The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-04-20
lBARRINlGER2 TO RESIGN
FOR GOOD OF INSTITUTE.
Minority sreng Presentation fhy Gait tndputed
Facts Declare That His Usefulness is At An End

- A4AieFfs3y otfotfg 1rrse1IIutIoH
Facts Declare That His
Although the minority report on the
Rarringer Investigation was signed by
only two members Leslie ID. Kline
and r. J. Noen. It proved most con-
cluavely that there In absolutely no
hope Of the board of visitors OF the
Virginia Polytechnic Institute unani-
mously agreeing on the present presi-
dents qualifications and fitness to
head the institution.
The majority report. read and
adopted by the board at its executive
meeting at the Capitol Tuesday, not
only exeulpated DR.. Barrtnger of ali
guilt on the charges filed against him
BY President Priddy. of the Alumni
Association, but praised HIS admins
tration, approved him as an educa-
tor and man, and put responsibility
for any anxiety at the institution on
the shoulders OF overzealous alumni
The report placed the eight signers on
record AZ endorsing DR.. Barrfnger'g
executive and personal COURSE. as de-
claring the charges m toto unsus-
tanned, and considering 1t for the best
interests of the institution for DR.
Barrtnger to remain.
only review of all the charges in
vestigated by the board on March IS
at Blacksburg, but several that were
not gone into on that day. and also
makes general comment on the re-
currence OF Investigations since DIR.
Barringer took charge of the institu-
ton. 1t concludes with the state
ment that the best interests OF the
" 2. l. demand the resignation or
the present executive.
fhe Minority Report
The report Of the minority follows:
To the Honorable Board OF Visitors of
the Virginia Polytechnic Institute,
Blacksburg. Va;
Gentlemen--At the -clnsa- Of tht. re-
cent hearing at Blaeksbure we, the
undersigned, voted for resolution
to the effect that IL IL for the best
interests of the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute that DIR. r. Is. Barringer re-
sign as president. and in support of
such vote We make this as minority
report.
DIR. Barringer became active presi-
dent OF the v. p. l. in September. 1907,
and as such president and chief execu-
tive officer he became responsible for
the efficient organization and opera
II ten of the institution ard for The re-
suits OF his management. Ii Is neees-
tary that We judge him by these re-
sults.
damaged Institution.
We ind that amone many troubles
and complaints the following undis-
puted facts occurring during DIR. Bar
fingers incumbency OF office stand on.
prominently, and have greatly dam
aged the efficiency and reputation of
the Institution.
First. During the present admins
tration there has been decline in
the number of students and a notice
able waning of the esprit de corps.
Second. In spite OF the fact that
there was an expensive department
Of animal husbandry. tuberculosis cat
tie have been sold from the college
farm fer breeding purposes. and these
unfortunate sales have not only dam
aged the agricultural interests OF the
state, but have Resulted In threatened
law suits and DANA gees and loss of
reputation to- the institution.
Third. Cattle that were ursound and
unbiemished, and cows that had dis
eased udders. and some that we're ir-
regular breeders and were known to
have aborted. were cataiogued and sold
under guarantee of quality for breed
ing purposes. and data and records of
these animals were on file at the col
iege.
Fourth Hogs infected with cholera
were sold at public auction TO the farm
ers OF Virginia, disseminating this dis
ease throughout the State. ON account
of which the college has suffered great
.4-1y In reputation as we'll as pecuniary
DANA ges.
Fifth. BY direction of the president.
the milk from cows known to be tu-
bercuiosis was sold to the college
creamery.
Sixth. On account of misunder-
standing in regard to the sale of GER
tain cattle, owing 10 a lack of proper
organization OF the agricultural de-
partment. the college paid to William
A. Bell, as q compromise after a law
suit had been threatened by Judge
Phlegar. the sum of S4GT.40, for
which the college received no consid-
Grafton whatever.
Seventh. DR.. Barringer employed
DIR. w. j. Quick to perform certain
work for the United States Expert
ment Station at the college,; the agree
ment as to compensation was vague
and uncertain. The result was that a
controversy arose. and under threat
OF suit the college paid pr. Quick
$se0. AS d matter OF fact, DR., Quick
should and would have been paid out
OF the United States government funds
II his claim had been audited and
presented in time. The loss of this
$500 was due to the failure to OBJ
serve ordinary business rules.
Professor Was Dismissed.
Eighth. On the recommendation of
the president, certain professor was
dismissed from the institution with
out notice, without a hearing and
without any opportunity for defense.
Upon subsequent investigation, with
full information. the board was COM
PEELED to reinstate the said professor.
thus showing that in recommending
his discharge the president had no ac-
curate knowledge of the situation and
that he had acted with such haste as
to cast suspicion upon his judgment.
Ninth. The meetings OF the board
OF visitors have been largely devoted
to the consideration OF settlements OF
complaints and quarrels and threat
ened lawsuits brought about by mis-
takes OF administration. This has not
only resulted In financial loss but has
impaired the reputation and morale
of the college and has frequently pre-