Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1898 [PAGE 18]

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18

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

[ S e p t . 15,

in the structure, and no opportunity for spontaneous combustion, so far as is known, it is reasonable to suppose that the fire originated from a flash of lightning. Before it was discovered it had made great headway from the main floor-through the second and third floors. The fire departments of Champaign and (Jrbana were upon the grounds very soon after the discovery a^id rendered heroic and effective service, but notwithstanding their best efforts, and probably because of the ignitible character of the chemicals stored in the building, destruction soon followed. The roof fell in and carried with it the main part of three floors. *' • I suppose the loss upon the building itself would aggregate $40,000 to $50,000. It would certainly require more than that amount to make another building suitable to take its place. There was much valuable apparatus and the next year's supply of chemicals in the building. Some part of the stock of chemicals was fortunately saved, but the loss of apparatus was nearly complete. I suppose a moderate estimate of the loss of apparatus and supplies would be $20,000 to $25,000. . . Work was commenced instantly to remove the debris. Members of the Board were requested to meet here on the following Wednesday morning and Messrs. Morgan, Morrison, Bullard, Raymond, and Graham were here. After fully discussing the matter they unanimously agreed upon a plan of action. This was to ,put a new roof of substantial character over the structure, to patch up the interior for temporary use, at the least possible cost and in the least practicable time, with a view to the abandonment of the building as a chemical laboratory and to the converting of it to some other purpose as soon as the State could make provision therefor. The precise action of the members of the Board who were present will be reported to you by the Secretary and will require your action. # The work determined upon has been rapidly prosecuted under the supervision of Associate" Professor James M. White, of the department of architecture, and the building is now practically ready for use. I do not think we have lost any students in consequence of the disaster, although much inconvenience and some embarrassments are unavoidable.

A. S. DRAPER,

President.

THE CORPS OF INSTRUCTION.

To the Board of Trustees: I make the following recommendations as to the Corps of Instruction: 1. That Professor Daniel Kilham Dodge be granted leave of absence, because of sickness, for the fall term, upon half pay. It has been arranged that Professor Dodge's work shall be carried through the fall term by other members of the Faculty of the College of Literature and Arts, with such additional assistance as may be necessary to many the details of their work, which we shall be able to employ, I think, for the timex being, without material loss to the interests of the University. 2. That Assistant Professor George Daniel Hammond be granted leave of absence for the year, without salary and in consequence of sickness, and that George Henry Alden, Ph, D., be appointed Acting Assistant Professor of History for the year, at a salary of $70 per month for ten months from September 1st. , 3. In June last John Edward McGilvrey, A. B., was, by your authority, appointed Assistant Professor of Pedagogy and Visitor of High Schools, at a salary af $1,200 per annum. Your approval is requested. 4. That the salary of George A Huff, Jr., Assistant Director of the Gymnasium and Coach of the Athletic Teams, be $1,200 per annum. "5. In July last Carlton Raymond Rose, Ph. M., was, by your authority, appointed Instructor in Chemistry, at a salary of $70 per month for ten months from September 1st. Your approval is asked. .