Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-06-05
GEORGIA SENSATION.
Remarkable Commencement Experience
al killtdSeVllle.
THE GOVERNOR AFrRoNTED.
YOUNG Lady Graduates Refuse 60
Accept Diplomas from state Au-
tween Trustees and Faculty.

AUGUSTA. CA. June "a special TO
rc Chronicle from Muledeevine. Ga.
f.ys. There was sensation to-day
during the commencement exercises OF
tnc Georgia Normal and Industrial Col
lrrc. growing out OF conflict OF au-
,or.y between trustees and faculty.
"ln The case Of one OF the students.
s.rsHsl FOR breach OF discipline. involv-
.re the integrity % her examination. the
fteulty decided that she was not entitled
90 diploma. The trustees decided
otherwise. as previous to the examina-
ton 10 question the young lady had been
found entitled 10 certificate as gradu-
stc After a fun hearing Of the case the
t-g.tces decided 20 reverse the action
~ tho faculty and issue a diploma.
..yyhcn thc young lady's name was
announced among the graduates Presi-
l.rf Clappeu arose end protested on
flaaif OF the faculty against the acton
a. thc trustees.
governor Atkinson held that the case
had been investigated carefully, and that
h. trustees had determined. iu accord
.-.o with the law OF the college, 20 issue
r.r.omas and 20 assume an responsibility
for rs action. There rs no question as
10 fhc authority OF the Board OF Trustees,
or as t1 the right Of a student 20 APP
rcal from tho faculty 90 the board. This
authority WIS formally recognized by
tte faculty this evening. and the matter
in dispute has been amlcably adjusted.
Professor j. Harris Chnppcll has been
reelected principal and all the Old mem
b.-s have been reelected.
Thirty young ladies were graduated
god Tire normal college department. ard
s.gsu from the industrial department
There were $50 students from ninety-hve
counties BOZ attendance. The college Is
ir nourishing condition. and demands
tre confidence of the people and the sup
qcr, Of tho State"
SENIORS ~ REVOLT.
special from Muedgevule states
shat Toe senior class refused to-day 10
accent their diplomas from the Board OF
Trustees.
When Governor Atkinson announced
tt1t fhe trustees would deliver the diplO-
mas abe students the faculty. and the
audience we're amazed. After Professor
CfppeI made his protest Governor At
kns71 stepped forward before the APP
pause had died away. and with face
uhiic with rage and q voice choked with
anrer turned 20 Professor Chappell and
uttered these words amid deathly silence:
~ have known Professor Chappell a
long tme but / never thought that he
could be guilty ~ an act so uubeComing
o. Gentleman and so unchivalrous as per
scouting dcfeuceless girl"
he waited moment 10 give his words
erect and then said further: THE Board
OF Trustees were guided solely by justice
ln this affair and they have stood be-
tween q gross wrong and the most alb
s0luto justice"
Again there was silence.
"1he teachers of this institution ne
said cannot confer diplomas. Their
terms end with this commencement and
they have no right 10 do so under the
law"
The GOVERNOR CONDEMNED.
Ia the pause that eusued every teacher
on the stage and every student present
arose on massc. and, accompanied by
nearly an the audience. started TO leave
ire ROOM The Governor stood IN amaze
mont a. such O spectacle. blush man
trrf his cheeks. GraN-headed people
present never remembered such specta-
Go q silent Indignation hurled at the
Chez Executive.
Professor Chappen stepped quietly to
'aa front. and in few words called
iaek fhc audience. the Governor mean
o,.t uttrrinc some remarks. the purport
% vtich was not clearly understood.
Then Fleming Dubignon asked the privi-
pre-. ~ word. and stated that the trus-
t..s merely meant 10 do justice TO the
..erE lady.
The tnedictlou was pronounced ana
tho eNorcires were over
Iut tho most humilating experience yet
remained frr Georgis's Chief Executive.
Governor Atkinson has been the idol OF
ra college The students enthusiastically
supported in their own way. his race for
G.yetnnr and when he was inaugurated
th,r moved Heaven and earth 10 get
permission 90 attend the exercises In
lofv.
Fut to-day. as the Governor stepped
from tte stage. ne was met by Zp nun
died angry fearful faces and. Ignoring
al thc rules Of courtesy. the young maids
tI h.m to the echo.
Tae senior class Immediately held a ses-
sion and unanimously refused 20 receive
fh.- diplomas from the Board OF
Trustees.