The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-01-31
THE CLEMSON COLLEGE
SYSTEM IS CONDEMNED
MEMBERS OF EDUCATION COMMIT
TEE MAKE REPORT.
Point Out the Dangers of Nepotism
Clemson System "Indefensibie in
Democracy" SAYS Report.

institution, supported by State re-
sources is controlled by life trustees
privately appointed" This direct
statement is made in the annual re-
port of the legislative committee ap-
pointed to Investigate the condition OF
the State educational institutions,
with reference to the life trustees Of
Clemson college.
The system is condemned in the
following paragraphs:
"1ndefensib1e and incongruous in a
democracy is system by which gan
institution, supported by State re-
sources, is controlled by life trustees
privately appointed. 1t is contrary to
the genius of our free institutions that
public funds should be controlled and
disbursed by any officer or set of men,
not directly responsible and answer
able to the will of the people. Viewed
as q, corporation, Clemson college,
with an income of more than 100000,
raised by the fertilizer tax and little
over $4,000 annually from the Clemson
fund, is controlled by THE stockholders
and directors representing the $4,000.
In the matter of permanent plant, the
disproportion is even greater. The
unimproyed farm willed by Mr.. Glenn
son is of little value as compared with
the magnificent buildings erected by
the State and the valuable land pur-
chased as additions to the farm. The
undoing Of this unfortunate status pre-
sents some legal questions, under the
will of the late Thos. G. Clemson, al
though a sovereign State is lot bound
as an Individual might be. Adequate
neparation could be made for any
modification which the State may sue
ceed in making in the control of the
college. It is possible that the State
might dissolve the present relation and
by condemnation proceedings or 9TH
erwise acquire, with just compensa-
tion, the necessary real estate. We
suggest that this matter be referred to
the attorney general with instructions
to investigate the legal situation and
report to the general assembly at its
next session method of acquiring the
college property freed from the con-
ditions of the Clemson will.
eve are constrained to this view
of the principle involved, but in call
ing attention thereto desire to state
that we find no cause to criticise the
personnel of the life trustees, either
collectively or as individuals. We
doubt if better selections or individ-
uals could be made. But there is nc
guarantee that such happy selections
will follow the application of the self
perpetuating plan.'
The members of 'the commission
making the report to the general as.
sembly are: T. I. Rogers on the par
of the senate and John J. McMahaI
and A. Wander Horst on the part O.
the house of representatives. ,
Lack of System.
''Your committee continues thu
report, els Impressed with the ides
that the lack of system of higher edu
cation in this Stats is such tha
the States educational energies ant
resources, instead of being concen
trated are too much scattered and dis
sipated for the want Of a general hea(
and a definite plan.'
The report says Notwithstanding tn
current opinion that Clemson colleg
has more funds than it needs am
that there is q consequent tendenc.
to extravaganza, the committee fOunt
that there is need of many additiona
houses IOI pIOACSSO1S dllU CudL 1uc11I.
of the houses built have been neces
sarily cheaper than is desirable TO
permanent service"
Nep0tiSm.
"Are trustees made of sterner stut
than they?" This question is asked i,
discussing nepotism at Clemson an
comparing the restrictions upo1
judges and the trustees of Clemso
college.
Discussing nepotism, the committe
says:
F'This committee is in accord wit
the opinions expressed by your pre-
vious committees as to the danger
of nepotisGn. A years reflection an
much discussion strengthens our con
victions on the subject. 1t is an ever
present and insidious tempter Whic
often steals upon the most scrupulou*