The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-02

which committee was requested to report back to the board by July 2s, when an- ether session will be held at the capi- tol. The committee consists of Hal T. Johnson, Talladega; Judge Henry Eos ter, Tuscaloosa and Daniel Pratt, Pratt vile
 Strenuous Session
 The prolonged session of the board ex- tending from late Friday afternoon to 8 o'clock this afternoon, during nine-tenths of which time the trustees were in exec utive session, has been the most gruel- ling in the history of the state university, and at the same time the most intensely interesting. The report whica emanated from the capitol last night that pr. Aber- crombie would be retired, owing to al- legged lack of harmony between him as president and the board, was the signal this morning for the speculatlons of thou- sands of interested persons throughout the state, all of whom have had more or less pronounced opinions as to what ac- ton should be taken by the trustees.
 During the day as never before in the career of pr. Abercrombie, as president of the institution, there were frequent manifestations of friendliness for the ed ucator, who was quite generally credited with rare executive ability in building the university up to a point of usefulness as to make 1t the peer of any similar insti- tuition in the south.
 Good of University
 Even those in Montgomery vino were known to oppose the policies of Dr. Aber- erombie as president of the university, acknowledged that he had labored well and Valiantly for the school, and that he had at all times been unselfsh in his work and energetic in his endeavorers. At the same time those who opposed Dr. Abercrombie were without hesitation in stating that the action of the board was not to be construed as directed against the president, but for the good of the college They sided with the ma l jority of the board in their opinion that the best interests of the school, in view of the mlsunderstandings existing be- tween the president and the trustees, would be subserved by change. In the report which he on yesterday sub mitted to the trustees, Br. 4Abercrombie himself asked that change be made, If the board was of the opinion that har- mony could not be restored.
 Usurpaion of Power A DOlnI 11dQe ny LIT. III his report that the curtaiment of the presidents authority by committee ac- tions" and otherwise did not operate for the good of the university was made much of by those interested In the sit uation.
 This, it is believed, was at the back of Dr. Abercrombie's resignation. while it was at the same time responsible for lack of harmony.
 Tn the opinion of many pr. Abercrom- bies stand with regard to athletics had a deal to do with the boards lack of harmony. While the position of the pres- ident in placing scholarship ahead of football and baseball, and holding an athlete up strictly to the academic re- ouirements, is unanimously commended, it is believed that the first clamp in this direction-taken several years ago. brought bout the first breach between the trustees and their president.
 However, all speculation that may ex- ist is unwarranted. because of the re- fusal of the trustees to make any state ment of any cause that has not been made public. The trustees admitted to- day, however, that practically every mo- ment of the executive session was taken up in discussing the Abercrombie status.
 Resignation Submitted
 Almost immediately following upon the assembling of the board this morning Dr. Abercrombie presented his resignation to the trustees, asking in the paper that it take effect at least by September 1, though earlier if pos sible.
 Almost before the paper could be discussed motion was made that the resignation be accepted, which pre- vailed.
 Tn accepting the resignation reso- tuition was passed in which Dr. Aber- crombie was commended for his tire less work in behalf of the univer- sitv and for his success in raising the academic requirements. The resolution was introduced by T. M Stevens of Mobile and was seconded by Judge Foster of Tuscaloosa. The resolution follows: '"
 Resolution Adopted
 Resolved, That the. resignation Of pr J. w Abercrombie as president of tbe university be accepted to take effect upon the selection by this board of his successor, or upon September l., 1911, if a successor be not sooner elected.
 "Resoived further, that during such time as pr. Abercrombie may remain in office he shall have all of the power and authority which heretofore has been conferred upon him.
 Resolved further, that this board heartily indorses the elevation of the entrance and graduation requirements brought about by Dr. Abercrombie, and has no idea of receding therefrom, and that pr. Abercrombit be and he hereby is, requested-,to maintain the said re- quirements as long as he may remain as president of the university. Resolved further, that this board recognizes that pr. Abercrombe has given to the university earnest and eff fectlve service, and has been a most important factor in the establishment of a greater university, and that his gen. eral policies have met with the in- dorsement and approval of the board" Routine Business Following upon adoption of the resolu-