THE^BATTALION.
23
live stock, in ascertaining the natural adaptability of her soil
and improved means of cultivation ; they have rescued over
flowing marshes; made arid lands productive by irrigation.
By the last catalogue I see they have been running flouring
mills and lumber mills, dairies and nurseries, manufactur
ing plants and railroads, farms and steamboats, mines and
machine shops. They have occupied judicial and legis
lative positions; they have became editors, physicians and
ministers, and their training here better fits them for any
position. They have studied here military tactics and in this
line they have gone to the highest contested fields of the na
tion, and over the flower of her malitia they have carried
victorious the flag of Texas.
Advancing as the state advances, she with friendly and
proper treatment, will extend her benefits, carrying in one
hand the banner of higher education, and in the other “the
duty, the dignity and the nobility of labor.”
Alpha Phi flotes.
BY NUMBER ONE.
The need of an organization among the old students of th&
college for the purpose of nourishing an interest in the insti
tution and perpetuating friendships formed at school has often
been suggested by those who have the future of the college at
heart. The ex-cadets residing at Houston therefore under
took the formation of such a society, and the same was per
fected at the last commencement by the election of following-
officers for ensuing year: E. B. Cushing, commander; Col. T..
Hadley Franklin, O. D.; E. W. Hutchinson, adjutant; Capt..
J. S. Radford, P. M.; P. L. Dawns, surgeon; Prof. A. L.
Banks, S. G.; Capt. H. F. Jones, C. G.; J. H. Hawkins, S.
In order to create more interest in the society it w T as decideck
to organize on the Greek letter fraternity plan, and to have a
secret order of initiation which would be both interesting and
instructive as well as commemorating the “old school days.”
It has been estimated that since the organization of the col
lege there have been about 3000 matriculants on the booka