New-York tribune., 1899-12-23
tbe sa, Ss .ne whole people. to appointment upon
bx ,sseiecuon by the Governor and confirmation
THE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.

'N'<oOLl ADOPTED.
ne above resolutions with which the report |
nus were debated at considerable length. Most !
" '"e regents favored them. but some sug
eeu hod'ncations Of their declarations. |
Charies r. Skinner. the Superintendent OF Pub |
"o instruction. argued that the Governor in |
stead OF the Regents ought to appoint the first |
mead OF the united school system. Changes were !
suggested by Vice Chancellor Doane and Mr. !
fltch Some Of the Regents thought that the |
regents ought to be authorized TO appoint the
'"peilh'endent OF Public Instruction but as
STATED 'hree-fourths OF the Regents favored the
resolutions submitted by the special committee
ana they were finally adopted by vote which
disclosed the fact that three -fourths of the
Regents approved Of them
Al the conclusion OF the speech OF Mr. Skin
ner' the Superintendent Of Public Instruction
! in which he said that neither the Regents nor
! their officers were willing to make any conces-
| sions OF dignites or powers, Secretary Melvil
/ Dewey OF the Board Of Regents asked permis-
sion to speak. and then repeated his offer made
! long before, 10 resign as secretary thus con-
tributing his quota 10 the called for concessions
| ana eliminating the personal question entirely
| so far as he was concerned. When It was
moved to lay the resignation the table. Mr..
/ Dewey said Il was not made for effect. but after
/ long consideration, and urged the acceptance at
/ this meeting Of the written resignation which
( he had placed in the hands of the Chancellor
+ in order that there should be no possibility Of
saying that il was done for effect and not from
settled purpose TO retire. He said frankly.
however, that he agreed with Superintendent
Skinner that vastly more harm was being done
to education by the heated discussions, msun-
derstandings and Misrepresentation now so
rife than by all the friction between the two
departments. He felt that no personal sacri-
fee was too great TO secure harmony and peace
among the educational workers OF the State,
and was more than willing 10 withdraw his own
personally from the discussion. This offer had
been made long ago TO the Governor, with the
/ assurance that the resignation would be made
whenever it would help to secure better re-
suits but he believed nothing short OF actual
acceptance would meet the conditions.
THE STRAIN ON MR.. DEWEY.
AS 10 unihcaton, he said that he had opposed
strongly the inclusion OF the University law in
the revised Education law, because the Uni
I versity doing admirable work under its own
law, which had been through the hands Of the
Statutory Revision Commission but the Com
mission had decided that they must include al
law bearing on education, and revise that so
Gently revised. The proposal 70 transfer the
high schools from the Regents 10 the elementary
school department had brought about the
strained conditions which he 80 much regretted.
The nervous strain OF these unfortunate dis
cussions was more than he was willing TO bear
in position where he became a target for con-
stant criticism from both sides Of almost any
question To escape this strain, and at the
same time 10 make substantial concession
toward educational harmony, while he secured
the concentration OF work in his favorite field
which he had long looked forward to. made It
| imperative 10 insist on the resignation OF his
| duties as secretary 10 take effect on the ami
| versary of the day which he assumed them
| January /, 1889.
Curiously, this the day which Governor
Hill made his fourth and last message recon-
mendlng the complete abolition Of the Regents.
Mr.. Dewey said he content to resign his
position on that anniversary. leaving the condi-
ton Of the University and its various depart
| ments and the estimation In which II was held
at home and abroad compared with what It
was when he took office as a SUFFICIENT record
by which nj. work for the eleven years must be
judged.
THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION.
Mr.. Dewey's letter OF resignation. which was
then read. was as follows:
Regents Oeace, Albany, December p. 1899.
To the Regents Of the University Of the State OF
New-York:
For eleven years I have held two positions
under your honorable Board, secretary and
fnencial oficer. and director of the Home Edu-
cation and Library departments. The work Of
either Of these positions demands the entire
time Of strong man in vigorous health For
more than two years have been forced 10 recog-
nize that II was impossible TO give the strength
which the work demands to both these positions
l am therefore constrained TO ask the Board TO
relieve me of my duties secretary, as l be-
lieve / can accomplish more for the State and
for the Board by giving my entire time 10 the
State Library and Home Education Depart
ment because most OF my life has been spent
in special study and active service in these fields
I tender this resignation at this annual meeting
10 take effect early the Board can arrange
for it conveniently because l believe that the
fact of vacancy in the position Of secretary
may be a factor in the solution OF the much dis
cussed question Of educational unihcation, as IL
will leave the way clear for any reorganization
OF the work of the Regents that may seem wise.
! must make plain however. that this resigna-
ton is not offered for the sake Of putting IL on
the records and Of having II declined but be-
cause ! earnestly desire 10 give such service az
may hereafter render 10 the University in the
field where l am sure be most useful.
MELVIL DEWEY. Secretary.
Mr. Reid moved that committee be appointed
TO draw UP resolutions concerning Mr.. Deweys
resignation. The motion was adopted. ara ar.
Kelway and Mr.. Sexton as members OF the com
mittee
THE RESIGNATION ACCEPTED.
The committee later submitted the following
resolutions which on motion OF Nlce-|hahCe'Ioi
Doane were unanimously adopted:
Resolved That the Regents have heard with
much regret the resignation by Mr.. Melvil
Dewey OF the position OF secretary and financial
officer Of the University which he has held for
eleven years. in conjunction with the director
ship OF the Library OF the Home Education De-
department
Resolved. That we deplore the circumstances
Of impaired health and OF overtaxed strength
which have led him 20 ask release from part OF
his duties; and we trust that the relief which he
seeks may soon result in his complete restora-
tion TO bodily vigor
Resolved, That the Board recognizes In Mr..
Dewey an organizer OF genius. executive OF
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