Montana labor news., 1939-10-05
open Letter 10 Gov.
Ayers Asking Consider
alton in Dispute al U.
Missoula, Montana,
October |, 1899.

Honorable Roy E. Ayers,
Governor of Montana,
Helena, Montana.
Dear Sir:
In the "Missoulian" of September
l3 there appeared a report of the
suggestions of the State Board of
Education which should be of vital
interest to every resident of Mon
tana. AS such a resident for nearly
a quarter of century as we'll as
an alumnus of the University and
a major of the English department
under Mr.. H. G. Merriam, l am
especially concerned.
Neither I nor any member of my
family is connected with the Uni
versity, but | have lived near the
campus about 10 years. so am deeply
interested in its affairs Further,
my work as an undergraduate at the
University covered many years and
during a more mature period of my
life than is usual among students.
Also, was member of the teach
ing profession for several years prior
to taking up my studies on the
campus. l am aware of the present
critical situation at the University.
l have been aware of it for some
time but have remained quiet think
ing - indolently perhaps - that it
would right itself and in the end
justice would prevail. 1t has not.
Therefore, as one who has received
benefit from the University, I feel
that I must reply to you who have
the power to halt this injustice.
The report stated:
l. THAT much of the discomfort
among the faculty arises because its
members are underpaid." There is
discomfort over salaries, and Justly
so; but this statement distorts the
real issue. The report contradicts
itself on this question when it names
as the trouble makers the longer
established faculty members, who
are in the upper salary brackets,
while it recommends additional
money be appropriated to increase
the salaries of those in the lower
brackets. May not this well be in
terpreted by an outsider as an at
tempt to widen the breach between
those in the higher and lower salary
brackets?
2. "That there is serious dissent
and disloyalty among a few faculty
members" There is serious dissent,
but it is not among a few members
only. 1t is very widespread. I have
no way to guage this dissent ac-
curately, but I should say it exists
among at least 70 per cent of the
faculty. Further-and more i'm
portant-it is strongest among the
most outstanding members, those
who for long period of years have
been most loyal to the interest of
the University, and who have con-
tributed greatly to its progress.
3. "That charges against President
Simmons have been largely based
on hearsay, gossip, and rumor,
maliciously spread by certain faculty
members to embarass President
Simmons" 1 believe this to be un-
true.
4. "That Mr.. Merriam has been a
constant source of trouble and fric-
ton" During the 10 years I have
known Mr.. Merriam l have found
him among the most thoughtful, up
right gentlemen on the campus as
well as one of the outstanding lit
erary leaders of the Northwest.
have known him to disagree with,
to challenge loose, hasty judgment,
as man Of his calibre and position
must if he is to remain true to the
trust placed in him. That he would
do this fearlessly and at the risk of
his own position-even as he has
now so done-is what those of us
who know him best could expect.
l am sure there are hundreds of his
students who will agree with me
that his fairness and openness are
among his finest traits. May not
being "a source of trouble" under
some conditions be a mark of great
tribute to a man?
AS one of many interest alumni,
I beg that there be a very thorough
investigation; that any action taken
by the board be with the full knowl-
edge of the whole situation, and that
faculty members be given full ac-
count of those proceedings; that
regularly established processes be
followed by those in authority.
Very respectfully yours,
MRS. HOWARD R. FLINT.