The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-05-30

Tuscaloosa, May Special )-The second day of commencement at the university has been marked by one event on the part of the students, namely, the contest for the trustees prize; and by two informal sessions of the board of trustees.
 There were three contestants for the handsome gold medal. offered annual ly by the board of trustees for the best original oration by a member of the cenior class.
 The names and subjects of the speak. CTS were as follows: James Parker Dos- Ter, University, Modern Needs in Our Country" Oliver Cromwell Carmichael. Goodwater, The Problem of Eugenis, '' and Henry Buford Norton of Louisville. Ala, Public Health and National Pro gress."
 Oliver Cromwell Carmichael, the sec- ond speaker, was the successful con- testant. His good fortune was due mainly to his splendid style of deliv- cry, but the substance of his speech which was so well chosen as to afford incidentally an embodiment of the thoughts expressed by the other two seniors, no doubt had great deal to GO with the decision of the judges. Judge Bernard Harwood, the Rev. James G. Snedecor and the Rev. E. A. Penick, Judge Harwood awarded the prize with an appropriate commenda- ton of the fortunate young man, and the other two speakers likewise.
 The board of trustees was convened st an informal session this morning at 10 o'clock The meeting was called to order by Gov. Emmet o'Neal, who in the capacity of president ex officio, con ducted the affairs of that session.
 All members of the board were pres ent at the meeting except Hugh Nor row of Birmingham and Thomas M. Stevens of Mobile. Other members of the board are his excellency Emmet O'Neal, governor, president ex officio; H. J. Willingham, state superintendent of education: M. P. LeGrand, Montgom- cry; Eugene H. Glenn, Scale; J. H. Johnson, Talladega; Daniel Pratt, Prattville; Thomas W. Coleman, Eutaw Henry B. Foster. Tuscaloosa; Hubert T. Davis, Gadsden; Thomas c. Mc- Cleilan, Athens; Robinson Brown, sec retary. and J. H. Fitts, treasurer.
 The first business of the session was the reading of the presidents annual report, which undertook a survey of all that has been done by the institution for the advancement of education dur ing the scholastic year just ended. The needs of the university were also set forth in the instrument.
 The report of President Abercrombie was most f1attering It showed that the State university has directly brought about the adoption of higher standards of education not only in the smaller colleges of the state, but also in the high schools. The standard of IA units entrance requirements have been adopt ed by practically all the colleges, and prepara tory courses articulating with the college courses, have been undertaken on the IA unit basis by 70 four-year high schools and 30 three-year schools.
 Following the report of President Aber- crombie, J. H. Fftts, treasurer, made a complete statement showing the financial condition of the university. Robinson Brown, secretary, next made the land report All reports were referred to their proper committees.
 At il o'clock the meeting was adjourned and the executive committee went into session until 1:30 o'clock. The board was reconvened at D. m. and adjourned at 4:30 o'clock to convene tomorrow morn ing at 10 o'clock. At this session reso- lutions were offered and referred to the proper committee. for conferring the de- gree of doctor of laws on Rabbi Alfred G. Morris of Mobile and Dr. H. A. Moody of Mobile.
 Q Deans H. B. Oliver of the school of law and Rhett Goode of the medical college came before the board at this juncture with addresses in behalf of their re- spective institutions. It is understood that the body concurred in the recom- mendations of President Abercrombie and Dean Goode with reference to the neces- sary enlargement of the medical depart ment at Mobile for its classification in "A" class college, and adopted the pre- pared budget
 Next the executive committee submit ted A report showing the final execution and delivery of deeds conveying certain rights of ways granted railroads develop ing through university property After another short session the meeting ad- iourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow morn- ing.
 During the morning session a rumor was current to the effect that the board of trustees had taken action looking to- wards the request of President Aber- crombie's resignation. When asked indf- vidually as to the verity of this state ment various members of the board ern- phatically denied that any action whatso- ever had been taken looking to request for the presidents resignation.
 However. it was not denied that the consideration of such had been dlscusseu during the morning.
 The report has 1t that President Aber- crombie has failed to bring about an in crease in attendance at the university commensurate with enlargement of the institution The report of the president shows clearly that the failure of increase in numbers of students is due to the rais- ing of entrance requirements.
 Much disappointment is being mani fested by the local frineds, patrons and alumni of the university on the premptory absence of Congressman Martin w. Lit tleton, who was scheduled to deliver the alumni address tomorrow morning.
 Indications are that Gov. Emmet O'Neal will fill the appointment of Congressman Littleton in the event that the military m spection at the Alabama Polytecnnic m stit,te. for which his presence is demand ed, can be postponed.
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