Page:An Examination of Certain Charges - Alfred Stillé.djvu/4

 and Pharmacy. This publication containing diversdiverse [sic] charges against the students of the University, and also against the colleagues of the above named Professor, was by him issued a few days subsequently in pamphlet form, with a distinct voucher annexed, declaring its statements to be 'substantially correct.' Here the undersigned cannot conceal their regret that Dr. Coxe should ever have lent his name to a document, which upon the most cursory examination he must have perceived to be far from 'substantially correct.' The only explanation which occurs to them is, that Dr. Coxe was grossly misinformed concerning the events of the session, for they would revolt from imputing to him the least intention of wilful misrepresentation. The statements of the paper just alluded to, produced upon the Medical Class very diversified effects; in some it excited ridicule, anger in others, and surprise in all who were aware of the circumstances that had actually occurred. Under a feeling of indignation at the traducer of their characters, the Class met, on the afternoon of the 21st, and delegated a committee to demand from the proprietors of the Pennsylvanian, the author of the obnoxious article. An editorial article having appeared simultaneously with that of 'a Physician,' stating that the author assumed all responsibility himself, no difficulty in his recognizance could reasonably have been anticipated. How unfounded was this expectation the following correspondence will show.

Philadelphia Feb. 21st, 1835.

To the Editors of the Pennsylvanian.

Sirs: In your paper of this morning, there appeared an article headed "University of Pennsylvania," and subscribed "A Physician." We, the undersigned, a Committee appointed for the purpose, by the Medical Class of that University, request of you the name of the individual, upon whose authority it was published.

The following was enclosed in a note, from the Editors to the Committee, in reply to the foregoing.

Phil. Feb. 21, 1835.

Dear Sir:—

Your note enclosing a communication from a Committee of the Students of the University, I have this moment received.

In writing an account of the transactions which have occurred in the University this Session, I was solely influenced by a desire to do justice to a very respectable gentleman, by making the public acquainted with the facts of his case, which had been misrepresented by his enemies. I have taken especial care to state nothing but the truth: if the young gentlemen who have asked for my name can disprove my statements let them do so.

The public, until this morning, have only heard ex parte statements