UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
N A V I G A T I O N D I G I T A L L I B R A R Y
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Nevins) [PAGE 285]

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266 ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY since 1890 there has been no complaint on this score at Illinois. Dean Davenport once justly attributed the ease with which his college shouldered the burdens which it was predicted would break it down to this administrative liberalism. The machinery never even creaked, though the experiment station alone had to take up a bulletin service soon amounting to the distribution of 35,000 copies of each publication, and a correspondence that mounted to over 10,000 letters yearly. As he said of his departmental heads: I could point out to you one of these men who is responsible for the profitable use of over $50,000 every year, spent in his department alone in amounts of from five cents up; and to another whose researches bring him into close relations with the most extensive dealers and the largest business interests. The least amount for which any of the heads is responsible is $25,000 a year. Think of issuing orders to that kind of men! What would be their mind if, upon returning to the University after a conference with leading citizens upon matters involving thousands and perhaps millions of dollars when measured by public utility, or upon policies extending over generations, they should pick up and read specific directions concerning a ten-dollar detail? There has never been any attempt to force the faculty to another course in the name of administrative solidarity. When President James first came he determined to unite the two liberal arts colleges, but as opposition developed in one which felt that its interests might be neglected, he waited years till its faculty was converted. In the departments each man knows his responsibilities. He knows how much money he can have for the year; as he helped make the division, he understands why it is that sum. All plans, estimates, and lists of appoint-