The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1905-02-16
Senator Bailey on pr, Alderman
st-y sE(News s. Observer ~

1t has become a sort of fashion for
Southern men, when speaking in the North
to give expression to the opinion that the
South is no longer producing great men,
formerly, and to add that the South
does not give recognition in public life tn
its best men. Some very good men have
unwisely given expression to such views
speaking in New York or elsewhere, and
it is time that this unjust criticism of their
section to strangers should stop. Senator
Bailey, of Texas, who as constitutional
lawyer and able debater upon fundamental
questions, is head and shoulders above any
other man of either party IL the Senate,
has given expression to a feeling OF resent
ment to such criticism that is common
among thoughtful men. In a recent let
ter, which explains itself, Senator Bailey,
a distinguished ,alumnus of the University
of Virginia, said:
"Mr. Thomas Nelson Page, Washing
ton, d. C.
"Dear Sir: Some time ago you and
others were good enough to, designate me
as d member of a committee whose duty it
is to raise by subscription a suitable fund
for the University of Virginia. did not
at that time accept the appointment, be-
cause l doubt the propriety of any,,man
while engaged in the public service solicit
ing large contributions even for thesmost
1unrthu n,1rDACoC h11f did mot fool If
necessary to protest against the use of any
name as a member of the committee. Re-
Gently, however, a circumstance has arisen
which compels me to insist upon the with
drawal of my name from all connection
with the work which your committee was
intended to promote. the circumstance to
which / refer is the speech which DIR. AL
derman, the present head of the university
delivered before the Southern Society of
New York, and in which he makes a mean
and wholly unwarranted reflection upon
the intellect aud standing of Southern Sen
ators and representatives, in Congress-.
If l thought the estimates expressed
were DIR. Alderman's condid and Unbiased
opinion of the Southern men who are en-
gagged in the service of their respective
States l would feel less resentment, hut as
I am constrained to believe that he was
seeking the favor of those millionaires who
are supposed to abhor certain principles
AID policies advocated by Southern Sena-
tors and representatives, / find it impossible
TO be patient with his criticism. 1t would
seem that those of our own SEC
ton who icomplair that the South no longer
supplies the republic with such mel as
John G. Calhoun, Henry Clay and Jeffer-
son Davis, would also remember that other
sections no longer contribute such men as
Daniel Webster, Rufus Choate aud Abrq-
ham Lincoln.
without entering iuto an explanation
of the fact that changes in the habits and
and occupations of our people have estab-
lished a different, q d perhaps Il lower,
test of excellence in our public servants. l
need only toremined thoughtful and candid
men that Southern representatives and Sen.
ators of this time cOmpare favOrably with
their associates in intellect, character and
conduct as did their predecessors; aud if it
te true that the quality of Southern lead
ership is not SO high as it was iu other days
the same can be asserted with equal truth
as to all other sections. With this fact
obvious to every thinking man, 1 haYe
scant respect for Southern educators who
unduly dispralse their own neighbours.
"Much as l would rejoice iu the pros.
perity of the University of Virginia, ]
would rather see its ancient halls of learn.
ing deserted than to see them made he
place where false and unjust opinions VI
Southern men and Southern principles ARE
instilled into the minds of Southern youths
Regretting beyond expression the eircum
stance which has rendered it imp .ssible To-
me to cooperate with you in your under
taking, l nave the honor to be.
Very truly yours,
81. w. BAILEY"