The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1879-02-06
1,2l9,9W,.


# steps should be taken now to have the one
million of acres of public land set apart and all
the lands sold, as have recommended, we May
expect in few years to have a university in Tex
as. This is equally important as to have common
schools, for while the one elevates the masses TO
certain degree in the scale of civilization. the
other is necessity in this age to properly di-
rect II, IN the progress 70 power and prosperity.
1t 1s declared expressly in the Constitution of
1876 that THE University of Texas" shall be To-
Gated by q vote of the people.
In the same instrument is found the following
provision: ''The Agricultural and Mechanical
College OF Texas, established by an act of the
Legislature passed April II, 1871, located in the
county of Brazos, is hereby made and cOnsiitu-
red branch of the University of Texas, for in
struction in agriculture, the mechanic arts,
and the natural sciences connected Herewith"
This is an authoriuive construction by the
convention, inserted in the constitution Of the
act OF Congress that made the donation for the
support OF such an institution in this State
hat act provides that the principal of the
fund, now amounting to over 100000 invested
IN our STATE bonds, shall not be diminished. and
no part of it or its interest be used in
the erection of buildings OF the repairs
thereof but that the interest, now amount
irg annually to over $4,000, shall be appropria-
ted by the State "to the endowment, support
and maintenance of at least one college where
the leading object shall be, without excluding
other classical and scientific udies and lnclud-
ing military tactics, to teach such branches of
learning as are related to agriculture and the
mechanic arts in such manner as the Legisla-
ture may prescribe -
Under this law Of Congress Texas might have
erected college in which the pupils were suc-
ported and taught agriculture and the mechanic
aits practically and scientifically, for the pur-
pose Of increasing the skilled labor
in the country, which seems TO be
the object mainly contemplated by the conven-
ton, by the direction given, as above quoted,
in making this institution at Bryan branch of
the University Of Texas, 10 be hereafter located
by vote of the people. But before this direc-
ton was given by the Constitution OF 1876, a
law was passed by the Legislature, March g.
1871, organizing this institution in which it was
provided, that the interest Of the fund should
be applied by the board of directors appointed
for its management. TO the payment of the di-
rectors, officers aud professors of the college
Under this law the institution has been car
RED on up to the present time The board Of
direc' ors is composed of the Governor, Lieu
tenant Governor, Speaker Of the House of Rep
resentatives, and one director CHOSEN by JOINT
ballot OF both branches OF the Legislature every
two years from each congressional district.
Said board nests twice in each year. in June at
the College and in January at the Capita! of the
State. At its last meeting in last month at
Austin, i, as president of the board was re-
quested to communicate to the Legislature GER
tain resolutions passed at said meeting, to-
geiher with a report OF the history ana condi-
ton OF the institution, from its foundation to
Of the board, whose dictatorship will terminate
with the election of their successors at this
session of the Legislature, all of which is most
respe ectfully submitted for your favorable con-
sideration. Their report will be found also TO
exhibit the history snd condition of the branch
OF that college, for the education of colored
youths. situated near Hampstead.
By the resolution adopted at said last meeting
it will be seen that the college at Bryan has been
given a direction more IN harmony with the
provision In the Constitution for ins ructon in
agriculture, the mechanic arts, and the natural
sciences connected herewith This is obvious
lY intended to be its sphere of action in and as
part ''of the University OF Texas, as contempla-
ted by our organic law. And in reference toit in
this point OF view, there are certain unqles-
tionable facts that should be borne in mind,
namely: That it could n t have been designed
by Congress in furnishing to the States dona-
tions OF land TO found agricultural and mechan-
ical colleges to promote the cause of literary
and scientific education as taught generally in
colleges, universities and academies all over
The United States, but rather to educate skilled
laborers, as they are taught in Europe and
thereby secure skilled labor at home, instead of
importing 1t from abroad as has always been
heretofore done TO very large extent, from
the earliest settlement Of this continent by
Europeans; that those who are highly educated
in literature and the sciences generally are sell
dom found to spend their lives between the
plOw handles or in the work shop or other
wise, where such learning is or can be made
contributory to the elevation or Improvement
OF labor; that we lack in Texas skilled laborers
more than men learned in literature and science
that ut them for and induce them to follow the
learned professions.
Agriculture is, and will long continue to be,
the great interest in Texas, aud the mechanic
arts should be encouraged to come IN aid of il;
and it is certain that those who will practically
follow those pursuits will not graduate in col
leges Of general learning, for they will not be
able to pay their way there. That our colored
population will not be able TO get any of the
benefit OF this fund, for many years, which was
intended for them as well as the white popula-
lion, il they are required to pay for the board |
clothing, and tuition OF their children which is
fully demonstrated by the report relating TO the
branch OF the college for cOlored youths now |
su omitted to you.
That the production OF Texas NAV be largely |
II not doubled, by the same amount |
OF labor and capital, If practical scientific |
knowledge in agriculture and the m. chanic arts |
could be impaired generally throughout the |
country to those who 90 and will follow those |
pursuits through life. And thereby the nation /
al wealth will be increased, individual prosperity
and the dignity Of labor secured. |
Therefore, in orCer TO enable the directory to /
fRr her increase the direction OF this institution /
In harmony with the constitutional provisions,
which is equally IL not more imperative than /
legislative direction prescribed by a law enacted,
respectfully recommend that so much OF the 4
aw that has been referred to, which requires the
interest OF the fund TO be appropriated alone TO
he payment OF 'the directors, officers and pro-
eseOrS OF the college,, be repealed, and that q
aw be passed authorizing the directors to use
{ for the endowment, support and maintenance
of the college 10 the terms Of the law of Con-
sTess making the donation and in accordance
with the terms OF the Constitution OF 1876 Civ
ng direction for itS use for instruction
n agriculture, the mechanic arts and
natural sciences cOnneetad thereszith - ] /
would cheerfqlly make other recommez1a.,9ns
including appropriations 20 promote the inter
'st OF the institution, n did not think that the
resent condition OF our finances forbids n.
As 20 ne branch OF college FOR the education
u co1ored youthe near Hampstead, respectful.
E>recommend fhst II be safely rented out for
Ihe year, and until Il can be 20 employed by
he directors as 70 eecHre pupils 10 be taught T.
N It. It Il now tsken care OF ~ person with
~
Having examined :lsq5azqsy INTO the man
lyeneuf afId srescuf Condition Of this rutiena