The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1883-04-14

seIslIy ulucn longer, ana as' ms sue
cessor must shortly be excited, some
attention should be given the matter
by the Press and people of the State
That West Virginia should take an
interest in the election of suitable
man for the place, cannot be denied
On account OF the peculiar state OF
affairs existing in connection with
the University, much of it's future
prosperity depends on the course
pursued in the selection of it's pre-.
siding officer. Already some doubt,
/ jealousy and bitterness exists in con
nection with the matter; and the
difficulties Of the past should be a
warning for the future. Church re-
lationship, politics and local infu-
ence have long had some bearing on
the fate Of our State. institution of
learning; and we frankly say that
as long as human nature is what
it now is, we do not see how this
can be avoided to some extent.
Mems connections in life, their sur
roundings and sentiments influence
them to degree unknown to them
selves.
In travelling, he who attempts to
scale precipices must pay the penalty
of his daring, while he who is wise
takes the graded road and surmounts
without difficulty, the mountain
heights. We do not believe in pan
dering to prejudice or compromising
with evil; but we know that in solv-
ing social and governmental prob
lens, it is not the part Of wisdom to
trample down the peculiar character
istics Of the people whose destiny is
passed upon. While we do not fully
accept the adage that he who lives
in Rome must do as Rome does, vet
there is enough of true philosophy
therein contained to command re-
spect. The solution of all this is
simply that if q people are to be
governed, due attention must be paid
to their elements Of character, includ-
ing even their prejudices and folies.
He who destroys himself by throw
ing himself upon the spears of an
army, may, once, in the course of
centuries, fulfill his mission, yet
that is the exception that proves the
rule
To apply all this to the West Vir-
ginia University, brings us back to
the elaboration and explanation of
the point at which we started. The
jealousy of political parties and Of
the different denominations in the
State have injured the University,
to some extent, and prevented its at
tanning its highest possible degree
OF prosperity. In accordance with
what we have just set forth, which
ever political party has been in con
troll has naturally leaned little in
it's appointments to its own side, and
the other party has just as naturally
given an undue prominence to this
Our Methodist friends have taken
some things, which have occurred too
much to heart, and under circum-
stances which they have considered
trying, have grown very lukewarm in
their support. Perhaps, just here is
the secret Of whatever lack of pros
perity our State institution of learn
ing, has experienced, more than any
where else.
Now what is the logical deduction
in this particular instance? What
is the part of wisdom? Certainly it
is not for one political party to per-
sist in a partisan treatment Of the
University, while another equally
wrong storms because it has not a
chance to do the same; it is not for
one religious denomination to pout
when it thinks it has not been prop
erly treated, while, others, just as
culpable, rejoice on this account.
Yet, as we have before indicated,
as long as human nature is what it
is now, it is almost impossible to
avoid these things. Therefore, the
only answer to the foregoing queries,
is that they who directly control
the destiny of the University, must
show their wisdom and statesman
ship.
This brings us down to the partic-
ular for which we frankly acknowl-
edge this article is written. On the
election of the next President of the
West Virginia University hangs the
prosperity of the institution. The
State Press are already discussing
the matter. Several gentlemen have
been proposed. One of these seems
to us especially adapted to the posi-
ton, taking into consideration all
the circumstances and duly weigh
ing the difficulties we have been dis
cussing. This is Mr.. w. p. Wiley,
son of Elk Senator Waitman T. Will
ley. Above all others he is the per-
son, who is the best suited to take
charge of the University and who is
the most likely to bring it up to it's
highest possible degree of prosperity.
The reason for this we shall give as
briefly as possible, and we desire
those who read, to make the applica-
ton to the former part of this article.
While Mr. Wiley is Democrat, he