"Resolved, I. That we gratefully recognize the efforts of the young gentlemen in projecting and prosecuting this enterprise.
"II. That we consider the success which has already attended their efforts as a gratifying evidence of the speedy completion of the work.
"III. That we commend this enterprise and the young gentlemen engaged in it to the liberality of all the friends of this College and the cause of liberal education.
"IV. That we pledge our hearty co-operation in this work in every way in our power."
[Illustration: PROF. J. A. HARRISON, M. A., LL. D.]
At the close of the college year ending June, 1872, the following items of interest were reported to the Board at the annual meeting:
The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company conveyed to the Board of Trustees a tract of land lying on the south of the line of said railroad, near what was called the Club House, containing about twenty acres, "on condition that the Trustees erect on the said land permanent college buildings within fifteen years after the date of conveyance, and that the deed shall contain the prohibition of the sale of ardent spirits without the written consent of said company."
This was considered to have been a better location for college buildings than the first occupied, and the project might have been carried out but for want of means to erect the buildings.
The Financial Agent further reported the need of additional college buildings on account of increased attendance of students. The number in attendance the past session was 167, being 25 more than any previous session at Ashland. Amount of fees, $7,652.30; amount remitted to privileged students, $6,182.50; amount received from the Virginia and Baltimore Conferences, $2,682.33. This was a gratifying result.
Available assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,729 65
Assets not now available, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,603 67
Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,333 32
Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,216 49