The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-29

fouf years ago the fraternities were hotlHed that downtown chapter houses must be given up. The movement "bacls to the campus which was then in augurated had to be interrupted, how ever, owing to the financial stringency that developed soon thereafter. Three of the fraternities are now comforta bly located in accordance with the new re- quirements. Three others are definitely planning to build this summer I am convinced that within two years all of the fraterinities-10 in number-wilI have met the situation in strict com pliance with the regulations. In dealing With this matter patience has been de- manded and duly exercised. It has been gratifying to find that these organiza- tions have without exception mani tested cooperative spirit. They de- serve credit for the effort made to raise money under adverse conditions and for the success they have achieved
 FREE DISPENSARY
 The new building of the university free dispensary is now rapidly ap- preaching comple etion. It is handsome building. It will supply great and worthy need in Birmingham It will likewise serve as a laboratory of the Graduate School of Medicine. The funds were subscribed by citizens of Bir-
 
 mention of our appreciation of this gift shall be made matter of record in this report.
 By recent act of Congress the Pres- ident of the United States is author ized to establish and maintain in civil educational institutions requiring four years of collegiate study for degree "a reserve officers training corps" Many of the leading colleges of the country are planning to take advantage of this legislation. I am recommending that the trustees authorize the estab- lishment of lone or more units of the reserve officers training corps at the University of Alabama.
 A detailed discussion of this matter is perhaps unnecessary in the body of this report. I shall, however, be pre- pared to discuss orally the whole prop osition with the trustees before definite action is taken. Perhaps I may at this time briefly mention the following salient points:
 1. The military training contemplated is to be strictly elective. No student will be required to take it. The theoretical courses to be offered will probably in clude military history. organization, the theory of tactics, the use Of topo- graphical maps, and mobilization.
 2. The young man who elects to take the training thus provided will, during his first and second college years, se- cure an allowance of clothing. In addi- tion to such allowance, he will receive during his third and fourth college years a. cash payment in lieu of and equiva- lent to the army ration,' which amounts to substantially s75 per year. Undoubt- edly in many cases such assistance will constitute the determining factor with young men of limited means to whether or not they can take college educa- ton.
 g. In addition to a full infantry equip ment for each man, rife, belt, bayonet, pack, etc., there will be, at each institu- ton coming under the provisions of this measure, battery of artillery, signal outfit a first-aid outfit and 8 motion pie ture outfit for giving military instruc- tions.
 A. There will be detailed as many United States officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted men, active and retired, as may, in the opinion of the President, be necessary to carry on the military in- structions.
 g. The Secretary of War Is authorized to prescribe standard courses of theoret- ical and practical military training. Five hours per week throughout the academic year must be devoted to such training by the student who elects to take it. Academic recognition will be given these
 
 of the elective work that may be taken for a degree. The exact content of the courses and the exact amount of credit to be allowed will in due time be de. termined by the faculty committee on instruction.
 G. A student who completes the four year course may be appointed by the President, under such regulations as he may prescribe as a reserve officer
 T. Any reserve officer appointed pur- suant to the provisions of this measure may be commissioned by the President as a temporary second lieutenant of the regular army for a period of at least six months, with the allowance now provided pay at the rate of $10O per month. He lar army for duty and training during the period covered by his appointment as such temporary lieutenant and upon the expiration of such service with the regular army he shall revert to his status as 8 reserve officer
 GORGAS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
 The failure of the legislature to appro- priate funds for the erection of a library brought sharply to our attention the necessity for taking definite and prompt private means. if this could possibly be done. After due delberation I decided to ask Professor Brownell, chairman of the library committee. to undertake this work. I felt that he was the best equipped man to make the effort. He is succeed ing admirably. I agreed to ask the trustees to provide the sum of $20.000 in the event that the alumni and other