New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-04
Three Professors Openly
Deplore Dismissals in
Class Discussions
Disloyalty Is Denied
Expelled Instructor Declares
He Never Opposed the
Government

The action of the trustees OF Column
bia University in expelling Professors
Henry ". l. Dana and ]. McKeen Cat
tell for their activity in opposing the
war was frankly discussed by three
members Of the faculty before their
classes yesterday. Most outspoken was
Professor James II. Robinson, teaching
a graduate course in the Department
of History.
Professor Robinson, who ia generally
looked upon rs a leader among those
Of the faculty advocating free speech,
said, in addressing his class:
at seems regrettable that President
Butler chose to silence free expression
of opinion when we are trying 10 teach
the German people TO speak out freely
against an autocratic government
Professor Charles A. Beard, head Of
the Department of Politics, and Pro-
fessor John Dewey, noted as an educa-
tor, both echoed the sentiments ex-
pressed by Professor Robinson in the
course Of lectures before their respec-
tive classes.
Faculty members who are in a posi-
tion 70 speak authoritatively said that
the University Council and the Fac
ulty Committee of Nine did not concur
with the trustees in the severe meas
ures they recommended. They pointed
out also that, while the trustees an
nounced that they were merely carry
ing out the suggestions Of the faculty,
the fact was they went considerably
further than the faculty had contem
plated.
Meanwhile Professor Cattell broke
silence on the subject of his dismissal
From his home at Garrison, y. Y, he
asserted that his dismissal was illegal"
and contrary to academic traditions"
He added:
II am opposed 70 war and TO this
war. but have undertaken no agita-
tion against the government nor against
its conduct of the war. | have written
nothing against the draft law, or
against sending armies TO Europe, al
though / regard both measures as sub
versive of the national welfare"
Professor Cattell quoted from his
published works 20 show that he had
opposed Germany. He continued:
"The letter that | wrote on August
% to members of the Congress asked
support for measure then before the
Senate and the House 10 prohibit send
ing conscripts 10 fight in Europe
against their will There is no law
requiring or permitting the President
10 send conscientious DIRECTORS TO
fight in Europe.
"To do this would be contrary to the
intent of the Constitution and to the
uniform policy of the nation. 1t would
provide less efficient army and might
cause disorder and possible revolution
at home. Surely, this should not be
done without careful consideration by
the Congress after efforts 70 learn the
will Of the people.
Denies Wrongdoing
81 have done nothing except exercise
the constitutional right and fulfil the
duty of citizen TO petition the gov
eminent to enact legislation which
believe 10 be in the interest of the
nation. Professors in every university
are terrorized. so that they dare not
exert their influence for peace and
good will.
"The peoples Of all the European ma
tions long for peace, but are kept at
war by the kleptocratic classes
Professor Dana. who remained in his
quarters at the university, declined TO
talk.