The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-02-09
For the Standard,

tOr tne StanQaru
Messrs. Editors:-I have read with regret
the letters of President Swain to Ex-Gov.
Perry. With regret, because Ihave for years
entertained for the author high regard, and
have cherished for The institution over which
he presides, the warmest attachment. With
regret that the President of literary insti-
tuition, supported by a State whose popnla-
tion is composed of men of different shades
of political opinion, should SO far forget his
Mace as to enter the field of politics at
time like this. Some of the Alumni-it may
he some of the Trustecs-mauy of those who
have stood by the University in sunshine
and storm, differ radically with President
Swain. Many of the bone and sinew of the
land whose hard earnings have been and
NAV be taxed to support it, differ with him.
should the President of such an Institution
avail himself of the influence gained by his
rosition to advance or impede the interest of
: politicaI party2 Politics ought to be es-
cbewed in all literary institutions. Their
walks and groves should be consecrated to
other purposes. The minds of their young
men should be kept far aloof from the excl
+ino political questions of the day, rather
than directed thereto by the example and
nublic illusions of their officers.
For wears it has been understood that the
subiect of politics was to be excluded from
onr University. The attention of it's Faculty
was supposed to be directed in different
ehapuel. Even upon public occasions when
the Young men appeared upon the stage, po-
J;tical topics were not allowed. In the address
es before the two literary societies by distin-
ouished men, the orator was expected to avoid
all political discussion; and it has been I'M
derstood to be rule, in the debates in the
two literary societies, that the subject Of pol
itics was not in order. This was proper, for
the reason that all political parties were
there represented, and all political parties
were charged with its support.
For the same reason its Faculty were ex-
pected to avoid discussion of topics in re-
iigion upon which there existed a difference
Of opinion among the different Christian
sects. 1t was understood to be the wish of
the authorities of the institution that the
different religious denominations should be
as nearly as possible balanced in its Faculty,
for it was patronized by different sects, and
any taxation for its support either directly
or indirectly, was distributed among them.
1t is, therefore, with deep regret, that the
friends of the Institution must look upon
this departure of its President from these
landmarks of policy and propriety.
When, some years ago, one OF the Profess
ors dared to depart from this usage, and
publish his political sentiments, he was
promptly dismissed. 1t seemed then to be a
recognized principle that the institution
should not be prostituted to party purposes |
The public sustained the action and the pre-
eedent may have been good one. The in
auence which Professors position gives |
him over the young ought not to be used for
the advancement of party aims.
That institution still claims among its |
4 -lo,o ,N0l1k ,oa1
opinions are the opposite of those published !
bv President Swain And now that its Pres
=ident has set the example, why not the Pro
fessors follow, and each publish over his |
own name his political opinions and argue |
them at length2 And when President and !
Professors have gotten fully in, why not the |
students join in the grand demonstration, |
introducing politics into all their debates, |
declainiRg political orations on public occa
sions, and seasoning their commencement ex !
ercisss with party politics. Then, what
man whose party may chance to be in disfa-
vor at the University will subject his son to
such Influences? He may be taxed to sup
port it. while his son is excluded by the &C
ton of its officers.
Will President Swain attempt to refer TO
the minerity of the opposite party? If
there had been but ten thousand democrats
in North Carolina in 1874, would he have
published an attack upon the party headed |
by James K Polka However weak that
party, and however strong his affection for
The whiy principles, would he have used the
influence acquired by his position, to strike
the blow? Will he claim that his letters are
not politicail The party lines are as dis
tinctly drawn to-day upon the subjects he
essays to discuss, as they were upon the is
sues of 1914 And the party he assailS now,
are more clearly in the majority at the pres
emit time, than was then the party he dared
not defy.
And now that politics may not be exclu-
dc,l from eur University, patronized by all
political parties, what guaranty that her
worthy President will not next take spas
medical rreli gious fit, publish his peculiar
sectarian.zieWs and express his disrelish for
.Et)iscopaiianism The contest upon reli
gious subjects is not so heated as upon politi-
cal questions at present. He might, perhaps,
more safely enter that field But if he has been
BETRAYED by the excitement of these times,
who cantell what course he may pursue, or
his successor upon the precedent he sets at
some future day?
lam opposed to the Howard amendment,
opposed to all test-oaths and &c post tdct0
laws, opposed to universal suffrage, and OPP
p ,sed to- the introduction of party politics
into State University.
Is the Senior Editor of the Standard a
Trustee of our University? 1 think have
seen his name among the number. To him,
l say, an apology, Sir, for the President of
that Institution. l..
"A CHEAP Ice HoUsE.-A correspondent