Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-11

ment to be a genuine "hands-over-the-
sea- gesture.
They got out catalogue giving
these distinguished names as direc-
tors. The booklet had a red. wnite
and blue cover and crossed American
and British flags. Imagine the cna-
grin of the distinguished directors
when they learned the actual nature
Of the degrees they were uphoiding.
I'm Great Britain the trade seems
to have been chiefly in ID. ID. degrees,
Not long ago we had a list OF lo3
rural curates VINO had purchased such
degrees. Doctorates of divinity seem
to be the best stock In trade OF the
fake universities now. M. DIS anu
dental degrees used to be good
source of revenue, but the actlvltles
of the American Medical Association
have been so we'll directed that no"
it isn't SO healthy to offer these
'"I am pleased to say that there are
fewer pharmacist degrees being sou
now, due to the activities or the same
body, although these used TO De the
best source of revenue.
1.-THE extent of the operations of
these concerns abroad is extraordl-
nary. They have carried on their ne
farious business to such point tnar
the term American degrees has out
one meaning among cultivated people
in Europe. 1t Is a recognized phrase.
Moreover, there is an Assumption lhaI
everything bearing the name 'AInerl-
can Is governmental.
European nations have strict de-
ree-granting qualifications. They
assume the same in the United States
and conclude these schools actually
meet standards set by the Govern
ment. Especially is this true Wnen'
as in the case Of Oriental University
the seals of the Department OF Justice
and the State Department are Sc
cured by a clever subterfuge me
degree is signed by a notary, the De
partment of Justice certifies that ne
actually is q notary, the State De
partment certifles that it is actually
the Department of Justice that GER
titles that the man is a notary. But
the official seals are affixed, and that
is enough to show the superficial oD'
server that the degree is from a Gov
eminent institution.
THE interlocking character OF these
correspondence universities is easily
seen when the names Of the various
faculties are examined. They nave
carried their operations to ridiculous
extent There is, for instance. the
famous correspondence school yell,
signified by the position OF the
postage stamp on the envelope.
Own CoIors Adopted.
'"They haye adopted their own colors
to wear on hoods and gowns. They
have their own organization Of higher
scholarship comparing with the Phi
Beta Kappa. l haven't heard yet
that they have foot ball conference,
but they have their associations
named so as to appear like organiza-
tons Of reputable colleges.
THE way In which they work the
church game is amusing and yet
tragic. The faculties are sprinkled
with 'reverends.' Often these men are
real clergymen who have fallen to
such practices.
II don't know what can be done
about it under the present laws. The
ordinary way through the courts is
very difficult and discouraging. The
United States attorneys Office here
has had great deal of trouble with
the local situation. The Federal
Trade Commission may be able to do
something. Certainly the good uni
versities Of the District should get
together. to protect their good names. -
H. w. Hollinger, an orchestra man
ager, brought before the meeting the
matter of Objectionable social func.
lions under the auspices of some
Washington colleges and said he felt
there should be some means of cen.
sorship.
Activities Called Unlimited.
There is no limit" he said, ION
who can attend or what they can do
/ have seen some things recently
that shock me and / am not Of the
old-maid type. wouldn't want to see
The sister or daughter of any one here
in attendance mt some of these college
functions. I am interested largely to
protect my own business. If such
orgies continue, college dances will be
.aboo althogether."
DR.. Lewis said he felt that this was
a matter for complaint to the indi
vidual faculties rather than for com
mittee action. His own Office, he said
took prompt acton when anything off
color was reported from a George
Washington University social func.
ton
DR.. Lewis made an amusing reveal.
ton that some dancing clubs about
town have adopted Greek letter
names, seeking to give the impress
sion that their affairs are those OF
university students. He has seen re-
Gently in F street windows, he said
placards announcing dances by Greek
letter societies which certainly are
not listed in the directory of college
fraternities and doubtless have no
connection with any college in the Dis