Omaha daily bee., 1897-01-08
STATES EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
University Specially Commended to
the Legislators.

University Specially Commended to
the Legislators.
The State university Is In a very flourish
ing condition The excellent work in the
educational field occupied by this institution
under the direction ana efficient manage
ment of the chancellor is very gratifying to
all citizens Of the state The high rank
which 1t occupies among similar institutions
of the land testihes to the excellent work
which has been performed The university
educational work has been extended so as
to provide a practical training for short
period OF time in the varied branches OF
agriculture for those who are unable 10
avail themselves of the opportunity afforded
to take the prescribed course in the college
OF agriculture and yet wish to prepare them
selves for active and intelligent work
in agricultural pursuits. In state
such as ours, where the agricultural inter
ests are paramount to all others, 1t seems TO
me that an effort to promote this feature
of university education must find much
cordial support by the people generally.
In considering the needs of the institution
special attention is requested to this branch
OF the work which is now in process of de
veopment.
The law provides for two funds to he
used in support of this institution. first,
the endowment fund, to be invested and the
interest of which only can be used In its
support; and second the regents fund,
which shall consist of the proceeds OF the
investment of the endowment fund, the an
nual rental of the University and Agri-
cultural college lands, the matriculation and
other fees paid by students and a
tax of hree-eghths of one mill on the
dover value of all taxable
property From this 1t would appear that 1t
was the intention to have the university
supported from these funds rather than
from an appropriation from the general fund,
unless for repairs and permanent improve
ments The condition of the states finances
would seem to emphasize the necessity Tor
adherance to this method of deriving rev
enues for the current expenditures OF the
institution aa nearly possible without in
jurng its usefulness The estimate of eX-
penditures calls for an appropriation from
the general fund of 1900 and also S5O,OOO
for permanent improvements.
While | am strongly impressed with the
necessity Of economzing wherever possible
in making appropriations for the expenses of
state government, / bespeak for this highly
useful institution a liberal support sufficient
to maintain its various departments unim-
paired The report of the regents for the bl-
ennial period just closed Will be submitted
to you and lis worthy of your careful consid-
Grafton. 1, is an Improvement on all past
reports in it's thoroughness and the attention
given to details respecting the past manage
ment and the future requirements of our uni
veIsity.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
The State Normal school located at Peru,
appears to be performing the work for which
1t was constructed in very satisfactory
manner, and meeting the full expectations
of the friends of education all over the state.
am advised that the attendance of those
who are preparing themselves to become in
structors in the public schools is fully up
to, If not surprising it's previous history.
That the educational work in all OF its varied
branches is being successfully prosecuted, is
evident.
Your favorable consideration Is invited TO
the requests of the board of trustees for ap-
preparations needful in conducting the at
fairs of the school for the coming biennial
period. Considerable is asked for in the con
struction of new buildings. In view OF the
states finances and the ever-increasing bur
den of taxation, | am not prepared to favor
any appropriation for new structures at the
different state institutions except where,
after thorough investigation, they seem TO
be absolutely required in order that the in
stitution may efficiently carry on the work
for which it was intended and where the
Withholding Of such appropriations would
cripple the usefulness of such institutions.