The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-20
Fellow Professors Openly
;, Declare the Case a Blot
on University.
NATIONAL INTEREST
IN THE STRUGGLE
Fight Declared to Be Be-
tween Autocracy and
Democracy.
PRESSURE BROUGHT
UPON GOVERNOR
Trustees Say the Dismissal
Was for Best Interests
of Institution.

PHILADELPHIA, juno W." "0 uioS
sal Of Or Scott Near ring from the teach
Ing .tafr OF the Wharton school OF the
University OF Pennsylvania because OF
his persistent advocacy of free speech In
defiance OF the faculty's policy has not
only stirred UP a veritable hornets nest
Of Indignation here but has caused much
criticism in educational circles through
out the country.
Under the leadership Of Harrison
Morris. son-in-law and one Of tho execu-
tors Of the will Of Joseph Wharton.
founder Of the Wharton school. hun
dreds Of friends and partieans OF Prof.
Nearing in his fght for freedom OF
speech and teaching are urging Gov.
B-umlmugh to withhold the States ap-
preparation Of 100000 to the univer-
Nty because Of the treatment Of DR..
Nearing.
I'VE charge that the real reasons for
Prof Nearing's dismissal" declared Mr.
Norris. ''are a menace to educational
progress and We have every expectation
that all liberty loving educators in the
country will rally to our support In this
case The great question involved 10
whether education shall be directed by
expert. efficient educators or whether the
faculty should be under slavish domina-
ton Of private interests."
Realizing the serious effect which the
situation may have on other colleges
and universities. Prof. Samuel McCune
Lindsay, professor Of social legislation
n Columbia University and one Of the
organizers Of Col. Roosevelts last
Presidential campaign. came here to-day
Ard conferred with Prof. Leo Rowe.
lead OF the Pennsylvania political sci
snce department.
Prof. ROwe's Com ment.
u can imagine no greater harm to
NJ university than the creation OF an
impression throughout the country that
there is any restraint on the freedom OF
teaching" declared DR.. Rowe after the
conference. ut is disheartening to find
those entrusted with the adminlstra tion
ef the university's affairs taking action
which reflects upon the reputation of the
Institution.
The summary dismissal OF Prof
Nearing" he continued. "deprives the
university of the services OF one Of hsr
most devoted sons and efficient teachers
And his dismissal, coming so soon after
hs Advancement to an assistant profes.
sorship, calls for an investigation. The
people Of Pennsylvania. In fact the peo.
pie OF the entire country, have a rea
interest in the administration Of every
aiener Institution OF learning. and II IL
20 answer to say that the University o
Sennsylvania Is a private institution.
Inquiries received from different sec
uohs OF the country indicate that ma
Nonal opinion is aroused by this action
Within the institution widespread dis
satisfaction exists. partly by reason o
me injustice done to Prof. Nearing. bu
mainly because Of the injury done to tn,
University OF Pennsylvania. 1t is nov
me duty OF every loyal son Of the uni
.ersity to do his share in repairing tn
61ury."
Spirit of Revolt.
This statement by DR.. Rowe and ais,
declarations by others closely connected
with the university indicate the exist
ence OF spirit of revolt among q ma
!orty OF the professors and member
0! the teaching staffs The expression
" tnit spirit in an actual clash with tn
su'hori'ies Is declared to be imminen
W he very near future, This feeling 4
rot confined to the professors and teach
- because the efforts OF Harrison Nor
8 TO assemble the undergraduates nov
N mis- city and state in indignation
meetings have already met with con
siderable response
The Impression exists among the stu
cents and others thar the trustees pur
psely withheld the announcement O
ftot, Nearng's dismissal until tho clos
o' the college term in fear OF studen
demonstrations
In addition to this feeling Of resent
Hent there exists a deep sense OF hu
mlllatlon among the departmental ON
Gals at the university. One OF the oldes
ana most efficient members OF the Whar
Von school stan actually broke dow
ara wept when he learned OF Pro-
Nearlngs removal
The ethics involved in discharging
'fu'y member after the close OF IN
cciiege year, when 1t is too late I
1hd professional work elsewhere. wa
u"cusreh a an informal meeting q
'He VIVA rton school faculty to-day.
Tho gathering was described as
sha', a. which various teacher
cropped in" No of1cial action wa
.a"en, rs none Is feasible until III
ara faculty meeting takes place mex
al The dismissal was condemned |
q Ia, ,ls.E sod
ivan Roswell McCrea, DR.. Loo Row