Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1902-06-06

than 120 boarders We're enrolled during
the past year, while the number of day
scholars from the city increased the
attendance to over. 200, fact which
amply proves that the college is being
more and more appreciated by those
parents who desire a thorough Christ
ian education for their children. Many
times during the year pupils were re-
fused admission owing to the crowded
condition of the classes: now, however,
on account of the improvements recent
ly made, 1T is expected that these refus-
ais will be avoided in the future.
The commencement exercises will be
held in the college hall on the morning
of the 21st instant and will consist
principally of appropriate musical Sc
lections, the awarding of diplomas to
the graduates, and of premiums to
those students who have specially dis
tinguished themselves in their respec-
tive studies during the year.
A HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE.
st. Miehaeps Coleg5 was founded In
1859 by Archbishop ). b. Lany and WAS
placed under the direction of the Bro
Tiers of the Christian schools. The col
lege was incorporated in 1874. The
initial step was taken by Archbishop
Lamy when he purchased of Simon
Delgado and his mother, Maria de la
Luz de Delgado, desirable tract OF
land adjoining the old church OF San
Miguel The land had frontage of 32S
feet on what afterward became College
street, and 624 feet on Canine Rael or
Alto street. Having by this transac-
ton secured a spacious house, well
adapted in situation for college, the
archbishop proceeded to the difficult
task of securing the necessary teach
ers. Very Rev. Peter Eguillon, who
had succeeded Very Rev. P. J. Mache-
boeuf as vicar general of the diocese,
was sent to France on this mission.
With the consent of the superior gen.
eral of the order. he finally persuaded
four brothers to accompany him to the
far distant mission. Nine priests Joined
the party. Under the guidance of Faith
er Eguillon they set out for America In
the summer of 1859 and arrived at New
York without accident. There they were
Joined by an other brother. Making
haste, they reached Kansas City, then
the outpost of civilization. and imme-
diateIy started across the plains in
caravan. On this memorable journey
they were constantly beset by almost
Incredible danger and 11ardships, their
lives being repeatedly imperiled by at
tacks from hostile Indians. They reach
ed Santa Fe in October, 1852 The first
night after their arrival they were the
guests Of the good archbishop, and the
next day took possession Of the house
prepared for them. sleeping on mat
tresses laid on the ground, for the
house had no floor Repairs were inn
mediately made and boarders We're re-
ceived in the school, on November y
1859. Archbishop Lamy assumed the
responsibility for the purchase of the
necessary furniture and supplies, which
cost exorbitant prices at that time, ow-
ling to the remoteness of Santa Fe from
the railroads.
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The day school was opened December
IL. 1859. The number of day pupils va
ried from 150 to $50 from 1859 to 1859
There were 80 boarders the first year
\ and this number increased to so In 1868
Brother Hilarien was the first director
He was recalled in 1862, and was sue
\ ceeded by Brother Gondolph. Brothe
Geramius assumed the duties Of direc
tor in September, 1867, and wisely con
tinued the work Of his predecessors. III
was succeeded by Brother Domitian Il
November 1870, when Brother Botulpl
the present incumbent, was sent as su
perior. IT was under the direction Q
Brother Botulph that the college tool
rapid strides forward and became al
Iinstitution Of note In the west. In lSI
!. IN became apparent that, owing to tn
: unsafe condition of the roofs and tn
large number Of pupils. a new buildin
was absolutely required. Brother Bo
J tulph undertook the task Of raising tn
, necessary funds for the purpose p
subscriptior. He was successful. Sub
!, scriptions were received from all part
) Of the territory The sum Of 5000 wa
! lsubscribed by the clergy and people
! Isanta Fe IN a few days. The archbish