| Summary: | Minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings held in 1875Building of the Agricultural
and Mechanical College of Alabama.
Auburn, Alabama, July 12, 1875
At the regular annual meeting of the Board. of Directors, tMre were present the
President, Mr. Barnes, & Messrs. Langdon, Bibb, Dowdell, Scott, am McKleroy.
The proceedings of the last meeting of the Board were read by the secretary and
approved.
On motion of Mr. Dowdell, the President of the College was requested to submit
his annual repo rt.
The Pre sident of the College thereupon read his report 'Which on motion of l.fr'.
Langdon laid on the table until tomorrow.
The committee submitted their report on the treaSllrer's report instructed by
the Board at their last meeting to be made at the present meeting of the Board.
Also, a report on the financial transactions of the treasurer for the year
beginning the 1st of July, 1874, and erxling the 1st of July, 1875, which reports
on motion of Mr. Barnes, Mr. Langdon in the chair, was laid on the table for the
present.
The report of the librarian was submitted which on motion of Mr. Barnes was
received.
On motion of Mr. Barnes the privilege of a militazy hop was granted the cadets
to be had in the college building at this commencement.
On motion of Mr. Dowdell the recommendation of the faculty to confer degrees on
the following young men, viz. F. C. Dillard, Auburn, Ala., the degree of Bachelor
of Science; William M. Perry, Columbus, Georgia, Bachelor of Science; John A.
Ratchford, Chambers Co., Alabama, Bachelor of Science; and E. R. Ries, Russell
Co., Alabama, Bachelor of EngiD~ering, be as the concurrence and approval of the
Board.
On motion of Mr. Barnes the Board adjourmd until 3 0 t clock p.m. tomorrow.
Auburn, Alabama
July 13, 1875
The Board met according to adjournment with the addition of Mr. Stansel to the
nUJJlber present.
By Mr. McKleroy - Rerolved that the following standing coJlUllittees be appointed
by the President of the Board, consisting of three eachr
1st on Finance. Committee - Messrs. Stansel, Langdon, and Lawler.
2nd College l.a.nd and property committee - Messrs. McKleroy, Scott and Dowdell.
3rd Claims committee .. Messrs Dowdell,- Scott, aDd Bibb.
4th Revision of laws. Committee - Lawler, Stansel, and Houston.
On motion of Mr. Langdon, the report of the President be taken from the table.
On motion of Mr. Langdon the -report of the President be referred to a special
connnittee to consist of five; the committee named are Messrs. Langdon, Stansel,
McKleroy, Bibb, and Houston, ani on motion Mr. Lawler was added to the committee.
It was directed that conununications from citizens of Auburn and vicinity accompany
the- report of the President.
Mr. Frazar having presented a claim of Mrs. Mary A. Carter, on motion of Mr.
McK1.eroy the claim of Mrs. Carter be referred to the committee on claims.
Resolved by Mr. Langdon that the treasurer be requested to make a detailed report
of a 11 his financial transactions for the fiscal year of the college, from the
1st of July, 1874, to 1st of July, 1875.
On motion of Mr. Langdon the Board adjourned until tomorrow morning at 8 0 I clock.
A. & M. College of Alabama
July 14, 1875
The Board met at 8 o'clock a.m. with the addition of L. M. Stansel to those who
were pre sent.
Minutes read and adopted.
The committee on the claim of Mrs. Carter having submitted their report, on motion
of Mr. Bibb the repo rt of the committee was received.
On motion of Mr. Bibb th. report of the President was taken up and adopted.
On motion of Mr. Stansel the communication of Mr. J. M. Riley addressed to the
Board of Directors of the A. & M. College was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Stansel, Professor Hogg be pennitted to come before the Board
innnediately or send his cOJqirunication in writing.
In pursuance of the pennission granted Professor Hogg presented himself before
the Board and read a written paper.
On motion of Mr. McK1eroy the report of the Treasurer be referred to the committee
on finance, accompanied wi th the report of the conunittee on the 1reasurer's report.
On motion of Mr. McKleroy the conununication of Professor Hogg be laia. on the
table for further consideration.
On motion of Mr. Langdon the Board adjourned to 3 o'clock p.m.
I( IOUBt ** ~ lit I( If au l(
On motion of Mr. 'St.ansel, a committee to consist of three be appointed to examine
the condition of the library of the college and the number of vol'Wlles, etc, procured
by the secretary since the last meeting of the Board and to ascertain the
and report the pay to which the secretary may be entitled to his services in
reference thereto. The committee named Messrs. Stansel, Scott, and Dowdell.
On motion of Col. Langdon, the communication of Professor Hogg be referred to a
committee. The connnittee - Messrs. Lawler, Bibbs, & Scott.
On motion of Mr. Langdon the Board take a recess until the call of the President
of the Board.
J 0
On motion of Mr. Langdon the report of the special committee on the communication
of Profesoor Hogg was received and the committee discharged.
On motion of Mr. McKleroy th:! report of the cOlll1littee on the ~. rep6J!'t of the
President of the College was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Bibb, the report of the committee on claims in reference to the
claim of Mrs. Sassnett was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Stansel the report of the committee on college property, etc.,
was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Langdon the Board adjourned until 8 o'coock p.m.
The Board met at 8 o'clock p.m..
On motion of Mr. Stansel the Board go into an election of secretary to the Board.
The name of F. M. Reese having been presented by Mr. Stansel.
On motion of Mr. Stansel, the election of F. M. Reese be unanimous for one year.
On motion of Mr. Stansel, the election of F. M. Reese be unanimous for om year.
On motion of Mr. :sta.nsel, the degree of Doctor of Divinity be conferred on the
Reverend George H. Hunt of Tuscaloosa.
On motion of Mr. Stansel the report of the auditing committee on the report of
the treasurer be received and adopted as the report of the finance committee.
On motion of Mr. Bibb the matter of tuition presented by the President in his
annual report be reconsidered, Which motion was adopted. After some discussion
on motion of Mr. Bibb, the original report of the committee on the President's
report was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Stansel, a resident committee of three be appointed as an auditing
committee of the books, vouchers, ete. of the treasurer. The committee named -
Messrs. Dowdell, Reese, and Mr. P. H. Swanson.
On motion of Mr. Bibb the sons of the late General James H. Clanton be admitted
into the A. & M. College of Alabama free of tuition.
On motion of Mr. Stansel the Board go into theelection of surgeon.
On motion of Mr. Stansel the election of Dr. J. H. Drake be unanimous.
On motion of Mr. 'Stmsel the rel!lllest of the .cadets to be pennitted to wear
moustache be referred to the Commandant with the hope that it will meet with his
approval.
On motion of Mr. Bibb, the Board adjourned sine die.
F. M. Reese, Secretar.r to Board.
· /91
REPORTS O'F COMMITTEES
Report of committee on claims on the claim of Mrs. Mary A. Carter.
We the committee to whom was referred the claim of Mrs. Mary A. Carter have had
the same under consideration and from the best data furnished your committee,
they find to be due on said claim the sum of five hundred and eighteen 94/100
dollars, which amount they recommend to be paid out of the funds of the College
not otherwise appropriated, whenever the said Har,y A. Carter executes or causes
to be executed to the Board of Directors of the A. & M. College and their
successors in office a good and sufficient for simple title to the lands bou~t
by the college of her.
CL4IH OF MRS. SASSNETT
w. C. Dowdell, Chairman
J. B. Scott
B. L. Bibb~
The committee to whom was referred the claim of Mrs. Sassnett have had the same
under consideration and on investigation find the amount due on the claim to be
four hundred and sixty nine 06/160 dollars, which sum it is recommended te paid
out of any funds of the college not otherwise appropriated.
Respectfully submitted,
W. C. Dowdell, Chairman.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COLLEGE LAND, PROPERTY, ETC.
The committee on college lands and property instncts me to report that the;r
f i nd that the college now owns O1\e hundred and nine acres of land, seventy-five of
which known as the tract purchased from Mr. Jones is unused and no t now in condition
for any practical use but the committee find that said tract could not be
sold for its value at this time and, therefore, they think it had better not be
oold until authorized by the Board hereafter. The committee further reports that
they find that many repairs are much needed on the college building and the;r
recommem that an appropriation of one thousand dollars out of m:mies which m;r
be received for tuition and incidental expenses be made to defray the e:xpense of
such repairs am that such repairs shall be JRade the President of the College.
The committee further report that they find that the sum of nine hundred am
ninety dollars besides solie interest thereon is still one on account for lands
purchased for the college.
Respecttull;r submitted,
John Mr. McKlero;r, Chairmano
REroRT OF COMMITTEE ON THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT
The special committee to whom was referred the report of the Pre sident ot the
college have had the same under consideration and instruct me to report the
following resolutions concerning sOIlle of the subject matters of said report and
to recommend their adoption.
Resolved 1st - by the Board of Directors of the Agriclll tural and Mechanical
College of Alabama that the faoul ty are hereby instructed to restore the fifth
class in the college, just as it was before the same was discontinued by the
Board at its last session.
Resolved 2nd - that the annual term of the college shall hereafter commence
on the last Wedne sday of September and shall end on the last Wednesday in
June in each and every year.
Resolved 3rd - that a committee of three be appointed to prepare a memorial
to Congress, asking for a further endowment to this College and that said
memorial when prepared shall be signeci by all the members of this Board and
written or printed copies thereof shall be furnished to the Senators and
Representatives in Congress from this state with the request that they present
the same and advocate the desired grant.
Resolved 4th - that it is very de sirable that the students of this College
that have an opportunit,y of attending the Centennial Celebration at Philadelphia
next year and the Faculty are hereby requested to make the most favorable
arrangements possible to enable the students to visit Philadelphia in a
body during the next year - provided, however, that such visit shall not be
made during the scholastic term and provided tlilat hone of the expense of such
visit shall be paid by the College.
Respectfully submitt"ed,
C. C. Langdon, Chairma'l
FURTHER REPORT OF THE OOMMITTEE ON THE REPORT OF THE pm;SIDENT OF THE COLIEGE
The committee to whom was referred the report of the President of the College
recommended me to make the following repo rt.
1 st. That each Cadet shall hereafter pay at the beginning of the collegiate
year an incidental fee of ten dollars.
2nd. That the tuition fee shall be forty dollars per annum, one half payable
at the beginning of the collegeiate year am the other half payable at the
middle of the session.
Respectfully submitted,
C. C. Langdon, Chairman
REroRT OF THE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION OF ProF. A. HOGG BY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
The committee to whom was referred the written communication of Mr. A. Hogg
bearing date the 9th inst. and which hereby to~ permitted to read before
the Board of Directors has been examined with as much care as could be done
in the limited time at our command.
The accusations, insinuations, and complaints of Mr. Hogg are numerous. Some
of them definite, while others are vague and rambling. They are directed
against the President of the College, several members of" the Faculty, and the
Treasurer and in some degree reflect upon the Board of Directors.
It is ianifest that they are the mere examinations of a disappointed man and
to have permitted such a communication to be read before the Board exhibited
a remarkable degree of patience and forbearance. As he has been permitted tG
present his alledged grievances without restraint, we presume he is now
satisfied and the Board may indulge the hope that he will not again obtrude
himself upon their attention.
The committee recommend that no action be taken upon Hr. Hoggls communication.
The parties assailed are protected by the well established reputation as men
/92
193
of integrity and their known devotion to the welfare of the College.
The Board of Directors are not amenable to Mr. Hogg for their action in reducing
the Faculty. They had a perfect right to make such a reduction for alV" cause
which in their judgement wouldoontribute to the success ani usefulness of the
institution and to' dispense with the services of Mr. Hogg or any 0 tiler Professor
without asslgning any reason, unless such professor stood charged with improper
conduct. In such case an investigation WJuld have been due the accused before
dismissal.
But in this case Hr. Hogg was dropped from the corps of professors because the
Board determined to reduce their number, and Mr. Hogg's demand to be heard
cannot be recognized and the privilege of reading his paper was accorded to hilII.
as a matter of gratuitous courtesy.
He refers to transactions which have been thoroughly investigated and the officers
against whom he exhibits a desire to prefer charges were relieved of censure by
the committee of investigation and by the approval of their report by the Board.
With this brief report the committee ask to be discharged.
The committee were Messrs. Lawler, Bibb, & Scott. Lawler, Chairman.
TREASURER - AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL COLIEGE OF ALABAMA, AUBURN, ALA., 11/28/1874.
To the honorable Board od Directors of the j.grlcultural and Mechanical College
of Alabama.
Your committee to whom was referred the report of the treasurer of the college,
submitted at a meeting of the Board held in the cit,y of Montgomery, Alabama, on
the 28th day of July, 1874, respectfully submit that they have carefully examined
and investigated . the books and report of the treasurer and find that these are
vouchers approved by the President of the college for all items of expenditures
and disbursements made by him except a matter of interest paid to Col. George P.
Harrison and to 5hapard & Co, Bankers. The correctness of these several amounts
the President does not. question but did not feel authorized to approve, preferring
the Board . to pass on the matter and make the allowan::e.
The interest to Col. Harrison was paid on account of salaIY past due, am to
'.silapard & Co for monies advanced to the college by them on account of the college,
the treasurer not being willing or feeling authorized to dispose of Alabama
money which he had deposited with the said Shapard & Co. a t the then market
value of the Alabama currency.
We append hereto a consolidated report and statemnt furniSBd to us by the
Treasurer, which on comparison with the itemized account and vouchers, we find
correct, embracing the items of interest referred to.
We are respectfully,
W. C. Dowdell
F. M. Reese
The Committee
Treasurer's report for the year ending July 1, 1874.
RECEPTS
On ttiliion
Endowment
Surgeon's acto
Expense
Fann
Agl. Cadets
DISBURSEMENTS.
$1,327.35
22,200.00
343.00
».00
h8.75
300.00
$24,249.10
Paid on repairs & improvements
Expense acct.
Fixtures
Printirig
'stationery
Freight acct.
Q. -Master
Apparatus
Musician
Bd.- "o"f Directors
Farm acct.
Insurance
Surgeon
F.M.Reese
E.T. Glenn
Faculty
Real estate
Agl. Cadets
Commissions
Interest & Exchange
Bal. on hand
"$ 796.07
1,149~OO
641~75
632~37
99~05
182~23
488~08
274~90
3J5~00
71.B~25
441.52
485.00
343.00
361.00
1,000.00
13,825.68
120.00
532.46
569.19
925.61
328.44
$24,249.10
REPORT OF THE OOMMITTEE ON TREASURER'S REPORT.
24,249.10
A. & M. College of Ala.
July 7, 1875.
T0 t he Honorable Board of Directors of the Agricultural. and Mechanical College
of Alabama.
The Treasurer of the college in accordance with a request of your committee,
has submitted his annual statement of financial transactions from the 1st of
July, 1874, to 1st July, 1875.
Your committee have the pleasure to inform the Board that trey have examined
the books and carefully audited the accounts of the treasurer and in addition
have verified the cash book and ledger.
They find all disbursements made by the treasurer, sustained by vouchers on
which are endorsed the approval of the President of th3 College.
We cannot in justice to the treasurer withhold our cODDllendation for the prompt
and faithful treasurer in which he has discharged hi s duties.
19'-/
We append hereto a consolidated report and statement of the Treasurer for the
consideration of the Board. .
Respectfully.
W. C. Dowdell) The Committee
F. M. Reese J
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE A.&M. COLLEGE OF AIA. FroM 7/1/1874 to 7/1/1875.
Receipts.
Balanc e on hand
From excursion train
From state treasurer
From tuition
From Surgeon fees
From Agl. Cadets
From Produc ts of farm
Disbursements.
Repairs and improvements
Expense
Fixtures
Printing
5tationeyr
Freight
Int. & discount
Apparatus
Music
Board of Directors
Salaries
Farm
Surgeon
Tuition refunded
Agl. Cadets
Improvements to library room
W.H. Jemison
Real estate
Commissions
Labor and stock on farm
$ 328.44
198.65
20,320.00
565000
330.00
392.50
274.50
909.12
1,2l8.65
57.25
526.05
42.10
247.84
1,732.40
675.38
257025
383.50
14,777 .00
1,193.01
381.75
31.60
721080
30.60
:~100.00
100.00
596.70
274.50
24,242.50
22,409.09
1,833.41
I )
Deficit $1833.1.a. Of the excess of disbusements over receipts, the sum of
$1675.94, is due to Shepard & Co., Bankers at Opelika, Ala, am om hundred fiftysayen
(157.00) to the treaSUFaFe
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
A & M College of Alabama
Aub.urn, Alabama
J1iJ.y 7, 1875
I beg to- state to the Board of Directors that I have made all proper and persistent
efforts to increase the college library, having addressed letters to a
number of public officers as well as private individuals, but have not met with
the success I hoped for. In the future I may be more succes~ful.
If it is the pleasure of the Board, I will continue my efforts to increase the
libr~ of the College wjbout asking an appropriation from the endowment fund
or other source s of income to the college, believing that as one people recover
from the severe financial pre ssure to which all classes have been so seriously
subjected for the last two or three years, they will be more able and willing
to make contributions to so laDdable and deserving an Object.
The following is a list of books, documents, etc. received since the last
report of the l:ibrarian.
From the Governor of Illinois
Public laws
Transactions state Agl . Soc.
Repts. depts. of state
From the Governor of Pennsylvania
Legislative documents
From the Governor of Mic higan
AgI.and other reports
Geological survey
From the Governor of Florida
Message & Documents
From the Governor
The code & Comptroller's report
From the Governor of Kansas
Public documents
Report of A & M College
Agl. report
From the Governor of Iowa
Code of Iowa
Agl. reports
Report of the Agl. College
From the Governor of California
Transactions State Agl. Soc.
Reports of Supt. Public Instruction
From the Governor of Massachusetts
State Board of Health and other reports
From the Governor of New Jersey
Reports of depts. of state
From the Gov. of Texas
Reports of depts. of state
From Hon. C. L. Flink
Agriculture of Massachusetts
From Hon. A.H. Stephens, Ga.
A.8. Barnes Publisher
From University Pub. Co.
From F. M. Reese, Auburn, Ala.
From He E. Parke. Macon, Ga.
Vols.
56
11
8
6
20
I
2
I
I
1
2
1
3
4
6
6
2
8
9
8
7
1
2
I ~
From Rev. J. T. Murray, D.D.
Dept. of Agriculture
From Hon. Allen G. Thurman. Ohio
Dept. of Interior
From Hon. Gao. B. Gowan. Ga •.
From Hon. Fred. G. Brownley. Ala.
From C. C. Sheats, Ala.
From Goo. CDldthwarte. Ala.
18
10
6
90
2
11
1
8
312
There are now in the library 466 volumes besides pamphlets, etc.
I will b e pleased if the Board will appoint a committee to examine the library
and make such suggestions as they may deem proper for its future improvement.
/
Respectfully,
F. M.Reese, Librarian.
,97
REPORT OF 'IRE PHESIDENI' OF THE A & M COLLEGE, submitted at their regular annual
meeting July 12, 1875.
To the Board of Directors.
Gentlemen:
A & M College of Alabama
Auburn, Alabama. July 12, 1875
So many rumors in regard to this college were put in circulati<m last winter
that I deemed it proper to address a ~inted communication to the President
of the Board, embodying such facts as would serve to counteract these baseless
reports, copies of which have been sent to many friends throughout the state and
now submitted and asked to be made a part of this report (see end report for copy).
The number of students in the college during the session now closing is eightyeight,
twenty less than the previous year. This decrease was not unexpected. The
greater financial pressure upon the people would have probably produced such a
result, but the chief cause of this decrease in numbers was the action of the
Board in regard to the 5th class. The separation of this class from the college,
which in my judgment a JOOst judicious measure at the time remered certain a
discrimination of the nubmer of stUdents.
It is gratifying, however, to see that the other classes of the college have
shared but little in this depletion as compared with 1874. They stand as follows:
First Class
'Second Class
Third Class
Fourth Class
Fifth Class
J.a7.U J1i72.
4 4
5 9
13 18
34 - 56 19 - 50
53 38
Whole number of students, exclusive of fifth class in 1874- 55, in 1875 was 50.
This small decrease in number has been more than counterbalanced by gains in other
receipts.
There has been a manifest improvement in the progress made by the great 'boqy
of t he students. Their conduct, with few exceptions, has been excellent • . Very
few cases of discipline and none for grave offences. have come before the Faeul ~
during the sessi on.
We questi on whet her t he same mnnber of men, young or old, removed from home and
placed i n similar circumstarees could be found who would depor t themselves better
than the student;;! of this col lege have done during the past year. The code of
law adopted by the Board for the government of the college, administered kindly
but firml y by the faculty has produced the happi est re sults.
A revised course of study cont ained in the catal ogue was adopted by the faculty
with entire unanimity, embodying as it does the results of careful observation
of the wants and average preparation of our students. Comparison with the
courses of study in similar institutions as well as the experience furnished by
the past histor.y of the college, I may be permitted to say that in ~ judgement
it will not be found necessar.y or desirable to change it in any important
particular for many years.
FINANCES
The report bf the Treasurer will furnish you full information in regard to the
receipts and disbursements during the past year. You will then see that the latter
has been greater than the former by several hundred dollars.
This excess does not arise chiefly from expenses of the present ,ear but from the
payment of sums due and unpaid at the close of the last year. Some of these' :were
paid by direct order of the Board at its last session. None of the expenditures
of the year are unpaid except a bill for chemical department which was purchased
with the express understanding that it was not to be paid until after July. The
farm products will, when put upon the market, co"fer to a considerable extent the
small deficit.
It may be well for the Board, especially as some members of it have lately
become connected with it to recall its financial histor.r. In November, 1872,
when the first meeting of the Board, after the or~nization of the College, was
held in Montgomery, we found the facts to be as follows:
Only about $55,000 of your endowment had geen invested and was then drawing
interest. The payment of the preceeding July instead of being as you had been
led to conclude, $8,500 had been but $2,500. In consequence of this, you found
that during the first session the college had contracted a debt of about $7,000.
In addition to this, you had accepted with the Buildings and Grounds in Auburn,
an additional debt of $2,000, maldng a total debt of about $9,000. Your IlOney
had been misused by the state, had not been invested according to law, and in
the condition of the state treasur.y was in great danger of being lost to the
college. You addressed yourselves diligently to _the task of rescuing and by your
management have succeeding in securing to the college bonds of the state of
Alabama for $253,500, thus increasing your endowment $37,500 on and above the
amount for which the lands of the college were sold. This was, of course,
attending with considerable expense and no inconsiderable labor.
At the meeting of the Board already referred to, it was determined to change the
annual vacations from the winter to the sUIIIIler months. To accomplish this, it
was determined to begin the session in January and close the last of July; then
to open the next session in October, closing in July following.
--- -- -- -----------,
The Board also resolved at that meeting to pay the faculty a full year's salar,y
for nine months teaching. These two things produced a result not foreseen by
the Board. From March, 1872, to July 1874, the college was in session 23 months.
You had three sessions of the college in 28 months or about 4i months extra for
that time. This extra term, 4i months, cost the college from 6 to $8,000. There
were also other unlooked for expenses. The land donated to the college by citizens
of Auburn was unfit for the purposes the college and it became necessar,y to buy
other.
The college building has been a source of considerable expenditure. A storm in
1873 blew off part of the roof, which cost $1200 to replace. When turned over to
you it was sadly in need of repair and almost entirely without furniture.
My judgement was that it would require five thousand to repair and fumish it.
We have spent about four thousand on it and it now needs a thousand more.
In addition to all this, the delayed interest on your bonds and the greater part
of that paid when due has been paid in depreciated currency. On this we have
lost an average of about 20 per cent or $4,000 annuallY.
Under these trying circumstances, the college has preserved its credi~gone forward
slowly but steadily with its improvements in ever,y department and has en.joyed a
degree of prosperity equal it not greater than that of a~ college in the state.
These and other perils known to the Board which have enriched it in its infancy
have made the task of conducting its affairs a difficult and delicate one. Hereafter,
when they shall be fully known to the people of the state, they will appreciate
the wisdom and fidelity of those who have been its guardians in the day when
it was imperiled on every side.
Agricultural Department. It was absolutely necessar,y that we should either put
our farm in better condition or abandon it altogether. The latter was not to be
thought of • . What means could be spared has been devoted to that purpose and its
improved condition and crops have increased the reputation of this department
of the college.
Citizens of Auburn and vicinity are taking a deep interest in its crop modes of
planting, fertilizing and culti'Yation and its influence for good is sensibly felt
by the whole community.
During the year at the earnest re«(Uest of prominent citizens of Month Alabaa, we
have established an experimental station in the valley of the Tennessee. It is
under the general management of an excellent executive commit tee with Hon. J. J.
Barclay, an accomplished gentleman as it s superintendent. There are 89 experiments
in corn and cotton now in progress at this station. Under date of June he
writes as followse .
Here the President of the College read the report of Mr. Barclay.
By agreement the college furnishes the station with seed and fertilizers. All
other expenses are met either by the superintendent or executive committee.
Other similar stations will be established in other parts of the state as the
means of the college may justify and the wants of the people may demand.
During the past session, 31 students have received instruction in the agricultural
ttepartment, 19 in the 4th class and 12 in the 2nd classo This class will graduate
next year. Most ot them are able young men and their graduation in agriculture is
looked to nth no ordinary interest.
20D
The President or the college, besides the duties of his office, has given
personal attention to the rarm visiting it almost every day and sometimes twice
a day for weeks and months together. He has taught in the 5th class 24, 4th
class 17; 3rd class 18; in the department of English in the 2nd. class 12; 4th
class 19; in the department of agriculture. Most of these students have made
ver" satisfactor,y progress in their studies better than aqy classes of &qT.
previous year. Their examination grades are submitted for the inspection of the
Board.
Rev. I. T. Tichenor, D.D.
President
A & M College, July 12, 1875.
I have tie honor to report that I have instructed the past year in surveying 31,
drawing 48, french 10, tactics 23, engineering 4 (total 116), drilled 87.
There is a marked improvement in scholarship and deportment. The conduct of
cadets is highly commendable.
I would respectfully recommend the purchase of a 1'ul1. kit of meteorological
instruaents to be placed in charge of the class in engineering and the appropriatian
of five hundred dollars for copies and models in drawing.
I have allowed the use of my own drawings to the classes, but they are insufficient.
The progress in drawing has been stea~ and satisfactory.
I am respectfullr,
R. A. Hardaway, Commandant and
P~ofessor of Engineering & Tactics.
Rev. B. B. Ross,. Professor of Moral Phil. reports I have had students as tollows;
Moral Phil. in the 1st class 4, Eng. Lit. 2nd class 7, Math. Algebra 15, Eng. Lit.
5th class 32, Math. Aritnm.tic 210
Professor Ross also has charge of the declamation and composition in all the
classes and penmanship in the 5th class of 33. In a note appended to this report
he says "I take great pleasure in stating that the most of the students in IV
class have made very satisfactor,y progress. In this connection I would make
special mention of the dilligence and success of the 1st class. All the classes
in English composition have exhibited zeal in that department and have made marked
progress".
Prof. Dunklin has had 28 recitations per week and has taught in Latin 49 students,
Greek 5. He says the students in my class have been very regular in their attendance
and have on the whole studied well and made good progress. Their deportment
with me without exception has been ver,r good.
Prof. Stubbs reports 58 students in the department ot Natural Scienee.
Mineralogy
Beolog
Astronom;y
Mechanics
.Analytic Chemistry
Chemistry
Physics
Ag. Che.
Botany
Ellty. Chem
4
4
5
7
6
23
23
10
21
20
2.. 0 I
Besides, he has taught a class of 12 in German. He says it affords me great
pleE\sure to note an unusual amount of dilligence and progress in all my classes.
Prof. O. D. Smith reports in Department of Mathematics 84 students with 22
recitations per week as follows:
1st class
2nd class
3rd class
4th class
5th class
Bookkeeping 20
4 calculus
5 anal. geometry
22 solid geometr.y
18 geametr,y & algebra
15 algebra
He says the progress of the students in this department has been good. Their
deportm.ent in class unexceptionable. The course for the ensuing year in the
several classes have been advanced to a higher grade. I have been enabled to
do this by reason of the excellent progress made by the several classes. This
is especial~ true of the 3rd and 4th classes. They have advanced further than
the course prescribed for the present year.
TUITION
The amount secured from this source has been small. Several young men whose parents
were unable to pay and who could not get appointments from. county superintendents
of Education applied to me for admission into the college. Unwilling to see ~
young man debarred the privileges of an education because he was too poor to pay
for it, I have in every such case assu.ed the responsibility of admitting him
without tuition.
During the year, parties in and around Auburn have been agitating the question
of free tuition in the college. ~'lhile I freely avow my opinion t bat a man who
is able to pay for the instruction of his son has no right to expect it as a
gratuity. This questien of free tuition may .e reviewed ffom a ver,y different
standpoint. Nearly one half our students are appointed by the county superintendent
of education and pay nothing to the college ecru for incidental expenses.
TheBe are not unfrequently of that ver,y class who are more able to pay. If the
Board should withdraw tuition fees and require a fee of $20 for incidental
expenses, the burden would be more equally distributed and income of the college
probably increased, certainly not dimiaished.
We are furnishing education at this college at a cost so much less than other
colleges of the state that it is ver,y desirable that acknowledge of this fact
should be circulated amohg the peopleo The cost of sending a young man here for
a year need be little, if any, over $2000 I think it would be well for the Board
to permit the faculty to make arrangements to pay the entire expenses of students
and to publish that this will be done for a specific am.ount.
FEMALE EDUCTION
The faculty have instructed me to say before the Board, a resolution passed by
them requiring the Board to give young ladies the privilege of becomeing students
of the college. In submitting the resolution of the faculty, I take occasion
to say it was opposed by but one of its number and meets ver,y hearYY approval.
The faculty have also requested me to ask that the Board notify a change of the
scholastic year made b,y them. The session to begin last Wednesday in September
instead of 2nd Wednesday in October qnd clese the last Wednesday in June instead
of the 2nd Wednesday in July.
202-
COLLEGE GARDEN
During the past year a flower garden has been established for the college. 1s
lloriculture is a necessary part of the course in Agriculture, it was Tery
important that the class which will graduate in that course next year should
have some practical instruction in its. Such a garden was much to be desired
for many other reasons. Its influence on the body of the students has already
been most happy. All the agricultural colleges of the country either have or
design to have such gardens.
Massachusetts spent $10,000 in the construction of a greehouse for her college
and some other states have spent an equal or larger sum.
But as the Board bad made no appropriation for such purposes, I have out of 1lI1'
own private purse purchased all the plants, flowers, seeds of every kind, sort,
and description that have been planted in it. While it is Tery far from being
what I desire it to be, it is now a chief source of attraction to the students
and the people of Auburn.
GOVEltNMEHT INSPECTION
During the early part of the summer D. J. M. Hoyt of Wisconsin, who has been
appointed by the government to visit all the agricultural colleges paid us a
viait. He came unexpectedly and found the college in its usual routine of duty.
He was shown everything about the building and farm and inf orma. tien was freely
given in regard to everything in relation to the institution. The most important
consideration with him was the adaptation of the institution to our form of
society and to the wants of our people. In this respect his unqualified
approbation of the college. He expressed great surprise at sQme of our growing
crops, especially our wheat which he said was superior to anything he had ever
seen growing upon such soil and equal to the wheat:.l of Wisconsin. Our garden
was commended by him as a good feature of the institution. After a careful
e~ination of the whole and expressing his gratification that the President of
the college should be professor of Agriculture, he declared his satisfaction with
the college and invoking upon the college the blessing of heaven, left us to visit
those of other states o
us
During his stay with/he expressed his finn conviction that Congress would at no
distant day give us additional aid and requested that we should cooperate with
the other colleges to secure that very desirable object. I would recommend that
the Board of Directors memoralize Congress at its next session, setting forth
fully the wants of the college and its great need of further endowment.
CENTENNIAL
What part shall the coUege take in the approching centennial? The facultT stand
readT to cooperate in this work with those who maT be charged ·with the dutT of
making an exhibition of the resources and industries of the state. If the BOard
can suggest ~hing in this connection which it would be desirable to have the
college do, it will be cheerfully performed.
Can we not arrange to take all our students to the centennial at Philadelphia?
There is little doubt we can; such a trip would be worth, especial~ with the .
higher classes, a whole year's tuition. If the Board advise it, every effort
will be made to effect such arrangements as will enable the whole corps of
Cadets to witness an exhibition none of us will eTer see again.
2.03
GRADUATES
Messrs. F. C. Dillard of Auburn, Alabama; W. M. Perry, Columbus, Georgia; and
John A. Rotchford, Chambers County, Alabama, have successfully completed the
course in science; Mr. E. R. Rivers, Glennville, Alabama, in Engineering. The
faculty recommend the Board to confer on them the degrees assigned to graduates in
those courses.
In concluding this report, allow me to express my unabated confidence in the
future progress and final success of the college. Th.re are difficulties which
lie before it. There are dangers that beset its path, but they are far less
formidable than those that have already been overcome and should occasion no
doubt of discouragement.
As the condition of our people improves and a knowledge of the institution is
extended, as an increase of means or a judicious expellditure of what we now have
on hand enables us to increase our appliances for instruction, as our graduates
multiply and as the industrial classes recognizing the fact that it is an institution
pecularily adopted to their wants, lend us more of their sympathy and
support, it will gain fresh accessions of strength until its influence and power
is felt to every extremity of our state.
Respectfully submitted,
~, . T. Tichenor, President
F. M. Reese, Secretary to Board of Directors.
The following is a part of the President's report, .
Hon. W. H. Barnes, President Board of Directors:
A. & M. College of Alabama.
Auburn, Alabama
February 11, 1875.
Sir: Several times in the past two years, papers in various parts of the state
have published articles, either editorial or from correspondents, reflecting upon
the A. & M. College. Our policy has been to make no reply to such attacks. We
have been content to do our work, and let the public judge us by the results.
Reliable information has reached me that some parties have been been privately,
but industriously, engaged in circulating reports to our disadvantage, and are seeking
to prejudice the people of Alabama against us. Under these circumstances I
have thought it my duty to put before you the following facts in advance of my
annual report in July.
I may note here that this College has made official reports to four different
parties the past year - one to the Board of Directors; one to the Agricultural
Deparlment at tvash1ngton; 'one to the Committee on Education and Labor of the
Congress of the United states; and one to the legislature of the State.
The a.gricultural Department at Washington gives, in its last report, full ,information
in regard to the A. & M. Colleges it) the United States. From that report it
appears that the whole number of such colleges if forty; their aggregate property
is $17,535,475; the whole number of professors is 389; and the whole number of
students 3,917.
In comparison with the general average of these forty colleges, Alabama stands
as follows:
Average property
Property of A.~ M. College of Alabama
or less than the average by
Average number of professors
Number in A. & M. College of .Alabama
Average number of students
Number in A. & M. College of Alabama
$ 438,387
327.500
1ll,287
9 3/4
7
98
lOS
The committee of Congress on Education and Labor addressed last winter a full
list of questions to all the A. & H. Colleges of the United States, designed to
elicit information (m every important point coxmected with their organization
and historT. These questions were fully answered by us in every particular,
while many of the colleges of other states failed to make full reports.
From the report of that Committee the following facts are collected and comparison
is made between the colleges of four of the largest and wealthiest States
of the Union - Massachusetts, New York, Pexmsylvania, and Illinois, and our own.
Ohio was not selected because her College has but recently gone into operation.
The colleges of these four States have acquired, and justly deserve, a national
reputation.
There are several things which ought to be taken into consideration in making an
estimate of the efficiency of these colleges as compared with that ot Alabama:
1. The age of the institutions. This report was for the collegiate year 1873-4.
The Alabama College was organized in 1872
Those of Massachusetts and Illinois in 1867
Those of New York and Penns,ylvania in 1866.
2. The power of large endowments, splendid buildings and elegant equipments to
attract students even tram other states.
3. The differences in the size of the towns and cities where they are located,
as large towns and cities may reasonably be supposed to furnish a heavy local
patronage.
4. The fact that three of these colleges admit females, thus New York had 8;
Pennsylvania 24; Illinois 74 female students.
5. The difference in population and material prosperity of these states. The"
are all rich, powerful and prosperous, while Alabama is impoversished - her
perople are struggling for bread.
With these facts before you, let the following comparison be carefully considered:
ACRES OF LAND RECEIVED BY STATES FOR ENDOWMEXT OF THESE COu.EGES
Massachusetts
New York
Penns,yl vania
Illinois
Alabama
¥assachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
*Illinois
Alabama
MONEY RECEIVED FROM SALE OF LAND.
360,000 acres
990,000 acres
780,000 acres
480,000 acres
240,000 acres
*Illinois had unsold 25,440 acres, valued at $3.00 per acre.
DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM STATES, COUNTIES, &C., IN ADDITION TO LAND GRANT.
Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
• 450,000
1,114,909
117,699
685,300
100,000
This is the estimate put upon grounds, buildings, &c., at Auburn. Their real
'Value does not exceed one-half this amounto
Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
INCOME FROM ALL SOURCES
$ 38,117
200,463
48,523
130,668
23,480*
*This amount was received in depreciated currency; its real value was less
than $20,000.
INCOME EXPENDED FOO INSTRUCTION
20S-Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
$ 18,551 or 48 5/8 per cent
60,592 or 30 per cent
14,000 or 28 7/8 per cent
26,114 or 20 per cent
13,557 or 58 per cent
Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
STUDENTS
139
519 of whom S were females
150 of whom 24 were females
402 of whom 74 were females
108 of whoa 00 were females.
The Institutions in New York and Illinois are Universities. The number of students
in the A.& M. Colleges of these Universities is as follows:
New York
Illinois
Massachusetts
New York
P ennsyl vania
Illinois
Alabama
Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania.
illinois
Alabama
151
161
RATIO OF STtIDENTS TO INCOME OF COLLEGE
$1 for every $275
1 for every 400
1 for ever,y 332
1 for every 323
1 for ever" 253
RATIO OF STUDENTS TO PROPERTY OF COLLEGE
1 for every $4,438 of property
1 for every . 5,7W of property
1 for every 5,984 of property
1 for every 2,689 of property
1 for every 3,460 of property
Massachu set ts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama.
RATIO OF STUDENTS 10 WHITE IQPULATION
OF THE STATES.
1 student for every 10,382
1 student for every 8,343
1 student for every 23,044
1 student for every 6,246
1 student for every 5,111
This is what it costs the College to furnish instruction to the student. The
report of Committee gives no data from which we can estimate the cost to the
student at these Colleges, but their catalogues show that the A & )( College of
Alabama is furnishing education atcless cost to the student than the great
majority of Colleges in the United States. The cost here for board (including
fuel), tuition, and uniform does not exceed two hundred and fifty dollars.
Where tuition is free, not exceeding two hundred.
Massachusetts
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
NUMBER OF PROFES3lRS
9
47
10
20
7
The salaries of these professors is not given, but they are considerably less in
Alabama than the average of the States.
Massachusetts
New Yom
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Alabama
RATIO OF SWDENI'S TO ProFESSORS
15 3/4 to 1 professor
11 to 1 profe soor
15 to 1 professor
20 to 1 professor
14 4/7 to 1 profe SSi) r
This is our record as shown by the reports of the United States authorities.
Had we ch0sen to make the comparison with the Colleges of the weaker States, the
results would have been much more favorable for us. We have selected the Colleges
of the strongest states, having the largest endowments and national reputations
to show tha.t in proportion to means and facilities, whether we consider number of
students, amount of work or economy of administration, we suffer nothing in comparison
with them. We are willing that this record shall go to the people of the
State, and we will cheerfully abide the verdict they may render.
I. T. Tichenor
President
The foregoing reports were a part of the proceedings held at the Ie gular annual
meeting, commencing July 12, 1815, and ending July 14, 1815.
F. M. Reese
Secreta17
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