Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-01-14
O. A. c. BOARD OF REGENTS
RAISED KERR'S SALARY TO
SHOW PERSONAL REGARD

Idfy. II Is HOI toO AuucH 10 say InHb Vio
prospect of Dr. Kerr's withdrawal
from educational and public activities
in Oregon was viewed by the board
and by the state at large with no
small measure of disquiet. The news
papers were practically unit in an
expression that every proper measure
should be taken by the board of re-
gents to keep President Kerr in his
present place. Telegrams and letters,
literally by the hundreds, conveying
the same message, came to the various
members and individuals citizens made
it their business to interview the re-
gents for the same purpose.
President Kerr was then ON his
way home from Washington. He had
been in attendance at the national con
vention of agricultural colleges and
experiment stations, where it was com
mon knowledge that the plan to call
him elsewhere was under considera-
tion. A meeting of the board in Cor
wallis was arranged for a date few
days subsequent to- his return to the
state. There yas no opportunity prior
to that time for a full discussion of
the matter between the members of
the board and President Kerr.
Dr. Kerr Attitude Explained
cit will be recalled that at this
time DR., Kerr received from Denver
word of the alarming illness of his
son, followed within day or two by
the painful news of his death. In these
circumstances the board held its meet
ing. At that meeting DR.. Kerr ap-
peared before the board, at its request
and made brief statement. 1t was
to the effect that he was being con-
sidered for the presidency of another
institution He explained, however,
that he had not been elected - that
position. He desired to make it clear
that whatever action the board might
take should not be on the basis of any
opportunity he might have elsewhere.
Members of the board, he said, should
consider the question solely from tho
point of view of his value to the col
Ilege and The state and tie assured the
board that the question of salary was
mot determinative of his desire or
action that for his part, the question
of opportunities for service of the
greatest value would be the more I'M
pmtant factor.
"The increase was scheduled by the
board for January /, 1915, but Presl-
dent Kerr declined to accept the in
crease at that time on the grounds
that, except in great emergency, sal
aries as provided fer in the annual
budget should not be changed bring
the year.
e. As before stated the board, on pre-
vious occasions, in testimony of its
appreciation Of President Kerr S serv-
ices, had informally proposed to in
crease his salary. These proposals he
had declined. Nor has he even now
said to the board that he would ac-
cept the present advance. Neither the
board nor the state should be unmind-
full of the fact that, owing to DR..
Kerris growing eminenee in. the edl-
cational world, he is subject at any
time to invitations from other instltu-
tions. We do not assume, and we have
not assumed, that the matter of salary
was the tie that bound, or could bind,
President Kerr to the Oregon Agricul-
tural college, but clearly the laborer is
worthy. of his hire, and the amount Of
a man S wage is surely the measure of
his employer IS appreciation. In that
spirit the advance was made
"This statement is not made as a
defense of our action, nor in extenua-
ton Of it, but as recital of the facts;
it is made to prevent any misunder'
standing that might result from GER
tain attempts to discredit our action
and undermine the college.
4" Answerable to the people in the
great responsibility committed to us
as board of regents, and acting with
full knowledge,we took the steps we
did with the purpose and hope Of pre-
venting interruption Of the work and
growth of the college by establishing
DR.. Kerr permanently in the headship
Of the institution. -