Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 250]

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PEOCEEDINGS OF BOAED OF TEUSTEES.

251

been obliged to store almost 500 volumes of less-needed, though important, books, to make room for others. I certainly do not know what can be done with those to arrive this summer unless more shelf room is provided. We need, and need now, a new, modern building, with all appliances for this vital part of our University work. Upon this probably every member of the faculty is agreed, and t h a t it is our foremost need in the way of buildings. The plan adopted recently for the purchase of books has given satisfaction, and often makes t h e appropriation available for immediate needs. The board gave me the librarian's duty to perform, without .my knowledge, till I was actually appointed. I have cared for it as faithfully as I could, but I do not feel t h a t I can continue the work for another year, and accordingly ask to be relieved therefrom. I shall take pleasure in seeing t h a t matters are attended to till July 1st, when I expect to leave home. • Respectfully, C. M. Moss. I have said t h a t there will be no room available for the development of a musical department even if the room we have should be considered suitable for the purpose. I t has been publicly understood t h a t Miss Kimball has resigned her place and this, together with the expressed desire t h a t more should be offered in the way of musical instruction, has induced numerous persons to make application for positions. These applications are on file, but no answer has been returned further than to acknowledge, if by mail, the receipt of the papers. 1 submit, however, a proposition from Mr. Squire, who is very sanguine that the conditions are favorable for beginning the work. His plan is practically t h a t existing in the University of Michigan, of which we have Yery satisfactory reports. While it does not appear to me t h a t the University should assume the responsible management of a musical conservatory in any case, it does seem to me to be very important t h a t instruction should be offered in musical theory and history to classes, as in other subjects, and t h a t students should have abundant opportunity to take private lessons of the best grade, in the various musical subjects. In the endeavor to render the University and the place attractive to women students, musical instruction and the kind of educational culture connected therewith, must have prominent consideration. Whether the present proposition is a desirable one or not, something of the kind meets my own very hearty approval and I earnestly invite your best consideration of the subject.

GYMNASIUM FOR WOMEN.

Somewhat connected with this in idea is a communication from the alumnae association of the University, which I take pleasure in presenting, as follows: To the Honorable Board of Trustees, University of Illinois. GENTLEMEN: The alumnae association of t h e University desires to call j o u r attention to t h a t part of Dr. T. J. Burrill's address of recent issue which refers to the small percentage of women students here in attendance and to second his. recommendations for them. This association has among its members alumnae who have been sepaTated from their University course long enough to realize most fully fes advantages which the University should offer to women. We feel t h a t our obligations to our Alma Mater and its obligations to t h e young women of Illinois make it our privilege to request t h a t the Tsoard of trustees provide additional facilities for its women students. We urge, especially, the gymnasium for women and request t h a t the efficient and unselfish work of Miss Kellogg during the past year be •encouraged by a requisite allowance of rooms and funds. Not until the daughters of Illinois are enabled to enjoy in our own University all the advantages offered by other institutions will the full