The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-05-11
academic freedom. may cite wha.

academic freedom. may cite what
occurred some years ago at Yale uni
versity. The professor OF economies
was an aggressive antagonist OF the
theory of protection and an advocate
Of free trade. 1t is perfectly apparent
that no was not inSharmony With his
environment. But he WAS retained an
matter of principle. although tho re-
suit was that no taught the soma OF
protectionistsi the contrary doctrine.
In tho present test case, Roanoke Col
lego was more fortunate. When the
matter first came up In the autumn. I
took occa sion to assure myself that,
following freely his own convictions.
DR.. Thorstenberg. Of our department. of
history. would teach no errors against
the South. whatever textbook he used.
Some personal facts may be of In
terest. DR.. Thorstenberg is the son
OF Swedish parents. who came TO this
country after the Civil War was over
He ls an alumnu5 of Bethany College,
Kansas. He won tho A. B.. A. NJ and
Pm. D. degrees at Yale University. All
OF his special preparation has been In
the subjects OF history and socinl
science. He accepted his present posi-
ton at Roanoke College in the sum
incr of 1907, coming here from the Unit
versity OF Oklahoma. We know him
to be an impartial scholar. This Is
the vital point.
Guide to True Cancellations.
1t should also be remembered that
the student, at tho college age. has
an hquirins. Independent mind. He
wants to know this and understand
that. The wise professor Will not In
duige In ooncealments. He will review
impartially all the facts. the alleged
facts, and the Interpretations. His
aim Will be by comprehensive study to
guide the student to Just and true
conclusions But he will not only en-
deavor TO add to the Students sum
OF knowledge and to improve his mem
tai discipline. but he Will also IA mill
larize him with wise methods or scien-
tinc Investigation.
Having In mind the actual princi-
plos. methods and practice of college
Work, 1t seems puerile to condemn n
professor and suspect collage IN
the ground of few Objectionable pas-
sages or opinions in text-book Of
nearly a thousand pages. It seems
possloie to account for the continued
asnta.,on OF this matter only by sup
posing mat nasty judgments have been
formed on the basis of ey parte starr
ments. 9','I
1T is a Significant fact that 4 CON
,eoerate victorian, who was chani,in
IN me army. without any consultation
iowinr me rcs Mh,aatt,ever proposed the iol-
ing OF the board Of trustees
In regard to textbooks ana tbe,,
use IN the recitation room, 1t Is NOT
,,iSeetssary or even desirable that ,hn
teaGher and the textbooks should In
very particular DO In full accord. The
eNcellencies OF tent book ma, -,
Tar exceed its defects as to iusti;,, ~, 80
use In the recitation room. .leaving
s,r, TO- be made by the IN.
~ Marvel of History.
ahell Southern institutions mako
an an, exception of American history In
.,elf appiication OF the above princi-
Eles TO The work OF higher ed,,cn,ior,
believe such position 10 no W.
teha ole. After all. Is there any neces
Sly LOT an intolcrant attitude 81, ,bis
auolect' FOR my part 4 Il m thorouyhly
~ sHnlpathS with true Southern ideals
ana traditions 1t is my convjcti,r
.nat me ante belium civllizatlo If
H., H.. .oou'n was unique among the civil
,natiohs or the world Like ALI thint.s
! human. 1t had It's detects. hui lii ne.
eeiiencies were SO nne SO app.a1tn,.
enh,, despite the drag of s1averv thn
ci'iiization OF the old South VII, ~
Nays remain one OF the marvais az
q merican history. iii -
Inc case Of the South is not so
iryb
vi scientific investigation. Let Fla
truth stand, as ii must stand In INC
MAJ verdict OF history. But While liz
oouthefner. whose patriotism is ,snJ
on convictions. will thus invita- ths i,s,
ana lair historic estimate OF thc So,itb,s
ras., without solicitude for the result
= l,s that honest scholarship viii
do Justice to It's heroes and its nrhio,,n
ments. is there not also n broader ~
| trioftsm that should be inc,ilcated in
our educational work? am remIndnd
mere OF the words OF General Lee 10 q
Hhirsinia mother. when. shortly after
ne war; he said: Abandon ali these
go ailirnosities and make your sons
americans heard similar sentiments
expressed, while living In Richmond a
sooa many years ago. By the late Gen
eral John b. Gordon, in his eIoounnt
aooress to the camp of the United Con
ieuerate veterans, converting In that
city Will the South forget these
great leaders. even though they be ab-
believe that the educational program,
In patriotic sense, North. South, East
and West. is expressed once for all for
us in the noble words of General Rob
ert e. Lee. ~
"This agitation In connection with
The history controversy has seemed to
me particularly untinely. The mon
OF the South are winning place and rec
ognition In the councils of the nation.
There arc numerous indications I'm
very recent years that the North wants
to BIO Just to the South. both as to Its
history and as TO Its opportunity for
service In tho cause of our republic.
feel sure that the South. on the whole.
is really ready to meet the North In
the same generous spirit.
In Southwestern Virginia, as in