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THE FATE OF POOR LOIndian Schools Likely to be Closed for Lack of Funds. INSTITUTIONS AFFECTED Two in This City Are Entirely Dependent Upon the Appropriations Usually Made by the Government - Said to Be Free From Sectarian Influences If the Federal Government withholds its usual appropriation from the Indian schools the Lincoln Institution and the Educational Home in this city will have to be closed for lack of support. It is claimed that they are strictly non-sectarian. The decision reached on Thursday by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, at Washington, is one of vital importance to the managers of the Lincoln Institution for Indians in this city, in that it cuts off from them all government sustenance, which is their chief source of revenue. The report came as a severe blow to everyone, as the bill in question had already passed the House of Representatives with the provision for an appropriation of $33,000 for the Lincoln School in this city, and $20,000 for the Hampton Roads Indian School. It has been under consideration by the Senate Committee since February 25, an unusually long time, but the delay has hinged on their inability to decide upon a proper course to pursue in the treatment of sectarian schools. It is a repetition of the fight which occurred last year over the same matter. At that time the same tactics were employed both of these schools being objected to on the grounds of sectarianism, while Superintendent Hugg of the Lincoln Institution, says they are both contract schools, under the direct supervision of Commissioner of Indian Affairs Browning. Last year there was a big hitch in making the appropriations, and it required the combined efforts of Senator Quay and other prominent Senators to secure the usual appropriation. REASON FOR SURPRISE The reason the Philadelphia managers are so much surprised is that a committee of the Board of Managers of the Lincoln School, consisting of Mrs. Mary McHenry Cox, Mrs. Joshua Lippincott and Mrs. C.J. Biddle, a few days ago went to Washington and waited upon the Chairman and several prominent members of the Senate Committee. They were given to understand that things were favorable and they would no doubt receive the usual appropriation. On this ground they based great hopes, which are for the present shattered. Superintendent Hugg said yesterday that a mighty effort would again be made this year, and all the weight of political power will be brought to bear upon the matter before it comes up for consideration by the Senate. "In this city," he added, "there are two schools, the Lincoln Institution, at 324 South Eleventh street, for girls, and the Educational Home, at 4901 Greenway avenue, West Philadelphia, for boys. We have about 200 students, but if this appropriation is withdrawn it would mean, ultimately, the closing of both schools, as that is our principal source of revenue. Both schools are absolutely non-sectarian, coming under the head of contract schools and all pupils admitted first pass through the hands of the government. No one is asked what church he attends, and those who are able to take care of themselves are allowed to go to any church whatever. Others have to go in charge of guardians or of responsible representatives from any denomination they may prefer.
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