The Washington times., 1909-06-17

university seems TO neglect some OF the
facts in the case and unCOnsCiously 20
nisinterTret or eXaggerate others.
But il is exceedingly unfortunate that
in writing his communication he did not
adhere to the points upon which he
could present a. strong argument The
fact Is that he seems to lay large stress
upon the retirement of Professors Gore
and SteTett. This retirement he de-
SCTibeS as "a blow at academic dignity
and academic freedom. 1t would be
interesting to know in what way aca-
demic freedom tan be said to be in
vOlVed in the &c Sc, since no one had
ever questioned the expression of doc
trine or the modes of teaching employed
by either man. Unless academic free
dom" is to be interpreted as implying a
life tenure Of university appointment
irrespective of general policy, institu-
tiOnai resources and the conduct of in
dividuals. il must be felt that DR.
Pritchett has taken in vain the name Of
an idea not lightly to be prOfaned- That
this is TO misinterpretation of the
Foundation point of view Is seen from
a statement made by Secretary Bow
man. who. in behalf of DR.. PTitChett, in
an authorized Interview has said that
the real reason" for his chiefs action
was the retirement of Professors Gore
adds that both men were personally
known TO members of the executive
committee. Does this imply that ac-
quaintanCe Or personal knowledge in
more than failure 10 observe stated en-
trance requirements OF TO maintain the
productive endowment at the proper
point? There is too broad a suggestion
OF the sort. At one other important
point Dr. Pritchett will undoubtedly re-
ceiYe serious criticism from thoughtful
educators.
Gives Wide Publicity.
The Carnegie Foundation in giving to
its letter Of termination a very wide
publicity has struck a severe blow at an
institution already in difficulties and
which was performing sincere academic
work, though perhaps in a humber
sphere than that OF better located and
better provided universities What the
consequence Of tHis blow viii be cannot
yet appear. but hey VIII undoubtedly
hamper the effort to obtain additional
endowment and will divert students who
would otherwise lave taken up study in
1 Washington to their own profit Dr..
PTitchett thus allows himself to become
the instrument through which is wreak-
ed upon a struggling institution the
wrath OF dissatisfied and deposed mem
hers of its STAFF, who were content to
remain with It as long as they could.
and who did not announce the gross
faults which now loom so large until
after their connection with Il had
ceased and their own retiring allowance
were assured. It is true that the publi-
cation of the letter of criticism written
by DR. Pritchett took place after un-
official rejOinder had been made by
President Needham in behalf of the unf-
versity. but the fact is that fun publicity
had been obtained before that time
through letters to the deposed members
Of the faculty as well as in other ways
The Real Question.
The rsal question suggested by this re-
grettable incident does not relate to the
George Washington University. That
institution may survive the difficulties
through which II is now passing. or Il
may go 10 the wall. In either case the
country at large viii be little the wiser
or the worse. But IL is a matter OF
most serious moment 60 every institu-
ton which either is. or contemplating
being, one Of the accepted Institutions
OF the Carnegie Foundation, Whether un-
freedom his or any other outside or
ganiZatiOn shall b" permitted tc assume
sides IN local controversies. seek TO d.
rect the policies of institutions. 'Tnves-
tigatC' conditions and render half-true
| reports concerning them which shall
be sOWn bcr 3dCast throughout the coun-
1 try and yietd their result-some thirty
DR.. PTitChett has acted within his tech
nical rights in what he has done Tie
may even have acted wisely and for the
best interests OF education. But he
must rest under the iInputation OF In
justice, hastv action and tdCtlessness. A
repetition of such conduct toward a
stronger and more firmly placed institu-
I ton will largely diminish the efficiency
I Of the Carnegie Foundation