The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-07-01
WHAT THEY THINK OF HIM IN
LOUISIANA.

1t is only four years ago that Presi-
dent Edwin A. Alderman went from
North Carolina, his native State. to
become president of Tulane University
1t has the largest endowment of any
university in the South. is located in
the largest city in the South, and has
a great future. Going to that city
and to that institution as a stranger
four years ago, it is worth all the
thought and all the labor he has given
to building up Tulane University to re-
ceive the tributes that have been
given him since his election as Presi-
dent of the University Of Virginia.
Every friend of DR.. Alderman and
eve ry North Carolnian who delights in
the honor that comes to a North Caro-
linian will be glad to read the follow
ing Louisiana appreciation, which is
taken from the New Orleans Times
Democrat:
''Dr. Alderman.
president Alderman, of Tulane,
may well feel fattered by the compll-
ment implied in the recent invitation
to assume the headship OF tho UniVer-
sty of Virginia. That venerable insti-
tuition, planned by Thomas Jefferson
and for long years one of the Leading
educational foundations of the coun-
try, has all the glamour that the name
of it's founder, to say nothing OF It's
notable history, confers. An offer to
become its first president is. therefore
one that will naturally not be regard
ed lightly. 1t calls for carefui
weighing of all the reasons that may
be mustered to induce Its acceptance
against such considerations as may
point in the opposite direction. And
it is in recognition of what is justly
due the importance of the invitation
and the dignity of the board Wtend-
ing it that DR.. Alderman is now, as
the public knows, at the University
Of Virginia to inform himself thor
oughly as to conditions there before
making UP his mind.
His decision, we hardly need state,
will be awaited with interest by all
the friends of Tulane University. 1t
has prospered under his direction,
taking a firmer hold upon the people
Of this city, State and section than
ever before, and all are persuaded
that it is destined to become a great
institution in the broadest and best
sense of the words. 1t was not SO long
ago that DIR. Nicholas Murray Butler,
president of Columbia University,
man of judgment, gave utterance to
the opinion that New Orleans by VIZ
tue of it's geographical position, was
one of the four sites marked out for
great American universities-New
York. Chicago and San Francisco be-
ing the other three. We believe that
DR.. Butler was eminently correct in
his view and that within reasonable
period of time, and in the absence of
unforeseen hindrances, this section
will witness the evolution OF Tulane
into a university of the first rank, rep
resentative of the entire South and
drawing sustenance from it's entire
population. The beginning is here,
free from UNCONVENTIONAL and poll
teal influences and with nothing to
impede progress. The means will be
forthcoming, too. An our State and
section increase in prosperity, Tulane
will partake of it.
To be the one under whose wise
counsel and direction this consumma-
ton will be attained is what Tulane
University offers her president. He is
fitted for the task and the response
bility. His scholarship, executive
ability, marked energy, devotion to
high ideals, magnetic PERSONAL---VERY.
combine to single him out for this dis
tinguished honor. The outlook, too,
must be one that particularly appeals
to him, vigorous, ardent, hopeful as he
is. 1t offers struggle, stress, combat,
it is true; but success is within reach,
and the crown of high career We
trust he may resolve to remain with
Tulane. That institution-to wrest
somewhat the meaning of the lines
from Rabbi Ben EZa-says to him:
"Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be!''