The following is the gain of '89-'90 over '77-'78: Faculty 20, Fellows 4, post graduates 57, academic 61, scientific 64, specials 82. Total increase of students 272.
The invested funds of the college are $1,500,000, having nearly doubled since 1878. The whole university property, landed, funded, and other-wise amounts this year in round numbers to $4,000,000.
The libraries have been increased since 1879 by the addition of 49,800 volumes. The following statement shows the increase of each library:
1879. 1889.
College Library 43,500 70,000
American Whig Society, 16,000 18,000
Cliosophic Society, 16,000 18,000
Philadelphian Soctety 900 1,200
Seminary 30,000 51,000
Total 90,400 140,200
Probably the greatest improvement has taken place in the buildings and grounds which are donstdered by many as the finest college grounds in America. Since the year 1878, one hundred and sixty five acres have been added to the campus, making in all two hundred and twenty acres. Nine new buildings have been added: Edwards, University, and Murray Halls, the new President's house, Marquand chapel, the Biological laboratory, the Art museum, the Magnetic observatory, and the dynamo building. Enlargements have been made upon the School of Science and Nassua Hall, and four new buildings are to be built, two of which are now being built.
The curriculum has been broadened and enlarged. Twenty new professorships have been established and a great many of the courses now are elective. In the sophomore year four hours a week of electives are allowed; in the junior year, six hours, and in the senior year, ten hours. In the graduate department the courses since 1878 have more than doubled. Great importance is laid on this department. Another progressive feature at Princeton is the continual increase of cordiality existing between the faculty, alumni, and undergraduates. In 1875 there were five alumni associations. Now there are nineteen, all working actively for the college. In 1879, twenty-eight states and territories, and three foreign countries were represented among the students, while in 1889, thirty-five states and territories, and eight foreign countries were represented. Each class now on its decennial reunion leaves in the college some record of its existence. Seventy-six has given $1000, the yearly interest of which forms a prize for which representatives of the four classes compete in debate on February 22d. Seventy-seven presented the Biological laboratory; Seventy-eight founded a university lectureship; and Seventy-nine erected in the college chapel a mural statue in bronze of Dr. McCosh.
With all this growth and improvement there have arisen also needs which are becoming every year more imperative. The general endowment should be increased; the fellowships ought to be doubled, and new buildings are needed. The old recitation hall is too small for the requirements, and at least one new dormitory is wanted, while the need of a new gymnasium is especially urged.