THE BATTALION.
61
.said well read.
The debate, ‘‘Resolved that civilization is promoted by
the education of woman,” was opened by Mr. Todd, who paid
tribute after tribute to the fair sex and defended his side
admirably.
Mr. Overshiner of the negative side defended his side very
creditably and was successful in his efforts. The tribunal
decided in favor of Mr. Overshiner, of the Austin Society.
Just as the afternoon train came in the detachment of
artillery fired several salutes in honor of his excellency,
Governor C. A. Culberson, who arrived on the train.
The Alumni held their meeting Monday night in the As
sembly hall and music was made for them by the orchestra
and band, assisted by Mr. Gruene, one of the Alumni. Presi
dent Ross made a beautiful speech welcoming the Alumni to
their alma mater.
Mr. Fuller, of San Antonio, one of the Alumni, made a
most beautiful and touching speech, bringing back recollec
tions of bygone college days.
Mr. McNair also made a splendid speech and was roundly
applauded.
Next came Mr. Law, of class of '95, who made a speech
which for eloquence and beauty could well be placed among
the foremost places in oratory.
The Alumni then repaired to a banquet held at mess hall,
where toasts and the like were indulged in till the wee hours
of morning.
TUESDAY.
Comencemeni day is at last here and the heart of the
senior joyous in the extreme. At 10 o’clock sharp the strains
of “Dixie” were heard and the senior class of ’96 marched
slowly down the aisle.
The commencement address, delivered by Judge Norman
G. Kittrell, of Houston, was the finest address delivered at
the college in some years.
Mr. C. M. Park, of Dallas, the first honor student, next
read his graduating thesis, entitled “The Siberian Rail
way.”
The valedictory address, by Mr. E. W. Kerr, of Vineland
(chosen by the first class), was very beautiful and touching.
The response to the valedictory, delivered by Mr. B. F.
Bryan (elected by the second class), was in his usual original,
eh a rmi n g m a nner.