The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1897-03-05
4 Lively Fight.
The Bethany College Bill in
the West Virginia Senate.
SOME OF THE SPEECHES.

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One of the most animated con-
tests during the session of the
West Virginia Senate of 1897,
was over Senate bill los, propos-
ing to appropriate thirty thou
sand dollars from the State treas
ury for the use of Bethany Col
lege. the famous Campbellite
school of Brooke county.
1t was represented that the
school was heavily IN debt. and
the money was to be used in pay.
ing off the old debts. In return
for the gift the trustees proposed
to give a free scholarship to one
pupil from each county in the
State. The bill passed the Sen
ate by a majority of one, after a
bitterfight had been made against
it. Senators Fast, Young, Hugh.
es, "a. g. Farr and Reed spoke
,gainst the passage Of the bill,
and Senator Marshall defended it
with powerful logic and elo-
quence. The remarks of Senator
S. F. Reed, as published in one
of our exchanges, was in part as
follows:
Mr.. PpEsDENT:-I am aston
ished that Senators on this floor
should seriously consider a propo-
sition to give thirty thousand dol
lars, appropriated from the State,
to a private, denominational
school, however meritorious the
claim might appear or however
pathetic might be the appeal for
aid. When it comes to handling
the money of the people, senti-
ment and sympathy must not be
allowed to take the place of that
deliberate judgment that looks to
the interests of all our citizens.
The proposition is one that not
only violates the expressed die
tum of our State and national
constitutions, but transgresses a
sentiment that is part Of the
wool and fibre of our national
life.
If this money is appropriated,
upon what grounds, pray, can we
refuse similar assistance to other
private or UNCONVENTIONAL
schoolss The Baptists, Presby-
terians, Methodists, Catholics and
many other denominations have
educational institutions in our
State. Do Senators mean to-
invite them all to share our lib
crafty? Such a course can end
only in confusion, chaos and State
bankruptcy. 1t is unnecessary
that l should speak of the politi-
cal phase of this question. Surely
no one can fail to see the pitfalls
that lie concealed along such a
course. Even if it should be de-
sirable and proper to donate this
money, certainly no one of my
colleagues would regard the bill
under consideration adequate for
so important a trust. They pro-
pose certain free scholarships.
but how are these secured or
guaranteed by this bill. No pro.
vision is made whereby the State
can ever demand a report on the
manner in which this thirty thou
sand dollars will be expended.
No committee is to be appointed
to investigate the financial stand
ing of the institution. When a
State institution asks for even q
much smaller appropriation, this
Senate. following long standing
custom, hastens to send a com
mittee to inquire into every de-
tail connected with such de-
mand. Why have we grown so
careless and Indifferent?
They tell us it's a wise meas.
ure in that it offers free educa-
ton to a pupil from each county.
Mr.. President, our State now has
eight public institutions offering
free education to white young
men and young women. These
institutions have never been
crowded. For two years rep
resentative of our highest insti-