The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-07-26

The whole number of students (250) is
sOmewhatla than it has ever been. In
1856 the attendance was 1919. In 1867
it was 245. The present Indications are
that this increase will continue, and the
next session we shall have need for all the
additional room that we expect to have.
1t is a matter of regret that in the
aogdemical department the number of
irregular students is so large. This Is
owing partly to the fact the lines defining
the several courses have been more closely
drawn; but it is due mainly to the fact
that mauy students fail to enter these
courses either from an indisposition to
undertake a four-year course, or from
pecuniary reasons. 1t is only a question
of time when the former reason will dis
appear. More students will enter the
University from the auxiliary schools, and
they will be men thoroughly prepared.
These will naturally take one or the other
OF the full courses, and their example will
have its legitimate effect on the entire
body of students. There will always be,
however, some who, on account of limited
means, will not be able to spend four
years at the University. The flexible ar
rangement of the different branches of
study into separate schools, which can be
entered independently, will afford oppor-
tupit for young men and young women
to spend even limited time with profit
and interest in ATTENDANCE upon such
classes as they may be prepared to enter;
and, in the case of the young men, the
extension and perfecting of the mess-club
system will so cheaper board that none
I Nln Int, I,rY ha
expense of living in Austin. Of the
AUXILIARY SCHOOLS
the report says: "Ihere are at present
nine teen high schools auxiliary to the
University. That is, these schools upon
their own invitation have been visited by
committee of the faculty and accepted
as prepared to fit students to enter our low
est classes; all graduates, therefore, of these
schools are admitted to the freshman class
of the academic department and to the
Junior class of the law department with
out examination. The favor with which
this plan has been received by the princi-
pal schools of the state has been very
gratifying, and if proper attention is
shown to the matter the University will
soon be in sympathetic relation with all
of the best schools of the state.
"The main object in establishing this re-
lation with the high schools of the state is
to secure we'll prepared students. But
there are other advantages. All of these
schools are fully informed in regard to the
University and its work, and in time the
teachers and pupils give this information
to others. In this way the people are get,
ting to know what the University is, and
what it is trying to do, Again, the clos
ing exercises of these schools, their ami
versaries, and their special occasions
throughout the year, give opportunities
for members of the faculty to visit them,
and thus keep alive their interest in higher
educ alton.
"As stated by the report of Professor
Halsted, chairman of the visiting com
mittee, the amount appropriated last ye r
for these Inspections was insufficient. The
faculty respectfully recommend that fer
the next year $500 be appropriated for
this purpose.
UNIVERSITY LANDS.
The following is the report of Land
Commissioner Hall in fall:
AUSTIN, Texas. June Is, 1888.
Dr. Leslie Wsggener, chairman of the faculty,
Auslln, ltAds'
Dear Sir-In compliance with your
verbal request, have the honor to report
that under the act of April l, 1887, 2,720
acres of University lands have been sold,
and 46,S77 acres have been leased. APP
plicatiors are now on file for the lease of
14,OSO acres more, leases for which will be
executed upon payment of the first years
rent. 1t is estimated that by August l.,
next. about $4,000 acres will have been
leased under this law.
In leases made under the law of 1888,
there are embraced IL, 800 acres, which,
added to above estimate for August l,
would make @ total of 10000 acres. These
results are far from satisfactory, and in
view Of the fact that extraordir airy efforts
have been made TO effect the lease OF
these lands, they are disappointing H.
deed. When il is noted that. the amount
Of school land leased up to date
(nearly 100000 aores) has ex-
oeeded expectation, the contrast Is