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numbers among its graduates and former students some
who have won distinction and honer in various depart
ments of the railroad service, and I trust that the number
who go out from these walls to join your ranks may be
increased in proportion as they shall demonstrate their fit
ness and qualification to hold positions of honor and trusi
among you.
The student, full of resolution, hope and courage, and
determined to make the most of present opportunities, will
be stimulated to greater activity and helped on in his
work by coming in contact with you. The student, tired
of his daily round of work and ready to stop short of the
allotted period which the experience of the ages has es
tablished as necessary to prepare himself for the graver
duties and responsibilities that will soon confront him, is
in need of the inspiration to renewed courage and greater
effort that I feel sure your presence will give.
We are not altogether selfish in our designs. To you
who are seeking to temporarily cast aside the toils and
cares of life, we trust this commingling with our students,
in whose breasts are the fires of youth, fresh kindled and
brightly burning, will recall the memory of happy col
lege days gone by and that while you are among us you
will all be boys and girls again.
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Railway
Club, I take great pleasure in extending to you a hearty
welcome to the Agricultural and Mechanical College of
Texas. We have no keys to anything. The quarantine
has been raised, everything has been unlocked and the
keys thrown away; what you see is yours.
I trust your visit will be pleasant and profitable to
you as I know it will to us.