The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-06-11

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The Alabam synodical College for Men
goes to Admission.
This announcement of the result of the
fourth ballot of the Synod of Alabama
cast yesterday afternoon for the location
of its proposed industrial college marks
the ending of possibly the most holly con-
tested question that has ever been before
that body. The contest, that at times has
been somewhat bitter, has ended happily
and where division and dissention seemed
inevitable peace, harmony and brotherly
love now reign supreme
Admission won the contest fairly and
squarely and as loyal Presbyterians the
other contestants threw aside every self
| ish interest, and not only made Admission
the unanimous choice, but at the same
time the synod cast vote of renewed
loyalty to the college movement and IL
the struggle left scar 1t was not discov-
cradle.
The effort to secure this college has
| lasted through three years. and the final
settlement of a location is a matter upon
which the entire church in the state is
now congratulating its representatives.
The contest has at times become very
heated, but during the sessions held here
the past two days no Ill feelings have
been manifested The entire synod left
the church yesterday afternoon feeling
that a heavy load had been removed from
its charge. and the attempt will be made
| Ind ri oil al
that will be pride to both the church
and the state.
Argues for Montgomery.
When the morning devotional exercises
were concluded and the minutes read and
approved Fred S. Ball was called upon
to make the concluding argument in be-
half of Montgomery as the most desira-
BILE point for locating the college. That
Montgomery did not finally win in the
contest is In no way due to a lack of
effort on the part of Mr.. Ball. for his
speech was one of the clearest cut and
most fcrceful that was made before the
synod He presented the financial bid of
Montgomery of $4,000 in cash and the Sc
lection between three sites of twenty
acres each. Valuable farm lands within
mile of these sites could be had for
much less than their value.
The speaker was eloquent when set
| ting forth the general advantages of the
Capital City as an educational center.
For Admission.
The Rev. D. M. Mclaughlin made the
concluding argument for Admission, and 1t
was regarded by many as the brightest
and catchiest discussion of the session.
His remarks were teeming with witticisms
that kept the audience in a fine humor.
His word picture of the natural advan-
tages OF Admission was gem. When Mr..
| MeI.auchlin concluded the moderator
asked 4 It was desired by Admission to use
| the remaining three minutes of time allot
ted, whereupon Mr.. Bowie replied, having
reference to the speech just concluded,
remarked that it was not necessary to
| paint the lily"
The concluding speech for Bessemer
was made in attractive manner by the
Rev f. M Craig, who set out in detail
the offer of that city, and showed where
| in he thought 1t superior to that of any
other presented to the synod. He laid
special stress upon Bessemer as a COM
mercial center, showing 1t to be second
only to Birmingham in both Alabama
| and Mississippi in the amount of tonnage
handled by the railroads. He said that
| Jefferson county was now sending more
students to Auburn than all of the other
counties asking for the Presbyterian COL
lege combined Bessemer had been first
in the field with an offer for the college
I,o., ;er,t
Mr.. McDougal's Motion.
The Rev. Mr.. McDougal of Florence
| offered a motion that commission of
nine members be elected by the several
presbyteres, one from Mobile, two from
East Alabama, three from Tuscaloosa
and three from North Alabama; that this
commission be instructed to visit the sew
eral cities bidding and make thorough in
! vestigation OF offers, investigate land
titles. secure options on necessary farm
lands and decide upon the question as
to the best offer. The decision of the
commission should be final. He argued
strongly in support of his resolution.
The Rev. DR.. Sterling ]. Foster saw no
good reason for postponing action. The
| patience of the people was being taxed
| by Continued delay, which had been
through three years. So far there had
been only one Earring note, but If final
action was not had at this time he feared
that there would be further disappoint-
ment and dissatisfaction.
| Question of Haste.
The Rev. j. c. Orr moved. as a substi-
tute to the motion of Mr.. McDougal, that
the synod proceed at once to the selec-
ton of a site. Delay seemed as mere
child's play. Mr.. DuBose opposed this
substitute, as did Judge Thomas w. Cole
man of Eutaw, who made very strong
speech in favor of the appointment of a
commission. There was division and dis
sension in the synod. and he feared that
to make the selection now would leave
scars behind that would require years to
heal. He wanted the adoption of a plan
that would permit the synod to go for
| ward united. There could be no hope
for successful college without har-
mony. Vanity and selfishness must be
sacrificed for the glory of Christ, he de-