The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-05-21

is a graduate of Williams college, and
of the Yale divinity school During the
past year he has been acting as finan-
cial representative of Washburn college
in the east, and has been very success
full. Besides securing a donation of $780,
600 for a new observatory, he has Sc
cured about $4,000 in cash, which will
be added to the endowment fund OF the
college.
For some time it has been practically
certain that DIR. Plass would be chosen
for the presidency. He has been in To-
peka for several weeks, and has con
ferred with the trustees on the subject
/ of the presidency. He has given the
trustees to understand that he viii ac-
cept the position of president, SO there
Will be no danger of repetition Of the
Gates fiascO. Dr. Plass win spend con-
siderable time in the east after assum-
ing the duties of president. He win no
doubt be able to use his official position
as president of the college to good ad-
vantage in presenting the requests Of
the college for financial assistance.
DR.. Plass has been the pastor of sew
eral churches in the east and in Gin
cinnati, and is highly recommended by
ministers of the Congregational denomi-
DIR. PLAss TALKS.
DR.. Plass is at present engaged in
soliciting contributions of money in the
! city of Topeka for the current expenses
avenue, and takes his meals at the Ma
tional hotel. When seen today by a re
porter for the State Journal DR. Plass
said:
1T seems premature for me to say
anything about this matter, for have
/ not, as yet, been offered the presidency
+ of Washburn. My acceptance will de-
pend upon the unanimity with which
I the offer comes Whether I take this
I new position or continue my present re
/ 7affonS with fha COLLEGE T esXn9cf tn
move my family to Topeka from VIII
/ Jamestown next August"
DR.. Plass has a wife and two children.
/ He is a pleasant speaking man, short of
[ stature, but with broad shoulders, and
! an easy carriage which marks him as a
man of self possession and force.
In answer to a question as to the
| donor of the $4,000 observatory. DR..
| Plass said:
Il do not whether this man will con-
sent that his name be made public when
i the building is completed He is a very
modest man and has never told me
whether or not he expects to allow US
/ to ever make public his name"
When questioned as to the general
/ prospects of Washburn Dr. P1ass said
'sWashburn has splendid prospects II
has a high standard of work, and II
should have twice as many students as
it has. I believe that within five years
the number can be doubled One thing
/ which has kept Washburn from having
/ larger attendance is the very higI
standard of work which has been main
| tained. which has made it difficult fol
pupils from many of the high schools OF
the state to enter the Freshman class
Now, however. the high schools art
| gradually raising their required courses
/ Another thing which the college should
/ do to increase It's attendance is to gei
! out and push its claims among the peO-
pie of the state. DR.. Fisk is doing ex
cellent work as far as it goes, but to bs
NOSE effective It should be followed III
with personal efforts among the pros
pective students.
PROPOSED NEW BUILDINGS.
There is one thing sure continues
/ DR.. Piass, IF Washburn gets the righ
kind of equipment, the students vii
come Upon the completion Of the nev
observatory and physics building W
win have the best thing of the kim