El Nuevo mexicano., 1919-01-23
PROGRESSES ON
LUNA MEMORIAL At
THE M|LITARYINSTITUTE
LIKELY 70 BE COMPLETED IN
MARCH; SUGGESTED AS PRoTo.
TYPE OF DESIRED MEMORIAL
TO NEW MEXICO SOLDIERS.

VIC fahtohiO Luna meHOIldl DulluluB
at the New Mexico Military Institute
is progressing rapidly, The walls are
now we'll up to the top of the first
story. The work was delayed to some
extent during the cold weather. 1t is
hoped now. however, that the build.
ing will be completed and ready for
occupancy In March.
This splendid building will stand for
many years as a splendid monument to
the life and memory of Antonio Luna,
a former cadet.
1t will be remembered that Antonio
Luna, Of Santa Fe, was one Of the
first men to volunteer for service
when the trouble broke out on the
Mexican border in 1916. Having
graduated from the New Mexico Insti-
tute in 1914, Mr.. Luna was well
equipped for pioneer work among the
troops on the border. His ability was
soon recognized and he was made a
second lieutenant in the regular army,
an achievement difficult at that time.
A short time after his commission,
Lieutenant Luna was stricken with a
malignant fever, contracted in the
vicinity of Columbus. He was taken
to the base hospital at Fort Bliss and
within a very short time 'succumbed
to the disease. placing in the service
flag of the Institute its first gold star.
The school had a very good swim
ming pool, but in the open air. The
donor of the memorial conceived the
idea OF erecting a building over the
swimming pool, which would provide
for a combined natatorium and gym
nasium. Only those who are in a
position to know, can say how greatly
the gift has been appreciated, and how
greatly the cadets will enjoy the
plunge and gym,
The Luna memorial mas been sug-
gested as a splendid idea for the char.
acter Of a permanent monument to be
erected for the sailors and soldiers
New Mexico lost in the war. 1t is
pointed out that a huge monument,
erected in some part OF the state,
which will not serve any useful pur-
pose, other than to attract attention
because of the beauty of it's outline,
or the skill Of the sculptor, will not
be the kind of a monument that the
men who say service will approve of.
"a monument to be worth while, in the
opinion OF those who have given the
subject considerable thought. should
have the feature of affording service
and enjoyment to the living, while at
the same time be a reminder Of the
sacrifices OF those in whose honor 1t
Is erected.
School Successful.
The New Mexico Military Institute
is enjoying a splendid year. The limit
has been placed at 300 cadets and it
will almost take the governor himself
to get another lad into the barracks.
There isn't room for more than 300
boys and the officers have decided
that crowding isn't fair to those al
ready enrolled.
A recent inspecting officer, sent out
from Washington, was amazed at the
size Of the Institute. and the snap and
ginger apparent in the daily lives Of
the cadets.
Y. Is FIourishing.
The Y. M. G. A. has been firmly es-
tablished In the old mess hall build
ing and is flourishing. It is a Joy to
the hearts Of the young soldiers. The
work is to be in charge Of a regular
army secretary. The promise is given
that a man will be secured who has
had service with the troops and will
be In a position to tit in with the mill
tary system.
The faculty reports great interest
In the academic department. Time lost
during the "fiu" epidemic is being
made up. The teachers have put on
the booster" and by using the inten-
sive training system during study
hours and recitation periods, 1t is be-
lieved that the schedules outlined at
the first Of the term will be success
fully completed.
more room. The school will mark
time from now on, as far as growth
and expansion may be concerned, UNI
less the state Will provide money suf
Picient for a new administration build
Ing and a hospital building. The mat
Ter will soon be up before the legisla.
lure and 1t 10 believed that II the
members OF both the house and senate
,ould only come to Roswell and see
he school and review the cadets; In
Ipect the barracks; observe the prog
'ess made in class rooms; note the
physical development Of the
as attested by the accurate 1
;harts kept; that they would return |
o the capital not only convinced that I
hey should not adopt a large policy
oward the Institute, but persuaded I
hat they should get busy without de- /
ay and make an appropriation ade- q
Iuate to make the New Mexico MIL 1
airy Institute really the West Point !
I the west. t
'anch which he recently purchased, Il
las great faith in the fertility Of the y
II applied to a growing and 3
Innounces that he proposes to put a
n 200 acres. He will irrigate with b
from the oil wells on the place
nd separate the oil for commercial
ses. :
DEVELOPMENT.
News comes from Carlsbad to the
fleet that Colonel Tracy OF that
lace has closed o. lease with parties
4 Kansas who have agreed to come
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