1 University College Dublin Election of Members of the Governing Body by the
Graduate Members of the College. Dear Madam, Permit me to ask you for the favour of your vote and influence at
the coming election of Members of the Governing Body of University College,
Dublin, by the Graduate Members. I am a past student of the College, and, at present, have the honour
to hold therein the office of Professor of English Literature. I have been
a member of the Governing Body since its institution. Having had the progress and prestige of our Alma Mater always
closely at heart, I can promise the most loyal and independent service to its
interests. I am a convinced supporter of the principles and the administrative
methods which have, within the short period of six years and while yet the
building and equipment of the College are in process of completion, already
placed it in the front rank of University Institutions in these countries. The
heads and organisers of the College have proved that it is possible to combine
the most patriotic care for Irish national ideals in education, with the keenest
devotion to the claims of progressive scholarship and scientific research
That the College, even as it stands to-day, commends itself to the people
is proved by its growth in numbers, which has even now placed it far ahead
of other University Colleges long established, and on the line of equality
with the most prosperous of the Irish Universities. Upwards of a thousand 2 students are already on its rolls. It needs only a wise and steady perse-
verance on the path already chosen, to make our College more than fulfil
the most sanguine expectations of those to whose strenuous labours for the
educational advancement of the people the present position of the College
is due. In the difficult future that awaits European countries the work of
such a College must be a vital necessity of the nation. I will, if elected,
support every well-considered scheme for extending as far as possible the
advantages of the College in the full measure of its resources and oppor-
tunities. But believing, as I do, in a policy of continuity and steadiness
of development, I will oppose any proposal that would tend to lessen the
efficiency of the College as a place of higher education, or lower its rank and
prestige, to the detriment of its students. I should regard it as a breach of
faith, especially with the past professional students, if I did not apply this
test to all the projects that may be submitted to the consideration and
decision of the Governing Body. I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant, ROBERT DONOVAN 8 Palmerston Villas, Dublin, December 21st, 1915.
P.S.—A Graduate Member may vote for six candidates.