The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-02-14
Resigns Craftsmanship of the
Board of Trustees
Because Illinois College Accepts
Money From Carnegie.
ACCEPTANCE VOTED.
Resignation Was Written at
Hong Kong Dec. Is.
Says Alma Mater Has Become
Ally of PlutOcracy.

JdCkSOHNlles Ill., rep. I4.--NN imam
J. Bryan has resigned as chairman of
the board of trustees of Illinois col
lege because a majority of the trus-
tees voted last November to accept
funds from Andrew Carnegie. The
board has accepted the resignation.
Mr.. Bryan's resignation was written
at Hong Kong on December Is, and
came by due course of mail. Accom-
panying the resignation was the fol-
lowing statement:
1.-The issue presented seems to me to
be vital one, and that even if An
drew Carnegie refuses. the same ques-
ton is likely to arise if some other
trust magnate invites requests. Our
college cannot serve God and NAM
mon. 1t cannot be a college for the
people and at the same time commend
itself to the commercial highwaymen
who are now substituting the colleges
to prevent the teaching of economic
truth.
1T grieves me to have my alma
TnateF4 converted into an ally of plu-
tocracys but having done what I could
to prevent 1t, I have no other recourse
than to withdraw from its manage
ment.
81 regret that the action, If it was
to be taken, was not taken when I
gave my notes. for regard the money
given as worse than wasted, If the col.
lege IS to be under the shadow of a
great monopoly.
civilian ]. BRYAN
Dispute Began Last June.
The question of accepting funds
from Andrew Carnegie or other men
of great wealth of the country came
up for discussion at the annual meet
ing of the board held last June, and
at that time the position Of Mr.. Bryan
was made plain, that the solicitation Of
funds from such men as Andrew Car
negte would be distasteful to him and
contrary to the principles he was con-
tending for.
Definite action was not taken on the
matter at the time, and although a. con-
pressed by individual members Of the
board, the issue never came squarely
to the front for decided action.
In November, however, in view Of
possible gifts from sources which Mr..
Bryan had indicated would be obnoxi-
GUS to him, 1t was deemed advisa BILE
for the board to take decided action
on the matter.
Bryan's Wishes OverFuled.
A resolution was passed therefore, to
the erect that the board would accept
any funds solicited by individual mem
bers Of the board if given under condi-
tons which made acceptance possible.
This resolution was cabled to Mr.. Bryan
f1OQE Kong on november D.
Mr.. Bryan seems to have given the
subject careful elaboration. for he did
not date his resignation for more than
a month later. Upon the receipt the
board passed the following resolution:
Resolved That the resignation of the
Hon. w. J. Bryan from the board of
trustees Of Illinois college be accepted.
We full appreciate the valuable services
rendered by Mr.. Bryan to his alma
mater. and we hereby express to him
our sincere thanks. We deeply regret
that a. difference Of opinion between Mr..
Bryan and a large majority of the board
as to the source from which the college
may accept funds has induced him to
tender his resignation"
Gives College Note for $1,000.
Mr.. Bryan became president of the
board by a unanimous vote in January
1905 He made a gift of s., 500 to the col
lege. giving his note for the amount. and
has been Instrumental in raising So 900 or
$4,000 additional.
Mr. Bryan became chairman of the
board soon after the resignation OF Pres
ident Barnes, who resigned because the
college became affiliated with the Chicago
university and because also of the afrilia-
ton with the Rockefeller association made
in 1902
Charles Henry RannnelSamp, a gradu-
ate of Cornell university, is the present
head Of Illinois college.