Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-24

OMAHA. fan. n.-To the Editor Of The
Bee; The action taken last Friday by the
Board OF Trustees Of Bellevue college In
determining to maintain and build up the
institution permanently in It's present To-
cation and to actively canvass for endow-
ment and other funds to assure its high
standards, Ia an important step In the
right direction. 1t should receiNh the
hearty approval and cooperation OF all In
terested in Christian education In the Mis-
souri, valley territory. With a small be-
ginning thirty years ago, whsn 1t was my
privilege to turn over to the trustees. for
the purpose OF promoting education and
morality, under the auspices and control
Of the Presbyterian synod Of Nebraska, to
establish and maintain a college of learn
ing at Bellevue, a college building erected
by me costing about $4,000, and a sur
rounding tract Of 265 acres, and two houses
for professors, the institution has devel-
oped with the generous help Of friends,
until Il has now a college plant, equipment
and grounds. that probably could not be
duplicated for $4,000.
When the complication OF threatened
merger with Hastings college was reported
to me, l was in Washington attending the
National Rivers and Harbors congress In
the interest OF better waterways. 1 has
tened home to assist in settling the matter
IN support Of the maintenance OF the col
.leEe. The action now taken is felt to be
due to those who cherish fond memories
Of school days at dear old Bellevue and
who hold diplomas from this, their alma
mater, as well as those who by their gifts
and labors have made this school an in
fluential factor In higher education in this
section. 1t is also due to the fathers and
mothers who have come to Bellevue to
make their homes inc educate their chill
dren, or who have sent their children here
for education and the uplifting influences
of the college and It's surroundings. This
work must go on for the benefit of many
yet to come. The synod Of Nebraska can
not put aside a sacred trust OF this nature.
Evidence OF the loyalty Of the Presbyterians
former students everywhere, is being mani
Tested daily.
DR.. Mckenzie came to Omaha in refer
ence to this college matter. He had many
encouraging words for the future of
Bellevue. He assured us that the college
board would not be party to anything
that did not thoroughly safeguard the
rights Of every person who has put money
into the institution. He expressed him
self as delighted with the location and
surroundings of the college.
Before leaving for Washington, where
l am called to look after the interests
of the people Of Omaha and OF this sec
ton IN the matter of the navigation and
control Of the Missouri river, which is
now before congress, l desire to Invite
the fathers and. mothers of Nebraska, as
we'll as other to visit the college. Its
permanency is assured. and Its advan-
tages for the schooling OF their sons
and daughters may be seen. AS Is true
of other colleges, Bellevue Is In need of
further endowment and financial support
to accomplish what is desired. Friends
OF Christian education are rallying to It's
support and sending In funds and pledges
to President Stookey, under whose able
administrator the college is going for
ward. No doubt that many others who
appreciate the work that is being done,
and the part the school is taking In
educating the youth of this great Mis-
souri, valley, will back up the trustees
In a practical way at this time. Truly
yours, H.. 7. AHA