Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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EK VOL.LXV NO.44 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, COLUMBIA. S.C. 29208 Feb. 4, 1974 React By CARL BAAB "I've worked with Dr. Patterson for 12 years, he is a great ad ministrator, he is trustworthy and he loves the University," said USC President Thomas F. Jones in speaking of the man appointed to succeed him. In thus speaking, Jones generally summed up the reaction of University officials and students to the recent change of presidents at USC. Continuing, Jones said, "I think I)r. Patterson was a great selection." Cha r es H. Witten. vice president for student affairs, also lauded the selection of Dr. William H. Patterson. "I've worked with Dr. Patterson for 14 years. He is a great educator and I think the t'niversity will continue to make great progress just as it did under iPresident Jones." The reaction of these and other University officials and students comes in light of the recent ad ministrative shift at USC. On Sunday of last week in a surprise announcement, Jones made public his intention to resign Edit Responsi The past six days have t those people who have been real truth surrounding the Thomas F. Jones. For not < concealed or denied, but by the University and state hic However, when it becomes is acting in a veil of secrecy sible press to break throuf separate rulor from fact. peaks and valleys; one whe who: mess, yet the duty is Thc Gamecock has been Jones issue is exactly how it to the situation, both on and revealed that such is not the who do know the facts are power and the right to get t who are directly effected; t When governing bodies beg press has to step in. Whe arising in any issue, the pre than that, it is the press, unde and critics that must careful questions others seek to shiel If the press is to continue legacy as watchdog of th< diligently, yet cautiously, in tooth-and-nail for what is ri opposition and deceit. - No * guidelines of the First Amen The Gamecock vows a coni the Jones r'esignation. T~ rema in. But so will the duty sity's manipulation of the dleploredI. By not revealing exercised an indirect for'm only the media, but the peopl responsible. IDespite all obstacles, the fi as nothing is confirmied, th spect ulat ion der'ived( from thi sources. This is just anothe trialI of the responsible pr'ess the truth has to be dug for anm The fight is most dlefinite] ion To F McKinney Witten the highest post on campus. Riumors that Jones decided to vacate his position because of Board pressure began to circulate imnediately, but to (late have been denied by Jones and the USC Board Orial ble Press >een incredibly frustrating for doggedly attempting to find the resignation of USC President >nly has the truth been twisted, some of the highest officials in rarchy. evident that the administration it is the mandate of a respon h the maze of confusion and For this week has been one of e the temptation is to drop the to strive for the ultimate truth. varned that the surface of the ippears. Yet sources very close >ff the University campus, have case. And although the people not talking, the press has the ie truth and inform the people he campus community. in to act in a closed manner, the n there are obvious questions ss has to ask them. But more r scrutiny from both supporters ly seek out the answers to those I from the public eye. operating under its libertarian government, it must strive the name of truth. It must fight ght, often in the face of hitter natter what the obstacles, the Iment require that this be done. inuing search into all aspects of 1e criticism will undoubtedly of the free press. The Univer press in recent days is to be the whole truth, officials have >f censorship that is hurting not e to whom this school should be (ht is going to continue. As long e press must operate only on information of some very good r, test case in the never-ending .If we are to prove our worth. I revealed. v going to continue. atters( The reaction by University officials and students to Jones' resignation was one of surprise. of Irustees. On Wednesday, the Board met in executive session and handed out the second surprise announcement of the week. In a unanimous vote, the Board named Patterson to ANALYSIS The Jone The Cont By I)O(G WILLIAMS The swirling controversy around Tom Jones' alleged 'free' resignation is becoming more muddied as the days go on. While Jones continues to refuse comments, saying "I'm out of it now," informed sources have brought some interesting facts to light since Thursday. According to one source close to the University, Gov. John West knew about certain moves within the Legislature to force Jones out of the presidency. Interestingly enough, right after the election of Mike Mungo to the USC Board of Trustees, the Columbia Record carried a story hinting that there were some anti-Jones sentiments in the state house, perhaps being pushed by former Hiouse speaker Solomon Blatt, (DI-Barnwell ). However, Blatt Friday night forcefully denied any such im plicat ions. Though it is no secret that there is no love lost between the t wo, Blatt also denied that his nonmimat ion of William No. Hlowen was in any way an at temp)t by Hiatt to use him to mount a bat tle against Jones. iatt simply believed it was "appIropr'i ate to make a change'" in Mungo's p)osition on the Hloard. Yet the fact (does remain that West (did know of efforts to remov'e .Jones at least a week )n Favor Jo a of th pc as pc Pr Jones pr gc Pr pr 8O cc IC gc Patterson re succeed Jones as permanent to president. Both events, the resignation of Jones and the appointment of to Patterson, shocked and surprised t most student leaders. s Resigna inuing Con Yet the fact does rema of efforts to remove Jo before the resignation cording to one source. revealed that on at lea, and West met in semi-p before the resignation was an- r nounced, according to one s source. The source also revealed p that on at least one occasion Blatt and West met in semi- s private sessions. i] If West and Blatt did discuss il the Jones affair in their meeting, d then it appears the governor is t taking more than a casual in- s terest in the workings of this t University. Not only was he r present at the Wednesday Board a meeting in which William H. r Patterson was elected president, c but in a prepared statement. Patterson specifically thanked r West for his help. lI Since West's term ends this l6 year. he is going to have to s remain in the public eye if he p wants to attain a senatorial e position in 1978. And what better 'v way to remain there than as t president of the Univ'ersity. With di William Westmoreland about to r dleclareas a gub)ernatorial can dlida te an id Roblert McNadir per - hjaps somewhat hesitant about lenving his lucrative law able 'I was completely surprised by ies' resignation," said SGA esident Rita McKinney. "I had mieeting with Jones a few days fore he announced his intention resigning and I got no indication at he was considering it." Concerning Patterson's ap intment, McKinney said, "I sumed Patterson would be ap inted interim or acting esident, but not permanent esident. I think Patterson will be ,od." Leigh Leventis, SGA vice esident and student senate esident, also expressed shock at nes' resignation. "At the last )ard meeting Jones seemed to ntrol it whereas in the past he is submissive. I thought Jones id a lock on the office." About Patterson, Leventis said, le was the logical choice...a real od choice because he has a high spect for students." One of the few dissenting voices be raised was that of student nator Allen Lawhead. atterson's selection was a little o quick for the student body," he id. lion: troversy in that West did know nes at least a week was announced, ac The source also t one occasion Blatt rivate sessions. ractice, West has to be con idered a possibility for the osition. Despite Patterson's adamant tatement that he will not serve 1 a caretaker's role, the possible lterest of West may force him to o just that. Given a year or so, ,e University could establish a earch team simply to go irough the formalities before aming West. In view of West's pparent role in the matter, this ossibility can hardly be ruled ut. Even though Biatt's power aay have been somewhat assened since he is no longer ouse speaker, (Bowen jokingly aid,"If he is a man of such great ower, I would have been lected"), a one-two punch of lest and Biatt would definitely e a formidable factor in any ecision concerning University olicy. Blatt denied any such in (Ece .JONFE, Page 12)