The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1896-07-16
CORVALLIS, OREGON, JULY re, see
THE COLLEGE PRESIDENCY.

A telegram from Salem in Sat
urday's Oregonian states that
some of the regents of the State
Agricultural College favor H. B.
Miller for the presidency of the
institution. There have been
previous rumors regarding this
matter, but Mr.. Miller's candi-
dacy was not treated seriously,
few believing that the board
would contemplate such a step.
Citizens of Corvallis are deep
ly interested in the real welfare
of the institution. They have
no ak to grind and no candidate
to urge. Their interest is but
the interest of state citizens, en-
phasized somewhat by their local
pride in the growing school that
Is located in their midst.
The acceptance Of President
Bloss' resignation is not general
ly criticised, but the board will
make a serious mistake it it elects
as his successor man without
experience in agricultural college
and experiment station work. To
put man not especially fitted
for the position, at the head of a
school Of this kina would reflect
upon the benefits and accomplish
ments of the institution. The
board can not afford to do it.
There is nothing advanced in
support of Mr. Miller, that can
not be said of almost any good
business man. If he has any
special qualifications that will
enable him to meet the require
ments of such a position as the
presidency of the agricultural
college, they are lying latent and
are even now kept in the back
ground. His agricultural con-
nections cannot be seriously con-
sidered. His skill as a mechanic
might entitle him to be chosen as
instructor in the mechanical de-
partment; but the presidency is a
far different thing. He is said
also to be a good business man,
but good business men are not a
rarity, and there is nothing in
this qualification that would sim
gle Mr.. Miller out from thous-
ands of others.
But besides this lack of fitness
there are serious positive objec-
tions to Mr.. Miller. In the first
place, the selection of a member
of the board certainly seems iin-
polite, and would subject the
board to very just criticism.
Then Mr.. Miller's chief reputa-
ton is as politician. For years
he has been a prominent figure
in Oregon politics and during the
past winter was urged for the nom-
ination of congressman, and
doubtless would have made an
able representative. His selec-
ton as president of the agricul-
tural college would certainly
meet the hostility of farmers es-
pecially. There would be accu-
sations, however groundless, that
it was the result of political job
berry. A college can not afford
to be under the irnputation that
it is an asylum for politicians.
Those who do any thing to justl.
fly the suspicion that it Is manip-
ulated in the interest of politics,
will commit political suicide.
Mr.. Miller is pleasant intelli-
gent gentleman. AS a member
of the board of regents he has
been faithful, capable and active
in building up the college. His
valuable services on the board
are recognized and appreciated,
but he has no business in the
presidents chair. The press OF
the state, and especially agricul-
tural papers, as far as noticed,
have been unfavorable to his
selection. Mr.. Miller at the out
set would have this opposition tc
contend with, and the school
would suffer in proportion. He
can not afford to accept the posi-.
ton and the board cannot afford
to appoint him.
The president should be col
1ege man, trained and educated
in a practical college. He should