Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-12-08


Il don't think the present agitation
of the subject will result in the re-
moval Of Bethany college," said a
Wheeling gentleman who. is thorough
ly conversant with the condition OF
affairs at that institution. Il must
admit, however," he added, that |
fear the proposition TO remove 1t to
Pittsburg more than the project OF re-
moval to Hiram. o., which failed as
you will remember. 1t will sound very
attractive to the trustees to be offered q
free site near the new Carnegie library
building, affording students facilities
for the use of books, ETC.; with the adj
ditional offer of an endowment fund of
500, 900 and the necessary college
buildings.
Graduates of colleges are very fond
of their alma mater. and this is es-
pecially true Of the alumni Of
Bethany. There is a strong SEN
timent which would make the removal
of the college appear as almost a sac
rilege, in the minds of many former
students. The many struggles through
which Bethany has passed, have great
ly endeared it to it's friends. The
trustees do not all live in Pittsburg.
Many come from other parts Of the
country, and the institution has
friends in all sections.
Il fail to see the necessity for the
agitation at this time. The condition
of affairs at the college is not critical.
There are one-third more students thar
last year, with every indication that
the number will be further augmented
next year. This statement is based
upon positive promises which have
been given. If the numbers of students
is increased to 200, it will be sufficient
to pay the running expenses of the
college. Bethany's Indebtedness is only
$4,000. l know of a western college
which was $45, 900 in debt. The build
ings at. Bethany COS $150,000, and
they would certainly bring at least
one-third Of that sum under the ham,
mer.
Some time ago an effort was made
IL IdISG d pSl uldlCnL aQO LdAo
of 500, 900. The movement failed, but
of those who subscribed to the $4,000
which was secured, | feel certain that
all or nearly all will enc in the
present movement to raise an endoW-
ment fund of $50, 900. President Ker-
sey is working very theoretically, and
has succeeded in raising $4,000. This.
added to the $4,000 before pledged.
would leave but $10,0 900 to be raised.
"One thing that has injured Beth
any sincerely regret to say it--has
been the criticism on the part of her
graduates who have taken charge OF
other colleges. In a selfish spirit hey
have made un~Warran6ed statements
about their Alma Mater. One college
president is known to have asserted
that Bethany is not a fit place to go
to school, that it is nothing more thar
a hog wallow. Nothing could be farther
from the truth. This same man visited
Bethany, and there was a movement
en- the part of the students to duck
him, which would have been carried
out but for the interference of Bethany
citizens.
I'm a few years Bethany will be
well equipped, whether the endowment
fund is all raised or not. There are
a number of requests which have been
made to the institution. | know per-
sonally of $50,000."
1t is likely that the building OF an
electric railway to connect Bethany
with Wheeling, would put a quietus on
the rumors of removal Of the college.
Wheeling friends Of the institution en-
terrain this hope at any rate. When
the Brooke county court meets Friday,
Messrs. Miller and PAUL, of this city,
will ask for a franchise for the pro-
posed road. Several routes have been
suggested, and it is Likely mat one or
them will be acted upon favorably.
printing Presses. Money Banks, Hot