Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-04-15
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY.
ATrustee of Nashville University.

ATrustee Of Nashville University
Postscripts are often needed to the most
carefully written epistles, and with your
permission we propose TO add one to the
i'Squel' Of Trustee in your issue of the
Sth inst. We would have done so earlier,
but have been waiting some ADLER pen. The
historical facts given by Trustee are high
" valuable, his suggestions weighty and
the tone Of bis communication admirable.
The main conclusion which be reaches, viz:
"That the Trustees have not the power, eth
er by gift of the property or transfer Of
their duties even to ADLER and more compS-
tent hands to denude themselves of trust"
is one at this particular juncture of the very
first importance to the city of Nashville.
The writer modes1y suggests that this is
on.y his individual opinion. We chance to
know that the contrary opinion is held by
several of our sblest lawyers, who have
carefully examined the question. The
Board of Trustees, by their past action,
have shown that they hold different ooin-
ion. They have leased the Medical depart
ment for lopg term Of years and the other
property at will. If they can lease for ten
years, they certainly can for one hundred or
more.
But, however lawyers might differ on this
question, there is one legal right of the
trustees, which, in view of the historical
recital made by a trustee, is beyond all
question. That Is the right to sell. They
have sold more than two hundred acres
of the lands, and have the power to sell the
few acres left, if In their opinion, they can
thereby promote the trust committed to
them. This seems to the writer 10 settle
the legal question beyond all doubt. Ii,
however, there should be remaining doubt
we apprehend that q suit in ChaUcery could
settle all rights as between county,
State and trustees, and show readily what
may and what may not be done. 1t would
probably be well for our County Court, as
guardians of the interest Of the county, to
take this question under Amusement, and,
in cooperation with the city authorities,
determine whether anything, and if so,
what is best to be done.
So much as TO the legal question in
volved. As to the moral aspects of the trust
in the hands of the trustees of the Universe
ty of Nashville-are they not bound
to SO use the trust as to best carry
out the design of said trust? Is it not
probable, to say the very least, that the
Vanderbilt donation, if placed upon this
foundation would better meet the objects
of the original donors of the land for educa-
tional purposes tnan the trustees will be
able to do by shutting themselves up to
their own resources? This is fact OF such
moment that it demands patient and prac
tical Investigation. We do not see how
this can be had without a meeting OF the
Trustees of the Nashville University. Let
them when they meet see what PROPOSE
tiop they can make guarding the interest Of
their trust, and promoting the great end OF
liberal and extended education. 1t will
then be for the Trustees Of the Vanderbilt
TO decide whether they will buy on the
terms proposed. As the Vanderbilt Board
meets early in May, we as citizens OF Da
wilson county, respectfully request the
President ofthe Board of Trustees of Nash
vile University TO call meeting before the
meeting of the Vanderbilt Board.
We before closing have one earnest word
to say to the practical business men of Nash
vile. We say it without knowing Mr.. VAN
bllt, or his private views. If we allow
part of the munifcent gift be has made TO
go toward buying site for the University,
how do we of the South seem
to meet the liberal hand of help
extended to us by this princely Northerner.
Shall he buy our ground to put on it
house for our benefit? We may reasonably
expect that further donations are in store
for this institution if we show liberal ap
probation of this gift. If we do nothing TO
show our appreciation, we build by our in
difference dam across the stream just as
it begins to flow. The world will say Of
us as heretofore, that our individuality and
prejudices against cooperation movements
doom us TO continued disaster. Ii the
Trustees of Nashville University cannot
see a way in the fulfllment of their trust
TO furnish the site for the Vanderbilt,
Oh "a the educational prosperity of Nash
vile is bound up in an immediate move
ment to secure site such as will convey to
Mr.. Vanderbilt a suitable acknowledge
ment of his m2gnanimous donAtion, and
his selection of Nashville as the site to re-
ceive its benefits.
Lying still at this iuncture is killing the
goose that promises to lay the egg which
will make us the educational center of the
South for the neX5 century. Such oppor-
tunties come to but few places, and only to
generations far removed from each other.
have the happiness to sign mysefa
CITIZEN OF DAVIDSON.