Weekly graphic., 1883-09-21
SKETCHES ot TEAS TRAVEL.
Correspondence Visitor and Teacher.
Moore, Texas, Aug Goth, 1888.

Moore, Texas, Aug 10th, 1888.
Mr.. EprroR:-Tlme flies so swiftly
that we can hardly realize it. l hat
intended to write ottener, but my mul
titudinous duties have prevented
stu the face OF every new TEACHER ha'
looked at me with sad reproach. Nov
however, am fairly seated TO give you
an account of our summer excursions
schools, and Texas items generally.
We left home June 26th, at 6 u. IN.
| to attend the state Teachers Associa'
ton at Galveston.
Our route, to San Antonio, took u>
over the Int. & G. N. r. R., where we
changed to 1.-The Sunset" and went
speeding away over the magnificent
prairies of Texas, past the great fields
of corn and cotton, the thousand acre
pastures, on which are grazing tens Of
thousands Of cattle, past new villages,
which have sprung up like magic
Nearing the Colorado and Brazos riv-
ers we entered forests of gigantic live
oak, mammoth pecan, mulberry, cotton
wood, and many other varieties Of trees
From the oak, float long, graceful fes'
toons of Spanish moss. forming pleas
ing contrast to the bright green of the
surrounding foliage, while every few
minutes we saw fig trees loaded with
fruit.
Houston is thriving city at the
head of Galveston Bay. In hasty
drive through the town, we saw many
beautiful residences and public build
ings. A building "boom" has struck
all the large cities of Southwestern
Texas, and Houston is one of the fore
most among them. The city has insti-
tuted strong sanitary laws, for protec-
tion against yellow fever and cholera.
Taking the Houston and Texas Cen
trsl Railroad, we found ourselves roll
ing over the new paradise" of Amer
lea prairies so vast that naught could
be seen but earth and sky, except
when we struck a water course, when
long narrow belt of timber could be
seen. In the bitches beside the rail-
road track, alligators played, while cat
tie and horses IN countless numbers
roamed over the grassy prairies.
As we neared the Gulf, the clouds as
sumed such lovely Snaps, and the at
mosphere was so deliciously pure, the
fields ofcotton so exquisite in their
bloom, the waving green Of the sugar
cane and rice fields so attractive, we
thought nothing could be more beauti-
full.
But, MIR. Editor. when Tie blue
waves IF the Gulf of Mexico appeared
with Galveston, like spotless pearl,
reposing upon her bosom, the grand
climax of earthly beauty was reached.
Arriving at Galveston, we reported
at Headquarters" then started for
the Pavilion where the Association
was in session. A few minutes after
our arrival came recess, when grand
old DIR. BALDWIN grasped our hands and
welcomed US cordially to Texas. His
was the first familiar face we had seen
since leaving Missouri, in March but
Miss Cora Baldwin now came and
shook hands with us heartily. DR..
Baldwin introduced US to all the teach
ers, so not many days elapsed, ere in
stead of strangers, we were surrounded
by warm friends, and felt We mad been
fairly installed as members of the great
educational fraternity of Texas.
] wish | could write you of all the
good things said ;of the earnest, wide
awake, energetic work to be done by
the teachers in this state of magnif-
cent distances but l just want to tell |
you how proud we are of dear, fatherly |
Dr. Baldwin, how we all value such a |
wise head and earnest christian heart. |
What was Missouri's loss, was Texas
gain"
Galveston entertained her teachers
at her best hotels, and among her best
citizens s-free of cost. She also gave
them an excursion to the Gulf and the
Surf Bathing Company" rendered
free use of their building and suits.
The band gave free concerts j; intact we
were, as a body, rendered every hos.
pitallty tree. Can any city OF Missouri
show such a record? Galveston Is a
of Texas, and Texas is
alive to the interests of education.
DR.. Baldwin was elected, unanimous
y, delegate to the National Teachers
Association, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y
The pure atmosphere and extreme
cleanliness of this city, (Galveston,)
aye it from the horrors attendant
lpon seiee Of the yellow fever or
,holera.
We went from Galveston to San An
onio, to teach, and be taught, in the S
ummer Normal School; but as my {
etter is already too long, will save a
ecord of the stay there until my next
Hoping greatly for the success of the
'IsIToR AND TEACHER. subscr ibe my
elf with hearty earnestness, its friend.
MILE NJ LEWIS.
LEARN TO SAY NO. "