The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-05-07
FRANK STATEMENT BY
COL. R. ". SIMPSON.
On tuesday Might Clemson Was
Tottering on the Brink---Trus-
tees Will Hear Grievances.
snecial TO The State.

disturbance at the college is still a
matter Of intense interest this cores
pondent went to him in his Office and
asked him if he could make any further
statement concerning it.
g In the first place, y said Col. Simp-
son, want to say that the statement
sent out by the Anderson corresondent
gave the facts very clearly and accu-
rately and I want to commend the
paper for its fairness and impartiality.
There is very little difference be-
tween the faculty and the student body
as to what are the facts. The principal
difference is as to the punishment I'M
posed upon Cadet ThonWen, the class
claiming that the action Of the faculty
was partial and too severe. The by
laws give to every student the right to
appeal to the board Of trustees from
the finding of the faculty in any case
where the student is dissatisfied.
Cadet ThornweH did not appeal as he
had right to do nor did his class
complain to the trustees Of the action
of the faculty, hence there was moth
ing to justify me to call an extra meet
ing of the trustees.
e I am unable to answer your ques-
tions,,' he continued, as to what
will be the probable action OF the
trustees in regard to reinstating the
sophomore class. These young men
were not dismissed from the college.
They had right to leave whenever
they saw proper. They exercised that
right and If they now wish to return
they will naturally petition to that
end. Should they see proper to petit
ton the trustees to receive them backI
have no doubt that the board will ex-
tend to them every consid deration that
the gravity Of the situation and due
regard to. discipline will permit.
q Yes, 1 fully recognize the gravity
of the situation and it appeared to me
when i left the college Tuesday night
that Clemson College was tottering on
the brink of terrible misfortunate
from which it would be impossible to
recover for many years. was inform
ed that the junior class would leave
on Wednesday or as soon as possible
and that the freshman class was to fol-
low soon after. Happily, however.
this action was avoided and can safe
" say that there will be no further
tronble. These two classes are loyal
to Clemson and will not take rash or
.hasty action calculated to bring re-
proach upon the college, but will sub
NIT their grievances to the board OF
trustees at its regular meeting in June
next.
They readily responded to advice
and counsel when ! appeared before
them in accordance with their request
for me to meet with them.
It would not be proper for me to
express an opinion as to the merits OF
the controversy, but this much l can
say nov that both the faculty and the
students realize the gravity OF the
and may be depended upon
to act with prudence and deliberation
in the future. Twill say further that
in my honest opinion the trouble now
exsiting originated from misapprehen-
sions which could have been avoided by.
mutual explana tons.
90 Clemson College is a new lnstltu-
tion. As yet it has no past record to
appeal to and both time and utmost
skill are required to build up high
toned manly spirit and to manage so
large number of students. There
is no man who has more varied and
difficult duties to perform than Presi-
dent Hartzog. II he has failed to
give satisfaction, and this fact is made
to appear, no persuasion could induce
him to hold for day longer the i'm
portant position which he now:
occupies.
Col. Simpson said that the trustees
at their regular meeting In June would
take up the matter and would take
such actions as appeared to be best. The
.sophomores would be heard If they de-.
sired it, and he said he hoped they
would appear either as a body or by
committee and state their grievances
fully so the trustees would have
knowledge Of all the facts. In conclu-
sion, Col Simpson repeated what he
has said on every occasion since the
trouble occurred that he had nothing
but sympathy and the kindliest feel
ing toward the sophomores, but that
they had made great mistake and,
he had no doubt, they realized it. The
whole trouble could have been avoided
if they had been less hasty and had
asked for counsel and advice before
taking the rash step.