The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-06-05
Kisses FOR GOV. ATKINSON.
SENSATION AT THE MILLEDGE.
VILE COMMENCEMENT.

The Trouble Caused by a Clash BE-
tween the Faculty and Trustees
over the Refusal of the Former to
Award Diploma 10 One of the
Pupiis-rhe Governor stands by
the Trustees and Makes bitter
Attack ON the Head of the College.
Milledgeville. Ga, June 4-There was
a sensation to-day during the commence
ment exercises Of the Georgia Normal
and Industrial College. growing out OF the
conflict Of authority between the trus-
tees and the faculty. In the case of one
Of the students expelled. for breach of
discipline involving the integrity OF her
examination, the faculty decided that
she was not entitled to a diploma. The
trustees decided otherwise, a. Drovlsua
to the examination in question the youun
lady had been reported upon as being
entitled to a certificate as a graduate.
After full hearing Of the case the trus-
tees decided to reverse the action of the
faculty and issue diploma.
When the young ladys name was ans
nounced among the graduates, President
Chappell arose and protested on behalf of
trustees.
Gov Atkinson held that the case had
been investigated carefully, and that thq
trustees had determined in accordanca
with the law, the college TO issue the
diploma and to assume all the responsi-
billty for its action. There Is no ques.
ton as to the authority of the board oe
trustees or as to the right of a student
to appeal from the faculty to the board.
This authority was formally recognized
by the faculty this evening and the mat
ter in dispute has been amicably adjusted
Prof. j. Harris Chapel has been re-
elected president, and all the old membara
Of the faculty have been reelected.
Thirty young ladies were graduated -
the normal and college departments ana
seven from the Industrial departments
There were $40 students from ninety-fva
counties in attendance. The college Is in
a fourishlng condition and commands the
confidence Of the people and the supporg
of the state.
Atlanta. Ca. June 4.-Speclals from Mll-
ledgeVille state that the senior class re-
fused to-day to accept their diplomas FROM
the board of trustees.
When Gov. Atkinson announced that
the trustees would deliver the diplomas
the Students the faculty and the audi
ence were amazed After Prof. Chap-
nell made his protest Gov. Atkinson
died away and with face white win
rage and a voice choked with anger, he
turned to President Chapel and iit-
tired these words, amid a death-like ST.
lence: Il have known Prof. chappeii a
long time, but / never thought that he
could be guilty OF an act 50 unbecominS
a gentleman and so unchivalrous as per-
scouting a defenseless girl
He waited a moment 70 give his words
effect, and then he said further Tho
board Of trustees were guided solely by
justice in this affair, and they have stood
between a gross wrong and the most ap-
solute justice"
Again there was silence.
"The teachers OF this institution, he
said cannot confer diplomas. Thor
terms end with this commencement ana
they have no right to do so under the
law"
In the pause that ensued, every teacher
on the stage and every student present
arose enmasse and accompanied by
nearly all the audience, started TO leavs
the room.
The governor stood in amazement at
such a spectacle, a blush mantling his
cheeks. Gray headed men present never
remembered such spectacle Of silent in-
dignation hurled at the chief executive.
Prof Chappell stepped quietly forwards
and in a few words called back the audi
ence, the governor meanwhile uttering
some remarks the purport OF which was
not clearly understood.
Then Fleming duBignon asked the priv-
iIege Of word and stated that the truss
tees merely meant to do justice to the
young lady
The benediction was pronounced and the
exercises were over. But the most humil-
iating experience yet remained for Geor-
gias chief executive. Here Gov. Atkins
son has been the idol of the college. The
students enthusiastically suppoHted him
in their own way in his race for governor
and when he was inaugurated they moved
heaven and earth to get permission to at-
tend the exercises In a body. But. to-day.
as the governor stepped from the stage
he was met by two hundred angry, tearfuE
faces, and ignoring all rules of courtesy
the young maids hissed him to the echo.
The senior class Immediately held a ses-
sion and unanimously refused to receive
their diplomas from the board of trustees.