The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-04-20
To the Honorable Board OF Visitors Of
the Virginia Polytechnic institute,

the Virginia Polytechnic institute,
Blacksburg, Va.
Gentlemen,-lt the close of the re-
cent hearing AT Blacksburg We. the
Undersigned voted for resolution
10 the effect that IL is for the best
interests of the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute that DR.. z. B. Barringer re-
sign as president. and in support Of
such vote VIC make this as minority
report
DR.. Barringer became active presi-
dent OF the V. T. T. in September 1907.
and az such president and chief cxecu-
live officer he became responsible for
the efficient organization and oper-
alton of the institution and for the
resulss of his management. II is ncces-
sarv that We judge him by these re-
suits
We lind that smong many troubles.
ana complaints the following undis-
puted facts occurring during Or Bar
ringers 'ncumbency of Office, stand
out prominently. and have greatly
damaged the efficiency and reputation
of the institution:
Decline in Attendance.
First During the present adIninis-
traiion there has been a decline in
ale number of students and notice
able waning OF the esprit de corps.
there WIS an expensive department
OF anir,al husbandry, tuberculosis cat
tie have been sold from the college
farm for 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 damages and loss of
reputation to the institution.
Third. Cattle that were unsound
= ~ .
diseased uddera. and some that were
Irregular breeders and were known to
have aborted, Were catalogned and
sold under a guarantee of quality for
breeding purposes. and data and
records OF these animals were on file
at the college.
Fourth Hogs infected with cholera
We're sold at public auction to the farm
ers of Virginia. disseminating this dis
case throughout the State, on account
of which the college has suffered great
~ in reputation as Well as pecuniary
damages.
Fifth. BY direction of the president.
the milk from cows known to be tu-
berculous was sold to the college
creamery.
sixth. On account of misunder-
standing in regard to the sale of Ger
Tain cattle. owing to Il lack of proper
organization Of the agricultural depart
ment, the college paid 10 William A.
Bell, as a compromise after law suit
had been threatened by Judge Phlegar,
the sum of s467.io, for which the col
lege received no consideration what
ever.
Payment to DR.. Quick.
Seventh. DR.. Barringer employed DR..
w j. Quick to perform certain work
for the United States Experiment Sta
ton at the college. the agreement as
to compensation was vague and un-
certain. The result was that con-
troversy arose. and under threat Of
suit the college paid Dr. Quick $500.
AS a matter OF fact, DR.. Quick should
and would have been paid out of the
United States government funds If his
claim had been audited and presented
in time. The loss of this $500 was duo
to the failure to observe ordinary bus
mess rules.
Eighth. On the recommendation of
the president, a certain professor was
dismissed from the institution with
out notice, without hearing and
without any opportunity for defense.
Upon subsequent investigation. with
full information, the board was COM
PEELED to reinstate the said professor,
i, thus showing that in recommending
his discharge the president had no nc
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