UCCSN Board of Regents' Meeting Minutes
November 30, 1927
11-30-1927
Volume 5 - Pages 5-16
Reno, Nevada
November 30, 1927
The regular full-Board meeting of the Regents was held in Pres-
ident Clark's Office on Wednesday, November 30, 1927, beginning
at 9 o'clock, all members and President Clark being present.
Judge Brown moved that the minutes of August 31st and of Septem-
ber 30th be approved. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On motion of Mr. Wingfield, List No. 12, Regents Checks Nos.
7153 to 7167, for a total of $50,608.05, and List No. 11, State
Claims Nos. 117 to 121 for a total of $3,828.75, were approved
by the following vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Chairman Pratt read a letter from the Reno National Bank in
re. surety bonds, after which Judge Brown moved that the Regents
accept, in lieu of bonds deposited with the State Treasury any
surety bond approved by the Regents and that the Regents do ac-
cept the bond of the Company mentioned by the Reno National Bank,
the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, and that a copy
of this Resolution be sent to the State Treasurer. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
At the request of Director Fulton of the Mackay School of Mines
President Clark recommended that Mr. R. M. Oliver be reemployed
in the Museum of the Mackay School of Mines for the 3-month
period beginning December 1, 1927, at $150 per month. Judge
Talbot moved the adoption of the President's recommendation.
Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
President Clark recommended the acceptance of the resignation
of Charles M. Chatfield, Fellow in Chemistry, effective as of
October 31st, which had been submitted to him by Dr. Sears, Head
of the Department of Chemistry. Mr. Williams moved that the
President's recommendation be complied with and that the resig-
nation of Charles M. Chatfield as Fellow in Chemistry be accept-
ed, effective October 31, 1927. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On the recommendation of Dr. George W. Sears, President Clark
recommended the election of S. Allan Lough, A. B., Denver, 1924;
M. S., Michigan, 1927, as Instructor in Chemistry, to succeed
Dr. Truesdail resigned. Mr. Lough's appointment is to be ef-
fective January 1, 1928 at an initial salary of $1800. Mr.
Wingfield moved the adoption of the President's recommendation.
Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
President Clark recommended that the Regents, in accord with
their custom subscribe for 85 copies of the 1928 Artemisia at
the price of $300, each copy of the Artemisia to contain a full
page advertisement of the University. Judge Brown moved the
adoption of the President's recommendation. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
President Clark recommended that for this year the Regents
should subscribe for 60 copies of the Desert Wolf at $72 a year,
or $18 a quarter, the Wolf to carry a half page advertisement
of the University. Mr. Williams moved the adoption of the Pres-
ident's recommendation with understanding that the President
should suggest to the Publications Board of the students that
the Regents saw no necessity for this publication and if con-
tinued they would probably not continue to support it. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
President Clark told of Director Fulton's suggestion that ex-
emption from the non-resident tuition charge might be made to
employees or children of employees of the Mackay Companies.
The Regents expressed themselves as not in favor of this plan.
President Clark recommended the acceptance of the resignation of
Clarence H. Kent, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
to be effective June 30, 1928, in accord with the request of Mr.
Kent. Judge Brown moved the acceptance of the President's recom-
mendation. Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
It was the sense of the Board that the downspouts and gutters
at Lincoln Hall should be repaired and installed, at an approxi-
mate cost of $700, without further delay.
Judge Talbot submitted the following motion:
WHEREAS estimates of past, present and future income, re-
sources and disbursements for the University indicate that
unless the present operating expense is reduced there will
occur, to the discredit of the University and this Board,
within the next year, a large deficit in the funds avail-
able for payment of salaries, supplies and necessary ex-
penses, and
WHEREAS the annual compensation now allowed the President,
consisting of $12,000 salary, use of residence and furnish-
ings, lights, water, heat, fuel, gas for cooking, and $1,000
for entertaining, amount to about $16,000 or $17,000, and to
approximately twice the compensation paid to able Presidents
of many larger State Universities, which are much better
able to pay high salaries than this University, which is
supported by the State which is by far the smallest in popu-
lation and taxable wealth, and
WHEREAS the Legislature has been generous in awarding this
University a rate of taxation which with that allowed the
public schools constitutes the maximum permitted by the
State constitution, and a real necessity exists for curtail-
ment of expense in order that salaries and obligations may be
paid.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that from and after this date the salary
of the President of this University be $6,000 per year in
monthly payments with use of the residence, furnishings,
light, water, heat, fuel and gas for cooking, estimated to
aggregate about $9,000 or $10,000 per year.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, unless more be specially author-
ized by this Board, the President shall be allowed for en-
tertaining expenses incurred by him, for which he files
itemized statements with the Comptroller, not exceeding $300
for the first half of each calendar year and not exceeding
$200 for the second half of each calendar year.
Followed a general discussion, at the close of which Judge Talbot
moved that this meeting and the matter pending before it be taken
up beginning at 1:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, December 3rd.
Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Recessed until 1:30 P.M. December 3d.
The recessed meeting of the Board of Regents convened at 2:30
P.M. Saturday, December 3, 1927, all members being present.
After a new moments of formal discussion Judge Talbot asked
that the question and answer record be kept by the Secretary.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, what was the balance of non-Federal moneys on
hand, January 1st?
Mr. Gorman -
About $7,900.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, what was the non-Federal income this year?
Mr. Gorman -
About $65,000.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, what has been the expenditure of the University
for this year?
Mr. Gorman -
On November 30th we had a balance in fees and tuition of
$27,108.47. Taking this balance of $27,000 from the non-
Federal income of $65,000 would leave $32,000 expended to
October 31st, plus $183,000 State tax, equals $215,000,
plus $6,000 of the 90,000 Acre Grant, equals $221,000, plus
$50,000 A & M Fund, makes $271,000 in round numbers. Plus
November and December claims estimated at $36,000 would
make the total expenditure for the year 1927, $307,000.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, do you know the amount of Federal moneys?
Mr. Gorman -
The A & M Fund of $50,000 is the only Federal money appli-
cable to this general support fund.
Judge Talbot -
Have we spent more than our income this year?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir, about $7,800 more than our income.
Judge Talbot -
So we have spent $7,800 more than our income this year?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, have we received $7,000 more this year than
usual?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir, about $7,000 from State tax account settlement on
bullion tax.
Judge Talbot -
We have spent that and $7,800 more than our income?
Mr. Gorman -
No, sir (explains in detail).
Judge Talbot -
So we have spent $7,800 more than our income?
Mr. Gorman -
For this year, yes. But we have put in extra lawns, side-
walks, paving, etc. There is an excess expenditure this
year of $1,500 in Lincoln Hall for new furniture and an ex-
cess of $750 for new furniture in Artemisia Hall. These
items are on the biennial budget, not the yearly, and next
year these items will not appear in budget. Same is true of
expenditures for the Engineering Colleges. This year several
large pieces of machinery were purchased, one such piece in
electrical equipment cost $750 and the entire cost came out
of this year's income. Another piece cost $1,500 for Mechan-
ical Engineering and it all came out of this year's allot-
ment, but will not appear on next year's expenditures. I
estimate the extra labor on Buildings and Grounds this year
at $3,000 for new lawn, sidewalks, grading around the new
Library, etc. All of these items make up the extra expendi-
ture of $7,800.
Chairman Pratt -
The $7,000 has not been expended to date?
Mr. Gorman -
No, but it will have been expended by December 31, 1927.
This $7,000 was extra income for 1927 and is not used in
the figures for 1928.
Mr. Williams -
As I understand it, the budget for 1928 will eliminate that?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir.
Mr. Williams -
With everything eliminated from the budget for 1928 except
Lincoln Hall repairs and University Farm overdraft, we
should have a small balance at the end of 1928?
Mr. Gorman -
We have yet to be collected for November Farm Sales $1,530
grain sales and $261 milk sales, or $1,610. The Farm over-
draft November 30 was $3,205, from which deduct the sales
$1,530 plus $261, leaving a net overdraft of $1414.53 on
November 30, 1927.
Mr. Williams -
What do you think actual loss of Farm this year?
Mr. Gorman -
The receipts for December will offset the labor.
Mr. Wingfield -
What is monthly labor account on Farm?
Mr. Gorman -
Mr. Hancock and 3 others - Hancock at $150 per month, 3
others at $4 per day, running from $108 to $112 per month.
The November labor item was $491.25.
Mr. Wingfield -
Mr. Wilson's salary is not paid from the Farm fund?
Mr. Gorman -
No, sir. Mr. Wilson is paid from the A & M Fund.
Mr. Williams -
We were given $2,750 to offset possible losses on the Farm
for the biennium and we will probably exceed that by $250.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, what is the income from the Farm for this year?
Mr. Gorman -
On December, 1926 we had a balance of $ 344.74
During the year we have received 10,985.24
Total $11,329.98
Actual disbursements to November 30 14,535.51
Less 11,329.98
Leaves overdraft of $ 3,205.53
Less November sales not yet collected
($1530 grain, $261 milk) 1,791.00
Gives net overdraft on November 30th of $ 1,414.53
Judge Talbot -
The net overdraft then to December 31, 1927 is $1,414.53?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir, substantially that.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, is this $1,414.53 net overdraft the smallest
the Farm overdraft has ever been?
Mr. Gorman -
No sir. It varies. I have it tabulated and will get it.
Mr. Wingfield -
I feel this way. If we can go on maintaning the Farm at not
to exceed $3,000 a year I would feel very differently than
if it were costing from $6,000 to $7,000. We have had 5 or
6 bad years and 2 good ones. I think the Farm should really
break even. I think probably some livestock should be de-
pleted just as some has already been depleted.
Mr. Williams -
We have to expect some work of experimental character to be
carried on whether it pays or not.
Mr. Wingfield suggested that Farm inventory should be taken into
account in any discussion of Farm finances and stated that
he considered the encouragement of dairying the most impor-
tant thing in this State.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, I would like to ask you if the loss on the Farm
has ever been as low as this year?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir. We had a balance of $344 last year.
Judge Talbot -
It has been estimated that the Farm has lost $6,000 in 10
years.
Mr. Gorman -
I have it tabulated. I will get my figures.
President Clark outlined Committee reorganization action in re.
changes in University Farm Management, stock to be carried,
etc.
Mr. Gorman -
In round numbers, in 1915 Farm expenditures exceeded receipts
by about $750. In 1916 we have a surplus of $85. In 1917
expenditures exceeded receipts by $2800. In 1924 expendi-
tures exceeded receipts by $4200. In 1926 expenditures ex-
ceeded receipts by $2100. For the 12 year period 1915 to
1926 inclusive, the totals are:
Receipts $77,930.84
Disbursements 89,427.60
An excess of practically $12,000.00
Mr. Wingfield -
But that doesn't include what you got from the State.
Mr. Gorman -
No, sir. I have the State figures here by years. During
this time the State has appropriated $119,366.61 for the
Farm of which $43,000 was the purchase price and about
$19,000 for barns, fencing, cottage, etc., making about
$62,000 of this amount for capital account and leaving
about $57,000 for operation.
Mr. Wingfield suggested that Farm could be sold for probably
$60,000, making a gain of $14,000 over the purchase price.
Inquired of President the number in Mackay School staff
and in Agricultural College. For Mackay School there are
Director Fulton, 3 Professors and 2 part-time young men,
equalling 1 full-time man. In Agriculture, Dean Stewart,
Professor Wilson and 1/2 time for Professor Scott.
Followed discussion regarding Dining Room and Kitchen. Mr.
Wingfield thinks do exceedingly well to give food, service and
replacement for cost of only $25 per month.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, referring to my questions concerning income
and expenditures on the Farm, what is your estimate there
for the years 1915 to 1927?
Mr. Gorman -
Total receipts $77,930.84, total disbursements $89,427.60,
leaving about $12,000 deficit in sales account.
Mr. Wingfield -
To which you should add State grants for operation.
Mr. Gorman -
Yes sir. $57,000 from the State, making a total cost of
$69,000 for the 12 years' operation.
Mr. Wingfield -
Of course, there are other items in that $69,000 for pur-
chase of stock, etc. that should be charged to capital
outlay.
Mr. Williams -
There is shown a tendency to lessen deficiency during the
years.
Mr. Wingfield -
I believe we should give a good check-up for a year and
if at the end of the next school year we find they did go
beyond a stated amount, we make final arrangements to
dispose of the Farm.
President Clark called attention to the fact that we had had
several dry years preceding this year and that the Farm
was the last on the ditch to receive water. Judge Talbot
stated the Farm had an early water right but had been at a
disadvantage before regulation.
Judge Talbot -
Mr. Gorman, I understand you to say we had run behind $14,000
and that we had received about $7,000 from installment of
bullion tax receipts. If we had not received this, we would
have run behind $21,000?
Mr. Gorman and all -
No, sir.
Judge Talbot -
Disregarding the budget, which doesn't make us any money or
cost us any money, and considering the money we have and
our expenditures, you estimate we have run behind $14,000
and if we hadn't had the $7,000 extra bullion tax money,
we would have been $21,000 short, wouldn't we?
Mr. Gorman -
No, sir. While we expended more than was budgeted we did
not exhaust the funds in hand. We will come out in December
with a small balance. We received $7,000 in bullion tax
that was not expected and we will have expended this $7,000
and in addition a balance of $7,800 we carried over from
the previous year, making theoretically an over expenditure
of some $14,000, but many of these items were made up of
biennial allotments spent the first year and which are not
included in the 1928 budget. Also extra labor on the grounds
for new lawns, new sidewalk, grading around new Library, etc.
In other words, the budget for 1928 will be reduced by a
corresponding amount.
Judge Talbot -
If we have as much income as we have had this year and if
we have as much taxable property ($203,000,000) and from
tuition practically the same amount, we cannot expend as
much as we have this year by $7,000.
Mr. Gorman -
We have $4,037 to go on according to this report.
Judge Talbot -
If we do work on $4,037, if we do not expend any more.
Mr. Gorman -
If we stick to the budget as it is printed we will not have
an overdraft. Anything expended that is not printed in
the budget will have to come out of this $4,037 reserve.
Mr. Williams -
The repairing of Lincoln Hall ($2100 entire cost) and the
building of the ditch wall seem to me absolutely necessary.
President Clark said wall estimate was $2300.
Mr. Gorman suggested that building wall is chargeable against
Permanent Construction Tax Fund, that there will be an
available balance of about $10,000 in this fund after
December 1927 taxes are apportioned. Judge Brown agreed
that ditch wall is to be regarded as permanent construction.
President Clark said that it has been customary to follow the
budget until near the close of the biennium and then if it
appears balance will be had, to make improvements which can
be covered by such balance.
Mr. Williams -
It looks to me as though, to sum up the whole matter, if
we do nothing in the way of repairs except Lincoln Hall and
the Farm overdraft, we will have a balance of $1500, unless
there are other things to be done that we have overlooked.
Mr. Gorman -
All the urgent things have been done.
Mr. Williams -
Paving the road in front of Lincoln Hall will cost from
$5000 to $6000.
President Clark stated that if the money were available he could
outline a $100,000 program of perfectly desirable Campus
improvements.
Judge Talbot -
With an overdraft of $1400 on the Farm this year and if we
should run over $1400 next year, together with Lincoln Hall
improvements, we would consume our balance.
President Clark outlined Home Economics situation whereby we
have $2100 of additional saving.
Chairman Pratt called attention to the item of $10,000 for
electric power for 2 years, or $5000 a year and stated that
for this year we have already consumed $8000 of such power,
leaving but $2000 available for next year.
Mr. Gorman -
The $8000 necessary for the second year of the biennium
I have protected in the 1928 estimates, the increase over
previous estimate due to extra power required for new
Heating Plant and the opening of Artemisia Hall.
Mr. Williams -
Doesn't it look like if we confine ourselves to Lincoln Hall
and not over $400 for the Farm that we will have a $1500
balance?
Mr. Gorman -
Yes, sir.
Judge Talbot -
It seems to me if we repair Lincoln Hall and have as much
overdraft at Farm as this year we would consume our balance
and we cannot pave in front of Lincoln Hall, paint the
Education building and cannot repair the roadway, and with
the bullion tax decline we will have less money than we had
this year.
Mr. Williams inquired when the 1928 tax moneys become available
and Mr. Gorman explained that during the entire year of 1928
we will be supported by taxes from 1927 valuations. Mr.
Wingfield expressed opinion that valuations would be increas-
ed in 1929.
Mr. Williams -
I favor economy in every Department if we can practice it.
Aren't we being held up a little bit for the privilege of
training teachers in the Reno schools?
President Clark explained teacher-training proposition.
Mr. Wingfield -
I would like to express an opinion. I have no animosity
toward anyone. I have formed this opinion within the last
few days. If we were to cut wherever we could on little
things here and there, the best I can see after going over
all these figures, would be to make a saving of $10,000 to
$12,000. Should that be done it might interfere with dif-
ferent plans that the University is carrying; to some extent
it might not. I do not believe in throwing money away but
should $10,000 to $12,000 a year be putting the State in
jeopardy, we had better go back to the Indians. The Presi-
dent's salary, while I think it is a little high; however,
it is there, it was put there by another Board. Living
conditions have not gone down since that time. There seems
to be a question which we might as well meet. Is Dr. Clark
the man we want as President of the University? If not, I
do not think the matter should be concealed. If he is,
let's meet the situation from that angle. I do not think
$6,000 a year enough for a man who has this responsibility
on his shoulders. He is handling a lot of money and a lot
of students, students who will be the future citizens of
this State as well as of other States. I think the thing
should be met right on these grounds. As far as $100 here
and there is concerned, I do not think that amounts to any-
thing at all. I wouldn't go through what we have during
the last 3 or 4 days for the price paid. I'd leave town!
That is the reason I wanted my auditors to go over the
books. One man has been an auditor for 23 years and the
other man has had a lot of experience. Neither of them
writes reports to suit me. If they did, I wouldn't employ
them. Their report to me shows no danger of a deficit.
That seems to be the situation so far as I can see that we
have to face. It looks as though the matter should be
disposed of one way or another and let's go home.
Judge Brown -
The motion to reduce the salary to $6000 and to cut down
the allowance gives two reasons. One is the size of the
salary and its asserted comparison with other institutions.
To my mind that is not a matter that ought to mean very much
at this time. Dr. Clark came to us at a salary of $7500 and
an expense allowance of $1000. The Board of Regents increas-
ed that salary to the present salary. He has gone on here
at the University for a number of years since that increase
with a majority of this Board and the University has grown
in students and in material conditions and wealth. It has
certainly increased its standards and acquired a reputation
which is known through the University world. It seems to
me that this is not the time to make a cut on a comparison
with other salaries. It would be a reflection on Dr. Clark
that we should ask him to accept $2000 a year less than he
actually came for after all these years. We should consider
if we can get a better President than Dr. Clark.
The other basis for the proposed salary cut was that we were
facing a serious shortage. The figures show that that as-
sumption was a mistake on Judge Talbot's part. We are ap-
parently in the clear for the 1928 expenses. Mr. Brown's
figures show a balance of something over $4000 with a fair
probability that ... out of that $4000 reserve. We could
let the retaining wall go since it could be properly paid
for from the Permanent Construction Fund. There is no
shortage unless we create it. There is a probable reserve
at the end of the next year as shown by the investigation
that has been made through the help of Mr. Wingfield's
auditors, who not only supported the Comptroller's report
but have enlarged it. As Mr. Williams said the other day,
inasmuch as the President's salary was fixed by another
Board, it should not be touched unless the budget and
probable income situation make it absolutely necessary to
do so. The condition Mr. Williams thought would justify
a cut I feel is not shown.
Mr. Wingfield -
From things I had heard I thought this was a mad house. It
is much better than I expected. It is a good idea to have
this matter considered and terminated so we can put our minds
on other matters.
Judge Talbot -
I have long been confirmed in the opinion that we have been
paying a salary too large considering the small University,
small student body, small taxable property and population
which would not make much of a City in other States.
The salary of the President is far in excess of that in any
similar institution even in wealthier States or compared
with State Universities anywhere and considering the $12,000
and emoluments attached to it which bring it to $16,000 or
$17,000, it seems to me it is very far in excess of what is
being paid in any State University of similar size or number
of students and that the people of the State have a hard time
to pay taxes. I feel conscientiously as Regent that the
burden of carrying this weight by taxpayers is excessive for
small school and other States much better able to pay, pay
less.
But the majority should control and those things should be
considered carefully. And in regard to any probable deficit
it doesn't look as bad as we expected and I am glad of that.
If we don't keep up the repair of buildings and do much
needed improving but instead spend the money on what I think
too large a salary we may get along, but if the repairs on
Lincoln Hall, ordered some months ago, had been made, we
would not at this time have money enough to pay for them.
We would have a deficit today. If we continue to pay this
large salary to the President and if emergencies come --
extra fuel, generally buildings need some repairing inside
and out, and certain things happen, there might be something
in the Heating Plant, we might have a fire, and I think it
would be better to pay somewhere nearer the salary to the
President which is in accordance with the salary paid in
smaller institutions and in smaller States and still pay
a reasonable salary to our President. That is the way it
looks to me. I have the most kindly feelings for everybody
present and am pleased that Mr. Wingfield, with his large
interests in the State, is present and that he has had his
auditors give him a financial report on the University.
Mr. Williams -
I stand just where I did the other evening. I said if the
investigation showed a deficit, I would vote to consider
the reduction. I would be very hesitant otherwise to favor
a decrease in salary to take effect immediately. If I un-
derstand the situation, if we are not skimping too much on
buildings and grounds, under the present budget we will have
a balance of $1500 at the close of 1928. I will live up to
what I said last night. If we were electing a new President,
I should wish the salary decreased. I believe that the sal-
ary is too high but I am not going to vote to cut in two the
President's salary, to take effect immediately, when there
is no danger of a deficit. In some little minor points I
am disappointed in the President but in large matters he has
always measured up. When asked by the President what the
minor matters were, Mr. Williams said he considered the
President had been lax in student discipline that when a
student was in grave delinquency, the President had not, so
far as he knew, taken proper steps to prevent a recurrence.
President Clark stated his method of dealing with offenders.
Judge Talbot -
The sentiment expressed being adverse to the motion, I
withdraw it and make a motion that, effective from and
after December 31, 1927, the salary of the President shall
be $7500.
Judge Brown -
I make the same objections to that which I made to the former
motion.
President Clark asked why Judge Talbot makes an exception against
the President which is not made for staff members, since they
are given 5 month's notice prior to the end of their salary
years. Mr. Wingfield agreed that the President should have
notice equal to that of other staff members. Judge Talbot
inquired when the President's salary year began. On being
told September 1st, he moved that from and after September 1,
1928, the salary of the President should be $7500 per year.
With the consent of the other members of the Board, the Chairman
ordered the first motion withdrawn and the second motion placed
before the Board for consideration.
Judge Brown expressed himself as against the second motion since
there is no necessity to cut the President's salary at this
time. In view of the growth of the University during Pres-
ident Clark's administration, he would consider a cut in
salary unwise.
We might as well face the situation that this is tantamount
to asking for the President's resignation. Things are
fairly quiet and satisfactory here on the hill. All of us
agree we have a man who is in large measure satisfactory.
We do not know what a change would do. If, as we go through
this year and the coming year, we see that we are not going
to come out satisfactorily, if we see that there may be call
for drastic cuts, we should then talk the matter over with
President Clark, I am sure he would meet us half way. That
should be our course rather than to run the risk of putting
through something which will change conditions in this Uni-
versity and force the resignation of President Clark.
Mr. Wingfield inquired the number of meetings in a year and
President Clark gave the information.
Judge Brown -
This matter of salary has been up many times. My attitude
has been thoroughly understood. I appeared before the Legis-
lative Committee asking that the bill to reduce the Presi-
dent's salary should not pass. My election was based in
large measure upon my stand in this matter. I do not know
that I can add anything to the views I have already express-
ed.
Chairman Pratt -
I have been, in common with the rest, fairly bombarded re-
garding the salary question. Two rather prominent citizens
spoke to me last night in favor of the salary reduction.
I move that consideration of this motion be postponed
until a later meeting.
Mr. Wingfield -
I second the motion. He later withdrew his second stating,
I believe it is detrimental to the University to leave this
thing unsettled. I do not see the necessity of going over
this business again.
Chairman Pratt -
Since the second is withdrawn, I withdraw the motion.
Mr. Williams -
I would like to make a statement. It is my unhappy province
to be the Board of Regents once every two or three years.
I think the salary above the average. I do think that a
State as poor as our State might reasonably establish some-
thing like the minimum salary in other institutions in our
class. Mr. Clark came at $7500. We cannot ask him to accept
a cut to that amount after 10 years of service. I would like
to see this so arranged that he can with dignity remain. If
Judge Talbot will accept an amendment to his motion, I sug-
gest that the salary be fixed at $8000. That, together with
use of house, furnishings, light, heat, water, etc. would
seem to me to be a reasonable salary.
Judge Talbot -
I accept the amendment.
President Clark as mere matter of information stated house is not
completely furnished, that when they arrived there was a din-
ing room suite, a few scattered pieces of furniture for the
lower floor and the rugs on the lower floor. Above stairs
there was only furniture for one scant bedroom suite. He
brought a carload of furniture with him.
Judge Brown -
I consider at this time any suggestion of decrease in salary
is undesirable. When and if we are faced with a deficit,
then we can sit down with the President and talk things over
and with his cooperation make the cuts where they must be
made. Until then I think we should stand where we are. If
President Clark were allowed to go because of a cut in his
salary, we would receive just as much criticism the other
way and perhaps a great deal more. We are endangering the
situation by such a movement and putting the University
where there may be a serious upset. We had better pay what
we think is a high price rather than upset the present sit-
uation. If the time comes in the future instead of intro-
ducing a motion to cut his salary we should begin by having
a frank and fair discussion with President Clark. I do not
think that time has come. If we lose him we will be sub-
jected to much more criticism than by continuing the present
salary.
Mr. Williams -
We should consider the claims of Dr. Clark to have a good
salary and also the rightful expectation on the part of the
people of Nevada to bear no unnecessary burdens.
Mr. Wingfield -
If we cut in all possible places we could not save more than
$10,000 in all and would do this at the expense of the stand-
ards of the University.
Judge Brown -
I would say this, Mr. Williams. I think the question is, Are
we going to endanger the University by making a change in the
Presidency? The question is, Do we want Dr. Clark to remain
here as President?
Mr. Williams -
I will answer that in the affirmative.
Judge Brown -
Then, too, I think the people of the State want Dr. Clark
here.
Mr. Williams -
While it is desirable that President Clark remains, we
should keep in mind what would be a reasonable compensa-
tion from a poor State. President Clark can certainly see
the advisability from an economic standpoint of our con-
sidering what would be a reasonable salary.
Judge Brown -
It would be exceedingly poor economy to save $4000 at the
risk of losing President Clark.
Mr. Wingfield -
Had the figures as presented to me by my auditors showed any
necessity, I would have supported the motion to cut the
salary at this time, but they show no such necessity. I
would have voted for a salary of $9000. But since the
figures show no danger of a deficit, I do not see the neces-
sity for any cut.
Judge Talbot -
We would save $4000 for improvements each biennium.
Judge Brown -
I doubt that the saving is worth the chance which might mean
a serious loss to the University.
Mr. Wingfield -
We would lose more than we would save.
Mr. Williams -
If we fixed it so that on our part we were recognizing Dr.
Clark's ability and he on his part recognized our poverty,
there would no be loss.
Judge Brown -
I say I think it is unwise that we should endanger our
present situation. When a man has served for years as ac-
ceptably as President Clark has served, his salary should
not be reduced. We have always been low in population and
in taxalbe valuation. When any man has been receiving a
fixed salary and his employer says to him, "Now, I am
going to make a slice in your salary, I am going to cut your
salary down 1/3 beginning the first of April, or the first
of May next", that man naturally feels he is no longer want-
ed in that position. When we have a new President sometime
in the years ahead, we can set his salary at a lower figure.
If you make a motion to set the salary of Dr. Clark's suc-
cessor at $8000 that is one thing, but we are dealing with
Dr. Clark's salary.
Chairman Pratt -
Any further discussion? Call the roll.
Vote:
Judge Talbot Aye
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield No
Mr. Pratt Pass
Judge Brown No
Chairman Pratt -
The Secretary will state the result, Secretary does so.
Chairman Pratt -
The motion is lost.
Judge Talbot -
I move that, effective from and after September 1, 1928,
the salary of the President shall be $10,000.
Judge Brown -
I move we adjourn.
Mr. Wingfield -
Second the motion.
Chairman Pratt -
Call the roll.
Vote:
Judge Talbot No
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Wingfield Aye
Mr. Pratt Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Adjourned.
Walter E. Pratt
Chairman
Carolyn M. Beckwith
Secretary
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