The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-08-03
BELIEVE IN FAIR PLAY.

(HrOm the Atlanta COnSIltut1On-)
The corporation of Brown university
is beginning to realize the gravity of
the mistake in forcing DR.. E. B. An
drews to resign the presidency of that
institution on account of his views on
the money question.
In scholarship, executive ability and
personal magnetism DR.. Andrews has
long occupied unique position among
American educators. 1t is not confer
ring too much praise upon his zeal
and executive ability as a college pres
ident to say that much of the high
prestige which Brown university en-
joys today is due to the earnest and
unremitting efforts which he has put
forth in behalf of that institution. But
the peculiar backset which the univer-
sity sustains at this time is not occa-
stoned solely by the retirement of DR..
Andrews from its executive chair, but
more especially by the just cenSure
which the public press of the country
has visited upon the corporation for the
action in forcing him to retire.
The censure has not been restricted
to those organs which agree with DR..
Andrews in his views on the money
question. Indeed, some of the gravest
structures upon the corporations high
handed action come from those organs
which disagree with the political views
entertained by DR.. Andrews, but which
believe in according to every American
citizen the utmost freedom of thought
and speech. The Chicago Times Her
aid, one of the most pronounced foes
of the views entertained by DR.. An
drews, is constrained to speak of his
treatment at the hands of the univer-
sity corporation in Scathing terms.
Says the Tines Herald:
THE university powers who brought
about his dismissal based their action
not upon the fact that DR.. Andrews
teachings were harmful and his theO-
ries fallaciOus, but upon the fear that
the institution might lose certain Iega-
cies and requests if its official head
publicly advocated the 16 to 1 notion of
finance.
in the resignation of President Andrews
and it is one which reflects little credit
upon an institution which under his di-
rectiOn has grown into one of the fore
most schools of the country"
The Chicago paper further argues
that the action of the corporation must
looks as if the advocates of sound
money" feared the arguments of the
ree-silverites'' and sought to check
matters by curtailing the right of free
speech.
But the language of the Springfield
Republican in denouncing the action of
the corporation is even more terse and
pointed than the language of the
Times-HeFaId. Says the Springfield
Repu blican:
1T is a bungIing piece of work that
will not make for the moral advantage
of Brown university, or command pop
ular respect in the realm of culture that
is tolerant, free to serve and acquire,
and does not weigh education and hon
est manhood in the scales of the money
changers. The standard of money get
ting was never more cOnSpicuously APP
piled in the college world, and this
phase of the affair-which is the heart
and soul of twill be deeply resented
by those who are very far from agree
ing with the silver views of DR.. An
dreWS."
The Springfield Republican is one of
the most conservative nRWSn9 in
the country. and such strong language
emanating from this discreet organ of
light the action of the corporation is re-
garded by the best people of that sec
ton.
Still another lash of criticism is ap-
piled by the Boston Globe. Says this
organ of the gold Democrats:
For the sake of the future of Brown
university, let US hope that the scales
of prejudice will speedily fall from the
eyes of those who would have sought to
cajole President Andrews into keeping
silence regarding his convictions as to
public duty. The resignation should
not be accepted. Brown cannot afford
in justice to herself or to the rights of
educated men in a free country, to ac-
cept a resignation so rendered and on
such grounds. But whether the trus-
tees rise to their opportunity or ignobly
neglect it, the American public senti-
ment will declare itself on the side of
Justice, and that with no uncertain
sound. Honest people of every shade
of political opinion will mold E. Benja-
min Andrews higher than ever in honor
' because of those latest proofs of his
noble loyalty to the faith that is in
him.
Other comments from leading news
papers might be cited in this connec-
ton, but these are sufficient to show
the drift of popular sentiment. Ameri-
cans may differ radically in their views
on public questions, but they believe
in fair play. They believe also in the
constitutional rights of free speech, and
any effort to throttle its exercise is
bound to receive their just condemna-
ton,