Evening star., 1909-05-26

should send their children to Howard.
Of course, / realize that in certain in
stances our children would best be sent
to the colleges OF the north and west.
where they may have the advantages of
contact with the other race. but as
general rule they should go to How
ard
Il congratulate the alumni on the num-
ber Of good men II has to represent II
on the faculty of Howard. We should
all stand together and keep up the tradi-
tions and the standing of our alma
mater
Necessity for Gymnasium.
The necessity of gymnasium for the
students was set forth by Prof Miller
and Robert A. Pelham. Prof. Miller said
that he had attempted to compile statis-
tics on the death rate of the university
graduates. but 1t was so alarmingly high
that he had given 1t up. This was dae,
he said. to the failure of negro students
to keep up their health Pulmonary
troubles afected them seriously for the
reason that the Washington climate, be-
ing uncertain. lacked the sustained soft
ness of the southern climate and the brac-
ing sharpness of the northern climate.
Secretary Pelham of the alumni
committee in charge of raising funds
for the gymnasium said that the meth
Cd decided upon for carrying on this
alumni all over the country asking
subscriptions. If the alumni wished to
do real service to the university and
TO their race he declared. no better
opportunity could be found than the
one now offered.
At the semi annual meeting of the
board Of trustees of the university, held
yesterday in the office of the presi-
dent. Prof. George william Cook. dean
Of the Commercial College and acting
0f h. Iss
permanent secretary OF the university
by a unanimous vote OF all present.
There was no other candidate in the
field for the position, Prof. Cook be-
ing regarded as the logical candidate
Secretary Cooks Career.
Dean Cook came to the university In
1874 as a student. and has made it his
home ever since. On graduation he was
at once made tutor in the institution
and has held every important position
connected with the welfare of the univer-
sfty-such as professor and dean. and.
lastly, secretary of the institution. The
rise Of Prof Cook to this most important
position has been little short OF the mar
velOus, and clearly shows what can be
done by one possessing the ability apd
perseverance necessary to success.
Aside from his duties connected with
the university he has been identified with
the board of Associated Charities of the
District of Columbia for many years, and
as such has proved most valuable work
er and adviser to same.
To this position he was appointed three
times. thereby attesting the value of his
service. When the District board con-
ceived the idea of instituting Home
School for the Colored Children of the
District the Commissioners selected Prof.
Cook to. inaugurate the work. and conse-
quently the university was called on for
the loan Of his services for one year. The
work itself at this institution bears wit
ness to the effectiveness which has char
acterized his entire career When the time
of lease was expired the Commissioners
accepted as his successor one whom Prof.
Cook recommended for the position.
The year spent at Blue Plains in the
service of the District of Columbia is the
only break in Prof. Cooks stay at the
university. Under the present admins
tratfon, with the aid of Prof. Cook as
acting secretary. the institution has un-
dergone great changes.