Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-08-18
so NEGROES
To be Admislsted 60 the Univer-
sity OfTennessee.
The Question Finally settled by
the board Of Trustees.

Knoxville Tribune, Ill
The question of the education of
the colored cadets who have recently
been appointed State students Of the
University Of Tennessee was settled
yesterday. Under the act of the Leg
islature which endowed the univer-
sity as a college of mechanical arts, it
required the education of such per-
sons as were qualified for admission,
irrespective Of race or color This law
was passed in 1869, but no negroes
have sought admission until the pres
ent year. Some time since twelve
colored cadets were appointed by the
State Senators and Representatives
and forwarded to the President. 1t was
evident that an intermingling OF the
races would completely destroy the
college, which has enjoyed such a long
season of prosperity. The approrria-
ton which the university is endowed
with is exhausted or nearly so, by the
annual expense of the faculty, etc.,
and how to educate those colored
cadets separately, was a perplexing
question to the sage trustees. 1t was
impossible to put up buildings and
employ another corps Of professors,
and the time of the present faculty
was all taken up in the instruction of
white students. The Board of Trus-
tees had meeting about two weeks
ago, hut came to no conclusion, and
adjourned to meet yesterday morning
at 8 o'clock.
At the appointed hour twelve or fif-
teen Trustees met at the Supreme
Court rooms on Main street to finally
decide what should be done with the
appointed cadets In the absence of
the President Of the University of Ten
nessee, Rev. DIR. James Park presided
over the meeting. After reading the
minutes Of the last meeting the follow.
ing resolution was offered by Colonel
J.iW. Gaut. accompanied by pre-
amble by Hon. 0. z. Temple:
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees
of the University of Tennessee are
now for the first time required under
the law to provide separate accom-
mOdations for instructions to colored
cadets;
Resolved, That we hereby instruct
the Finance Committee to make ar
rangements with the Trustees and
Faculty Of the Fisk University, Nash
vile, for the instruction of such col
ored students as may be appointed
under law by Senators and Represen-
tatiyes as may be able to pass the
requisite examination prescribed by
the Faculty of the University of leu.
nessee, and subject to the laws Of the
University.
Resolved, I'd, That we appropriate
money to pay fees of colored students
in Fisk University.
After some discussion, the resolu-
ton of Col. Gaut was adopted by a
large majority. This is undoubtedly
the best disposition that could have
been made Of the question. To bring
colored cadets to the University OF
Tennessee is sure destruction to that
institution. Fisk University is one of
the best, if not the best, institutions
for the education of colored people in
the land. No cOlored boy who has
sense enough to stand the required
examination will fail to see the advan-
tage of his going to Fisk. The social
intercourse there will be free and un-
restrained, whereas here at the Uni
versity of Tennessee, the least could
be said of it is they would be ostra-
cised and perhaps ridiculed. No OBJ
lection can be raised to Fisk. The
instruction there is superior and their
tuition will be paid. We are informed
that Fisk is willing and even solicit
GUS to take the appOintees, and no
further trouble will be raised