Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1894-03-14
Communicated.
MoReASTowN, March 6, 1894.

MoRGANTowN, March 3, 1894.
Mr.. Editor, There appeared las June in
the columns of THE FREE PRESS certain
articles, which purported to be letters from
Morgantown, giving accounts OF the trans
actions of the Board of Regents of the West
Virginia University. One of those articles
contained statement, which had previous
ly appeared in the Wheeling Register. to the
effect that E. NJ. Turner, the, then, President
of the University. had attacked me on the
ground of incompetency las Professor OF
Engineering) in his annual report. The
basis of his attack on me was that bad
made motion in the Faculty TO recommend
TO the Board Of Regents that my title be
changed from Professor of Civil and Min
ing Engineering" to Professor of Civil
Engineering" After making this otfense
appear as enormous as possible by mucn
verbisg-, innuendoes, etc he suggests that
il was time the University should employ
Professors to fit the chairs, and not make
the chairs to fit the Professors. 1t does not
|
become me to say whether or not | am COM
petent to teach the fundamental principles
of a profession have followed for twelve
wears; that matter am willing to leave TO
the verdict of those who are most compe-
tent to judge, viz: the students of engineer
ing who have received instruction at my
hands. herewith send you a verbatim
copy of petition presented to the Board
of Regents without my knowledge or con-
sent. 1t is signed by every member OF the
engineering class. 1t speaks for itself. /
am now pleased to inform you that, since
Turnerism is no more. the prospects of the
University are very faltering. the ENROLL
ment being larger than ever before. The
acting President DR.. Reynolds. is giving
great satisfaction energetic, industrious,
having great natural ability. he is, par ex-
celence, an ideal college President
Hoping that you will find space in the
columns of your valuable paper for this let.
ter and petition, and thereby permit my
IrlPDQS 10 Know All Tue ldClo III tuC ShSc dhu
not compel them TO depend for information
on the irresponsible. ex parte, statements of
Turner, am very respectfully,
H. B DAVENPORT. JR.
MoRGAYTowH W VA. JUNE 10, '93
| To THE Hon BOARD OF REGENTS
Sirs: There is a rumor current that charge.
directly or Indirectly has been made to your
honorable body that Prof Davenport is in
competent rs teacher in engineering.
Those of US in his classes know that lie is
perfectly competent in the branches we have
studied under him. and we believe that there
is not a professor in the University that can
get more work ont of the students and in
more agreeable way than Prof. Davenport
| In fact he is general favorite. as he seems to
stimulate us with ambition TO have perfect re-
citations
We feel sure that you cannot do better than
| tn retain him in his present position and We,
the engineering students. humbly petition that
you recognize our request for We certainly
have had every opportunity to know Of his
competency and ability.
FRED MIHsHALL, g.. r. JOINS,
S.R JESKIvs. G. +. KREBs,
HAYw,RD FILMING, r. L. MORRIS.
sc. STArHERs, j.. GRIFFIN,
AT. RAIDER, c. W. Ross,
L. J. ROBE.