New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-06-24
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
PROF. ORION AND THE STATE NORMAL
SCHOOL.
Vxys.~ I'll. NJ Ty,bn,<

To hs Edisv Of ThS w. u Tvtosne
SIR: A letter, bearing date Albany, June 7, 1879
ever the signature Jefferson appeared il TIE N.
T. TRiBysE Of Friday, Juue H. relating to the resig-
nation of Of the Professors in the State Normal
School. The reference to me as the teacher alluded
to was unmistaka able and therefore take the liberty
over my own signature to call attention To some state
ments which may do in astce to the Principal Of the
school.
Exception can be taken TO that sentence in the let
ter which asserted that was " removed" from the
charge Of the Bible class, which had for several
terms conducted. The facts which led to the Cessation
of my connection with il, be briefly told. In the
Summer vacation Of 1858, ! wrote 10 the Principal,
stating, in substance, that my religious views mad
changed in some Iespec since undertook the con-
duct of the class ana that while should be gladto 90
on with it. did not feel at liberty to do so without
mentioning the matter III this way to him. further
stated that should not resume the ca-s without in-
tmation from hin 10 the effect that he wished me to
do so, at the beginning Of the term. was not invited
to resume the charge.
The second Of these statements ia this: The Prin-
" cipa of the school apparently with much unwilling
ness) began to make the heresy Of the Professor
d" objection to bis continuance in the school"
In the course Of conversations which myself CON-
Tnenoed with the Principal, ent rely similar in charsc-
ter to conversations which | had been accustomed
from tine to time to hold with him during all my
Dectioa with the school, wa, led 10 infer that the
change IN my religious views was likely to affect the
tenure of my Office l received my appointment TO
The Professorship which have held through the pfu
eDce of the Principal and ! have considered my
self bound in honor to resign my situation at any time
when he should desire il. When, therefore, | was
obliged ~ conclude that my continuance in the school
longer desired, deemed necessary for me to
offer my resignation.
In regard, then, to this paragraph, and to others
which shall Immediately quote, have to say that at
no time have been mp0rtuned or even requested TO
leave the school. The language employed in the con-
VIBRATIONS which sought, and ~ which have already
referred, carefully guarded, while at the same
time must add, that no requests, persuasions or iu
portnnities could strengthen the impression made
upon my mind that il was desired that my connection
with the school should be brought tn an end.
The remaining sentences of the letter to which !!
wish to refer are tbese The Principal Of the school
q" ccitiuued and increased his opportunities upon the
90 Professor TO resign bis place, admitting, all the while
90 that public opinion would sanction his forcbe
removal from the Office account Of his reig ious
60 opinions The result L. that the Professor has been
compelled by persistent annoyances and persuasions
" 10 resigD and will leave the school at the end OF the
"present term
The statements which have made in the preceding
paragraph apply especially to the first Of these SEN
fences and to the word persuasions' 10 the last.
There remains single phrase which il, perhaps most
liable Of all to miscOnsiruction II is this Persist
ent annoyance" AunoyaDces were, of necessity Y,
attached TO my position, but that they were Of such
nature ~ an ungeDerOus man could inilct upon sub
ordinate u position, gladly take this opportunity 10
deny. Tho personal treatment which have received
during all the time in which my retirement from the
school has been contemplated, has been in the highest
degree considerate aud kind.
have only TO add, that were it left for me alone to
choose even the interest which cherish in the prin-
spes involved in this matter would be hardly suihci'
emit IN the reluctance which feel to achev-
ing suoh kind of notoriety.
Albany, June Is, 1850. EDWARD oRioN