New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
VAN DYKE WILL REMAIN
WithdraWs Resignation from
English Chair at Princeton.
DECISION LONG DESIRED
Exchange of Letters with Trus.
tees Committee Clears Up
Misunderstanding.

Princeton. y. j.. May u (speciaD DIR.
Henry van Dyke. yielding to repeated re-
quests on the part Of both the trustees
and undergraduates OF Princeton Uni
versity has withdrawn his resignation OF
the Murray professorship Of English liter
AZURE, which he sent to the trustees last
December. In letter 10 the trustees COM
mttee. which had been appointed at the
last meeting Of the board TO confer with
him. DIT. van Dyke announced his intention
to accede to the wishes Of the committee
and withdraw his resignation.
Although there were repeated msunder-
standings and many conferences before the
trustees committee and Or. van Dyke
could come to an understanding, a recent
letter from the committee 10 DR.. van Dyke
cleared up the points for which the Prince
ton professor had been standing out. The
letter written 10 Or. van Dyke by the trus-
tees committee follows:
Dear Or. van Dyke: The committee ap-
pointed by the board of trustees TO confer
with you regarding your resignation
do this not only on account of our per-
sonal affection for you, but also in the
interest of Princeton.
We have the highest appreciation Of the
yersity during the twelve years in which
you have held the chair Of English litera-
ture. and we should view your leaving
Princeton with the greatest regret You
have been Of the highest service, not only
as a lecturer and teacher but as wise
and sympathetic adviser 10 generations or
Princeton men and warm personal friend
TO their elders.
We sincerely deprecate the rumors OF
which YOU spoke-that you have been
seeking the presidency Of Princeton Uni
false and unwarranted. and we trust that
you may not give them any further con-
sideration.
We assure you that the false position OF
which you complain no longer exists and
that we desire the benefit Of your counsel
and experience more than ever
1t is our desire and purpose that Prince,
ton. holding fast to her traditions Of
regulated collegiate course. shall give her
self without distraction 70 the three spe-
cidc tasks which are before ner; Inc
maintenance and development OF the new
curriculum, OF the preceptorial system
and If the graduate college:
Trusting that YOU will give the, matter
your serious reconsideration and that you
will decide 10 remain with us. we are
Yours very sincerely. >
(signed) NJ. TAYLOR PYNE'
c H DODGE,
]. NJ. T. FINNEY.
This letter was written on April 20, and
under date Of May 10. writing from Ava
ION. n j, Or. van Dyke replied
To the Committee of the Trustees OF
Princeton University. A.
Dear Sirs: Your esteemed favor II uuos
received I thank you for your reference
TO my work as a teacher Of reading. IL mas
always been a pleasant work 10 90 its
reward has been happy fellowship VIZ
twelve successive classes Of Princeton men.
If have rendered them any service am
sincerely glad. 1850
nize that the perennial rumors o! ny
seeking the presidency Of your oody are
entirely false and unwarranted. 40
not know where they originated. Bur your
frank disavowal now should lay them 70
ANNOYANCE ~ being considered as candl-
date for an office contrary 70 nv desires
and altogether out Of my line. Inc pros
pect Of this relief is welcome. ,...or
The last subject touched by your letler
is the r,ost important. The reasons for
nv resignation have never been concedItu
nor personal. They have 70 DO win lns
sDirif and Motley Of Princeton for the future
Regarding peace and work as essential 70
the life of the university. / have ventured
in the course of these long conferences
which you have. invited. 10 put a certain .a.ii,
persistent question. Your last paragraph
is in reply 10 this question.
II I understand you rightly the pnrase
without distraction Is meant 10 express s
shall not he distracted by factional rival
ries and conflicts. You purpose tnat sne
shall move forward, under guidance us
regarding academic politics. 70 accomplish
her three specific tasks as university, N
an afmosphere favorable 10 manhood'
scholarship and religion.
Understanding YOU thus, with the con
sent Of the board of trustees, ] VII gladly
accede TO your wish and withdraw my
resignation. This T. a double pleasure be-
canse II makes the way clear a last 10
return an affirmative answer 10 the request
which the students made last winter, tnat
7 should stav at Princeton. Very sincerely
yours. HENRY VAN III AZ