The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-28


any time in its entire history.
Prof. Shaler c. Houser, in addition IL
his work as treasurer, is also a member
of the engineering faculty. He has DEM,
onstrated his value as factor in the
engineering school as well as IN the ex.
ecutive offices of the institution. The uni
yersity is fortunate in securing a man
who thus combines. administrative ability
and teaching power.
Dean of the Law School
Professor Oliver announced his eardi-
dacy for Congress about the middle Of
April. Under a resolution of the trustees.
adopted June /, 1904, the chair of any pro
fessor who announces his candidacy for
public office ipso faeto becomes vacant.
This resolution applied in the case of Pro-
fessor Oliver. His chair therefore auto
matically became vacant at the time of
the announcement of his candidacy. It
seemed wise, however. In view of the
fact that the session was so nearly at an
end and in view of the further fact that
injustice 10 the young men in the law
school would necessarily follow anv
abrupt termination in mid term OF his re-
lation to the school as instructor. to re
quest Professor Oliver to continue to meet
his classes until the close of the present
session, under a temporary appointment
as instructor, or after accepting his resit,-
nation member of the faculty | feel
that the intent and the spirit of the reeu-
lation of the trustees. so far from being
disregarded, has by this action been up
held and justified.
ut is a matter of deep regret to us all
that Professor divers connection with
the school OF law has ended. He has been
a great dean and great professor of
law. His influence over young men has
been in every way helpful and fine and
stimulating. He carries with him our af-
fectionate regard and appreciation and
gratitude.
Il desire to nominate as his successor
in the deanship Prof. A. j. Farrah. who
is now acting dean. 1t is we'll known that
Professor Farrah has already served with
distinguished success two law schools as
dean. 1t is pleasure to say to the trus-
tees that he has met every high expecta-
tion we. cherished concerning him when
he was called to this great task. He is
one of the foremost law teachers in this
country today. l have no doubt that,
under his direction. the school of law will
continue in its prosperous career.
I am not yet ready to nominate a
professor of law to succeed Professor
Oliver. 1t is very important matter,
and | ask further time before reaching
a final conclusion. The present plan is
to have Professor Ward continue in the
law faculty, and to add another instruc-
tor. This arrangement will give to the
school of law three professors and one
instructor.
Peabody Donation
The donation of $4,000 by the trustees
of the George Peabody foundation has
been received and invested The income
of this fund is being paid to the George
Peabody professor of education in accord |
ance with the action of the trustees one
year ago.
Fraternity Houses
THE action of the trustees concerning |
the location of the fraternity houses and
the problem of requiring freshmen to live
on the university campus has met gen |
eral approval A careful study of the |
entire question during the year has de-
veioped in my own mind two phases of |
the matter which | shall now present in |
the form of specific recommendations
Il | recommended one year ago that
reasonable time should be granted for
the erection of the fraternity houses |
and for the adjustment of obligations |
already assumed by the fraternites l |
named September I, 1913, as tfe date |
on which freshmen should be required |
to live on the campus. I am persuaded |
that the time limit then named should |
be carried forward for one year in the |
case of those fraternities which can |
convince the president (D that they |
have made serious effort and definite
progress in the direction of meeting the
terms of the trustees and (2) that they |
will be definitely prepared to meet these
terms by September /, 1914.
"2. I am convinced that instead of
having the fraternity houses grouped
in single section of the campus, they |
should be scattered and located at such /
points as the executive committee shall |
approve. This policy / believe to be besti
for the university and for the frater-
mites. -
Improvements
This has been a notable year in the |
number of material improvements
made at the university as we'll as in
the exceedingly moderate cost incurred
in making them. 1t would be difficult
to enumerate all of these improve
ments. However, special mention should
be made of the following:
Il. The repair and painting of Manly,
Clark and Garland halls
20. The renovation and setting apart
Of Barnard hall as the home of the |
Young Mems Christian association.
"3. The construction of granolithic
and curbings
"a. The provision of additional DOR
mitorieS in Manly hall.
IS. The construction of new road
ways and grading at Smith hall and In
the vicinity of the old college build
ngs.
D.
the dormitories
81. The enlargement and better phys
ical equipment of the executive offices,
the purchase of a standard
adding machine.
IS. The repainting of the roofs of the
old college buildings.
House Assignments
THE residence adjoining Smith hall has
been assigned to Professor Losey. The
Gorgas home, which was formally sur
rendered by the family on their own mo
tion, after its continued use had been
rendered, was assigned to DIR. Saffold,
who applied for it. This home should |
be sacredly preserved as a memorial TO
Mrs. Gorgas. / shall at some later time
discuss the whole question OF suitable
to this remarkable woman. The
house now occupied by Professor Saffold
has been set apart as an additional DOR
mitory for young women
Extraordinary Repairs and Improve
ments
There Is need of continuing the work
that has been begun in the granolthic |
walkways and the roadways. This work
is essential if proper regard is had to
the comfort of living and to the appear
ance of the grounds, which have great !
natural beauty. Provision has been made
in the budget looking to a systematic
Improvement in this direction.
There is need of new coal trestle al
the power plant. The preseu; trestle is
of timber and is beyond repair after only
four years of service If timber Is used
in the work of reconstruction the cost is
estimated at $253. whereas a reinforced
concrete trestle, utilizing the present con-
crete bases, designed to carry a stand
ard locomotive, would cost only $500. |,