NEW YORK, COLLEGE OF THE CITY OF, the only free college supported by city taxpayers in the United States. It began its existence as the free academy in 1848, having first received the sanction of a popular vote, and its present title was bestowed upon it in 1866. Standing at the head of the public school system, its trustees are the members of the board of education together with the president of the college. It has had but two presidents, Horace Webster. LL.D., and from 1869, Alexander S. Webb, LL.D. The other officers comprise 14 active professors and 3 emeriti, and 21 tutors. Tuition, books, and stationery are free, all expenses being paid on presentation of vouchers to the comptroller of the city, who disbursed in 1878-79, for this institution, $131,535.48. Candidates for admission to the college must be 14 years of age, have attended a public school for at least one year, and must pass an examination on the studies taught in the grammar schools. Students have the option of a five years' class
ical or scientific course, the first year being considered introductory; there is also a com mercial course for introductory students remaining but one year, and a of civil engineering. Since its foundation the college has had over 10,000 stu dents. The year 1879-80 began with 1260 students, of whom 737 were in the introduc tory and 52.3 in the collegiate classes, and the graduating class of 1879 numbered 51. The buildings and grounds on the s.e. comer of Lexington ay. and e. 23d st. are valued at $190,000; the library of 18,000 volumes at $59.000; the apparatus, cabinets, casts, models, etc. at more than $20,000; and the institution has library and medal funds aggregating $40,750.