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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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296 History University of Illinois of the institution. To them it seemed unfortunate to have a deep distrust in the institution created before it ever was opened. There has been confusion and misunderstanding as to what happened in this connection, chiefly for the reason that the board determined later in the session not to publish in the minutes of the sessions the action taken upon this subject. Without going into details or attempting at this late date to say who was right or who was wrong a few simple facts, supported by documentary evidence, may be stated in order to have a clear record of events. The board passed at one of its sessions a preamble and resolution in which were rehearsed the ways that Mr. Dunlap, in the board's estimation, was injuring the industrial university and proposed to proceed by committee or otherwise to inquire into the matter.83 A special committee of five was appointed which made an investigation and then an extended report closing with a series of five resolutions. During the sessions and following an interview of the special committee with Mr. Dunlap, J. C. Burroughs of Chicago, a member of the board but not a member of the special committee, counseled with Mr. Dunlap; Burroughs pointed out that Regent Gregory had undertaken a difficult work, one in which he had to make precedents and blaze trails and that in an unfamiliar region. He pointed out also the unmistakable sincerity, clarity of judgment and common sense of Regent Gregory. Dunlap began to think perhaps he could safely be more lenient—a man should be given time to prove himself—perhaps he, Mr. Dunlap, knowing the state as few men could know it, acutely conscious of its educational needs was, by his very ardor, made over-critical. He saw hope for the future. He decided that perhaps he had judged the new man too harshly, he would give him a chance to prove himself. Then occurred a reconciliation. Dunlap crossed the room and shook hands with Regent Gregory. Just what was said or promised by Dunlap is not certain. The members of the committee said later in letters that he promised not to pursue such a course in the future, and that he voted for the first resolution "Original copy of preamble and resolution, manuscript at University of Illinois. See appendix for resolutions, p. 579.
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