Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1896-06-24

ing $40 (saye for travelling expenses)
has been incurred without the advice
and approval Of the chairman of the
Finance Committee, W. w. Mills. 1t
has been evident to me for some time
that Notwithstanding the definite
promises on this point there was a
deep-seated opposition to modern ideas
and methods, and strong disposition
on the part of some of the Trustees to
oppose the Introduction of modern
features into college work.
AS soon as | became aware of this op-
position l had a consultation with the
two trustees who were influential in
my accepting the presidency and in
formed them that my personal feeling
was in favor of Immediately severing
my connection with the College. But
inasmuch as | was assured that it
would be detrimental to the interests
of the College was willing to do what
would seem to be best for the institu-
ton. | was eutreated in the interests
of the College not to think of resign
ing at least at that time, but to contin-
iue quietly at the head of the College
until should pass at my own volition,
and in my own way to some work
which | preferred to that in which l
was engaged. TO this proposition l
consented ONLY FOR THE SAKE OF THE
COLLEGE, and that nothing might be
done to provoke adverse criticism.
l discovered just before Commence
ment time that for this proposition,
made to me by w. w. Mills and w. II.
Blymyer, certain trustees cherished no
regard whatever. l then decided that
had sacrificed my personal welfare
and interests as long as l could stand
it, and l insisted upon my resignation
being accepted. This was against the
judgment of certain members of the
Board, who are in thorough sympathy
with my educational policy, and who
have broad view of College work,
and while l appreciated their feelings
III tuo uudlIci L lelI elido uuop ~ v ehC
heavy load from my shoulders and put
it back into the hands of the Board.
To sum up, failure of the Board to
be loyal to conditions without which l
never would have set my foot on Mari
eta soil, interference with modern
educational policy and work and with
presidential functions, have been the
causes for my action.
do not write these words with any
warmth of feeling, for l am delighted
to have the heavy burden lifted from
my shoulders and would have thrown
it off and have gone back to the pastor
ate long ago had it not been for the
interests of the College, For some of
the trustees l have the highest admira-
ton, and l have their loyal support
1t was most unfortunate that many of
the foreign trustees could not be pres
ent at this meeting.
Permit me in closing to express to
the good people of Marietta my sincere
thanks for the uniformly kind and
courteous treatment l have received
from them and especially for the mag
nificent compliment they paid me at
the banquet of the Board of Trade and
at the Baccalaureate service, of Sab
bath morning. The memory of that
great audience, SO genuine and kindly
in it's interest and so expressive of it's
good will for the College and to me
personally, l shall carry with me as
one of the sweetest memories of life,
and it is a satisfaction to me beyond
my power to express in words, that my
endeavor to bring the town and the
College into closer and more cordial re-
lationship has met such happy re-
sponse. l felt when | came, and sub
sequent results have justified it, that if
we showed our interest in the COM
the community would show its
interest in us. This Commencement
week has abundantly justified such
conviction.
With best wishes for the College and
for the happiness and prosperity of the
good people of Marietta, remain,