The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-29
LETTERS TO EDITOR
About the State University
he Editor of The Age-Herald.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Please allow, me space in your valua- ble columns for word concerning our state university. AS an alumnus, l de- sire to see it prosper, but, in order to do that 1t is of the first importance that there should be perfect harmony be- tween the president and trustees.
 It is to be greatly regretted. there fore. that there should have arisen any friction or dissatisfaction, and espe- cially to the extent of having caused the resignation of pr. Abercrombie, whose administration has been In every respect conspleuously successful.
 Vast sums of money, largely through his influence and efforts, have been ap- propriated by the state, with which a number of magnificent, splendidly and appropriately equipped buildings have been erected. The patronage of the in- stitution has been fully and perhaps more than doubled; the standard of scholarship has been greatly raised, until now the university ranks among the best in the country.
 From a state of disorder and insub ordination that amounted at times to a condition almost of open riot, which prevailed for years before pr Aber- crombie took charge, a system of wise discipline was introduced. which so ap- pealed to the good sense of the young men that they yielded ready obedience and became orderly, well behaved and sudious. As a consequence, there have been wonderful growth and great pros perity, as already noted, but, notwith- standing all of these notable achieve ments, complaint has been made-the only complaint, believe, that pr Abercrombe is not a big enough man." case, 1t would seem. of "A man is not without honor. save in his own country" Wasn't he born and reared among the hills of St. Clair county. and didn't he go to school in the little town of Oxford. in Calhoun county, ob- scure and almost unknown. and are not his kinfolks hereabouts are they not common, working people? Whence then his great ability and wisdom? Away with him. and let us have a man from afar, with the insignia of greatness. though he may never have done any thing to demonstrate his peculiar fit- ness.
 Abercrombie was elected to the Ala bama state senate where he distinguished himself as an able legislator He was later elected to the office of state sn- peiiitenueht oi pubilc instruction which he administered with such marked ability that 1t led to his election to the presi- dency or the state university where his success has been memorable. The fact Is, he is man who 'does things
 Besides these notable achievements he now displays magnanmity. the true mark or great man, and which Is greatly to his credit for. instead of sulking or com plaining with an abiding interest in the university. he has worked steadily and earnestly to increase the patronage and to further the usefulness and power.
 The ablest and most noted educators of his country, north and south, such as Dr. Elot. president University Harvard, Dr. Hadley of Yale. and Dr. Alder man of the University of Virginia, have testified to Dr. Abercrombie's ability and fitness for the presidency of great edu- cational institution.
 In their dilemma. therefore to find a suitable man for the presidency, could the trustees do a better or wiser thing. or one that would give more general sat isfaction. than to relect Dr. Abercrombie president for another year?
 Although . temporary arrangement.