The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1908-10-09


In 1900 when it was evident that the
curtain of day was about to be rung
down on Dr. Cravath, the late presi-
dent of Fisk University the friends of
that institution began to ponder over
the question as to where a successor
could be found, DR.. Cravath had been
associated with Fisk University so
long that to speak of one was to think
of both. Every sane person knew that
death would separate him from the in
stitution but to think of the separa-
tion was like the thought of separa-
ting child and parent. DR.. Cravath
was one of the old school of pioneers
who came to the South in the interest
of the Negro youths education, when
the conditions were not as favorable
as they are now when Negro educa-
ton was looked upon as a menace to
the safety of the South by many and
as an utter impossibility by others. He
labOred necessarily and lived to see
Fisk University hold position among
the leading educational institutions
in the South, and to have an interna-
tional reputation So when the final
summons came all the citizens of
Nashville were stricken with grief
over the loss of a valuable citizen, and
the Negroes throughout the Southland
mourned the loss of one of their best
friends But the chair of the presi-
dent of Fisk University was vacant
and must be filled
In due time the board of manage
ment made a selection in the person
of DR.. ]. G. Merrill, d. D. DR.. Merrill
had been connected with the universi-
ty for some time and was familiar
with all of its workings. He served
as president until few months ago,
when of his own vOlition he turned
over the reins of the institution to the
board of control, stating at the time that
he could not run the university and
raise funds for the sustenance of the
same. The announcement of hisTes-
ignation came as a surprise to all, for
the school had prospered under his adj
ministration, and he was we'll liked by
every one who came in contact with
him. DR.. Merrill was one of the most
popular educators in the South, and
his resignation naturally raised the
question in the minds Of the people,
who will succeed him?" and as time
wears on the anxiety becomes more
apparent.
The selection of president of an
institution like Fisk University is a
matter that demands careful consider
alton. The man must have all the
qualities necessary to fit him to be
president of a university, and in ad-
dition the courage if he is a white
man, to adapt himself to the condi-
tons peculiar to such positions in the
South If he is a Negro peculiar con-
ditions will face him. but if perchance
he be Southern Negro, these condi-
tons will not serve as a damper, but
rather as a stimulant, if he is coura.
geous.
There are a great many of the peo-
pie who are deeply interested in Fisk
University, North and South, who be-
lieve that the day has come when the
conditions demand that a Negro be
made president of the institution, and
this sentiment is growing every day.
II is pointed out that the colleges and
universities for the education of the
NEGRO youth in the South that have
Negro men at the head as principals
and presidents are receiving the most
liberal patronage. It is also said that
Negro presidents run their institu-
lions more economically than white
presidents are able to run those over
which they preside. It is further
cited that white men who are compe-
tent to fill the positions as presidents
of these universities and colleges can
secure positions elsewhere at better
salaries, and as result cannot be in