Evening star., 1898-11-16
School Of Comparative Jurisprudence
and Diplomacy.
UNDER THE COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY
The Opening Exercises Attended
by President Mckinley.
DISTINGUISHED AUDIENCE

tain national and international fame, and
by all who wish to become competent for
appontn. .ent in the diplomatic service of
their country. The establishment of the
school is another step forward for Colum.
hian, one that Places this popular and re-
Nered Washington institution in advance
OF all the greater universities of the United
States. Other colleges are expected to fol-
low Columbian's lead in the very near fu
ture, for the new position in the affairs OF
the world row occupied by America de-
nands that the young men of the country
shall be trained to cope with the brightest
and shrewdest men of law and diplomacy
of the old world
The opening exercises of the school
brought into Columbian University Hall
the most distinguished, fashionable and
wealthy audience that has ever gathered
within such limited bCuEds in the capital
city. President Mckinley graced the occa
sion with his presence. and seemingly took
lively interest in all that was said, espe-
ciaily IS the theme Of the speakers had to
do with the future of the United States
power in the worlds politics. Mr.. Lyman
Gage, Secretary of the Treasury; Sir Will
frid Laurier, prime minister of Canada:
tn" heads of the various government de-
Tartments. justices of the Supreme Court
of the United States and of the Supreme
Court of the District of Columbia, as well
bers of the various professions, Were pres
ent, accompanied by their handsomely
Gowned wives and daughters.
The scene in the lecture hall was indeed
brilliant Flags of many nations were quite
appropria tely draped around the balcony,
while the rostrum was bed of flowers.
Many lustrouS incandeScent globes shone
brightly upon the audience and gave a
charming effect to the dashing colors in my
ledy's millinery.
The President, accompanied by DIR. Whit
man, president of Columbian, appeared on
the platform while Justice Brewer of the
Supreme Court was speaking. A grand ova-
ton followed. With one accord every one
present arose and saluted the chief eXecu-
tive with cheers and great applause. Ii
vas fully ten minutes before the demon
stratiOn concluded, President Mckinley gra
ciOusly bowling his thanks meanwhile. Seat
ed upon the stage, in addition to Mr.. Nc
Kinley, were DR.. Whitman, who presided;
Secretary Gage, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, for
mer Secretary of State Foster. Justices
Harlan and Brewer of the Supreme Court
of the United States, Justice Morris of Dis
trict Court of Appeals Chief Justice Bng
ham and Justices Hagner Cox, Cole and
Bradley of the Supreme Court of the Dis
trict of Columbia; Rev. DIR. Charles A.
Stakely, Rev. DR.. Samuel H Greene, Chi
nese Minister WI, C. W. Needham, dean;
j. IL, L.
Noyes, VIM. II. Mcknew, NJ. M Parker ].
Ormond Wilson, William Mattingly Edward
NJ. Gallaudet. William G. Johnson, Lee
Davis Lodge Melville Church and the deans
of the different schools of the university.
Dr. Whitman introduced Rev. Charles A
who opened the evenings program
with prayer, invoking God to continue to
bless and prosper Columbian University
DR.. Whitman was on the program for
sketch. The opening of the school
of comparative Jurisprudence and diplomacy
was. he said. the accomplishment of the
hopes of quarter of a century. Those con-
Eected with the institution for that period
have felt the need of a higher education in
the law. The course of study in this new
department will lead to degrees of master
of laws doctor of civil law and master of
diplomacy.
Courses of Study.
Charles W. Needham, dean of the school,
gave an outline of the courses of study
The school will take up its quarters in the
new building of the university, now nearing
completion, on the H street front of the
property. The courses of study will extend
over two years and will be carried on by
means of lectures, class discussions and
papers prepared and read by the students
Mr.. Needham said the design of the school
is to afford opportunity for study and train
ing in the subjects of higher legal knowl-
edge. and the history, science and practice
of diplomacy. The course covers a period
of two years, the first year treating of COM
parative constitutional law, international
law, conflict of laws, Roman law, political
history and science, interstate commerce
law and a special course in practice and
pleading. The subjects for the second year
will be history of diplomacy and treaties
political geography in its relations to politi-
cal history, comparative Jurisprudence in
ternational trade and finance, practice of
boards of international arbitra-
ton and proceedings therein.
These subjects he said, will be slIbdivid
and special lecture courses will be given
upon other kindred subjects. Comparative
will be a study of the politi-
cal structure and constitution of all the
great modern states and the Roman or civil
and English common law. Special statutory
laws which have a bearing upon the exer-
else of national power and which affect re-
laions of nations with each other will also
receive consideration and study a special
lecturer being selected for each country who
is familiar with its Jurisprudence
Diplomatic Branch.
The subject of diplomacy will be studied
with reference to the relations existing be-
tween nations; international trade as car
ried on and developed under international
treaties; the organization of the diplomatic
service of the United States its general
powers and extent of its jurisdiction: con-
stitutiOn of boards of arbitration and prac-
tice before such tribunals International
trade and finance will be studied historical
ly and from a practical standpoint for the
purpose of developing the best theories and
methods of developing and FRO ectirg our in
ternattonal trade, with the best system of
International finance as a factor In interna-
tional trade. International law will be
studied with reference to its sources its
rules and the standards to which it seeks to
conform and its modern tendencies.
The aim of the school. Mr.. Needham add
ed. is to provide a course of study for law
yers and others who desire to pursue the
higher and broader subjects of jurispru-
denCe, and for those who wish to fit them
selves specially for the conduct of interna-
tional controversies and counsel for those
carrying on international trade and COM
merce. and to fit men for the diplomatic
and consular service of the United States
Admission to the school is therefore extend
ed to lawyers and men who are seeking 20
prepare themselves for the practice of di-
plomacy. The lecturers already appointed
have been selected with reference to their
special fitness and requirements to teach
the subjects under their immediate charge
letter of regret from William Writ
Howe of the New Orleans bar, who will
lecture during the scholastic season on
Roman law, was read
Justice Brewers Address,
Justice David ]. Brewer was next intro
duced amid perfect storm of applause
The distinguished jurist is deservedly popu-
lar among the students of Columbian.
where he has delivered lectures on lau