Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-12-01
A Sensation in the Southern
Female University.
KNOCKING AT THE GIRLS DOORS
The President Held Up at tho
Point of a Revolver.
He Made an Explanation of His Presence
That Seemed to Prove the Existence of
u Queer Conspiracy--An Investigation
That Leaves the Doctor Master of the
Situation.

BiRMtNduAM, ALA, Nov. 26.-Yague
rumors of serious charges against the
president Of the Southern Female Uni
vcrsity at Lakview, DIR. l.. d. Bass, have
been whispered about throughout
Thursday night and till o'clock yes
tcrday morning, the eminent gentlemen
of the city who are tie board of trus-
tees Of the university conducted an
investigation in the presidents rooms
and examined dozens Of witnesses.
When they adjourned they exonerated
DIR. Bass, hut recommended his rcsigna
ton as president and gave him full power
as business manager Of the university.
Recently the university authorities
have been troubled by serenaders from
the city. Occasionally some of the more
reckless Of the serenuders made attempts
to climb in the windows. Last Monday
afternoon Miss Matte Brown, one Of
the students, reported to the preceptress
that DIR. Bass had made improper adj.
vanccs to her and had told her he would
come to her room that night. The pre-
ceptress informed two of the male pro.
fessors, who volunteered TO protect Miss
Brown. When the 10 o'clock hell
sounded for retirement the professors
took their positions on the veranda of
Miss Browns room. A half hour later
they heard Miss Brown scream. They
rushed INTO the hallway where they
found DIR. Bass standing few feet from
Miss Browns door, partially dressed,
without coat or vest He also wore u
night shirt
With revolvers pointed at him the
professors demanded an explanation.
DIR. Bass maintained that he heard
scrcnaders under the veranda, and fear.
ing that some Of them would try to enter
the house, had started through the hall
ways on tour of investigation. He
had tried several Of tho doors and where
they were unlocked he had called the
girls to lock them. lie said that he had
tried Miss Browns door, and finding IL
unlocked, had raped and told her to
lock it. Two minutes aftcrward, when
he was several feet away from her door,
he heard her scream.
The matter created so much excite.
ment that DIR. Bass demanded a full in
yestigation, claiming he was the victim
OF conspiracy; that Miss Brown
wanted revenge because he would not
allow her to receive letters from young
men. The testimony brought out at the
examination was startling, and makes
Dr. lass statement quite probable. 1t
was proven by many Of the young ladies'
that occasionally DIR. Bass passed
through the Railways after 10 o'clock,
trying the doors to see that they were
locked. Several young ladies testified
That he knocked at their room doors
Monday night and told them to lock
their doors and retreatcd
Miss Brown maintained her charges
and called the professors and preceptrcss
as witnesses, The report made by the
trustees cNoncrates Dr. Bass, but recon.
mcnds his resignation on account Of the
conflict in the faculty. Dir. Bass imme.
diately resigned and for the present the
university will be controlled by the
trustees.