Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-01
THE DISTRICT IN 1895
Continued from Fifth Page.)


direct connections with the south by way Of
GEORGETOWN.
Public sentiment against a continuance
OF the deadly grade crossings in the District
exhibited itself in many ways. The board of
trade received an interesting report upon
the accidents that have occurred at these
crossings, and recommended their elimina-
ton by having the companies compelled to
lower or elevate their tracks within the
city limits. The courts are now engaged in
deciding an important question in which
the right of the District Commissioners to
regulate the management of the trains of
steam railroads is at issue. Owing to the
high rate of speed at which the trains
move on the city streets, and the danger
arising from the practice the Commission
ers ordered that all trains should come to
a fun stop before crossing a street upon
which an electric or a cable railroad is
operated. The steam railroad companies
refused to submit to this requirement, and
legal contest began, which Is now in pro-
cess of adjustment.
Universities and Colleges.
The year will long be regarded as one of
nomentous interest in the history of the
educational institutions in the District of
Columbia. Two of the universities already
established broadened their scope and in
creased their sphere of usefulness in a
very substantial degree. The Columbian
University was particularly fortunate in
this respect. At meeting of the trustees
and governors of the university corpora
ton held in June it was decided to ex-
PEND the sum of $4,000 year for five
years in expanding the various schools and
creating healthy upward movement in all
departments. Coincident with this pro-
progressive decision 81 new president was
chosen in the person Of DIR. b. l.. Whitman
or Maine, young and vigorous educator
and churchman, whose selection was exact
~ IN line with the spirit of advancement
shown by the university. DR.. Whitman ac-
presidency Il
Formally installed in Office at Convention
Hall November 10. before an immense
audience
The schools of Columbian College and the
various branches of the university were
opened in September, with an increased
number OF students, and, in many directions
an enlarged and improved curriculum There
were various changes in the duties of the
FACULTY. and the name of the Columbian
preparatory department was changed to
columbian Academy, Prot. Wilder, an
other young educator of eminent capacity
being installed as its principal
AT the Catholic University of America
me events of the year were none the less
important. The opening of the McMahon
daii OF Philosophy uShered in a new era
Tor the great institution, which had hitber-
70 been devoted alone to the teaching of
hiener students in divinity courses and
placed IL IN the category Of universities
open TO all seekers after knowledge in the
hisher branches of art. philosophy science
and political and social economy The Nc
Hahon Hall was equipped with a faculty
comprised of some of the foremost edu-
Gators in America and complete courses in
me various departments prepared, which
nave been taken advantage of by a large
number of students from all over the coun-
Try. Ihe progress made in the preparatory
steps looking to the early completion of
the TWO projected great universities of the
Metnod1st and Protestant EPISCOPAL
Snurcnes was rapid and satisfactory. The
ground was broken for the Hearst College
lor w omen of the American University
ana plans decided upon for the future ar
fansement of the other buildings, whose
srection Will follow. The trustees of the
Protestant Episcopal Cathedral founda tion
also made great progress toward a final de-
cislon upon the scope of the enterprise and
committee Is now considering the plans
upon winch the vast work will be carried
out W.
All the colleges in the District received
An increased number of students at the he
snnihs OF the present scholastic year, and
many or these were from other sections,
lnus showing that the advantages of
washington as an educational center are
becoming more and more recognized and
appreciated
In August Mrs Emily Edison briggs
opened technical school for both sexes
Charities and PHILANTHROPY,
Relief for the poverty and restitution
which prevailed in the city was dealt out
Win generous hand by the citizens. In re-
Spouse to call from the District Com
missioneTs. public meeting was held. and
a citizens central relief committee was an
pointed. An appeal for funds was made nv
Ihe committee and also house-to- house
canvass The Stars pound party resulted
Ia con,rioution of large quantities of
Iood supply and clothing. which was dis
tributed to those in need Scum bouses
were opened, which were maintained nv
private benefaeti tons. The largest indiyid-
I Ia e3ntri I OF money was made by
TX. w h0
agencies for charitable relief were busily
eHipioyed, and the zero weather which pre-
vailed IN February increased the suffering
among the poor. A special appropria ton
by Congress of $4,000 was used in the
WORK of relief, and the house-to-house can
FasS resulted in securing S132S5 we'll
RalIonlzed concert for the benefit of the
luhd was given in Convention Hall When
the work of the central commirtaa u-os
completed for the year the treasurer's re
port showed total receipts of s31 600 in
.TrrSuuins me congressional appropriation
Inc subject of charity was Considered at a
meeting of the board of trade and resoIn-
uonS We're adopted favoring the abolition
OF the office of superintendent of Charities
an nd me ORGANIZATION Of board of control,
ana favoring the adoption of the Detroit
piah OF relief A Joint committee com
posed or representatives from the central
rsHei committee, the board of trade and
~ t,'e "a, asSoeiated Charities. was formed. and
II was decided to put into operation the
Detroit plan of potato farming. Thrive
eisht pieces of land. which had been placed
AT the disposal of the committee were as
signed to persons in needy circumstances
ana seed potatoes. well as seeds of other
vegetables for winter use, and tools we're
PROVIDED, the beneficiaries cuItivating the
ground. 'iAe
Celebrations.
Ine year was ushered in with the usual
offieiai receptions at the Executive Man.
sion. and the diplomatic corps, the tud,
cfary, officers of the army and navy, OFF,
Gals In the departments, veterans of the
war, and citizens generally paid their re-
spects TO the President. Washineton's
birthday was appropriately observed. The
oioest Inhabitants Association held its an
nuai meeting, and the Sons of the Ameri-
can Revolution and the Sons of the Reyo-
luton held patriotic exercises, while stir
ring addresses were delivered at the SEES
sions OF the National Council of Women
ana the Daughters of the American Reyo-
luton, which bodies were holding conyen-
IONS In the city at the time. Congress re-
manned in session. The nations dead were
nonored Memorial day, and the graves of
the veterans at Arlington, Soldiers Home
ana other cemeteries were strewn with
mowers Addresses commemorative of the
deeds OF valor of the men who had given
their hves for their country were delivered
Dy distinguished orators, and the flags of
the city were foated at haIf-mast
Flag day was observed June IA nrinei
hao