New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-15
THE REGENTS PROTEST.
A BILL WHICH PROPOSES A LOWER
STANDARD OF LEGAL EDUCATION.
1T WOULD GIVE THE NETWORK LAW scuoo,
POWER TO CONFER DEGREES WITHOUT
REGARD TO THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE REGENTS.

OF THE REGENTS
Aioany' Feb. II (SpeciaD-Senator Lexow and
Assembiyman Austin have introduced n hill which
mas called from the Board OF Regents an earnest
p'o'est' me measure incorpora tAsNthe New York
Law School. and the fourth section contains the
part to which the Board OF Regents takos excen-
ton. II SAYS: No0'
The trustees for the time being shall have
power 10 grant and confer the degrees OF bachelor
thereof TO award master OF laws and in testimony
saee vi pdcheior of laws shall not be conferred
than two years. @n cers ne has completed not less
1o u mas passed an examination satisfactory to the
snali the degree of master OF laws be conferred
, any student unless he has completed not less
anah three years course of law-schoo instruction
Snu mas passed an examination satisfactory to the
wor u'y upon all the studies Of said course The
nc year OF not less than eight months
Inc Executive Committee OF the Board OF Re-
sei'ts mas issued the following circular letter
signed by the Chancellor and ice-Chanceor OF
the State University in regard TO the bill
=, A bill has been introduced into both houses Of
me New-York Legislature proposing to incor-
porate the New-York Law School with the power
pass the examinations appointed by its faculty
b me- nearing has been already given upon this
day IA. February H. The Executive Committee of
me Regents OF the University Of the State of New
FORK believing that the attention of educa tors
and members OF the learned professions ought to
n s called to the radical and revolutionary charac
ruary y to make by it's appointed committee this
brief general statement Of facts:
The New-York Law School Is already corpora
ZION under the laws of the State. having received
its charter from the Regents under the same
name and with the same corporators proposed in
this bill. The difference between the incorporate
which II already has and that which il now seeks
Is that now degrees conferred only OH those
Who meet the State standard established by the
T. from his Wri ne !, ASKS me Less,Ature 10 exempt
own standards and confer its own degrees.
Article VIII, Section l. of the State Constitution
formed ~
eral laws but shall not be created by special act,
in the judgment Of the Legislature the objects OF
the corporation cannot be attained under general
any university college. academy library. museum
or other institution or association for the promo
partment OF knowledge etc. is the University law.
which confers the Regents the power and duty
ty-second section says: NO INSTITUTION shall be
given power TO confer degrees in this State unless
ihirty-third section saws: NO diploma or degree
shall be conferred in this State except by a regu-
larry organized institution OF learning registered
by the Regents az not violating any requirement
of law or OF University ordinances"
II is earnestly submitted 10 members OF the Legis
lature and of the learned professions. well
70 all interested in education, that the passage OF
law first because il proposes TO Incorporate
school already Incorporated under the law sec
ond because the objects OF this corporation can
be attained under the general law, and third. be-
tradcts the conditions and prohibitions prescribed
by the Legislature as to institutions with degree
comforting powers.
II is not necessary 20 point out what dangerous
door will be opened. what fatal precedent estaD-
lished. If the Legislature begins TO allow eXcep-
tons IT'S provisions. so vital for the pro-
lection Of institutions of learning 1t VIII be pam
to all friends Of higher education that action or
this sort will be serious blow to the efforts OF
the Regents thoroughly sustained by the hest edu-
Gators Of the State In every department OF learn
ing 10 lift the standards Of the scholarship rep
resented by degrees. This bill does not affect adj
mission TO the practice Of law. but is purely
question Of the conditions under which university
degree may properly be conferred ~
Earnest protests have been received AZ the ke-
gents office from many college presidents, pro-
fessors and profess onal men. and this statement
Is published with view Of inducing those VINO
realize the danger TO make their convictions known
N the committees Of the Legislature which are 10
renort upon this bill. Those who cannot he pres
ent should send their protests by mall or telegraph
70 the Regents office Albany in time TO be used
at the hearing before the Assembly judiciary CON-
rnittee at y. m. Wednesday
ANSON JUDD TPSoN,
WILLIAM CROSWELL DOANE
For the Executive Committee