The Tupelo journal., 1912-03-08
Senate Investigating Committees
Report on State University Adopted

ants. and we have their reports in writ
ing, stating that each of said accounts
is correct
NEW BUILDINGS.
"The question of library building at
the university has been discussed and
considered by the board of trustees for
many years. The legislature of 1910
did not make an appropriation for this
purpose, so the erection of library
was made possible only through the gift
of $25, 900, donated by Mr.. Carnegie on
condition that the university appropri-
ate an equal amount for the building,
and with absolutely no other condition
attached.
'The method by which the universe
tvs part of this was raised is fully ex-
planned to the legislature in the report
of the board of trustees on pages 10 and
20 and the method of contribution is
shown in the secretary's report to the
legislature, as set out under various
on pages 100, 1872, 165 and III of saip
report. In addition to library building,
the following buildings, authorized by
the legislature, viz: Annex to hospital,
laundsy and five cottages for students,
were let in blanket contract by the
old board to McClannahan & Terry of
Columbus, for the sum of $40. 900, which
contract was carried to consummation
by the new central board. Under this
contract funds were transferred to H.
brary building by both boards, which
were appropriated for other purposes.
This action has been criticised by dis
tinguished member of the central board
and yonr committee agrees that such
action was not fully warranted by law.
The board of trustees. however, as
surr1es the responsibility for the several
transfers. and. as stated in their re-
port (see page 20), The result is that
we have legacy of debt, and this board
was left no other choice except to vlo-
late the contract entered into by the
former board before it came into exist
ence or to transfer and use some of the
funds which were appropriated for 9th
er purposes and which the anticipated
students fees have not been sufficient
to replace" and, as will be seen on
page 81. the board recommends that
transfer of $1,000 of the amount appro-
priated by the legislasure for laundry
and students cottages be ratified and
confirmed, and your committee agrees
under the conditions surrounding the
central board, that the act was excusa-
BILE and should be ratified and con-
frmed.
CHARGES SATISFACTORILY MET
'Since much advance comment has
been made concerning conditions at the
your committee visited Ok
ford at the earnest request of the Off
cials of that institution, and after ex-
the six gentlemen mentioned
we were thoroughly inform
ed in regard to all details touching the
conduct and management of the univer-
sity, viewing the buildings and grounds
and going over the minutes of the board
Of trustees and account books kept by
the secretary. we have no hesitancy in
saying that every charge made. save
that of transferring the funds, was met
and refuted generally by record proof
Or satisfactorily explained. AS, for in
stance, the chancellor's salary, which
mad been severely commented on, was
explained in so clear and concise man.
Ter by such men as Senator Kendrick,
low present, and Col. James Gordon,
who were then members of the board of
trustees, as to leave no room for crit
ism, and when we learned that the
young men lodging in the dormitory
we're furnished room, light, heat, table
BOARD that was wholesome and of great
,r variety than some of your committee
IAN afford at home, their clothes laun-
Tered and pressed twice each week and
heir rooms cleaned up daily, all for SIS
Der month, we were unable to find room
or graft on the part of the secretary,
steward or matron. We find nothing to
condemn on the part of the officials
ouching the summer normal's board
ng house, but our investigation prompts
is to conclude it's management for the
last three years has met long felt
want, the attendance growing from
about $50 in former years to about 500
FOR the past two years, thus populariz-
ng the university with the public school
teachers Throughout the state.
1.-The books of the secretary and
treasurer are kept in concise and bus
ness-like manner, showing the source
Of all receipts and the disbursements,
disclosing the mes.of parties to whom
any money is paid and the service they
performed to earn it, and the books of
aach of these officers as kept serve as a