Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-10-21

The resignation of Prof. w. E.
Holmes As . member Of the Atlantis
Baptist College has caused much COM
ment-
The following open letter appeared
in the Augusta, Ga, BAPTIsr last week
and explains itself:
Rev. D. s. Klugh is the influential
pastor of the Union Baptist Church, at
Augusta, Ga:
AUGUSTA, GA. Oct. 10, 1899.
Rev. George Sale, A. M,
Atlanta, Ga;
MY Dear SIR
1t is well known TO many
and perhaps to you tbA have deep
interest in the educational work OF Dy
people; and especially, in the progress
of our denomiDatioDal schools. That
sentiment, in the face of present con-
aitiops. onctrning the Atlanta Bap-
list College, prompts me to address to
YOU this letter that an eager and in
1uiring public may know the facts rel
alive to Prof. Willism E. Holmes res
iRnaticn and the pohc7 Of the admin
istration toward colored teachers and
the alumni of the College.
MANY WONDKRIEGs
THE resdirg public have seen the
corretpondence, Bnd the explanatory
notes Of Prof. Holmes, in the Georgia
BAPTIST, which tell of his resiRnatioD ;
hut there is such q CURT AND ooURTLY
VAcU1rY about the whole affair, that
many are wobd ering what is the
trou6ls. Public opiEion is that there
is som ething very disegreesble and un-
L~lw hn
pred Ieople, behind the scene. Will
you, therefore, do me and the general
nubiic the kindness TO answer the fol-
lowing questions, thus turning the
much desired light upon this most de-
plorable state of affairs2
lst. Have you treated Prof. Holmes
with the same official and cordial re-
spect as did DR.. Robert and DR.. Graves,
your predecessors in the work?
WHAT is THE GRIEVANCE.
2nd. Ia there any grievance, whatso-
ever. either on your part or on the
mart of Prof Holmes not stated in the
correspondence relative to his resigna-
ton?
3rd. Do you admit the explanatory
notes of Prof. Helmes, following said
correspondence, 80 be true?
4th. II Prof. Holmes resignation
was purely voluntary, were there any
steps taken to retain his services?
9Th. Do you rot even now feel hiE
services are so important that some
steps should be taken to have him re-
turn to the colleg &c ct almost any costl
Mr.. President, these are questions
that the Baptist family of Georgia and
the public in general are asking.
These questions satisfactorily an
Kwered will bring confidence aud sup
port to the college.
TIE STRONGEST MAN IN GEORGIA.
Prof. Holmes to-day is the strongest
man in the Baptist RANKS Of Georgia.
There is not blot on his record o.
more than 9 quarter OF century o.
efficient public service, under the eyeI
of some the best educated and shrewd
est business men of the north an6
of deep erudition, 3 polished, Chris
4ian gentleman. He can as no Other
man can, unite the great Baptist fami-
". Every Baptist in the state Loves
him and viii rally 70 his standard.
CALL roa BIS RETuRS.
With Prof. Holmes return to th'
college, and the proper recognlticn
his ability and appreciation OF hle loni
and useful service as q servant OF tn
Home Mission Society, there would b
one Baptist convention and one Negr
Baptist college in Georgia, viz: tn
Atlanta Baptist College which we a
love and desire to support under prop
er conditions. This is no idle dream
INIT a stubborn truth that will be veri
fed il the authorities will only try it.
Hoping that something will yet b
done for unifyiBg the Baptist force
and for the best educational interest
the denomination am
Yours very respectfully.
D. g kLUGH.