Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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 37n itlcmorp of General Oliucr Otis J otuarb 2HS 5 s©s s HBHBGfiSBSnBfg sag 1 9 2 4 B I S 0 N

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Scbnouiltbsfincnts The stair of the 1924 Bison, realizing how impossible would have been the publication of this annual, without the assistance and co-operation it has received, takes this opportunity to express its indebtedness to the following: To the Secretary-Treasurer of the University, Dr. Kmmett J. Scott, and the Alumni Secretary, Mr. Emory B. Smith, for the use of many cuts whereby large engraving expenses have been eliminated. To .Miss Josephine Scott of the University Printing Office, who aided the Business Manager in selecting the cuts and removing the dust. To the Art Editor, Miss Pauline Parker, who worked constantly and willingly even before she was elected to the staff about the middle of the year. To Miss Fannie Smith who has relieved the Business Manager and Editor-in-Chief by keeping the office when other duties claimed their attention. To Miss Arline Johnson who secured more subscriptions for the Bison than any other individual, and added a considerable amount to the initial budget. To the members of the Faculty who have contributed readily their knowledge of Howard’s past which was not available in the written records. To all departments and activities of the University for participation and co-operation. To the Photographer, the Engraver, the Printer, the Binder and the Advertisers—and all others who have aided in any way in the publication of the first University Annual in the history of Howard.

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£l)c $istorp of J otoarti tHntocrsitp from 1807 to 1024 ..! $ i $ O'] E B :■: T THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. human slavery in America had been abolished forever, and a new problem in the field of education presented itself. The immortal stroke of Lincoln’s pen had liberated about four million slaves. This group accustomed to the crudest tools of industry, an almost inhuman man- ner of living, the most imperfect use of a modern language could h. made citizens only in name. The north and south had exactly opposite views concerning the welfare, the possibilities of the Negro. The one was sympathetic, and believed that educational advantages would be one of the chief factors in solving the problem; the other looked upon the freedmen as a hoard of savages turned loose on the country, and had no more desire to help release them from the chains of intellectual bondage than from physical bondage. In addition to their lack of inclination to aid the Negro, there was also a lack of means with which to do so. The north, blessed with both these essentials, took up the cause for the Negro and decided that only his own desire and capacities should determine his limitations. The need of Negro leaders and teachers must be met. Out of such a spirit as this was born the Howard University. A situation of special significance surrounds the founding of this University. The abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia prior to the abolition of slavery farther south had caused a great influx of Negroes into the National capital. The educational problem thus presented was quickly realized by the various freedmen’s aid organizations and philanthropic individuals. The realization of this problem had been the basis of the founding of both day and night schools in elementary instruction for old and young alike. These schools met the need only halt way. though the task of their establishment and maintenance had been difficult in the face of opposition. There were those who believed that their duty would be discharged onlv when an institution of higher learning had been established at the capital of the Nation, where Negro Youth could be trained for leadership. On November 17. I8tf6, at the Columbia Law Building opposite Judiciary Square in Washington. D.C., was spoken the first words from which the Howard University evolved. Using this building as a temporary house of worship, members of the First Congregational Church were on that day holding a meeting on missions. Acting upon a suggestion of the Reverend Benjamin A. Morris, a son of former Senator Thomas A. Morris, the first plan for Howard was to make of the proposed institution a school of theology. The question of finance arose and that brought from Dr. Nichols a suggestion of the possibility of receiving aid from the Freed men's Bureau. This suggestion marked the beginning of the relationship of the University with the Federal Government. The committee appointed to bring in plans of organization, recommended that a night school be opened first and that they apply to the Frcedmen’s Bureau for quarters, fuel, heat, and light; and that three chairs of instruction be provided for. The recommendations were accepted and the first faculty was as follows: Reverend E. W. Robinson, Evidences and Bible Interpretation; Reverend D. B. Nichols, Biblical History and Geography; Dr. Silas Loomis. Anatomy and Physiology. .’i p1 B -V iyj EElS Jcj c 1924 BISON