Summary: | Minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings held in 1910323
Auburn, Alabama
June 6, 1910
The Board of Trustees of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute met in regular annual session in the Main Building of the Institute, at Auburn, on Monday, June 6, 1910, at 10 o'clock a.m.
There were present His Excellency Governor B. B. Comer, Ex-Officio; President, and Messrs. H. L. Martin, W. K. Terry, R. B. Barnes, and W. F. Feagin. 5.
There being no quorum present, the Board adjourned to Tuesday morning, June 7, at 9 o'clock.
The Board convened pursuant to adjournment.
The roll was called, and the following members answered to their name:
His Excellency Governor B. B. Comer, Ex-officio President Honorable H. C. Gunnels, Superintendent of Education, Ex-Officio Honorable H. L. Martin
Honorable W. K. Terry . Honorable R. B. Barnes honorable W.F.Feagin
6 members present. A quorum.
The minutes of the last previous meeting were read and approved.
Doctor G. C. Thach, President of the Institute, read his annual report and opened his budget for the year 1910-1900.
It was moved, That the President's Report end recommendations be referred to a committee of three to be appointed by the Chair.
Motion prevailed and the Chair appointed as such committee, Messrs. Feagin, Terry, and Martin.
The following resolution was introduced, seconded, and unanimously adopted:
Whereas the efforts of Governor B. B. Comer in behalf of education in the state have, created and aroused an interest that will result in great good to the people of Alabama which will endure and increase as time goes on, and
Whereas, the Alabama Polytechnic Institute has shared in liberal appropriations for handsome buildings and equipment, largely obtained through the work and halp of Honorable B. B. Comer, as Governor, for which it is appropriate and proper that the college should in some way evidence its appreciation, and
Whereas, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he has acted with uniform courtesy, aid has brought to the Board, and given to its service, unstintingly and freely, his time when and where needed, and has, at all times, exhibited rare business acumen in the administration of the affairs of the college, Therefore,
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Be it resolved,
That we as the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute do here and now make acknowledgement of our gratitude and appreciation of the benefits that have resulted to Auburn from his efforts; that we note the fact that this is the last meeting of the Board with Mr. Comer as Chairman; that we part with his service on the Board with sincere regret and a deep sense of his valuable aid and with appreciation of the high standard he has set by his example and work, for faithful and efficient performance of duty as the official head of this Board, and we extend to him our best wishes and esteem.
The following resolution was introduced:
Resolved, That the President of the College be, and he is, her by, directed, to
have inserted in each of the new buildings of the college, bronze tablets bearing the names of each of said buildings and other appropriate inscriptions. Adopted.
The committee to whom had been referred the annual report of the President of the Institute rendered the following report, which upon motion was considered and adopted seriatim, and then upon motion adopted as a whole:
To the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute:
We your special committee on the President's annual report, beg leave to recommend as follows:
1. We congratulate the President and the Faculty on the general progress of the institution this year.
2. •.e recommend that the title of Instructor in Chemistry, now held by Mr. Thomas Bragg, be changed to Assistant Professor of Chemistry; also that the title of the position now held by Mr. C. S. Williamson be changed to Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and that the title of Physical Director and Instructor be changed to that of Director and Associate Professor of Physical Culture.
3. e recommend that the contingent fee be changed from $5.00 to $2.50, and that an athletic fee of 3.00 be assessed each student for the benefit of athletics, to be expended in accordance with the judgment of the College Athletic Committee.
4. We concur with the President and hereby recommend the election of Dr. J. F. Messick as Associate Professor of Mathematics, at a salary of $1600 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Professor A. H. Wilson.
5. It is recommended by the committee that the Board establish a new chair in Botany, to be known as the chair of Plant Pathology, at a salary of not less
than $1800 per annum, to be maintained on the Adams Fund.
6. We further recommend that the head of the Department of Mathematics be authorized to assign the work in the department of Mathematics, which is performed by assistants and instructors as in his judgment the best interests of the college demand.
7. It is the sense of your committee that the recommendations made by the President with reference to conferring degrees on various candidates, be adopted by the Board of Trustees.
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8. In view of the fact that all the buildings have not. been completed, and that it has been impracticable to arrange the fire insurance in a permanent way,
we recommend that. W. F. Feagin be reappointed to look after the adjustment and arrangement of the fire insurance of the college, and that he be given plenary power to act, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
9. We recommend the adoption of the President's Budget as submitted by him.
We recommend the adoption by the Board of the following resolution:
(a) Whereas, the Code of 1907 failed to provide for the usual salary of 500 for the State Chemist and the arduous and responsible work of this department has greatly increased, and is increasing every year, and whereas the-duties of the State Chemist are such that he is required to work twelve (12) months in the year, therefore, be it
Resolved, That in addition to the salary of $2400, as Professor of Chemistry, Professor B. B. Ross shall receive additional compensation of $500 per annum as State Chemist.
(b) Whereas, the business affairs of the college have reached a state which demands the entire time and attention of the President, therefore be it
Resolved, That President C. C. Thach is relieved of the Chair of English, and he is hereby directed to nominate a full professor for this department, such change to take place at the beginning of the session of 1910-1911.
(c) Whereas, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, there exists the most urgent necessity for appropriations from the state of Alabama for the proper heating of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and for other needed improvements, a particular enumeration of said needed improvements, and the appropriation desired for the same, being as follows, to-wit:
(d)
(1) The present system of heating is by a stove in each room. This system is antiquated and totally unfit to comfortably heat the buildings, besides exposing the buildings to constant danger from fire. This should be sup-planted by modern steam heating equipment, for which an appropriation of $10,000 should be asked.
(2) The summer school for farmers at Auburn is of great advantage to the farmers of the State, and deserves to be supported and encouraged. $4,000 annually is necessary for its maintenance. Such an appropriation is greatly needed for said purpose.
(3) The institution is sadly in need of a building for the department of Veterinary Medicine and Physiology, and an appropriation of $50,000 is necessary for the building requisite for the necessary instruction in that department, and the same should be urgently requested.
(4) A $25,000 appropriation is needed for the extension of the Chemical Department, and should be asked for.
(5) $5,000 for the Farm Machinery Building.
(6) $5,000 for the Infirmary.
(7) $50,000 for the Gymnasium.
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(6) $50,000 for the Y. M. C. A. Building.
(9) $100,000 for the maintenance of the Textile Department.
(10) $12,000 for the repair of the machine shops and boiler house.
(11) $10,000 for dwelling for President of the College.
and, Whereas, these needs of the institution should be brought to the attention of the next Legislature of Alabama, presented in a proper way, and requested with the urgent insistence f this Board, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Chairman of the Board do appoint a committee of five, with the President of the College added, to present the needs of the institution to the next Legislature and to memorialize it to grant the appropriations above set out for the purposes stated.
(Signed) W. F. Feagin, Chairman
W. K. Tarry
H. L. Martin
The Chair appointed the following as the committee to present the needs of the Institute to the Legislature: W. F. Feagin, Chairman; N. D. Denson W. K. Terry; R. B. Barnes; and A. W. Bell, with President C. C. Thach added.
By order of Governor Comer, President of the Board, the name of W. F. Feagin was added to the Executive Committee.
The following resolutions were introduced, and upon motion, adopted:
1. Resolved, That the salary of the Chair of Horticulture and Forestry be placed at $1400 per annum.
2. Resolved, That the salary of Assistant in Horticulture be placed at $900 per annum.
3. Resolved, That the work of experimentation in the department of Horticulture be subject to arrangement and distribution by the President as the best interests of the college department.
Mr. P. F. Williams was nominated for Professor of Horticulture and a vote being taken was declared duly elected.
Mr. J. C. C. Price was nominated for, assistant in Horticulture, and a vote being taken was declared duly elected.
The following resolutions was introduced and adopted:
Resolved, That the sewerage system be extended so as to give sanitary sewerage to the whole college plant.
A communication was received from the Bank of Auburn, asking for a part of the college business, and the same was under the rule, referred to the Executive Committee.
There being no other business, Board adjourned.
R. J. Burton Secretary
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Auburn, Alabama
May 30, 1910
Report of the President of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute to the Board of Trustees:
Sirs:
I have the honor to report to the Board of Trustees that for the academic year 1909-1910, the institution has enrolled the largest number of students in its history, the registration being 761 for this year, as against 717 for last year. During a period of eight years, since the beginning of the present administration, the increase of number of students has been from 412 to 761, or 86 per cent. The enroll-ment for the present year represents every section of the State; in all, sixty-five counties, only two, Cleburne and Winston being without representation. Among the larger county enrollments are the following: Jefferson,102; Montgomery, 43; Calhoun, 22, Mobile, 20; Tallapoosa, 18; Bibb, 17; Sumter, 15; Marengo, 15; Barbour, 15; Dallas, 12; Randolph, 10; Walker, 10; Marshall, 9; Covington, 8; Dale, 8; Macon, 8; Morgan, 8; Bullock, 8; Limestone, 7; Madison, 7. Ten states and two foreign countries Germany and Mexico, are represented furnishing some of the most thoroughly trained and successful students.
Age:
The maturity of the student body has increased perceptibly in the last few years the average age of the Freshman Class being 17 years, 2 months; Sub-Freshman Class, 18 years, 9 months; Senior Class 21 years, 9 months; the average age of the entire student body being 20 years, 3 months. There are 287 students over twenty-one years of age.
Classes:
The record is again broken in the enrollment of the upper classes, the Senior and Junior Classes being the largest in the history of the institution. The numbers are as follows:
Graduate Students 18
Senior Class 107
Junior Class 120
Sophomore Class 131
Freshman Class 128
Sub-Freshman Class 74
Special Students 90
Veterinary Medicine 51
Pharmacy 50
By Departments the enrollment is as follows:
Electrical Engineering 94
Mechanical Engineering 102
Civil Engineering 54
Mining Engineering 9
Architecture 31
Pharmacy 50
Veterinary Medicine )
Veterinary Science ) 63
Agriculture 201
Animal Industry 235
Botany 69
Physics 414
English 570
History 368
French 59
German 67
Latin 92
Political Economy 86
Mathematics 532
Chemistry 302
Chemical Laboratory 132
Drawing 295
Descriptive Geometry 129
Mechanic Arts 368
Military 640
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The Church denominations represented in the student body are as follows:
Methodist 296
Baptist 219
Presbyterian 99
Episcopal 64
Catholic 30
Synagogue 17
Christian 16
Universalist 6
Christian Scientist 2
Lutheran 2
Congregationalist 1
Work:
I take pleasure in stating that the quality of work on the part of the student body throughout the year has been of high grade. Taken as a whole, I have never known a more serious and industrious set of young men. There has been an excellent spirit of study, and the general conduct of the student body has been highly commend-able. In so large a number of young men, as would be the case in a large number of adults, there are some who do not appreciate their advantages and are neglectful of their work, but the earnest application of the large majority of the students is a subject of universal comment on the part of the instructors. Especially notable is is the regular attendance of so large a number of young men upon their regular academic work. This institution does not permit any definite number of absences
from lectures and laboratory, and the student is held accountable for each particular absence. Daily reports of all absences are made at the office of the president by each professor and instructor, and each unexcused delinquent is personally inter-viewed and adequate penalty inflicted.
In this connection, it may be noted that under the military organization the two general roll calls of the entire student body furnish valuable check on the point of attendance. Every effort is made to impress the student with the fact that education is not merely preparation for life, but is life itself, and that punctual and prompt attendance upon academic duties is an indispensable requisite for remaining at the institution. During the year, twenty-five students were dropped from the rolls for serious infraction of the rules.
Several notable honors have been conferred by other institutions on Auburn students among others being a scholarship in Architecture in Columbia University, a scholarship in History in Harvard University, the presidency of Congressional District Agricultural School, Arkansas, (to a member of the Senior Class in Agriculture), six scholarships in Electrical Engineering with the Westinghouse Company, in Pittsburgh, and four Electrical scholarships with the General Electric Company, Schenectady. In a word, there is a much larger demand for trustworthy young men with scientific and technical training than the college can possibly supply.
Health:
The general health of the student body throughout the year has been of the usual excellence. The Surgeon reports daily at 7:45 a.m. and receives reports of students who may be sick. This serves as good police regulation, and also gives immediate information concerning any serious cases of illness. Even in case of an epidemic of influenza or grippe, the percentage of students carried on the sick list has been remarkably small.
There was one case of measles during the session, but by prompt and skillful management on the part of the Surgeon, the threatened epidemic was averted.
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The interest in the military department during the year has been marked. Owing to increased attendance, the corps of cadets at the beginning of the year was organized into a regiment with two battalions, with a major and suitable officers for each unit. The drill is held three afternoons in the week. The regimental review on Saturday morning is an event in college life. The maneuvering of 600 young men under arms makes an inspiring spectable and is regularly witnessed by a large number of interested spectators.
The drill, without being irksome or unduly interfering with the technical work of the young men preparing for life, is an excellent instrumentality for universal physical training while the military organization of the cops of cadets affords
very effective machinery for organizing so large a body of untrained young men. While seemingly a simple matter, the marked expedition with which 700 young men are assembled and dismissed at chapel services daily at 7:45, is a noteworthy achievement.
In this connection, I take pleasure in noting the visit to the college, during the session, of His Excellency Governor B. B. Comer, who, I am pleased to think, can inform the Board concerning the practical working of our organization.
Changes in Faculty:
I deeply regret to make record of the death during the summer vacation of a most estimable member of our faculty, Professor Arthur McBride Ransom, M. S., M. A., of Newnam, Georgia, who was Associate Professor of Analytical and Metallurgical Chemistry. Professor Ransom was an honored graduate of this institution of the class of '98, and had applied himself, in the prosecution of his chosen profession of chemist, with great industry and signal success. He took advanced work at the University of Michigan, receiving the degree of Master of Arts. He was a young man of most praiseworthy qualities of heart and mind, and his death is a distinct loss to the institution. On the recommendation of the head of the department, Professor B. B. Ross, Mr. Charles D. Williamson was elected as acting assistant professor of chemistry, Mr. Williamson is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. and has had extensive experience in teaching chemistry, notably in Wofford College, South Carolina. He had also held scholarships in chemistry in Vanderbilt University, University of Chicago, and Columbia University, and had varied experience in practical laboratories in phosphate work, etc.
Mr. Joseph Wilder Ridgway, of the department of Animal Industry was advanced to a more lucrative position by the Federal Government in extensive experiments undertaken in connection with the college in practical beef raising and beef feeding work in western Alabama. Mr. L. W. Shook, a graduate of this instition, was appointed as his successor.
Mr. Ernest Wood Thornton, B. S., assistant in Chemistry, received a very substantial promotion as Chemist in the State Department of Agriculture of North Carolina. The vacancy was filled by Mr. J. E. Toomer, a graduate of the North Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College.
Professor R. S. Mackintosh, having been granted a year's leave of absence, the duties of acting Horticulturist have been discharged very acceptably by Instructor P. F. Williams. Mr. J. C. C. Price, a graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, was appointed in charge of the greehouses and horticultural grounds.
Mr. M. .J. Funchess, a graduate of Clemson College and post-graduate student of University of Wisconsin, has filled the position of assistant in .Agriculture, Mr. L . N. Duncan having been promoted to the position of Professor of School Agriculture.
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Mr. C. S. Ridgway, a graduate of Maryland Agricultural College, and post-graduate student of Johns Hopkins University, was appointed Assistant in Botany.
Buildings and improvement:
The era of physical expansion of the college has continued uninterruptedly with highly gratifying results. Thanks to the generous appropriations of the present administration of State affairs, the college at Auburn has been placed upon a distinctly higher material plane. Young men of the state now enjoy comfort and facilities somewhat commensurate with the dignity of our great commonwealth. Too much praise cannot be given the efficient system of waterworks established throughout the entire group of college buildings, and now extended in a large measure throughout the boarding house system of the town. The contract with the municipal authorities was concluded according to the direction of the board of Trustees, and a regular monthly revenue now accrues to the institution from the sale of surplus water. There are now about seventy subscribers and the number is continually increasing.
The total income from this source for the year was $535.08, which amount will increase during the ensuing year, and will be adequate for the maintenance and supervision of the system. Among the attendant benefits of this waterworks system has been an abundant supply of almost chemically pure water for drinking purposes, and also for supplying, the varied and growing laboratories in their ever increasing demands. A sanitary closet system established in all the buildings, together with the sewerage plant, has proved most satisfactory.
Pursuant to the direction of the Board of Trustees, the electric lighting lines have been further extended and connections have been established with a large majority of the boarding houses, public halls, stores, and churches of the community, the sub-scribers now numbering eighty-two. The income from the sale os light is now about $300.00 per month and will render the power plant entirely self-sustaining. All of the cottages, dormitories, laboratories, and college buildings have been wired and the entire plant is most admirably lighted. It is proper to state that the service, under the supervision of Professor Dunstan and his student assistants, has been well nigh perfect and has received universal commendation.
Comer Hall:
The new agricultural hall was brought to rapid completion during the summer and by energetic effort all the departments of the agricultural college were transferred to their new quarters, and the students in attendance this session thereby afforded the advantages of greatly improved accommodations. This building is the handsomest of the new additions to the College group.The equipment and furnishing of Comer Hall and all the greenhouses and laboratories have been greatly advanced and will be further improved during the ensuing session.
Electric Lighting:
Wm. LeRoy Broun engineering Hall:
In accordance with the law of the State, the building committee of the Board of Trustees authorized the construction of a building for mechanical and textile purposes, plans were drawn by Professor N. C. Curtis, Professor of architecture, submitted to the committee and approved. Work upon the building was entered upon immediately and construction has been pushed forward rapidly. This new structure is erected in connection with the former engineering hall as a wing. The finished structure, of
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selected red brick with limestone and terra cotta trimmings, will be 250 feet long, 50 to 90 feet deep, and three and four stories in height, enclosing a floor area of 3,490 square feet. In construction the building is fire proof brick, and in exterior design conforms in general to the other buildings on the campus. Offices, lecture rooms, and laboratories of the schools of Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Textile Engineering, Machine Design and Drawing will be housed within the building, and all the interior accommodations are especially arranged to facilitate the special work of each department.
This handsome engineering hall is a fitting monument to the splendid work of the several departments of engineering that have long been established in this institution. It should ever be borne in mind that the first work of the kind attempted in the South was inaugurated at Auburn. The department of Civil Engineering having been established as early as 1872. Likewise the first facilities offered for instruction in mechanic arts, including carpentry, forge, and foundry, were offered by this institution. In 1892 the departments of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and 'Lining engineering, the first in the South, were established. Literally thousands of young men have been trained in these departments and have gone forth into the state to develop its resources of mines, water power, railways, lumber mills, and all of the varied departments of mechanical forces. The name of the building is a fitting honor to the memory of President William LeRoy Broun, who was undoubtedly one of the foremost educators that the South has ever produced, and who was a pioneer in the development of industrial and technical education in this section. He left an indelible impression upon education in Alabama, and his memory should never fade.
Extended improvements have been made in the Veterinary Department, in the Chemical Laboratory, and in the Main Building. The recitation rooms of the dealer Agricultural Hall and of the several large lecture rooms in the main building have been furnished with 500 desks of the best material and pattern. Privet hedges have been planted, and the campus has received due attention. Necessary repairs have been made on all the buildings. In this connection, I call attention to the very large increase in the expense account. for maintaining the increased number of buildings. The items of insurance, heating, water, janitor service, and general repairs increase in very large ratio.
The report of the Treasurer for the current year has been duly forwarded to each member of the hoard of Trustees. The Experiment Station report, including the receipts and expenditures on the Hatch and Adams funds was submitted in February. A representative of, the united States Government annually checks over these latter funds. A monthly statement of all the receipts and expenditures of the institution is furnished the resident by the Treasurer..
The college account for 1909-10 is as follows:
Endowment Fund, U. S. Land Grant, 1860 $20,280.00
U. S. Appropriations, Morrill Fund 22,198.82
State Appropriation in lieu of fertilizer tag tax 38,000.00
State Appropriation for benefit Horticulture 2,250.00
Incidental and other fees 14,071.00
Tuition fees for non-residents 2,000.00
Surgeon and infirmary fees 3,612.50
Illuminating Oil income 6,858.48
$109,271.04
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Notes on Funds:
The Adams and Hatch funds are not available for teaching purposes, the Government officials being very rigid in thier requirements concerning the adjustment of these appropriations.
State Funds: (1) The appropriations made in lieu for our share of the tag tax on fertilizers is lees this year than our former share would have been. (2) The illuminating oil tax has netted a sum very nearly as large as last year. I respectfully recommend to the Board a slight increase in the funds for enforcing this law.
Smith Dining Hall:
I beg to report the continued success and prosperity of the cooperative work of the Smith Dining Hall Association. It has been well administered by the officers, and the number of students at table has been larger than last year. The general con-duct of the establishment has been in every way satisfactory.
Faculty of Engineering and Mines
There are eight departments in the College of Engineering and Lines, as follows: (I) Civil Engineering, 54 students; (2) Electrical Engineering, 94 students;
(3) Mechanical Engineering, 102 students; (4) Telephone Engineering; (5) Lining Engineering and Geology, 72 students; (6) Architectural Engineering, 31 students; (7) machine Design and Mechanical Drawing, 295 students; (8) Mechanic Arts, 368 students.
As stated in previous report, the Polytechnic has been the pioneer in the industrial development of the South, and has been the first institution in this section, during the last thirty-eight years, to introduce a definite form of technical education. It is hoped that this splendid record will be maintained and will appeal to the friends of technical education in Alabama for continued and liberal support. A noticeable feature of the building and improvements undertaken by the college has been the scientific and expert superintendence of this work by the various heads of the Engineering Department; Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural. It is not invidious to state that the professor of Architecture, by his work in design and in superintendence has saved the institution nearly $5,000.00 in fees of architect.
Architecture:
The work in this college department has proved eminently successful. There is great enthusiasm among the students, and they work overtime. I invite the attention of the Board to the display of this department. The young men who complete the course in Architecture have found lucrative enploymment.
High School inspection:
Professor J. R. Rutland has continued his work of inspection of the high schools of the state, and I take, pleasure in recording the fact that the Superintendent of Education, Honorable H. C. Gunnels, has written a voluntary letter of high appreciation of Professor Rutland's ability, tact, and success in this difficult work. During tie year, he has visited twenty-six high schools.
(2) In connection with the high school work, during the year, two important bulletins have been issued: one, on Teaching Botany by Professor F. E. Lloyd; the second on School improvement by Professor S. MacKintosh and Instructor P. F. Williams.
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The editions were published at the expense of the college and the demand immediately exceeded the supply. The bulletin on Teaching Botany was adopted as a text in one of the normal colleges of the State, while there has been an extended demand for the School improvement bulletin throughout the Union.
(3) The department of Mechanical drawing continues to furnish the State Superintendent of education with blue-print copies of model school houses for the erection of school buildings throughout the state.
Agriculture:
I am delighted to report on immense growth of interest and enthusiasm in agriculture and all related departments. The new building has given an impetus to the work, and the revival of interest in farm life and farm work has attracted a large number of able students into these courses. An enthusiastic agricultural club has been established among the students. I take pleasure in repeating, that during my administration the number of chairs and annual appropriations for the departments connected with agriculture have been more than doubled.
School Agriculture:
The department of school agriculture was created in June, 199, by the Alabama Poly-technic institute in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, J. C. Professor L. N. Duncan was placed in charge of the work, which has been organized and extended throughout nearly one-half of the counties of the state. The specific point of emphasis just now is the establishment of boys' corn growing clubs. This movement has been met in a most appreciative manner by the farmers of every section of the State. The enrollment now is about 3,000 and is continueing daily. The possibilities of good from this work are enormous and the results already achieved warrant sanguine hopes for the future.
Station Work:
The Alabama experiment station has continued its valuable work in making experiments in all crops of value to the State; in publishing bulletins, and in conducting farmers' institutes and summer school, Seven bulletins have been issued during the past year for a mailing list of about 15,000 each, the subjects being (1) The San Jose :scale, (2) Local Fertilizer Experiments with Cotton in Alabama, covering four years; (3) Facing the Boll Weevil; (4) The Growth and Culture of Crimson Clover; (5) Raising Lambs in Alabama; (6) Test of Varieties of Cotton in the State of Alabama; (7) Test of Varieties of Corn in Alabama.
Agronomy:
Progress has been made in all the prominent lines of investigation in the department of Agriculture proper, or agronomy. These experiments cover such subjects as cotton: fertilizing, varieties; corn: varieties, culture, and fertilizing; oats: varieties, and culture; cow peas: varieties; sorghum, variety; alfalfa, vetches; soy beans, rotation of crops.
Department of Chemistry:
The fertilizer work of the past season showed considerable increase over the preceding year, the number of analyses, including duplicates, being well in excess of 2,000. To one acquainted with the nature of the chemical analysis and the necessary care and
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skill, this amount of work seems absolutely stupendous. The work of this department ranks at the very top of the profession in the South. Interesting experiments in fertilising qualities have been performed by the department of Chemistry with the basic slag obtained as a by-product of steel process.
Department of veterinary Science:
The farmers' institute conducted by the head of this department were greater in number during 1909 than any year since the beginning of the institution. Number of institutes, 35; number of counties visited, 28; attendance, 3,790. The work of inspiration of this form of propaganda for the benefit of agriculture can scarcely be overestimated. The Farmers' summer School, which is the culmination of the year's efforts in farmers institutes work, was held at Auburn from July 23rd to July 31st, 1909. The enrollment for the entire institute was 730. These institutes and the Farmers' Summer School are paid out of the funds of the college. This is not done in any other state in the Union, but on the other hand, the state supplies the appropriation for the use of the college faculty in this great field. An adequate appropriation should be made by the State, say $4,000 annually, to the college for this purpose, and I am certain that no better investment could be made for the benefit of agriculture.
Pursuant to the orders of the hoard of Trustees, the college of Veterinary Medicine was established as a separate college, Doctor C. A. Cary, Jean. The success of this establishment has been gratifying. Fifty-three students have been in attendance, and the outlook for the future is promising. The standard of work is thoroughly scientific, and I am glad to note that the U. S. Civil service has admitted graduates of the College to take examination for government work.
Entomology :
Valuable investigations have been made by Doctor W. E. Hinds in the cotton boll weevil, and in the life history of the rice weevil which attacks corn in Alabama.
Botany :
Valuable contributions have been made by the department of Botany in studies of grape rot, the orange rust of apples, the diseases of pecan trees.
Animal Industry:
The department of Animal Industry has extended its operations throughout the State, and is engaged in the study of swine in connection with the amount of grain to feed along with green pasture crops, the methods of carrying beef animals during the winter months, methods of carrying calves throughout the winter months, the amount of cotton seed cakes to feed steers and comparison of various rations; early lamb production, etc.
During the absence of Professor R. S. MacKintosh, the operations of the department of Horticulture have been carried on by Instructor P. F. Williams, He arranged and carried on a programme for the State Horticultural Soceity, which met in Bessemer, and gave great satisfaction, he has inspected the nurseries of the state for the year, and has conducted valuable experiments in greenhouse work and in the profitable raising of tomatoes, carnations, cabbage, etc.
Horticulture:
335 Needs of. the College:
As stated above in detail, excellent buildings, facilities, and equipment have been added to the college in the last four years. It is only proper to say, however, that these facilities filled an imperative demand that existed four years ago. In our appeal for appropriations at that time, we in no degree discounted the future. We pleaded only the present interests of the hour. Necessarily, new and urgent demands confront us today.
Among the most pressing needs are:
(1) A suitable building for the department of Veterinary Medicine and Physiology is greatly needed. This is the only veterinary medical college in the South, and is doing magnificent work. It has an excellent staff, but the accommodations are entirely too restricted. A $50,000 building is required for the work.
(2) An extension for the Chemical Department.
The laboratories of the department of Chemistry are overcrowded. During this session, over twenty students were turned away by the department, for the lack of desk room. Such a condition should not exist. The young men who graduate in this department find ready employment in many lines of industrial work and some excellent salaries.
(3) A farm machinery building:
A farm machinery building is also greatly needed. A modern farm is made profitable chiefly through the substitution of machines for the negro and the mule, and it is impossible to make an exhibit of labor saving devices without a suitable place to house them. If the college were supplied with such a warehouse, many valuable specimens could be secured for exhibition. Cost of building, $5,000.
(4) An Infirmary:
A suitable infirmary for the large mass of students is imperatively demanded. he have an excellent site for such a structure, but the whole building is well nigh uninhabitable. Estimated cost, $5,000.
(5) Heating equipment for the main building:
Under the present arrangements, the main building, with about sixty rooms, is heated
by stoves. This is in a most primitive fashion. This arrangement causes great defacement of the walls and floors through smoke and soot., great variation in temperature in halls and lecture rooms, and greatly increased expense through the necessity of carrying coal by hand over four flights of steps. An ample amount of steam is generated in the power house, which could be utilized for hating the building at the additional cost merely of the stem of radiation. As it is, the steam now goes to waste. Cost of equipment, about $7,000.
(6) A Gymnasium. .
The next and last item which I shall mention is a suitable gymnasium. The old building has been long since out-grown. It is only a poor unfinished barn, and is really an eye-sore to the campus. I think within the course of two years a suitable building could be erected. Cost, $50,000.
(7) Textile Department. I have frequently called attention to the desirability of extending our textile department. This work will require a teaching staff of about $7,000 salary per annum, operating expenses, $2,000, and machinery, $5,000. Much equipment can be secured by donation.
(8) Repair of Machine Schops and Boiler Zoom, $12,000.
336
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation of the hearty cooperation of my col-leagues in the work during the year.
After examinations, the Faculty will pass on application of candidates for degree. Results will be reported to you at your regular meeting.
I will also submit the budget for the following year and the reports of the professors. Respectfully submitted, President
ADDENDA
In addition to the foregoing report, a copy of which had been sent by post to each member of the Board, President C. C. Thach submitted the following:
Titles:
I recommend that the title of instructorship in Chemistry now held by Mr. Thomas Bragg be changed to Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and that the title of the position held by Mr. C. S. Williamson be likewise changed to Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and that the Physical Director and Instructor be changed to title of Director and Associate Professor of Physical Culture.
I recommend that an adequate gymnasium fee be assessed each student, the amount to be determined by the Board. This fee may be a small amount per capita, and yet in the aggregate amount to enough to be of great benefit to the physical department of the entire student body.
Second Professorship of Mathematics:
It is with greatest regret that I notify the Board of Trustees of the resignation of second professor of mathematics, Mr. A. H. Wilson. Mr. Wilson has been with us five years and has proved to be in every way a factor of power and value in the Faculty. he is a man of broad culture and interested in all phases of student life. However, he has been called to a higher and more lucrative position in Haverford College. He is followed by the best wishes of his colleagues.
After a diligent search through many names for a suitable successor to Professor Wilson, I take pleasure in presenting to the Board the name of Doctor J. F. Messick, of Ran- dolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia. Doctor Messick has had a most satisfactory academic career, ranking now as professor of physics, astronomy, and adjunct professor of mathematics in Randolp-Macon College, an institution of wide reputation for a high standard of scholarship. Doctor Messick graduated as Bachelor of Arts at Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, one of the best fitting schools of Virginia. He then attended John-Hopkins University and on completion of his course received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. During session of 1906-07 he was instructor in mathematics at Williams College, Massachusetts, and since that time he has held his present position at Randolph-Macon College. He presents certificates for high-scholarship and character from the professors of mathematics at Williams College, Randolph-Macon
337
College, and Johns-Hopkins University. The President of Randolph-Macon College, Doctor R. E. Blackwell, speaks of him in the highest terms. Doctor Messick was born in 1875, and is a gentleman of Christian belief. On the invitation of the College, he has visited the institution, and 1 find him a very pleasant person
socially, and a gentleman of most agreeable address.
I also recommend the establishment of a new chair in Botany, to be known as the chair of Plant Pathology, at a salary of not less than $1800 per annum, and to be maintained on the Adams Fund. This work will be entirely experimental, and the time of the occupant will be devoted exclusively to the investigation of the diseases of cotton, corn, and other plant diseases throughout Alabama. The creation of this chair or a similar one is demanded by the nature of the federal funds.
Professor of Mathematics to assign work:
I recommend that the Head of the department of Mathematics be authorized to assign the work in the mathematical department performed by assistants and instructors, as, in his judgment, the best interests of the college demand.
Gymnasium Fee:
I recommend that a gymnasium fee of $2.50 be collected from the contingent fee of each student after the payment of all breakage fees.
Compensation for Professor of Chemistry:
I recommend that adequate compensation be made to the Professor of Chemistry for his arduous and highly responsible work as State Chemist.
I beg leave to present the following candidates for degrees. Their courses have been examined and passed upon by the Faculty:
Walter Stanley Childs M. S. Georgia
Gilbert Graffenreid Glover M. S. Jefferson
Benjamin Edward Harris M. E. Lee
Daniel Herren C. E. Elmore
Mary Katherine Hollifield M. S. Lee
Edward William Lind M. E. Jefferson
Herman Clarence Nixon M. S. Calhoun
Josiah Whittaker Powell M. E. Lowndes
James Grey Stelzenmiller C. E. Baldwin
George Washington Taylor M. S. Choctaw
Ernest Wood Thornton M. S. Talladega
Alma Cole Tompkins M. S. Arkansas
Bachelor of Science
Samuel Adler Arkansas
Charles Robertson Allen Georgia
James Jefferson Beaver Walker
Ralph Upshaw Blasingame Lee
George Eason Blue Montgomery
Douglas Gerald Boozer Georgia
Ridgeway Smith Boyd Coffee
Albert Cook Bryant Wilcox
Sidney Marsh Bryant Wilcox
Hugh Buchanan Georgia
David Jasper Burleson Marion
338
Alto Lee Byrd Lee
Ralph Carlisle Lee
Nash Sentell Carr Tallapoosa
Charles Freeman Caster Georgia
Eugene La Fayette Cathcart Wilcox
Dudley Murfee Clements Lee
Joseph Cohen Tallapoosa
Benjamin Talyor Collier Morgan
George Benjamin Collier Pike
[George Seymour Cooper?]
Edward Lane Davis Calhoun
Henry Howard Davis Mobile
Lewis Manning Densmore Geneva
Thomas Henry Edwards Morgan
Louis Breitenbach Ehrlich Lee
William Thomas Ewing Georgia
Covington
Jennerson Cameron Falkner Montgomery
Homer Quitman Gantt Covington
William Walton Garrett, Jr. Jefferson
James McAdory Gillespie, Jr. Jefferson
Schley Gordy Georgia
Ernest Starr Hansberger Jefferson
William Augustus Harman Georgia
Loyd Jerome Hawley Henry
Elmer Arthur Haynie Lee
Asa G. Hubbard Marshall
Talmage Coates Hughes Etowah
James Parks Hutcheson Tallapoosa
Charles Paul Illees Russell
Robert Bellinger Janney Walker
Covington Drane Jenkins Georgia
Franklin Pollard Jones Jefferson
Bertram Kaufmann Georgia
John Judson Keyes Limestone
Leo Kling Mobile
Richard Isaac Lanier Jefferson
Michael Jones Lingo Henry
William Lee Boyd Macon
Milton Lathrop, Jr. Texas
Joel Thaddeus McLemore, Jr. Greene
George Tilghman McWhorker, Jr. Colbert
William Roberts Martin Dale
Clarence Edward Mohus Jefferson
Dennis Markette Moore Georgia
Roy Worsham Moore Georgia
Arthur Sanford Noble, Jr. Elmore
William Caster Oliver Texas
George Horatio Packwood Florida
James Arthur Parrish Randolph
Wales McIntosh Perdue Jefferson
Howard Kennedy Porter Georgia
Parker Preston Powell Choctaw
James Freeland Reeves Barbour
Bryant Richardson Sumter
Jesse Blake Rutland Chambers
McKee Brooks Scott Tuscaloosa
339
George Frank Slaughter Tallapoosa
Malcolm Alexander Smith Autauga
Charles Lewis Speake Morgan
John Morrison Spearman Walker
Edwin Ray Stauffacher Georgia
Thomas Neil Steagall Henry
William Swart Louisiana
Albert Hodges Van Duzer Georgia
Willis Venable Jefferson
John Edward Walker Tallapoosa
Lindsey Irwin Wallin Georgia
Richardson Christopher Ward Henry
William Riddle Ward, Jr. Greene
Benjamin Weil Jefferson
Austin Walker West Georgia
Charles Bowden Wilhoite Tennessee
John Price Williams Marion
John Thomas Williamson Cherokee
Joseph Kyle Woolfolk Georgia
Chandler Cox Yonge Florida
Albert Leon Young Lamar
Isador Zadek Montgomery
Pharmacy Department
Grover Cleveland Kirkland Escambia
Joseph Wilkinson McNeel Tuscaloosa
Edward Fleming Smith Covington
Joseph Jenkins Taylor Washington
Veterinary Medicine Department
Elam Tandy Hallman Talladega
Forrest Revell Harsh Jefferson
William Lemuel Ingram Lee
Calloway Charles Middleton Lowndes
Robert James Strickland Lowndes
Frank Ferry Woolf Baldwin
Professional Degrees
A. D. Cameron Macon
L. W. Duffee Mobile
D. J. Parker Jefferson
340
The Budget
Opened by the President for the year 1910 - 1911:
Original Endowment Morrill Fund Hatch Fund State Appropriation Horticulture Adams Fund Total
20,280 24,885 $15,000 $40,000 $1,500 $15,000 116,865
Pres. & Station 3,000 400 3,400
Mathematics 1,000 800 100 1,900
Civil Engr. 1,000 800 100 1,900
Hist. & Latin 1,800 400 2,200
Physiology &
Vet. Science 800 1000 1,800
Mech. Engr. 1,500 700 2,200
Pharmacy 1,800 200 2,000
Agriculture 1,400 400 (500) 2,300
Elec. Engr. 1,800 400 2,200
Geol. & Mining
Engr. 300 1,500 1,800
Modern Lang. &
English 1,800 200 2,000
Botany 900 900 1,800
Physics 1,000 900 1,900
Horticulture 600 500 300 1,400
Assoc. Prof. Math 1,000 600 1,600
Architecture 1,000 1,000 2,000
Entomology 200 150 1,450 1,800
Commandant &
Instr. in Math,
& Post Adjutant 950 850 1,800
Prof., Chem. 1,000 600 1,100 2,700
student Asst.
Clk. Chemist 100 100 200
Chemist of Soils 800 400 800 2,000
Prof., Physiol.
Chemistry 600 700 600 1,900
Asst. Prof. of Chem. 300 1,200 1,500
Inst. in Chem. 200 300 1,000 1,500
3 Assts. in Chem. 750 750
& Scholarship 1,000 1,000
Asst. Chem. in
Adams Expts. 900 900
Prof. Mech. Drawing
& Band Master 950 650 300 1,900
Asst. Prof. of
Tel. Engr. 450 1,200 1,650
Asst. Prof. Mech.
(Wood) 750 650 1,400
Asst. in Machine
Shop & Asst.
Band Master 950 950
Asst. in Mech. 900 900
Director & Asst.
Prof. Phys.
Culture 1,200 1,200
341
Original Morrill Hatch State Appro— Horti— Adams
Endowment Fund Fund priations culture Fund Total
$20,280 $24,885 $15,000 $40,000 $1,500 15,000 $l16 865
Assoc. Prof.
Comp. & Rhet. 700 850 1,550
Farm Supt. &
Recorder 400 1,000 1,400
Prof. Animal
Industry 700 550 550 1,800
Foreman of Farm 300 200 500
Inst. & Herdsman
in Animal Ind. 300 425 450 1,175
Asst. Hort. 900 900
Asst. Vet. Sci.
(three) 3,100 3,100
Treasurer 1,000 500 1,500
House Rent:
(1) President &
13 Professors
(2) Math, (3)
Civil Engr., (4)
Hist., (5) Mech.
Engr., (6) Physics,
(7) Elec. Engr.,
(8) Vet. Sci., (9)
Botany, (10) Chem.,
(11) Geology, (12)
Pharmacy, (13) .Ento.,
(14) Mod.Lang & Eng.
1,800 1,000 2,800
Asst in Botany 700 300 1,000
Asst. In Ento. 200 100 600 900
Asst. In Pharmacy 500 500
20 Scholarships:
1. Fresh., 2. Eng.,
3. Math, 4.Civil
Engr., 5. mech. Arts,
6. Chemistry, 7. Mech.
8. Latin, 9. Botany,
10. Pharmacy, 11. Vet.
Science, 12. Mech. Engr.,
13. Min. Engr., 14. Civil
Engr., 15. Architecture,
16. Machine Design, 17.
Chemistry, 18. Office,
19. Agriculture, 20.
Animal Industry 2,050 350 2,950 5,350
School Agriculture 300 300
Asst. Agricul'st 600 600
Record Clerk &
Instructor 250 200 1,000 1,450
Libr'n & Asst.
Prof. English 550 950 1,500
Asst. Libr'n 700 700
Asst. Math. &
Drawing 400 1,050 1,450
342
Original Morrill Hatch State Appro- Adams Horti-
Endowment Fund Fund priations Fund Total culture
$20,280 $24,885 $15,000 $40,000 $15,000 $116,865 $1,500
Asst. Hist, &
Latin 900 900
Asst. Latin &
History 200 200
Night Watch 360 265 625
2 1/2 Assts.
Library (Scho.) 625 625
Asst. Check Room 200 200
Sec., Trustees 100 100
Bulletin C1k, &
Clk. to Station 200 200 200 600
Clk. to Dean 200 200
Engr. Faculty
Steno. to Pres. 800 800
Asst. Physics &
Elec. Engr. 700 700
Asst. in Mil.
Band 100 100
Additional Labor
& Mach. Engr. 725 725
$22,060 $13,250 $7,750 $39,290 $8,450 $91,300 $500
Architecture 200 200
Adv. & Prtg. 450 1,550 2000
Publications 1,400 1,400
Animal Indus. 1,700 1,000 200 2,900
Botany 400 100 400 900
Chemistry 600 1,300 400 2300
Civil Engr. 300 100 400
Commencement 300 500 800
Dormitories 1,050 1,050
Elec. Engr. 500 500
Entomology 100 850 950
Expense &. High
School work 600 1,200 1,800
Agric. (Farm) 600 1,800 200 700 3,300
Farmers' Inst. 600 600
Fuel 350 400 2,250 3,000
Grounds & Rep. 400 1,100 1,500
Horticulture 500 100 400 1,000
Horticulture (ST.) 500 500
insurance 750 750
Labor (College) 400 1,000 1,400
Library 900 500 1,400
Mechanics 1,200 1,200
Military 200 200
Mining Engr. 200 200
Pharmacy 500 300 800
Physics 500 500
Postage 150 150 150 450
Soil Tests & Ino. 300 300
Summer School 700 700
Stationery 150 450 600
Trustees 300 300
Vet. science 200 400 700 1,300
[3?],000 6,400 7,250 14,400 4,150 35,200
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REPORT OF THE TREASURER
Of the ALABAMA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
For the YEAR 1909-10, ending June 1, 1910
Endowment Fund
Receipts
To Endowment Fund $20,280.00
Disbursements
By Amount Paid Salaries $19,402.16
" " " Electrical Engineering 877.84 $20,280.00
Morrill Fund
Receipts
To Morrill Fund $22,118.82
Disbursements
By Amount Paid Salaries $22,118.82 $22,118.82
State Horticultural Fund
Receipts
To State Horticultural Fund $2,250.00
Disbursements
By Amount Paid Salaries $1,621.26
" State Horticultural-Accounts 502.54
" Farmers' Institute 126.20 $2,250.00
State and College Fund
Receipts
To State Fund $38,000.00
" Surgeon's Fees 3,612.50
" Incidental " 3,470.00
" Tuition " 2,000.00
" Library Fees & Interest (Bonds). 2,638.00
" Laboratory Fees 1,937.15
" Smith Hall 2,301.74
" Power Plant 2,631.91
" Laundry 1,103.98
" Oil Tax 6,856.48
" " " (Balance, 1908-09) 242.89
" Farm Products 965.50
" Analysis 233.00
" Horticulture 164.69
" Dormitories 295.92
" Expense 835.32
" Animal Industry 599.14
" Chemistry 290.40
" Waterworks 535.08
" Pharmacy 90.75
" Mechanical Engineering 50.70
" Mining Engineering 16.10
" Fuel 5.90
344
To Electrical Engineering $5.00
" Military 1.10 $68,855.35
Disbursements
By Amount Paid Salaries $28,848.01
" " " Dormitories 1,187.60
" " " Library 1,023.83
" " " Expense 2,518.06
" " " Printing & Advertising 2,651.91
" " " Animal Industry 3,247.35
" " " Chemistry 2,864.26
" " " Mechanical Engineering 1,756.43
" " " Fuel 3,208.87
" " " Grounds and Repairs 1,870.60
" " " Insurance 2,843.32
" " " Servants 1,208.97
" " " Smith Hall 1,434.11
" " " Power Plant 2,131.05
" " " Lighting 1,638.42
" " " Horticulture 110.67
" " " Infirmary 402.51
" " " Farm Products 250.00
" " " Commencement Expense 844.13
" " " Farmers' Institute 445.81
" " " Military 215.62
" " " Mining Engineering 230.76
" " " Pharmacy 857.30
" " " Physics 498.38
" " " Postage 360.25
" " " Stationery 803.89
" " " Trustees 307.35
" " " Veterinary 764.39
" " " Summer School 751.70
" " " Watchman 504.59
" " " Civil Engineering 407.63
" " " Check Room 187.50
" " " Entomology 249.62
" " " Agricultural College 461.79
" " " Waterworks 531.48
" " " Botany 238.98
" " " Sewerage 470.85
" " " School of Agriculture 300.00
" " " Electrical Engineering 60.31
" " " Gymnasium & Athletics 41.71
" " " Architecture 40.49
" " " Music 94.58 $68,865.08
Balance 20.27 $68,885.35
Recapitulation
Receipts
To Endowment Fund $20,280.00
" Morrill " 22,118.82
" State Horticulture 2,250.00
" State & College 68,885.35 $113,534.17
345
Disbursements
By Endowment Fund $20,280.00
" Morrill " 22,118.82
" State Horticulture Fund 2,250.00
" State & College " 68,865.08 $113,513.90
20.27 $113,534.17
Building Fund
Receipts
To Cash from State Treasury $21,904.36
" sewerage 47.70 $31,952.06
2,416.34 $34,368.40
Disbursements
By Amount Overdraft (1908—1909) $61.46
" " Paid Agricultural Hall 22,394.11
" " " " " Equipment 1,037.01
" " " Engineering Hall 9,357.02
" " " Furniture 1,500.19
" " " Lighting Equipment 6.00
" " " Sewerage 3.83
" " " waterworks 8.78 $34,368.40
Respectfully submitted,
M. A. Glenn Treasurer
Alabama Polytechnic Institute
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