The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-29
COL. GUNTER NOW
 OLDEST GRADUATE
 OF THE UNIVERSITY
Interesting List Compiled of the 100 Oldest Graduates
 of Institution
By JACK FREEMAN.

University, May 2S.-(Special. )--Of the many visitors to the university campus during the current commence ment season, there is one character that stands out as peculiarly unique and interesting. This is Col. William A. Gunter of Montgomery, the oldest living graduate of the university. Colonel Gunter is the only living mem Der of the class of 1858, and he is vis- iting his alma mater for the first time since his graduation.
 Colonel Gunter was "apprehended" by The Age Herald correspondent in the library this morning, and when asked for an interview for the papers he announced emphatically, and with a gusto hardly to be expected of a man of his years, that he would ''say noth- ing He accompanied the statement with several vehement strokes of his foot on the carpeted floor, and there was a finality in his tone and manner that precluded any remonstrances from the press representative. Luckily for that individual, however, there came in at that minute pr. George Little of Tuscaloosa, graduate of the class of '55, who, having heard that Colonel Gunter was at the university, had been searching for him all the morning. Colonel Gunter greeted Dr. Little cordially, although he did not appear quite to recolIect him. Three chairs were drawn up, and these two elderly gentlemen, with Miss Mamie Gorgas, the assistant librarian and sis ter of the late General Gorgas, were seated around table, and soon en- gagged in one of the most interesting conversations that it had ever been tho privilege of the correspondent to overhear.
 Colonel Gunter fell into a close scrutiny of Dr. Little's face, and the latter, noticing it, asked him if he did not remember him. Colonel Gunter confessed that he did not, and then Dr. Little reminded him that he was a freshman at the time when Colonel Gunter was a junior. A light of recog- milton came into Colonel Gunter's eyes, the two shook hands and an old ac- ouaintance was revived.
 Throughout the conversation Colonel Gunter was as vivacious and lively as a college freshman, and when Miss Gorgas and Dr. Little reminded him that he was S6 years old, he appeared offended. and retorted: "Eighty-six bah! My true age is-er-70." Why, the other day l walked 19 miles," con- tinued Colonel Gunter, boastingly.
 That's nothing" contested Dr. Lit tie, proudly, T walked 40 miles not long ago, from Greenville to -
 sYes, but I'll bet that was when the Yankes were after you" interrupt ed Colonel Gunter, chuckling. The last remark terminated brilliant train of repartee, and Colonel Gunter fell into a philosophical mood. Turning to Miss Gorgas, he quoted the lines of Portia. when she said, God made him; there- fore let him pass for a man" This re- mark was not, of course, directed against any of the party, but served the basis for Colonel Gunter's declara- tion that the purpose of education IS to improve on what God did.'' Ever since man got above monkey as- serted Colonel Gunter, The has been seeking to improve himself by means of education. By the way" he added, turning to Dr. Little. have you ever