The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-14
The Press on the Appointment Of Mr..
Miles

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The Board Of Visitors Of the University
OF Virginia can well afford to go slowly
In the matter Of electing Mr.. George w.
Miles, OF Radford, as chairman of that
institutions faculty. It is to be re-
GREETED that politics has been injected
into the controversy, as now appears to
be the case, it being a matter Of sug-
gestion, If not of open charge, that this
move grows out of political consideration
in connection with the Swanson-AIonta-5
que fight Of two years ago.
It is a matter of common acceptance
and belief that activity in politics is gem
orally accompanied with corresponding
expectancy of reward, and now that the
Montague forces are in ascendency, the
operation of this rule is not presumed to
be suspended. The fact is we'll known
that Mr.. Miles has not only been active
in general politics for the past several
years. but also a warm and decided par
tfsan in factional fights inside of the
Democratic party. Let it be noted that
we do not criticise Mr.. Miles for such
course; upon the contrary we are disposed
to commend activity In politics, but is
it wholesome public policy to entertain
such considerations in determining an
educational appointment of the highest
Importance? It may be answered that
politics will not influence the appointing
power. but that Mr.. Miles is to receive
this distinguished honor by virtue OF his
individual merits alone. Whether this be
true or not, there nevertheless exists
circumstances and conditions which af-
ford reasonable ground upon which to
base the suspicion that political and fac
tional considerat tons are not entirely for
egn to the matter. and If Mr.. Miles
be appointed there will be thousands to
believe that such considerations fnflu-
enced the appointment That being so,
why not avoid the appearance Of evil?
The individuality Of Mr. Miles involves
the assertion or sacrifice OF no principle
II he were the only aspirant in the State
who possessed the requisite qualifications
for the Office or If he possessed those
qualities in higher degree than any
other available candidate, then princi-
pie would be at issue, in that Is Is the
duty Of the appointing power to select
the best man for the osoion regardless
of political conditions But does Mr.
Miles occupy so exalted and exclusive
position in the educa tional affairs Of Vir-
ginia? We make bold to submit that in
this Commonwealth there are to be found
men of equal ability, at least, with Mr..
Miles men equally competent to assume
control Of the South's leading institution
Il Of learning, and those, too, with ripper
judgment and more extended experience
and with wider range Of observation than
he. Why then involve the matter In
factiona1 controversy? What good or
necessary principle is to be subserved by
Mr.. Miles appointment? We repeat, why
not avoid the appearance Of an evil. the
very, suspicion of which might prove
hurtful to the interests OF our great Uni
versity?
Disregarding, however. the political
phases which are attaching to this ques-
ton, it IS Of the utmost Importance to
consider the attitude OF the faculty Of the
University upon the subject concerning
which we quote from recent Charlottes-
Vile special to the Washington Post:
The faculty is violently opposed to the
appointment, and a called meeting APP
pointed four Of their number to present
a vigorous protest to the board against
any such action on its part
To our mind the opinion and wishes Of
these professors ought to have more
weight In determining this appointment
than all the wrangling politicians II,
Virginia. Aside from the question OF
ordinary courtesy, considerat tons Of COM
mon sense and practical utility combine
to make It appear eminently improper to
give u tAdt euouA5 u1Sned DOdy pre-
siding officer and an executive chief ana
head who IS Objectionable to them. There
are none perhaps who have the interests
OF the University closer at heart than tev
nor are there any SO well situated to ar
rive at a satisfactory conclusion as to
the qualification and experience with
which the new chairman should be
equipped for the efficient discharge OF
the duties Of this important ONCE II
we mistake not, there will be decided
disapp continent throughout the States
should the opinions and wishes OF the