Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1869-04-20


and Mrs. General Comstock.
THE HOWARD UNIvRRsITY.-we have taken
no part in the heated controversy in regard 10
the merits or dement's OF the building material
(patent brick) of which the Howard University
buildings are constructed, deeming il proper
that in question affecting so lsrgely the in
teTests OF the community the fact OF the
strength Of the material should be settled by
scientific Investigation. That investigation
has been made fully and carefully, by experts
contractors, builders, and chemsts-and the
committee report as the result Of these tests
that the buildings are well constructed and en-.
tirely safe that the building blocks are in fact.
capable Of standing three or four times tue
amount of pressure really brought to bear
upon them. while they steadily harden by age.
Tins, it seems to US, ought to settle the ques.
tion, and the University should now be al
lowed to 60 on with its work of usefulness,
without further hindrance. Such would
doubtless be the case but for the fact that the
unfortunate dissensions in the First Congrega-
tional Church are being fought out over these
patent bricks. Concerning this church
quarrel we have nothing to say here,
further than that there appears to be
fault on both sides, and we certainly
have not made up our minds that Gen. Howard
is altogether in the right, but it seems to us
thar his opponents are not warning legit mately
by essaying to entangle the University inter.
ests in this church squabble. No one doubts
the integrity OF Gen. Howard, and none can
fail TO be Impressed by the earestness and sin.
eleness of purpose with which he has entered
upon the work of fitting the colored people for
their new position in life. He holds that they
cannot remain stationary; they must either be
trained and educated or they will gravitate
downward. Now that they are their own
masters. and have the rights OF citiz,n.
ship, their capabilities for good or for evil
are greatly increased, and 1t Is for the common
interest that they should be put upon the
right track. In this work the Howard Univer-
siry is destined to take an important part-how
important never impressed us fully until nav.
ing visit to that institution yesterday.
The University building, we hardly need
say, Is the most attractive feature IN the
surroundings Of Washington, both by the
beauty Of Its design and its agreeable
color; and from its commanding position 1t
is next TO the Capitol, the most CONSPICUOUS
building in the District A nearer view
heightens the favorable impression. The
walls are erect, massive, Of burnt-brick a rm.
ness and the visitor looks about in vain for any
crack, flaw, bulge or sinking to account for the
ourcry against this material. Inside it is the
same; walls plumb and perfect, without crack
or defect, and although from its elevated posi-.
ton the building takes the full brunt Of wind
and storm, 1t stands without a tremor, as firm
apparently as IL built OF solid rock We were
prepared TO find a few shivering tenants
shrinking away in some corner of the struct-
ure keeping a feverish look out over the
shoulder for q collapse OF the edihce over their
devoted heads; on the contrary, we found the
building fully occupied, all except the unfin-
nished rooms ana these were alive with work.
men rapidly preparing them for use. One por.
ton is occupied BY the Freedmen's Bureau
force; elsewhere were the college professors,
students and employees. Every one expressed
unbounded confidence in the building and the
weakest nerves must be tranquilized by the
way they pooh pooh and laugh to scorn the
idea that it Is insecure.
Quite evidently those who occupy the build
ing and have the best opportunities for learn
ing the fact Of any dangerous defects Of con-
siruction, see NO occasion for any DISGUST
The plan of the building and of the dormito.
~ building near by, Is such as to provide
modern improvements, with light, and venti.
lation more fully than perhaps in any other
college structure In the country. The best ideas
OF modern college buildings are embraced, but
We believe the architect, Mr.. Searle, has intro.
duced many new features educed by his studies
in regard to the needs Of such edifices;
certainly we have never seen more cheerful or
better adapted rooms for study, recitation or
ofice work; and the domitories and othe
apartments seem TO be admirably planned an
arranged. The thoughtful provision by
which ample stair cases are furnished, bot a.
the ends and centre Of the building, for egress
IN case OF fire, is one instance OF many of the
aara lyox, l.~- vhao
as we'll as the comfort Of the inmates
The result OF a close examination Of the entire
building was to dispel any lingering prejudice
TO their disadvantage, and we cannot see why
they should not stand as long and as firmly as
the Capitol itself 1t may be proper to add, in
justice TO General Howard, that, whether the
material is good or bad, he should not be held
lely responsible for its use, as il was adopted
by the Board Of Directors when DIR. Boynton
was PIssideat, July 9, 1857. without a dis
senting voice. Ali thought II Just the thing,
the sand and other requisites being on
The ground; and, as proved to be the
case, that the manufacture Of the brick
would afford employment to a large NUMBER
OF poor colored people. II has been reported
that the cost Of the material was as great as
press brick would have been, but tni 3. TOO, is
an error. The whole cost of the structure, pol
reef long Dy from 30 10 % feet In width, is but
S60,COO- Those who have had occasion TO learn
10 their sorrow the cost OF building material
lately. can Judge how far s6O,OO0 will 20 in a
building Of this size, constructed OF brick,
stone, or even of wood.
Before leaving the building we visited the
college recitation room, where we met Gen.
Howard and Prof A. Barber, the principal Of
the Normal School. The class in algebra was
al the Olack- boards, and we were more than
surprised by the proficiency shown by the
pupils, many Of whom were not long ago In
slavery, and knew not a letter or q figure.
O:her exercises followed, showing also g he
same remarkable mental progress by q race
ceemed not long ago incapable Of learning any.
thing beyond that acquired by the mere
monkey trick Of imitation.
What we saw and heard here ted and
impressed us greatly, and we propose here
after TO refer to the matter at some length. For
the present It 10 sufficient to say that we left
profoundly impressed with the impor lance OF
the work undertaken by this University, and
the amount of good 1t has already accom-
plshed.
The SsNAfB yesterday confirmed the nom.
nations of ]. J. Martha, OF Alabama, to be Sixth
Auditor of the Treasury. Cyrus NJ. Hawley,
Of Illinois. to De Associate Justice Of Utah. w.
W. Brockings, Associate Justice Dakota Alse
a N IN ber OF Consulf, Collectors and Assessors
OF Internal Revenue, &c. There Were also
tins QrAvS M a