The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1896-02-26
CLEMSON INVESTIGATED.
Mr.. McMaster's Letter to The State Fully
Justified,

COLUMBIA, S. c.. Feb. 20.-The fol-
lowing report of the recent inves:iga-
ton By legislative committee into
the workings of Clemson college was
yesterday handed representative of
The State:
To the Honorable Senate and House Of
Representatives of South Carolina:
That a joint committee consisting
of two members of the senate eand three
members of the house of representa-
ti7es be appointed to make an investi-
cation into the workings of Clemson
college, the service of It's various de-
partments and as to the foundation of
certain rumors, reporting lack of
harmony in the collaboration of the
board of trustees. That said commit
tee have leave to sit at such time and
places as will serve their convenience
and that they have power to send for
persons and papers and report TO the
present session of the general assembly
by bill or otherwise.
Under the above concurrent resolu-
ton we, the undersigned members of
the committee, acting through the au-
thority of the same, beg leave to make
the following report thereon:
First, as to the workings Of Clemson
college, we beg to say that the COM
n1ittee visited the college on Thursday,
Feb. 9Th. and remained there for Lear
ly three days, that they personally in
spected and examined all the depart
ments of the institution and so far as
they were able by diligent observation
and inquiry from the various
heads and assistants Of said depart
raents, would say that systematic man
agement and apparent good order were
clearly indicated and especially was
this observable in the chemical, horti-
cultural and dairy departments. 1t
appeared to the committee that the
mechanical department was also liber-
ally equipped for perfect instruction
in mechanics, but upon consultation
with the president of the college and a
majority Of the board of trustees, we
were told that to graduate successfully
the senior class (Which is large other
additions Of machinery to that depart
ment were absolutely necessary, and
should be made at once. As regards
the agricultural department, in which
connection the Hatch fund for expert
ments in agriculture is a valuable ad-
ditiou, we saw no reason or necessity
for further outlay, with the exception
OF two additional instructors which
were elected at the rscent meeting of
the board of trustees. We regret to
add, but nevertheless are firmly con-
vinced from the testimony taken, that
sufficient attention has been sadl y
lacking in pushing and perfecting the
two paramount departments of the IN
stitutions mechanics and agriculture.
The evident intention of the projec
tor and founder of the institution was
to give to South Carolina an agricul-
tural and mechanical college. We
believe, however, that the board of
trustees and the president are now
thoroughly awakened to the impor
tance that specially attaches to those
two departments which Immediately
concerns and determines the futnre
success or failure of the institution as
such and that they will work vigor-
ously and harmonlously to that end.
Your committee would further report
that as pertaining 10 the rumor OF the
lack of harmony in the board Of trus.
tees that the testimony taken points
unmistakably to the truth that such
was fact, and that impediments were
in some instances interposed which
impeded Or stayed for a time the pro-
gresS of the institution.
We believe, however, that the cause
which provoked said condition has
now been removed by partial reor-
ganization of the faculty and the dis
charge OF certain professors and in
strucLors and the election of others,
which impresses US with the belief that
hereafter the board of trustees and the
president and faculty will work har-
and that We may confident
ly look for success and progress in that
great institution OF learning.
We would say further that cursory
examination OF the bookkeeping Of
the college disclosed the fact that the
books Of the institution were neatly
and simply kept, and that the plan of .
auditing accounts and making requlSl-
tions for materials, etc, disbursing
funds for various payments showed
perfect system and simplicity.
All of which we respectfully submit
and ask to be discharged from further
consideration OF the same.