Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1916 [PAGE 164]

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164

UNIVEESITY OF ILLINOIS.

[Dec 8,

[Prof. Smith's Letter.] March 16, 19V,. DEAR PROF. WARD: I wish to call attention to the fact that the very last accessible places which furnished conditions attractive to the majority of the birds that come during the earlier part of the season have now been "cleaned up" and made valueless for the work with a bird class. Houses have taken the place of bushes on the Reasoner place and the hedges have been destroyed and now the Cemetery has been renovated by the complete destruction of all the hedges, brush patches, and neglected corners which furnished the only conditions attractive to many varieties of birds that were formerly abundant here but can no longer be found in places within reach of bird classes. With a wonderful increase in the interest in bird life throughout the State and country it seems strange that the University which is so progressive in many lines should be so utterly lacking in interest in this direction. Four or five acres adjacent to the Forest or including part of it could be easily planted with shrubbery and trees that would supply food and protection to many of our earlier visitors and be of great advantage to our bird classes. There have not been less than 50 students annually in these classes for a number of years and, as many of them teach in the schools of the State later on, the benefit resulting in this important phase of conservation activities in the State is hardly likely to be overestimated. Unless something is done very soon to improve conditions for field work here or to provide transportation to suitable places our attempts to give courses in bird work will be largely farcical. Very truly,

F. SMITH.

On motion of Superintendent Blair, these letters were received for record and the matter was referred to Mrs. Busey and the Committee on Agriculture for consideration and report.

REQUEST FOR ORGANIZATION OF A TROOP OF CAVALRY. (19) A letter from Mr. J. D. White, Captain of the First Cavalry, commanding Troop B, endorsed by'Maj. F. D. Webster, Professor of Military Science, concerning the organization of a troop of Cavalry in connection with the University Cadet Brigade: URBANA^ I L K , December 1, 191/,. President Edmund J. James, University of Illinois^Vrbana, III. SIR : I have been informed that a number of universities have, at the suggestion of the War -Department, organized troops of cavalry or batteries of artillery of the National Guard of their respective states. In doing this they extend their military training to include mounted as well as dismounted work. As there are no vacancies in the Illinois National Guard for mounted organizations I wish to suggest that Troop B, 1st Cavalry, Illinois National Guard, be taken in by the University. The students who wish can enlist and be furnished with all clothing and equipment by the State. Those who do not care to enlist, but who wish mounted training, could no doubt be taken care of in some manner. The only expense to the University or State would be to furnish horses to drill with, and as the troop would drill at night the horses could be used by the Military Department of the University during the day. The troop is now composed of more than 50 per cent students of the University, and arrangements can be made to make the organization almost completely a University body. The University would have the services of this troop on occasions of ceremony, cadets could use the equipment for mounted drill, if so desired, and it would give many students who are interested in mounted work a chance to get a more extended training. The regiment of which this troop is a part is composed of twelve troops and is commanded by Col. Milton J. Foreman of Chicago, and is considered one of the best mounted organizations in the organized militia. I have spoken to Col. Foreman regarding this subject and he expressed himself as being highly pleased with the proposition, and is very anxious to have it carried through. One of the officers of the troop, Wilber J. Carmichael, is a member of the University Faculty, and was a Major in the University Regiment during his student days. I would also request authority to use the Stock Judging Pavilion for the mounted drill of Troop B one night a week, if it can be conveniently arranged. For the present we may be able to rent horses for this purpose but funds would only be available for about one mounted drill each month. It is also thought that the organization of a riding club might be advisable. Should you look with favor on this letter I will be glad to go further into the matter with you, in conjunction with the Commandant. Very respectfully, Captain 1st Cavalry,- Commanding Troop B. [First Endorsement.] Military Department, December 2, 1914. Respectfully transmitted to President James. I heartily concur in the suggestions of Capt. White and hope they can be carried out. Major of Infantry, Professor of Military

F. D. WEBSTER. J. D. WMTTE,

Science.

This contmunication was received for record and referred to the President of the University for consideration and report.