Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1905

Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1905

Official minutes of the governing body of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

RC2

The Citadel Archives and Museum

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

application/pdf

English

Text

https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1358

Charleston (S. C.)

[Page 1]

Columbia S.C. June 19th 1905

The Board of Visitors met in office of Governor Heyward at 10 o’Clock this morning

Present Vice Chairman Lucas, Col Lewis, Maj Blythe, Gen’l Frost, Hon Sheppard and Marshall, also Supt Coward –

The minutes of the meeting of December 13th 1904 were read and confirmed

[Written on side of page.]

Financial Report

[Main page.]

Vice Chairman was authorized and requested to examine financial report of Quarter Master, as soon as it had been finally completed, this was done & report is on file with other papers –

Camp Gadsden Columbia June 29 1905

Col C. S. Gadsden –
Chairman Board Visitors –

Dear Sir: - I have the honor to submit, in addition to my report of December 1904, the report of Academic affairs for the year ending June 30th 1905 –

Enrollment – In the report submitted last December it was shown that the number of Cadets duly enrolled was 147
In January two more were admitted 2
thus making total for year 149

Of these sixty-eight were State beneficiaries and
eighty-one pay cadets. Eight of the latter were from
the Republic of Cuba –

Casualties to date – By Honorable Discharge 5
By Permit to Retire 7
By Dismissal 5
By Expulsion 1
By Withdrawal 1
19

Absent In suspension 1
Absent Furlough – sick 4
Absent Furlough – other causes 3 8
27
In camp for duty 122

I submit the following extracts from the proceedings of the Academic Board based upon the Academic

[Page 2]

records of the year for your approval and final action –

Extracts Minutes Academic Board

[Written on side of page.]

Names of Graduates

[Main page.]

It was moved that the following Cadets, members of the First Class, be recommended to the Board of Visitors for graduation: Bostock, Cain, Craig, R- Dickson, R, Doty, Easterby, Hartnet, Hartzog, Lee, Martin, W, Moffett, Register, Richey, Scott, Smith, H, Smith, W – Still, and Willingham, total 18 – approved

[Written on side of page.]

First Class

[Main page.]

It was moved that all the members of the Second Class, except Cadet Blank (absent from final examination) having attained the required average be advanced to the First Class – approved –

[Written on side of page.]

Second Class

[Main page.]

It was moved that Cadet Haughton and Blackwell, of the Third Class, having failed to attain the required average, be not advanced to Second Class, but that all other members of the class be advanced – approved –

[Written on side of page.]

Third Class –

[Main page.]

It was moved that Cadet Allan, Bristow, Davis, L, Laurens, McIntosh, and Williams of the Fourth Class having failed to make the required average, be not advanced to the Third Class, but that all the other members of that class, excepting Cadets Tuten, Smoot, Belk, and Sturgeon, be advanced – approved –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Tuten

[Main page.]

It was moved that Cadet Tuten of the Fourth Class, grossly deficient in all his studies be dismissed approved

[Written on side of page.]

Cadets Smoot and Rogers

[Main page.]

In case of Cadets Smoot and Rogers whose marks had been changed on the Register by some one whom the Faculty have been unable to locate the following resolutions were passed –

Whereas it has been brought to the attention of the Board that the records of the Academic Board have been tampered with –

Resolved that the attention of the Corps of Cadets be brought to the seriousness of this offence and that the Board of Visitors unhesitatingly condemn such conduct -

[Page 3]

[Written on side of page.]

Cadets Tuten Sturgeon and Belk

[Main page.]

Action of Academic Board in case of Cadets Tuten, Sturgeon, and Belk was approved, and that the case of Cadet Sturgeon be referred to Vice Chairman and Superintendent for further action, and in case of Cadet Belk, the Superintendent have each Professor prepare questions for examination before the Professor in charge at the Citadel on July 15, and if upon examination his record does not show sufficient proficiency he be dismissed –

I submit and have filed for reference the reports of Professors – see Document a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h and I –

In my own department as professor the work of the First Class was generally satisfactory. In addition to that work, and in order to relieve pressure, I met a section of the Fourth class in Algebra daily until February, and then I gave instruction to the Cuban pupils in Mathematics until the end of the year –

I regret to say that I found them very backward in both Arithmetic and Algebra. I believe however, that the three remaining on the roll are able to take up the full regular work of the next Fourth Class –

Our experience with these pupils has not fulfilled expectations. Of the eight matriculated, five were found to be unfit material for our institution and it became necessary to dismiss them – The three remaining are gentlemanly in behavior, seem to be self respecting and desirous to learn, and are quite pleased with their connection with the Academy. Through them we may hope to get suitable material from Cuba. It is evident however that if we are to cultivate that field some more systematic provision for special instruction required must be made –

[Written on side of page.]

Beneficiary Vacancies

[Main page.]

Beneficiary Vacancies – By the casualties enumerated above, and by dismissals for deficiency recommended by the Academic Board, there will be one vacancy in each of the following named 17 Counties, to be filled in the usual way, viz – Aiken, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkley, Charleston, Chesterfield, Darlington,

[Page 4]

Fairfield, Florence, Lancaster, Marion, Oconee, Orangeburg, Saluda, Sumter, Union Williamsburg –

[Written on side of page.]

Condition of Building

[Main page.]

The Citadel building is in about as fair condition as can be expected considering its age and the vicissitudes through which it has passed –

Many improvements might be suggested, but the stern dictates of economy, with lack of means force us to confine our efforts to the patching and repairing, that is almost constantly needed. The introduction of the system of heating has caused considerable shrinkage of old timbers and loosening of joints. These particularly noticeable around wash-boards and door and window frames. Considerable areas of plastering on walls and ceiling are loose from the same cause, and these must be repaired during vacation.

[Written on side of page.]

Heating and Lighting

[Main page.]

The heating plant gave great satisfaction throughout the past winter. Slight defects in the proper distribution of heat then disclosed have been remedied this spring by the contractor. While the actual cost of heating as compared with the old method, (is as follows)

[See chart on original document.]

[Page 5]

is somewhat greater; yet this excess is much overbalanced when the vastly superior healthfulness, cleanliness, comfort and convenience effected is taken into consideration. The electric lighting has in general given satisfaction.

[Written on side of page.]

Encampment

[Main page.]

On the 15th of June I brought the Corps to Columbia for its annual Encampment and tents were pitched on the only available ground sufficiently near the City. The spot was a very rough field from which a crop of wheat had just been taken, and its bareness of trees or other shelter made it a very trying one during the very hot spell of weather prevailing during the last two weeks. Some of the proposed military work of the Encampment period had to

[Page 6]

be modified on account of the heat. Nevertheless, I think the encampment was a successful one. Many families in the City kept open house for the Cadets during their hours of leave – Mr Ed Clark of the Chamber of Commerce and the resident alumni especially Maj L W Haskell, Mr A. E. Legare, Dr F. A. Coward were indefatigable in their efforts to promote the comport and pleasures of both the Officers and Cadets –

In conclusion I beg to state that quite a number of citizens gave me unprompted testimony as to the neat orderly and gentlemanly appearance and deportment of the Cadets whenever seen in the City.

Very respectfully
Asbury Coward
Superintendent –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Simmons

[Main page.]

Case of Cadet Simmons overstaying his Christmas furlough – Action of Superintendent approved –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Thompson

[Main page.]

Case of Cadet Thompson exposing his person by being undressed and standing in door of his room - Action of Superintendent in suspending Cadet is approved and the board orders dismissal –

[Page 7]

Citadel, Charleston, S.C., June 14, 1905.

The Adjutant
South Carolina Military Academy,
Citadel, Charleston, S.C.

Sir: -
I have the honor to submit the following report of the Department of Military Science and Tactics also of my duties as Commandant of Cadets.

In compliance with Special Orders No. 239, War Department, series 1904, I relieved Captain George F. McMaster, 24th Infantry, of his duties at this institution October 28, 1904.

The course of instruction, both theoretical and practical, as laid down in G.O. 65, W.D., 1904, has been carefully followed. Theoretical instruction has been given to the first and second classes only, but I believe that it would be advisable to include all the classes in this instruction and would recommend the following division of subjects: -

4th Class: Infantry Drill Regulations.

3rd Class: Manual of Guard Duty, Official Records, Military Signaling, Instruction in First Aid to the Injured, and Lectures.

2nd Class: Artillery Drill Regulations, Small Arms Firing Regulations, Elements of Military Science, and Lectures.

1st Class: Elements of Field Engineering, Military Law, and Lectures.

It would not be practicable to carry out the above outlined

[Page 8]

plan during the next school term owing to the fact that no instruction has been given to the present third and fourth classes, but the studies of these classes could be so arranged that by the following term the entire schedule could be carried out. At present there is no systematic course prescribed by the War Department is not systematically followed.

At the request of the Superintendent, I have prepared a set of regulations to correspond to the “Blue Book” of the U. S. Military Academy. The necessity for such a book has been very apparent during the past session. Heretofore instructions in regard to the routine performance of duties have been promulgated in the shape of orders, which not being constantly within reach of the cadets soon lose their force and are eventually lost sight of entirely. Under such a system, duty is necessarily performed in a very unsatisfactory manner and the cadets can not justly be held accountable for orders of which they have no knowledge.

The Academic Regulations, as they now stand, are in need of revision as they are incomplete in many particulars while at the same time they include many provisions which should properly be included in the “Blue Book”.

It is respectfully recommended that the regulations above mentioned be printed and put in the hands of the cadets by the opening of the Academy next October.

The present method of storing the ordnance furnished by the government is very unsatisfactory. The field pieces are not properly protected from the weather now and when the gymnasium is completed even this shelter will not be available. If proper shelter can be provided for the guns, it is recom-

[Page 9]

mended that authority be requested to turn in the muzzle loaders now in the possession of the Academy and that modern guns be requisitioned for. With the present shelter modern guns would soon be rendered unserviceable.

The storage room provided for the small arms is also inadequate. While the rifles are thoroughly protected from the weather, there is not sufficient space for their care and for such repairs as can be made at the Academy.

The target practice was held this year on the range of the State Troops near the city, by courtesy of these troops. This range is leased and is kept up by contributions of the organizations using it. I am informed that it would be agreeable to the gentlemen in charge if the Academy would come in as one organization and bear its proportional part of the expenses of maintenance of this range. This part would be fifty dollars per annum, and it is recommended that this amount be paid.

Some provision should be made so that all cadets could be supplied with overcoats. Although it is only a short period that overcoats are necessary, they are badly needed at this time. As there is very little wear on an overcoat during a season, some plan might be devised by which the coats of cadets graduating and leaving could be purchased and turned over to other cadets and thus reduce the cost materially.

The practice of permitting the base-ball team to tour the State while other cadets are engaged in their regular duties is, I believe, against the best interests of the Academy. In addition to the time lost by the absent cadets, for a consider-

[Page 10]

able period before starting on the tour there seems to be a strong desire on the part of the team to subordinate everything else to the playing of base-ball, the thoughts of the cadets engaged run on this subject and their legitimate work suffers. In an institution of this character, the granting of special privileges to any class of cadets is, I believe, hurtful.

What has been said above in regard to base-ball applies, to a lesser extent, to the granting of permits to cadets to attend conventions of various characters.

The matter of the publication of the Cadet Annual also, I respectfully submit, demands attention. Unless this publication can be subjected to a strict and complete censorship, it should be discontinued.

Very respectfully,

W. H. Simmons
Captain 6th Infantry,
Commandant of Cadets

[Page 11]

Camp Gadsden, Columbia, S. C., June 28, 1905.

The Adjutant,
South Carolina Military Academy
Camp Gadsden, Columbia, S.C.

Sir: -
I have the honor to submit the following report, suplementary [sic] to the report submitted by me on the 14th inst.

Owing to the heat I have not been able to carry out the entire course of instruction which I had intended during this encampment, but the results obtained from the exercises which have been conducted have been satisfactory.

Many considerations render this time of the year inappropriate for the holding of the encampment. The cadets are naturally more or less run down by the work of the session and are therefore not able to withstand the fatigue incidental to camp life and field exercises as they would be earlier in the season. The heat makes work during the day very trying. The usual round of entertainments provided by the graduates and ex-cadets breaks in on the rest of the cadets.

In view of these facts I believe that it

[Page 12]

would be advisable to consider the holding of the encampment at some point near Charleston during the month of April.

Very respectfully
W. H. Simons
Capt. 6th Infy.
Comdt of Cadets

[Page 13]

Board adjourned from 1 ½ to 3 o’Clock –

Afternoon Session – June 29th 1905

Board re-assembled at 4 o Clock, present Vice Chairman Lucas, and Messrs Sheppard, Blythe, Lewis, Frost, Marshall and Col Coward –

[Written on side of page.]

Return of small arms –

[Main page.]

Gen’l Frost reported the exchange of small arms was now being made & he hoped to report the final and complete exchange at the August meeting –

[Written on side of page.]

Furnishing Field guns –

[Main page.]

In reference to obtaining field ordnance of a modern type, he stated this could not be done before fall at the earliest, as at present the government could not manufacture this class of ordnance as fast as needed, he had every assurance that he would get the field guns as soon as the government could furnish them, perhaps by the fall –

[Written on side of page.]

Act to amend Sec 1276 – Article 3 Chapter 25 powers of Board of Visitors S.C.M.A.

[Main page.]

AN ACT to AMEND SEC 1276, Article 3, Chapter 25, of the Code of Laws, Relating to the Powers of the BOARD OF VISITORS of the SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY ACADEMY.

Section I, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of the South Carolina, That Section 1276, Article 3, Chapter 25, of the Code of Laws, be amended by striking out after the word “salaries” the words “and to remove them for cause, but in every case of removal two-thirds of the whole number of the Board shall concur” and insert in lieu there-of the words “and the period for which said Professors shall serve”, so that said Section when amended shall read as follows:

Section 1276. “Said Board shall have the power to establish such regulations as they may deem necessary for the organization and good government of said Academy, and to establish such by-laws for the management thereof as shall not be inconsistent with the laws of this State or of the United States, to appoint Professors qualified to give instruction in military science and other branches of knowledge which they may deem essential, to fix their salaries and the period for which said Professors shall serve, and the said Board shall have full power to confer the degree of “Batchelor [sic] of Science on graduates of the said Academy.

Approved the 18th February A D 1905.

[Page 14]

In accordance with this amendment the following resolution was offered an adopted –

In accordance with the provisions of the Act of the General Assembly of 1905, the terms of service of the Superintendent and Professors of the Citadel Academy are hereby fixed as twelve months commencing with the first day of July 1905. Elections for said positions shall be

[Page 15]

held annually thereafter, to wit – at the Commencement meetings of the Board of Visitors, and a majority of the votes of the Board present shall be necessary to an election, provided, that for cause a member of the faculty may be removed within the period for which he has been elected by a majority vote of the Board present and voting.

[Written on side of page.]

Acknowledgment of resolutions by Col Robert Aldrich

[Main page.]

The following acknowledgement of Col Aldrich was ordered spread on the minutes –

Col C. S. Gadsden Chairman Board Visitors, S.C.M.A.

My dear Col: -
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the engrossed copy of the Resolutions of the Board of Visitors, and your very kind letter conveying the same. It will always be a pleasure to me to know that I was able to render some service to our Alma Mater, and now to be assured – as I am by these resolutions, that I did so in a manner to gain the approval of the distinguished gentlemen who compose the Board of Visitors, is the highest and best reward I could have received and is more than I dared to hope for. Please accept for yourself and communicate to your colleagues of the Board, the assurance of my most sincere regard and esteem, as well as my hope for the continued prosperity and happiness of you all

Yours Very sincerely
Rob’t Aldrich

[Written on side of page.]

Gymnasium

[Main page.]

The Chairman reported the disappointment experienced in the failure to secure the Police Station adjoining the Citadel for a gymnasium and offices is cause of regret, but, under the circumstances the idea of establishing a Gymnasium at once within our own quarters and with means given by friends of the Academy, and at the command of the Chairman, he has with the consent of the Board utilized the space between the west face of the main building and the east face of the West Wing measuring

[Page 16]

from 25 to 27 ft wide, and upwards of 90 ft long, which is ample for a gymnasium used as it will be by detail of classes or sections –

The Chairman further stated that there would be sufficient money he was sure to equip the gymnasium with necessary furniture –

This report received as information, and the following resolution adopted –

[Written on side of page.]

Gymnasium Instruction

[Main page.]

Resolved – That the selection of a Gymnasium Instructor and the salary to be paid, be referred to the Executive Committee to be reported at the next meeting –

[Written on side of page.]

Complaint about Mess Hall –

[Main page.]

The following letter from Gen’l Jno. D. Frost was taken up for consideration –

Columbia May 19th 1905

Col C. S. Gadsden – Chairman –

Dear Sir: I have recently had called to my attention by patrons of the Citadel the unwholesome food furnished the cadets and the filthy way the Mess Hall is kept and the food prepared – This is a matter that should have attention at once if true, as the parties have boys at the school and advise me that the food has flies cooked in it and that they are furnished with spoiled meats & etc.

I shall bring this matter up at the next Board meeting and will have the parties present. I know of no quicker way to injure a school than the above and trust that you will take the matter up with the proper authorities and if necessary fire the entire lot of cooks and all others who are responsible. All parties have other sons to send to the Citadel, but have advised me that they expect to take the ones they have away much less send others unless this matter is corrected and wholesome food furnished

John. D. Frost

After some discussion of this subject the Superintendent was requested to invite the

[Page 17]

Quarter Master, Officers and Cadets of the Corps to meet the Board that night in office of Adjt and Inspr General at 9 o’Clock to investigate complaints about conditions and attendance in Mess Hall –

[Written on side of page.]

Star of the West medal

[Main page.]

Gen’l Frost was requested to present “Star of the West” medal to Cadet Dick the successful competitor, at the inspection of the Corps this afternoon, which he did in a few happy remarks delivered in a very graceful manner – board adjourned at 6 oClock to inspect the Corps –

[Written on side of page.]

Complaint about Mess Hall attendance of Waiters & etc

[Main page.]

Board re-assembled in Adjt Genl’s Office at 9 o’Clock to further investigate the Mess Hall troubles –

Present. Vice Chrman Lucas, and Messrs Frost, Lewis, Blythe, Sheppard and Herbert, and by request Capt White Qr Master explained to the Board the cost per cadet for maintenance and the amount appropriated for that purpose: Capt White gave a full and concise statement of the quality and quantity of food furnished at each meal, and also how it varied from time to time – Capt White then withdrew and Sargt Fitts and Oakes, and Cadets Simmons, Wyche, McDonald, and Ehrlick each in turn gave his testimony as to the quality and manner of serving the food and the untidy condition of eating utensils in Mess hall, and at times the unwholesome and disagreeable food furnished the Cadets – These Cadets without exception complained not of the quantity of the food furnished, but the want of variety, manner of cooking, & the generally untidy condition of the waiters & other attendants – After a session lasting two hours in which every Cadet who presented himself with a complaint was heard, the board adjourned at 11 o’Clock to meet in the Governors office at 9 o’Clock next morning –

9 A M – June 30th 1905

Board met in office of Governor Heyward –

Present Major Lucas and Messrs Frost, Sheppard, Lewis, Blythe, and Marshall – excused Col Herbert –

[Page 18]

Adjt Willingham – gave his experience in reference to quality of food supplied to cadets and the attendance of waiters in Mess Hall & etc, which corroborated the testimony of the other Cadets –

Major Bond was then called and questioned as to complaints of Cadets, he only partially agreed with the Cadets in certain cases when he was on duty & when asked for suggestion to remedy the trouble complained of by Cadets, suggested that Maj White be relieved of all responsibility for the inspection of the Mess hall & etc, and that a person to be appointed by the Board be placed in entire charge of this part of the work, whose duty should be to inspect the Mess hall, Kitchen & etc in all of its detail, to also have full charge of waiters, cook & etc – After an interchange of views, the Board passed the following resolution –

[Written on side of page.]

Resolution

[Main page.]

The Board having thoroughly and maturely considered the conditions that have existed at the Citadel, recognize that changes and improvements in the Mess Hall, Kitchen & etc are necessary. They have therefore appointed Col Lewis a committee to prepare such recommendations as will secure improvement in these matters, he to report to the Board at the August meeting. Each member of the Board was requested to communicate in writing his views and recommendations to Col Lewis –

[Written on side of page.]

Complaint of Southern Ry not handling Corps to Encampment

[Main page.]

Col Lewis brought to the attention of the Board the complaint of Col Hunt D. P. agent, Southern Ry, that the Cadets almost exclusively use the A.C.L.R R – in their excursions about the State, & as the Southern Ry was a tax-payer he thought it should enjoy this revenue equally with the A.C.L Line, and asked the Board to consider the request in the future movement of the Corps –

[Page 19]

[Written on side of page.]

Advertising the Academy

[Main page.]

Resolved – That Chairman, or Vice Chairman, Superintendent and Genl Jno. D. Frost be charged with the duty of preparing an advertisement to be placed in influential papers of the Country, setting forth the views of the U.S. Army Officers in reference to the Academy, especially embodying extracts from the recent annual inspection by Maj Hamilton USA.

[Written on side of page.]

Renting railroad farm

[Main page.]

The Committee appointed to investigate the advisability of renting the railroad company’s farm, reported that after serious consideration, they have concluded it would be inexpedient to do so, requiring much money to run it, and a large margin of risk in the profitable disposition of the crop –

Request of Cadet Frank. G. Eason, on behalf of the foot ball team was received, and after consideration and discussion disapproved – The Board unanimously agreed that the practice of allowing base ball and foot ball teams to tour the State be discontinued.

[Page 20]

During an interim in the reading of his reports by the Superintendent Mr. Lewis was recognized by the Chair and addressed the Board as follows: “As is well known since our last meeting this Board has lost a very valuable member, but when I say that we are fortunate in finding in his successor not only an elegant gentleman and distinguished and patriotic citizen of S.C., but one upon whose aid we in the Legislative halls of the State we lay great weight, I am sure I voice the sentiment of this entire Board, and I move that the an expression of the pleasure of this Board in having Colonel J. Q. Marshall as one of us be spread on the minutes of this Board.”

The motion was put and unanimously adopted.

At the request of Mr. Lewis, Major Lucas, acting chairman, vacated the chair and General Frost was asked to assume the same. It was then moved by Mr. Lewis that the thanks of the Board be tendered to the Vice Chairman for the able, courteous and expeditious manner in which he had performed the duties of Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Maj. Gadsden, and that further the Vice Chairman be instructed to convey to the chairman the greetings of the Board and to express to him the hope that he would be speedily restored to his accustomed health and usefulness. Adopted.

This is as near as I can give it to you.

W. W. Lewis

[Page 21]

[Written on side of page.]

Commencement Exercises

[Main page.]

At eleven o’clock the board adjourned to attend the commencement exercises at the Opera House – The orator for the occasion Prof W. Spencer. Currell M.A. Ph D. Washington and Lee University gave a most interesting and instructive address to the audience and the Corps of Cadets, but particularly to the 18 graduates on the “possibilities this life held for each one of them”; following this oration Cadet Willingham spoke on the subject “Cromwell the Hero” and Cadet Moffatt spoke on “Japan as a factor in civilization”, both these addresses were well delivered and well received as evidenced by the applause –

The Vice Chairman then in a few well chosen expressions, thanked the people of Columbia for the kind hospitality shown the Cadets, and then turning to the graduates with a few words of good advise [sic] delivered the diplomas to the graduates –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet W. R. Richey Jr

[Main page.]

At 3 pm the Board re-convened at the office of Governor Heyward to take action in case of Cadet Richey –

Present – Vice Chrman Lucas and Messrs Sheppard Frost, Blythe, Lewis and Marshall –

After a thorough consideration of all the circumstances in this case, the following resolution was adopted –

Resolved That the explanation of Cadet W.R. Richey Jr in reference to over staying his leave of absence is satisfactory, and that he be granted his diploma

The Board then adjourned at four o’clock pm to meet in the office of Governor Heyward, Columbia, S.C. on Tuesday August 1st @ 9 o’clock –

J E Smith
Sec’y

[Page 22]

Columbia S.C. August 1st 1905

The Board of Visitors met in the office of Governor Heyward at 9 30 am –

Present Maj Lucas, Vice Chairman, and Governor Heyward, Maj Blythe, Col Herbert, Gen’l Frost, Hon Sheppard and Marshall. The minutes of the meeting of June 29th and 30th were read and confirmed. Before taking up the consideration of Beneficiary cadets, the Vice Chairman asked the Board to consider some other matters now before the board –

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadet J. L. M. Irby

[Main page.]

This is a case in which Cadet Irby had been reported by Commandant Simons for three offences just before breaking camp at Camp Gadsden, Columbia, S.C.

1 Having been ordered by Commandant of Cadets to assist in taking down tent, did fail to obey said order until it had been repeated several times –

2d Having been ordered by the Commandant of Cadets to stop talking did fail to obey said order –

3d Having been repeatedly ordered by the Commandant of Cadets to assist in taking down a tent did reply in an insolent manner “I don’t see why I should be talked to like a dog” or words to that effect.

In order that the discipline of the Academy may be maintained it is respectfully recommended that Cadet Irby be suspended until the Board of Visitors can act on the case –

(signed) W. H. Simons
Capt 6th Infantry and Commandant Cadets

[Written on side of page.]

Action of Board

[Main page.]

After consideration of this case which the Board thought was a very serious infraction of discipline they unanimously adopted the following resolution – Resolved – That upon his return to

[Page 23]

the Academy Cadet Irby make a written apology to Capt Simons, Commandant of Cadets, that his conduct was not intended to be insolent, and further that after receiving (10) ten demerits and a restriction for (30) thirty days his suspension be revoked”. Cadet Irby was notified that upon his return to the Academy, to proceed at once to carry out this decision of the Board

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Hy. Jasper Riley

[Main page.]

In the case of Hy Jasper Riley, applicant to stand examination from Bamberg for Beneficiary scholarship, his brother having been a Beneficiary cadet appointed to West Point, the Board ordered a permit issued him to complete for the scholarship from Bamberg County, in view of the obligation assumed by his brother J. Wilson. Riley, to pay for his two years at the Academy in four years after graduation.

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadet Blackwell

[Main page.]

In the case of Cadet Blackwell the Board took the following action –

Recommended that Cadet Blackwell be advanced under the circumstances (sickness) and for reasons stated in letter of R. J. Blackwell, from the Third to the Second class –

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Mess Crouch

[Main page.]

In the case of the Messrs Crouch, who already hold scholarships elsewhere we are informed – The Board decided they had no authority to with hold from these parties a permit to compete for the scholarship at the S.C.M.A –

There being no applications received from Berkley County, the following resolution was offered but no action was taken on it –

Resolved – That the vacant scholarship from Berkley County for which no applicant

[Page 24]

has qualified be assigned to Orangeburg County for one year – Provided that in case an applicant from Berkley County shall qualify within the next two weeks, said scholarship shall not be transferred –

[Written on side of page.]

Applications from Berkley County

[Main page.]

The Board requested the Secretary to communicate with the Senator and Representatives from Berkley County and to other influential men calling their attention to the vacancy in the Academy for the present year, and that it had been duly advertised in the County paper – The Board further ordered that applicants from this County be given an additional two weeks in which to file their applications –

[Written on side of page.]

Delayed applications

[Main page.]

The Vice Chairman was authorized to take action on any delayed applications –

[Written on side of page.]

Exchange of Arms

[Main page.]

Gen’l Frost was given further time to report on the exchange of small arms with the United States Government –

[Written on side of page.]

Order of O.M. Martin

[Main page.]

The Chairman, Govr Heyward and Gen’l Frost were appointed a Committee to interview Hon O. B. Martin in reference to his order to County Superintendents and the examination of Beneficiary applicants –

[Written on side of page.]

Gadsden Gymnasium

[Main page.]

The following resolution was unanimously adopted –

In compliment of the great energy, zeal and interest manifested at all times by our Chairman, Maj C. S. Gadsden, in the affairs of the Academy, and particularly his foresight in advocating, building, and equipping a Gymnasium without exposure to the Academy. The Board in recognition of his valuable services, do hereby give this benefaction the

[Page 25]

name of the Gadsden Gymnasium –

[Written on side of page.]

Beneficiary Scholarships 1905-06

[Main page.]

Permits were authorized to be issued to applicants to stand competitive for Beneficiary scholarships for one vacancy from each of the following Counties –

Aiken, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkley, Charleston, Chesterfield, Darlington, Fairfield, Florence, Lancaster, Marion, Oconee, Orangeburg, Saluda, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg.

A special meeting of the Board was called in office of Governor Heyward on August 11th at 12 o’clock –

No further business the Board adjourned –

J. E. Smith
Secretary

[See newspaper clippings on original document.]

[Page 26]

[See newspaper clipping on original document.]

[Page 27]

Columbia S.C.- August 11th 1905

A special meeting of the Board of Visitors was held this day in the office of Gov’r Heyward –

Present – Maj Lucas, Col Lewis, Maj Blythe and Col Herbert, Col Marshall

[Written on side of page.]

Examination of Beneficiaries

[Main page.]

Moved by Col Herbert that the matter of the examination of applicants for beneficiary appointments be referred to the Vice-Chairman with power to act – adopted

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Hemingway

[Main page.]

Moved that the action of the Vice Chairman in permitting T. S. Hemingway, an applicant for admission to the Academy as a beneficiary cadet, which application was refused by the Board on account of the age of Mr H. to apply for admission as a pay Cadet – adopted.

[Written on side of page.]

Appointments from Berkley

[Main page.]

Moved that the Vice Chairman issue permits to Jas. H. Law, Louis Calhoun Sanders, and Oscar Smith, to apply for admission as beneficiary cadets to fill vacancy from Berkley County – adopted –

[Written on side of page.]

Segt [sic] Croswell to take charge of Mess hall –

[Main page.]

Col Lewis to whom was referred the matter of the Mess hall, recommended that R. L. Crosswell be made Commissary Sergt and have charge of the preparation and service of the food in the Mess hall, the appointment, government and discharge of servants, and that orders be prepared for his government, these orders to be prepared by Col Lewis and inserted in the Regulations, and that Sergt Crosswell be given Fifty dollars per month for his services to the Academy, that the duties with reference to the Mess hall be in addition to the duties now performed by him – reported adopted –

[Written on side of page.]

Prof Valdez

[Main page.]

Moved that Prof Valdez be employed as Gymnasium Instructor at a salary of $30.00 per month – adopted –

Board adjourned at 1 pm –

(signed) E. M. Blythe
Sec’y –

[Page 28]

- Citadel –
Charleston December 12th 1905

Board of Visitors met this morning at 12 o’clock in Annual session

Present Maj C. S. Gadsden, Chairman, and Maj Lucas, Maj Blythe, Col Lewis, Col Herbert, Col Marshall, Gen’l Frost, Hon Martin and Hon Sheppard, a telegram was received from Gov’r Heyward expressing regret at his unavoidable absence.

Minutes of the meetings of August 1st and 11th were read and confirmed.

[Written on side of page.]

Report Gen’l Frost about small arms –

[Main page.]

Gen’l Frost reported that the old small arms belonging to the State were being shipped daily to the government arsenal at Augusta, and that the arms belonging to the Academy were included

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Irby

[Main page.]

Supt Coward reported the Cadet Irby incident closed he having served out his restrictions and apologized to Commandant as directed.

[Written on side of page.]

Report of Superintendent

[Main page.]

Superintendents report was received and filed for record as follows –

Col C. S. Gadsden
Chairman Board of Visitors –

Dear Sir: - I have to report that the current academic year opened with the customary promptness and with the largest enrollment since 1882. Notwithstanding an unusually large list of inter-sessions casualties our enrollment to the present is one hundred and sixty eight.

These casualties were as follows:
By Honorable Discharge 7
By dismissal (failure to return to lower class) 6 = 13

The losses since October 1st have been as follows –
By death 1
By Hon discharge 7
By Per to retire 1
By Expulsion 2 La Rosa desertion Granpan forgery 11
In suspension Dewitt, Simmons G. 2

[Page 29]

[Written on side of page.]

Report of Superintendent

[Main page.]

Properly on the roll – 168
Less 11
Absent – sick 1
In suspension 2 14 Present – 154

I submit for your information the following exhibits:

1 – The scheme of work now in force.
2 – The Battalion organization, and service calls.
3 – The list of Recruits – classified as Beneficiary and Pay

The usual progress is making in all departments of the Academy. The recruits have done good work in the Military exercises; but some have failed to come up to requirements in studies, especially in Algebra. Most of the failures are due to immaturity and the lack of knowing how to study. I believe that the first of these causes would be considerably removed by changing the minimum age for admission from fifteen to sixteen years –

Very respectfully submitted with enclosures –
Asbury Coward
Supt.

Enclosures –
Case of Cadet DeWitt
Case of Cadet Simmons } suspended –
Case of Cadet Rosa
Case of Cadet Granpan} Expelled –

Petition Base Ball team –

The recommendation to change the entrance age of all applicants from 15 to 16 years, was adopted –

Superintendent reported that the Mess all regulations had been received from Col Lewis by Commandant and had been put into effect –

[Written on side of page.]

Cadet Simmons

[Main page.]

The case of Cadet Simmons was taken up and the following taken – “Moved that suspension of Cadet Simmons be annulled, the charges of disobedience of orders not having been sustained”. That the Board condemn his lack of frankness, and subterfuge, in his dealing with the Superintendent, and that he be required to make a written apology.

Chairman read his report submitted to the Supt of

[Page 30]

Education and it was approved –

[Written on side of page.]

Examination of account Quarter Master

[Main page.]

Messrs Blythe and Sheppard were appointed a committee to examine the accounts of the Quarter Master, and they reported as follows –

“We the Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of the Quarter Master as herein above set forth, respectfully report that we have made as careful examination thereof as the nature of the case has permitted and approve the same.

We further recommend that the request of the Quarter Master to be allowed to debit his account with $163.19 be granted.

E. M. Blythe
O. Sheppard} Committee –

[Written on side of page.]

Financial statement

[Main page.]

The Chairman was requested to examine and audit the financial statement of the Quarter Master for the year when completed, the statement presented to this meeting only embraced 11 months.

[Written on side of page.]

Committee on Police Station

[Main page.]

Messrs Gadsden, Herbert, Marshall, and Sheppard were named as Committee on Police Station –

[Written on side of page.]

Resignation Capt Cantey

[Main page.]

The resignation of Capt J. W. Cantey as Ass’t Professor of English was accepted with regret, and the following resolution unanimously adopted –

“That the Board of Visitors accept with sincere regret the resignation of Capt Cantey as Asst Professor of English, and in accepting same this Board desires to place on record its appreciation of the valuable and faithful services of Capt Cantey in behalf of his Alma Mater and to wish for him a full measure of success and happiness where – even his lot in life may be cast”

[Written on side of page.]

Election of Asst Prof English

[Main page.]

The several applications for the position of Asst Prof of English were then read from R. I. Middleton, Ludwig Lewishon, and David. M Kearney of Charleston T. J. Weston, Columbia S. C. Jno. W. Linley, Anderson SC

[Page 31]

and Jno. W. Moore, Greenwood S.C., after discussion and Capt Jno. W. Moore of Greenwood, S.C., was declared elected to the position, effective Jany 1st 1906 at a salary of one thousand dollars a year and quarters, and he was duly informed of his election on December 13th 1905.

[Written on side of page.]

Case of Cadet Miller

[Main page.]

In the case of Cadet Frank Miller erroneously published in the Official Register as “Permitted to Retire” when it should have been “Hon Discharged” the Superintendent was requested in the next issue of the Register to correct the error and place an explanatory note at foot of page –

[Written on side of page.]

Requirement for admission

[Main page.]

Resolved – That hereafter no Cadet be admitted to the Academy who cannot take the studies of the Academy as laid down in the curriculum adopted

[Written on side of page.]

Quorum of Board

[Main page.]

Resolved – That a quorum of the Board hereafter shall consist of five members, except when an election of a member of the Faculty is ordered, at which time a quorum shall consist of six members – adopted –
Seek page minutes of 190 fixing 4 members as quorum

[Written on side of page.]

Invitation Association Graduates

[Main page.]

The Board received and accepted the invitation of the Association of Graduates to be present at their annual meeting in the Chapel of the Citadel on December 13th 1905 –

[Written on side of page.]

Bond of Quarter Master

[Main page.]

Capt White, Quarter Master presented the renewal receipt to December 1906 on his bond of $5.000 and the receipt was sent to the Compt Gen’l for file.

[Written on side of page.]

Expelling Cadets La Rosa & Granpera

[Main page.]

The action of the Superintendent in expelling Cadets La Rosa, and Granpera, and suspension of Cadet DeWitt, for causes assigned was approved by the Board and they were expelled from the Academy –

[Written on side of page.]

Base Ball Team

[Main page.]

The petition of the Base ball team to be allowed to travel through the State to play ball was refused by the Board –

J. E. Smith
Sec’y –