Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-06-26

and enthusiasm. He received AN OVa-
ticr when he arose TO speak and whcn
he had finished. Tt..'; two speeches
put new life and zeal into the alumni
coming as they did fiom men who
have been intimately corrected with
Colby and thoroughly familiar with her
rttC..
At the last meeting of the alumni
committee was appointed to make re-
port and recommendations on two OF
the live issues at Colby at present. the
representation Of the alumni on the
board of trustees and the question OF
co-education or coordination. At the
conclusion OF DIR. Buffers speech the
report of this committee was called Tor
and was given by the chairman, Allen
+. Soule, 70. of Boston.
This report started the discussion
which lasted all the afternoon and
which was one of the liveliest ever in
dulged in by the alumni Of Colby col
lege. There was no bitterness in any
OF 1t but all was characterised by fair
play and good fellowship. The meet
ing will be memorable one in colby's
history and the results can hardly be
estimated Many perplexing points
We're cleared up and at the close a bet
ter feeling and closer relationship
existed than at the opening. The dis
cussion was perfectly frank as II was
''all in the family and every one felt
free to express his opinions and senti-
ments.
Mr.. Kinds Is one of the recognized
authorities on parliamentary practice
and his duties as chairman drew heavI-
ly upon his knowledge The motions
and amendments to motions flew thick
and fast. Several men were frequently
on their feet at once seeking recogni-
ton from the Chair and the parlimen-
tary tangles would rival those at
meeting OF the National House. Mr.
Hinds kept things moving smoothly.
however and did his difficult work to
the satisfaction OF all
The matter Of a better representa-
ton OF the alumni on the board Of
trustees was easily settled. There are
OF course many graduates on the
board, but the association has felt that
more than this was needed and wished
to have graduates on the board who
should be known as the alumni trus-
tees and who should officially represent
the association. In the report made BY
Mr.. Soule a plan for doing this was
blocked out. with suggestions for put
ting IL into effect. Mr.. Drummond OF
the trustees was present and at the
first opportunity commended the plan
and expressed for the board it's hearty
cooperation.
The matter Of selecting a committee
from the association 70 confer with the
trustees and 10 assist In completing the
arrangements was latter left 10 the
council Of the association. This change
in the board will entail large amount
Of routine before II can be accom-
plished. II. will take time but the
movement ia well started and ultimate
~ the alumni viii have what they de-
sire and what they believe will be- for
the best interests Of the college
TIL" second part of the repor; made h..
Mr.. SoGlc related to the matter OF CO.
education and was not settled so easily.
It was the discussion Of this that pro
traCted the meeting and which will per
haps make it a memorable one. although
the matter OF the trustees is considered
as one OF great Importance. Mr. Souie In
his report reviewed the matter OF coed
ucation or co-ordina ton at Colby ana 9th
or colleges. The tone of the report was
against both.
fhcu the fun began II was soon an
parent that the Older members of the as
ISOLATION Were mostly mustered an the
side OF co-cducation. while the younger
members made mp the opposition Tho
battle between the two sides was sharp
and splendidly managed. Norman Bas-
set led the ''anti-co-ed'' forces and MIR.
Pe,lcIfJrd. with the able assistance of
some Of the older members. led the pro
coed side. An appropriation bill cam
paiSn In Congress was never waged more
stoltly than this contest over co-oduca-
Hon. W. {. Philbrook attempted 10 stay
the proceedings by moving that the part
tabled and printed in order To give fur
th.r opportunity for investigation
Hon. ;. $ Brown led a movement for
indefinite postponement. started by the
pros" But the 'aniis'' succeeded in
getting permission for MIR Bassctt to
speak and the floor was delivered to him.
He SPOKE for nearly an hour. giving
position OF the ANTS. Mr.. Bassctt will
never plead case before the
more earnestness than he did the case of
the "anti-co-eds before the jury of thu
Colby alumni.
There have been four petitions afoat
among the graduates on this subject and
AIR. Bassett has beene conducting one Of
them. He has made very EXHAUSTIVE.
research on the subject and has gathered
had carefully tabulated and digested. Let-
ters were read from those both for and
against co-tducation. Mr.. Bassett de-
clared that after his investigation. which
had been according to his best judgment
and knowledge. he was Obliged to fairy
and honestly state that he did not be-
heve co-education was for Colby. II
then made a clear and logical argumcnf
against the system.
But the girls did not lack for cham
pions and the older members followed
the argument closely and scored "A point
wherever they could. Ii is probable that
co-education has never been more thor
Mr. Bassett had completed his able pre-
sentaton of the position of the "antis'
Mr.. Podelford was given the floor. Mr..
PedelfOrd is not a lawyer but he has
many Of the qualifications for one.
He like Mr.. Bassett. has been making
a thorough investigation of the subject.
but on the opposite side. He had also
tabulated his returns which had been re-
ceived from a large number OF the alum
nj His re"y TO Mr.. BaSsett WAS an able
one and in these two speeches botr slices
of the question were very clearly set
forth
Mir Drummond of the trustees. explain
ed that there We're two reports OH the
matter before the board. one recommend
ing that the present system be continued
and the other that the two divisions of
the college be separated into distinct coll
lescs Whenever the funds of the COllega
would allow.
The contest was over the motions to
nv A a y,yip .,t tn ind,