THE BATTALION.
17
the budget for the support of the state government, and
for additions, enlarg-ements, and equipment for our various
eleemosynary and educational institutions, the A. & M.
fared fairly well.
The first thing considered by the law-makers that
pertained to the College, was a bill proposing to change
the number of Directors from six to eight; also the term of
office to eight years. By a ruling of the attorney general
the term of office had been practically reduced to two
years. In order to give stability and permanency to the
Colleg'e and to remove it from political influences and con
trol, it was necessary that the law be changed and that
the term of office be fixed at a period that would insure the
presence on the Board, at all times, of a majority of mem
bers with experience in the administration of the affairs of
the College, and conversant with its needs; otherwise no
policy that migdit be adopted could be carried out before
the terms of office of the several members of the Board
would expire and a new board be appointed.
Senator John A. Wayland, of Robertson, and Repre
sentative Henderson, of Brazos county, introduced bills,
eliminating that feature of the old law which rendered it
unconstitutional and providing for a Board of eight
Directors; the first set to serve for two, four, six and eight
years from date of appointment; and providing that the
terms of two Directors shall expire every two years.
Under this law there will always be six experienced
Directors on the Board and the College government will be
made independent of every consideration, except its own