The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-30

macy departments are dependent upon
Ihe chemical laboratory for valuable
courses in their schemes of instruction
and for the success of these departments
IL IS imperative that abundant space and
opportunity for work be provided in
the laboratory. If a new laboratory is
erected, costing $4,000, the Chemical De-
paftment can be accommodated in it for
sometime to come. The Departments OF
BIOLOGY, including botany, can be pro-
Vided for in the present chemical build
ing, ana the classes in histology, bac-
tefloiogy, and physiology can then have
the space at present assigned to them
ana IN addition that which the biological
department has been occupying. If the
state Is able to make any provision for
permanent improvements in its institrl-
llohs, IhlS money should be appropriated
and the relief given. otherwise, I am
at the end OF my resources in providing
for the chemical, biological and medical
students.
When l undertook the administration
of University affairs two and half
years ago, L found the Alumni Building
incomplete and no funds on hand for its
completion. / have collected nearly 50
900 for this purpose and some subscrip-
lions are still unpaid. This has been
probably the hardest task which has
fallen to me. The sum collected COM
pletes the $4,000 contributed by the
Alumni for the building. 1t is very ne
cessary that the installation of the De-
partment of Physics in this building
should be finished. Part of the first
floor has been equipped for the purpose,
but the basement still remains untouch-
ed. L do not believe that I can success
fully appeal to the Alumni for this pur-
pose. They did not propose to do more
than place the building at the service of
the University and I have exhausted all
means known to me of increasing the
fund. It will require $1,000 to purchase
and install the necessary physical and
electrical apparatus and fit up the six
rooms of the basement as laboratories
Until this is done, the department is
greatly hampered in it's work.
The Board of Health recommends that
the University secure and utilize certain
springs for its water supply. This by
no means nullifies any work hitherto
done upon the Waterworks, which were
wisely planned and economically con-
structed. 1t will probably require 81 900
to purchase the right to the water shed
and construct the gathering basin and
pipe line. A subsidiary engine is need
ed at the pumping station, as the present
one is in constant use and any break in
it may leave the University without wa
ter for weeks, stopping the heating plant.
the lighting plant, and causing great risk
in case of fire. This engine would cost
about $500.
Lastly, the damages awarded the mill
owner on account of water withdrawn
from the creek by the University
amount to 81 900 I know of no fund from
which any of these sums may be paid and
yet they must be provided from some
source.
Lastly, the University has been forced
to pay interest on so much of its appro-
rriation from the State that by March
1st it will amount to nearly 81 20O0. This
has caused deficit for the year
am making every effort to keep down
the expenses of the University and to
collect all that is owing, but unless re-
lief comes from some source a further
curtailment of expenses will be necessa-
ry. This means a step backward on the
part of the University which will be
most unfortunate to the University and
the young men of the State | do not
think that l could have foreseen the ex-
traordinary demands which have been
made upon the resources of the Univer-
sity
This was in addition to his full and
elaborate report already printed in these
columns furnished to the Governor and
by him transmitted to the General AS
sembly President Venable also gave a
verbal report of the progress and needs
of the University. On motion the Gov
ernor was requested to make known to
the Legislators the present pressing need
as set forth in the presidents report,
which he will transmit to the General AS
sembly The most pressing need is the
erection of a new Chemical Hall, to cost
$25 000, and $1,000 to fit up the basement
of the alumni building with necessary
apparatus
The following We're elected the EXecu-
tive Committee for the encuing year: A.
b. Andrews, r. H. Battle, +. H. Busbee,
J. S. Carr, j. w. Graham, T. S. Kenan,
r. Fl. Lewis M. D. Fred Philips. T. B.