I am very much obliged to you for your letter. I like to get letters from me friends with suggestions as to what is the proper course for me to pursue.

Since investigating the question I have never thought that Dr. Hardy was the proper man for the institution at Kinston. I had four directors on the board to appoint. The four men that I appointed were satisfactory to the friends of Dr. Hardy who were urging his claims before me, they thought that I had treated the Doctor fairly. When I was criticised for the appointment of that Board, these friends of Dr. Hardy's, by their silence, acquiesced in the criticism that they knew was unjust. At the earnest solicitation of Dr. HardyIs friends I agreed to appoint, and did appoint, a Board that would impartially consider his claim.

I would regret for Dr. Hardy to be disappointed in any ambition that he may have, and I would regret for him not have the consideration that he thinks is justly due him. He certainly ought not to be treated with injustice. I do not think, however, that his election to the management of this school necessarily follows. I have never sympathised fully with the claims, so urgently made, that he should be given a trial. Those who oppose him think that he has already had a trial and that he has demonstrated his incapacity. Unless he can make out a strong prima facie case for himself he ought not to be tried on the feeble minded.

The interest that Kinston has in this institution results from two considerations, one a commercial consideration and the other a humanitarian consideration. From the standpoint of humanity I suppose that the people of Kinston have about the same interest in this school that the people in other sections of the State have. The people of Kinston certainly deserve much credit for contributing so liberally to the establishment of the school, but this contribution was made, certainly in part, because of the commercial advantage that would result to Kinston. I think, however, that the people of Kinston are entitled to consideration in the management of the school, but certainly they are not entitled to occupy the position that you seem to think that they will take. And I think that you are mistaken. I do not think that the people of Kinston would be intolerant to this school, because they have no member on the Board of Directors, and because a citizen of Kinston fails in his election as Superintendent.

I think that it is appropriate that Kinston should have a member on the Board of Directors, and it shall have one as soon as I have the opportunity. But already on this Board there five men who were committed to Dr. Hardy. If I had appointed one other member favorable to him, his selection would have been sure. I therefore could not appoint Mr. Dawson. That would have constituted a Board already decided upon the election of Dr. Hardy. I was not willing to do this, and therefore appointed a Board before whom he could have a fair trial. Before the meeting of the Board in November, his friends understood thoroughly my whole and understood thoroughly what I did and endorsed my action as to the members that I intended to appoint.

I am always glad to get your advice, because I know that it is always prompted by the very best motives.