Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-03
||NFRACT|ON OF RULES
Disciplinary Methods Neces-
sary at Howard University.
DEMAND OF STUDENTS
I-aqs
THEY INSIST UPON DISMISSAL
OF THE NATION.
Suspension Of a Student Follows Re-
fusal to Apologize-Firm Stand
Taken by Officials.

Differences seem to have arisen recently
between some of the students of Howard
University and the faculty and board of
trustees Of that institution, and while the
trouble is not considered to be serious,
those In authority at the school have con-
sidered it Of sufficient importance to give
the matter personal attention. From sew
eral causes, 1t is stated, the discipline OF
the university has been exercised with
considerable laxity. The students have
attended recitation not as they wished,
1t is said, and some of them have taken ad-
vantage Of prevailing conditions and have
declined to obey the rules of the institution.
Upon the retirement Of the former presf-
dent, Rev. DIR. ]. e. Rankin, and the cleo
ton of Dr. Teunis 8. HamIin as his TEN.
porary successor, it was decided by the
authorities Of the school to enforce DIS
cipline, and in consequence small rebel
lion seems to have been started.
Howard University is considered to be
one of the leading educational institutions
in the country for the education of the col
ored race, and several hundred stud
are enrolled in the school. short time
ago, it is stated about forty Of the stu
dents complained against the fare served in
the dining hall, and also objected to the
retention of the matron, against Wnom they
seemed to have prejudice. The dlsnis-
sal Of the matron was requested, and when
tha trustees at recent meeting decided
to retain her the students presented de-
mand for her removal. stipulating time
within which the reply should be forth
coming. This action was regarded as saw
oring so much of rebellion that the trus-
tees declined to give it consideration, but
the necessity for discipline was regarded
as more apparent than ever.
According to the rules of the school the
students whose parents do not reside in this
city are obliged to board and room at the
dormitories Of the university. A number
leave the dormitory and secure their meals
elsewhere. but this permission could not be
granted because Of the rules.
The Food Inspected.
An official of the institution stated to
reporter for The Star that the students pay
50 per month for their board. The official
referred to made personal inspection of
the food served, and states that it is equal
ly as good as that provided by; the average
householder Of the city, and that the COM
plant against the quality Of the meals
seemed to be unfounded. About the time
the inspection was made 1t Is said. 1t came
to the knowledge of the trustees that sew
eral Of the teachers and some others in
higher authority have countenanced the re-
bellion Of the students, and this operated
against the good conduct of the pupils =
According to information obtained today
from various sources the real reason for the
trouble seems to be the feeling Of dislike
entertained by certain of the students to-
ward the matron, who is a white woman,
and against whom. it Is said, the rebellious
students are prejudiced because Of her color.
Outside influences, other than those in the
school, it is stated, have also furnished en-
couragement to those who are protesting
against the authority Of the institution.
B. F. Dixon, young colered man from
Texas, was found to be one of the leaders in
the rebellion against the rules of the school,
and he was requested to make an apology
hafnr cf,r anf 1ndry fpr HI 1,of
It is stated that Dixon's suspension has
been under Amusement for several weeks
past, and when he refused to apologize,
Acting President Hamlin at noon yesterday
announced his suspension. short time
after this action young Dixon asked the
board to reconsider the matter, and at
called meeting of the board it was unani-
mously decided by the authorities that they
would not recede from their first action.
The Authorities Upheld.
It was said today by an official of the
university that a large number Of the most
prominent members of the colored race in
the city have assured the authorities Of
the school that they approve of the action
of the trustees and the president, and will
stand by them in the difficulties presented.
These assurances have been received with
In the last thirty-six hours.
The trustees 1t is stated, are ready at all
times to listen to any legitimate complaints
and to do all in their power to correct actual
wrongs, but they will ncs consider demands
made in rebeious spirit\ 1t is stated that
the discipline of the school VIII be enforced,
and it is hoped that all difhcHlties which
have arisen may be settled sfactor1ly
and without further trouble.
In addition to Rev. Dr. Hamlin, the acting
president Of the university, the board OF
trustees is constituted as follows: Gen.
Charles H. Howard, Gen. George w. Bal
loch, Francis H. Smith, William Ballantyne,
Rev F. ]. Grimke; John F. Cook, E. M.
Gallaudet, LID; Rev. c. H. Richards.
Rev. D. T. Tanner, B. Bernard, Gen. o. o.
Howard, Henry E. Pellew, Branard H.
Warner, James H. Meriwether John r.
Lynch, Rev. William V. Tunnel, Rev. A.
F. Beard, Judge Stanton ]. Peelle and Bish-
op Benjamin F. Lee.