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SAYS MITCHELL
SHORiH YIEWS
NOT HOPKINS'
Dr. Ames Declares Civilization Of That Sec* tion Is Fine
GIVES EXPRESSION TO HIS OWN OPINION
Head Of University Writes
Letter Published In
Salisbury Times
[Special Dispatch to The Sun]
Salisbury, Md., Feb. 9—In a letter published today in the Salisbury Times, Dr. Joseph S. Ames, president of the Johns Hopkins University, declared it would be "unjust" to regard the report of Dr. Broadus Mitchell, associate professor of political economy at the institution, on the lynching of Matthew Williams, Negro, here December 4, as representing the point of view of the university.
Dr. Mitchell's report, made to the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, described the Eastern Shore as "backward in its mental and spiritual development."
Praises Shore Civilization
"I have spent, myself, a great deal of time on the Eastern Shore, and I have never met anyone there whom I have not liked," Dr. Ames wrote.
"I have never come in contact with any questions dealing with religion or politics when I have been there, but my whole reaction toward the civilization on the Eastern Shore is that I think it is fine, and I have often said that I would like to live there.
"I never have any desire to interfere with any one else's opinions, nor do I have any desire to change anyone's opinion. The regret I have in regard to Dr. Mitchell and all the publicity in connection with it is that some people may associate this university with his point of view.
Dr. Mitchell "No Crusader"
"This, of course, is obviously unjust, because it is no more proper to think the university, as such, holds the views of Dr. Mitchell than it is to think that a church society to which he may belong should be held responsible.
"Dr. Mitchell did not make any investigation or study under the auspices of the university, or even with the knowledge of the university. He was acting simply as an individual. We are all of us here familiar with his point of view and with his convictions, out we are all convinced that he is intellectually honest and that he is in no sense a crusader."
Dr. Mitchell Made Probe As "Citizen Of Maryland"
Dr. Broadus Mitchell last night said that he agreed with "the essential point" of Dr. Ames' letter—that his report was not an expression of the university—but he added:
"I do not share Dr. Ames' impulse to move down to the Eastern Shore, for obvious reasons. I think the lynching there was an abominable occurrence, and I believe the residents of the Shore will agree with me in a month or two.
Made Probe As "Citizen"
"I made my investigation on the Shore as a citizen of Maryland, and not as a member of the staff of the university. The university does not attempt to control my convictions or actions as long as they are intelligent."
Dr. Ames last night said his letter to the editor of the Times was not intended for publication.
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