The following is a comparison of the statistics for 1866 as far as collated at the present time, with the two preceding Further figures for the past year will be given at years. For some years past, a slow but constant improvement in the correctness of the director's reports has been manifest, until the present year; in which the errors have become more numerous. For the character of these errors, reference is made to my report for 1865, pages 37-40. These errors cannot be attributed solely to the incompetency of the officers; for some of the worst blunders are made by "business men.” For instance, in one of the cities, the financial account does not balance into over four thousand dollars. The stockholders of a corporation would be likely to call such officers to an account; but who interests himself to know what becomes of the school money? The main cause of the evil complained of is, no doubt, mere negligence. Generally no pay and no honor accrues to a school officer; and the natural result is, his duties are neglected." It is believed that a remedy might be found in giving assessors a per centage upon the money passing through their hands, to be allowed by the inspectors only upon their making their annual account monthly; and such pay to directors as may be allowed by the inspectors, only upon their making out a correct annual report. Such remuneration would be only justice to faithful officers, and probably, money saved, in the aggregate, to the districts. ORAMEL HOSFORD. Lansing, Dec. 1866. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. HON. O. HOSFORD, Sup't of Public Instruction: SI-I have the honor to transmit herewith the TwentyEighth Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan, with the accompanying documents, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. Very respectfully, Your obd't servant, ANN ARBOR, Nov. 26, 1866. JOHN H. BURLESON, Sec'y Board of Regents. |