Page:An Examination of Certain Charges - Alfred Stillé.djvu/17

 events, that the Professor was in bodily fear, but his exaggerated apprehensions are no test of the actions which produced them. In regard to this subject we again refer to the deposition of the respectable surgeon above quoted. The following are his words: "On January 15th, I arrived at the University just as Dr. Coxe had dismissed the class, there were great cries of 'turn him out!' &c. and considerable disturbance. I was informed by a friend that much interruption had occurred during the lecture; I expressed my disapprobation of such a course as tending to injure the school and themselves. The class went into Dr. Gibson's room, with the exception of about 15 or 20 persons, who remained on the stairs, for the purpose, as I thought, of seeing what effect the disturbance would have on the Professor, upon his leaving the building. I heard no threats of violence, and I solemnly believe that none would have been offered. I have too high a respect for the gentlemen composing the class to suppose they would have so far forgotten themselves as to have assaulted an aged man; had such been the case, many, I know, would have promptly offered their protection; I know I should. I passed to the Anatomical room, but did not remain there long, as the noise on the stairs still continued; it mostly consisted of psalm-singing, and a favorite song called 'Old Grimes.' Had Dr. Coxe retired from his private room at any time after Dr. Gibson had commenced his lecture, he could have passed undisturbed, but he remained there until the class had all assembled for Dr. Chapman's lecture, (at 11 o'clock,) and consequently a great crowd was then collected." This we consider the best possible refutation of the falsehoods contained in the account of 'a Physician.' We have given to the riotous conduct that occurred, all the strength which facts allow; we believe it to have been entirely subversive of that order which should characterise the proceedings of students in a well regulated Institution, discreditable to gentlemen, and altogether inexcusable, in the extent to which it was carried. But while we admit these things, we must deprecate the attempt to fasten on the class the derelictions of a few, or to stigmatise the events of the winter, with terms scarcely applicable to that under notice. It is from the exuberance of good that evil often springs. The sun which enlightens, cheers, and fructifies the earth, creates also the insects which disturb our rest; but shall we therefore curse his bounteous beams? While then, we re-assert our conviction, that the great drama of the session, was in its main action honourable to intellectual beings, earnestly solicitous for the improvement of their faculties, yet we cannot withhold our most decided reprehension from a scene such as has been described. No terms are too strong to express the indignation which every one should feel when he sees the barrier that protects the aged broken down, and trampled under foot, while licentious youth exults in the devastation. Palliations might indeed be offered; and the violation of the pledge given by the Professor, is one of the strongest. What young man would not be irritated at finding the promise of a Professor, voluntarily given, violated without even an apology? That such irritation did arise, and that it hurried a few individuals beyond the line which reason would dictate, is evident. We have no wish to do injustice to any one, and we offer this as a palliation of conduct which we cannot approve.

To proceed:—When at the accustomed hour the Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine arrived, he seemed greatly astonished at