Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-18
Explained by President Needham.

At the opening of the hearing President
Needham explained that the purport of
the hearing was. first. to determine
whether or not the District of Columbia,
jurisdiction of the United States,
shall receive the benefits of the Morrill,
acts. and. second, whether or not the
George Washington University or the
George Washington and Harvard univer-
stiles shall be designated as beneficiaries
under the act.
I'VE are prepared to show that the
University Is eht.reiy a noh-sectarian in
stitution," declared DR. Needham.
Does it propose any change in the
existing law?" Senator Warren asked
DR.. Needham.
mot at ALL" he replied. This is not a
gift or a subsidy to the George WASH
ington University. OF course, 1t will re-
quire a larger appropriation by the gov
eminent to meet the specifications Of the
law"
Prof Kelly Miller. speaking for How
sitions to present.
First. the fund should apply to the
District 1t does to all other terri
torial entities Of the United States" he
low both the George Washington Univer-
sity and the Howard University to bene-
fit by the act"
He proposed a definite amendment to
the law, by which the George Washing
ton University shall receive seventh
lied and Howard University three-tenths
Of the fund.
The original laws. he explained, speci-
fled that the money should be expended
equitably between the races; and the
amendment proposes to carry out the
spirit Of the law.
Power, Of Commissioners.
Have you considered the proposition
that the beneficiaries shall be designated
by District authorities. perhaps the Com
missioners, as the state authorities desig-
nate the state institutions to be bene-
flied" asked Senator Warren. The reply
was In the negative.
us George Washington University sus-
tanned or supported by religious or
ganization?" President Needham was next
asked.
mot at ALL explained the president.
1T Is absolutely a non-sectarian institu-
ton
Does 1t specially emphasize instruction
for the ministry. particularly for the
Baptist ministry asked Senator Craw-
ford.
mo. We have no courses in theology.
except the general courses" replied
President Needham.
Senator Crawford declared that he
thought the District Shou1d receive the
same benefits OF the Morrill, acts as the
Estates and territories. but the complaints
that the George Washington University
was a sectarian Institution brought up
the question whether or not Congress
should designate 1t as the beneficiary.
Peculiar Conditions in District.
LAS suggested by Senator Burkett,
continued President 'Needham. two ques-
lions are to be considered. Shall the Dis
trict receive the benefits Ct the Morrill,
actc Is the first. The District Is peculiar,
because 1t Is set aside from the federal
government; and the employment offered
here is chiefly in that service. To those
who desire to go into the mechanic arts
there are few opportunities here. There
fore a young man must g. into the states
for such work. Unless technical educa-
ton is offered here the Y, ung man goes
out lily equipped. 1t has been suggested
that these young men go to the state
universities But that is impossible to
a large number of the resident young
men, as fully 30 per cent are unable t.
pay the expenses of education outside Of
the District. Therefore. unless they can
get technical education here they can
| not get 1t at all.
| about two-thirds OF the students In