USA > Illinois > Champaign County > A Standard history of Champaign County Illinois : an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, civic and social development : a chronicle of the people, with family lineage and memoirs, Volume I > Part 27
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Almost all of his adult life, to the time of his election to the regency, had been spent in teaching and accompanying activities. It is said that at the time of his appointment he could have taught successfully any subject offered in the curriculum of the institution.
THE PEABODY ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Peabody encountered numerous annoyances and difficulties dur- ing his regime. In the beginning, many of the students assumed a questioning attitude toward him. The seniors were said to have held a meeting to determine whether they would return or not, but kindly con-
1 Alumni Quarterly, Vol. V, July, 1910, Makers of the Univ., by Thomas J. Burrill, p. 203ff.
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sented to give the new man a trial.1 The first serious hitch came from a clash between certain secret fraternities and the court of the organized students' government. As a result, the regent recommended, and the trustees approved, a ruling that no student could enter the University until he had pledged himself not to join a fraternity, and that no student should be graduated until he certified that he had not belonged to any fraternity while in the University. The adoption of these rules disclosed the existence of four such organizations. Their members petitioned the faculty to repeal the rules, but the faculty only turned their petitions over to the Board, which recommended that their requests be refused. The rule was strenuous, and was not repealed until Sep- tember, 1891.2 From the time of the passage of the rule, more or less antagonism existed, directed chiefly toward the regent, whose duty it was to execute the mandate. Unfortunately for him, he was a man sufficiently sensitive to criticism to find it discomforting.
Another occurrence, trivial in itself, also inflicted no little injury. One of the cadet captains in the military organization failed to receive an examination grade sufficient to permit him to continue in his official position. His brother officers undertook to compel his re-instatement by entering upon what we would call a strike. Dissatisfied students were allowed to take their grievances to the Board of Trustees, and it in turn sat as a sort of high court, and in effect, put the faculty upon trial. In this case, a matter which should have been adjusted without great difficulty, became unnecessarily burdensome.
President Peabody systematized administrative affairs, instituted improved book-keeping and gathered up loose ends everywhere. He personally attended to numerous details. Dr. T. J. Burrill, in writing of his work, said that "throughout his administration he had no stenographer. The University did not own during his time a type- writing machine. The official correspondence was mainly conducted in his own handwriting. There was no registrar. At the beginning of each term he personally issued class permits and at the close recorded class grades. Aside from his headship in the department of Mechanical Engineering and Physics, he taught classes (during different terms) in Mechanics and Hydraulics and Mental Science, the latter subject being required of all seniors. It is little wonder that there was not much time for effective campaigning outside or for dreaming of future great- ness."
But in spite of many obstacles, and in spite of the fact that these
1 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1888, Hist. Address by President Peabody, p. 210.
2 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1892, p. 151.
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were days of small things educationally, progress was made during his administration. In 1879-80 there were 434 students (reduced in 1880-81 to 379), and 26 teachers of all grades, of whom 15 were of professional rank; in 1890-91, there were 519 students and 40 instructors, 24 of whom were of professional rank. Thus there was a gain in students of 19.6 per cent and in the corps of instruction of 53.9 per cent, and for those having professional rank, 60 per cent. For the first named year the total income from all sources was about $60,650; for the last named, $124,600, or 146 per cent gain. The total legis- lative appropriation for the session of 1879 was $25,500; that for the session of 1891 was $147,200. This latter figure included $70,000 for the Natural History Building, but excluding this, the gain was $51,700, or 203 per cent.1
Before President Peabody's administration, all state appropriations had been clearly for specified purposes and exclusive salaries for instruc- tion. At the legislative session of 1881, the trustees resolved to ask in addition to the usual sums, for an appropriation for the current expenses of instruction. The Legislature granted the sum of $11,400 to help cover the amount of the loss suffered by the University because of the reduction in the interest on its investments." The next Legislature was asked for $14,000, for the same purpose, and the grant was made. During the biennial periods which followed, the sums of $24,000, $32,000,3 and $40,000 were allowed, respectively.
Appropriations for buildings were small, and were slow in coming. After much persuasion and political wire pulling on the part of the regent and his local aids, $10,000 was. secured for a Drill Hall in 1889. This caused great rejoicing. During the year the students purchased and placed in the Drill Hall $125 worth of gymnastic apparatus, the money being for the most part the proceeds of an athletic entertainment given the year before in Champaign. Those who at that time wished to practice in the gymnasium paid 50 cts. a term for a ticket, and with the money so secured, instructors were employed from among the students. At the next General Assembly, Regent Peabody, almost unaided by others connected with the University, succeeded in winning sufficiently the good will of the legislators to cause the passage of a bill carrying $70,000 for a new Natural History building.
1 Alumni Quarterly, Vol. V, No. 3, July, 1910, Makers of the Univ., by T. J. Burrill, p. 211.
2 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1882, p. 182.
& Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1888, p. 211.
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TRUSTEES MADE ELECTIVE
In 1887, a law was passed making membership in the Board of Trustees elective, at a general state election, and restoring the Superin- tendent of Public Instruction as an ex officio member, thus there are today three ex officio and nine elective members of the Board. The change in the manner of election helped materially to bring the institu- tion before the people of the state. It also made it possible for women to serve on the Board. None became members, however, until Novem- ber, 1904, when Mrs. Lucy L. Flower was elected. It is interesting to note that she received many times the number of votes that have been cast for any other woman as a candidate for office in this state.1 While she was the first woman regularly elected a member of the Board, Mrs. Julia Holmes Smith served a short time before her, having been appointed by the Governor to fill an unexpired term.
SALE OF NEBRASKA LANDS
In 1884 the opportunity seemed favorable to begin the sale of the 9,000 acres of land located in Nebraska, and by judicious management the endowment fund was thus raised from about $320,000 to upwards of $450,000.2 The sale of this land stretched out over a period of twenty-five years, the last being sold only in 1909. The sale of the land in Minnesota began at a somewhat later date, and all is now sold. The total endowment fund received by the University up to June 1, 1916, from the sale of its land scrip amounted to $649,012.91. The pressing need for funds and the dislike for paying taxes upon this land caused much of it to be sold at a very low price.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION FOUNDED
In 1887 the federal government again took up the work it had begun in 1862. By the passage of the Hatch Act, approved March 12 of that year, the national government appropriated $15,000 per annum to each state for the purpose of establishing and maintaining, in connection with the colleges founded upon the congressional act of 1862, agri- cultural experiment stations "to aid in acquiring and diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information to subjects connected with agriculture, and to promote scientific investi-
1 Minutes of Board of Education of Chicago, June 28, 1911.
2 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1888, p. 211.
SOUTH CAMPUS
SOUTH CAMPUS AND SOUTH FARM TODAY
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gation and experiment respecting the principles and application of agri- cultural science." President Peabody took a prominent part in the discussion of the convention which led to the passage of this act. Under its provision, the Agricultural Experiment Station of Illinois was founded in 1888 and placed under the direction of the trustees of the university, and a part of the university farm, with buildings, was assigned for its use. State appropriations have been added to the federal grants to the Station, until its revenues have become the largest of those of similar institutions throughout the world.1
In 1890, by another measure known as the Morrill College Aid Act,2 the Congress of the United States made further appropriations for the land grant colleges. Under this enactment each such college or uni- versity received the first year $15,000, the second $16,000, and there- after $1,000 a year additional to the amount of the preceding year, until the amount reached $25,000, which sum was to be paid yearly. The use of this fund, although restricted, made possible indirectly a con- siderable development in the humanities as well as in the natural sciences.
PRESENT NAME ADOPTED
As the institution developed, the name "Illinois Industrial Uni- versity" was felt to be a serious handicap. It was never understood in the sense originally intended. The promoters had meant to establish an institution in which a liberal education should be offered, and one which should be particularly suited to those engaged in Industrial pursuits, in distinction to the profession as they were then recognized. But the prevailing impression gained for the name was that manual labor was a prominent feature. The name came to be considered a serious obstacle to the institution, and a bill was introduced in the Legislature of 1885 for its change. The application for a change of name met with bitter opposition, especially in the senate, many of the opponents contending that the change would be detrimental to the "industrial ideas of the early advocates." But on June 19, 1885, Governor Oglesby approved the bill changing the name to "The University of Illinois."
In this same year the State Laboratory of Natural History was trans- ferred to the University from Normal. This laboratory was created for the purpose of making a natural history survey of the state, publishing the results, and furnishing specimens to the public schools and to the
1 Univ. of Register, 1911-12, p. 449.
2 Act approved August 30, 1890, in Laws of U. S. and State of Ill .. Concern- ing the Univ. of Ill.
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state museums. These collections amounted to 75,000 specimens, in round numbers, besides 15,000 bottles, vials, and other packages, the contents of which were largely unclassified. The apparatus transferred with this material consisted chiefly of a very full outfit of collecting apparatus for both terrestrial and aquatic work and a considerable amount of microscopic materials and apparatus.
During the regime of Dr. Peabody, knowledge of the University was spread among the people of the state principally by means of addresses and exhibits. It has been estimated that during 1888 alone over 100 gatherings were attended by members of the faculty and more than 200 addresses were delivered. The most notable of the technical exhibitions were kept on display, as follows: six months at the State House in Springfield ; sixteen months at the expositions at New Orleans; at the great educational displays at Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago; and at the state fairs.1
RESIGNATION OF DR. PEABODY
Many things conspired to make Dr. Peabody's office a hard one to administer. Matters of discipline, disturbances in the cadet battalion and a radical change in the personnel of the Board were circumstances which so strengthened the opposition to the regent as to defeat his re-election in 1891 for the next biennial period. In June he offered his resignation, which was at once accepted. That he succeeded as well as he did is evidence of great personal and professional power among men and of exalted devotion to the cause he espoused.
DR. THOMAS J. BURRILL
Upon his resignation the Board temporarily appointed a man who had made his life a part of the University and who through the varying fortunes of the institution had filled many important and critical gaps, Dr. Thomas Jonathan Burrill. He first came to the University as a special assistant to teach algebra, on the agreement that as soon as botany could be provided for, he should have charge of it. Three months after his first connection with the institution, T. J. Burrill became Assistant Professor of Natural History, which at that time included botany. He became full Professor of Botany and Horticulture in 1871. His professorship began at "sun up" and lasted indefinitely and included anything that needed doing. He taught most of the day,
1 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1888, p. 221.
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planted with his own hands or saw to the planting of most of the trees on the campus, wrote reports, lectured here and there, served on innumer- able committees, collected specimens up and down the state, and was even charged at one time by the Board with the sale of a pair of mules, whose labors on the South Farm showed that they were not so able to stand the strenuous life as he was. After the founding of the Agri- cultural Experiment Station in 1888, Professor Burrill became its horti- culturist.
In 1875 Dr. Burrill became the corresponding secretary of the Board of Trustees, a position he held for thirteen years. In 1878 he was appointed Dean of the College of Science, and for a brief time was acting regent. When the regency changed in 1880, he filled the place temporarily. Four years later when the head of the University was absent for a brief time on University business he was made presiding officer. Upon the resignation of Dr. Peabody in 1891, Dr. Burrill began an indefinite interregnum. Almost his first undertaking was to organ- ize the military department, which had caused a great deal of trouble in preceding years. He effected such an organization that it has never caused any trouble since.
Students were allowed greater freedom and responded with greater sanity of conduct. Everywhere a better spirit grew up. The old fixed courses of study were abolished and substantially our present system evolved. In September, 1891, the Board passed the following resolu- tion with regard to fraternities :
"Resolved, That the pledge hitherto required for candidates for entry to the University in regard to college fraternities be omitted, and that the subject of these fraternities be referred to the committee on rules."
DR. BURRILL'S ADMINISTRATION
During Dr. Burrill's administration, the attendance rapidly increased. Student organizations were stimulated. We find the first University Glee Club organized in October, 1891. The first annual concert of the Illinois Military Band was given in February, 1892. Besides there were organized the Mandolin Club, Chemistry Club, Art Club, Students' Assembly for "Social and Intellectual Purposes," etc.
But perhaps the point of greatest triumph in his administration was the finances. The Board had been accustomed to ask support for the University in a most modest way, and the result was that it had been doled out to them in 50-cent pieces. Dr. Burrill advocated asking for everything wanted, leaving the Legislature to cut down the request
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if it saw fit. From the appeal to the Legislature in 1893 came the appro- priation for the engineering building, and greatly increased sums for other expenses. The total appropriation rose from $147,000 to $295,000.1
NEW COURSES OF STUDY CREATED
Several new courses of study had their origin in this period, such as the Graduate School, as well as the School of Philosophy and Pedagogy, included in the College of Literature and Arts; the depart- ment of Municipal and Sanitary Engineering and Architectural Engi- neering were likewise created. In January, 1893, the agricultural short course was offered. The office of Registrar was created August 16th. of the same year, and the appointment of W. L. Pillsbury was made. In 1894 an appropriation of $1,800 was made for a biological station at Havana and $1,200 for a summer school at the University. The first summer session began the following June and continued four weeks; thirty-eight persons were enrolled, twenty-six of whom were teachers from over the state. Members of the regular faculty gave the instruc- tion and the full resources of the University, laboratories, libraries, and apparatus made available for the work.
Although the preparatory class served as an important feeder for the university it was not the intention of the governing boards that this class should be largely increased. In March, 1894, however, the Board established a two years' course in the preparatory school. Preparatory classes had been taught almost from the beginning of the institution, but with the anticipation that the time would soon come when such instruction might be wholly left to the high schools. If it had seemed possible, the University authorities would gladly have abandoned the preparatory work, but if, as it appeared, it must be continued, better provision had to be made for it. Hence, a principal was appointed, teachers were employed, and a course of instruction mapped out.
While the faculty confined itself in the main to undergraduate instruction, the graduate department was slowly taking shape. The first fellowships were instituted in 1892, and in 1894 the faculty was authorized to define the requirements for doctors' degrees.
The University gradually extended its relations with the public school system of the state through its accredited schools, and also by the aid of the county superintendents who conducted examinations for scholarships, and by its course of University extension lectures. A
1 Alumni Quarterly, Vol. II, October, 1908, Makers of the Univ., by C. M. Moss, p. 229.
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great change came over the state in its attitude toward the University. Dr. Burrill's policy was one of open discussion, friendly co-operation with all educational and other interests of the state, and had much to do with allaying opposition on all sides.
HIGHEST HONOR TO DR. BURRILL
Forty-four years is a long time to serve an institution, and when that service has been rendered with faithfulness, kindly benevolence, and utter unselfishness, the institution should certainly honor the man. Accordingly, at the 41st commencement, the University conferred upon Dr. Burrill the highest honor that it can give-the honorary degree of doctor of laws. Although Dr. Burrill retired from active duty Sept. 1, 1912, he retained his office in the Natural History Building to the time of his death, the institution having still the benefit of the counsel of this superior man whose visions were not even then of the past University, but of the future.
PRESIDENT ANDREW S. DRAPER
Various causes delayed action in electing a new Regent after the departure of President Peabody, but it was felt that the important thing was to find the right man, no matter how much time it might require. Finally after three years of inquiry and discussion, the Board tendered the appointment, April 13, 1894, to Andrew Sloan Draper of New York. The title of regent as applied to the chief executive of a collegiate insti- tution was found to be confusing, since the term was generally used for a member of the board of control-a trustee. The legislative enactment founding the University designated the executive by this name and it was so used from that time up to the appointment of Dr. Draper. With his appointment the Board of Trustees gave authority for the title "President" to be used instead of the title "Regent" as given in the Uni- versity charter. The time fixed for the beginning of Dr. Draper's services was August 1, 1894, and upon that date he assumed the duties of this office.
The third president of the University was of sturdy New England stock. He was born June 21, 1848, at Westford, New York. He was educated for the profession of law in the Albany Law School of Union College, graduating in 1871. For nearly a dozen years after his gradu- ation in law, he practiced his profession. He was a member of the New York State Legislature in 1881, a judge of the United States
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Court of Alabama Claims from 1884 to 1886, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1886 to 1892. He received the honorary degree of laws from Colgate in 1889, from Columbia in 1903, and from the University of Illinois in 1905.1 For two years previous to his coming to the University he was superintendent of the public schools of Cleveland, Ohio.
President Draper did not aspire to the presidency of the University. He was sought out by the Board. He says, "I had serious misgivings about the advisability of accepting the post. I doubted my adaptability to it." The fact that he was not a university man caused him to hesitate. While for a long time he had followed educational thought, he had not concerned himself much about college and university work. But his wide experience with men, in politics and educational work, and his ability as an organizer, aided greatly in his management of Univer- sity affairs.
President Draper early sided with the many friends of the Uni- versity who felt that, while the institution was organized primarily to educate people for industrial vocations, it was not doing its whole duty as long as its efforts were confined within these limits. Conferences were held with the trustees and faculties as to the best means of begin- ning departments of law, medicine, and teaching. The result of this activity was that during his administration the University organized and established a number of new schools and departments.
SCHOOLS OF PHARMACY AND MEDICINE, CHICAGO
The first new school was that of Pharmacy. The Chicago College of Pharmacy made a proposition to turn over and donate its school and property to the University on the provision that it be maintained as a part of the University of Illinois. The Board accepted the proposition at its April meeting, 1896,2 and on May 1, this College became the School of Pharmacy.
Negotiations looking toward the affiliation of the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons of Chicago with the University, which had been going on for several years, were concluded by the Board of Trustees March 9, 1897.3
On April 21, 1897, it became the School of Medicine of the Uni- versity of Illinois. It had been one of the foremost of such schools of
1 Who's Who in America, 1908-09, Vol. V, p. 530.
2 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1898, p. 238.
3 Rep. of Univ. of Ill., 1898, p. 74.
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the Middle West. Its buildings were substantially constructed and its location directly opposite the Cook County Hospital, and in the very center of opportunities for medical research, gave the students unusual clinical privileges. The first year there were 409 registered at this medical college.
SCHOOL OF LAW AND STATE LIBRARY SCHOOL
The organization of a School of Law was a matter which had long been in the minds of the authorities, and nearly two years previous to the opening of the School, the Board of Trustees had determined that the step should be taken. Pursuant to their action of Dec. 8, 1896,1 the School of Law was organized and instruction began September 13, 1897. The formal opening was through a public meeting held in the chapel of the University, which was addressed by Justice Jacob W. Wilkin of the Supreme Court of the state. The faculty of the School of Law has been composed from the beginning of professors devoting their entire time to instruction, and of other professors who taught related subjects in the University, such as constitutional law, the history of jurisprudence, and non-resident lecturers. The course of study at first covered two years, but a very short time later it was rearranged on the three-year basis. On February 9, 1900, the School of Law became the College of Law; and on the same date the School of Medicine became the College of Medicine.2
In 1897, the School of Library Economy which had been established in 1893 at the Armour Institute of Technology in Chicago was trans- ferred to the University; the director of that school was appointed librarian of the University Library; and the State Library School was opened. There were but three other such schools in the country and no other west of the Allegheny Mountains. In 1897 admission to the school was made requisite upon two years of college work.
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