Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-05-17
PURDUE PICKS
CONTINUED From Page One)

with the state board of education which
is to have it's next regular meeting
July 3. 1t is probable. however. that
the board will meet sooner to fill the
vacancy.
Resignation Presented
The resignation of DR.. Elliott as
chancellor was presented to Governor
Joseph NJ. Dixon, president of the
state board of education. Tuesday at
ternoon. DIR. Elliott expresses appre-
citation for the loyalty he has received
from the institutions of the university.
feeling it necessary, however. because
of other interests to relinquish the
responsibilities in Montana. The res
lgnation:
After mature consideration, / am
persuaded that l will not continue in
the educational service Of the state of
Montana. Therefore | request that l
be permitted to %relinquish my respon-
sibilities as chancellor of the univer-
sity at some early day, mutually agree
able to you and the members of the
state board of education; not later,
however, than September first, next.
"On February /. 1915, | assumed
the duties of my present office, for
Which, i ldu UteD Stlbctpu w the SidCp
board of education the preceding Octo-
Der, for a term of three years. Under
a new agreement made in June, 1918,
the period of my service was extended
four years.
Satisfaction in Results
While | have a certain satisfaction
In the constructive results which have
been accomplished in the development
and unification of the University of
Montana during the past six years and
more, and while / am keenly sensible
of the loyal and energetic cooperation
which has made these results possible.
l cannot longer remain unmindful of
the heavy drain upon my strength and
endurance, especially on account of the
multitude of exacting details, appar-
emily necessary under the present COM
plicated methods of conducting state
affairs. Most of all do ! regret the
official demands which have kept me
from my home and my family
the major part of the time of my res
idence in Montana. 1t is unlikely that
the demands of the position will be
materially lessened.
Several times during the past two
years | have declined proffers Of other
positions. Any of these promised op-
portunities for the kind of distinctly
educational service in which ! am pri-
marily interested. However, / consid-
cred myself obligated to see certain
important projects, essential to the
future welfare Of the university or
ganization. brought to substantial COM
pletion. New | feel that / have done
my share OF the pioneer task and may
retire with no sense of remissness.
Was an Experiment
'The plan of centralized administra-
ton of the several separated higher
educational institutions of the state.
represented by the CHARACTERISTIC, was
from the first regarded as an expert
ment. The law creating the new office
was the result of a sincere effort to
find a settlement for a prolonged and
statewide controversy. The firmest ad-
yocates of the plan realized the un-
certainty of the outcome. Many of
those skilled in educational admins
tration in other sections of the country
frankly dubious of the success of
this novel scheme, which was designed
to create a ha~rmoniously working edu-
organization from a group of
institutions with apparently incom-
patibie interests. 1t was fortunate in
deed that this important program was
and tested when the state
possessed as chief executives men of
such resolution and vision as you and
Governor Stewart.
The extraordinary conditions pre-
in Montana during recent years
been distinctly ~unfavorable for
such institutions as the university. The
series of unprecedented drouths. the
war. and the uncertainties of the neriod
Of REIMBURSEMENT have served to absorb
the attention of our people il other
pressing problems. In spite of
his. and Notwithstanding those person
al mistakes inevitable in any pioneer
1t seems certain that the
iispassionate judgment of the inform
ed citizenship of the state is one Of
approval OF the present plan of ad-
ninistering the higher educational sys-
of the state. The very decisive |
vote by which the people of the state,
at the last general election, committed
to the financial support and
Enlargement of the university NAV be
as a most practical evidence
Of their confidence in this system. I
I'M firm in my faith that the University
Montana of the future viii be devel-
'ped upon the foundation of unity of
harmony of action, and eco
of operation which now charac-
erie the several constituent u~niver-
'ity institutions.
with assurance of high personal
and with a sense of deep and
permanent appreciation Of your firm
of all the efforts which have
,een made for the enlargement and
of the educational oppor-
%unities for the young men and women
If the state of Montana, l am,
Very sincerely yours,