University of the South Papers Series A, No1

80

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE University of the South, AT THEIR SESSION, HELD AT BEERSHEBA, GRUNDY COUNTY, TENN., July 4th, 1858.

--------------------

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

----------------

OF THE EPISCOPAL ORDER.

Rt. Rev. JAMES H. OTEY, D. D.............Memphis, Tenn. Rt. Rev. LEONIDAS POLK, D. D..........New Orleans, La. Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D...........Savannah, Ga. Rt. Rev. N. H. COBBS, D. D...............Montgomery, Ala. Rt. Rev. WM. M. GREEN, D. D................Jackson, Miss. Rt. Rev. F. H. RUTLEDGE, D. D...........Tallahassee, Fla. Rt. Rev. T. F. DAVIS, D. D.....................Camden, So. Ca. Rt. Rev. THOMAS ATKINSON, D. D.....Wilmington, N. C.

-----------------

CLERICAL AND LAY TRUSTEES.

North Carolina.

Rev. M. A. Curtis, D. D...........................Hillsboro'. Thomas Ruffin.......................................Graham. T. D. Warren.........................................Edenton.

South Carolina.

Rev. Alex. Gregg......................................Cheraw. J. A. Calhoun........................................Abbeville E. E. Evans........................................Society Hill.

81

Georgia.

Rev. W. N. Hawks....................................Columbus. Daniel Griffin.........................................Columbus. J. Hamilton Couper.....................................Darien.

Florida.

Rev. J. J. Scott, D. D..................................Pensacola. G. R. Fairbanks..................................St. Augustine. G. Whitfield..........................................Waukenah.

Alabama.

Rev. H. C. Lay, D. D...................................Huntsville C. T. Pollard.........................................Montgomery. L. H. Anderson........................................Gainsville.

Mississippi.

Rev. W. C. Stout....................................Mt. Pleasant. G. S. Yerger.................................................Jackson. Eugene Hinton........................................Livingston.

Lousiania.

Rev. W. T. Leacock, D. D..........................New Orleans. W. N. Mercer..........................................New Orleans. G. S. Guion..............................................Thibodeaux.

Tennessee.

Rev. David Pise, D. D...................................Columbia. F. B. Fogg....................................................Nashville. John Armfield............................................Beersheba.

Texas.

Rev. Benj. Eaton.........................................Galveston. J. M. Jones.................................................Galveston. E. B. Nichols...............................................Galveston.

------------------------

PROCEEDINGS.

-------------

BEERSHEBA, GRUNDY COUNTY, TENN., } July 3rd, 1858. }

This being the time and place, at which the Board of Trustees of the University of the South had been summoned to convene, the Rt. Rev. Jas. H. Otey, D. D., President, took the Chair, and, after suitable devotions, called the Board to order.

82

The President then stated, that this meeting was appointed by him, under authority committed to him by a resolution of the Board, at its last session. He presented a copy of a notice published in the secular and church journals, which notice was then read by the Secretary, and is as follows:

NOTICE.

-----------

To the Trustees of "The University of the South," in the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee:

By virtue of the authority vested in me, by a resolution passed in a convention of the Board of Trustees of "The University of the South," at Montgomery, Ala. on the 28th of November, 1857, I hereby give notice that a meeting of said Board of Trustees is called at Beersheba, Grundy county, State of Tennessee, on Saturday, the 3d day of July, of the present year, 1858. And I hereby give information to all whom it may concern, that this Convention of Trustees, at the time and place above mentioned, is summoned for the purpose of acting on the question of accepting the charter or act of the Legislature of Tennessee, at its late session, incorporating "The University of the South,"--for taking such measures as the act of incorporation requires for organizing the institution, and forming a constitution for its government, and for all other purposes which may be deemed necessary and expedient, upon consultation, for the vigourous and successful prosecution of the work committed to them. [?????]

Memphis, May 6, 1858. JAMES H. OTEY.

The roll being called, the following Trustees answered to their names:

OF THE EPISCOPAL ORDER.

Rt. Rev. Jas. H. Otey, D. D. Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D. " " Leonidas Polk, D. D. " " Wm. M. Green, D. D. Rt. Rev. Francis H. Rutledge, D. D.

OF THE CLERICAL AND LAY TRUSTEES.

South Carolina--Rev. Alexander Gregg, Messrs. J. A. Calhoun, and E. E. Evans. Georgia--Mr. Daniel Griffin. Alabama--Rev. Henry C. Lay, D. D. Mississippi--Rev. Wm. C. Stout.

83

Tennessee--Rev. David Pise, D. D., Messrs. F. B. Fogg, and John Armfield.

A majority of these Dioceses being represented by both Orders, the President declared the Board duly organized.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Green moved, that a Committee on Credentials be appointed; which motion prevailed, and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Green, Mr. Fogg, and Mr. Fairbanks, were appointed said Committee.

The Board then adjourned, to meet on Monday morning, at 10 o'clock.

-------------

BEERSHEBA, July 5, 1858.

After prayers, by the Rt. Rev. President, the Board was called to order.

The roll being called, the following Trustees, not present yesterday, answered to their names: Rt. Rev. N. H. Cobbs, D. D.; Rev. W. T. Leacock, D. D., of the Diocese of Louisiana.

The Committee on Credentials presented the following report:

The Committee on Credentials, appointed to ascertain the names of the Clerical and Lay Trustees entitled to seats in the present meeting of our Board, respectfully report, that they have satisfactory evidence that the following named have been duly selected as Trustees of the "University of the South," by the respective Dioceses to which they belong:

North Carolina--Rev. M. A. Curtis, D. D., Thomas Ruffin, Thomas D. Warren.

South Carolina--Rev. Alexander Gregg, J. A. Calhoun, E. E. Evans.

Georgia--Rev. Wm. N. Hawks, Daniel Griffin, J. Hamilton Couper.

Florida--Rev. J. J. Scott, D. D., G. R. Fairbanks, George Whitfield.

Alabama--Rev. H. C. Lay, D. D., C. T. Pollard, L. H. Anderson.

Mississippi--Rev. Wm. C. Stout, Geo. S. Yerger, Eugene Hinton.

Louisiana--Rev. W. T. Leacock, D. D., Geo. S. Guion, William N. Mercer.

Tennessee--Rev. David Pise, D. D., F. B. Fogg, John Armfield.

Texas--Rev. Benjamin Eaton, E. B. Nichols, J. M. Jones.

W. M. GREEN, Chairman.

84

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Pise--

Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the Convention of the Diocese of Tennessee be adopted as the Rules of this body.

Mr. Fogg, from the Committee on Charters, reported that an act of incorporation had been obtained from the Legislature of Tennessee, and laid a copy of the same on the Secretary's table--which copy is on file. (See Appendix.)

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Green, seconded by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk, offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the vote by which Sewanee was adopted as the location of the University of the South at the last meeting of the Board, be, and the same is hereby, reconsidered.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Cobbs, seconded by Rev. Mr. Stout, moved to lay the resolution on the table; which motion prevailed, without dissent.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk gave notice, that the Committee, appointed at the last meeting of the Board, to make arrangements with the proprietors of the lands at Sewanee, would be ready to report on to-morrow.

The Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott, seconded by Bishop Cobbs, offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed by this Board, to prepare an address to the Southern Dioceses, setting forth, at large, the reasons which have actuated the Board of Trustees in selecting Sewanee as the site of the University of the South, and describing its superior advantages.

The President appointed as said Committee: Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott, Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk, Rev. Mr. Gregg, Mr. Calhoun, Mr. Fairbanks.

On motion, the Board adjourned until nine o'clock, to-morrow.

---------------------

SKETCH OF REMARKS.

------------

[Reported from memory, by the Secretary, and revised by the Speakers.]

The following resolution being under consideration--

Resolved, That the vote by which Sewanee was adopted as the location of the University of the South, at the last meeting of the Board, be, and the same is hereby, reconsidered--

Bishop Green observed, that his matured reflections and more

85

careful inquiries, with reference to Sewanee, had served only to increase his confidence in the previous action of the Board; and he was indisposed to disturb that action. Inasmuch, however, as objection had been made in some quarters; and, inasmuch as one Diocese, deeply interested in this enterprise, had intimated her wish that the subject should be re-investigated, he deemed it no more than courteous, that the Trustees from Alabama should be allowed this opportunity to express their views.

Bishop Polk rose to second the resolution. He felt assured, that no Diocese, which had united for our object, felt a deeper interest in its success than Alabama. He did not understand the action of the late Convention as indicative of a want of cordiality in its support, but rather of anxiety, that there should be no failure. This was shown by the terms of the resolution which it had passed --the main object of which was, "to restore confidence," which she feared, from certain indications, had been lost.

He then read from the journal of that Convention its action, as follows:

"WHEREAS, the selection of Sewanee, as the location of the proposed University of the South, does not appear to have given general satisfaction; therefore--

"Resolved, That the Trustees, on the part of this Diocese, be requested to urge the reconsideration of the question of location, at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees, with a view to restore confidence in the minds of those of its friends who deem Sewanee an unsuitable location."

Bishop Polk resumed: He thought that the action of the Convention at Montgomery was, as it was intended to be, final, on the question of location. He did not, therefore, admit the right of Alabama to propose to disturb it; yet, so desirous was he to remove all ground of discontent, and to give to this movement of a sister Diocese a respectful consideration, that he was willing to waive his opinion as to the propriety of the course she proposed, and therefore, he seconded the motion of his Right Reverend brother from Mississippi.

The Rev. Dr. Lay remarked, that the few words he should utter were designed chiefly to explain the position which had been occupied by himself, and by the Diocese which he represented in this matter. He confessed to a feeling of annoyance, in some conversations which had passed on this subject, at the quiet assumption, that Alabama was displeased because her merits were passed over;

86

and that her Trustees were in opposition because Huntsville was neglected. In the frailty of human nature such feelings might have biased them; but they utterly disavowed any such bias, and cited in their behalf all the discussion. Alabama had uniformly debated this matter as a question of principle. She had never exhibited any undue solicitude to have the University within her own limits; but she had taken her stand upon economical and other grounds, against the mountain, and for the plain. Whatever may have appeared in other journals, he claimed that the Alabama press, (he alluded particulary to the Montgomery Mail, and the Huntsville Democrat, the leading journals in the discussion,) had debated the question temperately and respectfully. Holding opinions adverse, not so much to Sewanee, as to any mountain location, it would have been an evidence of weakness, not of brotherly kindness, in the Diocese of Alabama, had she held her peace, and uttered no dissent.

So long as this question seemed to be an open one, she was ready to use all fair and honorable means to procure a result, which she deemed of importance to the University.

There was a point, however, where opposition, because useless, became vexatious and obstinate. The speaker believed this point had now been reached. It was apparent, that the Board was utterly indisposed to revise its action. It was evident, that Sewanee was to be finally adopted, and he desired and hoped, in that event, that it might find favor with the public: certainly he was indisposed to utter any word against it, and was ready to acquiesce in the clearly ascertained will of the majority.

Bishop Cobbs observed, that his opinion in this matter had been well defined. At the very outset he had taken ground against the principle of a mountain location, and had been playfully rebuked by the Right Revernd President for his inconsistency in opposing mountain life, while he himself was mountain-born.

He had contended against that principle; if it were possible, he would contend against it still. His convictions were unshaken, and he could not surrender them.

So also of his Diocese: he believed, that of all the ten Dioceses in the confederation, there was not one, in which so general, so lively, so profound an interest in the University prevailed, as in the Diocese of Alabama. The resolution quoted by Bishop Polk, was proposed by one of the firmest friends of the project--a man who would stand up faithfully to it, if only he could be persuaded

87

that its measures were discreetly taken. There was in Alabama no ill-temper, no wounded jealousy, no desire to be troublesome and eccentric; her sole object had been to avert a measure in her view detrimental to the interests which we all desire to promote.

The Bishop confessed, that, after the vote taken at Montgomery, he had regarded the question of location as finally determined. But when, in the act of incorporation, he found a clause expressly providing for a re-examination of the whole matter, he thought that the aspect of the case was changed, and he deemed it prefectly legitimate for this Board to alter or re-affirm their previous decision.

"And now," said the Bishop, "that we are fairly beaten, and thoroughly defeated, I give up and surrender. I have fought this question to the end, and if it were right and proper, I would fight it yet. We have done our duty, and the result is against us. Since you will not come down to us from the mountain, I will climb the mountain and join you there. My convictions I cannot yield: I hold them still: my opposition I freely wave--henceforth, I am fully with you and my motto is--

"Pro Deo, pro ecclesia, pro communi patria, pro hominum salute."

I now move to lay the resolution on the table."

The Rev. Mr. Stout seconded the motion, expressing his gratification at what had transpired; and the resolution was, without dissenting voice, laid upon the table.

These proceedings excited very general satisfaction, in all parts of the house. Congratulations were exchanged, at a result which relieved the minds of some from the apprehension of a renewed and protracted contest. The opinion was expressed, that Alabama, while very positively asserting her sentiments, had acted a kind and generous part in withdrawing her opposition, at that point where it was ascertained further discussion would be useless, and perhaps mischievous.

Mr. J. A. Calhoun, of South Carolina, asked permission to express the pleasure he felt in what had just now transpired. He spoke kindly of Alabama, of which State he had been, for some part of his life, a resident. South Carolina considered her as a daughter, and was proud of her first-born. The present course was honorable to Alabama, and worthy of her public spirit.

In the present enterprise, what we most need is, a spirit of unity. That spirit has been abundantly evidenced to-day. He

88

saw in it a pledge and assurance of success. In our country education was very extensivelty diffused, and institutions of learning were not deficient in number; but our great need is to elevate the standard of intellectual culture; he felt a deep conviction that the University now to be established would meet this want. The speaker confessed that he had once been opposed to the establishment of institutions of learning, except under the auspices of the State. On this point, his views had undergone a material change. He trusted, that the moral influence of the University of the South would be felt in all time to come,and that it would diffuse goodness as well as wisdom. Subsequently, Mr. Fairbanks, of Florida, observed, that heretofore, the Diocese of Florida had acted with Alabama, in opposing a mountain. His own views had been much modified since he had learned, by personal inspection, that Sewanee we not (as he had imagined) a rocky and inaccessible summit, but a rich and level table-land. While he could not speak for his absent colleagues, he felt sure that the Diocese of Florida would cherrfully concur in the action of the Board. He might say for himself and his Bishop, that their views were so much changed, that they could now concur heartily in the endorsement of Sewanee. Bishop Rutledge assented to this remark. Mr. Fairbanks said, in conculsion, that henceforth there was no ground iof apprehension. With such a spirit of courtesy and moderation, as pervaded this body, the University of the South must succeed.

----------------

BEERSHEBA, July 6, 1858.

At nine, A.M., the Board was called to order, and prayers were offered by the Rt. Rev. President. The roll being called, the Rev. J.J. Scott, D.D., not present on yesterday, answered to his name. The Secretary announded, that of thirty-five Trustees entitled to seats in this Board, eightteen Trustees, being a majority of the whole number, were present. The minutes were read, and sundry verbal alterations made therein. On motion of Rt. Rev. Bishop Green-Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to incorporate with

89

the journal, a sketch of the remarks made on yesterday, upon the motion of reconsideration, offered by the R. Rev. Bishop Green. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk, seconded by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Cobbs, offered the following resolution; which was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the University of the South, being by a public act of the Legislature of the State of Tennessee, passed 6th January, 1858, created a body corporate and politic in law, hereby accepts all the rights and privileges which are guaranteed by said act, and assumes the obligations imposed by the same. Subsequently, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk moved to reconsider this resolution; which motion prevailed. A call of the house was ordered, and the roll being called, all the members heretofore present, eighteen in number, answered to their names. The vote upon the resolution accepting the charter, was taken by ayes and noes, with the following result: AYES--Rt. Rev. James H. Otey, D.D.; Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk, D.D.; Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D.D.; Rt. Rev. N. H. Cobbs, D.D. ; Rt. Rev. Wm. M. Green, D.D. Rt. Rev. F. H. Rutledge, D.D. Rev. Alexander Gregg; Rev. J.J. Scott, D.D.; Rev. H. C. Lay, D.D.; Rev. W. C. Stout; Rev. W.T. Leacock, D.D.; Rev. David Pise, D.D. Messrs, J.A. Calhona, E.E. Evans, Daniel Griffin, G.R. Fairbanks, F.B. Fogg, John Armfield--1S. Whereupon, it was announcd by the Chair, that the resolution was adopted, and the charter accepted, by a unanimous vote of a majority of the whole number of Trustees The Board then proceeded to organize under the charter. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk moved, that the Rt. Rev. James H. Otey, D.D., Bishop of Tennessee, be elected President of the Board; which motion was unanimously adopted. The Rt, Rev. Bishop Polk nominated for Secretary of the Board the Rev. Henry C. Lay, D. D.; who thereupon, was unamnimously elected. Mr. F. B. Fogg offered the following resolutions; which were unanimously adopted: 1. Resolved, That a Committee of three Bishops, three Clergymen and three Laymen--of ehom a majority shall constitute a