The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-07-08
PROF. IRBY WRITES.
He Gives the Public the Formal Letter
Sent Him by Chairman Harris.

To the Editor:-Having just finished
my work as Professor of Agriculture,
and as many of my friends have asked
me why | leave the College, / thought
it proper, just at this junctnre, to give
copy of formal letter of dismissal by
the Board of Trustees. / asked for this
formal letter that ] might put it before
the public, inasmuch as it was stated by
conservative members of the Board Just
before the June meeting that there would
be no change in the college except for
Iinefficiency.
Now with this statement before the
public, 1T might still appear to me that
was turned out for inefficiency. but as
President Harris letter contradicts that,
wish to have the matter properly put
before the people.
! The letters is as follows:
Raleigh, n. c., June %, 1897.
Prof. B. Irby:
Dear Sir:-At the meeting of the trus-
tees Of the North Carolina College Of
Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. held in
this city on June II last,it was voted that
your services as Professor of Agriculture
of the College will not be required from
and after that day. This action was tax
en- simply in the exercise of the power
residing in the Board and not because
there were charges against your charac-
ter as man, nor because your duties
We're not satisfactorily discharged
Very truly yours,
J. G. l.. HARRIS,
Pres. Board of Trustees.
Now the reason why / was removed
is so plain that / deem it unnecessary
to comment thereon.
L have just turned over all property,
etc, to my successor as my time was out
July LIST, though President Harris letter
stated June II. / tried to leave every
thing in good shape, and hope the De-
pa1tment of Agriculture will ever flour
ish. | assured Prof. Emory, my success
sor, that if / could help out the cause in
anyway he need have no hesitancy in
calling ON me, as / feel too much inter
est in the welfare of the college and the
youth of the land generally not to do all
| can in their behalf.
| wish to thank the good people of
North Carolina for their many courtesies
during my sojourn of five years among
them.
Lux paper pthltu HOT lOlS since IIllt L
would leave Raleigh. This is a mistake,
as | have no such intention at present,
and when l leave, it will be because /
can make great deal more elsewhere.
hike the State, Raleigh and her people,
too much to leave unless greatly to my
advantage financially to do so.
1t has been my endeavor to make my
self one Of the people, and have tried to
make the farmers interests my interest,
and I might add that that which is the
farmers interest is Of interest to all.
Though no longer a college official, still
I shall ever feel interested in the farmers
Of North Carolina.
I have invested my money here. and
wish to remain. However, will sell
my house and lot and farm, IL can do
so without sacrifice, as will need capital
to go into business.
With thanks to all my friends for their
kindness and many favors, expressed to
me in numerous ways, bid adieu to them
as college official.
Very truly yours,
B. IRBY.
Formerly Professor of Agriculture,
North Carolina College Of Agriculture
and Mechanic Arts, Raleigh, N. G.