, 1874-05-21

From tho Galssburp Republic, Maylo.
THE 1TUDENTH or ABINGDON COLLEGE BPEAK Fon
TuEM8ELVEs
Tho public has heard much about the students
Of Abingdon College, yot nothing, from them.
Deeming it not only Justice to us, but for the
bebt interests Of our institution, we purpose
position on tho college question, thor, roview \
lew Of those things that have been alleged
againBt us as students.
We think that tho trua iEeue lies, not between
President J. ". Butler and Prof. 4. ]. Thomson,
Trustees, each having their Respective advocates.
Ii asked why the question has been fought upon
the false basis tnstcad Of tho t'7te, We answer
that We know not, unless 1t fs that 1t is consid-
erod easier to impugn tho motives and dafalne
tho character Of ono man than Of many. Living
under Republican form Of government. as we
do, and surrounded from childhood by the prin-
oiples of liberty. that q man haa . right to vote
~ his Judgment dictates seems almost 81 intas-
tive conception Of the mind, and oortainly iB not
questioned by any man. woman, or child, and
consequently needs not to be argued. IS this Is
tho class OF individuals to whom wo address our
Not only is It his right, but 1t is his in,pe1a--
tive duty. As an individual, 4 man may permit
sense Of gratitude to govern his notions, but.
as public servant, 1t should havo no influence
upon him + T. not tue design tha. ss,;nsn sn
through feelings Of gratitude and a Dc.
sirn to rapay fayors, hut On account Of thntt
supposed intellectual powers and sound judg-
ment; aud tho Trustee who allows hs notions to
be governed by ANYTHING except his Judgment
proves rocreant to bis trust.
As to the assault made against Trofs. ThoT-
son and Linn, We have no sympathy With IT., be-
| lteving 1t to be prompted by improper motives
ever found them ablo. willing, aud just as men'
! Christian gentlemen and advising friends. Our
| confidence in their Christian character aud
the integrity OF their motises remains un-
| shaken.
It has been alleged, without any modifying OF
| limiting terms, that, on the night OF Fob, 2G,
| the students OF Abingdon College made q hon.
| fro and hung tho efdgfcs OF Profa. Thomson nnc
| Linn. The number OF students engaged IN thtt
demonstration did not exceed twolye. II til,
| he denied, lat the names be furnished. We are
sorry to say that the majority Of theee we're IN
dor the influence Of bad whisky aud bad advice
furuiahea thom by worse men. Tle effigie
wore taken down and destroyed by othor stu
DENTS through respect to tile Professors.
It Ii alleged that studonts who have rocite
to Prof. Thomson for yoar4 hung him In eillg
among those engaged in tho hanging, thore wa
but QUE who has eser racited to him. and thu
for less than one yoRr. All tho students VII
wero in the mob at his house belonged to th
Preparatory Department, none having ever rt
| cited to him.
It has been alleged that. on tho morning {
the eame day, . paper was circulated by student
for signatures, expressing their appreciation {
President Butler, md consuming the Board. Q
i@os-o. @ Frssdesnit Butler delivered -
sentmenls which stirred tho feelings (
many. When the class was dismissed, pape1
written and placed in the hands Of stndonta
olroulated; tue first part OF which e1prease
sympathy and respect for President Butler. til
last cenauring the Board. When student aake
what 1t was, the reply was, "Keaolutiona OF
| %,raoo;pez hvrnpathv and Ynaneck fnr nraH1ar