The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1913-06-25
THAT CARNEGIE GIFT
WHICH THE METHODIST CHURCH
WILL DECLINE.


II Accepted, Would Rob That Grea
Church OF Its Largest Educationa
Institution.
We publish below Mr.. Carnegie
proposal in reference to Vanderbilt
University:
Carnegie Corporation of New York,
SIS Fifth Avenue, New York.
Dr.. J. H. Kirkland, Secretary Exc
cutive Committee Trustees Van
derbilt University. Nashville, Tenn
Ny Dear Sir:-I have given care
full consideration to your letter ot
May l, written on behalf the trustee:
Of Vanderbilt university, inviting me
to contribute million dollars for the
establishment upon sound founda'
ton Of a medical school Of modern
type in the south. After consulta'
ton with those familiar with medical
education Of this country I am con-
vinced that the sum Of money you
mention could be wisely devoted to a
medical school in Nashville. I ap-
prove thoroughly your suggestion
that this gift be conditioned on the
appointment Of a small board of sew
en- persons to govern the medical
school, who shall be chosen absolute
lv without reference to denomina-
tional considerations and purely up
on the ground Of fitness for their du-
ties.
There IS, however, one factor in
your university situation which
leaves the policy for the future in
doubt. A suit is now before the
courts to test the question whether
the university shall be governed by
an Independent self-perpetuating
board as at present, or whether the
trustees shall be chosen by the repre-
sentatives Of the Methodist Episcopal
church, South, with which denom-
ination the university has been since
its beginning in sympathetic relations.
Should the trustees finally receive an
adverse verdict, 7 understand that
the university will then be under dis
tinctive denominational control.
This result would seem to be unfor-
tunate for the future progress and
well-being of the institution. do
not believe that it IS wise for any
sect to control educational institu-
tions such as universities, whether
the organization be Methodist con-
ference, or Presbyterian assembly,
or Catholic order.
For this reason, therefore, while /
am anxious to make this gift, which
would be Of high value to the whole
south, hesitate to do so until the
question Of denominational control
has been settled by the courts.
I make the following proposition
for your consideration: I will fur
nish the 100000 cash now needed
for the laboratories, and the remain
ing 100000 shall remain in the
custody Of the Carnegie corporation
in New York-interest at 4 per cent.
to be paid to the university for the
use Of the medical school until such
time as the question Of denomina-
tional control has been settled by the
court of last resort, its final disposi-
ton to be then determined. Should
this proposition be satisfactory to
your board of trustees, I understand
that the conditions agreed to in your
letter Of May /, as to the size and
constitution Of the governing board
of the medical school and the char
acter of the school itself are also
conditions of this gift.
The objection to denominational
control of colleges and universities
is not due to lack Of sympathy with
religion 1t lies in the fact that such
control by a single denomination
rarely means religious development,
but nearly always means that both
education and religion are subordin-
ated to the interests of the particu-
lar organization which is in control.
7 welcome, rather, all Christian
sects, believing with Matthew Ar
mold, whom am proud to recall as
my friend:
Children of men! the unseen Power,
whose eye
Forever doth accompany mankind, l,
Hath looked on no religion scornfully
That man did ever find.
Which has not taught weak wills
how much they can?
Which has not fallen on the dry
heart like rain?
Which has not cried to a sunk, self
weary man,
Thou must be born again."
As a true friend Of the south.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Andrew Carnegie.
Several Children Bitten.