The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-18
THE wAsHBURN AFFAIR.
low times have changed!

How times have changed!
In the old days when man was
dismissed by his employers he was
contented IL he was able to make the
dismissal resignation. He was cha
grined over his misfortune. to be sure.
but considered the employment one
of his life's mistakes and went on his
way seeking other work.
Now 1t is different.
II an Employer sees fit to discharge
an employe he must prefer charges,
he must consult the employe. he must
open the matter to argument and ar
bitration and II he insists upon his
right to make use of his authority he
faces pitiless publicity and possibly a
Strike or a boycott.
Take the washburn situation.
Here in Topeka is Washburn col
iege-a dignified. scholarly, up to
date, strong and forceful educational
institution. instructing 1000 students.
No other independent college in the
west is equal to Washburn in equip
ment or influence.
The president OF Washburn. DR.. P.
n. womer. decided that J. Z. Kirk
patrick. an instructor. was not work.
ing to the best interests of the insti
tuition. The decision was backed by
the college authorities and Professor
kirkpatrick was given an opportunity
to resign. The matter grew into dis
pute in which the professor refused to
resign. He organized a union of coll
lege professors. called upon the ma
tional federation to support him and
the row grew into such proportions
that washburn and President womer
and Professor kirkpatrick have been
sorely embarrassed with cruel pub
licity.
The state journal doesn't wish to
enter the fight. But as a newspaper
representing the best interests of the
city OF Topeka and the institutions of
Topeka. it makes the prediction that
nothing but harm can come from such
a situation.
II President Womer. chosen as the
executive leader of Washburn college,
sees fit to discharge Professor Kirk
patrick because he is unable to agree
WIN AnC BAOAGboOA III NOiAN6C eAAAelAl
and policies. then Professor Kirkpat-
rick should by all means offer his res
lgnation. quit the college. take up his
instruction in another institution and
close the controversy.
1t isn't a matter of trouble that may
have arisen in the past between the
professor and the college authorities.
~. l. e -
ual concern. 1t is not a mess for the
public to be served thru it's newspa-
pers. 1t all points to the fact that
President Womer doesn't desire Pro-
fessor kirkpatrick in his employ. AS
a result Professor Kirkpatrick should
not wish to remain under such dis
turbing employment.
The broader view. however. is of
pam washburn interest. Washburn is
growing. Her record attendance has
been established this year. She has
become a wonderful educational fac
tor in Kansas. Her alumni live in ev-
cry section of the United States.
1t is not fair that Washburn shall
be aroused and disturbed and ham
pered by trouble originating in execu-
tive chambers. 1t is not fair that the
unions should interfere and threaten
a boycott. Washburn is not manu-
featuring steel or emf yins sweat
shop labor or profiteer,Ag in products
or employment. She is strictly an ed
ucational institut'on-a college with
1000 students WHO must have ideal
surroundings in class room and NOR
ale.
Meanwhile - how times have
changed!