Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-12-18
For the Indiana State Sentinel
Indiana University.

Mr. EpIroR:-From a communication over the sig
of Observation, in the Indiana Journal oil the
9th inst, learn that there is disposition III some quar-
ters not to elect President OF the Indiana University,
fill the vacancy occasoned by the death OF the laen-
ted DIR. A Wylle. The writer in question processes 10
he well posted up in reference to the opinions oil tue
Board OF Trustees and speaks with confidence as TO Tue
result OF their action In the premises But, Tor one sr
whatever may be the feeling of those in charge oil the
University, cannot permit the opportunity to pass
without entering protest agant the suggested
by observation"
Not to speak of the proposition departure from
the well established usages prevailing in all the noted
Universities and Colleges in this country and in Europe
is bad policy commit the election OF Chairman
to the faculty 1t is calculated to introduce manage
and intrigue in that body which will result IN heart
burnings and discord where good feeling and harmony
ought TO prevail The writer of this article processes TO
he well informed to the present state OF feeling among
the members of the faculty. and he hestates not to pre-
lct from that information, that II Dissertations"
proposition adopted, there will result a OF quar-
res the institution, which will eventuate in serious
derment. 1t may be argued, that the Office oil PresI-
dent when stripped of its prerogatves, will not be an
object of sufficient Importance, excite contest for it,
But it is he borne in mind that this unctionary will
have to sign the diplomas in his official capacity and
this alone will be of consequence, and enough To
stimulate to management to obtain the Office. The con-
errng of diplomas and the delivery oil haccalaureates
will also be objects to arous" the ambitious
Besides, SIR it is TO the manifest interests OF the instI-
tuition TO call To the vacant chair gentleman o celeb
ry as learned man. Such an one will bring strength
great adnlrer oil the late Dr. Wyhe as any man.
under his tuition for several years But do not
believe that he far superior the rest of man.
kind that his place cannot be filled with another fully
competent to the discharge of his duties | feel sure
country sufficiently prolific of great and learn
ed men, to furnish who will he competent and
much more popular, than The late incumbent. We could
suggest many in this connection But do not
desire discriminate between the different aspirants.
contend. sir that there is quite natural connection
between the official duties of the presiden, and the subj
ecs which he reaches. in his department He is called
upon to lecture upon Moral Philosophy Political Econ
omy Metaphysics Logic Evidences of Christianity and
Rhetoric. And, certainly. a thorough knowledge o
Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics and, perhaps Political
Economy, is essential TO proper understanding of the
efficient methods of governing The institution. And
would ask Mr. Observation" if any member of the
present faculty give competent lectures upon these
subjects. and discharge his other duties fully and salts
factoriIy! proper calculation, arrangement and
dersandng of these subjects require study and
thought. Political economy and metaphysics are, so &c
write progressive studies and he who keeps pace with
their different phases: will have performed most ardu
task.
For these and many other trnst the Trustees
Of the State University. will adhere the old
and promptly fill the vacant chair with man of reputa
ton and ability.
FRIEND TO THE UNIVERSITY.