The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1879-10-03
The Presbyterian college.

EDIToRs NEWS: 1t is not the Presby-
terrain college in and by itself that is un-
der criticism. l very much wish and
desire to see ii located here, and that in
every way it may prove grand success.
1t is the plan and method proposed by
the committee that demand full and
honest review Notwithstanding the ar
tlcle signed by "Citizen," 1 still claim
that my previous remarks concentrated
around the pith of the whole question
What l say applies to all such entcrpris-
es. There is not a particle of sectarian-
ism in the proper discussion of this
subject II is the principle involved
that should be kept in mind. All side
issues and prospective gains do not af-
feet the real question. That question
remains just as stated it. A PROPOSE
ton is made TO raise, by a general tax,
$4,000 to secure the building of a de-
nominational college. Citizen" common
ces his article by saying this is not the
''true" question, but his own language
abundantly proves that it is. A PROPOSE
tion is made by the Presbyterian Synod
of Kansas that on certain conditions
they will locate college here. If our
people raise 100000, then $25. 900 will be
added, and "CitIzen'' says possibly $780,
600 will be given for an endowment by
the Synod. VIII this proposed insiitu-
ton be under state control? Will it not
continue under the entire and absolute
Jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Synod ?
Will such large sums of money be given
without reasonable prospect of large
! denominational gains? On natural con-
| siderations, and acting on the law of af-
| finities, will not its professors and the
main body of its students be from that
denomination If this is not the result,
| it will be rare exception indeed. We
may well suppose these advantages are
prominent factors in the reasons and de-
sires of those who will contribute such
large sums of money. They ought to be.
Are we to act on the motive that the
end juStifies the means? That is a dam
| geronS principle TO follow. OF course
there would be many decided benefits to
Emporia to have this college. we all
want our city to improve, Its population
| to increase in numbers, wealth, intelli-
gence and moral character. This is all
| laudablc. But we must be consistent
/ and strive to secure these desirable ends
by principles of equity and justice. Ev-
cry church end parsonage and new
| dwelling house erected, or machine shop
or manufacturing establishment located
here, tends to the appreciation of real
estate and adds To the wealth of the city.
On the grounds ut this college claim,
these various interests are entitled Ia
municipal assistance. They might not
ask for $4,000 but they could claim a
proportionate gratuity. Once admit the
principle, and where, consistently, can
its operation ceases
The point really is, public taxation for
denominational enterprise. This pro
posed college will continue to be under
the control of one denomination, and
this fact stamps il a private institution.
1t Is not question Of cheerful giving,
or sacrificing a "minnow for a bass,
but the injustice of collecting by com
pulsion what our citizens refuse 10 give
out of their own private means The
facts in the case do not sustain the state
ment of ''Citizcnp that our people are
alive 20 this matter and so eagerly desire
il, The very curious resolution submit
ted by the committee is proof that
through the apathy or inability of oui
people. they have failed TO secure the
amount necessary TO locate the college
here. Hence, this effort of promiseuons
taxation for private and denominaiional
purposes Thomas BURROWS