The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-08-16
is 1T A FIDDLrNG NEROs

The STATESMAN has ever demon
strated the Warmest interest in the
success of the university. Recognize
ing the Importance OF its existence,
as the head of liberal state edu-
cational system, a vast deal of thought
as to its organization and conduct has
been presented in these columns.
Based upon observation and con-
tact with university systems in
this country and in Europe, THE
STATEsMAN's views have been pre-
sented after mature reflection, and if
any plan of organization, or mode of
conduct, has yet been urged in these
columns, not calculated to secure the
best results for the university, they
have not been pointed out even by
those anxious to differ with THE
ATEsMAN. That which was good
has been approved, while errors have
been freely criticised, and personal
schemes, standing in the way of sue
cess, have been met with exposure
| and condemnation. Therefore THE
STATESMAN may not at all times have
had the undivided individual endorse
ment of all action in relation there
to. The regency has lacked, dur
ing its entire existence. an ele-
ment more deeply interested in
the work confided to it. A few ear
nest men have worked with zeal, but
they have had to contend with mac
tivity and palpable lack of interest
among others. One reason of this is
that personal preference has too often
guided the appointment of regents
Men have been, as is believed, ap.
pointed regents for personal ends
They have, at least, been named be.
cause of special friendship for the ap
pointing powe, and for the ends that
might be subserved for such power
No matter how highly qualified some
may be for the regency's work, they
have received no recognition from the
appointing power if not positively
allied to it. AS long as this is the
rule well advised plans and har
monious and Jealous work for the
university may not be expected
A regent who accepts position and
devotes himself to any special pur
pose, instead of to general one, i:
apt to display no interest in univer-
sity affairs as soon as the special end
aimed at is attained or defeated. The
frequent designations of regents is {
sad comment on the chronic cOndi
ton of the regency. 1t may be takeI
as evidence that mistakes have beer
made in appointments, or that {
special end aimed at, having been at.
tanned, no interest in general results
claim the retiring regents attention
Certainly, these men who accep
places, accepting them for a brie1
period, and, in that time never, prob
ably, attending regency meeting
care but little for the university
because of adaptability for service a
well as for zeal in the university
cause, a different condition of affairs
would have now prevailed than what
does exist. Instead of inactivity
instead of board meetings being de
feated and important conclusions
postponed, because of the absence o
members; instead of delaying until to
morrow that which might be done to
day, everything would have been ad
vanced instead of retarded. Thi
trouble about the completion of tn
wing of the university, now unde
course of constrVeti0r, IS fraceable t,
lack OF ~ 80 tothaabsence and t.
u1l1S 5o9s pHl6dhdition of regents. 4
meeting of regents was called for Au
gust 6. and on that day only tw,
members of the board appeared il
/, Austin. Since then two others hav
struggled in, while another passet
through the city and did not ever
stop. Another sent in his resignation
on the 9Th of August, and the cover
nor being off on frolic the place wa
not filed, though four regents hav,
waited here for days for others to ere
ate a competent board. That there is
an influence at work attempting tt
cripple the university is apparent
plan on foot for preventing
even it's organization. In fac
the plan may not be so secret after all
since newly appointed member O.
the board, at a late meeting, an
nounced his determination to persist
emily fight organization at all points
Whether the new organization of thu
board gives this purpose additional
strength remains to be discovered
There are those who say it does. 1t i.
officially announced that the univer
sity will be open to students on thu
18th of September. That timeis only
thirty-fve days off. and yet regents
have remained away from the pre-
sent meeting, though their presence
was absolutely necessary. The gov
ernor has lately set precedent in the
removal of members of &
state board, because, as he alleged
nary institution were not being con
served by their remaining on thu
board. The best interests of the uni
versity are not being conserved by
regents neglecting their duties; anC
now let US see if the unintereste(
members will be removed and Others
substituted who will labor jealousy
for the university interest. Preciou,
time has been frittered away, and tn,
enemies of university organization
are active, urging postponement. May
not Nero fiddle while his emissarie!
apply the torch to Romeo
THE council proceedings at the las
meeting disclosed the fact that there
were available funds in the treasury
| sufficient To nav only the cnrrant nay