Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1899-06-29
AN AUGUSTA MANS SUCCESS.
What He Has Done and is Doing in New
Mexico.

AN AUGUSTA MANS SUCCESS.
What He Has Done and is Doing in New
Mexico.
The Las Cruces Democrat, published
at Las Cruces, New Mexico, devoted
! six columns in a recent issue to The
closing exercises for the session OF
$3.50 of the New Mexico College oi
Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, OF
} which Hon. G. T. Jordan, a former
citizen of Augusta and for a long time
our Superintendent of schools, is the
president. During these interesting
exercises portrait of a graduate of
the New Mexico College who fell on the
| field while fighting against Spain in
the recent war was presented to the
school. and the Democrat says:
president Jordan, in his response
accepting the portrait of the young SOL
dier, the first graduate to fall for his
country, struck note as clear and
sweet as silver bells. There was no
effort or strain at high effects, just the
simple, tender, big heart of the man.
Many an eye glisten ed with jewels
more precious than diamonds when his
voice was stilled. He paid fitting
tribute to the young man who now
sleeps waiting the last reveille and
pledged the grand institu tion of which
he is president to his loyal memory"
In another part of the report we find
the following paragraph:
President Jordan presented the
graduates with their diplomas, and be-
slowed upon c. 8. Bennett the degree
OF M. s. in proper terms, and spoke for
few moments Of the great institution
of which he has been the head. He
urged the people of the valley and the
territory to support it as it should be,
and to publish to the world the fact
that New Mexico has no superior in
the quality of her educational institu-
tions. He also drew attention to the
fact that every department of the col
lege closes the year better equipped for
its lofty mission than ever before, and
prophesled further career of useful
ness and power. His remarks were
deeply earnest and forceful, which was
not lie ssened when in solemn phase he
de clared the year '99 closed and the
form discOIvn1 y
Aside from the foregoing words of
praise we find in this same paper an
editorial reference to the College. The
Democrat in speaking of the close of
he year says that 1.-THE event is one
that should turn the thoughts of every
sitizen of the great Mesilla valley to
;he value and significance of this great
educational Institution.
And continuing in this strain our
New Mexico contemporary closes its
editorial with these words: There are
many at this season of the closing of
he years work who will sincerely re- s
,ret that President Jordan's connec-
ion with the college may also cease. ,
3e has been careful and painstaking
worker, and has left the imprint of his
)road individuality upon every de-
,artment of the institution. 1t is ex.
remely doubtful if his successor, no
natter how gifted, how talented he
nay be, will be able to take up the {
ems, unite the elements of force, and
cad the college to as high attainments.
For the sake of the institution we hope I
that he may be able to do so, for the
rood of the university comes before
wen the considerations of personal ad
n iration and friendship. VIZ
Certain it is that no man can come
closer into the hearts of the students of
he college and the people of the val
ey than Mr.. Jordan. A man OF great
culture and innate refinement, he has
,orne himself so genially, with such
spontaneous, unaffected courtesy that
le has grown into and become part
l. the community that it is doubtful
airy other man can fill. He is a noble
,Npe of his class, and whether he goes
,r stays will live ever in the hearts of
he people. The institution can ill af-
ford to lose such a man and the COM
munity still less"