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THE BATTALION.
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her troops are well nigh completely officered by ex-cadets, and
I do not consider it bold to express the hope that the day is not
far distant when we shall see a graduate of this institution oc
cupying the highest position within the gift of the people of
this state. It is only a repetition of political history that the
alumni of a state’s leading colleges not only give direction to,
but actually govern its legislation. Then why should not the
prophecy in a few years become a fact, that the alumni of the
A. M. college become the leading factor in the legislation of
the State of Texas ?
Gentlemen of the Board: We have known you only a
short time, but the deliberation you have used in recent mat
ters of grave importance has inspired us with confidence in your
ability and judgment. The fact that two of you are sons of
this institution peculiarly tits you to understand her needs and
anticipate her requirements. We feel assured that the highest
motives will govern your every action, and expect to see our
alma mater continue to advance and flourish under your gov
ernment. As one of your number recently said: ‘'We have
but one Agricultural and Mechanical college and I want to see
the institution made one, not only in name, but in theory and
practice as well.”
Mr. President: It is an acknowledgement conceded by all
just and fair minded men that the performance of duty in one’s
chosen profession, is the fulfillment of work prescribed for man,
but for the past flve months you have had a double duty to per
form. Owing to circumstances which have controlled the af
fairs of our college since the death of our former beloved pres
ident, you have not only tilled your place as professor and
member of the faculty, but have also performed the arduous
and oftentimes trying position of president of the college. It
required ability of a superior order, excellent judgment and un
tiring labor. When you accepted that position you asserted
your devotion to the interests of this institution and professed