National Republican., 1875-07-17
HOWARD ou UNIVERSITY.

A Peppsry Latter from Prof. Lsngston Con-
cerning the Communication Of Dr.. Purvis
-He Thinks the Doctor had Best Mind his
own Business, and Leave the White Trus-
tees to Attend to their own Affairs.
WASHINGTON, July Il, 1875.
DEAB SIR: thank you for the copy OF the Post
containing letter from DR.. Purvis, purporting
to be q reply to q letter Of mine. published some
days ago, in regard to Howard University and It's
management.
For several reasons do not choose to make
formal answer to his communication. DR.. Purvis
is not the proper person to reply. He is not
trustee nor is he an officer Of the university sus-
tanning such relations thereto that he can speak
with personal knowledge, or make reply in this
matter without showing himself ofaeious. Let
some trustee, oficer or properly authorized per
son make answer from his knowledge and the
record. Besides, DR.. Purvs Is being used for GER
tain reasons manifest, though not stated, by
white trustees, who know what i have said about
the loan to the Congregational church, and other
things brought to their attention, through the
executive committee, at the semi-annual meeting
Of the trustees last December; as also In my an
nual report made on the 18th Of last month; and
now beg the trustees to publish my last annual
report that the country may know what have
sity, and how have urged the careful and econom-
ical management Of Its funds. wonder If DIR.
Purvis Knows that the trustees nave decnned 70
publish my annual report, contrary to their usage,
and, as claim, contrary to law. Why did they
decline? Because, as was stated in the meeting
of the trustees, the facts contained In the re-
port, though true, would prove damaging II pub
lished. ....
After much running and talking and advising,
the mountain has moved, and Q mouse only Is
brought forth. Give facts, dates, figures; these
we need: and let those speak who have knowledge
and authority. When such utterance 10 made
will address myself to formal, thorough and
complete support Of formal statements and refuta-
tion of adverse assertion Dr. Purvis, as is stated
in your paper, does not reply TO Mr.. Douglas
Some trustee or other had better address himself
to this work.
would mot destroy, not ever cripple, in any
wise, Howard University. only seek TO save it
to those to whom 1t belongs, for their highest ed
ucational and moral good.
In this connection, venture to offer the follow
ing from one OF many letters which have re-
ceived from persons residing In different sections
Of the country:
.DEAR FRIEND: Knowing as much about the
university as do, and having confidence In and
respect for you, am quite sure the motives which
prompted you to pursue the course you have were
ever characterized your actions, both public and
private, and IN this not altogether unexpected
course Of yours allow me to extend my full and
unqualified sympathy.
"Although the university Is my alma mater,
have many times felt the influences Of those
prefer for her any condition rather than that from
which you sought to save her. j should be very
glad TO have letter from you and learn more
particularly Of the affair.
"Devotedly your friend"
Closing, let me say am not and never was a
member Of any church. am certainly not Con-
Respectfully, JOHN N. LASesToN.