The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1897-02-27

The Committee appointed to Visit the
University Reports.
TO fhe Legislature Of West Viyginia

state University at Morgant0Wn, on
Thursday, February 4, 1897, and IN
spected the buildings Of each and
every department, the furniture be-
longing thereto and the grounds sur
rounding said buildings, and also
the farm near by, together with the
buildings and implements thereon,
and investigated the management of
each department of the University,
and we approve the system by which
accounts and books are kept and the
business generally transacted.
We found everything in connec-
lion with each department in nice
condition and running tremendously
to the best interests of all concern
ed.
The noted increase in attendance
during the last two years inclines
your committee to the opinion that
the institution has outgrown the
buildings so much that there is not
at present sufficient room for the
comfort of the AT students now en-
rolled, and especially is this true as
to the rooms used by the law de-
partment; but your committee sug-
gests that the present custom OF
using three separate rooms for the
same law students is wholly unneces-
sary, for the reason that there is new
err more than one professor in this
department lecturing at the same
time and one large room would am
ply accommodate this department
for lecture room. We further note
that the room used by the medical
department is larger than seems to
us necessary for the present number
of medical students, and hence we
suggest that this room might be
used by the law department until
such time as other buildings can be
erected.
We recommend as liberal appro-
priations for the erection of the nee
essary buildings and support of this
institution as the finances of the
State will permit, and we especially
recommend an appropriation suffi-
cient to complete Science Hall by
the erection of an additional story to
the 81" thereof as originally planned
which, it is estimated, will not cost
more, than $4,000, and for the pur-
chase of suitable chairs to seat the
gallery of Commencement Hall
which is estimated will not cost more
than 81, 900.
Your committee is OF opinion that
if the, finances of the State will adj
nit, it would be proper to make an
appropriation for the erection of one
wing to the main University build
ing, but at cost of not more than
$4,000. 1t is not necessary at pres
ent to provide for the building OF
two wings, and if the az to Science
Hall be raised to three-story build
ing and there be re- arrangement Of
the rooms now used, we doubt the
necessity of building either wing Of
the University.
We recommended the appropria
ton asked by regents for acquiring
title to "Old CEMETERY Grounds, y
and suggest that if another small
parcel of land adjoining same
could be acquired at fair price il
would very much beautify the Uni
versity grounds.
We are very much impressed with
the wisdom of the regents in theil
selection of farm only one mile
from the University at such mod
crate price and we recommend AT
appropriation for the unpaid pur
chase money and 81 900 for the pur
chase of live stock and farm nipple
ments.
If it is the intention of the State
to maintain farm at this place FOL
the benefit of farmers and the adj
vancement of agricultural interests
then the present farm which contains
less than ninety acres should be en-
larged, improved and stocked and
should be in every particular mod
ell farm.
We are informed that the Govern
ment inspector advises the with
drawal of the Government fund now
used for the benefit of the cadet
corps unless the State gives more
encouragement to this department
of the University, to which we re
spectfully direct the attention O.
the Legislature.
The Mechanics Art building
shows more industry, energy ant
skill to visitor than any other de
partment, and it is highly commend
able to the students who are work
ing there making furniture, etc. fol
the use of the University which tn,
State would otherwise be compelled
to buy.
The West Virginia University il
a great institution and the more W.
Investigated it's magnitude, man
agement, and work of each depart
ment in detail, the prouder we were
of the great achievements and power
full influence for good gone out from
this noble institution into all parts
of our State and country, and as il
would require too much time anc
space to report separately each and
every department in detail, we will
only add that the recent management
has been exceptionally good and VIZ
recommend the proper support and
encouragement Of this institution.
Each member of this committee
Travelled 2SS miles going to, and 28s
miles returning from said Universe
ty.
Respectfully submitted,
ii. C. LocKNEY, Chairman,
JoES A. HoGE,
COMMITTEE on the part ct the Senate
j. II. HUNT, Chairman,
SAMUEL L. STAPLEToN,
r. HUNTER,
| Committee on the part Of the House