For some time those who are close to University affairs have observed with alarm a growing assumption of power by the Corporation, and a corresponding lack of willingness to admit the right of participation on the part of the Faculty and the graduate and undergraduate bodies in the business which concerns the College and the University. It has been impossible to learn of plans for the future or of motives for action already taken.
It has appeared to many alumni who have the affairs of Yale at heart that the physical property of the University has become the property of the Corporation, and that the Faculty has come to be regarded merely as its employes. To such men it seems that the Corporation should be a body of trustees created to represent the great Yale family and to administer the affairs of the University in sympathy and co-operation with Faculty and alumni. They have not felt that the sole privilege allowed the loyal alumnus should be that of contributing to the Alumni Fund. Such men cannot but be alarmed at the flagrant disregard of their desires in the matter of the construction of Hush Hall.
It has been announced that the Administration is always ready to listen to suggestion and criticism. For the first time in ten years the Yale family has expressed its regret and disapproval. The Administration has listened, and the desecration of the Campus goes on. The site under discussion was chosen last May. Since then there has been almost constant discussion of the building plans for the future. The possibility of this building has not been mentioned. It is difficult to believe that the omission was unintentional. The Dean of Yale College was consulted and his opinion was accepted as that of the Faculty, although he seems to have been given neither authority nor opportunity to consult the Faculty which he represented.
It was decided on October 11 that announcement should be made of the plan but nothing was announced. In short, the replies of the Administration have answered none of the questions asked. There is no alternative but to believe that the most earnest requests of Faculty, Alumni, and undergraduates are regarded by those in authority over the University plant as of little interest and no consequence. It is difficult to see how these men, who are told by the appeals for the Alumni Fund that they are the real strength of Yale and that her future must depend on their loyal and confident support, can feel that there is any sincerity in such statements about their position in the greater University. Loyalty and confidence are essential to the welfare and greatest usefulness of Yale, but they are not encouraged by secreey and contempt. Yale News.
