1876 [pdf for printing]: Board Minutes of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama
Minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings held in 1876.The City of Montgomery, Alabama January 11, 1877 11 o'clock a.m. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, there were present His Excellency George S. Houston, Governor of the state, and es...
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AU Board of Trustees Minutes 1876 [pdf for printing]: Board Minutes of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama Auburn University Board of Trustees |
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Minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings held in 1876.The City of Montgomery, Alabama
January 11, 1877
11 o'clock a.m.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural and Mechanical College
of Alabama, there were present His Excellency George S. Houston, Governor of the
state, and es-officio President of the Board, and Messrs. Barnes, Bibb, 1X>wdell,
Langdon, Malone, and Horen.
20 7
Absent--Messrs. Box, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Harrelson, Lawler, and
Stansel.
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board were read and approved.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the reading of tm reports submitted at the last meeting
of the Board were dispen:lsed wi tho
Reverend r. T. Tichenor, D.D., Presldent of the College, being called on, read
his annual report to the Board which is as foll0WSl
Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees:
A~bum, Alabama
January 8, 1877
A full report of the operations of the college for the year 187.5-6 having been
made to the Governor of the State, it is deemed unnecessary to give more than a
brief swmnary in th is report.
NwIi> er of Students 104
Graduates in Agriculture 6
Graduates in Engineering 1
Post Graduates course in Eng. :l:..-
8
The opening of the College for the present year has not been as flattering as
that of the year previous. Several causes have conspired to produce tilis result.
The growing poverty of that section of the country in the immediate vicinity of
the College is one cause.
The local patronage, never large, is less this year than ever before, notwithstanding
free tuition was given to all who were unable to pay for it.
The action of the Board of Trustees of the University at their session in July
last in reducing the expenses of that institution and the activity in the
individual meDibers of the Board in securing patronage for it, have drawn a few
of our stUdents to TUscaloosa. Board is furnished there at eleven dollars per
month and their tuition fees are appropriated to the boarding department. All
other expenses have been reduced. and they publish that $95.00 pet" term of four
and a helf months will cover the whole expense of a student at the University.
In addition, they have lowered the standard of graduation so as to enable a student
to receive a diploma in a shorter time and with retainments much inferior to
what was required in former years.
We cannot succeed in building up our College or even maintaining its present
pro!3Perity unless e~enses in Auburn shall, to say the least, rot exceed those
of the University.
The struggle for patronage between t he different colleges of the State. now
inaugurated by the action of the University, must continue for years to come,
at least until returning prosperity shall enable our people to fill with
respectable numbers the rolls of all our institutions of learning.
The Faculty of the College are fully alive to the demands,of the situation, am
will spare no efforts consistent with honor and duty to advance its interests.
In this contest which we have not desired and which we have used every honorable
means to avert, we are fully aware that tl1e University has many adva:ntages. :She
has a larger endowment, more and better buildings, more sightly grounds, a larger
and more thriving community, thoroughly devoted to her interests, ani a larger
Faculty of Instruction.
9le is an old established Institution. Her Alwnni are scattered all over the
state and some of them are . filling high positions in the learned professions
as well as in our state and National Councils.
On the other hand the College is young. It is located in one of the poorest
communities in the State. Its funds are insufficient for the board and liberal
scale on which it was of necessity organized.
It has been required out of its scanty means to provide library, furniture,
apparatus of instruction, everything to make ita college. The only building
it received has cost nearly five thousand dollars for repairs. Its birth was
heralded by the press of the State with ill concealed success as to its aims,
and with predictions of failure. It has no friends but those it has won by its
merits.
At the same time, we are not forgetful of certrln advantages it possesses, and by
which with judicious management it is sure to Win in the em. The character of
Education it proposes to furnish, is widely different from that. furnished by other
colleges in the 'State. Its leading object is to teach those sciences related to
Agricul ture and the Mechanical Arts. It fits young men to lead in all tho se
e:nterprises designed to develop the industrial interest of the country. This is
the Educatic!)R demanded by the wants of the country and by it are to be found the
forces which are to mould the new civilization of the South.
The time has come when we can no longer remit our agricultural interests to our
overseers and our slaves, where we can no longer afford to buy everything we use
in clothing, our persons,- . feeding our families, furnishing our houses, and supplying
our plantations from other and distant communities. We must make all these
things at home. We have all the facilities for accomplishing this end, except
minds trained for these pursuits. These 0l.U' people are beginning to demand and
these we offer to supply. Just in proportion to the increase of this will be
increased the popp.lari ty and patronage of the college.
I would have each member of the Board cheriSh the most abiding faith in the
grandeur and value to the state of the work of the college alld the certainty of
its recognition in the future by the people of the state. We are building for
posterit,r. we are laying the fou:ndations of the future Alabama upon the basis
of her vast and fertile fields am her unrivalled material resources, am we know
that we are making no mistake. Few may heed the slow am difficult task of laying
these foundations but when the building that is to repo sa upon them shall rise in
its fair proportions, many hitherto indifferent will survey the structure with
pleased attention and commend you for your wisdom in perceiving the true interests
of our whole people and the skill and energy with which you have promoted them.
We must expect no great success in the near future, though the College is steadily
growing in public form. Here and there men are beginning to understand its
objects and to approve its aims. In mingling with the people during the vacation,
the uniform observation of all the members of the faculty was that there is a
growing appreciation of the college. But our people are, many of them, toe
poor to patronize it. The large majority of those who possess the means to
education their Bons are either commercial or professional men, and they generally
prefer to educate them to follow their own advocations in life. Let no friend of
the college and especially no member of the Board be disheartened because other
Colleges may for the time succeed in securing a larger number of students than we
command. But let us address ourselves to the work befo Ie us. '!he best courses of
study, the best facilities for instruction, the best courses of study and methods
for furnishing a liberal aIli practical education, the wisest expenditure of our
funds, are among the things which demand attention.
These secured and number must come whenever the financial condition of our people
will permit it.
In order to lessen the expenses of students at the college, it is recommended to
the Board, by the Faculty, that tuition shall be made free. Board is, however,
the greatest item of expense. The price of this is beyond the control of the
College authorities, and must continue to be until a boarding department shall
be established in connection with the institution. This is greatly needed with
suitable facilities for rooming and boarding our students, by utilizing the
products, we could reduce the cost of board to ten dollars per month or lesso
Buildings sufficient to accommodate one hundred students can be erected and
provided with hoo.vy furniture for ten thousand dollars, but we can spare none
of our inCOMe for that purpose; nor, if it could be spared, can we legally use
any part of it in that way. We must look to the state to furBish us for the
means for its accompliShment. This I hesitate Bot to say the state ought to do.
Alabama. stands alone in the unenviable attitude of a state that has furnished
not a dollar to her Agricultural College. Nearly all the others have made liberal,
some of them very large,d onations to their institutions of learning. Massachusetts
whose farmers scarcely equal her shoemakers in number, provided her Agricultural
College with lands, buildings, 8~d equipments costing $26$,000 and then increased
its endowment to the sum of $2$3,000. The obligation of the State to furnish such
facilities is clearly implied in the act of Congress granting lands for the founding
of these colleges. In that act it was provided that no part of the principal
or interest arising from the sale of these lands should be used for the construction
or repair of buildings under any pretense whatsoever. The plain meaning of
this provision is that the states accepting the grant must provide the necessary
buildings.
The equitable claim of the college to all the discount suffered by receiving from
the state, depreciated currency at par in payment of interest is sustained by that
condition of the trust contained in the Act of Congress by which the State
plighted its faith to the United States, that if any part of the principal, or
interest of this fund, should ever in any way be lost to the College that the
state would make good such loss. This discount is already larger than the sum
required to construct these buildings. Even handed justice to the institutions
under her care demands it.
The honored executive of the state in his recent message to the legislatur e
recommends that efforts be made to secure funds from a certain souce to enlarge
the State Treasury. This recommendation meets with the approval of every right
thinildng man in the commonwealth.
Since the close of the war the University has received large amounts borrowed
from the State to rebuild the edifices destroyed by the federal Army. I am
credibly informed that she is still indebted forty thousand dollars to the
state on which she pays no interest. Every citizen of the State approved the
liberallity which the General Assembly has shwen to that Institution. But is
our College to have no share in the beneficence of our common mother? Are we
to be orphanedand exiled flI'om the shelter and protection aRd fostering care
which the state of Alabama shows to her other children? If so, let us kmw it,
that we may prepare as best we can for the only career ·left open to us.
But above all the highest interests of the State and the people of the State
demand that these facilities for educating our young men as cheaply as possible
shall be furnished to our college.
2)0
The education furnislned by this College fits men to develop those interests on
which depend the future power and greatness of this people.
Men must learn how to recuperate our wasted lands; how to increase the producti
va power of our labor; how to make our Janguishing agriculture profitable;
how to construct and control machinery; how to utilize our immense resources of
iron and coal before we can hope for any great or permanent improvement in the
condition of our people.
No other institu.tion of learning in the state proposes to educate men for these
purposes. The tastes am sympathies of young mE'll, studying at most of our colleges
are averted from the great industrial of the countr.y. Many a farmer who has sent
his son to college has been pained to find that the youghful graduate had no
longer any sympathy with farm life; that all thoughts of industrial pursuits were
irksome to him and that nothing but a profession would meet tlE requ.irements of
his ambition. , That might have been tolerated in times that are gone forever, but
but now such a diversion of the cultured intellects of the countr.y from these
pursuits leads to poverty that is hopeless to the ruin of our state financially,
socially, and politically. There may be great financial pressure upon the state,
but that financial pressure is not to be relieved by starving her institutions of
learning, especially that one which looks to the development of those industries
from which her revenues must come. The Board is requested to petition the Legislature
for such an appropriation as may in its judgment be needed for this purpose.
The College needs an additional professor in the department of Natural Sciences.
Instruction in these is by law, made the leading feature of the Institution and
the work in this department is greater than can be properly performed by a single
profesSQr.
If in the judgment of the Board, the financial condition of the College li.ll
allow it, I recommend a division of the professorship of Natural Sciences into
1st, a professorship of Physics and Chemistr.y, to be retained by Professor
Stubbs, 2nd - a professorship of Natural History comprising Geology, Mineralogy,
Botany and Zoology, to which the new Professor may be elected. All the sciences
pertaining to these professorships are related to agriculture and the mechanic
arts which we are required by law to be made the leading objects of the college
and they are iRcluded in our courses of study.
I would also recommend that the Board appoint a standing committee on courses of
study, to Which all matters relating to the courses offerred by the College and to
facilities and methods of instruction shall be referred.
This is suggested not because we deem any changes in these respects required, but
that the Board may be made more familiar with the internal order and working of
the Insti tu tion.
I would further suggest that your committee on finance recommend to the Board
from year to year stUnS to be appropriated to the different objects which may
justly claim a share in the funds of the college.
It will Simplify the work of the Treasurer and relieve him of considerable
re sponsibili ty.
2.1
The disparity between the salarie s of the faculty of this College and tho se of the
University is considerable and such a difference must, if it continues, tend to
prevent our securing the services of men of first ability in their respective
departments should those services ever be needed.
It is also unjust to the efficient and laborious faculty of the college. We
would that the Boardhad the means of comparing the work of the various college
facilities of the state.
It would be found that in amount and quality of wrk performed, as well as in
its adaptation to the wants of the student, the faculty of this College would
mffer in nothing by such comparison. I respec1rully recommend that the salaries
of the faculty be as follows:
That of President be increased from $2400 to $2500; and those of the professors
from $1800 to $2000, to be paid in such funds as may be received from the state.
This increase at present would be nominal while it 'WOuld provide an increase of
compensation as State money in value approximated more closely to the currency
of the country. It would have the addi tiona! advantage of relieving the treasurer
from the JIl9cessity of exchanging so large an amoUnt of uncurrent fums and thus
lighten his labors and responsibilities.
The offering of small prizes to the students has operated SJ well in stimulating
their exertions that it is recommended to the Board to appropriate a small aount
to be used for this purpose at the discretion of the faculty. Realizing that
the college only needs to be better known, to be better patronized and more
useful to the State, r would recommend that steps be taken to secure the attendande
of prominent citizens from all parts of the state at our next commencement
and that a banquet be given them. We are confirmed in the conviction that this
will prove of great advantage to the Institution by the fact that no man, capable
of forming a correct judgment of the college, has examined into its working that
has not been made its friend.
A bill to recharter the college is now pending in the Legislatureo It has not
been introduced by the advise of anyone connected with the Institution so far as
I know, but against my express desire on the subject. It contains some provisions
which I think objectionable. As the question of a new organic law the institution
has, however, been raised and as the bill with a few amendments can be made a
better one than we now have. I 'WOuld respectfully suggest to the Bolil.rd that they
secure such amendments as they think proper and allow the Bill to pass.
Before closing this report, I must be permitted to express my earnest desire that
every member of the Board could be fully acquainted with the history of the
Agricultural Colleges of the country in order that he might be enabled to make a
just estimate of the progress our own has made. Since this cannot be attained
at this time, I call the attention of this body to facts contained in the last
report of the Agricultural College of Massachusetts. That college, a s already
stated, owns property used by the college for purposes ,of instruction to the
amount of $265,000. It has an endowment of $253,500 just equal to our own.
Its catalogue of students shows, including graduates of the previous year, one
hundred and eleven; ours, reckoned in the same manner, one hundred and nine. Its
income was $38,420.23. Ours was about $24,000.
This college is justly regarded as one of the best in the country. Yet its
President says the accumulated debt of the College now alOOunts to $20,000 and
must increase at the rate of several thousand dollars per annum' so long as the
present course of instruction is continued without adequate provision for the
payment of current expenses.
That your own college does not make a similar exhibit is due to the fact that
its faculty have performed labors f ·ar beyond the amount ordinarily impo sed upon
college professors for salaries much below the sums usually paid.
Looking back over the years of my connection with the college and estimating
what has been done, I can assure the Board that the labor of these years seems
to me to have been productive of benefit to my fello'Wl11en and of more good to the
state than an equal number taken from any part of a life which has been devoted
to labor and study. I have faith in the future of our rising Institution, not
only in its success as that Slilccess will be measured by the thoughtless by the
number of its students and the variety am elegance of its equipments, but by
that other and better measure of success, the blessings it will bring to our
people.
We are placing the mighty forces of cultured intellect under the prostrate foms
of our great industries and design to lift them from the depths into which they
were hurled by the earthquake of civil commotion.
We are spreading the light of knowledge over our beautiful land that these may
thus be ushered in a new day of prosperity and peace.
We are sending forth messengers that will go to the habitations of the toilers
and the poor to lighten their labors and reward them with ample harvests.
We are invoking science to transmit by its wondrous alCheay T the beaded drops t~t
fall from the bfow of honest labor into larger stores of golden grain. We are
working for humanity - for the children of our commonfather. The consciousness
of this truth cheers me day by day and endears the Institution .to my heart.
- '-
I would have you gentlemen of tie Board share largely in the same feeling so that ,
in the accomplishment of your task of wisely directing and hours of faithfully
performing, we may rejoice together in a w:>rk that with countrymen must stand among
the noblest in the state.
Respectfully submitted:
I. T. Tichenor, President
At the suggestion of the President the report of the Pre sident of the College
was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the action of the faculty in ccmferring degrees on' the
following named gentlemen;' to wit: Merit K. Clements..- Ag. Bachelor of arts;
Col. L. Hodge, Ag. Bachelor of Arts; Saul B. Holt, Ag. Bachelor of Arts; F. Downing
Peabody, Ag. Bach. of Arts; James E. Ruffin, Ag. Bach. of Arts; Reese Wilson, Ag.
Bach. of Arts; Perkins H. Stow, Ag. Bach. of Engineering.
Mr. Clements af Cla;v; Hodge of Lee; Holt of Shelby; Peabody of Lee; Ruffin of
Coosa; Stow of Tallapoosa; and Wilson of Lee. At the COJlD1leDCement exercises of
the College in 1876 was approved and ratU':ie d by tm Board.
The Treasurer being called on submitted the following report together with
accompanying papers.
Office of E. T. Glenn, Treasurer
A & M. College of Alabama
Auburn, Alabama; June 15, 1876.
To: The Honorable Board of Trustees of the A & M College:
Gentlemen:
I have the honar to present herewith to you the following repor t of the financial
transactions of the Treasurer's Office for the collegiate year ending
June 15, 1876.
To t
State Treasurers Office
Mtion
Incidental
Agricultural cadets
Surgeon
Farm
Printing
Expense
Int. and exchange
Amt advanced by Treasurer
Receipts
Disbur semen ts
By:
Cash advanced by treasurer 1875
Repairs and imp.
Ex::pense
Fixtures
. Printing
Stationery
Freight
Apparatus
Music
Directors
Salary
Fa:mn
Int. & exchange
Chemicals
Tuition r efunded
Surgeon
Agl. cadet
E.A. college
Reas estate
Shepard & Co. advanced 1875
Insurance
Commis sions
All of which is re Spectfully submitted:
E. T. Glenn, Treasurero
$25,350.00
&)4.00
769.00
500.00
445.00
164.25
12.50
94.00
18.97
80.09
$28,037.81
157.53
598.58
991.91
223.20
194./.p
116.09
123.77
238.34
277.10
403.15
14,299.45
892.82
3,871.06
167.03
51~15 __
470.00
785.52
905.15
475.00
1,760.2h
378.12
651.60
$28,037.81
213
Agricultural & Mechanical College
Auburn, Alabama; June 15, 1876
To the Board of Trustees of the A. & M. College:
Your cornmi ttee to whom was referred the report of the Treasurer of the A. & M.
College of Alabama have the pleasure to infonn the Board that they have farefully
examined the books and vouchers of the Treasurer and find that the vouchers
correspond with the different items and charges made by that officer; that too vouchers
are endorsed and approved by the President of the College, showing tmt the
finances of the College have been faithfully managed and accounted for.
Your committee further state that Mr. P. H. SWanson, a skillful bookkeeper and
accountant who was sleected by the Board in conjunction with them, has at the
request of the undersigned carefully and closely examined and investigated the
books of the treasurer and makes a report to us which is hereto appended and
which shows a verification of the books and transactions of the treasurer am.
that the funds of the college which have beem received by him have been fai thfUlly
accounted for.
Ver,y respectfully submitted:
w. C. Dowdell
F. M. Reese
To the Board of Trustees of the A & M College, Auburn, Alabama.
Gentlemen :
The undersigned having been appointed in connection with Messrs. F. M. Reese and
W. C. Dowdell to audit the accounts and investigate the books of the Treasurer
of the A. & M. College and also requested especially to scrutinize the books and
financial transactions of said Treasurer respectfully reports that the books
have been submitted to him by the Treasurer for his inspection and investigation,
that they have been examined faithfully and impartially and no other decision can
be furnished than that the books are correct and a faithful exhibit of the financial
transactions of the A. & M6 College for the past year.
The ledger contains the items of the cash book sO systematized that each account
gives a truthful exhibition of itself in showing their real )status.
From these account is made the report of the Treasurer which is submitted for
your consideration and which in any judgement you will find to be a clear, full,
and faithful statement of the financial transactions of the A. & M. College for
the past year.
Very respectfully,
P. H. Swanson
On Motion, the Treasurers report and IRpers accompanying be referred to the
committee on finance when revised.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the President reappoint the standing committees.
On motion of Mr. Langdon a committee on the course of study be added to the
standing committees.
On motion the Board adjourned until 3 0' clock p.m.
The Board met 'at 3 o'clock p.m. at the Exchange Hotel. Mr. Harolson of the
District, taking his seat with the other members of the board.
The President then announced the following standing committees.
On Finance - Messrs. Stansel , Lawler, Langdon, Moren, and Barnes.
On College lands and property - Messrs. Dow'dell, Box, and Haralson.
On Claims - Messrs. Malone, Dowdell, and Bibb.
On Revisiiin of Laws - Messrs. Barnes, 'stansel, Moren, Malone, and Haralson.
On course of study - Messrs. Langdon, Box, Stansel, Bibb, and Lawler.
On :rootion of Mr. Malone, committees on the various b"Upjects of the Presidents
report be referred to a ppropriate committees.
The subject of Board was referred to the Committee on Finance.
The subject of TUITION to Committee on Finance.
The Subject of SAIARIES to the Committee on Finance.
The Subject of ACT of I~ORPRaATION to Committee on Revision of Laws.
PRIZES to Committee on Finance.
BANQUET to Committee on Finance.
On motion, the reference of Act o£ Incorporation was reconsidered and referred to
a select committee, sonsisting of Messrs. Bibb, Malone, Haralson, and Dowdell.
On motion of Mr. Moren, the Board adjourned to meet at the ExectuYe Office, 9
o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
Montgomery, Alabama
January 12, 1877
The Board met at the Executive Office 9 o'clock a. m. Present: His Excellency
Governor George S. Houston and Messrs Barnes, Bibb, Box, Dowdell, Langdon,
Haralson, Malone, and Moren.
Mr. Langdon, Chairman of the Committee on the report of the President of the
College, submitted the following report.
The Finance Committee to whom was referred certain portions of the report of
the President of the A & M College have had the same underconsideration and
have instructed me to make the following report.
First. In regard to the recommendation to establish a department for boarding
the students.
'While your committee cordially endorsesa all that the President says in regard
to the benefits that would result from the establishment of a boarding department
in connection wi th the college, yet as it would involve an expenditure of some
ten thousand dollars to carry it into effect, which sum could only be realized
by an appropriation by the legislature and satisfied that in the present
2. 15'
The Board met 'at 3 o'clock p.m. at the Exchange Hotel. Mr. Harolson of the
District, taking his seat with the other members of the board.
The President then announced the following standing committees.
On Finance - Messrs. Stansel , Lawler, Langdon, Moren, and Barnes.
On College lands and property - Messrs. Dow'dell, Box, and Haralson.
On Claims - Messrs. Malone, Dowdell, and Bibb.
On Revisiiin of Laws - Messrs. Barnes, 'stansel, Moren, Malone, and Haralson.
On course of study - Messrs. Langdon, Box, Stansel, Bibb, and Lawler.
On :rootion of Mr. Malone, committees on the various b"Upjects of the Presidents
report be referred to a ppropriate committees.
The subject of Board was referred to the Committee on Finance.
The subject of TUITION to Committee on Finance.
The Subject of SAIARIES to the Committee on Finance.
The Subject of ACT of I~ORPRaATION to Committee on Revision of Laws.
PRIZES to Committee on Finance.
BANQUET to Committee on Finance.
On motion, the reference of Act o£ Incorporation was reconsidered and referred to
a select committee, sonsisting of Messrs. Bibb, Malone, Haralson, and Dowdell.
On motion of Mr. Moren, the Board adjourned to meet at the ExectuYe Office, 9
o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
Montgomery, Alabama
January 12, 1877
The Board met at the Executive Office 9 o'clock a. m. Present: His Excellency
Governor George S. Houston and Messrs Barnes, Bibb, Box, Dowdell, Langdon,
Haralson, Malone, and Moren.
Mr. Langdon, Chairman of the Committee on the report of the President of the
College, submitted the following report.
The Finance Committee to whom was referred certain portions of the report of
the President of the A & M College have had the same underconsideration and
have instructed me to make the following report.
First. In regard to the recommendation to establish a department for boarding
the students.
'While your committee cordially endorsesa all that the President says in regard
to the benefits that would result from the establishment of a boarding department
in connection wi th the college, yet as it would involve an expenditure of some
ten thousand dollars to carry it into effect, which sum could only be realized
by an appropriation by the legislature and satisfied that in the present
2. 15'
2flP
financial condition of the state, such appropriation could not be secured. Your
committee reports it inexpedient to make any effort for the establiShment of said
boarding department.
Second - As to ' tuition fees, your committee recommends that hereafter tuition be
free and they further recommend that the incidental fee be paid by each student
be fixed at $10 for each term of four and a half months, payable in advance at the
commencement of each term.
'lhird - The committee recommends that hereafter the annual salaries of the faculty
be as follows. The President of the College $2500, and each of the professors
$2,000, to be paid in such funds as may be received from the state.
Fourth. It is further recommended that at the termination of the present collegiate
year the professorship of Natural Sciences now filled by Professor Stubbs be
divided intor
1. A professorship of physics and chemist!"/, to be retained by professor Stubbs.
2. A professorship of natural history comprising geology, mineralogy, botany,
and zoology, to be filled by the Board at its present meeting.
Fifth - The committee recommend that the President of the College be authorized
to expend at his discretion not exceeding $500 in conducting the farm
connected with the college.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the report of Mr. Langdon was taken up and acted on by
sections.
The first section of the report was adopted.
The second section was adopted.
The third section having been read, the question as to the right of the PreSident
of the Board to vote was discussed. On motion of Mr. Malone - that the President
of the Board be allowed to vote was adopted.
The third section of the report was not adopted.
The yeas·, and nays being called for by Mr. Bibb.. Those who voted for the adoption
of the section were Messrs. Barnes, Haralson, Langdon, and Moren. Those who voted
nay were Messrs. Bibb, Box, Dowell, and Malone. There being a tie vote, the
President of the Board voted nay and the section was not adopted.
The committee further reported against giving a dinner.
On motion of Mr. Langdon, the action of the wcal Committee and their report on
the Treasurer's report was adopted.
Resolved by Hr.: Moren that the President of the College be authorized to have one
thou sand copies of his report to the Board of Trustees published for general
distribu tion. The resolution was adopted.
The committee (m the Act of Incorporation r aport,ed favorably which after an amendment
to the Bill suggested and inserted therein by Mr. Barnes was adopted. .
On motion of Mr. Malone the election of officers was postponed until the regular
annual meeting of the Board.
On motion of Mr. Bibb, the Board adjourned sine die.
F. M. Reese, Secretary
Auburn, Alabama
June 1816 - A & M. College
To the Honorable Board of Trustees of the A & M College:
As Librarian of the A & M College of Alabama, I have the pleasure to inform the
Board that since my last report there has been collected aoout tw hundred and
twenty-five volumes (mostly public doouments) for the use of the library.
2.1
Among them, however, are some very costly and valuable works which are an
acquisition to the library for the valuable information and statistics they contain.
The funds of the college are as yet too limited for an appropriation to be made
from its treasury for the purchase of books and, consequently, the increase will be
as it has been from voluntary contributions, which I will, as usual, continue to
solicit. I trust my effort will result in some measure in the collection of a library
which will be useful not only to the students but to the professors of the
college.
Very Respectfully
F. M. Reese, Librarian.
This report was overlooked and, consequently not read to the Board of Trustees.
F. M. Reese.
Report of the President of the College to
the Governor of the state.
A. & M. College of Alaba.II'Q
Auburn, Alabama, o,ct. 10, 1816
His Excellency the Governor:
It affords me pleasure to report an increase of students in this college during
the past year. The number in 1814-5 was eighty-eightJ in 1815-6, it was one
hundred and four.
Of these there were in the 1st class 8
there were in the 2nd class 8
there were in the 3rd class - 16
there were in the 4th class - 46
there were in the 5th class 24
Thene were also two in the post graduate course in Engineering.
The general conduct of the students and their progress in the studies of their
respective courses were gratifying to the faculty. Out of the whole number,
forty-one received no demerits during the session.
The students of the college were from the counties of Augauga, Baldwin, Barbour,
Bullock, Clay, Chambers, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, XLlmore, Greene, Lee, Lowndes,
Limestone, Macon, Madison, Montgomery, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, Talladega, and
Tallapoosa and from the states of Georgia all Louisiana.
The members of the faculty have been earnest and dilligent in the labors of their
respective departments and the amount of work done by each professor is shown in the
reports which are herewith smmitted. These reports exhibit clearly that the
position of a professor in this college is one of labor, and I cheerfully hear
2. t 8'
testimony to the fact that their work m s been done thoroughly. Unbroken harmony has
prevailed among them and they have coope rated heartily in promoting the general
interests of the institution.
The President of the college in addition to the duties of his office and the
general superintendence of the farms has tau.ght the following classes:
IV Class in English 31 in no.
IV Class in Agriculture 40 in no.
III Class in English 16 in no.
II Class in Icgic 5 in no.
I Class in Agriculture 6 in no.
I Class i n Political Econ. --2 in no.
Whole number taught --.. --- - 104 in no.
Repor t of Professor Hardaway to the Pre sident of the A. & M. College of Alabama:
I have the honor to submit the folloWing report of the work of my department on
the year ending June 28, 1876. The following table exhibits the classes taught
and subjects studied during the year.
00. EXERCISES
TERM ID. of STUDENTS SUBJECTS pm TERM PER YEAR
IV FIRST 10 French 40
IV SECOND 6 French 40 80
IV FIRST 34 Plain Drawing 4a
IV SECOND 25 Plain Drawing 40 80
III FIRST 15 Top. Dra'Wing 40
III SECDND 14 De s. Geometry ~40 80
II mST 5 Bridge & Mach. Draw. 100
II SECOND 4 Bridge & Mach.Draw. 100 200
I FIRST 3 Per. Drawing 100
I SECOND 2 St. Drawing 100 roo
III FlRST 15 SUrvey & Leveling 40
III SECOND 14 II tI 40 80
II FIRSI' 5 Higher Eanyeying 40
II SECOND 4 Higher Surveying Lo 80
I FIRST 2 Civil Eng. 100
I SECDND 1 Civil Eng. 100 200
Total no. exercises 1,000
In the classical or literary course students pursuing the studies of Latin and
Greek are not required to take drawing lessons, having already as many recitations
as can be thoroughly p r epared.
In all other courses, geometrical, topographical, and structural geometry drawing
is taught each student of the fourth and third classes. Surveying and levelling
with practical use of the compass, transit and engineers level are taught to all
the stuients of the first ald second years. Computations of areas and division
and survey of land, rail, wood, and mining location are embraced in the work of all
students for the first two classes. All who stand an approved examination on this
part of any course will be granted a certificate of proficiency in surveying and
will be qualified for any work required of a county surveyor as well as locating
propel;' drains or ditches or determining the quantity of water and fall of streams
for mill sites with the preparation of the proper maps and profiles to illustrate
this work. Each student of the coll ege who finishes the first and second years
af tte general course is fitted for this work of sueveying, levelling and mapmaking.
21
The technical course of civil engineering begins properly in the third year of the courS3
and is taught to the second and finished by the first class of this course. In aid
of the practical studies of the college and as a means of familiarizing students With
the actual details of work, the second class in engineering will devote two weeks in
December am. the first class four weeks in April to field work and to visits of
inspection to machine shops, mill furnaces, and engineering constructions within
reach. Notes will be taken and drawings of the works visited. Theory and practice
will be combined throughout the entire course and the student fitted for taking
charge of works of construction on leaving college.
During the past summer a collection of more than one thousand studie s in draWing,
the same as prescribed in the government schools of Rus~ia and Paris, for the use
of students in this department of study. Copies in plaster of some of the classic
statues of the Louvre in Paris llave been purchased as the beginning of a gallery
of art for the college.
The interest manifested by the pupils in drawing is very gratifying ani the improvement
is commendable. The prize for drawing by" the third class was, by a committee
of visitors, awarded to Cade~ L. G. Dawson ~of Ellmore Count,y.
It is designed to continue the offer of a prize to the best set of drawings of
this class.
In the mechanical department of the college a set of scroll am bracket saws and
a wood lathe has been fitted up and used by the students. The work once in this
department hasbeen creditable to the skill and iIrlustry of the amateur worlanan.
Specimens of the work were on exhibition with the machines at the last comnlmcemente
The telegraphic apparatus connecting all the rooms of the college building
has been in regular use for more than a year. It dispenses with a servant heretofore
EMPLoyed as bell ringer am affords an opportunity to teach telegraphy to tle
stUdents.
\ is intended to add a small steam engine as a motor to the machinery which will
r;e ::sleeted for the use of students who desire to acquire a knowledge of all
practical mechanism.
I take pleasure in reporting the unifonn good order and progress of all classes
in my department.
Respectfully submitted,
R. A. Hardaway
Professor Civil Engineering
Report of Commandant to the President of the A. & M. College of Alabama:
I have the honor to submit the accompanying report of the d~partment of military
science and tactics for the A & M College of Alabama for the year ending June 28,
1876.
The Act of Congress for the end:>wment of Agricultural ani Mechanical Colleges in
prescribing the required studies, includes military tactics.
It is supposed that prac.tical instruction in the School of the soldier of the
company and battalion and an intelligellt knowledge of the duties of company and
batta1ion officers ~ •• tl, would be the least amount of instruction
which could be justly afforded.
220
In addition to drill, tactics and guard duty, the two higher classes of college
are taught by text and lecture s, so much of the science and art of war as would
fit the members for duties of officers in time of war. Military administration,
organization, engineering, history, statistics are taught while each student
physically able to bear arms is drilled forty-five minutes each day. The drills
are short and the military duty involves no hardship. The military drill is a
health giving exercise, and its good effects in the development of the form and
improvement of the carriage of the cadet is plainly manifested before he is passed
out of the awkward squad. In attendance upon drill am guard duty, students loose
no time from academic studies. While no time is lost from study, military discipline
secures the cooperation of cadet officers, maintains proper order, an:!
promotes studious habits. It is in schools using military discipline and only
in such schools that the old antagonism of teacher and pupil is broken down by a
delegation of a large part of the authority and duty of discipline to the cadet
officers who are taken from the governed class. The pirate obeys the cadet
officer and l ooks forward to his Oim proma.tion in turn when he will be called
upon to exercise similar authority over his successor. An appeal to the manliness
and self respect of the cadet is rarely made in vain; and if punishment is
properly inflicted, its justice is admitted by the corps and generally by the
thought1ess - and unfortunate culprit himself.
Tltere has been makred improvement in order, drill and discipline of the corps,
over any previous academic year with time courses exprit de corps and reverence
for authority. In a new institution, organization must proceed slowly but with
proper care and circunspeetion it arms at last.
"".fith all the difficulties of a new enterprise, we have struggled, but each year
has been marked by steady progress and gratifying improvement.
Very respectfully submitted,
R. A. Hardaway, Cormnandant.
Report of Professor Dunklin, Department of Languages - Latin and Greek.
Auburn, Alabaaa, June 24, 1876.
Dr. I. T. Tichenor, President.
I submit the following report of this department for the scholastic year 1875-6
now closing.
No. E:xB~ci8es
Class '3lbject No. 'Students Per Week Session
V Latin 20 5 180
IV Latin 26 5 180
III Latin 12 5 180
II Latin --1L JL 144
62 20 684
IV Greek 12 4 144
III Greek 1 ...1... 108
13 7 252
Smnmary L & G 75 27 936
This tabulated exhibit presents a view of the operations of my department. The
plan of instruction is by translation from the authors prescribed in the course
into English. Accompanying these processes, a careful study of the principles
involved is instantly required and full explanations and forms of constructions
are given.
The idioms of each language are carefully compared in the translations, the one
from the other, with a view not only of leaving a foreign language, but of
becoming better acquainted with the principles of our English speech.
22.\
The course as given in the catalogue prevents a view of the work at tempted in this
department which is rather the mastery of the principles, constructions and idioms
of the languages, than the mere reading of certain books.
The students in my classes have been very regular in their attendmce and, on the
whole, have made good progress. Their department has been uniformly good.
I mention here the fact that Adjutant E. R. Rivers assisted me during the last
portion of the sessioR by taking one section of the fifth class in Latin, and
to his credit I must say -he did his work well.
For the report on French and Ge:man, I refer~ the reports of Professors
Hardaway and Stubbs.
Respectfully submitted,
J . T. Dunklin, Professor
Report of Professor Stubbs. A. & M. College , Department of Chemistry.
Auburn, Alabama. June 24, 1876.
Rev. I . T. Tichenor , D. D. , President, A. & M. College of Alabama :
I have the honor of submi tting the following report of my department for the
scholastic year just closing.
One fourth class consisting of 48 members studies physics the first term, and
botany.the second. The third class of 19 members pursued through both terms
the study of general chemistry. The second class of 12 members devoted the
entire session to mechanics and analytical chemistry. The first class of 10
members was occupied with the studies of astronomy, minero10 gy, geology, and
physical geography. In addition to above, I had a class of five in Agricultural
chemistry.
The advancement of my classes has been generally satisfactory. MY class in
analytical chemistry, collected from the dealers in Opelika 15 samples of
commercial fertilizers and analy ed them under my direct supervision. The
analysis, together with their mofiey values, were kindly p~i&;ahed by the newspapers
of this section of the state, and it is hoped mUCh/accrued to our
farmers by thi s 'WOrk.
I have made several 'valuable improvements to my laboratory during the past
- session, and am also under many obligations to many persons for donations to
museum and cabinet.
I am again under obligations to you for the cooperation generally given me during
the session.
I am sir very re spectfully your
obedient servant,
w. C. Stubbs
Professor Natural Science
Report of Department of Pure Mathematics, 1875-76
To Dr. I. T. Tichenor, President, A. & M. College of Alabama
I respectfully submit a report of the work done in department of the A. & M.
College of which I have charge.
The classes, subjects pursued, the number of students in each subject, and number
of recitations is shown in the following table.
Class
IV
IV
IV
IV
III
III
III
II
II
II
I
Varis
tJ
Sessi9..n
1st
2nd
2nd
2nd
1st
2nd
2nd
1st
2nd
2nd
1st
1 & 2
1 & 2
Subject
Algebra, Robinsons comp.
" " " Geometry, Legendre 4 books
Trigonometry Davies
Solid & Spherical geometry
Mensuration Davies
Anal . geometry, L.N. Ed.
" " n II
Calculus Loomis
Mechanic s Olmstead
Cal. of Course of Engineering
Arithmetic
Bookkeeping
'IOTAL
No. Studen ts
40
39
39
39
16
14
14
7
6
11
2
17
9
90
No. recitations
Per Sess. Per Annum
88
26
50
50
58
12
32
51
50
50
36
176
176
102
151
36
140
60
841
The fourth class recites in two sections at different hours, therefore, the number
of recitations is doubled.
The above table gives the actual number of recitations and the number of students
pursuing each subject. Thlrty four weeks are devoted to recitations and six to
examinations and commencement exercises.
It will be seen that I have had an average of 25 recitations per week or 5 per dqv.
This increase of work over last year results from the division of the fourth class
into two sections. This was necessary to secure thorough drill and grounding in
the fundamental studies of the course in mathematics.
By a comparison with the report of last year, it will be noticed that the course
has been extended and elevated and the number of cadets pursuing each subject considerably
increased.
Last year there were 55 in the regular college classes in this department. This
year 75 being an increase of 20 or nearly 40 per cent. This is certainly an
encouraging indication of the increase in numbers and advancement in scholarship.
The cadets in the several classes have made commendable progress as indicated by
their sessional grade and examination. The deportment in classroom has been
unifonnly good.
The department needs a set of mathematical models, spherical black board and rome
other apparatus. Fifty dollars will be sufficient to meet present necessities.
All of which:is respectfully submitted.
O. D. &i th, Prof.
Mathema tics.
Report of Professor Ross.
Rev. T. T. Tichenor, Presidents
I have the honor to submit the annual report of the work in the Department of Moral
Philosophy and English Literature for the year just closing.
-Class Term Subjec! In class No. Recitations Other exercises
1st 1st Critic:l.:mn 7 60 one original speech
1st 2nd Elocution 7- 60-120 two original speeches
2nd 1st Shake speare 6 60 one " " 2nd 2nd Eng. Lit. 6 60-120 II II " 5th 1st Word. Anal. 15 100 Penmmlhip 100
5th 2nd Eng. Grammar 13 100 200 exer. composition
Also in department of mathematics
5th 1st Arith 22 60
5th 1st Algebra 18 40-100
5th 2nd Algebra 17 60-60
Besides the work indicated in the above table, I have given instruction in reading
and declamation to all the students of the college.
The improvement in this department is very gratifying. The first class has made
noteworthy progress in reading and elocution.
The declamation of the third and fourth classes at the cOJlDllencement just closed,
according the best judges, showed marked improvement.
The members of all the five c1asses have been frequent exercises in English Composi
tion. I con template introducing during the next tem a new feature which will
add materially to the interest and success of this important study.
Courses of Study
Respectful~ submitted,
B. B. Ross
Prof. of Moral Phil. & Eng. Literature
In compliance with the law of Congress governing its organization, the college
offers to students the fo11owing: I
I The course in Agriculture, leading to the degree of .Bachelor of Agriculture.
This course e.braces French, German, Natural ScienceS"a~l related to Agriculture,
particularly botany and chemistery, mathematics, with supveying am leveling,
political economy, and lessons in. practical agriculture throughout the course.
II Course in literature. Degree of Bachelor of Letters. This course embraces
Latin, Greek, a thorough study of English in its linguistic elements and in its
literatureuhilosophic and historical studies; mathematics ani natural sciences
but not to the extent as required in the courses of science and engineering.
This course is approximately the same asthe usual course in Arts, but is extended
in the department of science arxi in the study of the English language.
III Course in Science, leading to the degr~e of B. S. This course is designed for
those who wish to study the natural sC1ences, mathematics, modem languages,
22..y
Latin Literature, history, rehtoric, logic & mental, and moral philosophy, as
thoroughly as they are studied in the best colleges am who would be glad to enjoy
the cultivation ans association of colle ge life. '!he course in mathematics and
natural sciences is extended. A full course of chemistry and mathematics is included
and those desireing to follow any business in life requiring a thoroug)l knowledge
of mechanics or chemistry and who do not propose a connection with engineering,
would properly select the general scientific course.
Those who have taken the usual classical course by taking the course in science
would be qualified as teachers for any department of education furnished by the
normal school.
rY. Course o.f civil engineering - Degree Bachelor of Engineering. This course
extends the scientific course in applied mathematics, embraces full instruction in
regard to the construction of COItUn<;lD roads, pikes, railroads, bridges, canals,
improvement of rivers, harbors, etc.
v. Course in surveying - instruction in surveying is of the mo st practical character
embracing every rariety of field work with actual use of instruments. A certificate
of proficiency in surveying will be granted all applicants who stand an approval
examination in the studies of the third and fourth class in any course.
FARMS
There are two farms connected with the college, one in AubUrn - the other in t he
valley of the Tennessee near Courtland.
The farm at the college is cultivated rather as a model than experimental farm.
The want of unifonnity , both in surface and subsoil, forbids its use ·for scientific
purposes or experiments.
so
The process of bringing it up to a uniform fertility-,ias torender it suitable for
such experiments is not yet completed.
\hther it would be better under any circumstances to continue empleying it to
illustrate and exemplify best methods of agriculture, and thus stimulate our
people to adopt them, rather than with our limited resources undertake the costly
and difficult task of making new discoveried in Agricultural Science, is a question
well worthy of consideration. This would certainly prove of greater present benefit
to our people whose interests we earnestly desire to IX' omote.
It is gratifying to knOl, that the lessons which have already been furnished by our
college farms have not been without beneficial results. The operations of this and
the paBt year have attracted much attention from the farmers of the community am
a few more years of success promise to revolutionize lam culture in the vicinity.
The farm in the valley of the Tennessee is making a series of experiments with
the view of aiding the agriculturiest of that part /of the state. Under the
management of the Hon. J. J. Barclay, a gentleman /of the highest ability and culture,
and the able committee of the intelligent, progressive and reactional farmers
associated with them, it must prove a great and endearing benefit to that beautiful
and fertile section of our state. It is yet too early for their annual report, but
I have received gratifying intelligence of their progre ss.
FlNANcm
The financial condition of the college is improving, and as State money approximates
the national currency in value, this improvement will be more rapid.
In a year or two more we hope to be able to discharge all our liabilities, including
the two thousand dollars which under the contract made by the state, we were
required to pay the East Alabama College for the grounds and buildings now held by
this institution.
For a statement of the receipts and disbursements of the college for the past year,
you are respectfully referred to the report of the Treasurer.
Special enquiry into the management of the Agricultural Colleges of the United
States by a committee of Congress brought to light the fact that a larger per
centum of the income of this college is expended for purposes of instruction than
of any other in the Union. No other public institution of the state has made a
more legitimate or proper use of its funds or exercised a wider economy in their
expenditures. Without it this college could not have achieved that gratifying
measure of success which has made it in the brief years of its existence the eqnal
of any institution of learning in the state. Organized in the midst of my
impoverished and bankrupt people, put in operation by a state which furnished it
not a dollar to aid it, burdened from the first home of its existence by a debt
assumed for it by the legislature, deprived for a time of its rightful eniowment
and its lawful income by the illegal actions of state officials, threatened with
unfriendly legislation, both state and congressional; paid in depreciated currency
at par; necessitated to make extensive and costly repairs upon the dilapidated
building it received; to purchase lands and buildings, for a college ~rm and to
furnish itself with apparatus and appliances for instruction, it stands today the
peer of the oldest, best organized, ani best endowed institution of the state.
WANTS OF THE COLLIDE
I cannot close this report without calling the attention of your Excellenc.y to the
fact that this college must have a large income of its funds fully to accomplish
its great work of giving 'tt liberal and practical education to the irrlustrial classes"
of our state. Such an education is the one needed by the mass of our young men
and demanded by the wants of the State.
Eighty six per cent of the population of Alabama live by Agriculture. Add those
engrossed in mechanical pursuits and these two classes may be fairly stated to be
not less than ninety per centl.ml of the entire population. This college is the
only instit ution of learning in the state which proposes to give a liberal and
practical education to these two great classes of our people.
It was organized for that purpose and its courses of study, the labors of its
faculty, and whole spirit of the institution is directed to that end.
'!he resources of our state are admitted to be beyond a1.1 computation. Otn'
mountains of iron, one thousands of square miles of coal, one i~nse bed of
marble, oue splendid deposits of copper and gole, together with a great variety
of other minerals less known to our people but scarcely less valuable; our numberless
streams furnishing sites for the factories of a notion, running idly to the
sea; our varied and f ertile soils all aRait the science and skill that can
transform them into comfort and wealth for our people.
:shall the education needed to achieve such results be furnished the youth of all['
State? If not, then these magnificent resources must either remain undeveloped
or pass into the hands of stragers. |
| title |
1876 [pdf for printing]: Board Minutes of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama |
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1876 [pdf for printing]: Board Minutes of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama |
| author |
Auburn University Board of Trustees |
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Auburn University Board of Trustees |
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AUbot7340 |
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http://content.lib.auburn.edu/u?/bot,7340 |
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https://cdm17353.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getthumbnail/collection/bot/id/7340 |
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1782466961746165760 |
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1876 [pdf for printing]: Board Minutes of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of AlabamaAuburn University (formerly Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama); Board of TrusteesMinutes of the Board of Trustees meetings held in 1876.The City of Montgomery, Alabama
January 11, 1877
11 o'clock a.m.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural and Mechanical College
of Alabama, there were present His Excellency George S. Houston, Governor of the
state, and es-officio President of the Board, and Messrs. Barnes, Bibb, 1X>wdell,
Langdon, Malone, and Horen.
20 7
Absent--Messrs. Box, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Harrelson, Lawler, and
Stansel.
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board were read and approved.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the reading of tm reports submitted at the last meeting
of the Board were dispen:lsed wi tho
Reverend r. T. Tichenor, D.D., Presldent of the College, being called on, read
his annual report to the Board which is as foll0WSl
Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees:
A~bum, Alabama
January 8, 1877
A full report of the operations of the college for the year 187.5-6 having been
made to the Governor of the State, it is deemed unnecessary to give more than a
brief swmnary in th is report.
NwIi> er of Students 104
Graduates in Agriculture 6
Graduates in Engineering 1
Post Graduates course in Eng. :l:..-
8
The opening of the College for the present year has not been as flattering as
that of the year previous. Several causes have conspired to produce tilis result.
The growing poverty of that section of the country in the immediate vicinity of
the College is one cause.
The local patronage, never large, is less this year than ever before, notwithstanding
free tuition was given to all who were unable to pay for it.
The action of the Board of Trustees of the University at their session in July
last in reducing the expenses of that institution and the activity in the
individual meDibers of the Board in securing patronage for it, have drawn a few
of our stUdents to TUscaloosa. Board is furnished there at eleven dollars per
month and their tuition fees are appropriated to the boarding department. All
other expenses have been reduced. and they publish that $95.00 pet" term of four
and a helf months will cover the whole expense of a student at the University.
In addition, they have lowered the standard of graduation so as to enable a student
to receive a diploma in a shorter time and with retainments much inferior to
what was required in former years.
We cannot succeed in building up our College or even maintaining its present
pro!3Perity unless e~enses in Auburn shall, to say the least, rot exceed those
of the University.
The struggle for patronage between t he different colleges of the State. now
inaugurated by the action of the University, must continue for years to come,
at least until returning prosperity shall enable our people to fill with
respectable numbers the rolls of all our institutions of learning.
The Faculty of the College are fully alive to the demands,of the situation, am
will spare no efforts consistent with honor and duty to advance its interests.
In this contest which we have not desired and which we have used every honorable
means to avert, we are fully aware that tl1e University has many adva:ntages. :She
has a larger endowment, more and better buildings, more sightly grounds, a larger
and more thriving community, thoroughly devoted to her interests, ani a larger
Faculty of Instruction.
9le is an old established Institution. Her Alwnni are scattered all over the
state and some of them are . filling high positions in the learned professions
as well as in our state and National Councils.
On the other hand the College is young. It is located in one of the poorest
communities in the State. Its funds are insufficient for the board and liberal
scale on which it was of necessity organized.
It has been required out of its scanty means to provide library, furniture,
apparatus of instruction, everything to make ita college. The only building
it received has cost nearly five thousand dollars for repairs. Its birth was
heralded by the press of the State with ill concealed success as to its aims,
and with predictions of failure. It has no friends but those it has won by its
merits.
At the same time, we are not forgetful of certrln advantages it possesses, and by
which with judicious management it is sure to Win in the em. The character of
Education it proposes to furnish, is widely different from that. furnished by other
colleges in the 'State. Its leading object is to teach those sciences related to
Agricul ture and the Mechanical Arts. It fits young men to lead in all tho se
e:nterprises designed to develop the industrial interest of the country. This is
the Educatic!)R demanded by the wants of the country and by it are to be found the
forces which are to mould the new civilization of the South.
The time has come when we can no longer remit our agricultural interests to our
overseers and our slaves, where we can no longer afford to buy everything we use
in clothing, our persons,- . feeding our families, furnishing our houses, and supplying
our plantations from other and distant communities. We must make all these
things at home. We have all the facilities for accomplishing this end, except
minds trained for these pursuits. These 0l.U' people are beginning to demand and
these we offer to supply. Just in proportion to the increase of this will be
increased the popp.lari ty and patronage of the college.
I would have each member of the Board cheriSh the most abiding faith in the
grandeur and value to the state of the work of the college alld the certainty of
its recognition in the future by the people of the state. We are building for
posterit,r. we are laying the fou:ndations of the future Alabama upon the basis
of her vast and fertile fields am her unrivalled material resources, am we know
that we are making no mistake. Few may heed the slow am difficult task of laying
these foundations but when the building that is to repo sa upon them shall rise in
its fair proportions, many hitherto indifferent will survey the structure with
pleased attention and commend you for your wisdom in perceiving the true interests
of our whole people and the skill and energy with which you have promoted them.
We must expect no great success in the near future, though the College is steadily
growing in public form. Here and there men are beginning to understand its
objects and to approve its aims. In mingling with the people during the vacation,
the uniform observation of all the members of the faculty was that there is a
growing appreciation of the college. But our people are, many of them, toe
poor to patronize it. The large majority of those who possess the means to
education their Bons are either commercial or professional men, and they generally
prefer to educate them to follow their own advocations in life. Let no friend of
the college and especially no member of the Board be disheartened because other
Colleges may for the time succeed in securing a larger number of students than we
command. But let us address ourselves to the work befo Ie us. '!he best courses of
study, the best facilities for instruction, the best courses of study and methods
for furnishing a liberal aIli practical education, the wisest expenditure of our
funds, are among the things which demand attention.
These secured and number must come whenever the financial condition of our people
will permit it.
In order to lessen the expenses of students at the college, it is recommended to
the Board, by the Faculty, that tuition shall be made free. Board is, however,
the greatest item of expense. The price of this is beyond the control of the
College authorities, and must continue to be until a boarding department shall
be established in connection with the institution. This is greatly needed with
suitable facilities for rooming and boarding our students, by utilizing the
products, we could reduce the cost of board to ten dollars per month or lesso
Buildings sufficient to accommodate one hundred students can be erected and
provided with hoo.vy furniture for ten thousand dollars, but we can spare none
of our inCOMe for that purpose; nor, if it could be spared, can we legally use
any part of it in that way. We must look to the state to furBish us for the
means for its accompliShment. This I hesitate Bot to say the state ought to do.
Alabama. stands alone in the unenviable attitude of a state that has furnished
not a dollar to her Agricultural College. Nearly all the others have made liberal,
some of them very large,d onations to their institutions of learning. Massachusetts
whose farmers scarcely equal her shoemakers in number, provided her Agricultural
College with lands, buildings, 8~d equipments costing $26$,000 and then increased
its endowment to the sum of $2$3,000. The obligation of the State to furnish such
facilities is clearly implied in the act of Congress granting lands for the founding
of these colleges. In that act it was provided that no part of the principal
or interest arising from the sale of these lands should be used for the construction
or repair of buildings under any pretense whatsoever. The plain meaning of
this provision is that the states accepting the grant must provide the necessary
buildings.
The equitable claim of the college to all the discount suffered by receiving from
the state, depreciated currency at par in payment of interest is sustained by that
condition of the trust contained in the Act of Congress by which the State
plighted its faith to the United States, that if any part of the principal, or
interest of this fund, should ever in any way be lost to the College that the
state would make good such loss. This discount is already larger than the sum
required to construct these buildings. Even handed justice to the institutions
under her care demands it.
The honored executive of the state in his recent message to the legislatur e
recommends that efforts be made to secure funds from a certain souce to enlarge
the State Treasury. This recommendation meets with the approval of every right
thinildng man in the commonwealth.
Since the close of the war the University has received large amounts borrowed
from the State to rebuild the edifices destroyed by the federal Army. I am
credibly informed that she is still indebted forty thousand dollars to the
state on which she pays no interest. Every citizen of the State approved the
liberallity which the General Assembly has shwen to that Institution. But is
our College to have no share in the beneficence of our common mother? Are we
to be orphanedand exiled flI'om the shelter and protection aRd fostering care
which the state of Alabama shows to her other children? If so, let us kmw it,
that we may prepare as best we can for the only career ·left open to us.
But above all the highest interests of the State and the people of the State
demand that these facilities for educating our young men as cheaply as possible
shall be furnished to our college.
2)0
The education furnislned by this College fits men to develop those interests on
which depend the future power and greatness of this people.
Men must learn how to recuperate our wasted lands; how to increase the producti
va power of our labor; how to make our Janguishing agriculture profitable;
how to construct and control machinery; how to utilize our immense resources of
iron and coal before we can hope for any great or permanent improvement in the
condition of our people.
No other institu.tion of learning in the state proposes to educate men for these
purposes. The tastes am sympathies of young mE'll, studying at most of our colleges
are averted from the great industrial of the countr.y. Many a farmer who has sent
his son to college has been pained to find that the youghful graduate had no
longer any sympathy with farm life; that all thoughts of industrial pursuits were
irksome to him and that nothing but a profession would meet tlE requ.irements of
his ambition. , That might have been tolerated in times that are gone forever, but
but now such a diversion of the cultured intellects of the countr.y from these
pursuits leads to poverty that is hopeless to the ruin of our state financially,
socially, and politically. There may be great financial pressure upon the state,
but that financial pressure is not to be relieved by starving her institutions of
learning, especially that one which looks to the development of those industries
from which her revenues must come. The Board is requested to petition the Legislature
for such an appropriation as may in its judgment be needed for this purpose.
The College needs an additional professor in the department of Natural Sciences.
Instruction in these is by law, made the leading feature of the Institution and
the work in this department is greater than can be properly performed by a single
profesSQr.
If in the judgment of the Board, the financial condition of the College li.ll
allow it, I recommend a division of the professorship of Natural Sciences into
1st, a professorship of Physics and Chemistr.y, to be retained by Professor
Stubbs, 2nd - a professorship of Natural History comprising Geology, Mineralogy,
Botany and Zoology, to which the new Professor may be elected. All the sciences
pertaining to these professorships are related to agriculture and the mechanic
arts which we are required by law to be made the leading objects of the college
and they are iRcluded in our courses of study.
I would also recommend that the Board appoint a standing committee on courses of
study, to Which all matters relating to the courses offerred by the College and to
facilities and methods of instruction shall be referred.
This is suggested not because we deem any changes in these respects required, but
that the Board may be made more familiar with the internal order and working of
the Insti tu tion.
I would further suggest that your committee on finance recommend to the Board
from year to year stUnS to be appropriated to the different objects which may
justly claim a share in the funds of the college.
It will Simplify the work of the Treasurer and relieve him of considerable
re sponsibili ty.
2.1
The disparity between the salarie s of the faculty of this College and tho se of the
University is considerable and such a difference must, if it continues, tend to
prevent our securing the services of men of first ability in their respective
departments should those services ever be needed.
It is also unjust to the efficient and laborious faculty of the college. We
would that the Boardhad the means of comparing the work of the various college
facilities of the state.
It would be found that in amount and quality of wrk performed, as well as in
its adaptation to the wants of the student, the faculty of this College would
mffer in nothing by such comparison. I respec1rully recommend that the salaries
of the faculty be as follows:
That of President be increased from $2400 to $2500; and those of the professors
from $1800 to $2000, to be paid in such funds as may be received from the state.
This increase at present would be nominal while it 'WOuld provide an increase of
compensation as State money in value approximated more closely to the currency
of the country. It would have the addi tiona! advantage of relieving the treasurer
from the JIl9cessity of exchanging so large an amoUnt of uncurrent fums and thus
lighten his labors and responsibilities.
The offering of small prizes to the students has operated SJ well in stimulating
their exertions that it is recommended to the Board to appropriate a small aount
to be used for this purpose at the discretion of the faculty. Realizing that
the college only needs to be better known, to be better patronized and more
useful to the State, r would recommend that steps be taken to secure the attendande
of prominent citizens from all parts of the state at our next commencement
and that a banquet be given them. We are confirmed in the conviction that this
will prove of great advantage to the Institution by the fact that no man, capable
of forming a correct judgment of the college, has examined into its working that
has not been made its friend.
A bill to recharter the college is now pending in the Legislatureo It has not
been introduced by the advise of anyone connected with the Institution so far as
I know, but against my express desire on the subject. It contains some provisions
which I think objectionable. As the question of a new organic law the institution
has, however, been raised and as the bill with a few amendments can be made a
better one than we now have. I 'WOuld respectfully suggest to the Bolil.rd that they
secure such amendments as they think proper and allow the Bill to pass.
Before closing this report, I must be permitted to express my earnest desire that
every member of the Board could be fully acquainted with the history of the
Agricultural Colleges of the country in order that he might be enabled to make a
just estimate of the progress our own has made. Since this cannot be attained
at this time, I call the attention of this body to facts contained in the last
report of the Agricultural College of Massachusetts. That college, a s already
stated, owns property used by the college for purposes ,of instruction to the
amount of $265,000. It has an endowment of $253,500 just equal to our own.
Its catalogue of students shows, including graduates of the previous year, one
hundred and eleven; ours, reckoned in the same manner, one hundred and nine. Its
income was $38,420.23. Ours was about $24,000.
This college is justly regarded as one of the best in the country. Yet its
President says the accumulated debt of the College now alOOunts to $20,000 and
must increase at the rate of several thousand dollars per annum' so long as the
present course of instruction is continued without adequate provision for the
payment of current expenses.
That your own college does not make a similar exhibit is due to the fact that
its faculty have performed labors f ·ar beyond the amount ordinarily impo sed upon
college professors for salaries much below the sums usually paid.
Looking back over the years of my connection with the college and estimating
what has been done, I can assure the Board that the labor of these years seems
to me to have been productive of benefit to my fello'Wl11en and of more good to the
state than an equal number taken from any part of a life which has been devoted
to labor and study. I have faith in the future of our rising Institution, not
only in its success as that Slilccess will be measured by the thoughtless by the
number of its students and the variety am elegance of its equipments, but by
that other and better measure of success, the blessings it will bring to our
people.
We are placing the mighty forces of cultured intellect under the prostrate foms
of our great industries and design to lift them from the depths into which they
were hurled by the earthquake of civil commotion.
We are spreading the light of knowledge over our beautiful land that these may
thus be ushered in a new day of prosperity and peace.
We are sending forth messengers that will go to the habitations of the toilers
and the poor to lighten their labors and reward them with ample harvests.
We are invoking science to transmit by its wondrous alCheay T the beaded drops t~t
fall from the bfow of honest labor into larger stores of golden grain. We are
working for humanity - for the children of our commonfather. The consciousness
of this truth cheers me day by day and endears the Institution .to my heart.
- '-
I would have you gentlemen of tie Board share largely in the same feeling so that ,
in the accomplishment of your task of wisely directing and hours of faithfully
performing, we may rejoice together in a w:>rk that with countrymen must stand among
the noblest in the state.
Respectfully submitted:
I. T. Tichenor, President
At the suggestion of the President the report of the Pre sident of the College
was laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the action of the faculty in ccmferring degrees on' the
following named gentlemen;' to wit: Merit K. Clements..- Ag. Bachelor of arts;
Col. L. Hodge, Ag. Bachelor of Arts; Saul B. Holt, Ag. Bachelor of Arts; F. Downing
Peabody, Ag. Bach. of Arts; James E. Ruffin, Ag. Bach. of Arts; Reese Wilson, Ag.
Bach. of Arts; Perkins H. Stow, Ag. Bach. of Engineering.
Mr. Clements af Cla;v; Hodge of Lee; Holt of Shelby; Peabody of Lee; Ruffin of
Coosa; Stow of Tallapoosa; and Wilson of Lee. At the COJlD1leDCement exercises of
the College in 1876 was approved and ratU':ie d by tm Board.
The Treasurer being called on submitted the following report together with
accompanying papers.
Office of E. T. Glenn, Treasurer
A & M. College of Alabama
Auburn, Alabama; June 15, 1876.
To: The Honorable Board of Trustees of the A & M College:
Gentlemen:
I have the honar to present herewith to you the following repor t of the financial
transactions of the Treasurer's Office for the collegiate year ending
June 15, 1876.
To t
State Treasurers Office
Mtion
Incidental
Agricultural cadets
Surgeon
Farm
Printing
Expense
Int. and exchange
Amt advanced by Treasurer
Receipts
Disbur semen ts
By:
Cash advanced by treasurer 1875
Repairs and imp.
Ex::pense
Fixtures
. Printing
Stationery
Freight
Apparatus
Music
Directors
Salary
Fa:mn
Int. & exchange
Chemicals
Tuition r efunded
Surgeon
Agl. cadet
E.A. college
Reas estate
Shepard & Co. advanced 1875
Insurance
Commis sions
All of which is re Spectfully submitted:
E. T. Glenn, Treasurero
$25,350.00
&)4.00
769.00
500.00
445.00
164.25
12.50
94.00
18.97
80.09
$28,037.81
157.53
598.58
991.91
223.20
194./.p
116.09
123.77
238.34
277.10
403.15
14,299.45
892.82
3,871.06
167.03
51~15 __
470.00
785.52
905.15
475.00
1,760.2h
378.12
651.60
$28,037.81
213
Agricultural & Mechanical College
Auburn, Alabama; June 15, 1876
To the Board of Trustees of the A. & M. College:
Your cornmi ttee to whom was referred the report of the Treasurer of the A. & M.
College of Alabama have the pleasure to infonn the Board that they have farefully
examined the books and vouchers of the Treasurer and find that the vouchers
correspond with the different items and charges made by that officer; that too vouchers
are endorsed and approved by the President of the College, showing tmt the
finances of the College have been faithfully managed and accounted for.
Your committee further state that Mr. P. H. SWanson, a skillful bookkeeper and
accountant who was sleected by the Board in conjunction with them, has at the
request of the undersigned carefully and closely examined and investigated the
books of the treasurer and makes a report to us which is hereto appended and
which shows a verification of the books and transactions of the treasurer am.
that the funds of the college which have beem received by him have been fai thfUlly
accounted for.
Ver,y respectfully submitted:
w. C. Dowdell
F. M. Reese
To the Board of Trustees of the A & M College, Auburn, Alabama.
Gentlemen :
The undersigned having been appointed in connection with Messrs. F. M. Reese and
W. C. Dowdell to audit the accounts and investigate the books of the Treasurer
of the A. & M. College and also requested especially to scrutinize the books and
financial transactions of said Treasurer respectfully reports that the books
have been submitted to him by the Treasurer for his inspection and investigation,
that they have been examined faithfully and impartially and no other decision can
be furnished than that the books are correct and a faithful exhibit of the financial
transactions of the A. & M6 College for the past year.
The ledger contains the items of the cash book sO systematized that each account
gives a truthful exhibition of itself in showing their real )status.
From these account is made the report of the Treasurer which is submitted for
your consideration and which in any judgement you will find to be a clear, full,
and faithful statement of the financial transactions of the A. & M. College for
the past year.
Very respectfully,
P. H. Swanson
On Motion, the Treasurers report and IRpers accompanying be referred to the
committee on finance when revised.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the President reappoint the standing committees.
On motion of Mr. Langdon a committee on the course of study be added to the
standing committees.
On motion the Board adjourned until 3 0' clock p.m.
The Board met 'at 3 o'clock p.m. at the Exchange Hotel. Mr. Harolson of the
District, taking his seat with the other members of the board.
The President then announced the following standing committees.
On Finance - Messrs. Stansel , Lawler, Langdon, Moren, and Barnes.
On College lands and property - Messrs. Dow'dell, Box, and Haralson.
On Claims - Messrs. Malone, Dowdell, and Bibb.
On Revisiiin of Laws - Messrs. Barnes, 'stansel, Moren, Malone, and Haralson.
On course of study - Messrs. Langdon, Box, Stansel, Bibb, and Lawler.
On :rootion of Mr. Malone, committees on the various b"Upjects of the Presidents
report be referred to a ppropriate committees.
The subject of Board was referred to the Committee on Finance.
The subject of TUITION to Committee on Finance.
The Subject of SAIARIES to the Committee on Finance.
The Subject of ACT of I~ORPRaATION to Committee on Revision of Laws.
PRIZES to Committee on Finance.
BANQUET to Committee on Finance.
On motion, the reference of Act o£ Incorporation was reconsidered and referred to
a select committee, sonsisting of Messrs. Bibb, Malone, Haralson, and Dowdell.
On motion of Mr. Moren, the Board adjourned to meet at the ExectuYe Office, 9
o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
Montgomery, Alabama
January 12, 1877
The Board met at the Executive Office 9 o'clock a. m. Present: His Excellency
Governor George S. Houston and Messrs Barnes, Bibb, Box, Dowdell, Langdon,
Haralson, Malone, and Moren.
Mr. Langdon, Chairman of the Committee on the report of the President of the
College, submitted the following report.
The Finance Committee to whom was referred certain portions of the report of
the President of the A & M College have had the same underconsideration and
have instructed me to make the following report.
First. In regard to the recommendation to establish a department for boarding
the students.
'While your committee cordially endorsesa all that the President says in regard
to the benefits that would result from the establishment of a boarding department
in connection wi th the college, yet as it would involve an expenditure of some
ten thousand dollars to carry it into effect, which sum could only be realized
by an appropriation by the legislature and satisfied that in the present
2. 15'
The Board met 'at 3 o'clock p.m. at the Exchange Hotel. Mr. Harolson of the
District, taking his seat with the other members of the board.
The President then announced the following standing committees.
On Finance - Messrs. Stansel , Lawler, Langdon, Moren, and Barnes.
On College lands and property - Messrs. Dow'dell, Box, and Haralson.
On Claims - Messrs. Malone, Dowdell, and Bibb.
On Revisiiin of Laws - Messrs. Barnes, 'stansel, Moren, Malone, and Haralson.
On course of study - Messrs. Langdon, Box, Stansel, Bibb, and Lawler.
On :rootion of Mr. Malone, committees on the various b"Upjects of the Presidents
report be referred to a ppropriate committees.
The subject of Board was referred to the Committee on Finance.
The subject of TUITION to Committee on Finance.
The Subject of SAIARIES to the Committee on Finance.
The Subject of ACT of I~ORPRaATION to Committee on Revision of Laws.
PRIZES to Committee on Finance.
BANQUET to Committee on Finance.
On motion, the reference of Act o£ Incorporation was reconsidered and referred to
a select committee, sonsisting of Messrs. Bibb, Malone, Haralson, and Dowdell.
On motion of Mr. Moren, the Board adjourned to meet at the ExectuYe Office, 9
o'clock a.m. tomorrow.
Montgomery, Alabama
January 12, 1877
The Board met at the Executive Office 9 o'clock a. m. Present: His Excellency
Governor George S. Houston and Messrs Barnes, Bibb, Box, Dowdell, Langdon,
Haralson, Malone, and Moren.
Mr. Langdon, Chairman of the Committee on the report of the President of the
College, submitted the following report.
The Finance Committee to whom was referred certain portions of the report of
the President of the A & M College have had the same underconsideration and
have instructed me to make the following report.
First. In regard to the recommendation to establish a department for boarding
the students.
'While your committee cordially endorsesa all that the President says in regard
to the benefits that would result from the establishment of a boarding department
in connection wi th the college, yet as it would involve an expenditure of some
ten thousand dollars to carry it into effect, which sum could only be realized
by an appropriation by the legislature and satisfied that in the present
2. 15'
2flP
financial condition of the state, such appropriation could not be secured. Your
committee reports it inexpedient to make any effort for the establiShment of said
boarding department.
Second - As to ' tuition fees, your committee recommends that hereafter tuition be
free and they further recommend that the incidental fee be paid by each student
be fixed at $10 for each term of four and a half months, payable in advance at the
commencement of each term.
'lhird - The committee recommends that hereafter the annual salaries of the faculty
be as follows. The President of the College $2500, and each of the professors
$2,000, to be paid in such funds as may be received from the state.
Fourth. It is further recommended that at the termination of the present collegiate
year the professorship of Natural Sciences now filled by Professor Stubbs be
divided intor
1. A professorship of physics and chemist!"/, to be retained by professor Stubbs.
2. A professorship of natural history comprising geology, mineralogy, botany,
and zoology, to be filled by the Board at its present meeting.
Fifth - The committee recommend that the President of the College be authorized
to expend at his discretion not exceeding $500 in conducting the farm
connected with the college.
On motion of Mr. Barnes, the report of Mr. Langdon was taken up and acted on by
sections.
The first section of the report was adopted.
The second section was adopted.
The third section having been read, the question as to the right of the PreSident
of the Board to vote was discussed. On motion of Mr. Malone - that the President
of the Board be allowed to vote was adopted.
The third section of the report was not adopted.
The yeas·, and nays being called for by Mr. Bibb.. Those who voted for the adoption
of the section were Messrs. Barnes, Haralson, Langdon, and Moren. Those who voted
nay were Messrs. Bibb, Box, Dowell, and Malone. There being a tie vote, the
President of the Board voted nay and the section was not adopted.
The committee further reported against giving a dinner.
On motion of Mr. Langdon, the action of the wcal Committee and their report on
the Treasurer's report was adopted.
Resolved by Hr.: Moren that the President of the College be authorized to have one
thou sand copies of his report to the Board of Trustees published for general
distribu tion. The resolution was adopted.
The committee (m the Act of Incorporation r aport,ed favorably which after an amendment
to the Bill suggested and inserted therein by Mr. Barnes was adopted. .
On motion of Mr. Malone the election of officers was postponed until the regular
annual meeting of the Board.
On motion of Mr. Bibb, the Board adjourned sine die.
F. M. Reese, Secretary
Auburn, Alabama
June 1816 - A & M. College
To the Honorable Board of Trustees of the A & M College:
As Librarian of the A & M College of Alabama, I have the pleasure to inform the
Board that since my last report there has been collected aoout tw hundred and
twenty-five volumes (mostly public doouments) for the use of the library.
2.1
Among them, however, are some very costly and valuable works which are an
acquisition to the library for the valuable information and statistics they contain.
The funds of the college are as yet too limited for an appropriation to be made
from its treasury for the purchase of books and, consequently, the increase will be
as it has been from voluntary contributions, which I will, as usual, continue to
solicit. I trust my effort will result in some measure in the collection of a library
which will be useful not only to the students but to the professors of the
college.
Very Respectfully
F. M. Reese, Librarian.
This report was overlooked and, consequently not read to the Board of Trustees.
F. M. Reese.
Report of the President of the College to
the Governor of the state.
A. & M. College of Alaba.II'Q
Auburn, Alabama, o,ct. 10, 1816
His Excellency the Governor:
It affords me pleasure to report an increase of students in this college during
the past year. The number in 1814-5 was eighty-eightJ in 1815-6, it was one
hundred and four.
Of these there were in the 1st class 8
there were in the 2nd class 8
there were in the 3rd class - 16
there were in the 4th class - 46
there were in the 5th class 24
Thene were also two in the post graduate course in Engineering.
The general conduct of the students and their progress in the studies of their
respective courses were gratifying to the faculty. Out of the whole number,
forty-one received no demerits during the session.
The students of the college were from the counties of Augauga, Baldwin, Barbour,
Bullock, Clay, Chambers, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, XLlmore, Greene, Lee, Lowndes,
Limestone, Macon, Madison, Montgomery, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, Talladega, and
Tallapoosa and from the states of Georgia all Louisiana.
The members of the faculty have been earnest and dilligent in the labors of their
respective departments and the amount of work done by each professor is shown in the
reports which are herewith smmitted. These reports exhibit clearly that the
position of a professor in this college is one of labor, and I cheerfully hear
2. t 8'
testimony to the fact that their work m s been done thoroughly. Unbroken harmony has
prevailed among them and they have coope rated heartily in promoting the general
interests of the institution.
The President of the college in addition to the duties of his office and the
general superintendence of the farms has tau.ght the following classes:
IV Class in English 31 in no.
IV Class in Agriculture 40 in no.
III Class in English 16 in no.
II Class in Icgic 5 in no.
I Class in Agriculture 6 in no.
I Class i n Political Econ. --2 in no.
Whole number taught --.. --- - 104 in no.
Repor t of Professor Hardaway to the Pre sident of the A. & M. College of Alabama:
I have the honor to submit the folloWing report of the work of my department on
the year ending June 28, 1876. The following table exhibits the classes taught
and subjects studied during the year.
00. EXERCISES
TERM ID. of STUDENTS SUBJECTS pm TERM PER YEAR
IV FIRST 10 French 40
IV SECOND 6 French 40 80
IV FIRST 34 Plain Drawing 4a
IV SECOND 25 Plain Drawing 40 80
III FIRST 15 Top. Dra'Wing 40
III SECDND 14 De s. Geometry ~40 80
II mST 5 Bridge & Mach. Draw. 100
II SECOND 4 Bridge & Mach.Draw. 100 200
I FIRST 3 Per. Drawing 100
I SECOND 2 St. Drawing 100 roo
III FlRST 15 SUrvey & Leveling 40
III SECOND 14 II tI 40 80
II FIRSI' 5 Higher Eanyeying 40
II SECOND 4 Higher Surveying Lo 80
I FIRST 2 Civil Eng. 100
I SECDND 1 Civil Eng. 100 200
Total no. exercises 1,000
In the classical or literary course students pursuing the studies of Latin and
Greek are not required to take drawing lessons, having already as many recitations
as can be thoroughly p r epared.
In all other courses, geometrical, topographical, and structural geometry drawing
is taught each student of the fourth and third classes. Surveying and levelling
with practical use of the compass, transit and engineers level are taught to all
the stuients of the first ald second years. Computations of areas and division
and survey of land, rail, wood, and mining location are embraced in the work of all
students for the first two classes. All who stand an approved examination on this
part of any course will be granted a certificate of proficiency in surveying and
will be qualified for any work required of a county surveyor as well as locating
propel;' drains or ditches or determining the quantity of water and fall of streams
for mill sites with the preparation of the proper maps and profiles to illustrate
this work. Each student of the coll ege who finishes the first and second years
af tte general course is fitted for this work of sueveying, levelling and mapmaking.
21
The technical course of civil engineering begins properly in the third year of the courS3
and is taught to the second and finished by the first class of this course. In aid
of the practical studies of the college and as a means of familiarizing students With
the actual details of work, the second class in engineering will devote two weeks in
December am. the first class four weeks in April to field work and to visits of
inspection to machine shops, mill furnaces, and engineering constructions within
reach. Notes will be taken and drawings of the works visited. Theory and practice
will be combined throughout the entire course and the student fitted for taking
charge of works of construction on leaving college.
During the past summer a collection of more than one thousand studie s in draWing,
the same as prescribed in the government schools of Rus~ia and Paris, for the use
of students in this department of study. Copies in plaster of some of the classic
statues of the Louvre in Paris llave been purchased as the beginning of a gallery
of art for the college.
The interest manifested by the pupils in drawing is very gratifying ani the improvement
is commendable. The prize for drawing by" the third class was, by a committee
of visitors, awarded to Cade~ L. G. Dawson ~of Ellmore Count,y.
It is designed to continue the offer of a prize to the best set of drawings of
this class.
In the mechanical department of the college a set of scroll am bracket saws and
a wood lathe has been fitted up and used by the students. The work once in this
department hasbeen creditable to the skill and iIrlustry of the amateur worlanan.
Specimens of the work were on exhibition with the machines at the last comnlmcemente
The telegraphic apparatus connecting all the rooms of the college building
has been in regular use for more than a year. It dispenses with a servant heretofore
EMPLoyed as bell ringer am affords an opportunity to teach telegraphy to tle
stUdents.
\ is intended to add a small steam engine as a motor to the machinery which will
r;e ::sleeted for the use of students who desire to acquire a knowledge of all
practical mechanism.
I take pleasure in reporting the unifonn good order and progress of all classes
in my department.
Respectfully submitted,
R. A. Hardaway
Professor Civil Engineering
Report of Commandant to the President of the A. & M. College of Alabama:
I have the honor to submit the accompanying report of the d~partment of military
science and tactics for the A & M College of Alabama for the year ending June 28,
1876.
The Act of Congress for the end:>wment of Agricultural ani Mechanical Colleges in
prescribing the required studies, includes military tactics.
It is supposed that prac.tical instruction in the School of the soldier of the
company and battalion and an intelligellt knowledge of the duties of company and
batta1ion officers ~ •• tl, would be the least amount of instruction
which could be justly afforded.
220
In addition to drill, tactics and guard duty, the two higher classes of college
are taught by text and lecture s, so much of the science and art of war as would
fit the members for duties of officers in time of war. Military administration,
organization, engineering, history, statistics are taught while each student
physically able to bear arms is drilled forty-five minutes each day. The drills
are short and the military duty involves no hardship. The military drill is a
health giving exercise, and its good effects in the development of the form and
improvement of the carriage of the cadet is plainly manifested before he is passed
out of the awkward squad. In attendance upon drill am guard duty, students loose
no time from academic studies. While no time is lost from study, military discipline
secures the cooperation of cadet officers, maintains proper order, an:!
promotes studious habits. It is in schools using military discipline and only
in such schools that the old antagonism of teacher and pupil is broken down by a
delegation of a large part of the authority and duty of discipline to the cadet
officers who are taken from the governed class. The pirate obeys the cadet
officer and l ooks forward to his Oim proma.tion in turn when he will be called
upon to exercise similar authority over his successor. An appeal to the manliness
and self respect of the cadet is rarely made in vain; and if punishment is
properly inflicted, its justice is admitted by the corps and generally by the
thought1ess - and unfortunate culprit himself.
Tltere has been makred improvement in order, drill and discipline of the corps,
over any previous academic year with time courses exprit de corps and reverence
for authority. In a new institution, organization must proceed slowly but with
proper care and circunspeetion it arms at last.
"".fith all the difficulties of a new enterprise, we have struggled, but each year
has been marked by steady progress and gratifying improvement.
Very respectfully submitted,
R. A. Hardaway, Cormnandant.
Report of Professor Dunklin, Department of Languages - Latin and Greek.
Auburn, Alabaaa, June 24, 1876.
Dr. I. T. Tichenor, President.
I submit the following report of this department for the scholastic year 1875-6
now closing.
No. E:xB~ci8es
Class '3lbject No. 'Students Per Week Session
V Latin 20 5 180
IV Latin 26 5 180
III Latin 12 5 180
II Latin --1L JL 144
62 20 684
IV Greek 12 4 144
III Greek 1 ...1... 108
13 7 252
Smnmary L & G 75 27 936
This tabulated exhibit presents a view of the operations of my department. The
plan of instruction is by translation from the authors prescribed in the course
into English. Accompanying these processes, a careful study of the principles
involved is instantly required and full explanations and forms of constructions
are given.
The idioms of each language are carefully compared in the translations, the one
from the other, with a view not only of leaving a foreign language, but of
becoming better acquainted with the principles of our English speech.
22.\
The course as given in the catalogue prevents a view of the work at tempted in this
department which is rather the mastery of the principles, constructions and idioms
of the languages, than the mere reading of certain books.
The students in my classes have been very regular in their attendmce and, on the
whole, have made good progress. Their department has been uniformly good.
I mention here the fact that Adjutant E. R. Rivers assisted me during the last
portion of the sessioR by taking one section of the fifth class in Latin, and
to his credit I must say -he did his work well.
For the report on French and Ge:man, I refer~ the reports of Professors
Hardaway and Stubbs.
Respectfully submitted,
J . T. Dunklin, Professor
Report of Professor Stubbs. A. & M. College , Department of Chemistry.
Auburn, Alabama. June 24, 1876.
Rev. I . T. Tichenor , D. D. , President, A. & M. College of Alabama :
I have the honor of submi tting the following report of my department for the
scholastic year just closing.
One fourth class consisting of 48 members studies physics the first term, and
botany.the second. The third class of 19 members pursued through both terms
the study of general chemistry. The second class of 12 members devoted the
entire session to mechanics and analytical chemistry. The first class of 10
members was occupied with the studies of astronomy, minero10 gy, geology, and
physical geography. In addition to above, I had a class of five in Agricultural
chemistry.
The advancement of my classes has been generally satisfactory. MY class in
analytical chemistry, collected from the dealers in Opelika 15 samples of
commercial fertilizers and analy ed them under my direct supervision. The
analysis, together with their mofiey values, were kindly p~i&;ahed by the newspapers
of this section of the state, and it is hoped mUCh/accrued to our
farmers by thi s 'WOrk.
I have made several 'valuable improvements to my laboratory during the past
- session, and am also under many obligations to many persons for donations to
museum and cabinet.
I am again under obligations to you for the cooperation generally given me during
the session.
I am sir very re spectfully your
obedient servant,
w. C. Stubbs
Professor Natural Science
Report of Department of Pure Mathematics, 1875-76
To Dr. I. T. Tichenor, President, A. & M. College of Alabama
I respectfully submit a report of the work done in department of the A. & M.
College of which I have charge.
The classes, subjects pursued, the number of students in each subject, and number
of recitations is shown in the following table.
Class
IV
IV
IV
IV
III
III
III
II
II
II
I
Varis
tJ
Sessi9..n
1st
2nd
2nd
2nd
1st
2nd
2nd
1st
2nd
2nd
1st
1 & 2
1 & 2
Subject
Algebra, Robinsons comp.
" " " Geometry, Legendre 4 books
Trigonometry Davies
Solid & Spherical geometry
Mensuration Davies
Anal . geometry, L.N. Ed.
" " n II
Calculus Loomis
Mechanic s Olmstead
Cal. of Course of Engineering
Arithmetic
Bookkeeping
'IOTAL
No. Studen ts
40
39
39
39
16
14
14
7
6
11
2
17
9
90
No. recitations
Per Sess. Per Annum
88
26
50
50
58
12
32
51
50
50
36
176
176
102
151
36
140
60
841
The fourth class recites in two sections at different hours, therefore, the number
of recitations is doubled.
The above table gives the actual number of recitations and the number of students
pursuing each subject. Thlrty four weeks are devoted to recitations and six to
examinations and commencement exercises.
It will be seen that I have had an average of 25 recitations per week or 5 per dqv.
This increase of work over last year results from the division of the fourth class
into two sections. This was necessary to secure thorough drill and grounding in
the fundamental studies of the course in mathematics.
By a comparison with the report of last year, it will be noticed that the course
has been extended and elevated and the number of cadets pursuing each subject considerably
increased.
Last year there were 55 in the regular college classes in this department. This
year 75 being an increase of 20 or nearly 40 per cent. This is certainly an
encouraging indication of the increase in numbers and advancement in scholarship.
The cadets in the several classes have made commendable progress as indicated by
their sessional grade and examination. The deportment in classroom has been
unifonnly good.
The department needs a set of mathematical models, spherical black board and rome
other apparatus. Fifty dollars will be sufficient to meet present necessities.
All of which:is respectfully submitted.
O. D. &i th, Prof.
Mathema tics.
Report of Professor Ross.
Rev. T. T. Tichenor, Presidents
I have the honor to submit the annual report of the work in the Department of Moral
Philosophy and English Literature for the year just closing.
-Class Term Subjec! In class No. Recitations Other exercises
1st 1st Critic:l.:mn 7 60 one original speech
1st 2nd Elocution 7- 60-120 two original speeches
2nd 1st Shake speare 6 60 one " " 2nd 2nd Eng. Lit. 6 60-120 II II " 5th 1st Word. Anal. 15 100 Penmmlhip 100
5th 2nd Eng. Grammar 13 100 200 exer. composition
Also in department of mathematics
5th 1st Arith 22 60
5th 1st Algebra 18 40-100
5th 2nd Algebra 17 60-60
Besides the work indicated in the above table, I have given instruction in reading
and declamation to all the students of the college.
The improvement in this department is very gratifying. The first class has made
noteworthy progress in reading and elocution.
The declamation of the third and fourth classes at the cOJlDllencement just closed,
according the best judges, showed marked improvement.
The members of all the five c1asses have been frequent exercises in English Composi
tion. I con template introducing during the next tem a new feature which will
add materially to the interest and success of this important study.
Courses of Study
Respectful~ submitted,
B. B. Ross
Prof. of Moral Phil. & Eng. Literature
In compliance with the law of Congress governing its organization, the college
offers to students the fo11owing: I
I The course in Agriculture, leading to the degree of .Bachelor of Agriculture.
This course e.braces French, German, Natural ScienceS"a~l related to Agriculture,
particularly botany and chemistery, mathematics, with supveying am leveling,
political economy, and lessons in. practical agriculture throughout the course.
II Course in literature. Degree of Bachelor of Letters. This course embraces
Latin, Greek, a thorough study of English in its linguistic elements and in its
literatureuhilosophic and historical studies; mathematics ani natural sciences
but not to the extent as required in the courses of science and engineering.
This course is approximately the same asthe usual course in Arts, but is extended
in the department of science arxi in the study of the English language.
III Course in Science, leading to the degr~e of B. S. This course is designed for
those who wish to study the natural sC1ences, mathematics, modem languages,
22..y
Latin Literature, history, rehtoric, logic & mental, and moral philosophy, as
thoroughly as they are studied in the best colleges am who would be glad to enjoy
the cultivation ans association of colle ge life. '!he course in mathematics and
natural sciences is extended. A full course of chemistry and mathematics is included
and those desireing to follow any business in life requiring a thoroug)l knowledge
of mechanics or chemistry and who do not propose a connection with engineering,
would properly select the general scientific course.
Those who have taken the usual classical course by taking the course in science
would be qualified as teachers for any department of education furnished by the
normal school.
rY. Course o.f civil engineering - Degree Bachelor of Engineering. This course
extends the scientific course in applied mathematics, embraces full instruction in
regard to the construction of COItUn<;lD roads, pikes, railroads, bridges, canals,
improvement of rivers, harbors, etc.
v. Course in surveying - instruction in surveying is of the mo st practical character
embracing every rariety of field work with actual use of instruments. A certificate
of proficiency in surveying will be granted all applicants who stand an approval
examination in the studies of the third and fourth class in any course.
FARMS
There are two farms connected with the college, one in AubUrn - the other in t he
valley of the Tennessee near Courtland.
The farm at the college is cultivated rather as a model than experimental farm.
The want of unifonnity , both in surface and subsoil, forbids its use ·for scientific
purposes or experiments.
so
The process of bringing it up to a uniform fertility-,ias torender it suitable for
such experiments is not yet completed.
\hther it would be better under any circumstances to continue empleying it to
illustrate and exemplify best methods of agriculture, and thus stimulate our
people to adopt them, rather than with our limited resources undertake the costly
and difficult task of making new discoveried in Agricultural Science, is a question
well worthy of consideration. This would certainly prove of greater present benefit
to our people whose interests we earnestly desire to IX' omote.
It is gratifying to knOl, that the lessons which have already been furnished by our
college farms have not been without beneficial results. The operations of this and
the paBt year have attracted much attention from the farmers of the community am
a few more years of success promise to revolutionize lam culture in the vicinity.
The farm in the valley of the Tennessee is making a series of experiments with
the view of aiding the agriculturiest of that part /of the state. Under the
management of the Hon. J. J. Barclay, a gentleman /of the highest ability and culture,
and the able committee of the intelligent, progressive and reactional farmers
associated with them, it must prove a great and endearing benefit to that beautiful
and fertile section of our state. It is yet too early for their annual report, but
I have received gratifying intelligence of their progre ss.
FlNANcm
The financial condition of the college is improving, and as State money approximates
the national currency in value, this improvement will be more rapid.
In a year or two more we hope to be able to discharge all our liabilities, including
the two thousand dollars which under the contract made by the state, we were
required to pay the East Alabama College for the grounds and buildings now held by
this institution.
For a statement of the receipts and disbursements of the college for the past year,
you are respectfully referred to the report of the Treasurer.
Special enquiry into the management of the Agricultural Colleges of the United
States by a committee of Congress brought to light the fact that a larger per
centum of the income of this college is expended for purposes of instruction than
of any other in the Union. No other public institution of the state has made a
more legitimate or proper use of its funds or exercised a wider economy in their
expenditures. Without it this college could not have achieved that gratifying
measure of success which has made it in the brief years of its existence the eqnal
of any institution of learning in the state. Organized in the midst of my
impoverished and bankrupt people, put in operation by a state which furnished it
not a dollar to aid it, burdened from the first home of its existence by a debt
assumed for it by the legislature, deprived for a time of its rightful eniowment
and its lawful income by the illegal actions of state officials, threatened with
unfriendly legislation, both state and congressional; paid in depreciated currency
at par; necessitated to make extensive and costly repairs upon the dilapidated
building it received; to purchase lands and buildings, for a college ~rm and to
furnish itself with apparatus and appliances for instruction, it stands today the
peer of the oldest, best organized, ani best endowed institution of the state.
WANTS OF THE COLLIDE
I cannot close this report without calling the attention of your Excellenc.y to the
fact that this college must have a large income of its funds fully to accomplish
its great work of giving 'tt liberal and practical education to the irrlustrial classes"
of our state. Such an education is the one needed by the mass of our young men
and demanded by the wants of the State.
Eighty six per cent of the population of Alabama live by Agriculture. Add those
engrossed in mechanical pursuits and these two classes may be fairly stated to be
not less than ninety per centl.ml of the entire population. This college is the
only instit ution of learning in the state which proposes to give a liberal and
practical education to these two great classes of our people.
It was organized for that purpose and its courses of study, the labors of its
faculty, and whole spirit of the institution is directed to that end.
'!he resources of our state are admitted to be beyond a1.1 computation. Otn'
mountains of iron, one thousands of square miles of coal, one i~nse bed of
marble, oue splendid deposits of copper and gole, together with a great variety
of other minerals less known to our people but scarcely less valuable; our numberless
streams furnishing sites for the factories of a notion, running idly to the
sea; our varied and f ertile soils all aRait the science and skill that can
transform them into comfort and wealth for our people.
:shall the education needed to achieve such results be furnished the youth of all['
State? If not, then these magnificent resources must either remain undeveloped
or pass into the hands of stragers.Auburn University Board of Trustees18761870sAuburn University LibrariesEducation -- Higher Education; History -- 1875-1929: The New South EratextpdfBOT_1876Auburn University Libraries. Special Collections and Archiveseng1876This image is the property of the Auburn University Libraries and is intended for non-commercial use. Users of the image are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. For information about obtaining high-resolution copies of this and other images in this collection, please contact the Auburn University Libraries Special Collections & Archives Department at archives@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1732.http://cdm17353.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/bot/id/7340 |