The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-02-20

teresting book, but then Mr.. Rocke-
felIer's friends sent NE bundles Of
gratuitous literature in which she
was called '.tne Tarbell woman and
his character was absolutely vindicat-
ed. Besides, DR.. Macarthur says he is
all right. What troubles me especial
ly is the latest issue Of my impartial
Literary Digest, which tells me that
the interstate commerce commission
has just laid before congress "the
most scathing arraignment Of the
Standards methods'-meaning, /
suppose, Mr.. Rockefeller 's-''that has
yet appeared in any public docu-
ment.'' We are further Informed
that while this report contains but
one new charge, cit is regarded by
the press as of great importance,
since it is an official presentation and
summing-up of evidence taken under
oath;" while the New York Mail is
reported as declaring that it in
cludes indictments for practically
every crime against the individual
and society at large except murder,
arson and mayhem
What I want to know, then, is this
Can I say as they said at Yale,
Bring along your tainted money and
we Will purify it with the Yale spir-
it." or is this particular case of pu-
tridity so foul as to corrupt the very
spirit that would preserve it? Can I
thank Mr. Rockefeller for his gifts
with lips that preach the sacredness
Of law, and retain the respect Of my
students? After all, is character more
important than culture, or may edu,
cational facilities be purchased by
the barter of ethical influence? Does
Mr.. Rockefeller's '.princely gift
come close upon the heels of the in
terstate commerce commissions re-
port-astounding even the officers Of
the general education board by its
suddennesss-for the reason he is will
ing to pit his millions against justice
to influence public opinion, or is he
a large hearted philanthropist who is
sorry for his sins If ne is sorry for
his sins ought he not, like little Zac-
cheus, to confess his guilt as a law
breaker before ne seeks to restore
.four-fold? To pass from the Publ
can to the Pharisee, does the hand
which casts resounding offerings into
the treasury of the temple atone for
the work of the other hand with
widows mites and with American
roses? Is he trying to mould public
opinion at it's source, that is in the
matrix OF the colleges; or is he really
trying to be just as well as generous?
Is the general education board the
incorporated alias Of John D. Rookie
fe,isr for the distribution of por-
ton of his wealth, while Standard Oil
IS the incorporated alias at the other
end Of the machine busily accumulat-
ing more wealth by every criminal
means except murder, arson and
mayhem? In a word, may I conscien-
tiously accept his funds-if I can get
them for the upbuilding Of a college
which conceives of no higher present
duty to the young men Of the south
than the inculcation of the sacredness
Of the law? Newbe-ry College is not
one of the ESQ collegiate applicants
at the door Of Mr.. Rockefeller or Of
the general education board, nor has
it ever been; but we need money, and
need it badly. Is it worth the price?
That is what I want the presidents
of religious colleges to tell me; all
except Chancellor Day, Of Syracuse,
with whose. position am already ac-
quainted. James A. B. Scherer.
Newberry, February u.