The age-herald., 1898-10-26
PRESIDENT POWERS,
OfUniversity of Alabama, Explains Uni- versity's Position ill Hazing Affairs.

Montgomery, October 25.-(sr ec:al)- at the university, wrote to President Pow CTS relative to the recent unpleasant epi- sode at that institution, and has received the following reply. It is given to the pub lie with Dr. Powers consent, and as an authoritative statement ought to quiet for good and all any criticism that may have been leveled at the university management
 Presidents Ofice,
 University of Alabama.
 University, Ala, October 21 Colonel G.. w. Ely. Montgomery, Ala.
 My Dear Sir:-I assure you that ap- preeiate the interest. manifested in your letter of yesterday. I hasten to reply.
 In his published statement under date of October IS, 1898, MT. w. c. Jemison correct ly says that the young man whom he chastised on the night of October 6, was "a former student but not matriculate this year." Two weeks before the session opened he informed me that he would not return this year, as a student, but would come down at the opening on visit. After the unfortunate occurrence to which you allude he Informed me that he had not come down for the purpose of entering the university, and had not so entered He had not reported to my office to be enrolled. was not enrolled there, nor had he reported to any professor or attended any class, so far as I am informed. He was not, there fore. properly an inmate of the university barracks nor was he entitled to its protec- tion if, as alleged, he engaged in "bucking" or beating young Jemison Ca studenb with leather straps and boards To as- sume to protect him on the technical ground that he wore the garb of a cadet and slept in barracks. would have the ap- pearance of ignoring the rights of students, its real wards. It might even be construed as an expression of sympathy with puck ing"
 I deeply regret the entire episode. l re- gret that the young man came on visit at the opening of the session: that he was at the university instead of a hotel, where, as visitor, he properly belonged; that he took part in bucking young Jemison or any one else. But l am not blameable for any of his actions; nor Is any officer of the university. in my opinion, responsible for what befeu him on account thereof. Above all do I regret the modification that the matter has brought to the parents of the young man.
 of the session, when all university officers were very busy and cadet officers were new and fresh in their positions. They could happen at no other time as they did The young man in the case left here on the 9th of the month, five days before the first mention of the matter in the press. He has not been in the university since that time. nor in the city of Tuscaloosa, so far as I know.
 To show that no university officer was remiss I need only to say that the com mandant of cadets was up and making an inspection late as it was, at the time of the visit above referred to. His attention being attracted to that part of the bar racks, he went hither, and found explana- tions and handshakings in progress. Later he heard of what had transpired.
 In conclusion, permit me to say that every possible and proper precaution is taken and will continue to be taken to pro- tect our students. to prevent them from being wrongfuly assaulted. and to punish those guilty of tresspassing on their rights
 Very truly yours.
 J. K. POWERS, President