Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 61]

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62

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

Further aid in instruction for next term is urgently needed in freshman mathematics and in mechanical drawing. During the present term it was found practically impossible for Professor Myers to do all the work required in the former subject and one class was given to Mr. Thompson. For the next term this is also impracticable as both algebra and geometry must be taught in the preparatory classes. Probably the same necessity for more teaching force will exist in the spring term. I respectfully ask t h a t leave be given to secure one or more instructors for the subjects named at a maximum cost of $300.00 for each term. For further request for aid in the department of mechanical engineering I refer to the report of Professor Scribner herewith submitted. I t is an honored custom in institutions of learning to confer upon distinguished members of a faculty the title of professor emeritus when such persons retire from the active duties and responsibilities of chairs made eminent by their occupancy. Following this idea I take this opportunity of asking you to consider the name and services to the University of Dr. John M. Gregory, the first regent of the University, of whom and of whose work you all know. His studies in political and social sciences make him prominent among specialists in these subjects and indicate the propriety of naming him professor emeritus of political economy. This may be understood as a compliment to him and at the same time as an honor to the University in still connecting his name with its affairs, without implying service or salary. I t gives me pleasure to inform you t h a t Professor Hills has been promoted by the Secretary of War to a captaincy—a well deserved honor. As it would be very disadvantageous to u s ' t o have a change made now in the military instruction, efforts have been made to have Captain Hills' detail here continued for the period originally made. His promotion does not necessarily cause his removal from his present position, and we hope he may not be ordered away. As it is impossible for him to meet the students for recitation at any other hour than from 3 to 4 o'clock it is likewise impossible for him further to divide his classes in drill regulations. According to the proposal made at your last meeting and referred to me for report I recommend t h a t an instructor be provided at an expense of not over $30.00 for the term. Quite separate and apart from the foregoing, but very desirable now as an addition to existing features of the University, stands the organization of a law school. This is not a new subject to you, but is not the time ripe for a movement in t h a t direction? There are about fifty students now in the University who would like to take a course in law here if the instruction could be furnished. The school is asked for by influential members of the legal profession and it is believed the movement would receive the endorsement of their entire body. The equipment need not be large, compared with t h a t of the technical departments, and the instruction would not be of an expensive kind. There seems to be nothing iu the location or in the nature of things to prevent an excellent outcome to an effort of this kind. The only apparent obstacle in the way is the want of means for founding and support. I t seems to me a proper presentation to the legislature would be likely to meet a favorable reception from the fact t h a t so large a proportion of t h a t body belongs to t h e profession of the law. Such a school could be taken care of without a special building, if the present quarters are relieved to the extent hoped for by provisions for the engineers and for the library. The main thing to start with in the way of equipment would be a library, and this should be a good one, for which a liberal appropriaticn should be asked. A school of pharmacy ought to be organized soon, in connection with the chemical department. This would be the natural development of what we already have and of the instruction already undertaken. The rooms in the third story of the Chemical Laboratory will accommodate t h e department so t h a t the only cost for t h e establishment of t h e school would be t h a t for furnishing and equipment. Of course the instruction