The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-09

technieau inss1I ton given is thus based
on sound general education
In its different. courses of education
work of general value to the youth OF the
state is accomplished by fitting them by
a thorough ience-discipline. in which
manual training in the lower classes is
made prominent feature for the success
full and honorable performance OF the re-
sponsible duties of life
Founded in 1872
This institution was founded in 1872
by the state endowing it with the land
grant appropriation made by the United
States Congress In 1862.
The original purpose Of the school
was for the education OF the masses
in the science of agriculture, the me-
chanical arts and military tactics.
Though the institution has had long
and honorable existence its real worth
was not appreciated as it should have
been for many years. Indeed 1t is Just
within the past few years that the peo-
pie have come to place Il correct value
on the offices and purposes of the
school. Book farming" was derided In
the early days. The farmer laughed
at the idea of scientific. farming and,
of course. refused to send his boy to
college to learn how to farm. He could
see no good in 1t. The farm was the
place to learn how to farm.
DIR. c. c. Thach
DIR. C. C. Thach, president of the
Alabama Polytechnic institute. is pecu-
liarly fitted for the executive duties to
which he was called at the head of
this institution eight years ago.
He entered the school as student
in 1872, as one of the first students
after the reorganization of the school
as a state institution for the teaching
of agriculture and the mechanical arts.
He graduated from the institution in
1877 and was retained as an instructor.
He has remained with the Polytechnic
institute ever since.
His every interest is closely identified
with the success of the institute. 1t is
very near to his heart and he takes
great personal pride N the success of
his graduates. He follows tn cir strug-
giles through the school with sympa-
thetic interest and when they go out
into the world he follows heir success
with pride and paternal interest.
He is loved by every student, teacher
and alumnus of the school. lie Is
broadly democratic and liberal to every
fault, yet firm and just m discipline.
The rich boy and the poor boy receive
equal treatment and considera ton at
his hands. Indeed, this Is true through
Poverty does not hamper the boy who
wants to get an education and is willing
to work Scores of boys have worked
their way through this institution and re-
ceved the highest degrees and honors
that can be conferred by the institution
They fire boilers, run engines, wait on
tables, hold positions as night watchmen
and do all kinds of manual labor while
pursuing their studies.
School Is Democratic
These boys who labor In grease and dirt
receive the same social and faculty recog-
milton as the son of the rich man who
does not have to toll. Indeed, the aris-
tocracy, II there be any aristocracy here,
is the aristocracy of labor. The boy who
works seems to secure for himself more
respect and more of the good things of
the institution than the boy who does not
work
1t is impossible for the stranger to
recognize the teachers and officials of the
school from the students They are all
one big family with common interests
and common cause. At the social af
fairs, the dances and receptions, there is
no partially. The dress suit is practically
unknown. The boy that has been firing
boiler to pay his way through school dur
ing the day can put on his best everyday
suit and dance with the belle of the even
ing and the belle of the evening seems to
be proud of her partner.
The reputation of the student body at
Auburn and at Opelika, the nearest city
is first-class. There is no fragrant rowdy-
ism. The boys are too busy. They have
great regard for the reputation of the
school and behave themselves.
The boy who comes to Auburn is seek
ing an education that will be useful and
honorable. The responsibility of honest
labor is drilled into his mind and he is
proud of his ability to do things.
Alabama may not and does not appre-
ciate Auburn as it should, but this In
stitution stands very high among the
technical institutions of the country.