The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-30
Resents AIderman's SIurs Upon
Southern Men
RESIGNS FROM COMMITTEE
Would Rather See University Of vlr-
ginia Deserted Than to Have
Such Doctrine Taught to
Southern Youth.

Washington, January 29.-(Special.)-
About a month ago DR.. Alderman. the
president of the University of Virginia,
delivered a speech before the Southern So
casion to say that there were mo trained
men in the public life from the south at
this time, and exclaimed: Where are
the calhouns and clays of other days?'
The speech provoked considerable re-
sentiment among the public men at Wash
ington, and Senator Bailey of Texas ad-
dressed Thomas Nelson Page letter on
the subject. Mr.. Bailey wrote the letter
to Mr.. Page, rather than to DR.. Alderman
himself because Mr.. Page is the chair
man of a committee from which MIR
Bailey felt bound to withdraw on account
of DR.. Alderman's speech.
Senator Bailey's Letter.
The Senators letter is as follows:
Mr. Thomas Nelson Page, Washington,
D. c.
Dear Sir: Some time ago you and others
were good enough to designate me as a
member for committee whose duty it is
W IdlS6 ny SuDSCI1pllOu d oulNdOlC lullQ
for the University of Virginia. l did not
at that time accept the appoinmtnet, be-
cause l doubt the propriety Of any man
while engaged In the public service So
liciting large contributions even for the
most worthy purpose, but did not feel 1t
necessary to protest against the OF
my name as a member of .he committee.
Recently, however, a circumstance has
arisen which compels me to insist upon
the withdrawal of my name from all con-
n with the work which your COM
M was intended to promote.
axes Unwarranted Reflection.
circumstance to which 1 refer is
peech which DR.. Alderman, the
t head of the university, deliver
- 'ore the Southern Socfety of New
and in which he makes a mean
holly unwarranted reflection upon
tellect and standing of southern
RS and representatives in Con-
t If | thought the estimates ex-
t. by DIR. Alderman's candid and
as ed opinion of the southern men
s1a e engaged In the services of their
s.als1Iive states were true, / would
srel IS resentment but as I am con-
4t- d to believe that he was seeking
sf yor of those miliionaires who are
ed to abhor certain principles and
IA, advocated by southern senators
presentatives I find 1t impossible
81 natient with his criticism. 1t would
hat those of our own section who
frlI in that the south no longer sup
lie republic with such men as John
houn, Henry Clay and Jefferson
would also remember that other
#rs no longer contribute such men
liel Webster, Rufus Choate and
m Lincoln
LtVe re Favorably With Associates.
iout entering into an explanation
fact that changes in the habits
cupations our people have estab-
different and perhaps a lower
m excellence in our public serv-
4ats. need only to remind thoughtful
and ibid men that southern representa-
raa nd senators Of this time compare
orably with their associates in
l /. character and conduct as did
.edecessors; and II 1t be true that
sEe lity of southern leadership is not
a. lif as it was in the other days the
an be asserted with equal truth
IS Ill other sections. With this fact
a4rlaa to every thinking man l have
sspect for southern educators who
Hr dispraise their own neighbors.
M would rejoice In the prosperity
81 fa University of Virginia I would
see its ancient halls of learning
desc than to see them made the
here false and unjust opinions of
men and southern principles are
ei into the minds of southern
F0.ta Regreting beyond expression the
tance which has rendered 1t i'm
5s4s t. for me to cooperate with you
eds undertaking l have the honor
Very truly yours.
J. w RAIT,Ey