The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1877-07-05
commencement at the Agricultural
and Mechanical College, Bryan,
June "a, 1877.

as was Lieutenant Governor Wells
Thompson. At 10 A. N. the visitors
from the country surrounding the col
lego began to come in, and two special
trains OF cars, one from Houston and
one from Bryan, reached the college
crowded with people Of all ages and
from all places.
The attraction on Sunday was the
delivery of the commencement sermon
by Bishop Garrett. His text was from
Acts xvii, VS.. % and 90, where the
Athenians brought Paul into the A.eop
agus: "Then Paul stood in the midst
of Mars Hill and said 'Ye men OF
Athens, perceive in all things ye are
too superstitious, for as l passed by
and beheld your devotiops | found an
altar with tins inscription; TO the I'M
known God Whom, therefore, ye
iguoraBtly worship, HIM declare IN
to you The speakers description
OF the apostel before these most learned
men of Athens was simply wonderful,
and he held his Ludie ice riy-
e.ed for more than two hours with
matchless CLIQUE nee.
On Monday the exercises commenced
with an address from the Right Rev.
a. G Garrett on the subject OF OAR.
winism. This remarkable address ex-
cited the admiration of every one
even the representatives OF the press
s-ared in wonderment. The Darwin
theory was exploded, and mans crea-
ton properly exalted. Then came
declamatiOns by class composed of
twelve cadets, who acquitted them
selves with great credit.
On Tuesday Hon. A. J. Peeler, a
member Of the board of directors, and
resident of the city of Austin, made
his great speech. He gave history
UoIiege; what has been done Tor
it; how the fun Is were obtained,
and its future needs. He also
gave a history Of the land scrip
act of Congress in 1872. He spoke of
the growing necessity for education in
science and arts, and claimed that Tex
as should so educate her sons, in all
pursuits, as to enable her to furnish
her quota of officers in all the scien-
tific branches of the government. He
paid high encomium to the president
OF the college and its able faculty.
He spoke of the vast Importance
this college would be to the
prosperity of Texas, and how necesss-
ry it was for the people to give it the
support it deserves. The speaker tried
to be plain in language, but now and
then he would be eloquent in spite Of
h imself. the chief aim of the address
was to show how comparatively little
has been done for education in the
State of Texas, covering all the gues-
tions at issue with an ease seldom met
with.
President Gathright, of the college,
introduced Capt. A. P. Smyth, of the
cadets, and president of the Austin
Literary Society. lie made a short and
appropriate speech, then assumed the
chair and acted as master of ceremo-
MES. Cadet G. p. Thurmond, of La
mar county, was then introduced and
delivered u telling grafton upon the
subject of labor. Cadet q. B. Martin,
of BraZos county, was the second ora
tor of the society, and his Crossing
the Rubicon" was handled with con-
summate skill. The third orator of
the society, Cadet c. A. Burchard, OF
Gonzales county, delivered an his
torical address, doing himself and tbs
| society great credit. AL these ad-
dresses were original productions, and
most creditable to the young orators.
Hon. Charles DeMorse, ''who rocked
Texas in her CRADLE" and who is q
member of the directory, made a good
talk, mainly advice to the young men
of the college.
Major Morris, ripe young scholar
and excellent drill officer, ended the
exercises for this day by display OF
the cadets in battalion and company
drill. The cadets were inspected by
the Governor and directors and spec
tators. The military training of the
cadets, like every branch of educa.
ton In the college, is complete.
On Wednesday Cadet w. A. F.
Trenckman, of the county of Travis,
read au original essay on the subject
of "Science and Religion" He acquit,
TED himself credltably, and showed
that he had studied his subject with
care.
Cadet A. L. Lowry also delivered ar
original address on the subject OF
Texas" 1t was very interesting and
showed great familiarity with history
OF Texas.
Cadet Richard l.. Boren, of the coun
ty of Smith, who excelled in declama-
ton the day before, was called Out
again by the audience and repeated
"Emmett's Defence;" and did 1t like
u master.
In awarding honors Cadet Charles
A. Burchard received that for the best
scholarship. He also received prsis,
for not bavIng received single de
merit during the term.
The great incident of this closing
day of the commencement exercise!
was an address from Texas great anC
"beloved chief magistrate. He spok,
to the cadets and members of the Aus
tin Literary Society. His subject wa
problem ofSlife." He said: "Knov
myself, govern thyself, have fixeditl
of purpose, have energy, be coura
geous and be generous. The address
was interspersed with sparkling vii
and infinite humor. Occasionally j
wol Id fairly flow with eloquence
Agi in and again he would thrill hi
auditory with ingenious rhetoric anC
enchant it with his wonderful magnet
ism. 1t was replete with good advice
and should have been heard to full,
comprehend its magnitude.
President Gathright and his sbl
corps of professors have in on
years time accomplished more thai
any one could possibly Rave expected
The first session closed with 10
students in attendance. Presiden
Gathright appointed the officers o
cadets for the ensuing session and tn
ceremonies closed to the satisfaction o
all present.
Remains OF Marquette.