New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-30
BISHOP NEWMAN AND ROUND LAKE
DIR. GRIFFINS LETTER ASKING HIM TO
TAKE THE PRESIDENCY-FALSE RE-
PORTS OF HIS POOR HEALTH.

TAKE THE PRESIDENCY-FALSE RE-
PORTS OF HIS POOR HEALTH.
Albany, May 29-The letter from DR.. Griffin. ono
Of the last acts Of his life. addressed to Bishop
John p. Newman, nominating him his successor
as president Of Round Lake. and giving his last
desires In regard to Round Lake, was not read at
the Round Lake taxpayers meeting There has
been such general demand for its publication
that II is here given:
My Dear Bishop:
but my physical condition and your high official
duties prevent. SO | write you and make our
TO you / am sure you recall conversation
when you and the Mad I'm and also Dr. BUTT t were
gestive thoughts that ! threw out at that time.
Sine then h as hae hSd s Work 70 om that 1
is sinking fast. IT seems that there has come
more settled inspiration of which the
suggestions were but the flashlights
Round Lake, with Its past blessed purposes ana
the years with the better part Of It's record and
history and have always been one of its strongest
and best councillors and vouchers especially nave
you stood sponsor to It's Theological school or
ment. Round Lake Academy ! am sure you desire
to see It succeed and become permanent pro-
gressivc department of our work. .
There has been very much said and 1t has passed
beyond simple talk. about bringing the Troy con.
to Round Lake. There are tangible reasons. well
founded. why this would be a very much de sa
work here. for which greater facilities are not
wanting. or, at least. not far on.
our P N o
Lake. This, Bishop, is my nomination. to be enthu-
siastically ratified by our Board This is not all.
as RsD
have come TO feel that. providentialy. my
ali d op anG Is &c
hope that have done the best could with what .
As shall come to f lay DC down my burdens shall
feel it great consolation to know that one mes. 50
to more substantial conclusion this benencent
e Of %Sr to b ans as and n
nothing but the heartiest assent with Chautau-
most important old campmeeting grounds, directed
each by bishop of our great Methodist Episcopal
have labored for their success and continuance in
the heat Of the day ] recall your satisfaction
with our dear and incompatible friend. Dr. Buttz
and your expressed desire to come substantally
I am sure united prayers will ascend that these
threefod powers for good may be bound closer
Ny dear friend. have opened to you my heart:
/ feel II Is Gods will During the days OF short
respite from your present conference to the wor:
cester Conference, have thought you might spend
matters. And then. when you shall have finished
your work in New Hampshire. you will come to see
cannot but hope that what has appeared to me
a duty will also be revealed you. my dear
''''"'p' very '''e''0"A William GRIFFIN
This letter signed by DR.. Grfin's own hand.
and this signature the last he ever made.
1t may here be stated. on the authority Of Bishop
Newman. that the often-repeated assertion that
he had refused TO accept the presidency OF Round
Lake is untrue. 1t has not yet been offered 10
him. There never has been the slightest reason
to believe that he would refuse to comply with the
last request OF his lifelong friend The vast ma
jority OF Round Lake taxpayers are enthusiasts
cay in favor Of Bishop Newman for president
as Is. without doubt large majority OF the full
board OF twenty-ore trustees.
Bishop Newman has already denied in the most
emphatic manner the reports circulated that he
was In declining health and contemplated re-
firing from the College OF Bishops Since his Ill
IN the spring he has taken rest and is fast
recovering his usual vigorous health. He Is just
year younger than Or. Griffin was twelve years
ago when he first called TO become president OF
Round Lake. and lifted bankrupt place 70 the
financial prosperity Il has since enjoyed. This he
did alone by munfcent gifts. assisted by Con-
gresham George West Bishop Newman and
others. but mainly by a wise liberal. business man
| agement.