New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-01-10
City and Hunter
Colleges Defended
By La Cuardia
Writes DIR. Mezes Their
Abandonment is Unnec-
essary, for Savings Easily
Can Be Made Elsewhere

Exception to proposals for the aban-
donment Of the College of the Citv of
New York and Hunter College is taken
by f. H. La Guardia, President Of the
Board of Aldermen, who outlines his
position in a letter sent yesterday to
DR.. Sidney E. Mezes, president of the
former institution.
Mr.. La Guardia says he recognizes
the necessity of a reorganization Of
the municipal government upon a basis
to promote economy, but that he sees
no menace to the continuance of the
two institutions but a concerted at
tack by officeholders and politicians
who would sacrifice the colleges in or
der to retain their jobs. His letter
says:
DR. Sidney E. Mezes, President Col
lege of the City of New York, New
York City.
"My Dear DR.. Mezes: read your
statement in the morning papers of
Saturday regarding the suggested dis
continuance as city institutions of the
College of the City of New York and
Hunter College. l want you to know
that | heartily concur in what you say
l do not believe that there is the
slightest possibility of the city aban-
doning the two foremost institutions
Of higher aducation in the city. am
certain that the people Of the City of
New York are proud of both institu
tons, and there is not q possibility of
the suggestion taking hold.
ut is quite true that we must reor-
ganize our city government and curtail
expenses. Drastic changes will be nee
essary. Having reached the top notch
of cur taxing powers, and facing def
cit, it is clear that the time has ar
rived for economizing in every possible
way.
The only danger that I see facing
the College Of the City Of New York
and Hunter College is that in this cam
paign Of economy there may be a con-
certed effort on the part of politicians
and officeholders to train their guns on
the two institutions Of learning IN or
der to save their own jobs and continue
the carnival of waste that they have
enjoyed for so many years. This is
simply strategical. and / am confident
that we can easily ward off such an
attack
II am so sorry that the business men
who gave the matter of the city gov
eminent their attention permitted
theme selves to be led to the belief that
a real saving might be made on these
two institutions. If they are sincere in
bringing about the needed city reor-
ganization and DESTROYS of helping in
saving 35 per cent of the money now
spent, and will cooperate with the rest
of US who are seeking to do the same
thing, it can be accomplished without
disturbing in the slightest the College
of the City of New York and Hunter
College.
at is obvious that the matter did
not receive careful attention, for surely
if it had the statement that City Col
lege and Hunter College catered mostly
to the children Of the rich would not
have been made. AS matter of fact,
I am certain that an investigation of
the financial conditions OF your stu
dents and the young ladies at hunter
will show that they do not enjoy the
wealth attributed to them. If some of
the children of the wealthy do attend,
l know of no better way of liberalizing
an education than in the institutions of
learning such as we have in New York,
where all are given an equal oppor-
tunity in taking the advantage OF an
education which the city offers. Had
we not these institutions and students
were compelled to pay high tuition fees
the cry would be that our children in
the public schools are taught by the
fortunate few who could avail them
selves Of higher education. The two
institutions, understand, furnish the
bulk of the teachers for the public
schools of New York City.
"The greatest American institution is
our opportunity Of higher education
to all who seek to avail themselves of
it. To abolish at this time the institu-
tons of higher learning in New York
would be a step backward. I am GER
tain that the Legislature will not con-
slider the suggestion, and I want you
to know that am ready to join In a
fight to prevent it. l want the faculty
to know that the city appreciates their
loyalty and the many years of splendid
service, and that the great majority OF
the people Of this city feel that they
are not to be penalized for not being
practical politicians.
with kind personal regards, sim
cerely. F. II. LA GOAhDLA.