Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-02-16
MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 1e, 1870
THE r M

The definite and settled policy OF
The Optic is and has been to advocate
harmony and unity in ali matters relat
ing TO public interests, and TO discour
age dissensions. divisions n all per
sonal or factional controversy.
New Mexico md Las Vegas are TO
day in a formative period where every
up md everything tending to tear
down should be vigorously opposed
So il is in the Normal University sit
uation which has now assumed such
a stage that as a newspaper, interest
ed in the well being of Las Vegas and
the Territory, The Optic cannot well
ignore existing facts and remain ST
lent. but in referring to the subject
it is not TO. widen existing differences,
or to embarrass the action of any
public official. or the board of regents,
or the Normal faculty, but in the sim
cere hope that some way may be found
whereby existing differences will be
adjusted for the best interests of
New Mexico and this, her most inn
portant institution.
That the management of the school
under the present faculty, considered
as a whole. has been eminentIy sue
cessful there can be no doubt.
We do not say perfect. for perfec-
tion does not belong to human affairs.
The school has high standing at home
and abroad. 1t reflects credit on New
Mexico and is the joint work of the
faculty and board Of regents.
That anything could occur 10 impair
its usefulness. lower it's record as an
educational institution or imperil it's
future is greatly to be regretted.
That Mr.. Springer as president of
the board has contributed TO this sue
cess very greatly in both a material
and educational way is well known
and that he should have felt called
upon to resign rather than continuous
ly contend for policies and manage
ment essential To continued success
is universally regretted. That he and
the entire faculty should prefer to re-
sign. wholly abandon the institution
and its work rather thar be subJect
to q management deemed by them
harmful to the well being of the Nor
NAL. indicates an urgent necessity for
some early step to avoid further fric-
tion and restore harmonious condi-
tions. The resignation OF the presi-
dent of n board. especially of one who
has done so much as Mr.. Springer,
and who Is so deeply interested in the
upbuilding of an educational system
as he has always been and of an en-
tire faculty. Is such an unusual occur
renee as to require impartial. unselfish
examination into causes and the wis
est and most careful action.
Ii has q reported that the entire
membership of the board of regents
intends to follow the example of Mr..
Springer and place their designations
also in the hands of the governor. We
have not been able to trace this ru-
NOR to any authentic source, but the
fact that such a rumor exists. makes
it probable that such a course has
been considered. Whether sucn a
course is the wiser one. is open for
h board to consider. 1t mas much
to commend it. Certainly the board
taking such action would be wholly
free from just criticism. Membership
Nm fhn 10, I'D -, -
not of profit. II involves gratuitous
labor. in a field subject to criticism.
The only eward possible. is the
sense of duty well done and the ap-
prevail of the public. 1t is more than
probable that the several members
would not be disinclined TO relieve
themselves of a position not OF their
own seeking. especially under exist
ing circumstances.
There is another strong reason
which may be controlling the board
in the consideration of the question OF
resignation.
Such action on their part would be
so entirely d~isinterested and unselfsh
as to relieve the members from
criticism and as we'll. it would relieve
the governor Of what must be to him
an embarrassment. Naturally the
executive desires a board unanimous
and harmonious. acting without fric-
ton n in harmony with the faculty.
The resignation of all members
would at once enable the executive to
constitute now, a new board of new
material throughout. if he deemed that
the better way.
There is an abundance of the very
best material. thoroughly competent
In Las vegas,out of which a new board
could be constituted and thereby exist
ing differences and all friction be dis
posed OF. Besides, the selection need
not be confined exclusively to Las We
gas. The new board Will have ample
time to thoroughly investigate the
methods now prevailing in the Normal.
to become acquainted with the several
members Of the faculty. before the