The Lie That Shook Olympia Collegiate Institute

Rev. Dr. T. B. Ford addressed the students and faculty of the Olympia Collegiate Institute yesterday, reviewing the recent trouble that led to the dismissal of two students and the resignation of Professor Jones. The trustees, he said, had held three prolonged sessions and had chosen him to explain their findings to the public.

A slanderous report had circulated in the city, involving the institution and the reputations of those connected with it. It reached Professor Jones through an outside party, and after consulting Professor Beeler he spoke with the president. The three professors agreed there was no apparent foundation for the report but decided to trace its source. The president believed he had a clue. A statement by Professor Covington, based on Professor Jones's explanation, was seriously misunderstood. When Jones demanded Covington's authority for the statement, Covington—wishing to shield the young women of the boarding house—said he preferred not to give names but invited Jones to follow the clue.

Jones then said that if Covington would not give his authority, he would give it to the boys supposed to have entered the young ladies' rooms at the boarding house. The boys, indignant, sought an interview with the president. Covington told them he had been misrepresented. Jones was called in. Covington said, "Professor Jones, you have misrepresented me to these young men. I did not say to you what you told them I said." Jones replied, "You are a liar." Covington answered, "The lie is on you."

The affair reached the outside world, and the trustees suspended four young men pending investigation. The complaints were improper conduct in the boarding house—violating its rules by entering the private rooms of the young ladies—promiscuous criticism of teachers, insubordination, and abusive language to the president.

Each student was heard. Wakeman and Shelton expressed sincere regret and promised faithfulness; the board lifted their suspension. King made an unreserved statement but asked time to consider an apology. Redinger made a reserved statement, declined to answer a vital question, and said he had no apology. When the board met again nearly twenty-four hours later, neither had offered amends, and both King and Redinger were expelled by unanimous ballot.

The professors also made statements. The president apologized to the board and personally to Professor Jones for harsh language. Jones apologized to the board but not to the president, and for the good of the institution tendered his resignation in writing. He insisted it was not because of the expulsions, and the board accepted it unanimously.

Dr. Ford said the school would continue without interruption under the board, the president, and the associate professors. The trustees urged students to respect authority, avoid unjust criticism, guard their characters, and remember that the institution's honor was their own.