The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1920-09-24
A. 8 N. OPENS
WITH RECORD
ATTENDANCE

Under the most aupicious condi-
tions that could be desired or hoped
for the forty-frst annual session of
the Mississippi Agricultural and Me-
chanical College was formally open
ed in the college chapel Tuesday
morning. The auditorium was filled
almost to it's seating capacity on the
main floor with quite an overflow to
the balcony.
The stage setting was simple and
digniied with ferns and palms for
decorative effect. On the platform
were President David C. Hull, Vice
President B. M. Walker, Professor
J. G. Herbert, Registrar, Professor
F. D. Mellen who officiated as mas
ter of ceremonies, DR.. j. C. Robert,
DR.. w. F. Hand, Professor ]. G.
Bowen, Professor F. ]. Weddell, Col.
Elting, Comm, and Rev. w. H. Hill
and DR.. j. D. Ray, pastors respec-
lively of the Starkville Presbyterian
and Baptist churches.
These men faced a notable assem-
bly, made up for it's larger part of
active, virile and interested looking
young men including those of all
classes in whom reposes the hope Of
home, state and country.
Professor F. D. Mellen of the
Chair of Public Affairs and Discourse
was happily chosen as master of
ceremonies. who in,clear tones called
the assembly to order, opening with
the singing of "America" which was
Justify rendered. A scripture lesson
by Reg. Hill was read, the selection
being the 18th Chapter of the Epistle
to the Romans, which he preface
by a few words illustrative of its
application to the event Of this day.
The scripture lesson was followed
by prayer offered by Dr. Ray which
was also in tune with the occasion.
The feature of this simple but i'm
pressive ceremonials was the master
~ and eloquent presentation of Pres
ident Hull by Chairman Mellen, who
was received with enthusiastic
cheers. This Introductory was fol-
lowed by an earnest, simply phrased
and thoughtful address by DR.. Hull
AS stated by Chairman Mellen in
presenting DR.. Hull, he was "pri-
marily school man by instinct and
education, who returns here to head
his alma mater twenty-five years af-
ter receiving his diploma"
After his spontaneous reception
at the hands of the audience DR..
Hull gave voice in impressive terms
to the sensation which filled his
breast at that moment. He wished
it to be understood and remembered
that he is here not as stranger but
as personal well-w.sher and he
would be an intimate friends and
counsellor to all. He gave an i'm
pressive greeting and God-speed to
term and spoke of his own four
years on this same campus and in the
same dormitories where he was sub
iected to all of the trials, disappoint-
ments, perplexities and troubles
that must face most of the student
body.
He grew eloquent in his reference
to Gen. Stephen D. Lee, the first
president Of the College, who con-
ceived the idea that he was greeting
the child of his brain and hopes.
He next referred to President Har-
dy's disposition towards the College
which he loved as his bride, but this
beloved alma mater he declared was
akin in his mind to his love for his
mother.
DIR. Hull emphasized the duties
and responsibilities which rest upon
all from both the instructors and the
student body, and towards the latter
he earnestly urged hard work, appli-
cation to the duties and opportuni-
ties confronting them and with am
bition to do their best, with such Of
these opportunities as are open to
them.
He was especially strong in urg-
ing the young men to so conduct
and demean themselves that they
should never disappoint or cast a
shade of sorrow over the minds and
hearts of those who have sacrificed
them from home to improve them
selves by work and study at this in
stitution. This thought advanced by
President Hull was received with
ever manifestation of appreciation
and interest.
The address of DR.. Hull was not
more than Is minutes in delivery
but was filled with high thoughts and
practical suggestions which if follow
ed zealously will mark successful
periods of all in this student body.
The address of DR.. Hun was fol-
lowed by announcements by different
members of the faculty after which
the assembly was closed and the
President and faculty members re-
tired to continue the routine of get
ting the student body organized in
every way. :
Following the lunch hour the ac-