The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-12-30
UNIVERSITY LECTURES

There is a most excellent feature in the
educational system of the Texas Univer-
sity to which we desire to direct special
attention. 1t is the plan of having lee
lures every two weeks by the professors
of the institution in the lecture room of
the University building,which the students
are expected to attend, and do largely at
tend, and to which the public are invited.
The subjects of these lectures are left to
. the taste and judgment of the several
professors. And it is matter of con
graduation to the students of the Univer-
sity especially, but to the whole commu-
nifty also, that the range of subjects is
not confined within the narrow limits of
the college or university curricnlnmi but
is extended TO the living, practical qnes-
lions of tho day No one who listened to
ex Gov Roberts lecture on tho 18th inst.
upon "The violation OF the right of pri-
yate property and It's consequences, but
felt the great practical benefit Of tho 'ys-
tenn, with the latitude allowed the lecturers,
60 tho students and 70 the people
OF the city and state.
Yhe lecture under the caption we mention
surveyed the whole field Of practical po-
litios OF the day, presenting in concise
and forcible language and clear method
his views On such vital questions as labor,
monopolies, railways especially, and
the tariff. His examination OF the yari-
GUS branches of his subject was acute and
philosophical Coming not from the pol
iticain.wishing to "create stir" for his
personal or party advantage, but from
profession earnestly and honestly en-
denyoring to threw light upon public nat
tiers, which the present students viii have
20 take part in bringing to proper set
Element, added interest and force to all
he said The professor generally is
theoretical, rather than practical; but not
SO this lecturer. His handling of the
labor question, particularly, Impressed
his good common sense upon his audi
enoe. No craven fears that the organ
ization OF labor win result in the des-
truction of property; no un-Amerlcan
undemocratic thought WAS suggested chat
labor has not as good,a right to organlza-
ton and combination as capital, crept in,
Bat there was a full recognition OF the
right of all American citizens TO meet and
discuss the questions OF the day, and to
organize to give their convictions and
conclusions practical effect, This is
true social philosophy, true political sa-
gacity, essential to mans material pro-
gress and moral and mental elevation.
The early training which the course of
suoh lectures gives the students who are
fortunate enough to attend them IN the
lessons Of true craftsmanship is simply in
estimable. His treatment of the questions
of the tariff and railway legislation was
equally intelligent and Ineligible
Twas benefit to both old and Young
alike TO fellow his unfolding OF shese
(usua1y Oonsidered) mystical themes. We
noticed the address at the time OF It's de-
livery at considerable length in
our local columns and hence cannot
quote from it, as we would like to do,
extendedly here. We feel however, that
we serve the cause of the University and
that of future good citizenship by recurr-
ing to the system pursued in the univer-
Bity in these lectures and by giving special
notice to the recent lecture, which covered
SO many OF the burning political questions
Of the day, in way TO aid all minds and
particularly the young men of the Uuiver-
sity, in coming TO correct cOnclusions in
segard to them.