The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1899-06-07
sersa collese-lts Intent to Present Status.
BEREA, KY, June 3, 1899.

BEkEA, n.y. June o, 1913.
1t is well known fact that Beres
College was founded not for the purpose
of adding another institution in which
should be taught the languages and
higher mathematics, but one in which
should be especially taught the fitnddmen-
tai principals Of ''l0re 10 God and lore 10
mal,"-love in religion and justice in
government.
This utterance was in the days OF
slavery, before the civil war; for definite
ness and specific application the found
ers appended a bylaw, now part and
parcel of the constitution, in the fol-
lowing words: This institution shall
be under an influence, strictly Christian
opposed to slave holding caste and
every known wrong or institution.
There was an effort to leave out of
the constitution, as being now amend
ed the original words, ''slaye holding
and caste
This was resisted on the ground that
the words show what was the pro-
nounced utterance of the original as
founders and the sentiments which the
college ought now to retain, in pro-
nounced manner.
The founders saw then as nov that
the spirit and practice of caste was
whitening to the noble aspirations OF
every young man or woman, who by
merit sought an honorable position in
civil society. They saw that this pro-
scriptiOn when inflicted, because of the
simple incident of color, ia which there
is no crime, was unjust, cruel, unchris-
tan, yea, barbariOus. They saw also
that Christian Colleges, because of their
chartered privileges and associated tai
cut have a moulding influence upon
the notions and customs of society.
They therefore decided that whatever
power or influence Berea College might
attain to, it should be against this
spirit and practice of caste; and also
helpful as far as possible to every young
man and woman of merit.
In harmony with this purpose, early
in the history of the institution and
under the administration of Rev. +. II.
Fairchild, a young colOred man, was
elected from among the early graduates
to the position OF tutor, with the assur-
ance that afterdue advancement he would
be promoted to the position of Profess
sor. He turned aside to another object
Soon the Trustees said, that as soon as
a suitable eOlored teacher should be
found he should be placed as a mem
Der of the faculty. Last year, having
/ favorable concentrations concerning
| Professor Talley, several of us urged
/ his appointment, to a vacant chair,
which he is eminently prepared to
/ fill. The matter was referred TO a com
mittee on supplies-there it rested.
4 This year ] obtained from President
] Of Fisk University, high commenda-
lion Of Professor Tally, as a scholar
postgraduate, christian. President Frost
/ obtained alike high commentator and
an ahable man. l urged that Prof
Tally be appointed to hll the vacant
chair. One member OF the Board com
mended the appointment Of such a
man. He added. there may be the con-
sideration of finance.
| L added, the manifest courage to carry
out what is confessedly right and wise
will be thousands to the Treasury of
! Berea College. Men, now as in time
! past, will give when they have evil
dence that stewards will be faithful.
] This has been seen in the case OF the
| benevolent men and women, who in
years past gave their thousands for the
erection of the valuable buildings in
which students are in Berea now Shelf
cred.
This was seen in the case of the man
who lately so notably gave the Fifty
Thousand" In his offer he said, lit is
for the colored as well as tor the whites. :"
The lesson taught, is that white boys
in the mountains and cOlOred in tine
| Blue Grass are alike citizens of a great
republic and should vie with each other
| for virtuOus characters and noble lives.
Also, that each one who in any way has
powered promotion should award equal
facility to character and merit. Any
thing short OF this is unpatrlOtic, un-
philanthropic and unchristian.
1t will he asked. are not cOlored
youths now received in Berea College?
Yes, kindly and pleasantly; but possi-
! bly, to learn the force of the fable of
Tantalus, who, when brought up where
| he could Just taste the waters was push
ed back. The case of Prof. Tally is in the
hands of the Committee OF supplies
Tally may drink OF the fountain at
Berea or feel the force OF the bludgeon,
we will see. JOHN u. FEE.