The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1906-09-07
DEFENDS CLEMSON.
Major A. T. Smythe Writes That the
Members of the Board are Men
of Probity, Intelligence
and Character.

OF Probity, Intelligence
and Character.
The News and Courier has received
the following correspondence, which
will explain itself:
TO the Editor Of The News and
Courier: For the information of all
persons interested in Clemson college
and its management please publish
the enclosed letter written by Major
Augustine II. Smythe, Of Charleston,
S. G. Major Smythc is distinguish
ed lawyer, practical bookkceper and
successful "man Of affairs.' He was
member Of the senate and took part
in the debates when the Clemson be-
quest was accepted and the college es-
tablished. He is not now connected
with Clemson, but has served the col
lege as a state trustee for six years
with fidelity and efficiency. For the
above reasons think Major Smythe s
letter should appeal with great force
to all fair-minded men.
u D' " ShhllttlluhcI.
St. Matthew's, September 3, 1906.
Hon John E. Wannamaker, St.
Matthew's, S. C.-Dear Sir: l have
read your letter Of the Oath instant
and noted its contents. Yes, I have
noticed the discussion in reference to
Clemson college, and the editorials of
several Of the leading papers Of the
state, and have been struck with the
lack of correct information rs to the
true condition of the affairs of the col
lege as exhibited therein.
AS you know, my connection with
the college has been intimate, though
rather peculiar. I was associated with
the late Col. james l.. Orr as counsel
for Mr.. Clemson $ executor in the liti-
cation before the supreme court Of
the United States, as to the validity
Of Mrs. Clcmson's will. under the
terms Of which the Fort fill property
passed to Mr.. Clemson. The validity
of the will was sustained by the Su-
prcmc court.
AS a member Of the state senate. !
opposed the acceptance Of Mr.. Glenn
sons bcqucst, on the ground that ii
was not wise policy for the state to
accept bcquest which 'Hould require
the use Of state money, >Hhcn the ma
jority of the board Of trustees was
appointed by Mr.. Clemson and was a
self perpctuating body. To meet the
objection SO raised by others as well
as myself the Legislature provided that
the vote Of nine trustees out Of thir-
teen, being two more than the seven
life trustees, should be necessary to
elect any professor or instructor OF
to appropriate any money.
When the Legislature decided to ac-
cept the bequest |. ceased any factious
opposition, and did what I could to
make the new college successful.
Six years ago, without knowledge or
ed me trustee of the college. and
served rs such for six years. | am no
longer n trustee nor have [ any con-
ncction with the college. direct or in
direct. have, however, an intimate
knowledge uf the affairs Of the col
legc, and am sorry that anything is
being said or done to injurc an in
stitution which is doing such marked
amount Of good to the young men of
the state.
For instance, it is charged that the
life trustees practically run the col
legc, and that because they are in the
majority they act together as close
corporation. This is entirely Il mis-
take. During the entire time of my
service as trustee I never once saw
the line drawn between life trustees
on the one side and state trustees on
the other. Our discussions were ear
nest and frequent, and, as in all de-
Lucrative bodies, there were difference
es Of opinion, sincerely and honestly
entertained The votes were sometimes
close, but never saw The cleavage
along the line of state ur life trus-
tees, in fact, | never saw divided
vote in which there were not state and
life trustees on each side of the ques-
ton. In fact, I know that no trus-
tee ever stopped to consider whether
his colleague sitting alongside of him
held his Office for fife or for term