The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-15
OPENING AT SALTWATER
College Enters Its Ninth Year with
an Overlooking Enrolment

Saltwater, o. T., Sept. 1.-THE Agricul-
tural and Mechanical college began It's
ninth year yesterday with an enrolment
of 1877. Contrasted with former openings.
This was a red letter day in the history
of the institution; in fact, it was more OF
the nature of a Fourth Of July display Of
fireworks. For two days the entire facul-
ty had been busily engaged in examining
applicants for admission and had scarce
ly time to realize the number OF students
who were here But at chapel exercises
yesterday morning, when every seat IN
the. assembly hall was occupied and the
windows and radiators were being used
as seats, and still some were standing 1t
began to dawn pom them that something
unusual was happening.
Rev. Foreman of the Presbyterian
church made a few remarks welcoming
the students and conducted the exercises.
President Scott then made number of
announcements concerning assignments,
and the classes went to their recitation
rooms. A visitor passing the building
was surprised TO see the roof Of one Of
the porches being used as an overflow
snace for the freshman class. It was
rather an unusual sight, but will not oc-
cur again, as the class has been put In
two divisions. A freshman class Of eighty
was a new experience and the manage
ment was not quite prepared for it.
Last year ON the opening day but 11S
were in attendance, and the total enroll
ment for the year was PIG. If the same
rate Of increase is maintained through
out this year the enrolment should reach
ga, and it will certainly do it Students
have come from almost every county in
the territory, from Indian Territory,
Kansas, Teas, Missouri, and even from
Illinois. Every class except the senior
has received Some additions. the sophie
more class now numbering thirty.
The tahletic field Of the college is one
of the finest in the west A plat of ground
$40 by 90 feet has been assigned to the
boys. The field is perfectly level and is
sheltered by hedges Of tamarisk on the
north and south. The football field be-
ing laid out, and a quarter mile track
VIII be put in within few weeks. IN
tested and the team will soon be ready
TO do business with all corners.
The roof is being placed on the north
wing of the chemistry building and the
library building Is being pushed rapidly.
1t is expected that the former will be
ready for occupancy by the first Of No
zember The increased room which these
buildings VII afford viii enable the col
lege TO accommodate all who come.
The people Of the territory are coming
TO realiz5 that they have been misin-
formd concerning the objects and facih-
ties and the Agricultural and Mechan-
5cal college. 1t will not do to keep on
saying that this is "only a place where
they farm a little and carry on a high
school" The people know better than
that now. While it is true that the col
lege has a department of agriculture and
horticulture Of which it is proud, and an
agricultural experiment station that is
doing fine work which attracts attention
all over the United States, it Is also true
that this is but a small part Of the COL
lege. Farmers sons and daughters may
come here and learn much that will help
them in their work on the farm. But the
children OF the doctor. the lawyer, the
business man, viii also find what they
are looking for. a course in general sci
ence and literature, in chemistry, in bot
any, in biology, in mechanical and civil
engineering. certainly affords a sufficient
range Of choice for any boy or girl who
wants to work. There IS no ready made
education handed out here. It IS mostly
work. with just enough Of play to pre-
vent stagnauon.