Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1916-04-07

received exemption. On the contrary
members of the Faculty paid S5d6, 95 In
Middlebury taxes last year Mr.
Charles Il. Pinney, receiver of taxes,
will corroborate the above figures,
A, did not suggest $4,000 or any |
other amount as salary as Commissioner
of Education. In my negotiations with |
the Board of Education no figures were
mentioned on either side,
regret that my name was made pub
lie in this connection, but since ! have
been publicly accused of mercenary mo-
tives, it is only fair to me that the pub
lie be given an opportunity to read in
full the letter in which | declined the
Commissonershp. 1t is as follows
November 6, 1915,
Hon. Frank II, Brooks,
St. Johnsbury, Vt.
My Dear Mr.. Brooks
The proposition made to me in behalf
of the State Board OF Education in our
interview some weeks ago has been
much on my mind and ! have tried to
give to il the careful and conscientious
consideration which it deserves, !
think can now foresee what my final
decision will be, no matter how long !
think of it nor what further considera-
ton may be advanced, and owe it to
your Board not to delay my reply
longer.
My judgment is that | can not accept
the position and that in the end ! can
best serve the State of Vermont by re-
naming in Middlebury College. trust
appreciate the opportunities afforded
by the Commssionership and the far
reaching possibilities Of the position,
The needs of the $4,000 children of YER
mont, the evils from which they are
suffering from lack Of efficient admins
tration of their school system, and the
benefits which might come to them
through high-minded purpose and en-
] kindling inspiration in State leadership
! in education, impress me most deeply.
. know perfectly well that new enthu-
siasm could go forth from the position
YOU hold before me that would reach
, every last hamlet in Vermont with
stimulus for worthier and nobler life,
and that in few years through its
. schools the State itself could be brought
to higher level both in economic eflici'
ency and in moral welfare. am con-
WINGED that radical change is necessary
! to bring about harmony and unity OF
u effort, as well as to usher. in large
minded endeavor for Improvement,
free from petty jealousies and personal
. politics.
With such feelings as to the needs
; and possibilities, how can | put the
responsibility aside? A little over sever
o years ago began my work for Middle
E bury College. found it after one
hundred and eight years still feeble
weak in resources, meagre in currlcu
h lum, its alumni pronouncing Its very
e name with apology. brought to it NJ
t experience and little wisdom, but {
i great pride in the tradition of the col
:. lege as had learned it when child
t and an unshakable conviction that tn
e true and rightful position of Middlebur.
J. College is alongside Dartmouth ant
Williams, Amherst and Bowdoin, as
G strong New England collage, one o
J. those honorable institutions destined t
e maintain the tradition of Puritan wort
# for the saving of the American Nation
3, That | felt my weakness before tn
great work of bringing the college t
e her own, and still feel it, you can we
.e imagine. But can not deny the fac
al that substantial beginning has bee
maze. III IHeSe seven years tic ie
'e sources of the college have been doubled
st The campus of thirty acres with fiv
Or buildings has grown to one hundred an
forty-four, with thirteen. The facult
e. has trebled and the student body ir
tie creased fifty per cent Better than al
IN there is a new spirit of faith and courag
j. and the old name which used to b
lie