, 1907-07-17


questioned, said he had not been vest
ed with authority in the past which
would lead him to assume at this time
responsibility for Encouragement. He
is perfectly willing to take upon him
self all such duty and responsibility II
1t be bestowed upon him.
Brooks No Interference.
The president denied that he had
at any time suffered Interference
either from the secretary, the execu-
tive committee or the trustees. saying
bluntly that statements to this effect
are not true. He detailed the plan of
procedure in regard to business. mat
tiers at some length, stating that 1t is
now the custom to send the annual
budget and report to the trustees
some days before the annual meeting.
He feels that his authority is unques-
toned and unlimited In regard to ap-
p%ointments and other business mat
tiers in other departments of the in
stitution.
Knew Of No Political Pressure.
Questioned in regard to political
matters. DIR. Tisdel denied positively
any knowledge Of any pressure having
been brought to bear upon anyone con
nected with the institution along this
line. He also detailed at length, as
Stunning all responsibility in the matter,
his 8 for advising q member of
the faculty to decline a nomination
for the legislature last fall, saying that
he did not believe it best for an In
structor to divert his time and inter
est from the institution to serve any
party.
Favors Preparatory Department.
In regard to the preparatory depart
ment. DR.. Tisdel said it is absolutely
necessary for a state university to
keep in touch with its constituency.
1t is the aim to foster the growth of
high schools to the enc that the pre-
paratory school may be abolished as
soon as possible.
DR.. Tisdel was asked to make sug-
gestions as to the betterment of con-
ditions in general. He declared that
it Is not true that there is a lack of
harmony between the members of the
faculty and trustees. There must,
of a necessity. be differences Of opin-
ion. but all are actuated by a desire to
further the best interests of the in
stitution. and that alone, and are work.
ing to that end. There are no personal
animosities, no hard words. There is
nothing hopeless in the present sit
uation.
Lack Of Facilities.
DR.. Tisdel was asked what, if any,
facilities are lacking for the good Of
the institution, and dwelt at length
upon the complications arising from
the strict regulations governing the
disbursement of the federal funds,
which are not available for use in
many necessary departments Of state
work.
Faculty Loyalty Faulty.
In regard to faculty loyalty, DR.. lis
del said, in reply to direct questioning,
that it might and should be improved.
DR.. Tisdel was asked to suggest some
means by which the university can be
brought into closer touch with the
people of the state. He asked the
commission to correct the
impression which obtains in some por-
lions of the state that political pres
sure is brought to bear upon the mem.
bers of the faculty.
General Extension Agent.
1t would be an admirable idea If a
"a could be appointed on salary to
look after the securing Of students, to
plan institute work. etc.-be, in fact,
a general extension agent to look sys-
tematically after the enlargement Of
the student body.
The Questions Propounded.
President Tisdel being excused at
this point, several members Of the
faculty who had been asked to attend
were briefly questioned, the queries In
all instances being put by Mr.. c. A.
Butcher. The outline Of questions was
(Ooaunusd On pasa ~