The Russellville Democrat., 1883-07-26

Editor Democrat:
In your issGe of the 18th inst,
there was u letter signed .Rcnold,"
which is understood to have been
written by Rev. T. j. Reynolds, of
Fayetteville, Ark. Among other
things, his letter contained the fol-
lowing:
That which most seriously threatens
the University is, to my mind, wran-
gle in the Churches. Each denomina-
ton claims representation on the Board
of Trustees; and each will claim rep
resentative in the Faculty. The differ
ent churches are well represented In the
Faculty, as it now stands, excepting
the Protestant Episcopal, but net rep
resented on the Board of Trustees. 1t
is singular fact that Governor Berry
appointed Board, majority of whom
are officials in the Old School Presby-
tcrian Church. / am not inclined to
criticise the govern or's action in the
matter; but to an impartial observer it
would appear to be policy measure.
Already the cry is heard, Governor
Berry has invested fourth-rate church
with authority 10 control.a State insti-
tutiou." When questioned in regard
TO his appointments, the governor re-
piled: 'It would be folly to appoint a
Board that would antagonize General
Hill, who is the head and front OF the
University" | give this as / have il
from competent authority. Your read
ers can form conclusions.
In the first place, do not believe
with "Renold" that there is any
"wrangie" TO the extent of seriously
threatening" If threatening at all.
the success of the University, which
is caused by the different churches.
! think, from what j know and hear,
and from what | do not hear, that
"Renold'' himself is more excited
than anyone else about the relation
which he supposes exists between
the different religious denominations
and the University.
In the second place, what "Renold'
states as singular fact that Gov
ernor Berry appointed Board of
Trustees majority of whom are off
Gals in the Old School Presbyterian
Church" when the truth is, that only
one member of the six appointed py
the governor, Hon. j. w. Martin OF
Little Rock, is Presbyterian. Since
the publication of this charge, one
who is interested has investigated
the religious belief and church stat.
us, if any, of the. six trustees APP
pointed by Governor Berry. He
says: Mr.. Charles Coffin does not be-
long to any church. A number oil
gentlemen, of whom inquiry was
made, say that Mr.. Bearden is not a
member OF any church. Crump is
known as member of no church.
Hon. T. NJ. Gunter was at one time
member of the Christian Church
and Hon. j. II. Eagle is we'll known
Baptist, leaving, as We said, only one
Presbyterian, or, should 1T turn out
that Mr.. Bearden is one, two at the
outside. Hence, "Renold's" MAORI
ty is two out of six, at most. How
any one of "Renold's' proverbial in
telligence could get himself in such
mental condltlon as 10 make charge
so much at variance with the facts is
strange indeed.
As to the statement that Governor
Berry had said at would be folly TO
appoint a Board that would antago-
nize General Hill, etc, the governor.
on his recent visit to this town, told
a reliable gentleman that he had
never made such remark to any
one. ! think the people OF all class
es should support the University and
1 believe they will, without regard
to religious beliefs and church con.
nections. JUSTICE.
Rnssellyille. Ark. July "a. 1883.