The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1909-04-30

1
,aspirants are seeking the place made
vacant by the death of Prof. W. H.
Council, A. M, Phi. D., founder OF the
Agricultural and Mechanical College
located Just four miles from this city
at Normal, which promises to be an in
teresting race, as more than one state
is watching to see how Alabama will
select man to continue the crystal
lization of the Councill idea" of in
dustrial education. This berth is con-
sidered to be one Of the choicest po-
sitions in the entire state. 1t is prac-
tically certain, however, that the COM
missioners who will recommend the ap-
pointment of a successor, and no
doubt control the appointment, will
not be hasty in selecting one to take
on such a great responsibility. While
only four have announced, it is known
that the presidential bee for Normal is
buzzing under many hats. Persistent
rumors are attaching to some prom
inent men in the state saying that
they are candidates.
One feature is that it is not denomi-
national school, while the late Prof.
Councill was an African Methodist Sec
tarianism never entered the policy or
polity of this great educational in
stitution and hence it is no influence
from religious circles can be brought
to bear that would influence the Sc
lection of any particular denomina-
tional leader to fill the vacancy. 1t
is further argued by those who have
the interest and future of the school
at heart that the successor, whoever
he may be, will not be one that does
not know something of the workings
and needs of the institution, and the
aim of the founder.
None of the sons of the late DR..
Councill are aspirants as yet; but
upon careful investigation it develops
that the three now leading the race
are Bishop Carey of this state, Prof.
Benford and Prof. Archer. Prof.
Benford, the principal of the city
ford, may become an applicant, but
since it is known that he has never
favored the school or given any atten-
tion whatever nor has he been in
harmony with the plans Of Prof.
Council, although reared here in
Huntsville, he is not considered a
strong or acceptable man with the
commission or people Of the state
1t lis said that he would not make
the sacrifice that it takes to succeed
in glch a position, because it is known
that he resigned the principalship
about a year ago of the city school
when the salary was reduced to con
form with the city budget or revenue
and went to Baltimore, but returned
when the old salary was restored. All
of this, however, is mere speculation
Prof. H. E. Archer, M. D., the vice
president, is now acting as president
He does not seem to be concerned
about inaugurating any campaign II
is known, however that for the past
two' years he has been given absolute
Control. The commissioners from the
state have trusted him implicitly. He
seems to have imbibed the spirit
and ideas of the late president ant
thus he has carried them out without
a failure in any instance. 1t is logi
cally supposed that of the two Prof
Archers appointment or election is al
most certain. Nothing definite could
be learned, as the matter has not beer
given consideration. The school Il
progressing and, although it mourn'
the loss of such great man. contin
ues to advance, every department NOV
ing with clock-work regularity. M
movement that points to the election
of a successor will be made durini
the present school term. If anything
is done it will be during the vacation
This is all that can be seen and oh
served from distance by those watch