The Sinking Ship at Colfax College

Since reading your article on the 'Closing of Colfax College,' I have been hesitating about answering it. I feel that the public has been misinformed and hence I would like to make two or three statements: The same persons who ousted Prof English last spring plotted and brought about the recent crisis. During the first term, students repeatedly told me of the unfitness of one of my teachers. But I was loyal to him. His name was not mentioned when the students were asked to express their sentiments. The question was put to the students in this way: 'How many will remain if the executive committee takes charge and gets satisfactory teachers?' Only nine voted to remain. The trustees informed me last spring that the college was a forlorn hope. They realized that it meant the sacrifice of a man. They looked upon the college as a sinking ship. They assured me of their conviction that I could float it if anybody could. If, however, I should fail, they would not think less of me. Now, I know that we would not have failed had some of the trustees not forced upon me one who last spring had hoped to succeed Prof. English, and was therefore, a disappointed office-seeker. Yours respectfully, G. R. SWAIN.