Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/417

 I POPULISM IN A STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION 403

demanded by the outgoing employes, and after a delay of two months conceded. But about the middle of July three regents in session without a quorum, issued in the name of the board a statement of reasons, attacking most libelously the entire past management of the institution. The charges were published without a single inquiry, and without the knowledge of at least three members of the board, while every one of them is abun- dantly disproved by the official records. Charges of incapacity, of neglect of duty, and of unfair distribution of responsibility, rest upon the clearest misrepresentation of facts. Lack of spe- cial preparation is contradicted by the fact that all were experi- enced teachers whose success in specialties had brought their repute. If the lack of high-sounding degrees from eastern universities is ground for such a charge it may be noted that the most of those who lacked the stamp of extended college training are retained, while of the twelve newly elected members, few, if any, have yet gained repute by teaching. Were this the proper place, I should like to show the individual training and experi- ence of the retiring faculty, several of whom are widely known ; but it is unnecessary.

I am glad to know that not one of the retained faculty, aside from Professor Will, sympathizes with the statement; and I am confident that not one of nearly forty regents, of all parties, asso- ciated with me in the past eighteen years believes it.

The fanatical spirit of the attack was carried out in printing the catalogue of officers and students for 1896-7 without the officers of that year, and later offering correction by a loose sheet.

The bias of the new course of study is shown by introduction of additional required work in economic science at the expense of mineralogy, zoSlogy, physiology, psychology, and logic, while industrial training in agriculture and horticulture and all agricultural study after the second year are made optional. Of the new faculty four are notable contributors to the Arena and the New Time. The college weekly Industrialist is already recognized as a party organ.