Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-19
THE ELIGIBILITY RULE
IT'S ENFoRCElEKNT AT GEORGE
TOWN UNIVERSITY.
Free List Pruned by the Management
The Effect on Athletics
Discussed.

For the past few days a report has been
current that the officials of Georgetown
University had discontinued all scholar
ships, and only those who paid their way
would be found enrolled at this institution
during this and succeeding years. Accord
ing to reliable information this report Is
not correct. and Is thought to have arisen
through a strict Interpretation of the elisi-
bility rule that 1t 10 the purpose Of the di-
rectors of the university to carry out.
Rev. Charles Macksey. g. J., project Of
studies Of Georgetown University, when
asked this morning by a Star reporter in
regard to the matter. said:
When the Society of Jesus came to
America its members had no endowed in
situations to go to. but nevertheless contln-
ued their practice of teaching the rich and
poor alike without asking or expecting re-
ly on the support OF the faithful for their
maintenance. This practice continued until
about 1850, when Bishop Rosati of st. Louis
became the leader of a movement on the
part of the bishops Of the United States,
by means Of which the then reignins pope.
Plus TX, was petitioned to release the
Jesutts from the aforesaid vow of not ac-
cepting tuition from students. This had
been made necessary by the straitened
financial circumstances in which the order
was placed. Plus TX therefore insisted
that they abandon the VOW.
Since that time we have charged a NOM
inal tuition, and as this revenue has yielded
an income at times in excess of expendi-
lures. we have been enabled to grant free
tuition to a number Of deserving youths
This practice is continued.
AS regards the free tuition which has
been extended to worthy boys in the Dis
trict of Columbia in the past. this has not
been discontinued. 1t has been q practice
them free of charge where they were un-
able to pay. But this has not been oper-
ated with entire satisfaction. Instances
have been found where free students were
were perfectly able to pay the prescribed
fees. and this circumstance was in itself
double disadvantage, both to more worthy
boys and to the university. A university
OF this character is an expensive institution,
and in justice to all concerned we there
fore concluded to seek q more equitable
arrangement.
Free List Cut Down.
''The free list was. therefore. pruned. and
J am quite sure the university roster Is
absolutely fair in every respect. No student
Is enrolled here who does not meet with all
the honorable and legitimate requirements.
and most certainly none is on the rolls in
consideration of athletic services. Boys
whom we have removed from the free tut
ton list have been those whose financial
status or strict Interpretation OF the eiig-
bility rule did not warrant their retention.
Nor have we used snap judgment on thesl.
In July last circular was issued embody-
ing the future plans of the university. while
on August all those who were left on the
rolls received a personal communication no
tifying them OF the fact.
LAS long as Georgetown shows balance
on her ledger over and above expenses she
Is willing and anxious to give free tuition
to ambitious youths without means OF
eouipping themselves for life's work with
a university education. But the eligibility
rule will be strictly adhered to. and only
those will be in the student body without
the payment Of the usual charges except
students without means to pay the tuition,
and these will be subjected to the closest
scrutiny as to actual conditions of mental
capacity and means before being admitted.
OF course, II any such students desire to
engage in athletics they are at liberty to
do So" .-t--.- --5 -
s A Students View.
Ameng the students the opinion seems
general that this strict adherence to the
eligibility rule will be blow. for time
at least. to athletics at Georgetown. A
Star reporter asked a student his opinion
of the ruAng-what its effect would be. He
said: This will probably be a bad year in
athletics for the blue and gray. for this
new eligibility code has affected the best
1904 athletes. While 1t is not known def
nitely at present, about seven OF the best
foot ball players Of last year will probably
not return account of the desire of
President David H. Buel and Rev.. Charles
Macksey, the director of athletics. to
heighten tho ethical position Of Georgetown
in athletics and put In the field none but
representative players. whose standings are
unimpeachable Other universities adhere
to the practice Of making substantial over
lures OF either tuition board or both to
their best athletes. and while, to be sure.
this Is not carried on openly nor admitted,
the existence Of such practice Is none the
less fact"