The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1903-03-13

weakening il to such an extent that
he would be compelled TO resign.
They would rather, apparently, de-
stroy the school than see him sue
cessfully administer il. This stage of
the case justifies my interference by
this letter.
A brief review OF the circumstances
is now in order. Mr.. StetsOn was not
the founder of the school, but his ser
vices and contributions largely made
possible its present power and value.
DR.. Forbes was eighteen years ago its
president and administrator. before
Mr.. Stetson came to DeLand at all.
Under his direction and control the
school grew beyond the intentions Of
ident As a vigorous and energetic
man. DR.. Forbes undertook TO expand
the school TO meet the demand for ed
vocational facilities in FlOrida-tO
make it in fact, as well as in name.
real university. This seems TO have
encountered the disapproval OF Mr.
StetSOn. whereupon DR.. Forbes ap-
pealed successfully TO others for aid.
Now comes in an element which must
be alluded TO with the utmost delica-
cy, and with much hesitation. AT the
time DR. Forbes inaugurated some en-
largements - notably Science Hall.
costing S60,000-Mrs. Stetson appears
on the scene and seems to have taken
the matter out of the hands Of her
husband. Mr.. Stetson Is claimed to
have been fearful that the require
ments Of the school in a financial way
would Outrun his means, or the means
he had provided for Ii in his mind and
will Dir. Forbes assured him that
such was not the case. but that il
would be self-sustaining on the en-
larged basis. 1t seems that this as
surance was well founded, as the
school is paying its way, including the
building Of Science Hall, without
drawing upon Mr. StetsOn for any de-
ficiency-which it had not done pre-
viously. This fully vindicates both
the judgment and the administration
of DR.. Forbes, and proves that he had
a correct estimate of the demand for
higher education in Florida,
Notwithstanding he had twice
signed reports and findings entirely
and honorably exculpating DR.. Forbes,
Mr.. Stetson-or his Ostenslble repre-
Sentatives-remained implacable, and
the millionaire benefaCtor of the in
stitution gave il out that he had cut
out from his will the legacy he had
intended for the school. This brought
up TO the board of trustees the Ques-
ton of choice between the man who
had given OF his surplus and the man
who had given OF his Ifework-the
and the man who had given ability
and talent and judgment and skill,
and who had conferred success in
practical operation. They wisely de-
cided in favor of the man who had
bestowed life in preference to the man
who had bestowed money only. The
man who gave money had been re-
warded by having the institution nam
ed in his honor. he had been acclaim
ed a noble philanthrOpist-he had got
the worth of his money. The other
man must fain be content with the
sense of duty performed AMI the ar
lection OF the young men and women
whom he had so greatly benefited
and for him there is no other reward.
1t is impossible to explain or &C
count for Mr.. Stetsons attitude and
conduct except upon grounds which
will not express in words. lest he
might be blamed for things for which
he is not personally responsible He
is to he duly hOnOred for what he has
done and it would be unbecoming and
ungrateful TO detract in the least from
liAN NANAAt huE lllAAi 4 Ait BtOtlt vi
Florida appreciate it. and are grateful
but intelligent and fair-minded pub
lie sentiment will approve the judg-
ment of the board of trustees, regret
full that the occasion arose for that
body 10 make a decision.
This is a very brief and insufficient
resume Of the incident. but it is true
that in no detail Of the circumstances
which have necessarily been omit
ted-is there the shadow of anything
that would lead to other conclusion
than that DR.. Forbes and the trustees
who sustain him are entirely in the
right. J. D. Calhoun.
Tampa, Fla.
Wakefui Children.
For long time the two year old
| child of Mr.. p. /. McPhearsOn, 50 n.