Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-08
STUDENTS In REVOLT
EXHIBITION OF FEELING
AGAINST PRESIDENT.
Chapel Services at Howard Disturbed
by Hoots and DISQUALIFICATION
Meeting Held.
Down with Gordon!"

Down with Gordon!"
This cry is reported to have been raised
loud and clear just after noon today in the
chapel Of Howard University, where be-
tween BOO and 400 of the students Of that
institution of learning had assembled for
the noontide religious exercises 1t was fol-
lowed by a volume of Kisses, catcalls, bowls
and groans.
A scene of excitement followed, and the
erstwhile quiet religious gathering was at
once in a turmoil.
The occasion for this demonstration is
said to have been the appearance in the
sanctuary of Prof. John Gordon, the presi-
dent of Howard University against whom
much feeling is said to have existed for sew
eral months. The principal allegation
against Prof. Gordon, 1t is said, is that of
prejudicial conduct toward members of the
colored race.
The students had assembled for the noon
services today-men and women-when
Prof. Gordon entered the chapel One of
tho students near the front row of seats
arose and IN a loud voice exclaimed Down
with Gordon" Then the students arose in
a body and INDUCED in great chorus of
Kisses, cat calls and groans
Hats and garments were waved ia the
air and after the tumult had partially SUBJ
sided the students marched from the. chapel
to the campus. where the demonstration
was continued
Indignation Meeting Held.
An impromptu indignation meeting was
held in the open, and Prof. Gordon was fur
thor denounced because Of his alleged preju-
dice toward the colored students
The meeting was then dissipated and the
college exercises for the day were over, as
the students are practically all on strike.
A leader of the students informed Star
reporter this afternoon that the explosion
of the pent-up trouble was the result of
feeling against President Gordon, which
has extended over period Of eight months.
I'VE objected" said the leader TO Prof
Gordon posing as a friend OF our race
when we have reason to believe he Is not
He has been under investigation on charges
before the board of trustees. In his testi-
mony before the committee he declared that
the students favored him and his admins
tration. 1t was to disprove this that tho
demonstration was made today"
Sentiment Aroused.
Knowing that President Gordon had
made this statement to the committee, his
presence in the chapel today infiamed the
students to such an extent that the demon
stration resulted. Afterward, on the CAM
pus. he was bitterly denounced by both the
young men and the young women
1t Is said a petition has been presented to
the board of trustees, which has been nu-
merouSly signed by colored bishops and
clergymen In all parts OF the country, al
leging that Professor Gordon 10 not ut
man for the presidency Of Howard Untver-
sity.
It is said that Interesting developments
Will follow today's demonstration by the
students. Il
DR.. Gordon's Statement.
1.-THE demonstration was made by small
body of the students. We are conducting
an investigation. and will deal with the
matter az the situation demands" DR..
Gordon told a Star reporter this afternoon,
when asked to give a statement OF the trou-
BILE.
''The students belonged to what Ia known
as the college department" Dr.. Gordon
said In reply to question as to what por.
ton OF the students were engaged In the re-
volt Il cannot state now the number OF
students, and do not care to make q state
ment now. ! am working on that very mat
ter at this moment"