The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-30

Ailtil hlAlilidlt utNelODintIlI anu lfDDTONt- ment; not only the buildings and improve ments of the next year and five years, but for the next half century In other words, to formulate plans of development that will put us in line with all the other pro gressive universities. A new building has not been erected at the university in over twenty years, and no better time could be selected for inaugurating this new work than at the seventy-ifth anniversary Cele- bration.
 'fhe reunion of the class of 'S5, the ia nous Company E., the class of '93 and other clasess which held reunions last commencement, proved conclusively that they are the most enjoyable of all alumni experneces, and number of classes, par. ticularly those of '76, s1, 91, 'g6 and sl, are holding reunions during this commence ment
 "The alumni of the University of Ala bama are the leaders in all walks of life in this state, and they are now realizing the unlimited possibilities that lie before them, both for their college and them selves, with reasonable amount of united effort and organizatlon.'
 Wyman and Parker Enter.
 The reading of President Ferguson's 8 report was interrupted by the entrance Of Dr. Wyman and Dr. Parker, escorted by R. H. Clarke of Mobile, T. M. Owen Of Montgomery and Judge H. NJ. Somervllle of the university law department. The alumni rose to their feet and joined in prolonged applause.
 J. II. Fitts, treasurer of the alumni so- ciety, read a financial report, showing that the society IS in good condition as regards funds. The receipts of the society for the year just closed were greater than ever before in the twenty years or the society's history.
 Mir. Ftts also read report on the educa- tional fund of the society, stating that financial assistance has been rendered many students enabling them to com pete their studies. The coeds have been especially prompt in taking up their notes. A balance on hand of s2500 remains in the treasury of the society The total value of the educational fund, including securities Is s64S9.76 A committee was appointed to pass on both reports of Treasurer Fitts.
 Secretary Palmer read a list of alumni who have died during the past year. The society rose during the reading of this report.
 Complete History of Society.
 It was announced that movement has been launched to compile a history of the society of the alumni. Thomas NJ. Owen, state historian has the matter tn charge and a report from him is ex- pected at some time during the com meneement exercises. At this juncture Secretary Palmer stated that a prac- tically unanimous contribution to the alumni society had been made by the class of 1885.
 The most important business of the meeting was the report of Chairman Robert Jemison of the geological mu- scum committee. MT. Jemison said that the committee had decided for greater university and a strong monument was already on foot. Samuel Parsons X Co.,, the leading landscape architects of the country, had been given a contract to draw a plan of the university of the fu- ture. as proposed by the alumni This plan a beautiful work of art, was ex- hihited and contemplates the erection or about fourteen additional buildings.
 Mir. Jemison made an eloquent and stir ring appeal for the students and alumni to take up this great work. He sug- gested that the Alabama Bryce insane hospital. the city of Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama join in beautifying the university. He also proposed that cuts of the greater university be given the widest circulation and be printed In all university literature.
 pr. Chaplin Introduced.
 Dr. w. s. Chaplin, president of Wash ington university at St. Louis, was intro duced He make a stirring talk, relating the difficulties overcome by the Washing ton university and the necessity of build ing up the University of Alabama. Rufus N Rhodes also spoke on the same sub ject He paid glowing tribute to Robert Jemison, and said that the alumni could so control the state legislature by en- listing its members in their service as to get the money needed for making the university what it should be. He said the state appropriation for the university should be made ten times larger.
 An eloquent talk was made by R. H. Clark of Mobile, advocating an appeal to the state legislature for funds, and pledg- ing his support. State Senator H. F. Reese of Dallas said that the question of securing more money for the university from the legislature should be made a po- litical issue in Alabama, to be laid before the two candidates for governor. B. B. Conner and Dr. R. M. Cunningham.
 On motion of w. B. Oliver the geologi- cal museum committee was continued, with power to lay the matter of special legislative appropriation before the trus- tees at their meeting tomorrow, and be- fore the state legislature at Montgom- cry
 The society then suspended it's session to hear an address by Congressman Charles A. Towne of New York.
 Good Fund Is Raised.
 At the conclusion of MT. Towne's ad- dress the alumni again assembled for a continuation of the business session. Aft- A the meeting had been called to- order by President Ferguson, he made an ap- peal for funds to increase the sum set aside by the alumni for helping needy students through colirgc. Congressman Sydney J. Bowie of Anniston explained the purpose of the fund and slOo was raised in short time This money add ed to the fund already on hand. makes about 5000 which the alumni now have on hand as an educational fund.
 In the election of officers, Hill Fergu- son of Birmingham was unanimously re elected president R. D. Steiner of Mont gomery was elected first vice president. and Carl Brown of Birmingham second vice president. J. H. Fitts Of Tuscaloosa
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