The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-08-18
sLEDD's RESIGNATION.
1t Is rendered Lest Emory College Be
lnjured-The Professors Letter.

From the Atlanta Journal
Prof. Andrew Sledd has rendered his
resignation as a member of the faculty
of Emory college, declaring that he does
so out of consideration for the institu-
ton, which, he apprehends. may be af-
fected by attacks made upon him on ac-
count OF his article on the negro ques-
ton which appeared in the July issue of
the Atlantic Monthly.
The letter suggests September IS as the
date for the resignation to take effect,
but leaves that feature entirely in the
hands of the trustees OF the college. It
was sent President James e. Diclkey yes
terday, and will be Immediately submit
ted to the board of trustees.
In his letter Professor Sledd refers to
the bitter attacks which he says have
teen made upon him unjustly. He de-
clares that by the publication of excerpts
from his article he has been incorrectly
represented, but fearing lest the college
may be temporarily harmed by his con-
nection, he desired to submit his resigna-
ton.
Professor sledd takes occasion, how
ever, to emphaticaly defend the posi-
ton he assumed in the magazine article.
The text of the letter or resignation is
as follows;
Emory College, Oxford Ga, August 8,
1902-Rev. James Il. Dickey, president
Emory College, Atlanta, Ca; My Dear
Mr.. Dickey-You have of course observed
the bitter attacks that have been made
upon me in certain of the newspapers in
consequence of an article of mine upon
the negro question.
These attacks seem to me to be quite
unjust, and my critics have by no means
fairly represented my sentiments or my
attitude either to this particular question
or to our common section. This presume
you know. 1t seems to me likely, how
ever, from the attitude that the news
papers and certain of the public have
taken In the matter, that our college may
suffer some harm, or at least be temper
arily embarrassed, by continuing to MAIN
tain upon its faculty man who Is even
supposed to entertain such sentiments as
have been attributed to me. l am, of
course, responsible for my own utter
ances; and l am ready to bear anything
in the line of misrepresentation or of
loss that my utterances may bring upon
me. But Emory college is in no sense
responsible for anything that I may say
or think; and 1t does not seem to me
either just or wise to call upon the insti-
tuition to assume responsibility or suffer
loss 1OT ulIeranceS Inat IL may not, ana
doubtless does not indorse.
In view of these facts 1t has seemed to
me best to tender to you my resignation
as professor of Latin In Emory college.
AS to the time such resignation shall go
| into effect, l should suggest the middle
of September, but leave that matter, of
course entirely in your discretion.
Permit me to add an expression of my
very high esteem, and believe me, very
sincerely yours, ANDREW SLEDD.
President Dickey would have but little
to say concerning the letter of resgna-
ton, and limited himself to the following
signed statement:
I'm justice to Professor Sledd l submit
the full text of his letter to me. His ref
erence to September 10 as the date at
which his resignation shall take effect
grows out of the fact. I presume, that he
Is now engaged in preparing pupils for
the fall term, end 1t would be manifesty
unfair to drop them at this date. His
resignation will go to the executive com
mttee of the board of trustees for ac-
ton. JAMES 70. DlCKEY,
pr esident Emory College"
1t is believed that after the letter of
resignation shall have been forwarded to
the board of trustees, a meeting will be
Immediately called for the purpose Of
discussing II. The members Of the board
are Gen. Clement A Evans, chairman;
DR.. w. c. Lovett, DR.. C. e. bowman,
Capt. ]. NJ. Pace and Judge II. e. w.
Palmer.
In an interview Professor Sledd de-
clares that the greater part of the criti-
cism mas come from persons who have
not read his article. but merely extracts
from 1t.
Many who have read 1t in its entirety
have thanked me-" he said. II have re-
ceived letters from southern men who de-
clare my sentiments are just and true. 1
do not state that social equality with the
negro is desirable. but 90 srare most
positively that it is impossible and unde-
sirable. No sane person can claim that
l ask for equality with the whites for
the negro. l only claim that the negro
has certain fundamental rights and these
should be observed.