The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-06-06
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WEArAER BOB Salt LAKE
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The bitterest enemies of the Agricul-
tural college could hardly wish it
more injuryvthan has been accom-
plished by the governor of Utah and
his managers within a few months. In
a determination to punish President
Kerr and reward. men who had con-
spired against him while they were his
subordinates. the governor and his as
sociates of the Smoot machine so
manipulated the personnel of the Agri-
cultural college board as to compel
Kerr's retirement and permit the ap-
pointment as his successor of a man
whose chief qualification is relationship
TO member of the board.
The character of the institution was
changed at once; instead of being nom
partisan and non-politieal it was trans
formed into a branch of the 'Smoot ma
chine: instead of being devoted to edu-
cation alone. it is being made the CEN
ter of A political cabal which must in
evitably demoralize the teaching staff.
Under the present regime no professor
however able, can hope for retention or
promotion unless he is committed to
the support of the machine and is sub
ject TO it's domination. Whereas edu-
Gators should of all men be free in their
opinions, the faculty of the college is
perforce subject to the opinions and
prejudices political of Cutler and Cal
lister and Spry and Anderson.
-.
of this transformation was the loss of
President Kerr, one of the finest ex-
ecutives and most prominent educators
in the west. His enemies had hoped to
humiliate him: they gave him oppor-
tunity TO secure for himself a larger
salary in a state where he will have a
free hand. ample funds and no inter
ference from pin-headed politicians.
They thought to exalt Kerr's successor
at Logan; they have given him a de-
moralized student body, dissatisfied
local community and staff that is dis
migrating hopelessly. Even those
who predicted dire disaster as the re-
suit of the machines interference had
no idea their predictions would be real
lied so quickly and so fully.
The refusal of Mr.. Mccormick to serve
longer on the board: the resignation, Of
Kerr and the appointment of Widtsoe:
the resentment of the remaining pro-
fessors-all these successive misfOr-
tunes eliminated in the resignation on
Tuesday of six more teachers. includ-
ing Professor J. W. Dryden, whose work
as head of the poultry department Of
the experiment station had given him
and the college a national reputation.
Although Professor Dryden had been
reelected for the ensuing year. he de-
clined TO serve, and he gave his rea-
sons in a dignified letter. In his judg
ment, "the changes in the management
of the institution were not inspired by
the highest considerations for its well
fare" and believing this. he is unwill
ing to he Identified with the new ad-
ministration.
1t goes without saying that every
disinterested citizen of the state agrees
entirely with Professor Dryden's con-
illusions as to the changes in the man
agement of the college. No educational
institution can be administered on a
high plane when the president owes his
position to family and political infiu
ence and is under obligations to one
faction of a political party. No teacher
or professor of ability who has any re-
gard for his high calling could afford
10 accept place under such an admin
istration. The history of the past few
months has demonstrated clearly that
political affiliations. not educational
qualifications, will determine the APP
pointmept and retention of the college
staff: and under such circumstances
A seIf-respecting man or woman is dis
qualified from serving on that staff.
Governor Cutters blunder has al
ready worked serious consequences.
and unless an immediate reversal of
6oIioy is instituted, he may yet see the
Logan college occupy the position he
seems to have chosen for it, but which
the legislature refused TO accord it
when the matter was up for action
What the lawmakers were unwilling
to do is being done indirectly; year
or so of the Widtsoe- Cutler-Callister-
Spry regime promises to undo the Agri-