REPORT OF THE REGENTS. .. ... ROOM OF THE REGENTS, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, l AUSTIN, June 14, 1884. j To the Honorable the Board of Education of the State of Texas: GENTLEMEN-The act to establish the University of Texas, ap­proved March 30, A. D. 1881, declares that the Board of Regents shall report to the Board of Education annually, and to each regu­lar session of the Legislature, the condition of the University, set­ting forth the receipts and disbursements; the number and salary of the Faculty; the number of students, classified in grades and departments; the expenses of each year itemized, and the pro­ceedings of the Board and Faculty fully stated. The Regents established the closing of the present scholastic year-1883-4-on the 14th of June. They have established the 1st of June as the end of each financial and business year, and hereafter the third Wednesday in June as the closing of the schol­astic year of the University. The convenience of these different dates is obvious as affording opportunity to the Regents to con­sider, at the meeting of the Board in commencement week at the close of the scholastic year, various matters necessarily embraced in the annual report. In reporting the condition of the University as required to be done, the University building properly claims a place. The plan of the building adopted by the Regents consists of a main body and two wings, a right and left one-all forming a continuous front or facade. The right wing has been completed, and is believed to be of good material and solid workmanship. The contract price was $59,000. This has been paid to the contractor and his as­signs, except $2030, which remains in the treasury subject to the order of the Regents. A few slight repairs of small cost remain to be made. Some slight modifications also of the building contract have added an item of perhaps $1000 to the original contract price of construction, unless covered by offsets for other slight changes. This wing is in full use for lecture rooms for the several professors ; for cabinets for various instruments and appliances of the different departments of instruction ; for working rooms for the chemical department ; for halls for the Literary Societies of the University, and for the different offices indispensably subsidiary to a Univer­sity. .Hy close economy of space, this completed right wing sub­serves the purposes of ordinary instruction in the University, with­out necessitating the hiring of rooms or building outside. For larger meetings, such as must ever be of frequent occurrence, there fo no room in this wing at all adequate. The main building, when built, will contain a hall or room, on its present plan, more nearly adequate to this need of the University now adverted to. The Regents have to state that the wants of the University de­mand that the main body and left wing of the University building should be erected so soon as the funds of the institution will permit. The importance of a separate Laboratory building justifies again calling attention to this subjec;t. While laboratory work is done in the University building, as at the present time, the danger from fire is not inconsiderable. The noxious and disagreeable gases evolved in chemical work on a scale adequate to instruction, permeate un­avoidably other rooms. Besides the space now allotted to this department is inadequate to present wants, and especially to that development of practical and analytical chemistry, which 'the peo­ple anticipate at an early period from this important chair. The removal of the Chemical department from the University building to a more convenient and ample laboratory, will release several rooms for uses much needed for other departments of instruction. The cost of a laboratory commensurate with the early prospective wants of the University has been estimated at from $35 ,ooo to $50,000. Large as such sum appears, such use of it will be judi­cious so soon as available funds permit, in view of the material benefits to accrue to Texas, which may be anticipated from discov­eries and developments of its physical wealth and resources. In connection with buildings, the Regents think proper again to advert to a Library building separate from the main University. A good library is of pressing, indispensable need in instruction. Re­posited in the fottrth story, it cannot be considered secure from fire. The fate ot the late State Library is a warning. A library in a sep­arate hall, giving assurance of a secure depository for books, would, it is believed, largely promote the donation of valuable books and of other appliances of instruction. In like manner, the Regents believe that ample and commodious separate halls as museums or cabinets for minerological and geo­logical specimens, and for other interesting objects of various kind, would not only fumish safe depositories for specimens already col­lected and belonging to the State, but also promote the collection of large numbers of these indispensable auxiliaries of thorough in­struction. When places are furnished for things, the things are forthcoming; and many objects of reasonable curiosity and useful for instruction will be preserved which would otherwise be lost for want of repositories for their keeping. The Regents have also to add, in relation to the surroundings of the University, that by the coaptation of the diversified surfaces of the University grounds, the establishment of foot-paths and car. riage-ways and the planting of trees, these grounds have been made fitting to bring into relief the showy grandeur of the University building, and to render the whole beautiful and attractive. In compliance with the act, the Regents have to report as follows the financial condition of the University : FINANCIAL CONDITION. !.-PERMANENT FUNDS. LANDS. 1,000,000 acres set apart in the Constitution. I ,000,000 acres appropriated by the Eighteenth Legislature. 30,000 acres, approximately, remaining unsold from the fifty leagues set apart by act of Congress of the Republic of Texas, approved January :oz6, 1839. BONDS. As appears by report of Hon. Wm. J. Swain, Comptroller: 5 per cent bonds, $80,591.65, mature A. D. 1909; annual interest.................... $4,058 25 6 per cent bonds, f176,000.00, mature A. D. 190B; annual interest.................... 10,560 00 7 per cent bonds, S11'9000.0(\ mature A. D. 1892, 1910, 1904; annual intere1t .. 7,983 00 NOTES. Unpaid balance of notes given for purchase of Univenity lands, bearing 8 per cent interest, aggregate........................................................................ fl5,l>28 19 Unpaid be.lance of notes, etc., bearing 1·1 per cent interest......................... 97,162 20 Ma.king an aggregate of•............................•...........................•........•.........f112, 69 l 39 And making an annual interest of. ................................................................... 810,958 47 There are of these notes now overdue $10,000 or thereabouts ­all which appears from report of Treasurer to Regents concerning these land notes. CASH. Constituting a part of the Permanent Fund uninvested in the Treasury.....t86,364 53 LEASED LANDS. The books of the Land Board show that there have been leased of University lands: 63 sections at 4 cents per acre for ten years; 2 sections at 8 cents per acre for 6 years-producing a gross income of $1, 715. 20. In connection with University lands, the Regents have to report from the Land Board as follows : The following applications to purchase lands in Callahan county were received by the State Land Board at the June session, and applications accepted by the Board, but the payments have not been made: Hinson \Vagly, 16oacresat f,2 per acre. Same, 160 acres at f,10.05 per acre. John A. Hayward, 479 acres at f,z per acre. L. H. Huffstelled, 320 acres at $2 per acre. Newton Stacy, 640 acres at $2 per acre. J. I. Hendrix, 640 acres at f,4 per acres. A. V AILABLE FUNDS. Interest on invested portions of permanent fund-Tnterest on notes for sale of lands in Treasurer's office .................................. 810,988 47 Rental of lands by Land Board ............................................... "...................... 1,715 2'-' Matriculation fees............................................................................................. 2,t..90 00 DISBURSEMENTS. On account of-AP.paratus ..................................................................................................... 816,000 00 Library........................................................................................................... 1,000 00 Insure.nee....................................................................................................... 1,000 00 Department of Physics................................................................................. 2,500 00 Department of Chemistry............................................................................. 1,500 oo Catalogue............................................... ........ ....................................... ...... ... 240 00 Furniture........................................................................................................ 2,500 00 Improvement of grounds.............................................................................. 2,960 28 Contingent expenses ......................•.......... -···············-····················-············ 1,100 96 Janitor and porter.......................................................................................... 640 84 Boa.rd of Regents........................................................................................... 750 00 Fuel, light and stoves.................................................................................... 1,088 1f1 Salaries of Professors .................................................................................... 81,099 95 Equipment of chairs.............................................................. ....................... 1,90\1 00 Assistant instructors ............................................................ "........................ 2,066 89 Freight on apparatllll................................................................................. ... 1,4'8 61 Salary of Proctor.......................................................................................... 1,704 28 There are also the following claims not yet liquidated against the University : Water Company for Rervice ma.ins ...................................................................$1,871 0() Water Company for fire protection from January 17 to June 1 \ 1884............ (?)-­Furniture for Board of Regents' room.............................................................. 500 00 Appropriation for A. and M ..................................... · ...... ............................... --­ THE FACULTY AND THEIR SALARY. The Faculty, up to the close of the present scholastic year, June 15, A. D. 1884, has consisted of eight professors, to-wit: two in the Law Department and six in the Academical Department. Their salaries have been respectively $3500 per annum and a com­mutation of $500 per annum for house rent, making their compen­sation severally $4000 per annum. In addition to the compensa­tion just stated, the Chairman of the Faculty receives $600 per annum. The salary of the Professor of Modern Languages was first fixed at $2500. The Regents subsequently raised the salary, equalizing it in pay and with commutation for house rent to the pay of other members of the Faculty. In addition to the corps of Professors constituting the Faculty, there were employed four assistant instructors, at an aggregate salary at the rate of $22 50. In compliance with the requirement of the act of the Legisla­ ture concerning the number of students classified in grades and departments, the Regents have to submit the following statement from the report of the Faculty: 1. The total number of students matriculated has been 219. Of these, 163 were young men; 56 were young women; 93 were from Austin; 126 were from other places in Texas; 169 were academic students ; 50 were professional law students. The average age of the whole body of students was 19. 1 years. For the young men, 19.6 years. For the young women, 17. 7 years. For the academic students, 18.0 years. For the law students, 22.9 years. No serious cases of illness have occurred among the students in the University. This fact is most satisfactory, as evidencing the exceptional healthfulness of Austin a!!i a residence for students. As formerly stated, the resignation of Dr. Mallet left the two chairs of Physics and Chemistry vacant, which chairs Dr. Mallet had held. In persuance of a resolution adopted at a former meet­ing of the Bpard, the Regents appointed to the chairs of Chem­istry and Physics, respectively, Associate Professors, these ap­pointments to be for a period of five years, and with a salary of f,2 500 ; also an Associate Professor in Mathematics and Graphics, with a salary of $2000. There were accordingly appointed: Dr. Edward Everhart, of Stevens Institute, Hoboken, Associate Professor of Chemistry. Dr. J. P. Harrison, of Virginia University, Associate Professor of Physics. Prof. A. V. Lane, of Austin, Texas, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Graphics. The Regents also appointed as assistant instructors, to hold their offices severally for a year, and with an annual salary of '$ 1200 : Prof. Geo. P. Garrison, Henderson, Texas, Assistant Instructor in English and History. Prof. C. E. Bramlette, of Austin, Texas, Assistant Instructor in Latin and Greek. Prof. C. F. Gomperts, University of California, Assistant In­structor in Modern Languages. The selection of the gentlemen who at this time constitute the Faculty of the University, is proof that it is the settled policy of the Regents to present in their Faculty a corps of instructors eminent for their capacity, and already recognized as such by their having achieved a universally acknowledged reputation of highest distinc­tion in their several departments. The policy of the University in this respect is established and will not be departed from. It is, however, the confinent expectation of the Regents that at a comparatively early period the Uniuersity will educate the gentle­ men who shall be called to fill the Professors' chairs, and compe­ tent to discharge the duties of the same with ability equal to the best that can anywhere be found. In the meantime, the Regents beg to invite attention to some ad­ vantages to fl.ow from the appointment of associate professors elected for a term and with a prospect of permanent appointment there­ after on proof of distinguished fitness. They have not contem­plated the selection as associate professors of untried men, but of men thoroughly capable, by their scholastic acquirements and by some practice in teaching, but who have their spurs to win in achieving widespread acknowledged eminence. Younger men will be naturally looked for to fill the chairs of associates, as more keen­ly inspired with ambition and enthusiasm. The financial advan­tages of smaller salary deserve some consideration. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. In reference to the Medical Department of the University, a proper regard for the ultimate success and permanent prosperity of that important school, as well as of the whole institution, constrains the Regents to decide that its immediate inauguration is impracti­cable. Our financial situation and the exigences of the several de­partments already in operation are at present such that an attempt to establish the Medical Department now would result only in crippling the resources and growth of the entire University, and in starting a feeble and unsatisfactory system of medical instruction. It is our fixed aud earnest desire to inaugurate at Galveston, at the very earliest practicable moment, a Medical Department whose standard shall be as high, and whose advantages shall be as great, as those of any other in the whole country. This they are deter­ mined to do ; but they must do so in proper prudence and with en­ lightened foresight. They invoke the patience and confidence of the people. They pledge themselves that no pains will be spared to carry out the letter and the spirit of their trust in this matter, as they seek to do in all things else pertaining to the University. In pursuance of a resolution adopted by the Regents, at their meeting in May, the Executive Committee have appointed as a superintendent in the female department of the University Mrs. Kirby, a lady of much experience in her intercourse with young ladies pursuing higher instruction, and eminently distinguished for all the qualities fitting her for the place-of high breeding and graceful manners, and of finished intellectual and social culture. Co-education of the young men and young women will be pur­ sued as heretofore, and scholastic instruction will be exclusively, as hitherto, by the Faculty of the University. Among the inconveniences necessarily incident to the first or­ganization of the University has been the want of proper scholastic preparation on the part of a large proportion of the students. It is not necessary to dilate on its causes. It has not been greater than was looked for. It is a deficiency that will rapidly decrease with time and the establishment of the University in the confidence of the people. And the Regents are pleased to add that it has come to their knowledge that in numerous high schools throughout the State the instruction has been elevated and adapted in kind to a subsequent course in the University. By reference to the annual catalogue of the University, pub­lished since the report of the Regents on January 1 of this year to his Excellency, Governor Ireland, it will be seen that the standard of scholastic requirements for admission has been considerably ele­vated above what was required when the present classes were ad­mitted. It should be borne in mind that it is not so much the ob­ject of the University to make a parade of numbers receiving in­struction, as to equip men capable, by their attainments and trained intellects, to develop the resources of Texas and to promote the high educational and industrial interests of our people. In connection with this subject, the Faculty present the gratifying report that despite the want of proper preparation on the part of a large proportion of the students, the real improvement of some of those but poorly prepared at entrance, and the zeal and success in study of a majority of those who started under better auspices, has been encouraging to their teachers. The Regents look forward confidently to the establishment at a comparatively early period of post-graduate courses of study in several of the departments of University instruction, in which courses knowledge and applied science shall be taught more ad­ vanced, more thoroughly, and more adapted by its extent to the practical uses of life, than can be done in the colleges and univer­ sities now existing within reach of the ambitious young men o Texas. The newness of the University of Texas at once indicates that post-graduate courses now would be premature in the academical and scientific departments; but in providing philosophical instru­ ments and other appliances, regard is already being had to means for instruction hereafter the most advanced and practical. In this connection the Regents have to state that in the opinion of the professors in charge of the Department of Law, their depart­menf needs the aid of another professor, to enable it to furnish proper facilities to students desiring to pursue their studies beyond the two years' course which it has been deemed expedient to pre­scribe for graduation. The Regents regret that the financial condi­tion of the University, in view of other wants, obliges them to de­fer at the present time the appointment of an additional law pro­fessor. In reference to this important department of the Univer­sity, the Regents deem it proper to recommend to the students of law to avail themselves, so far as not inconsistent with their special duties, of the exceedingly valuable instruction offered in the Liter­ary and Scientific Departments of the University. It is alleged that the high cost of board in Austin is a serious im­pediment to the amplest success of the University, as it tends to counterbalance the advantages of free tuition and to exclude from its advantages students of moderate means. The evil may in some measure be remedied by the establishment of boarding clubs, as is successfully done in other universities. It is a serious evil, and demands consideration by the people of Austin. The following is a list of the appropriations made by the Regents for the next scholastic year, and of the several objects specified for which the same have been made: APPROPRIATIONS FOR SCHOLASTIC YEARS A. D. 1884-85. Commencing on the third Wednesday of September next: Salaries of Professors e.nd Associate Professors ................................................ $38,00•l Se.le.ry of Chairman of the Faculty.............................. ....................................... 600 Salary of Assistant Instructors........................... ........... ...................................... ~.600 Salary of Proctor........................................................... ....................................... 2,300 Salary of Assistant Librarian.............................................................................. 180 Salary of Lady t ssistant.. . ......... .... ............................................................... 1,000 Improvement of grounds.... ........... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ........................ ......... 1,250 Fuel...................................................... ......... ...................................................... 250 Repairs on building.............................................................................................. 100 Gas.......................................................................................................................... 300 Expenses Boe.rd of Regents................................................................................. 1,350 Maintenance of equipment of cha,irs......................... .................... ..................... 500 Diplomas and certificates.................................................................................... 1()0 Printing catalogue................................................................................................ 225 Pu blice.tion of addresses...................................................................................... 5(1 Forward .......................................................................................................... 46,805 Forward....................................................................................................... $46,805 Printing and advertising..................................................................................... 95() Stationery and postage.......................................................................................... 150 Telephone subscription......................................................................................... 60 Contingent expenses............................................................................................ l500 Purchase of iron roller..... ............. ...... ...... ...... ..... ...... ...... ........... ............ ......... ... 75 Purchase of lightning rods.......................................................................... ...... 40!) Diploma vlates............................ ......................................................................... SOO Electric Bells and clock......................................................................................... 125 Removing shelving, ete., in Chemical Department...................... ...... ... ...... 25 Equipment of Drawing Room........................ ..... ........................ ........................ 250 Building cistern.................................................................................................... 300 Water rent... . ................ -.......................................... _.......... ...... ........................ ll!O Wages of Janitor.............................................................................. ..... ...... ......... 600 Wages of Porter.................................................................................................. 860 Wages of Laboratory Servant.............................................................................. 270 Purchase of hose and hydrants................................... ....................................... 500 Library........................... .................. ...... ........................ ............... ............... ..... ... 4,500 Chairs for Library Room................................................ ...... ..... . ...... ...... ...... ...... 72 Expenses of Commencement Exercises for 1884. ............... ............... ...... ............ 250 Publication of addresses., Comwe ~ ent,1884........... .................................... 200 To..,l ................................................................................................................ $56,142 In order to comply with the University act, which requires in this report the proceedings of the Board and Faculty to be fully stated, the regents submit a sort of balance sheet to accompany this report, in which is set forth a detailed list of all the expendi­tures of the University as appears by the vouchers of the same and their several amonnts, on file in the Comptroller's office. At the close of the first scholastic year of the University, there wera, of course, no graduates in the Academical Department. In the Law Department on commencement day, the last of the term, the degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred on thirteen of the students of the Law Department. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas. ASHBEL SMITH, President of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas.