The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-05
Washburn Covers Up Identity
Kirkpatrick's Successor.
First Man Given Job Too Eth
cal To Take 1t.
CORRESPONDENCE GIVEN OUT
New Professor Said To Be Very
Eminent Instructor.
Kirkpatrick Denies He VIII
Leave This City.

Geddes w. Rutherford. who was APP
pointed to succeed Prof. J. z. Kirk
patrick as professor of history and po-
litical science at Washburn college.
has resigned and DR.. z. p. Womer has
appointed another man in his place.
The identity of the new teacher will be
kept secret until he has taken up his
rduties.
It was stated. however that the new
instructor is graduate of Kansas
university and of Harvard and that
he has recently returned from Europe,
where he spent two years in war work.
1t Is declared that he is man OF
world wide experience and amply
qualified to hold the position to which
he has been elected. There are now
eleven applications for this one posi-
ton, IL was said.
RuthcrfOrd's Attitude.
Professor Rutherford sent his letter
of resignation to Doctor Womer thru
Professor Kirkpatrick. 1t follows:
115 Endicott Arcade,
st. Paul, Minnesota.
Dear President Womer -
Certain statements recently appeared in
the public press on conditions Mt Wash-
burn college and on circumstances con- con-
and political science which differ material
~ from your representations to me. IN
the light Of these statements l deemed II
wise to consult with representative mem
bers of the American Association OF I nj
versity Professors on the adNlsaolhty,
under the circumstances, OF entering upon
the duties Of the office to which was
recently elected. After considering the
matter carefully in all its aspects / have
concluded that 1t would not accord with
sound standards Of professional ethics 70
continue to hold the position. Accordingly.
/ take this opportunity Of placing with
YOU nv resignation from the pr6fessorshtp
or history and political science In wash
burn college to take effect immeuiateiy;
] take this action despite the iact mat l
\ have no prospect OF any other position.
Very truly yours,
(Slgned) Geddes w. Rutherford.
President WOmer's Reply.
President Womers reply to Pro-
lessor Rutherford was as follows: -.
Mr.. Geddes w. Rutherford Fairview Cot
tnge, Central Lake. Michigan.
NY Dear Mr. rutherford:
Your otter Of resignanon tr ans. doT,a
to hand. Let me say frankly that am
very greatly surprised at certain FEATURES
OF your action in this matter.
did not first communicate with me and
give me n chance to present more fully our
had youurequested Il. to put Into your
hands a tomplete record Of the case.
For another thing. 1 am surprised that
70 mo 10 Prot. Kirkpatriek. without con.
suting me IN the matter. You surely must
have realised that such letter could easily
be used In n very unfair way against Wash
burn college.
7 anu alsn surprised mat you shoulu nave
waited until such late date. Just Few
DAYS before college O7ens. before making
your Intentions known
You say that professional ethics have led
YOU to take this step. Is II possible that
the standard OF professional ethics that OBJ
tnins among college teachers differs so
widely from the standard OF ethics tnat
prevails in ordinary life!
As It happened, 20 n action In this mat
ter will bring only q little Inconvenience,
hut not any serious hurt. We can easily
get the position filled and have already
taken steps to do so.
Let mo extend to You my best wishes rs
YOU go to the new position that evidently
Professor Loveioy Of the Association OF
University Professors has been trying to
secure for you, and let me venture the hope
thnt you will have no occasion to regret
the step that YOU have taken.
Very sincerely yours.
p. T. WOMER.
Kirkpatrick to Stay Here.
Professor Kirkpatrick stated today
that the report that he had accepted
a position in California is false, and
that he viii remain in Topeka, at least
for the present