Page:An Examination of Certain Charges - Alfred Stillé.djvu/18

 the concourse about the building, and thronging the passage. His appearance was hailed with pleasure; the crowd separated right and left, and he proceeded to the apartment where Dr. Coxe yet remained. A hasty explanation ensued; and in a few moments the Professor of Practice re-appeared with Dr. Coxe upon his arm. Under this generous protection, the Professor passed through the opening ranks of the students, who, by their breathless silence, testified respect, even in his humiliated condition. There was not a heart that did not swell with emotion, as the old man faultered by, but it was the emotion of pity, rather than of sympathy; it was pity for one who had not pity on himself, forbearance towards one who had failed to sustain his dignity as a man of honor. Earnest were the thanks addressed to the Professor who had released him from a state of anxious suspense, though of imaginary peril, and ardent was the grasp which he gave, on parting at the public gate. Will it be believed that Dr. Coxe, after such a scene, could give authority and currency to a paper containing the grossest misrepresentation of this very scene, and that which immediately succeeded? With the latter we have little to do. It concerns more closely the distinguished individual just alluded to; yet, as 'a Physician' accuses him of abetting the actions of the students, and stating what, in our opinion, he never did state, we cannot avoid repelling the imputation of being urged on by him upon this occasion, and affording our testimony to acquit him of the other charge. We have in our possession a copy of the remarks of the Professor of Practice, noted on their delivery, and also one furnished by the Surgeon heretofore cited, which he has written from memory. As these differ only in unimportant particulars, the former is given below.

"Gentlemen,—I am so much affected by the recent occurrences that I can hardly address you. You have just cause of complaint:—you have a right to make your grievances known to the Trustees, for we live in a free country: but here your duty ends. To say that I approve of the method you have taken at this time to manifest your feelings, would be violating those principles of truth, by which I wish my conduct at all times to be governed. The individual, whom I have just delivered from the greatest distress and affliction, in all his relations of life, both with his family and fellow citizens, has sustained an irreproachable character. Not to possess those talents which are requisite for a lecturer, is his misfortune, not his crime. In the name of this University, which has for nearly a century diffused blessings the most inestimable to every part of our country, and out of respect to the character of the individual, I implore you to desist from any such proceedings in future. I ask it in the name of this school, I ask it as a personal favor."

On the morning which followed the events just narrated, Friday, 16th Jan. a note was received from the Professor of Materia Medica, and read to the class, stating that he should not resume his lectures until assured of exemption from personal insult. This was the last communication which the Professor had with the students of the University. It was not to be expected that the Faculty should allow the disturbances of the 15th to pass by without notice. The good order of the Institution over which they preside, has ever been too much the object of their watchful attention, to permit neglect upon such on occasion. Several of the Professors, therefore, at the solicitation of all, called on those