The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1881-01-19
Erskiue College-..PrOfessor.elect Of
Mathematics.

From DR.. Sloan's letter 1t will be seen that
the Board Of Trustees OF ETskinc College have
elected Mr.. John H.. Miller, Of Camden, Ala
bama, to the Chair OF Mathematics In that
College. AZ we understand 1t, Mr.. Miller will
not assume the duties of the position 10 which
he has been elected until after he has prepared
himself for the proper discharge Of those d.
ties. We ore not personally acquainted with
Mr.. Miller, but We learn that he Is young
gentleman Of fine native abilities, aud 1t Is
generally believed that as soon as he shall
have attained proficiency In the science that
he Is expected to teach, that he will do even
more than DR.. Sloan claims that he Will do,
viz: "that he will I'LL the place with credit TO
himself, honor TO the institution, and great
satisfaction to his friends" In this qualified
expression as TO the merits Of the new Pro-
lessor, we cannot believe that this progressive
and liberal-minded member Of the Board
meant ITO damn by faint praise him upon
!. whom the Board had just conferred its hon.
o-s, and for this reason we would add that
we believe that he will also fill the place with
satisfaction to the public and TO the patrons
O. the College. A maj can onen satisfy "his
friends" when the public from whom an in
stitution derives It's chief support is not quito
NO we'll pleased. For this reason, We will 60 q
\ Little further than our esteemed. friend, the
distinguished DR.. Sloan, and promise that
when Mr.. Miller, ut the end Of the year. as
Uumes the Professorship 10 which he has been
Cectcd he will give entire satisfaction not
only TO his friends but to the public also. The
Board of Trustees have acted with serious and
prayerful consideration Of the best interests
OF the College, and We doubt not that they
have acted we'll In the matter, while giving
due weight TO the consideration Of the pro.
priety or expediency OF whiting so long a time
TO Ill thisi important Chair In tho College.
Under the circumstances we presume the in
tcrests OF the Church warranted their action,
and we shall expect 10 see Mr.. Miller make
himself equal to the requirements Of the Of
nee. He Is ell orthodox Associate Reformed
Presbyterian, and in point OF religious creed
Mt least is at once acceptable to the denom-
fnation whose children he is expected to edu-
cate. We are led TO believe that the Trustees
are fully convinced Of the necessity, and arc
determined upon raising the standard O;
education in the College. II We may be al.
lowed q suggestion, we would say this: II
there Is no valid reason why they should not
do so, let the Board OF Trustees, or the Synod
OF the Church, pass a resolution declaring all
the Professorshirs vacant, and the Profes.
sors subject TO reelection ut the expira.
ton OF five years. They could do as
Supreme Judges and Senators have done or
occasions In the past. Let them after the
passage OF this resolution. consider all the
Professors reelected when the Professors
like the Senators and Supreme Judges, coul6
draw lots for the long and sl ort terms, anC
then regularly thereafter each Professor coule
be elected or reelected for the full term o
; i've years. BY electing two Professors every
two years, in this way no radical change IL
the Faculty Of the College could take place,
: and then each Professor would at least knew
that there vas a chance for his forfeiting HI!
place, II he did not keep pace with the adj
vapccments OF the age. and the requirements
Of q progressive Board Of Trustees.
Upon the whole, We think the Board O
- Trustees have given the best evidence Of a de
termination On their Fart to do their whole
duty in the promises.