The trustees of Columbia College at their meeting yesterday decided to admit in future to their institution women on exactly the same footing as men. The various members of the board have for some time displayed a willingness to give women a chance to educate themselves. The trustees have not been urged to take the step by the so-called women sympathizers, nor has any pressure of that description been brought to bear upon them. Although the meeting yesterday was an executive one, it was understood that none of the trustees opposed the resolutions by virtue of which the great institution was thrown open to women. Not only did the trustees freely accord this right to women, but they also conferred on one of that sex an honorary degree. The woman who received this mark of distinction is Miss Winifred Edgerton. She has for some time been studying in the Columbia Observatory. Her examinations showed that she had performed some really meritorious scientific work in practical astronomy and mathematics of that class. The trustees felt it their duty to show her some recognition of their appreciation of her work in the interest of science, and they yesterday conferred upon her the title of "Doctor of Philosophy, cum laude."

The resolutions by virtue of which women are to be admitted to the privileges of Columbia College set forth that they shall be entitled to the degree of Bachelor of Arts, after having studied for four years a collegiate course fully equivalent to that now used by men, provided, of course, that they pass satisfactorily the regular examinations. Women who do not wish to study the full course, may take up one or more studies of inferior range, and, if they pass the examinations in these, they will be entitled to receive certificates signed by the college authorities in which their proficiency in the various branches which they have taken up will be set forth. Women who wish to become special students at Columbia, may do so, and they will merely have to be examined as to their fitness in the special branches which they may desire to take up. No special provision was made for their accommodation at the opening of the forthcoming academic year. One of the members of the board said that he did not know whether the women would use the same class rooms as the male students, or whether special rooms would be set apart for their use. The board would probably ascertain how many women would care to take advantage of the opportunities offered them before making any definite arrangements for their accommodation. - N. Y. Times.