Arizona republican., 1903-06-30
PHOENIX. ARIZONA, JUNE 30. 1903
Concerning the University.

Governor Brodie having returned to the territory. one of the most urgent and important duties confronting him is to re-establish the university in the confidence of the people. The institu- ton must be extricated from the dirty pool of politics. It must have a presi- dent and faculty of such ability, dig nifty and self-respect as will command the respect of students and the sup port of the territory. It must have a board of regents whose members are at least somewhat above the plane of graft and peanut politics.
 The executive will not find his task an easy one. It is much easier to make mistakes nan to correct them. The disgraceful tangle into which the af- fairs of the university have been dragged during the past few months have aroused indignation throughout Arizona. The public does not care a 
 schemes of any individual connected with the university But it does care the institution. In going to the root of the trouble the governor will find it necessary to ignore the feelings and as- pirations of some of his friends. And he will certainly find it essential to cast aside all personal and political con- alterations There must be no sem blance of machine politics connected with the university.
 Out of the mass of scandal which has developed three important factors ap- pear. They are President Adams. Chancellor Fitch and the board of re- gents. President Adams it seems in cured the personal enmity of the re- gents How this came about is not particularly important. It arose, we take it, through the meddlesomeness of Chancellor Fitch. who is charged with a consuming ambition to succeed Adams. It may be true, as alleged, that Fitch as chancellor is the chief cause of the trouble. However, it seems evident that Adams is lacking in some quality-lacking in indepen- dence and administrative ability, else he would not have permitted anybody to usurp his functions and discredit him with faculty or students. The chancellor, We are convinced, is better fitted for ward politics than for the high position which he has sought
 Both the United States government and the territory of Arizona provide liberally for the university. If the salaries are not sufficient to secure the services of men of the proper caliber, the compensation should be increased until it will command educators of such character and reputation as will compare favorably with the presidents and professors of other universities.
 As it is, the university of Arizona is but little more than a high school. Tall talk about it will not change the facts. The unwelcome truth must be faced. There must be a radical change in the policy which has governed the institution. The population of the ter ritory is now large enough to make it a university in reality. It only re- quires to be a real university in order to bring students from all parts of Arizona and from neighboring states and territories. And it must be made a university in fact.
 After removing the present board of regents, the governor should select from the citizens of the territory the very best board that can be found. re- gardless of politics. It is, and always has been a mistake to confine the membership to Tucson.