The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-04

currence OF opinion. and. IN consequence,
there will be total failure OF co-opera-
ton il the change is made now. and your
committee feels constrained 10 conclude
that the FIRST and most essential step
is to bring these diversities OF opinion TO
a substantial agreement. as an essentiai
prerequisite OF success.
II Is our own conclusion that inc de-
cided trend Of opinion IS towards me
change. and that the University must
have at its head one man, competent ana
capable. whose entire time and ability
shall be devoted to It's upbuilding and
proper management.
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY.
We need not repeat the arguments used
in support Of this conclusion. We feel
that the Board of Visitors have, by their
peculiar opportunities. especial ability 20
pass on this question, and their opinion
weighs greatly with US. We feel how
ever. that the faculty are none the less
TO be considered. and regret that there
Is a want OF unanlmity between the
board and the faculty upon this matter.
The primary prerequisite Is 20 harmonic
the faculty and the board, and get the
alumni I'm hearty alliance with them upon
this proposed change, and upon other
questions affecting the University.
But, az the threshold. there Is alleged
the want OF legislative authority in the
board 20 create this Office: and. even II
that Is resolved afirmatively. az this IS a
State institution. dependent largely upon
annual appropriations from the public
treasury. IL seems 20 us not only eminent
ly polite at least. but also manifesty
right and proper. that this change should
be first authorized by the Legislature. We
think the General Assembly has the right
10 require this. When many OF the most
eminent legal authorities agree with Mr..
Jefferson that. under the law, tho board
cannot create the ONCE Of president, II
seems 20 MS that that doubt should be
eliminated by legislation. either requiring
or else authorizing the board 20 elect a
president. Moreover. II the Legislature
should so amend the law as to resolve
this doubt. we think the functions and
limitations OF the office OF president OF
the University should be defined by
statute. and not left 70 be formulated by
the Board Of Visitors, liable TO constant
change and, In consequence. having less
weight with the board and the faculty,
and being likely 20 prove source OF con-
slant friction and trouble.
Your committee cannot but conclude
that, however unanimous the board may
be in favor OF a president. the legality Of
their action ought 20 be unquestioned and
unQuestionable and that, when a law Is
enacted requiring or authorizing the
change. the duties and powers OF the
Office. should thereby be expressed and
defined.
INCREASED EXPENSE
Directly cognate 70 this question comes
the matter OF salary and tho increased
expense growing out OF the Office OF
president. and the unwisdom. not 10 say
the danger to the institution. Of asking
from the General Assembly az this time
the creation Of an Office, the incumbent
Of which must command q salary as large
at least. as that Of the Governor OF the
state. with incidentals. II the office should
be Of much worth. which will add largely
10 the annual cost Of the University. and
while we believe that the outlay will be
well invested. It Is az least very doubtful
whether the Legislature will so regard
f.: and the agitation OF the question at
this time may prove productive Of the
loss. or at least the diminution, Of the
annuity now enjoyed.
Your committee also regards the risk OF
this particular Office becoming political
as AZ least worthy OF consideration and
therefore. emphasizes the Importance of
having the office it's tenure. duties. quail
fcations. &c. all fixed by act Of Legisla-
ture under the best advice of our wsesi
men. before IL is created By the board
with a doubt upon its legal authority to
create IL, with a division I'm itself and be-
tween il and the faculty and amongst the
alumni. both upon the ACCESSIBILITY and
policy OF the change, and with no agree
ment as to the nature and the tenure OF
the office
Your committee. therefore. while be.
lieying that the Board Of Visitors has
come to its conclusion wholly In the in
terests Of the University. and itself, after
months OF investigation. feeling con
strained to conclude that some Gucl
change is advisable. under proper llmita
| tiOns. with unquestionable legality, anC
supported by the concurrent sentlmen
| Of the Board Of Visitors. the faculty anC
| the alumni. would respectfully report, al
the result Of their deliberations. that thu
president Of the General Society Of Alumni
Of the University OF Virginia. DO snbmi
| 10 the rector and the Board OF Visitor
Of the University Of Virginia. on behal
Of the alumni. the foregoing report. AM
| most respectfully request that the boar
postpone the creation Of the office o
| president Of the University until
THE REASONS:
First. Any possible doubt Of It's lega
right to create such offices be resolved b.
| proper legislation.
| Second The tenure. duties. function
| and limitations Of such office be duly d
| fined by law.
Third. The more complete concurrent
| and cooperation OF the faculty an
! alumni be secured TO make the change on
| OF certain success. rather than the oc
| casion of further friction.
| To this end, we suggest that the presl
| dent OF the Society OF Alumni namo thre
| alumni. that the oBard OF Visitors nam
| three OF it's number. and the faculty nam
| three OF its number; that these nine con
| stitute q committee who shall during Oh
winter Of 1918. prepare and formulat
| such amendments to the law OF the Stat
| as may be necessary 20 authorize %
Board Of Visitors. in ifs wisdom. 70 Great
| the Office OF president Of the University
| defining by law the tenure, powers and du
| ties OF such office. which bill so prepare
shall be reported 10 the next annual meet
| ing Of the Board Of Visitors In June 1888.
| Your committee. therefore, proposes tn
following resolution. TO be submitted u
| the rector and Board or Visitors OF tn
| University OF Virginia on behalf OF IN
| alumni
| resolved. That the rector and Boar
| OF Visitors Of the University OF virgins
| are resnectfullv requested 20 further post