The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-07-07
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENCY.


eiirea to Accept-Action in Great
ina the Office Then Became Null
and Void Interesting History Bear
ina on This Subject-Letter OF Mr..
Jefferson, Who Voted For Presi-
dent Of the University.
la the light Of the discussion recently
had in reference 20 the presidency Of the
University of Virginia. 10 which Dr.
Alderman has been elected, it il interest.
ing 20 recall that this high office has
been created once before in the history OF
the great University OF Virginia. but IL
has never been filed
1t was created by resolutions of the
Rector and the Board of Visitors of the
University in lS2G, ana the position,
along with that OF Professor of Law
was rendered to Mr. William Writ, he
distinguished scholar and lawyer and
then Attorney General of the United
States,
In Kennedy life Of Writ will be found
the following letter from MIR. Jefferson
transmitting to MIR Writ q copy Of the
resolution eecting him, and Mr.. Msifts
reply lt will be observed that the reso'
luton electing Mr. Writ expressly pro-
yides that in the event he should decline
10 accept the presidency, then 80 much
of the resolution as creates the office OF
president should be null and void.
MIR JEFFERsoN's LETTER TO MIR WRIT.
Ga the 9th of April, 1926, this letter
was addressed to Mr.. Writ from Monti
cello:
Dear Sir: have the pleasure % inform
you that, bv an unanimous vote OF the
Rector and Visitors of the University of
Virginia, you have been appointed Pro
lessor OF the School OF Law in that insti
tuition. To no one, | can assure you, is
that appointment more gratifying than
to myself aud may further say with
truth, and for your satisfaction, that
your name WAS amongst the first which
occurred to some of us at the epoch OF
the original nomination. was the subject
of consultation, and would have been
that, probably, of first appreciation bat
from an absolute despair of your re.
linquishilg for this the high station you
occupy. Some suggestions. however,
having lately reached the board that
this might possibly be less desperate
than was unprecedented, they have, with
view 20 strengthen inducements to
your acceptance. created an office Of Pres
ident Of the University, with an annual
salary OF fifteen hundred dollars, and ap-
pointed you to that office AlsO. Their
resolution to these effects | have the
honor now to enclose; aud the public i'm.
patience to see the school of law opened
makes il my duty TO say that an answer,
at your earliest convenience, will heighten
the qualification of your acceptance
Permit me TO add the assurance of my
great and constant esteem and respect.
Thomas Jefferson.
The record Of the proceedings which
accompanied this letter stated that the
members who gave this vote were;
Thomas Jefferson, rector; JOS. &. CAbell,
John ii. Cocks, Chapman Johnson end
James Madison.
The resolutions which accompanied
this letter, conveyed a very striking com.
pliment 20 the individual to whom they
refer, and one of very unusual occurrence
in similar institutions, as will be seen ia
the last Of series adopted on that occa
sion.
Resolved, That William Writ, at pres
ent Attorney. General of the United
States, be appointed President Of the
University and Professor Of Law; end
that If he decline the appointment. the
resolution establishing the office of presi
dent be null and void"
The reply to this letter wss 8s follows;
Washing Ton, April Sth. 1926.
TO Thomas Jefferson.
Dear Sir: | hasten to acknowledge
your favor Of the 9th, inst, just received,
by which have been both panied and
gratitied, | beg you to be assured thai
| had no agency. direct nor indirect IN
giving this trouble 90 the Rector and
Visitors of the University OF Virginia.
and regret exceedingly the suggestion
that led to it. am very sensible OF the
kindness of the motive which prompted
my friend to make the suggestion, and
shall never cease to remember with CRATE.
fnl pleasure this mark of confidence from
those who,e confidence is. in my estims
ton, above all earthly price. But with
very strong prepOssessiODs towards the
course of employment proposed 10 me.
my situation compels me TO decline it,
and to resign myself. perhaps for life, %
The more profitable labors of my proies
sion.
With the most grateful scknowledg. |
ments to the Rector and Visitors OF the
University of Virginia for the honor done
me by an offer so flattering in all it's cir
and with the deepest sense |
of your personal kindness 20 me, dear
sir, on this and every other occasion, re
main. az have ever been,
Your faithful and devoted servant.
VIM. Witt.