THE BATTALION.
9
annual session of the A. & M. college was at an end. The
boys gave vent to prolonged cheers for soon they were to be
with parents whom months of separation made more dear. .
The ball complimentary to the graduating class was a
most elaborate affair, probably having larger attendance and
greater entertainment than ever before.
Vafedicfory Address,
By C. C. Todd. ^
Gentlemen of the board, honored president, respected faculty
and other instructors, ladies and gentlemen:
You have gathered here upon this occasion, to join with
us in making glad a day, the joys of which shall never be
forgotten by the class of ’97.
I scarcely feel competent to voice the sentiment which I
know exists among my class mates, and yet I feel greatly
honored by the privilege which has been accorded me.
I see before me an assemblage, among which are scattered
those who have already passed the meridian of life, have
seen their mistakes and now deem it a sacred duly to direct
the young into those paths which lead to success. We are
honored by some of the older sons of this institution, who
have seen fit to visit their alma mater and enjoy with us this,
a happy commencement. Among this concourse, like pre
cious jewels, in baser settings are the women ever ready and
willing to lend inspiration to mans good and noble deeds.
No wonder we feel inspired! Dame nature, as though she re
alized the importance of the occasion, has with her magic
wand converted the earth into a veritable flower garden, and
used every effort to make this the most auspicious day of the
session.
But wh-it means this concourse? Another tribute is be
ing paid to education. Today there go forth from the por
tals of this institution twenty-six young men, who with to
morrows sun lay aside the duties of cadetship for the more