilities for office work as t h e librarian's duty demands. One old, small desk was all the office contained until recently, when a letter-press