S. WEIR MITCHELL, M. D.

1524 Walnut Street,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Dictated.

Feb. 26th. 1889

Prof. Marsh,

New Haven, Conn.

Dear Professor,

An effort is being made by some of the
friends of Dr Billings, of Washington, to have him put at the head
of Columbia College as its President. I have very little idea
that it will succeed because there is a large clerical influence
in the Board; and too, because he is the best man for the position.
So far, he is the only man mentioned, who is eligible, who has both
a National and a Trans-Atlantic reputation. Moreover, he does not
eagerly desire it, which, I think, is a thing in his favor.

I write to you because as President of the Academy, you
some of
can probably make a pull upon the people concerned. I have writ-
ten to Dr Fordyce Barker to send you a list of the Trustees.

It would be an immense thing for the Scientists of the Coun-
try to have him at the head of the Board, although I should much
regret to lose him from the position which he now holds.

They hesitate and will take their time about it, and,
probably will make a mistake in the end.