[Letter] April 23,1890,Smith College [to F.H. Giddings]

April 23, 1890, Smith College.

Dear Friend,
       What you tell me
appears to show that a
non-religious institution
of some kind would give
a better field for your
work. Cornell would be
free enough, would it not?
lt is true that they are
trying to undo the effect
of the former presence of
a few men who were rather
aggressively non-religious,
and that they wish to be
counted as having an
atmosphere that is in
a broad way religious.
Mr. Cornell I regard as
out of my orbit altogether,
as Wesleyan is nearly out,
and would have been quite
so but for a suggestion or
two that have lately come
to me. There is so
little to choose between
this place and Wesleyan
that in any case, the
opening there could not
make much of an affect
to me. The salaries are the same.
I doubt whether I shall even allow this
friend who suggested reopening the question
to so much as do that by a suggestion
to the appointing powers. Cornell has
considered my case and decided adversely for
the two reasons I mentioned in confidence -
(1) health (2) theoretical leanings. Some one could
present your name in a way that would
carry weight if you desired to have it done.
The faculty there are in a big squabble over the
appointment, and the poor president is
distracted.
 Many thanks for the suggestion about
the introduction to my paper. I shall act on
it. I certainly do not want to carry the
impression of writing with a controversial purpose.
The latter part of the paper is, in spots, quite
unsatisfactory to me. I think the additions
will help it some. I shall value any suggestions
you have in mind, especially adverse criticisms.

           Yours Very Truly,
                 J. B. Clark