The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-07-14
GOV. LUBBOCK INTERVIEWED.
EXCELLENT REASONS FOR LOCATING THE
UNIvERRITY AT AUSTIN.

EXCELLENT REASONS FOR LOCATING THE
UNIvERRITY AT AUSTIN.
Happening in at the state treasury de-
partment yesterday, a reporter met the
genial state treasurer. Gov. Frank Il. Lub-
book, and taking advantage of the gov
ernor's practice of early rising, remarked:
Governor, as there are but few public
men in the state whose associations have
been such as to render them less ham,
pered by sectional prejudices than your
self, the people OF Texas would be glad
to learn where you think the university
of Texas ought to be located, and your
reasons therefor. Would you object to
giving such information?
Governor-While l am not accustomed
to being interviewed, L entertain so
strong an interest I'm common with the
people of the state, that | have no hest
fancy in giving you my opinion upon the
location of the university, which may be
taken for what it is worth.
While il may be considered Il senti-
ment, feel that the original representa-
tiyes of this country, who redeemed il
from the Mexican and the Indian, fixed
upon the seat of government as the place
fer the state university; and though not
| being myself one of the first colonists, my
| associations with them have led me to be-
lieve that they reserved the proper
site for that institution. when they dedi-
| Gated forty acres for state university at
Austin.
Reporter-Are you not, governor, one
of those who believe that if this state uni
versity is placed at the state capitol it
will go long way towards riveting for
| ever the unity of Texas?
| Governor-Yes, sir, l have ever been
and am unalterably opposed TO any
| scheme looking to Il division of the state,
and 1 believe that concentration of
valuable public buildings at the present
| state capitol will go far towards ce-
menting the sentiment OF the peo-
pie in that direction, thereby les
| SEEMING in the future the agitation of
| that question.
| Reporter-Outside of being the capital,
| governor. what do you think of Austin,
naturally and otherwise, as the proper
/ site for the university?
| Governor-The topography of Austin
| is most favorable for the university-the
broken and hilly country being very con-
| ducive to the development of health and
/ strength and giving opportunity for eXer-
| else of all kinds; for anyone can but
notice the development ofmuscular quail
| ties in those who have been brought up
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| from 4 more level and fiat country.
''There is one thing" said the governor,
"that l. have never seen mentioned on
this university question, which is a
weighty reason in favor of Austin and
| that is the ultimate concentration here of
| the state libraries, state museums and in
situations of that character. No place
other than Austin can offer such 4 mag
.nificent inducement for the university
for these institutions, if near to the
university, will give advantages for liter
airy and scientific research possessed by,
| but very few universities in America"
Reporter-Will the future progress OF
Austin, governor, materially aid or re-
| tard the success of the university, if the
people should decide to locate it here?
GovernOr-In some places whose only
| advancement is 4 commercial one, uni
versity would be retarded; but as the
future growth of Austin will be caused
| only partly by it's commercial prosperity
1 am satisfied that the future progress OF
Austin will materially assist the perma-
| nent expansion and the elevation of the
standard of the university, if it should
be placed in this city. With this
present railroad facilities and addi
tional ones soon - to be opened
placing Austin in daily communication
with every portion of the state, thrOngt
which the immense business with all thu
state departments will be transacted
bringing individuals from every county
in the state to Austin, thus enabling
friends and relatives in the most distan
sections to ascertain frequently in regard
to the health, comfort and department o.
the student.
Reporter-What effect, governor, will
the frequent presence in this city o.
prominent public men have upon the stu
dents
Governor-I am thoroughly convinced
that it is an advantage to the you'll
are bodies of intelligent men and to study
the character and habits of men in au
thority. While in a few instances it may
be deleterious to youths, yet as rule il
is extremely beneficial, for it fits young
man more thoroughly for the active battle
of life, and fmparts to him AN early
knowledge of human nature so important
both to the literary and the business man
Reporters not building material
governor, far cheaper here than else
where in the state?
; GOvernor-Being a member of the CAPT
tai board. and having in that capacity haI
occasion to examine most carefully thu
question of building material. / find thai
in the vicinity of Austin more excelleIi'
building material at less cost can be pro
cured than anywhere else in the state.
! Reporter--Does not the law provide
governor, that the state treasurer shall
be the treasurer OF the university?
Governor-Yes sir, and that is to my
mind strong reason why tho
university should be at Austin. The
legislature has control somewhat of the
management of the. university; the Law
requires all expenditures to be paid oil
warrants of the comptroller; it makes tn,
stat, treasurer, the treasurer of the
uni Iersity, thereby neeessitating a con
GENERATION of the financial affairs of the
university at the capitol. The regents
are required to report their action to the
legislature and board of visitors from
the legislature are required to visit anG
examine the workings of the university
all of which would entail a very large
additional expense if the university were
located elsewhere than at Austin.
The governor closed by saying: 90
have no desire to express any sectiona
preference in regard to the location o.
the university. My residence in Austin
is only official, my home being in Gal
weston. L do not own one dollars wortl
of property in Austin or in Travis
county. In expressing my views, L an
actuated alone from the standpoint o
the many advantages which Austin pos
sesses over any other place for the loca
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