New-York tribune., 1909-03-01
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE GOODS AT WESLEYAN.
Views Of an Opponent of the Order Exclud-
ing Women from University.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Wesleyan University. By the action of its
trustees yesterday in New York City. has reached
a very interesting IL not critical period in its
=, history.
In 1872 four young women entered the freshman
class and duly graduated with honors in 1875.
Year after year until women have been sd-
mtted to every entering class, though not in large
numbers.
For many years nothing but commendation was
heard over the presence of these women at tho
university. After number Of years suddenly
and Unexpectedly spirit of hostility TO their pres
enca there developed.
1t was Immediately made very hot at Wesleyan
for these young women by the gentlemen" OF the
student body, and these young women have since
been treated with scant courtesy.
At their clubhouse they have been so annoyed
by gentlemen undergraduates that it was neces-
sary to call the police to protect them. In class
gatherings, tn public exercises. at the commence
ment exercises. and every possible occasion. the
greatest discourtesy has been shown them.
Now the trustees have decided that after 1909
women shall be admitted TO the university. Their
action is bound to awaken bitter anSagonisrn. The
patrons OF the university, many OF her best
patrons have been saying, because Of the treat
ment the women have received IF my daughters
cannot be deCently treated at Wesleyan my
shall not go there" and many have been sent else
where. What now will these. and larger num-
her of patrons, say?
Many Of us interested in Wesleyan have often
wondered why such hostility has developed, and
that suddenly, TO the presence of women at wes
leyan, and why these undergraduate gentlemen"
were so bold and constant in their discourtesy to
these ladies. 1t has seemed impossible to some
of Us that these things could unless encour-
aged and inspired by influence higher than
the student body In studying these matters the
conclusion has been forced upon that somebody
IN the faculty. among her controlling spirits must
have syIy and persistently inspired and fostered
this hostility. These gentleman" students would
not have dared 70 go far they have did they
not have a feeling of assurance that the ruling
spirits them We're in heart with them.
Tt is suggested by the trustees who have resolved
against women at the university that separate
college for may be founded in connection
with Wesleyan University. To some this might
appeal as a wise conclusion but to many others It
will seem exceedingly Unwise. n useless waste OF
time, labor and money. Why found separate
college at great expense? If the women cannot
go to Wesleyan there are already founded and
well established colleges for women-why not go
to these, instead Of going to great expense of
founding and maintaining another? The possesSors
Of wealth will think many times before giving
their money and support 20 such unnecessary
enterprise.
Altogether It is a very interesting state OF af-
fairs that has preclptated BY the trustees OF
wesleyan by their action I'm New York yesterday,
and I imagine the end is not yet. 1t is a serious
question whether the agitators OF this movement
ought not to be looked after very sharply and. it
these agitators are found in the faculty. whether
they should nat. for the peace and good OF Wes-
leyan be speedily removed.
GRADUATE OF WESLEYAN.
Syracuse. y. z. Feb "a. 1909.