The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-01

| growing out OF his relations with his
| students. ~ he would even hold his own.
10 say nothing OF going forward, IN the
sunset years OF the century
| Without undertaking 10 discuss the
good or evil or this tendency. we must
recognize its existence as fact. Modern
| life presses on us IA 80 many phases that
| he is Herculean indeed VINO can be great
| in more than one thing. Competition in
! the educational world is no less keen than
| in that OF business; and other conditions
being equal, that University Will be most
| successful IN the race which adds TO the
| best discipline. the best instruction and
| the best scholarship, also the best busi-
| ness MANAGEMENT. Without trenching
| further on the time OF the board, than to
say in this connection that he argument
| in favor OF an independent executive
| head OF the University is not answered
| by saying that we seek to subvert a JEFF
| fersonian principle, because progress was
| as the breath OF life in Mr.. Jenersons
| nostrils; and insisting further that the
| creation OF such an office is 10 more q
subversion of the principle OF professor
| iaI equality than was the establishment Of
| the Office of Proctor or that of Superin-
| tendcnt of Grounds and Buildings, and
! the filling of these Offices from men out
side OF the Faculty; we would respectful
| ly submit that in the opinion of your COM
mittee the growth of the University Of
| Virginia OF late years in the number of
| its students, in the development Of its
schools, and IN the character OF its in
struction requires and demands that its
government should be in the hands of an
officer, who shall be unhampered in the
| discharge of his administrative duties by
tho duties Of professor and that every
professor Of the University should be left
free to devote all his time energy and
talent 10 the work Of his school, without
the let or hindrance Of University gov
eminent or business outside Of his class
room.
To perform the executive duties and
Offices now imposed by law upon the chair.
man. to familiarize himself with the
higher education as taught In the best
institutions of the world, TO suggest wise
administrative and other changes to the
visitors, TO visit the great cities of the
country and arouse and inspire the inter
est and enthusiasm of our alumni, these
and many other functions should fall
properly 10 the province Of such an Off
Ger. 1t would requide talents of pecu-
liar and distinguished order 10 properly
perform them, and the compensation at
tached TO the position should be common
surate with ITS dignity and Importance.
But in enacting legislation of so radi-
cal a character as that now advocated by
your committee. they desire it 10 be clear
~ indicated that the discipline Of the
students should be left with their instruc-
tors. Under the influence of correct
and exalted public sentiment emanating
from the members of the Faculty in their
individual capacities as guides. philoso-
piers and friends" has grown up sys-
ten of disciplinary law and order among
the students themselves that is tradi-
tional as one OF the finest distinguishing
features of this institution. This distinc-
tive honor system" fostered and pro-
noted by the reciprocal relations OF
teacher and student. should not be inter
fered with or Jcopardized. The academic
plan Of instruction and of discipline should
remain as heretofore, in the hands of
those best calculated TO continue IL sue
cessfully; and it Is only in the admins
tratOn of the eXacting business require
ments of the institution that the services
of the executive officer now contemplated
are most urgently demanded by the eX-
gencies of its development and growth.
Before concluding this report your
committee would express the appreciative
meetings which they entertain towards
the following distinguished gentlemen who
have very kindly aided them in their
consideration of the question in hand:
Presidents II. G. Gilman. Of John Hop
kins Seth Low. of Columbia, Eliot. Of
Harvar; William r. Harper, of Chicago;
Patton, of princeton; and j. G.. Schur-
man. OF Cornell all OF whom have sent
your committee copies to their several
rules and regulations bearing upon the
relations OF the president to the institu-
ton under his charge, and several OF
whom have expressed their interest IN
"a not Of lfsrf gf
ters to the chairman Of this committee.
Your committee recommends the pas
sage Of the following resolutions, viz:
Resolved. T. That there shall be q presi-
dent OF the University of Virginia, who
shall be elected by the Board of Visitors.
40 a salary OF $1,000 per annum, payable
quarterly out OF the funds of the Uni
vcrsity and who shall he furnished with
a dwelling. or communication for the rent
thereof. His term Of office shall be four
years, and he shall be removed by a
two-thirds vote of the whole number OF
visitors for cause. lie shall reside within
the University precincts. lie shall be
the authorized means Of communication
between the rector and visitors and the
various officers of instruction and ad-
ministratiOn employed in the University.
1t shall be his duty to consult with the
professors in respect 10 the development
of their various departments. and with
the faculty and its chairman with respect
TO the general interests of the Univer-
sity; and he shall exercise such a gen
eral superintendent over the buildings.
apparatus, books, and other property as
will ensure their protection and appTo-
riate use. In respect to these matters
and all others which concern the welfare
OF the University, ne shall consult fire.
quently with The Executive Committee
and he shall attend the meetings Of the
Board Of Visitors. lie shall regularly
inspect and audit the accounts of the
proctor; and he shall, when convenient
attend the meetings of the faculty. He
shall upon the recommendation Of the
faculty. grant leave Of withdrawal from
the University to offending students; he
shall grant to students in writing the
use of the public rooms for meetings.
and shall make written reports to the
board at each regular meeting upon the
general condition of the University with
recommendations ana suggestions as 10
the adoption of such measures as may
commend themselves TO his Judgment
arid he shall keep journal of his pro-
ceedings for the benefit of the Executive
Committee and of the visitors.
Resolved, .. That there shall be a
chairman OF the faculty appointed as
heretofore whose duties shall be to con-
yene the faculty. when requested, and to
preside at the meetings; who shall eXer-
else all the functions heretofore exercised
by the chairman of the faculty with
respect TO the discipline of the Univer-
sity, and the instruction in the several
departments; but whose powers and du-