New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-16
CHARGES AGAINST PROFESSOR HALL

SECRETARY DEWEY TELLS ABOUT THE RELATIONS
OF THE REGENTS AND THE STATE GEoLoGrsT
Albany Aug i5-Assemb.yman Abelrs sub-com-
mittee OF the Legislature continued It's Investigation
this afternoon into the administration OF affairs
In the Department OF the Regents OF the University
Professor Hall. the State Geologist testified that
he was in no way responsible for the published
charges against the Regents and Secretary Melvl
Dewey
Mr. Dewey on direct examination gave testimony
with a view OF explaining the friction which has
existed between the Regents and Professor Han
for many years. He testified that the Regents
had had respect for Professor Hall on account OF
his age-eighty-sx years-but now that ne was
under oath. he would explain to the committee
the whole circumstances.
He testified that when he was in the American
Museum OF Natural History, In New-York, Ia 1888,
he saw a collection Of specimens, whicn, ne was
told formerly belonged 10 the state. but had been
purchased from Professor Hall for $1,000. MI De
wey stated that he visited the museum connected
with the University OF Pennsylvania in 1889. and
there also he found collection Of specimens which,
he was told. had been purchased from Professor
Hall.
When Mr. Dewey assumed his office as Secretary
in 1889 he was informed by the regents that the adj
minstration OF the State Museum was constant
of trouble, and that he would be held response
bic for the exhibits and specimens therein. As long
ago as 1857 the Regents had placed the OF the
scum in hands other than those OF Professor Hail. in
order that the specimens might be preserved intact:
In his capacity secretary Of the Regents ne had
approve OF the bills incurred by Dr. Hail. until
1893 which, in many cases. he found were double
the amount for which he could secure the same
work. 4 OF the public money In this drec-
ton had been going for many years, and X was
stopped Mr.. Dewey testified that Professor Hall
Interested in contract made with his own de-
partment. the profits of which were paid to him
through third person.
The Regents had tried to get Professor Hairs de-
partment separated from the university in 1893, but
the State Geologist fought and defeated the plan.
The object Of this was TO place Professor Hall be-
yond the Jurisdiction OF the department, that he
would not be responsible 10 them for his official
lions. Mr.. Dewey mentioned several other transac-
tons Of DR.. Hall. Of which the Regents did
approve.
The witness stated that the Regents had kept these
matters quiet for many years out OF respect to Pro-
fessOr Hall, but their publicity made necessary
by Professor Halls own actions. and also that the
committee might see what reason there was for the
trouble which Professor Hall said ne had expert
enced In the administration OF his department OF
the university. Mr.. Dewey OF the opinion that
the state Geologst had been endeavoring TO cast
suspicion upon the work Of the Regents and the
secretary, In order to draw attention from himself
Professor Hall sat next 10 Mr.. Dewey while this
testimony was being adduced. but the committee
decided that IT would take no more testimony to-
day. After some discussion adjournment was
taken, subject to the call OF the chair.