The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-03
PROF. BASSETT UPHELD
HIS RESIGNATION NOT ACCEPTED BY
TRINITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES.
Statement Made that He Does Not
Teach Social Equality-An Editor
Hanged in Emgy.

RALEIGH, N. c.. Dec. 1.-The trustees
of Trinity College, having voted Is to not
to accept the resignation of Professor Bas-
sett, gave TO the public to-day a statement
of their position in the matter, which in
substance is as follows:
1--WE have had before US the offer of DR..
John s. Bassett to resign his professorship
of history, and 1t is made clear to us that
it was not presented out of voluntary de-
csion to sever his connection with the col
lege, but that it was rendered under CO.
ercive influences from the outside and be-
cause of a feeling that his further connec-
ton with the college might bring injury to
it. Candor impels us to admit our regret
that Professor Bassett has expressed GER
tain opinions which gave offense to many,
and we are glad to find that these opinions
were expressed solely on his own author
ity, through a medium which is in no sense
his capacity as college official, so that
neither this board nor the college can be
held responsible for them.
ION the contrary Ii clearly appears that
the faculty and the students disagree with
certain of Prof. Bassett's opinions-so far
as we can observation-disclosures Neither
do we agree with him. Nevertheless both
faculty and students, with equal unanimi-
ty. have manifested their desire that this
board decline to accept Prof. Bassett's Of
fer of his RESIGNATION. and for the fol-
lowing reasons, which seem to us too high
and vital, we do decline to accept it:
"First-Any form of coercion of thought
and private Judgment Is contrary to one
of the constitutional aims Of Trinity Col
lege which Is to cherish a sincere spirit of
tolerance.
"Second-we are particularly unwilling to
lend ourselves to any tendency TO destroy
or limit academic liberty.
"Third-We believe that society in the
end will find a surer benefit by exercising
patience than 1t can secure by. yielding
should be unhampered and in an atmos-
phere the most free. Liberty may some
time lead to folly: yet it is better that some
should be tolerated than that all should
think and speak under the deadening in
fuence of repression.
"Fourth-The matter that has engaged
our attention is Of more than local in
terest and will be far reaching in it's re-
suits.
''Fifth-Trinity College is affiliated with
n great church whose spirit and doctrines
gard for the teachings and traditions of
| this Christian society requires us to exer-
else our Judgment In harmony with its
spirit and doctrines
Viewing the matter in the light of those
wider interests, and finding that there is
no complaint against Professor Bassett S
energy, his competency as teacher, or
his command OF the confidence of his
classes, We are sure tnat duty requires us
| to decline the offer of his resignation.
1--WE state as a fact that Professor Bas-
sett does not believe in nor does he teach
social equality, and we have confidence in
him. both as a man and teacher"
The statement is signed by T. f. Mari
and j. III. Southgrate, as committee.
After the announcement of the action of
the trustees a large number of students
gathered on the college campus and hanged
| in effigy Editor Josephus Daniels. whose
paper, the News and Observer. had led the
| fight against the doctrines promulgated by
| Prnfessor BasSett.