The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-07
ATHLETICS NOT THE ISSUE


 to the public mind to have the question of Auburn's athletic status so prom inently attached to the present alumnal agitation for the removal of President Dowell. No matter how bad an athletic showing may be, it would certainly not be adequate reason for the removal of a college head who otherwise was conduct ing his functions in an able, enlightened, progressive and resultful manner. Nor is it believed that fundamentally the ath- letic showing forms the occasion for the present criticism of Dr. Dowell. Therefore, the whole affair will have a better savor to the people of Alabama if the question of Auburn's athletic sit broader queston of Dr. Dowell's fitness for the discharge of the graver duties attendant upon his position. The people of Alabama are not consenting to be taxed merely that their young men may go to Auburn to learn football. Football has its place in college life, but it is not a dominant place, nor can it ever be properly regarded as adequate reason for removal of a capable and conscien- tious president or professor.
 Auburn holds warm place in the re- gard of the people of Alabama. They look upon it as filling unique need in this states educational progress and program. It is an essential role that yo1o hot peny or profitably be transferred to any other institution. It specializes in the technical arts and fits young people spe- officially for occupations demanding ex- pert knowledge and training. It is the great supplement to Alabama's natural resources, for it furnishes the trained young men who shall turn Alabama's s natural opportunities into achievement and general prosperity. It is the popular desire that Auburn shall be kept distinct and devoted to it's educational purpose, and that it shall be intelligently directed and literally endowed to cope not only with the annually increasing tide of young people who throng it's campus and class
 
 mand for skill and technical equipment in our industries and on our farms.
 Therefore, the charges brought against Dr. Dowell, supported as they are by at least one wing of the alumni, are re- ceived with the gravity that is their due, but with full mental reservation as to their truth or justice, and with the belief that they should be sifted to the bottom and either disproved or else the condi- tions to which they pertain rectified. If there are any political influences at work detrimental to the welfare or reputation of Auburn or any of its officials, those influences should be detected and de- stroyed. An educational institution can not thrive nor contend with politics in it's purview. Fundamentally, Auburn is sound and it's influence is both beneficial and indispensable. If superficially there are factors that need to be remedied, there can be no virtue nor public value in seeking to deprecate them or cover them up.
 On the other hand, there should be permitted no misleading congregations tending to disturb the public confidence in Auburn. That institution is perma- nent, it's benefits unceasing and copious. Whatever developments may ensue, the people should remember that funda- mentally Auburn is sound and un- shaken.