History: History of the State of Iowa From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************* ________________ STATE INSTITUTIONS _____________ AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY The State Agricultural Society was organized in the Spring of 1854, with Honorable Thomas Claggett, of Keokuk, President, and three directors for each county that had a local agricultural society in operation. In the Fall of 1854 the society held its first annual fair in the town of Fairfield, Jefferson County, and it was quite a success. Mr. W.W. Moore, of Des Moines, sent down a choice case of stuffed birds – a collection of the different species in the Des Moines valley. They were considered one of the most attractive features of the exhibition. There being no provision made for a prize to the best lady equestrian in the state, President Claggett with characteristic gallantry bought a fine gold watch to be offered as a premium. Miss Turner, of Lee County, won the prize over the nine lady competitors who appeared in the lists, and got herself reported as follows: "She guided her horse with consummate grace and bore herself so lady-like in the ring, that she was the cynosure of all eyes." The society thus got a fine start in the outset, and has kept pace with the promise of its early history. In a state like Iowa, of such agricultural resources, the benfits of such a society were early seen and appreciated by many of the leading minds of the state, who devoted to it their fostering care and spared no pains to make it a success. The Legislature also encouraged it by appropriations, and has pursued a wise and liberal policy towards the agricultural interests of the state in general. The law provides an appropriation of one thousand dollars annually for the benefit of the society, to be paid by the Auditor of the State upon the order of the President of the society. It also provides that a meeting shall be held at the capital of the state on the second Wednesday of January in each year, at which the directors and officers shall be chosen, the place for holding the next annual exhibition determined, premiums on essays and field crops awarded, and all questions relating to the agricultural development of the state considered. The premium list and rules of exhibition are required to be determined and published by the Board of Directors prior to the first of April in each year, and the Board of Directors prior to the first of April in each year, and the Board of Directors are to make an annual report to the Governor, embracing the proceedings of the society and Board of Directors for the past year, an abstract of the proceedings of the several county societies, and a general view of the condition of agriculture throughout the state, accompanied by such essays, statements and recommendations as they may deem interesting and useful; the report to be published by the state under the supervision of the Secretary of the society. The Secretary of State is required to distribute the reports as follows: ten copies to the State University, ten to the State Library, ten to the State Agricultural College, one to each member of the General Assembly, and the remainder to the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, by him to be distributed to the county agricultural societies; and one copy shall be sent to the Board of Supervisors of each organized county in which there is an agricultural society. THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE AND FARM Ames, Story County The Iowa State Agricultural College and Farm were provided for by an act of the General Assembly, approved March 22, 1858. A Board of Trustees was appointed consisting of ex-Governor R. P. Lowe, John D. Wright, William Duane Wilson, M. W. Robinson, Timothy Day, Richard Gaines, John Pattee, G. W. F. Sherwin, Suel Foster, S. W. Henderson, Clement Coffin, and E. G. Day. The Board met in June, 1859. Propositions were received from Hardin, Polk Story, Marshall, Jefferson and Tama Counties, for the location of the college and farm. A selection was made at the next meeting in July, when the proposition of Story and Boone Counties was accepted, and the farm and site for the buildings located accordingly. The offer made by Story County and some of its citizens, and by the citizens of Boone County, embraced $10,000 of county bonds which had been voted by Story County, nearly $4,000 in individual notes at ten per cent interest from the date of location, payable in two years, and a thousand acres of unimproved land in Story and Boone Counties, in the vicinity of the farm. The lands are dry and rolling prairie of excellent quality, with about 150 acres of timber, a never-failing spring in the center of the farm, a good stone quarry near by, and plenty of clay for the manufacture of brick. The farm house and barn were erected in 1860-61. In 1864, the General Assembly made an appropriation of $20,000 for the erection of the college building. In June of that year the Building Committee, consisting of Suel Foster, Peter Melendy and A. J. Bronson, proceeded to let the contract. John Browne, of Des Moines, was employed as architect, and furnished the plans of the building, but was superseded in its construction by C. A. Dunham. The $20,000 appropriated by the General Assembly were expended in putting in the foundations and making the brick for the structure. An additional appropriation of $91,000 was made in 1866, and the building was completed in 1868. This college is an important institution in its relation to the agricultural interests of Iowa. Its control and management are in the hands of a Board of Trustees, no two of whom are elected from the same congressional district, and who receive a compensation of five dollars a day for each day actually spent in the discharge of their duties. Tuition in this college is made by law forever free to pupils from the state over sixteen years of age, who have been resident of the state six months previous to their admission. Each county in the state has a prior right of tuition for three scholars from each county; the remainder, equal to the capacity of the college, are by the trustees distributed among the counties in proportion to the population, and subject to the above rule. All sales of ardent spirits, wine or beer, are prohibited by law within a distance of three miles from the college, except for sacramental, mechanical, or medicinal purposes. The course of instruction in the Agricultural College embraces the following branches: Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Botany, Horticulture, Fruit Growing, Forestry, Animal and Vegetable Anatomy, Geology, Mineralogy, Meteorology, Entomology, Zoology, the Veterinary Art, Plane Mensuration, Leveling, Surveying, Book Keeping, and such Mechanical Arts as are directly connected with agriculture; also such other studies as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe not inconsistent with the purpose of the institution. The college is in a prosperous condition. Its resources are as follows: Funds arising from the sale and lease of lands and interest thereon, five sections in Jasper County, made available by act of Congress July 11, 1862, and 240,000 acres granted by act of Congress July 2, 1862, for the endowment of schools of agriculture and the mechanic arts. In 1862 and '63, 195,000 acres of these lands were located by the Commissioner, Peter Melendy, in the Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Des Moines districts, and since then other portions of these lands have been located by other commissioners; so that the amount patented to the state, and under the management of the board of trustees, is sufficient to create an adequate fund for the support of the Agricultural College. THE PENITENTIARY Fort Madison, Lee County The first act of the Territorial Legislature, relating to a penitentiary in Iowa, was approved January 25, 1839, the fifth section of which authorized the Governor to draw the sum of $20,000 appropriated by an act of Congress approved July 7, 1838, for public buildings in the Territory of Iowa. It provided for a board of directors of three persons elected by joint ballot of both houses of the Legislature, who should direct the building of the penitentiary, which should be located within one mile of the public square, in the Town of Fort Madison, Lee County, on condition that the citizens of Fort Madison should deed to the directors a portion of land suitable for a site, and assign them by contract a spring or stream of water for the use of the penitentiary. To the directors were also given the power of appointing the Warden; the latter to appoint his own assistants. The first directors appointed were John S. David and John Claypole. They made their first report to the Legislative Council November 9, 1839. The citizens of the Town of Fort Madison had executed a deed conveying ten acres of land for the building site. Amos Ladd was appointed Superintendent of the building June 5, 1839. The building was designed of sufficient capacity to contain one hundred and thirty-eight convicts and estimated to cost $55,933.90. It was begun on the 9th of July, 1839; the main building and warden's house were completed in the Fall of 1841. Other additions were made from time to time till the building and arrangements were all complete according to the plan of the directors. It has answered the purpose of the state as a penitentiary for more than thirty years, and during that period many items of practical experience in prison management have been gained. It has long been a problem, how to conduct prisons and deal with the criminal classes generally, in a manner to at once secure their good and subserve the best interests of the state. Both questions must be taken into consideration in any humanitarian view of the subject. Iowa has acted upon the enlightened policy, now rapidly gaining ground in all civilized countries, that the state is as well and even better protected by a course of humane treatment of her prisoners, in connection with the utilization of their labor for their own support, than by a course involving idleness and the needless cruelty of solitary confinement. The latter has been entirely abandoned, except in cases where it has been found necessary for discipline. The labor of the convicts in the Iowa penitentiary, as in most others in the United States, is let out to contractors, who pay the state a certain stipulated amount therefore, the state furnishing the shops, tools and machinery, as well as the supervision necessary to preserve order and discipline in the prison. Objections have sometimes been urged against thus bringing convict labor into competition with the industry of honest citizens, and necessarily cheapening the products of certain kinds of labor in the market. But such do not properly consider the effects of idleness and solitary confinement upon prisoners. Solitary confinement makes men morose, revengeful and often insane; it not infrequently drives them to suicide. For these reasons it has pretty generally been abandoned wherever it has been tried. Keeping convicts idle, too, does not seem advisable. The cost of supporting a thousand convicts, we will say, is $250,000 a year. Their labor defrays this cost, or a greater part of it. The state makes no profit on it. Now, if they are not supported by their own labor, they must be by the labor of the community. If they do not earn this $250,000 it must be added to the state taxes. The farmers, mechanics, manufacturers, and other honest men must assume the task of paying an extra quarter of a million dollars every year to support these prisoners in idleness. The latter now simply exchange their labor for food, clothing, fuel, medicines, etc. They consume $250,000 worth of the products of honest labor, and give in exchange for it an equal competition in the labor market with stonecutters, coopers, blacksmiths, shoemakers, tailors, wagonmakers, or other mechanical occupations; but they must work at some trade or lie idle. Most of these convicts go into the penitentiary because they had learned no trade, and finding themselves out of money or means of a livelihood, turned their attention to criminal actions to get a living. When they leave the prison they will have learned a trade, and thereafter be able to support themselves, and those dependent upon them, by honest means. This view of the matter has not been ignored in the Iowa penitentiary, but the fact that prisoners, though criminals, are nevertheless human beings, and entitled to live by their labor, has been fully recognized. If they gave back nothing, and were mere consumers, they would destroy $250,000 of the working capital every year, and to that extent diminish the wages fund of the community. If, in addition to this pecuniary view, we consider the moral and intellectual effects of idleness and solitary confinement, as compared with liberty, association and active employment on the part of prisoners, we shall see in a still stronger light the wisdom and humanity of the policy inaugurated by our modern prison reforms. Think of a thousand men busily employed, their minds elevated above the melancholy, the revenge, the morbid passions that brood in low, damp cells, within bolts and bars, from which hope is often excluded; the vent to the pent up fires which work always affords; the leisure for plotting and scheming mischief with it prevents; the occupation of the mind, instead, with objects for which to work in the acquirement of skill in their occupations, the application of the principles of their trades, and the exercise of the inventive faculty. All these are encouraged and made prominent in our prison systems of labor, and experience has demonstrated their salutary effects. Indeed, without the industries of the prison, its moral and religious appliances for the good of the convicts would be of little avail. As it is, the prisoners are shown in a practical way that efforts are being made it make men of them, and feeling that, they can the more readily accept of those influences calculated to make them Christians. ADDITIONAL PENITENTIARY Located at Anamosa, Jones County On the 23rd of April, 1872, the Fourteenth General Assembly appointed William Ure, Foster L. Downing and Martin Heisey, a Board of Commissioners to locate and provide fro the erection and control of an additional penitentiary for the State of Iowa. The Board met on the 4th of June at Anamosa, Jones County, and selected a site donated by the citizens within the corporate limits of that city. L. W. Foster & Co., architects, of Des Moines, were employed by the Board to furnish drawings and specifications. The work on the building was commenced on the 28th of September, 1872. It is at the present writing in a good state of progress, there being cells and accommodations for about sixty convicts, who are employed in the quarries and in labor on the building. On the 13th of May, 1873, twenty convicts were transferred from the penitentiary at Fort Madison. The building at Anamosa will be an imposing structure when completed. The entire enclosure consists of fifteen acres, with a frontage of 663 feet. The building, including the warden's house, which projects 71 feet from the main prison buildings, with its extended wings on either side, will be 434 feet in length, and at the highest point 85 feet in height, the cell rooms being 42 feet high. In front upon the street will be a neat iron fence enclosing three acres of ground and extending the whole length of the front. This enclosure will be filled with ornamental trees, shrubbery, flower beds and walks. The warden's house, prison cells, guard's hall, entrance hall to the dining room are in the shape of a cross, and a guard standing in the center of this hall can see to the extremity of either wing. A provision is made by which the guards mount the wall from the outside, and thus avoid the necessity of passing among the prisoners in mounting guard. The buildings, shops and walls will be built of stone obtained from the state quarry mentioned below, and the labor will be done by the prisoners chiefly. The entrance gate on the south, with it abutments of rustic work, 14 feet wide by 24 feet in height, will be a model of beauty. The following, taken from the Commissioner's report, contains the dimensions of the various buildings, workshops, walls, etc. when completed: "The plan adopted by the Board consists of two cell wings extending parallel with the front, each 52 by 192 feet, connected by a guards' hall, 50 by 50 feet. There are in each cell wing four tiers, sixty-two cells to each tier, making a total of 496 cells in the two wings, each cell being 4 feet 6 inches by 8 feet. The front building, or warden's house, is 50 by 80 feet; total height, 80 feet. In the rear of the guards' hall is the dining room, 42 by 112 feet; to the right of the dining room is the kitchen; to the left the laundry; over the dining room is the chapel. The building is 434 feet front by 300 feet deep. There are to be nine workshops, forming a square with the main building for the front, located near 50 feet from each other and the prison walls; seven shops will be 50 by 102 feet, and two will be 50 by 120 feet, with wings 40 by 80 feet; all two stories high, except one half of the wings to the last two shops, which are one story; the whole to be enclosed with a substantial stone wall." One the west, south and north this wall will be 22 feet in height, 7 feet wide at the base, and 4 feet wide at the top, with guard houses at proper distances, elevated several feet above the wall. The system of ventilation is as good as it is possible to make it. There is a space between the back of the cells, one foot in width, for an air chamber, through which the foul air escapes by means of registers in each cell. This passage extends through the different stories, allowing the fetid air finally to escape through the different foul air shafts. The present miscellaneous library, donated by the citizens of Anamosa, consisting of about two hundred volumes, is distributed among the prisoners and exchanged every Sabbath, and, besides breaking the monotony of prison life, affords opportunity for instruction. A Sabbath School, conducted by prominent citizens, is having a salutary influence upon the prisoners, and the preaching service every Sunday, without charge, furnished by clergymen in the vicinity, is not without its effects. The American Bible Society donated sixty-five Bibles for the use of the prisoners. STATE UNIVERSITY Located at Iowa City. The State University of Iowa was organized in 1856. The constitution gives it a permanent location at Iowa City. The objects of the University are to provide the best and most efficient means of imparting to young men and women, on equal terms, a liberal education, and thorough knowledge of the different branches of literature, the arts and sciences, with their diversified applications. It is provided by law, that so far as practicable, it shall begin its courses of study in its collegiate and scientific departments, at the points where the same are completed in the high schools of the state, and thus articulate with the highest department of the graded school system. No pupil is admitted who has not previously completed the elementary studies in such branches as are taught in the common schools of Iowa. The law provides that the University shall never be under the exclusive control of any religious denomination; that it shall be governed by a Board of Regents, consisting of the Governor of the State, who shall be President of the Board by virtue of his office, and the President of the University, who shall also be a member of the Board by virtue of his office, together with one person from each Congressional District of the state, who shall be elected by the General Assembly; that the University shall include a collegiate, scientific, normal, law, and such other departments, with such courses of instruction and elective studies as the Board of Regents may determine. Under this last head the medical department is included. All specimens of natural history, geology and mineralogy, which are collected by the state geologist, or by any others appointed by the state to investigate its natural history and physical resources, belong to, and are the property of the State University, and form a part of the cabinet of natural history, which is under the charge of the professor of that department. We embody in this article the following facts and statements taken from the last annual catalogue: THE UNIVERSITY comprises three separate Departments: THE ACADEMICAL, affording the largest facilities for liberal culture in both letters and science: THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW; THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE. The government of the University is vested in the President and the three Faculties. The government of each Department is vested in the President and the Faculty of that Department. The advantages of the University are offered to all who desire them, subject to the conditions stated in the following pages. The students of any Department may avail themselves of the facilities afforded in the other Departments to any extent consistent with their regular studies. It is the purpose of the Regents and the Faculties of the University to keep it, as nearly as possible, abreast with the most advanced educational spirit of the times. With this view they are extending the range of study, increasing the number of Professors and assistants, improving the facilities for instruction, and raising the standard of scholarship as rapidly as the treasury of the institution will allow, and the best interests of the students and the Commonwealth demand. It is believed that the youth of Iowa and adjacent states, who may come hither to qualify themselves for their various spheres of life, will find here all the means of professional and liberal culture which they can profitably employ. ACADEMICAL DEPARTMENT. The programme of study in this Department covers a period of six years. The period includes the sub-freshman, or preparatory course, of two years, and the usual college curriculum of four years. In the college curriculum there are four courses of study: Classical, Philosophical, Scientific, and Civil engineering. These courses are intended to be so diverse in their requirements and advantages, as to offer a reasonable range of choice to meet the different wishes, necessities, or tastes of the students. Every student, at the commencement of his Freshman year, will be required to make an election of one of these courses, with the intention of pursuing it till graduation, or so long as he may be a member of this Department. No student will be allowed, without permission from the Faculty, to change his elected course, or to pursue more than three studies at a time, except as required by the programme. Regular Students. – Any person complying with the terms of admission given below, will be allowed to select from the four courses such studies as he may prefer, under the direction of the Faculty. Irregular students will recite with the academical classes, and will sustain in all respects the same relation as other students to the University. Resident Graduates. – Graduates of this or other institutions desirous of prosecuting studies not included in their undergraduate course, may, on consultation with the President, become connected with the University for that purpose, and avail themselves of such faculties as the several chairs of instruction afford. TERMS OF ADMISSION. Applicants for admission to this Department must present testimonials of good moral character, and if coming from other colleges, must exhibit certificates of dismission in good standing. Those who enter at the beginning of the sub-Freshman course must be at least fourteen years of age, and those who enter at a later stage of study must be proportionally older. Applicants of every grade must pass an examination in English Grammar, Geography, History of the United States, Arithmetic, and Introductory Algebra (Ray's or Robinson's) as far as Quadratics. Candidates for the Freshman class will be examined in the studies of the sub- Freshman course, or their equivalent. Those proposing to enter any course at an advanced standing, will be examined in such studies of the course as may have been pursued previous to their admission. Regular examination will be held at eight o'clock A.M., on the Wednesday next preceding the opening of the Fall term in September. Examinations will also be granted at the beginning of the Winter and Spring terms, or at any other time, to suit the convenience of the applicant; but it is of the highest importance to every student that he present himself for admission in September, if possible, so as to begin his studies when the regular classes are formed. Special Students. – Any person applying for the privilege of pursuing the single line of study taught by any Professor, will be allowed to do so, on consultation with the President, and with consent of the Professor, without examination, and on payment of the fee for incidental expenses. The Board of Regents have authorized the Faculty to receive, without examination, all applicants for admission bringing certificates of qualification from those High Schools and Academies in which the required course of study embraces the branches named in our catalogue as preparatory for the sub- Freshman course, provided the instruction in said schools and academies be known to be of such a character as to justify this arrangement. The same privilege will be extended to candidates for the Freshman class upon presenting satisfactory testimonials of scholarship from the principals of such schools as shall be approved by the Faculty, after a report from a committee which shall have visited them at the request of the school authorities. This privilege may be revoked at the discretion of the Faculty whenever the students who may have been received under it shall show themselves to have been but poorly instructed in the preparatory schools. MILITARY SCIENCE By order of the President of the United States, at the request of the Regents of the University, Lieutenant Alexander D. Schenck, of 2nd U.S. Artillery, a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, and of the U.S. Artillery School, has been detailed to the Professorship of Military Science and Tactics. The object of this Professorship is stated by the Regents "not to give the students an extensive military education, but only so much military training and knowledge as will best consist with the required literary and scientific purposes of the University." The battalion is composed solely of such students as choose to join it. The enlistment is for one, two or three Academical terms. The duties prescribed by the Regents are one hour's drill three times a week during the Fall and Spring terms, for the entire battalion; and for Seniors and Juniors, one recitation or lecture per week through the Winter term, involving not over one and a half hours' study on the average. Cannon, muskets, swords and accoutrements are furnished by the Federal Government. Drums, fifes, flags, and other necessaries, are supplied by the Board of Regents. Elegant uniforms can be obtained by the students, at their own expense, for a much lower cost than ordinary clothing. CIVIL ENGINEERING It is the intention of those in charge of this course of study to prepare students for the same average usefulness in the usual affairs in life as other graduates, and in addition thereto to enable them, as inclinations direct and opportunities offer, to take an active part in the material progress of the times. It is therefore the purpose of those in charge to make it as thorough and practical as possible. With this end in view, frequent reference will be made to actual operations and constructions, data will be taken largely from real cases occurring in the experience of instructors and others, and the corresponding computations made by the students. The course in drawing includes a complete knowledge of all the fundamental principles of the science, as well as an application of those principles to the various kinds of drawing embraced in the course. Students under competent direction, have extensive, free and unrestricted use of the various instruments belonging to this chair, and thus become more familiar with them than is possible where such use is in any way curtailed. In view of the facts mentioned, it is expected to secure an easy transition from the work of the class room to the duties of the field engineer. APPARATUS AND LIBRARY Students pursuing this course will have the advantage of a valuable collection of standard works of reference; of a good supply of instruments; of the valuable charts published by the U.s. Lake and Coast Surveys; of maps and drawings of R. R. Surveys and Works; of about three thousand models from the Patent Office illustrating almost every branch of engineering; of numerous drawings and photographic views of machinery; besides a very fine bridge model, exhibiting in an elegant manner the strain upon the different parts of such a structure. Students in this course have free use of the general library, and ll appurtenances of the University. The Laboratory of Physical Science is open to students every school day, from 8 to 11 A.M. and from 2 till 5 P.M. The Laboratory occupies the entire first story of the north building, and covers an area of 3,500 square feet. The rooms are provided with cases, containing extensive collections of chemicals, crystals, minerals, rocks, and a cabinet of physical and chemical apparatus. The special Laboratory Library embraces many of the best works and periodicals on the different branches of Physical Science. The following Laboratory Courses are in operation: – A GENERAL COURSE in the Elements of Physics, Chemistry and Mineralogy, for students in the Sophomore class. – ELECTIVE COURSES FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS. 1. Theoretical and Practical Physics, embracing Optics, Calories, Electricity, Magnetism, and Molecular Physics. (three terms.) 2. Theoretical and Practical Chemistry. (Three terms) NATURAL SCIENCE THE CABINET AND MEANS OF ILLUSTRATION. – The Geological department of the cabinet is especially valuable as regards our own state, from the fact that all the collections of the State Geological Survey were, by law, given to the University. From time to time, collections are being added from equivalent strata elsewhere, as well as from formations that are not represented in Iowa. Besides the University collection, a very fine series of duplicates from the private collections of the Professor of Natural Science, embracing many of the rarer forms from Iowa, with typical species from the more noted localities of other states, is kept by the institution, and is accessible to all students of Geology. The Zoological department contains several thousand specimens, distributed among the various branches of the animal kingdom. A very large collection of crustaceans, shells, star fishes, corals, sponges, etc., formerly part of the great cabinet of H. T. Woodman, Esq., of Dubuque, has recently been added to the museum, and affords superior means of illustrating the diversified forms of marine invertebrates. Some hundreds of mounted specimens of our indigenous mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, etc., introduce the student to the fauna of the Northwest. The Botanical department contains a fair and constantly increasing number of preserved specimens of native plants. Illustrations for the classes, however, are now, and always must be, largely supplied by the fresh products of garden, wood and field. A good microscope is kept for frequent use in all the classes. A supply of charts, diagrams, models, etc., illustrating the science taught in this department, is unusually complete. The method of instruction in Natural Science combines text book recitations and lectures, with laboratory practice and field work, the aim being to lead students as far as possible to become independent observers of Nature. DIDACTICS The design of this chair is to prepare teachers for advanced schools. Hence only those academical seniors who intend to become teachers, and special students who may be qualified to be classed with them, are allowed to pursue the normal studies. Didactics, in the higher sense, includes the philosophy of mind, the laws of mental development, and all those branches of study and methods of instruction that are employed in general education. The course of study and the methods of teaching in the Academical Department are such as would be selected if that department were organized and carried forward for the sole purpose of educating teachers for advanced schools. Such teachers need, primarily, accurate scholarship united with liberal culture. The instruction given in Language, Science, Mathematics and Literature meet the demand. INSTRUCTION. The exercises in the Normal Class consist of: textbook recitations, expository readings from standard works on education, discussions in which all the members of the class are expected to participate, lessons in method, observations in public schools, examination of text books in common use and the reports thereon, together with lectures on various subjects relating to the history and systems of education in our own and other countries, to the organizing, grading and governing of schools, and the duties and responsibilities of principals and superintendents. It is believed that those who avail themselves of the opportunities thus afforded in the University will be instructed in all the learning necessary to fit them for the work of teaching, and in all the methods that will qualify them to do it well. The professors in the Academical Department not only make use of text books and recitations, but vary the exercises of the classroom with occasional or serial lectures on such subjects – literary, scientific, and historical – as relate to their respective chairs, and are adapted to the several stages of progress which their classes may have reached. A public examination at the close of each term will decide the rank of every student in this department. A record is kept of the attainments of every student, and information concerning the same will be communicated to the parent or guardian when rendered necessary by irregularity of attendance or a low grade of scholarship. Those who complete the required course in a satisfactory manner will, on receiving the degree of A.B. or B. Ph., be entitled to a certified testimonial of qualifications as teachers, and after two years of successful teaching may receive the degree of Bachelor of Didactics. LIBRARY. The Normal Library is supplied with standard educational works, reports of city and state superintendents, many of the leading educational journals of this country and England, sets of common school books, and apparatus for primary, grammar, and high schools, which students are required to read and examine. The library of this department contains from six to seven thousand works, representing the various departments of literature and science, besides cyclopaedias and other books of reference, periodicals both home and foreign. The University Reporter is a sixteen-page monthly paper, conducted by the students, and aided by contributions from the Faculty and former graduates. Terms: one dollar per year, in advance. Address, University Reporter, Box 270, Iowa City. Connected with the University are the Erodelphian and Hesperian, composed of ladies; the Zetagathean and Irving Institute, consisting of gentlemen. ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. A thorough knowledge of the history, structure and use of our own language is considered by the Regents of University and the Faculty of this department an indispensable element of the higher education. To furnish abundant facilities for gaining this knowledge s their steadfast wish and aim. The general plan pursued in English literature is as follows: In the Fall term the origin and growth of the language are carefully studied, together with the lives and literary labors of distinguished English authors from the earliest times to the present. In the Winter term, the writing of Chaucer, Spencer, Shakespeare, Bacon, Milton, Addison and others are critically examined, with a view to the just appreciation of their thought and style. Considerable time is also devoted to syntactical analysis and to tracing words to their origin in the Anglo-Saxon and other tongues. In the Spring term, the poets, orators, and miscellaneous prose writers of America receive special consideration. LAW DEPARTMENT. The Department of Law is now in the tenth year of its existence, having been founded in the year 1865 (as a distinct institution at Des Moines, under the name of the Iowa Law School), and incorporated with the University in 1868. Two hundred and fifty-six students have already received the degree of L.L. B., and the number of graduates, as well as of those in attendance for periods less than the entire course, increases steadily with each successive year. Law students are subject to the general regulations of the University, but not to those designed expressly for members of the Academical Department. The course of study in the department is so arranged as to be completed within a single year, beginning in September and ending at the annual University Commencement, the last of June. It is divided into three terms, corresponding with those of the Academical Department. The course is intended to embrace all branches of a complete legal education, so far as practicable within the time allotted, and to prepare students for the bar of any of the United States – special attention, however, being given to the subjects most likely to be useful in Western practice. An Advanced Course, requiring another year of study, was established in the Summer of 1874, and has been in operation during the whole of the past year. For the present, however, this course will be optional, and no change will be made in the requirements for graduation. As the diploma of the school admits its graduates to all the courts of the state, the authorities of the University do not feel at liberty to make any change in the previous conditions for a degree until the Legislature have had an opportunity to pass upon such change, and to make it a part of the statutory conditions for the practice of law. In the meantime every effort will be given to make this optional advanced course of value to such students as desire to make the most thorough and complete preparations for the practice of law. It will be open without additional charge to all students who have already completed the regular course, will commence at the same time with the latter, and extend through the year. It will embrace, first, a thorough revision of all the topics of the first year; second, special applications of the principles of law to the specific questions occurring in practice; third, the study of general jurisprudence, and the philosophy of law. This advanced course will be henceforth a permanent feature of the school. Graduates of this department will be admitted to it without charge for tuition; all others will be expected to pass an examination equivalent to that required for the degree of L.L. B., and to pay the regular tuition fees. Such students, after completing the advanced course, will receive their degree as graduates of this institution. LIBRARY AND TEXT BOOKS The library of this department contains about 2,500 volumes of treatises and reports, selected expressly for the use of the school, and will be enlarged as rapidly as the funds granted for that purpose by the Regents will admit. It already includes the reports of nearly all the Northern States, with a large collection of English and Federal reports. The library is open every day in the term, from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., and students of the department have free access to it for purposes of study or reference. Especial attention is directed by the instructors to familiarizing the class with the contents of the library, and teaching them to look up authorities, make up briefs, - in short, training them to find for themselves the law upon any subject desired. EXPENSES Board and lodging, 38 weeks, $3 to $5 per week ………..$114 to $190 Tuition ……………………………………………………. 50 " 50 Books, hired ………………………………………………. 10 " 10 Washing and incidentals ………………………………….. 10 " 40 ____ ____ $184 to $290 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT THE PLAN OF THIS DEPARTMENT requires the attendance of the students through two annual sessions, but should the American Medical Association recommend an extension of the time to three sessions, and a specified amount of preparatory study in order to admission, the Faculty of the institution will cheerfully aid in carrying out that object. Students of both sexes are admitted on equal terms, and afforded in all respects the same facilities for acquiring a thorough medical education. The following remarks set forth some of the incitements to study and facilities for the acquisition of medical knowledge furnished by this school: EXAMINATION OF STUDENTS. – The students are examined every day on the lectures of the previous day, and the standing recorded for future reference. CLINICAL DUTIES OF THE STUDENTS. – Advanced students are required to make examinations at the clinics, and to prescribe for the patients. OPERATIONS ON THE CADAVER. – All kinds of surgical operation on the cadaver are performed by the students in the presence of the class, and under the direction of the Professor of Surgery. PRIVATE INSTRUCTION. – Private instruction in all the departments of medicine is furnished to all who may wish to avail themselves of such opportunities. HOSPITAL AND CLINICS. – The Department has facilities for clinical instruction unsurpassed in the Western States. The University Hospital, located within two blocks of the University, not only affords ample accommodations to all who may apply for treatment, but has a large and convenient amphitheater where from four to five hundred cases of disease have been exhibited to the students during the last year. A SPECIAL ADVANTAGE of the hospital is the opportunity afforded to members of the class for observing the treatment of cases in company with the attending physician when making his daily rounds. PRACTICAL ANATOMY. – The thorough study of Practical Anatomy will be required of every student. Facilities for obtaining material are such than an abundant supply will always be provided. The Professor and Demonstrator of Anatomy will be always ready to aid the student in his anatomical studies. The Anatomical Museum will be open to students at all hours when lectures are not in progress. EXAMINING COMMITTEE. – The qualifications of each graduating class are guaranteed by the fact that a committee selected fro the membership of the State Medical Society takes part in the examination at the close of each annual session. CHEMICAL LABORATORY. – The Chemical Laboratory is open six hours daily, for the study of practical chemistry. Courses in Chemical Analysis, Urine Analysis, and Pure Toxicology have been specially arranged for medical students. SPECIAL CHEMICAL STUDY. – To students who remain at the University after the close of the annual session, an opportunity will be given during the ensuing three months for the study of Analytical Chemistry. FEES. Lecture fees for the entire course ……………………………………$20.00 Matriculation ticket …………………………………………………….5.00 Demonstrator's ticket ………………………………………………….10.00 Graduation fee …………………………………………………………25.00 Hospital ticket …………………………………………………….. Gratuitous No charge for material. In explanation of these very low charges, it ought to be stated that the Medical (like every other) Department of the University, is only partially sustained by students' fees, but depends for its support, very largely, on the biennial appropriations of the legislature, and the income of a fund derived from the sale of lands granted by the Federal Congress. In consequence of this liberality, the University is able, every year, to increase the number of well qualified physicians, and to abate the evil of professional incompetency, and of popular ignorance concerning the fitness of not a few so called doctors for their responsible and difficult duties. GRADUATION. Each candidate for graduation must undergo a satisfactory examination in all the branches taught in the Department, and present an acceptable thesis, in his own handwriting, and on a subject connected with some branch of medicine. The candidate must notify the Dean, in writing, during the first week of February, of his or her intention to become an applicant for graduation, and at the same time present the thesis and graduation fee. In case of a failure to graduate, the fee and thesis will be returned. THE AD EUNDEM DEGREE in this Department may be conferred under the following circumstances: the candidate must be in possession of an accredited diploma, and must present letters from two respectable physicians as to moral character and professional standing. An attendance upon lectures, from time to time, is expected during the session, and a satisfactory examination must be passed on all the subjects taught in the Department. From those who receive the ad eundem degree, the matriculation fee, and a fee of $25, will be required. PRIZES For the best performed dissection of Surgical Anatomy, Prof. Peck will give an operating case worth $50. For the second best dissection, Prof. Peck will give a pocket case of instruments worth $25. For the best anatomical dissection of the vessels and nerves of the neck, Prof. Clapp will give a packet case of instruments worth $30. Prof. Shrader offers a prize of $25 for the best thesis on perpetual fever. For the best experimental work in Physiological Chemistry, Prof. Hinrichs will give a set of apparatus for urine analysis worth $25. For the best record of the Medical Clinics during the session, Prof. Robertson will give a post mortem case of instruments worth $25. For the best thesis on some medical subject, Prof. Robertson will give a set of Physical Diagnosis instruments worth $15. The committee on public examinations will award these prizes, but will reserve the right to reject any specimen of work not sufficiently meritorious, when there is but one competitor. THE MUSEUM. Has recently received large additions to its collection of wet and dried preparations in the various Departments, together with articles in wax and papier mache for illustrating the lectures. SUMMARY OF STUDENTS ACADEMICAL DEPARTMENT – Seniors 33 " " - Juniors 36 " " - Sophomores 37 " " - Freshmen 40 – 146 " " - Sub-Freshnen 187 " " - Not in Course 90 LAW DEPARTMENT 106 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 94 _____ 623 Counted Twice 3 Total _____ 620 In this brief summary of the State University, we have aimed more to represent the general spirit, and some special and important features of the Institution, than to give a full catalogue in every particular. The details of the courses of study I the different departments, and the names of the Faculties have been purposely omitted as belonging more properly to a catalogue than to this general branch of history. STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY In connection with the University, there was provided for by act of the General Assembly, approved January 28, 1857, a State Historical Society. An appropriation of $250 was made a sa beginning, to be expended in collecting, embodying, and preserving in an authentic form, a library of books, pamphlets, charts, maps, manuscripts, papers, paintings, statuary, and other materials illustrative of the History of Iowa; and with the further object to rescue from oblivion the memory of the early pioneers; to obtain and preserve various accounts of their exploits, perils and hardy adventures; to secure facts and statements, relative to the history, genius, and progress or decay of the Indian tribes of Iowa; to exhibit faithfully the antiquities, and past and present resources of the state; to aid in the publication of such collections of the Society as shall from time to time be deemed of value and interest; to aid in binding its books, pamphlets, manuscripts and papers, and in defraying other necessary incidental expenses of the Society. There is appropriated by law to this institution, till the General Assembly shall otherwise direct, the sum of $500 per annum. The Society is under the management of a Board of Curators, consisting of eighteen persons, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor, and nine elected by the members of the Society. The Curators receive no compensation for their services. The annual meeting is provided for by law, to be held at Iowa City on Monday preceding the last Wednesday in June of each year. The law requires that there shall be delivered to the Society twenty bound copies of the reports of the Supreme Court, and of all other books and documents published by the state, for the purpose of effecting exchanges with similar societies in other states and countries, and for preservation in its library and other purposes of the Society. The State Historical Society has published a series of very valuable collections, including history, biography, sketches, reminiscences, etc., with quite a large number of finely engraved portraits of prominent and early settlers, under the title of "Annals of Iowa." This work has attained to its thirteenth volume, and is highly esteemed for its contributions to the history of the state. HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE Mount Pleasant, Henry County This institution was established by an act of the General Assembly, approved January 24, 1855. A Board of Commissioners was appointed, consisting of the Governor of the state, Edward Johnston, of Lee County, and Charles S. Blake, of Henry County, to locate and erect the building. The location selected was Mount Pleasant, Henry County. The plan of the building was furnished by Dr. Bell, of the McLean Asylum, near Boston, and was accepted by the commissioners. The work was commenced in October, 1855, under the superintendence of Mr. Henry Winslow. The building was constructed with a capacity for three hundred parents. It is an imposing structure, covering an area of 50,000 superficial feet; the entire length of the foundation is 2230 feet; the center or main portion of the building is 54 feet high, including four stories; the wings extending east and west from the center building, are 42 feet in height, containing three stories. The entire outside of the building is of cut stone, and in its arrangement and furnishing contains every modern improvement. The following were the appropriations for the building and other purposes up to the last mentioned date: Approdriated for site January 24, 1855. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,425.00 First appropriation for building January 24, 1855 . . . . . 50,000.00 Second appropriation for building July 2, 1856 . . . . . . . 50,000.00 Third appropriation for building January 28, 1857. . . . . 40,000.00 Saline land fund from July 14, 1856, to March 28, 1858 14,130.67 Appropriated February 25, 1838. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000.00 __________ Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $258,555.67 R. J. Patterson, M.D., of Ohio, was chosen first Superintendent in 1861, and the institution was formally opened with religious exercises on the 6th day of March of that year. The law provides that the hospitals for the insane (this and the one at Independence) shall be under the charge of five trustees, two of whom may be women, and three of whom shall form a quorum for the transaction of business. The superintendent of the hospital shall be a physician of acknowledged skill and ability in his profession, and shall be the chief executive officer of the institution. The arrangement for entering patients is in substance as follows: In each county in the state there is a Board of three Commissioners of Insanity, the clerk of the circuit court being a member of the board and clerk of the same, and the other two being respectively a respectable practicing physician, and a respectable lawyer. These are appointed by the judge of the circuit court. They have cognizance of all applications for admission to the hospital, or for the safe keeping otherwise of insane persons within their respective counties. For the purpose of the discharge of their duties, they have power to subpoena witnesses and administer oaths. After due investigation, upon the certificate of a physician, who may or may not be a member of the board, the commissioners decide the question of the sanity or insanity of the person for whom application is made, and, if declared insane, issue their warrant for the admission of such person to the hospital. The board and other expenses of patients at the hospital are paid by the respective counties, the supervisors levying a tax therefor, which by the county auditor is reported to the state auditor, and placed to the credit of the state for the hospital. HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. Independence, Buchanan County. A bill providing for an additional hospital for the insane, passed the General Assembly in the Winter of 1967-8, making an appropriation for that object of $125,000. Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton County; E. G. Morgan, of Webster County; and Albert Clark, of Buchanan County, were appointed Commissioners to locate and supervise the erection of the building. Mr. Clark died about a year after his appointment, and Hon. G. W. Bemis, of Independence, was appointed to fill the vacancy. The bill required a donation of 320 acres of land within two and a half miles of the city, which was soon provided for by those interested in the work. The site was approved by the commissioners at a meeting held in June, 1868. The plan of the building, drafted and submitted by Col. S. B. Shipman, of Madison, Wisconsin, is as follows: When completed it will present a front view of 762 feet, consisting of a main center building and wings constructed in longitudinal and transverse sections, each receding toward the rear from the center building. The main center building is 60 x 100 feet, four stories in height besides Mansard roof. The wings are composed, first, of a longitudinal section 45 x 72 feet; then a transverse section 36 x 87 ½ feet; then a longitudinal section 26 x 56 feet; ending in a transverse building 35 x 72 feet. The longitudinal sections are all three stores high with plain slate roof; the transverse sections three stories and Mansard roof. Back of the main building is located the rear center building, the front section of which is 42 x 60 feet, three stories above the basement, the upper story being the chapel, and connected with the main building by a corridor seven feet wide by twenty long. The rear section of this building is 44 x49 feet, three stories above the basement, and connected with the fan tower and engine house by a passage forty feet long. The engine house, directly in the rear of the center building, is 55 x 115 feet, one story high with a roomy attic, which is for the purpose of a workshop, and contains considerable machinery. The main buildings are constructed of dressed Jamestone from the quarries at Anamosa and Farley. The basements are of the local granite worked from the immense boulders found in large quantities in this portion of the state. The first contract for erecting the two northern buildings was awarded to David Armstrong, of Dubuque, at a contract price of $88,114. At the end of the first season the commissioners became satisfied that the interests of the state would be better subserved by having the work done by the day, and an amicable arrangement was effected accordingly. Since then the work has progressed under the immediate supervision of Mr. George Josselyn, superintendent of construction. Appropriations have been made as follows: Twelfth General Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 Thirteenth General Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165,000 Fourteenth General Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000 Fifteenth General Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93,900 _______ Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $583,900 The cost of the buildings when completed, will probably be not far from a million dollars. COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND Vinton, Benton County The Iowa College for the Blind was established pursuant to an act of the General Assembly, approved January 18, 1853. It was organized at Iowa City by the appointment of Professor S. Bacon, Principal, Professor T. J. McGittigen, Teacher of Music, and Mrs. S. Bacon, Matron. The first Board of Trustees were: Robert Walker, Johnson County, President; George W. McCleary, Johnson County, Secretary; Robert Hutchinson, Johnson County, Treasurer. The institution was opened for the reception of pupils, April 4, 1853. During the first term twenty-three were admitted. In 1855, the General Assembly made an annual appropriation for the College of $55 per quarter for each pupil. This was subsequently changed to $3,000 per annum, and a charge of $25 as an admission fee for each pupil, which sum, with the amounts realized from the sale of articles manufactured by the blind pupils, proved sufficient for the expenses of the institution during Mr. Bacon's administration. Although Mr. Bacon was blind, he was a fine scholar and an economical manager, and had founded the Blind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. As a mathematician he had few superiors. On the 8th of May, 1858, the Board of Trustees met at Vinton, and in pursuance of law, made arrangements for securing the donation of $5,000 made by the citizens of that town. In June of that year a quarter section of land was donated for the College by John W. O. Welsh and others. The trustees adopted the following plan for a building: Main structure 108 by 64 feet; the center portion (projecting 6 feet in front), 54 feet long, with four stories above the basement, ranging from 14 to 11 feet in height. The entire height from basement to cornice, 64 feet, and the distance from the basement to the square of the cupola 76.33 feet. The entire area covered by the building (including portico and steps), 7, 680 feet. The building is to be in the Ionic style of architecture. In 1860 the plan of the building was somewhat modified, and the contract for enclosing let to Messrs. Finkbine and Lovelace for $10,420. The building was so far completed as to admit the school in October, 1862, at which time it was removed from Iowa City. It numbered then about forty pupils. The College for the Blind is under the management of a board of six trustees, chosen by the General Assembly. An appropriation of $8,000 per annum is made for its support and for current expenses, so much as is necessary, not to exceed $40 a quarter for each pupil. All blind persons, residence of the state, of suitable age and capacity, are entitled to an education in this institution at the expense of the state, and persons not residents can avail themselves of the benefits of the institution by paying to the treasurer the sum of forth dollars per quarter, in advance, provided that no such person shall be so received to the exclusion of any resident of the state. Connected with the College, and under the same board of management, is an Industrial Home for such blind persons in the state as are dependent upon their own labor for their support. In this department a strict itemized business account is kept by the Superintendent with every person, and thus, in connection with self- support, rigid accountability and business habits are inculcated. INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County. The Iowa Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was established at Iowa City by an act of the General Assembly, approved January 24, 1855. The number of deaf mutes then in the state was 301; the number attending the institution 50. The first Board of Trustees was composed of the following persons: Honorable Samuel J. Kirkwood, Honorable E. Sells, W. Penn Clarke, J. P. Wood, H. D. Downey, William Crum, and W. E. Ijams, Principal. On the resignation of Mr. Ijams in 1862, the Board appointed I his stead Mr. Benjamin Talbot, for nine years a teacher in the Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. Mr. Talbot was ardently devoted to the interests of the institution and a faithful worker for the unfortunate class under his charge. In the report for 1867-8 he says: "Herewith is appended a catalogue of the pupils in attendance for the current two years, which are embraced in this report – Males, 60; females, 38; total, 98. I will h ere observe that not more than one third of the counties in the state are represented in the school at any one time; while our state census this year shows sixty-six counties, reporting deaf and dumb inhabitants in numbers varying from one to eighteen in a county. Of course many of these are either too old or too young to be at school; but, as shown by the census, there is an apparent indifference or ignorance on the part of parents and friends of deaf mutes as to the facilities furnished by the state for their education. Those connected with the institution would again urge that every friend of the unfortunate class would use all reasonable diligence to send these children to the school before they become too old to profit by its advantages. We appeal to the justice and generosity of the Legislature of Iowa to deal fairly and liberally with this unfortunate class of her citizens, confident that our claim is just, and trusting that it will receive due attention and be followed by proper action. In this trust we go forward in the duties assigned us here." After a considerable effort to transfer the institution to Des Moines, the General Assembly in 1866 passed an act locating it permanently at Council bluffs. In 1868 an appropriation of $2,000 was made for the repair of the rented building. Commissioners were appointed by the act of the General Assembly to locate a site for a new building and to superintend its erection. They selected ninety acres of land about two miles south of the city of Council Bluffs. The greater portio of the selection is rich and well-drained bottom land, but extending back and embracing a beautiful plat of table land for the location of the magnificent edifice which it was proposed to erect. The plan adopted for the building required it to be similar n structure to the Illinois Institution for the Deaf and dumb, at Jacksonville, with a main frontage of 400 feet in length. The General Assembly appropriated $125,000 to begin the work of construction. The main building and one of the lateral wings were completed on the first of October, 18709, and immediately occupied by the school. The other lateral wing remains yet to be erected. The contract price of the main building and wing completed in 1870 was $300,000. This institution is under the management of a board of trustees, elected every four years by the General Assembly. Every deaf and dumb child in the state of suitable age is entitled to an education in this institution at the state's expense; for which purpose the sum of $12,000 is annually appropriated. SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' HOMES. Davenport, Cedar Falls, Glenwood The movement which originated this institution was made by Mrs. Annie Wittenmyer during the late rebellion. This patriotic lady called a convention to meet at Muscatine, on the 7th of October, 1863, the object of which was to devise means for the support and education of the orphan children of Iowa soldiers. The interest in the subject was so great as to call forth a large representation from different parts of the state, and an association was formed, consisting of the following persons, under the name of the Iowa State Orphan Asylum: Caleb Baldwin, George G. Wright, R. P. Lowe, Samuel J. Kirkwood, William M. Stone, J. W. Cartell, N. H. Brainerd, C. C. Cole, Oran Faville, John R. Needham, S. S. Deming, Mrs. Hancock, Mrs. Newcomb, Isaac Pendleton, Mrs. Stephens, James G. Day, Mrs. Bagg, Mrs. Cadle, H. C. Henderson, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Crandall, Mrs. Darwin, E. ?H Williams J. B. Howell, Mrs. Shields, Mrs. Wittenmyer, Miss Mary Kibben, Miss E. M. Shelton, Elijah Sells, Dr. Horton, and C. Dunham. By the articles of incorporation, any individual, or association numbering as many as ten persons, could become a member for life by paying the sum of twenty-five dollars, or a member for one year by paying five dollars. The officers of the association were a President, six Vice Presidents – one from each Congressional District – a Treasurer, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and a Board of Trustees, consisting of twelve persons – two from each Congressional District. The officers first elected were: President, William M. Stone; Vice Presidents, Mrs. G. G. Wright, Mrs. R. L. Cadle, Mrs. J. T. Hancock, John R. Needham, J. W. Cattell, Mrs. Mary M. Bagg; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kibben; Corresponding Secretary, Miss M. E. Shelton; Treasurer, N. H. Brainerd; Board of Trustees, Mrs. Annie Wittenmyer, Mrs. C. B. Darwin, Mrs. D. T. Newcomb, Mrs. L. R. Stephens, O. Faville, E. H. Williams, T. S. Parvin, Mrs. Shields, Caleb Baldwin, C. C. Cole, Isaac Pendleton, H. C. Henderson. The Trustees held their first meeting in the Hall of Representatives at Des Moines, February 14, 1864. Governor Stone presided. Committees were present from both branches of the Assembly, and were invited to participate. Governor Kirkwood presented a proposition that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected with the institution. Various plans for raising funds were discussed, and it was agreed that agents should be appointed to each county, with sub-agents in every town, who should solicit subscriptions. At the next meeting, held at Davenport in March, 1864, the Trustees, finding a considerable in the Treasury, decided to make immediate arrangements for the reception of children. A committee was accordingly appointed, with instructions to lease a building, procure a steward and solicit donations of furniture from Aid Societies. Other committees were appointed to secure the co-operation of the Masons, Odd Fellows, and other organizations of the state. Rev. P. P. Ingalls was appointed general agent, with instructions to visit every county in the state, and eery regiment in the army, for the purpose of soliciting contributions. The committee appointed for the purpose, of which Mr. Howell, of Keokuk, was chairman, leased a large brick building in Lawrence, Van Buren County, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mount Pleasant, as Steward. In June, 1864, the first annual meeting of the Association was held in Des Moines, and though only six months had elapsed since its first formation, its members were numerous. From one single county, Des Moines, six hundred and fifty dollars were handed in, claiming six memberships, and as many more were subscribed for but not paid. Mr. C. B. Baldwin, Mrs. G. G. Wright, Mrs. Dr . Horton, Miss Mary E. Shelton, and Mr. George Sherman, were appointed a committee to furnish the building and take all necessary steps for opening the "Home." A committee was also appointed to frame rules for the government of the "Home," and report the same at the next meeting of the Board. Notice was given that at the next meeting of the Association a motion would be made to change the name of the Institution to Iowa Orphan's Home. The Executive Committee, in accordance with instructions, proceeded with the work of preparation, and on the 13th of July, 1864, announced that inmates would be received. In three weeks twenty-one were admitted, and the number constantly increased, so that I a little more than six months from the time of opening, there were seventy children admitted, and twenty more applications which the Committee had not acted upon – all orphans of soldiers. The Board, at a subsequent meeting, adopted the rules reported by the committee, and elected officers of the institution. Miss M. Elliott, of Washington was chosen Matron. She resigned in February, 1865, and Mrs. E. G. Platt, of Fremont County, was chosen in her place. The institution was supported by voluntary contributions, till it was assumed by the state in 1866. The act of the General Assembly provided for several such Homes in different counties, and in accordance with its provisions they have been established in Scott County at Davenport, in Black Hawk County at Cedar Falls, and in Mills County at Glenwood. (For further particulars respecting these institutions, see histories of the above counties.) The Board of Trustees elected by the General Assembly to have the oversight and management of the Soldiers' Orphans' Homes of the state, consists of one person from each county in which such home is located, and one for the state at large, who hold their office two years, or until their successors are elected and qualified. An appropriation of ten dollars per month for each orphan actually supported is made by the General Assembly. REFORM SCHOOL Eldora, Hardin County The act of the General Assembly establishing this school was approved March 31, 1868. On the 28th of April following, the Trustees held their first meeting. The contract for the erection of the building was let to Clark & Haddock September 21, 1868. On the 7th of October, 1868, was received from Jasper County the first boy, as an inmate of the institution. The Board of Trustees consists of five persons, elected by the General Assembly, who receive mileage, but no compensation for their services. The object of this school is the reformation of such boys and girls, not over the age of eighteen, as may be committed to its care. To thi s end the state makes the following provision: The Trustees shall cause the boys and girls under their charge to be instructed in piety and morality, and in such branches of useful knowledge as are adapted to their age and capacity, and in some regular course of labor, either mechanical, manufacturing, or agricultural, as is best suited to their age, strength, disposition and capacity, and as may seem best adapted to secure the reformation and future benefit of the boys and girls. The Trustees shall visit and examine the school and inspect the exercises and progress made both in their labor and studies, and the register and accounts of the superintendent. With the consent of parents or guardians, they may bind out any of the boys or girls to suitable persons who desire their services, till they attain their majority, or for a short4er period. Any boy or girl committed to the State Reform School shall be there kept, disciplined, instructed, employed, and governed, under the direction of the Trustees until he or she arrives at the age of majority, or is bound out, reformed, or legally discharged. The binding out or discharge of a boy or girl as reformed, or having arrived at the age of majority shall be complete release from all penalties incurred by conviction of the offense for which he or she was committed. THE STATE LIBRARY In the Capitol Building, Des Moines The number of books and pamphlets now in the State Library is 12,004, exclusive of duplicates, of which there are about 4,000. The increase since the last previous report of the librarian has been 2,075 volumes of which 792 have been received by purchase, 1,046 by exchange and 237 by donation. At the time of the appointment of the present librarian, Mrs. Ada North, the library did not possess a complete set of the laws and legislative papers of the state. Those missing with one exception, have been obtained, either by gift or purchase and the library contains now excepting only the Council Journal of 1840-41, full sets of the Iowa laws, journals and documents, in good bindings. Several of the very scarce territorial laws have been generously donated by Honorable David Rorer, from his private collection, and Professor Parvin has supplied a number of the House and Council Journals. Additional cases of shelving have been placed in the library and are already filled to overflowing. The Trustees of the State Library have instructed the librarian to call the attention of the General Assembly to the fact that the library, with its valuable collection of books and documents, is wholly uninsured, with the recommendation that it receives the proper attention in that regard. By Chapter 104, Laws of 1872, the State Library has received 236 copies of each law report published since the enactment, the proceeds of which are devoted to the purchase of law books. Of these about 500 copies have been exchanged for law books, to the number of 382 volumes. The Board of Trustees of the State Library consists of the Governor, Judges of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Instruction, of which the Governor is President. The sum of one thousand dollars per annum is appropriated by the General Assembly for the purchase of books for the library.