Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-11-22
WARM WELCOME FOR
MERCER, IF CHANGE
MEETS WITH FAVOR

The news from the Baptist conven-
ton at Elberton that a resolution had
been adopted looking to the removal of
Mercer university from Macon to At
lanta is regarded by leading men of
this city to be of the biggest Importance;
and IL only waits for the Baptists Of At
lanta and the state to signify their ap-
prevail of the move for the proper steps
to be taken offering every possible in
ducement for the re-establishment Of the
university here.
And there is every indication that the
Baptists of Georgia will a whole in
dorse the proposition and stand ready
to aid the movement in every way. Rev.
Len G.. Broughton is just back from the
convention and he gives his word that
the consensus of opinion among the Bap-
lists seems to look with favor on such
a move.
President Fred ]. Paxon, of the cham
her of commerce, says that If the Bap-
lists of Atlanta will bring the matter
, officially TO the attention Of that body
the proper steps will be taken at once
to welcome Mercer to Atlanta, and TO
hold out every encouragement for re-
establishing it in a suitable location
here.
MAYOR ENTHUSIASTIC.
Mayor Robert F. Maddox also saw
III the SlCp lclhCA dN EIDCA bOH SISob POo-
sibilities for Atlanta, ~and he says If
the Baptists of Georgia want to move
Mercer Atlanta would certainly like to
have it and would take steps at once
showing that she fully appreciates the
value and Importance of such an asset
to the community.
DR.. Broughton was present at the con-
vention when the resolution came up, and
also before 1t was introduced. The Mer-
a ali
since the convention opened he says.
This is great movement" said
he land IL will not come as surprise
to the Baptists of Georgia, as 1t has
been rumored about for quite awhile.
This step is the elimination of a con-
viction that has been growing in the
minds of Baptists all over Georgia that
Mercer ought to be moved to Atlanta.
What all the Baptists want IS to make
Mercer a university in fact as well as
in name. and il is the consensus of opin-
ion that we couldn't do that unless we
get a better location. Atlanta is the
one city in the state offering all the
advantages. She is pre-eminently the
Georgia city for a great university"
COMMITTEE NAMED.
The committee of IL appointed Friday
morning by the president of the con-
vention Dr. s. Y Jameson-who is al
SO PRESIDENT OF M6TCeT-Wlll III the next
u mon.ns look carefully into the advis-
ability and feasibility of moving Mer-
Ger to Atlanta, Drs Broughton contin-
ued, and will report back to the next
convention what they think would be
the best thing to do. This committee
was named in pursuance Of the resolu-
ton, and includes a man from Attain
ia and one from Macon. The former
is DR.. John E. WI.IIe, pastor of the
Do CT c,r nd ha Macon
man is E. Y. Mallory.
DR.. Broughton says the idea Of NOV
ing Mercer contemplates the sale of
the present property, which could be
disposed of for its full value 1t is
thoght; the purchase of a site in At
lanta that would be amply large for
a big university, with room enough for
1t to grow: the raising of an auxiliary
fund by subscription among the Bap-
fists OF the state; and the erection of
a thoroughly MODERN and wel-equip-
ped university at a cost of not less
than $l,0O0,000.
Thus it will be at once apparent to
all that this proposition contains enor-
nous possibilities for Atlanta
I'VE don't appreciate the value of
educational institutions quite as we
should" said Mayor Maddox in this
connection. They mean more to At
lanta than we ordinarily realize until
we stop to think. A college brings
students here from all over the south.
This is their home from two to four
years. They become thoroughly i'm
bued with the Atlanta spirit, and even
If they make their homes elsewhere
after leaving school they are bound to
be a big ad for the town.
THE COMMERCIAL SIDE.
There is also the commercial side
of it, Our medical colleges, dental col
leges, musical schools, and our Tech
, school, all bring students here who
spend on an average of at least $3.50
per year. That money goes directly
, into the channels of trade, and helps
the business of the entire city.
1T would be a great thing for At
Ianta to have a big university such as
1 understand the Baptists contemplate
making of Mercer. 1t would not con-
flict in the least with Tech school.
Take Vanderbilt at Nashville, for in
stance. 1t is one of the biggest assets
the city has, and plays an important
part in her commercial as we'll as So
cial life
Atlanta, in order to develop In
well-rounded manner, should have just
such an institution as this the Bap-
lists propose to build, and IL the major
ity of them want to move Mercer here
we can certainly we'll afford to go the
limit in the way of offering induce
ments."
1t will not be possible to get an idea
OF what the Baptists Of Atlanta think
OF the proposition until their pastors
return from the conention and submit
1t to them in congregation. Such a
step will doubtless be taken right
away, possibly next Sunday, and i'm
portant developments will then be
Forthcoming.