Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1906 [PAGE 137]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1905]

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Ill

After making this decision and while looking about for a suitable site the full significance of a permanent change in policy was forced upon me. and I came to realize what it would mean if the abode of the executive head of the agricultural interests here should oe no longer identified with the University and if successive incumbents felt free to live at whatever point in either town might be most convenient or economical to them. Ours had become clearly the leading institution of its kind and L was loth to see this permanent handicap come upon us, placing us at decided disadvantage as compared with similar leading institutions whose object it is to develop and elevate agriculture. It was then that I made the proposition to donate the site upon which I have since built. Upon its rejection I went forward with my building operations. The site was a valuable one, worthy of a good building, and with Professor White as architect I have built a comfortable home. Since this has been done there has been a widespread expression of regret that the University has changed its policy and is apparently pursuing a different one from that of similar institutions elsewhere. Of course this house was not built and I cannot afford to maintain it as an official residence. If I were wealthy and could afford to do so I would be glad to open it freely to the farmers of Illinois and of other states and countries who come here on official or semi-official business. But the salary paid here is lower than at any other institution of this rank, and the simple truth is that I can not under existing conditions meet obligations of this sort as they should be met and as they are met at many other institutions of this character. Farmers have not been slow to express their disappointment at the evident change of policy and to indicate their desires upon the general question, and I have been asked if I would now sell this property to be used for this purpose. I have answered that I would do so if it were desired; that it was built by a, University architect, and that I would sell it for what it cost, if it could be done while it is new and its value clearly evident, and further that I would'maintain it as such residences are usually maintained; in short, that I would do everything for the University and for Illinois' agriculture that is financially possible. In connection with the discussion of section 1, of the Association Bill, from which the funds for such a purpose would naturally come, the general question of building or buying such a residence was freely discussed both before the House and the Senate appropriations committees, where it met with only favorable comment, the chairman of the latter committee expressing his special interest in the matter. After speaking historically at so great a length I feel like saying on nr$ own account; and quite independent of personal considerations, that I feel fully convinced such a move should be made and that for the best interests of agriculture and' the University a residence suitable for this purpose should be either bought or built, whichever is considered most advantageous to the University. I have alluded to this subject at considerable length (though it is naturally one of personal embarrassment) because I believe it is far-reaching in its consequences and because it is evidently very much in the minds of those farmers who have been chiefly instrumental in securing the funds with which to place this college and station in a leading position. As a guide to action, now that the matter is up, I give the following facts regarding some of our leading institutions; all of which has a direct bearing not only upon this matter, but also upon recommendations made elsewhere as to salaries of leading positions in college and station: WISCONSIN—W. A. Henry, Dean and Director. Salary, $4,000 and use of a $10,000 residence, rent free. This house was built some ten years ago when building was relatively inexpensive. MINNESOTA—Wm. M. Liggett, Dean and Director. Salary $4,000 and privilege of a $12,000 residence, rent free. NEW YORK (ITHACA)—L. H. Bailey, Dean and Director. Initial salary, $4,500, no residence and no responsibilities for entertainment.