Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-03-06

on whom we shall depend for the mental,
physical and industrial development OF
our children. 1t is organized upon Il
liberal and far-reaching plan. Inc
teachers who go out from here are TO De
the apostles of that modern system OF
education which holds that none OF the
powers and faculties of human beings
| are unworthy of it's care; which gives
attention to muscle as well as nina, ana
to hand as we'll as brain; which teaches
that a sound mind can not endure save
in a sound body: which undertakes to
make the youth of this country prac-
tically fit for the duties and responsible
tiles of citizenship: so that they, in thelr
turn. when their fathers begin to lag
behind and drop out, may take their
places in the ranks of that mighty army
of peace and enlightment which is 10
carry this nation forward to the hlgh
destiny that lies before it.
1t is with such ends in view that our
legislators have created and endowed
this university. And it is because they
entertained these views of it's legitimate
and only proper scope and function, that
the regents to whom it's organization
was entrusted have seen fit, even upon
a slender foundation of meager resources
and scantv means. to build for the flu
ture rather than for the present. 1t was
never the intention of the legislature,
and if it had been so, it would have been
an unworthy and illegitimate exercise OF
its power, to create with public funds a
mere high school for the town of Las
Vegas. But it was rightly to be inferred
that the intention was to build up a
school of wide and far-reaching intlu-
once. with aims and purposes worthy of
its name, and holding out to the people
of the whole territory benefits for which
it might Justly claim their approval and
support. Therefore this building was
designed upon a plan and of dimensions
commensurate with the ca nd
needs of the future state OF New Mex
leo. A structure, which, while afford
ing the facilities for carrying out it's
purposes in the most efficient manner,
will also by its very presence and impos-
ing appearance stand an ever present
witness in the view of thousands from
other states who yearly pass to and fro
through the territory, as to where New
Mexico may be found on the question of
public education. Therefore it was that
when public funds were found to be
inadequate, public spirited citizens, out
of their private means, made up the
amount required to finish and equip the
building, advancing the money to the
territory until such time as it should be
able and willing to reimburse them.
| This was done without ostentation.
| Even the local press had never given any
| complete account of the transaction.
1t was done by the people of this com
munity, first. that this great work might
not be longer delayed; and second, to
prove the wisdom of the legislature in
locating this institution in a place where
its objects are so well appreciated. The
people of Las Vegas and vicinity, in
thus advancing nearly so per cent. of
the cost of this building, did so with the
full knowledge that no legal obligation
was incurred for its redemption. and
that they might never receive back a
single dollar. But it is a pleasure to
record the fact that the legislature of
New Mexico, by an almost unanimous
vote, has recognized the high motive and
legitimate public purpose of this act,
by providing for reimbursement of the
money within such reasonable time as
the condition of public finances would
warrant. Not only has this been done,
but a majority of the legislature have
honored us by coming here today, to
give to this occasion the endorsement
of their presence, encouragement and
sympathy; and thus giving to the inau-
guration of this institution not only
their official sanction, but their personal
support as well. | congratulate the
legislature upon the fortunate compile
ton of a work, which will be a memorial
to their progressive spirit, and will re-
dound to the credit of our territory in
the eyes of other people.
The year just passed has been an
suspicious one for New Mexico; for it
has enabled her, both in wal and in
peace, to give to the world the two
highest proofs of her title to equal par
ticipation in the government, viz, the
patriotism and enlightenment If her
people.
BY the valor of her soldiers, first in
the field and foremost in the front
ranks of battle, she has demonstrated
that the flag and honor Of the nation
are safe in the hands of her loyal sons,
and by the opening of a school of learn
ing like this, destined to be a great and
powerful instrument for the advance
ment of her people, has shown her dis
position and ability to look after the
education of her children. If these two
be not credentials for citizenship Of this
country, in the highest and fullest
sense, then we may well look for some
modern philosopher to tell us, accord
ing to some newly evolved standard of
politics. what 1t is that constitutes a
state.
1t is now my pleasing duty as well as
high privilege, in behalf of the
board of regents, in the presence and
the authority of the legislature of
New Mexico, to pronounce the words of
dedication of this building and
this institution to the great purposes
for which it has been established. We
ledicate 1T in the name of the people of
New Mexico. to the enlightment and
elevation of her children, of this and
'uture generations. For me are the
words Of felicitation for the
and promise for the future, but
Inc work by which these great ends are
% be achieved is far others. One great
essen taught by oar late victorious war
5 that while stout ships and good guns
re essential to Il we'll ordered cam
,aiyn, vet it Is the man behind the gun
N whom the victory ut last depends.