~OF~ D& .ASHB.EL SMITH~ B~ OR_ ~-G_ CLOP\ON., OF JEFFERSON, TEXAS. -..... .-:: RESPECTED AunrTORY:-It is a solemn privilege which bl'ings us together at this hour. Solemn, becanse we are reminded that death bas vis­ited us and summoned into the vast and limitless eternitv one, who a short while ago, moved among us a prominent figure, and whose life and charac­ter had won our admiration and esteem. The best faculties of our nature are sprung more from our sorrows, than our joys. Sorrow nnites human hearts, and our souis are attuned to deeper sympathies. and fresher harmo­nies in the house of mourning, than in the house of feastin~. When we contemplate, in its reality. the human body clasped in the cold embrace of death, doomed to silence and dumb despair, we bow our heads in sorrow. Differences, that during life no fire of charity could remove, disappear, and we realize with a deeper and fresher sympathy our common brotherhood. Charity, forgiveness and love are tbe offspring of calamity-where no sorrow is, there can be no charity. In the humoiest walk of private life, as in the public walk, to be ob­served by all, it is verified as a truth that "sorrow is the great commoner and the mighty hand, that while it smites asunder, smites but to heal." The strongest tie of neighborhoods, of communities, of nations, is the black hand of death. To-day, in memoriam of the departed, when we contem­ 2. EU:LOG ¥ ON 'I' HE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL S:ll.ITH. plate the dead hope, the dead past, the dead unity that lies beneath its earthly sod, stnnge1· and friend unite alike in paying tribute to his memory. Death is 110 respecter of persons; tbe king and the beggar are alike subject to his mandate, and thrice bles~ed is he who can realize with happy satisfac­tion that it is only the gate-way between temporal and eternal life, and can say in the fullness of his heart: "Oh Death! where is thy sting? Oh Grave! where is thy victory?" Who was he to whose sacred memory we make offering to-day? Was he one of the great men of tbe worla-born and inRpired for a special mission-whose name is inseperably connected with au important epoch in the histor.y of humanity? Was he a discoverer of some grand truth in science or philosophy, opening a new channel to the activities of human progress? Was he a great inventor, applying Nature's laws to practical and utilitarian purposes? No; these are God's instru­ments to work out the Divine will and stand, like peaks along the mountain range, towering above their fellow-men, and stretching out their hands to each other, connect the ages. Wll.s he a gl'eat conqueror, crowned by com­mon consent, with the laurels of the military hero? ThesA are bloody and selfish instrumeuts in the hands of the Creator for HiR purpose. Like Cresar, they walk over the dead bodies of their countrymen to fame and power, and are often ready to sacrifice principle, truth, and humanity to their ruling passion. Was he a poet ?-original, grand and sublime in his conception~, carrying his admirers into the imperial regions, and attuning their hearts m symphoBy with the music of the spheres? These are they who are en­dowed with genius, and serve their purpose in the work of progress. Their public work is extraneous, and outside of the p1·actical and utilitarian de­mands of human progress in this day. Whilst every other dspartment of knowledge has progressed, this department of literature has retrograded. The more rapid and grand is human progress, the more common-place and less original are their conceptions. Their public work is above our aspira­tions, and in their private life they are often unwo1·thy exemplars. Intense selfishness and sublime genius is oftener than otherwise. associated; their lives teach humanity no lesson worthy of imitation. Unfortunate would it be for the progress of humanity if the majority were like untothese. It was not as one of these that Dr. Ashbel Smith is remembered. Walking among us anJ of us, his work was not too high for our comprehen­ 3. EULOGY O.N THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. siou; his aspirations did not soar above our emulation. He was disting­uished among men for the beauty Qf his life, the virtue of his character, the nobility of his heart, and the philanthropy .of his work. His whole life was studded witll deeds worthy of our imitation, and which made him an exem­plar of the best part of our humanity. What though his name be not given to the empty corners of the world 01· the hollow depths of time l He appeals to om· memory, not as a great but a good man. The great man is God's instrument and tool; the good man his child and hefr. It has been said, by some one, that Character hath a life 'and voice-a soul and form, and they die not. Some things have not ruin in their nature; there are some ttiiugs that are beyond death's reach, and character is one of them. It speaks to us from the crumbled tombs of the past of the devastations of the ages, and it 8peaks to us to·day in the fresher tomb of our departed and v.enerable friend. It tells us not of grand achievements in the field or forum, in science or pbilosonhy. "The real character, the real life, which is permanent and exemplifies, is deeper than these." Times, opportunities, dress and appearance, mostly make the outer life. Character is the inner life, which develops the inner man. The i;rrnndest conceptions, the boldest design~, the most chivalrous deeds are overshad­owed, or recetve a brighter lust1·e from character, and it gives sublimity to the humblest work in the lowest walks of humanity. Character is distinc­tive from fame or reputation, and makes the man. Our departed friend speaks to us to-day through bis life and character, so full, so rounded, so manly. We cherish his memory, because his work and character proclaims him not a genius, but a man. As gallant as a knight, and as tender as a woman, he won the admiration and respect of all, with whom he came in oontact. The unselfishness of his motives, the purity of his purposes, and the patriotism of his heart, from the day he first trod the soil of the young a;nd struggling republic to that of his death, gave him prominence among patriots, statesmen and the people. A wide range of practical experience, a mastery of social and political topics, with great conversational powers, gave bim an intluence among his peers and commended his opinion!! to men. An able disputant, he was ever ready to vindicate Truth, but sought not to eilence by dogmatism, but to convince by argument. He was no orator­sould not hold men spell-bound by the magic of his eloquence, yet he com­ 4. EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. manded their atte1Jt10n by the sincerity of his manner and the force of his logic. His genial and sensitive 11!\tare and tender solicitude gave evidence of the philanthropy of his heart. "With him justice never trembled fo1 h~r purity." His life was spent in laboring for his fellow·rnen, and no sacrifice was too great, when duty called. Though a man of society, he loved soli­tude and the companionship of his well-stored library. "His oid t.ime courtesy, his charming simplicity, his singleness of purpose, hi"' utter unsel­fishness, his resthet.ic susceptibility, his suavity of manner, in imparting or receiving knowledge, distinguished him among hi11 fellow-men, and the circle of his personal friends was co·extensi ve with his acq uaintancc. Inti­mately connected with the eal'ly and late history of Texas no citizen, of now or then, endeared himself more closely, by virtue of the sublimity of his character, to the people. In whatever circle he mingled, whether political, professional or social, he was respected for his scholarship, his knowledge and his experience. Upon the battle-field, as brave as a lion; amid the asso­ciations of peace, as gentle as a lamb. He filled with ability, intee:rity and usefulness every position of public trust to which he was called, and dis­c.barged his public responsibilities with a self abnegation, that was phenome­nal. Positive in his opinions, he a:lways cou1·teously, but firmly, expressed them when occasion required. No selfishness guided his ton.!:{ue or dictated his acts; he weighed his words and deeds in the scale of truth al<>ne. He was ambi'tious and loved the plaudits of his follow men, but his r.spiratious were always subordinated to his conscience. As guilele8s as a child, he was as incapable of learning as he was of p1·acticing the tricks of the demagogue, therefore men less worthy and less capable, but more designing, sometimes succeeded over him. He cherished honor above selt; principle above office. He died as he bad lived, comparatively poor, but he left to his relatives and friends a richer legacy than money-a good name. Four score years, when attacked with his last and fatal illness, his mtellect was as vig­orous, and hts affections were as strong as in the prime of his manhood. In bis death his associates lost an in,;tructive and exemplary companion, virtue an able and consistent advocate, socit:ty a brilliant and chivalrous member, and Texas one of her noblest citizens. He lived a patriot and phi­lanthropist; he died a Christian, and when he died a beautiful life ended. Born in the State of Connecticut, he received a finished education. EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. Was a graduate of Yale in the academic and medical departments, and upon the threshold of Lis manhood was surrounded by such social influences, as assured him success in the pl"Ofession of his choice. The cultivated and scientific bent of his mind, and the inborn philanthropy of his heart, peculiarly ada.pted him to the practice of medicine. Had he made it the ruling object of his life, his name would have been enrolled high among the great medical names of the world, but circumstances deter­mined otherwise. Fired by a cause, which strongly appeals to every gener­ous bosom, he, during the memorable struggle of Texas for independence, united his fortunes with those of the infant republic. The people of Texas were not slow to discern the worth, and employ the services of one willing to serve in any capacity, for the vindication of the sacred principles of self­government. Soon after bis arrival in Texas, he was appointed Surgeon General of the army. Afterwards, at the most trying time in the history of the Republic, he was appointed, by General, Houston Minister to England and France. At that time the young republic stood, almost without aid or sympathy, 01· positive recognition, from the great nations of the earth. The United States, the modern representative of civil liberty before the world, at this critical period turned to her the cold shoulder; Mexico, encouraged by her loneliness, was preparing to invade her territory, and the attitude of foreign powers was of the greatest importance. Under these trying condi­tions, he entered upon his mission-his ripe scholarship, familiarity with all historical, political and polite topics, expressive patriotism, and suavity of address, introduced him favorably to the leading men of England and France, and during this time he established the highest reputation for diplomacy, and it is due to his ministerial labors that Texas is to-day a. prosperous State in the American Union. Under President Anson Jones, he was appointed Secretary of State, and afterwards seryed several terms in the State Legislature, before and after the war. He filled, during the history of the State, numerous positions of trust and honor, which time will not permit me to enumerate. Though lung since retired from active professional life, be delighted in investigating the medical lilerature of the day, and to the day of his death kept abreast of medical progress. He delighted in the assocfa. tion of his professional brethren, and in 1882 was elected President of the State Medical Association-the first time in the history of the Association, 6. EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND OHARACT.ER 01<' DR. ASHBEL SMITH. that this honor was conferred upon a member, who was not activt•ly engaged in the practice of his profession. During the late Civil War, he cast his f'.>rtunes and life witb the State of Texas, which he loved so well, and served as Captain and Colonel in the Confederate army, with a brnvery, devotion and self-sacrifice that won the love and admiration of his people. He always responded to the call of hit1 State without remunemtion or other reward, than the approval of his fellow­citizens. Patriotic m the highest sense, as a representative abrnad 01· a legit1lator at home, he stood upon the highest plane, and, regardless of self, championed nothing that, in his opinion, was not for good of the people. A faithful presentation of character is as sternly demanded of the eulogist, as the biographer. The weakness of in a shield from then until his death, against the attacks which dernagogne:> and the enemies of University education made upon the institution, and it il:l no disparagement to any to say that he was the best known, most popular, and best trusted membe!' of the Board. He was a prominent figure in the stining events connected with the early history of the Republic-his name is historical, intimately connected with the history of Texas from then until now. The historian in recording the events of tl11s period, must mention his name and acknowl­edge his work. He was making anct acting history when the other members lt the Board were in their swaddling clothes, puny infants in their nurses' arms. He was accorded this post of honor by virtue of bis ripe scholarship, his experience, his observation and µractical knowledge, and no public trust conferred upon him was more highly estimated. No conqueror or hero was eve1· prouder of his laurels, than Dr. Ashbel Smith of this expression of his co-regents, of confidence in bis ability and judgment. He understood the responsibilities which be assumed, and apprt>ciatf'd what an ageney the Univei·sity would be, in directing the progress and shaping the destiny of our State. Every energy of his mind was devoted to the work, and he happily lived to see its foundation laid so firmly, as to assure its future completion. We Iive in a restless age, an age of activities. A decade of life in tbe 19th Century is fuller of observation and experience, than a century of any previous period of time. The search for hidden trnth is more intense, and general·education is the great question of our time. Knowledge is more gene1·al, and human progress is accelerated, beyond any thing the minds of our ancestors could conceive. 'l'he active, energizing principle of this spirit of prngress is mind operatiog through the useful arts and 'lcience. There is more of -granduer in the D:.ind of man, than all else in the universe combined. The Darwinian philosophy may explain the gradual development of physical nature Jrom 9. EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHAltACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. the primary germ, buL mind is the Divine Essence-the Divine lnflat.us, above and beyond the philosophy of Darwiu, or Huxley, 01· Tyndall-:i stumbling block to the materiali>t, and a stronghold to the Christian­mind is irnmor1 al. The brawny muHcle has, and always will have, a place in the work of human progress, but as each period of ti.me rolls on, the demand for it is less and lei!s, and for brain power m'J•.·e and more. Knowledge is the all-felt want of humanity. The cry for light, more light, is heard louder and louder; it roll:> along the plain, is wafted over the water, is eehoed in the valleys, and reverberates from the mountaini>. We realize more than ev•~r before that knowledge is power, and the more extended and .general it is, the greater our progress. It is an utilitarian age; the truths of science are applied to prnctical purposes, an1l the demand for educated i:;killed labor is greater than 1tt any previous time. Printing, steam, and electriciLy are bringing the nations into closer relations. Nationalities and lan,guage are ceasing to be barriers to communication; the ilykes, which have so long confined knowledge are torn away, and the whole territory of truth is being flooded with investigators. It is not meant that mere ab­stract mind is superior, but knowledge is more diffused, and the scientist and philosovher of to-day stands in closer relation LO the people. The dis­covery of each new truth opens wider the fi eld of investigation, and ra1::;es higher the plane of observation. The dwarf of to-day, standiug upon the shoulders of the giants of the past, can see further than they saw. Galilei berng tried for his life by churchmen for announeing a grand scie11t.ific trntb, is a mortifying record of an a!!e g-une by. Neither tradition or superstition, or f:traight-laced theology, limits the field of scientific in­vestigation. Mind has seized its seeptre and asserted its dominion over matter, and assumes its legitimate authority to control the energies and shape the destinies of man. The demand IS tor educated labor in every department of progress. L;ibor is being elevated, and the time will come when the skilled, educated, scientific laborer will stand upon as high a plane, socially and intellectually, as the learned professions, as our statesmen, phi­losophers, and scientists. IL is the intellect thz.t const,itutes the glory and happines.s of man's natnre, and distinguishes him from everything else around him. The closer is labor and intellect associated, the more exalted will labor become. School houses dot the valleys and the hills, the States 10. EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITu. are taxing the people for the support of the public schools, leading representatives in Congre~s are asserting the duty of the general govern­ment to do the same thing. To educate is t.he commission of society. Klucate is the watch word, the slogan of progress of this and the coming ages. Educate not only the child of wealth, but of want, for both can and must become eq1ial co-laborers in the work cf progress. Man will regain the sceptre which, by disobedience he lost, and wave it over broader, richer, more luxuriant and enchanting fields, thau the garden in which he com­ mitted his first transgression. Nations rise and fall-dynasties come and go-a king rules to.day in regal splendor, and to-monow feeds upon grass-Egyptian hieroglyphics alone tell us of Egyptian splendor-Grecian song and eloquence alone perpetuate Grecian grandeur-the genius of Roman power lies buried be­l!eatb her ruins-old ocean recedes at the approach of the sho.1·e, and the dry land yields to the waters that covers the great deep, and if the reader of history sees nothing in these successive changes, but the mere swinging of the historical pendulum to and fro, or a past, dead and lost, having no con­nection witb the present, he is but an ignorant searcher after truth. Tbe nse and fall of nations, change of dynasties, Egyptian splendor, Grecian graD'deur, Roman power, the receding of the water and the dry land, all form parts of one stupendous whole-the links of the chain which connect the past with the present. These successive periods in human history were necessary to the evolution of the present and the future. What thrilling emotions pervade our bosoms when thought, leaping beyond the barriers or the present, and posing for a moment on imagination's wings, looks through the vista of the future upon the endless rei:;ults, revealed amid the fortunes of generations yet unborn, which may be traced by secret, but unbroken links, to the instruction imparted, and the moral training incul­ cattid in our institutions of learning of this day. How much more compre­ hensive are our responsibilitieE, and greater our incentives to the discharge of our duty to society and government, wh11n we comprehend this grand truth. Every thing is intertwmed and interlaced with every other thing; throughout all nature the law of cause and effect operates. Whatever 11. L'ULOGY ON THE Lil<'E AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITII. we fail to do, the generation to follow must pause in their progres.i to perform. As the work of this age is of greater magnitude, so are our t•esponsibilities greater. The mental and moral discipline of the coming genel'ation, male and female, must be more complete. The demand for edaeated, skilled, scientific labor in every department of industry is greater, and the responi;ibility is with us to supply the demand. Who due write tlrn limits of human progress? Who dare say thus far shalt thou go? What was once civilization was but the star-light in the uight of barbarism; what is now civilization is but the twilight of an endless day. You will excuse the digression, for it is only apparently a digression. These thoughts are suggested by the last conversation I ever had with the late Dr. Ashbel Smith. Over two years since "We met upon the train between Fort Worth and this city, and in the course of our val'ied convel'­sation, the State University was discussed, His face and language ex­pressed the deep inte1·est he felt, in the future of the institution. He then thought the destiny of the University hung in the balance. A bill was before the Legislature, drafted and introduced by a professed friend of the University, which if passed, he thought would seal its doom. '!'hough declared for the p1·omot.ion of higher University education, within its pro­visions was hidden the fatal emblem of its purpose. Its effect, as be conceived, would be to turn over the institution to the direction of political demagogues, a class the most unfitted of all men for so high a responsibil­ity. How well I rememher the emphasis with which he declared, that he feared the ill-advised interference of the friends of the University, more than the machinations of its enemies. The bill failed, and the University eame out of the contest stronger than before. The white pop­ ulation of Texas are as intelligent as any people in the Union, Massachusetts with its Boston culture and narrow area, not excepted. Immigration since the war has been so rapid, that a great many of our populatio11 were unin­ formed, ab to the authority for the organizatiou of the University, ::..s well as the purpose and the financial resources t.o maintain it. They were told that it was a rich man's institution, supported from the poor man's pocket. This bill brought the questions up for discussion by the press and the in­ telligent citizens in every community, and their minds were disabused of th 1.s error. They understood the authority and purpose of its organization, EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER. OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. and that they were not taxed a uent for its support. They realized that it was the only way, in which the poor children of the State could be afto4"ded the oppo1'tunity of a university education. The citizens of Texas are infect­ed with communism-that spint that would level by lowering, ~s littfo as any people on the globe. 'fhey know the importance of law and order ~rthe protection of their lives and property, and the promotion of progress, and they realize the importance of educa.tion to these things, .A:mong the learned or unlearned-the rich or poor, the State Uoiversitv of to-day, finds but few, if any enemies. But to return: It was in the discussion of this bill that he opened to me, a full realization as I bad not thought of before, of the importance of the University as an agency in th.e great work of State pl"Ogress. With the vision of a seer be unfolded to me the future possibilities of our State, and the important work which the University would perform, in realizmg these great possibilities, until JD;y imagination. shrank before tl1e magnitude of his rational deductions. Texas wa~ destined to become the greatest State in the Union in popufation, ma­terial prosperity and political influence. Thfa high position a>mong the Union of States, required the highest order of education among the people, to achieve and mantz.in. A virtuous and enlightened population was posi­tively necessary to the fulfillment of its destiny, and he depended upon our public schools and the highest standard of CJniverl'lity educatien to prepare the rank and file and leaders for the wotk. The resources .of the State, its climate, its fertile soil, the .mineral wealth imbedded beneath its surface, its broad area. and various undeveloped induGtdes, be dwelt upon, and declared it was the e!!pecial duty of the present to prepare and discipline the suc­ceading ueneration for this work. He impressed upon mv mind ain idea. of which I had not before thought, that the University, if it reached the high standard it ought to would be the strongest link in . the chain to hold the State, intact and undivided. I asked him what he thought ,of the compul­sory provision in the organic law, prO¥iding for the co-education of the sexes. It was a subject. about which I had thought and was interested. knew that the female schools of the State, in their ,curriculum and require­ ments, fell far below what would be necessary to enter a university. The female seminaries even were not high en-0ugb for such preparation, and I was uncertain as to the 1·esnlt-w.hether.the Univ.ersity standard wowd be 13. EUJ,OGY ON THE UFE AND CH\RACTER OF .DR. ASHBEJ. SMITH. lowered to suit the schools, or the prnparation of the schools raised to answer the demands of a University. The earnestness of his response gave evidence, that the interest was mutual. "Why eir," Le replied, "our fathers, in providing for the co-education of the sexes, were witie beyona their generation; and but recognized a law of cl'eation that would soone1· or later be of universal recognition." Respe:ited Auditory, the women of America will rule America; not with the sword or ballot, but, by that subtle, yet powerful influence, bestowed upon her by Divine wisdom, at the matunty of her first individual existence, and which may be trnced along thll whole course of human history, from tlJen until now. At. no period of life are we free from her influence-the infant at the breast, the prattling child, the boy at !!Choo!, the man in the public arena and in declining years, realizes and recognizes her power. The mothers of a nation mould a nation's destiny. "She sits upon the throne of love and rules by its mystic power. Then i,;bouid she not be educated. No female college opens to he1· the advantages of a university education. Vassar, the highest female institution of learning in the United States, falls short of it. But two or three of our universities are open to her on equal terms with the male student. May I not say that Texas leads in the van in this i~portant innovation ? Here she stands equal with the male student in the race for preferment and honor, Every department of knowledge is open to her, equal with him. A high unive,.sity education will not only add to her usefulness and influence, but to her personal charms, her loveliness and her vh·tues. Do not understand me as advocating woman's rights, as some do-a man-woman is a freak of nature I do not admire. Open to her the avenues to knowledge in om· universities equal with us-in polite liter­ature, philosophy, 8Cience and art-and she will draw the line-she will never deprive us of the exclusive privilege of swigging beer and voting. The organization of the University was to him the grandest and moRt congenial work of bis life, inspired bv no selfish motiv·e, but the good of his stat~ and of posterity. No sacrifice was too gre:.t, no labor too onerous, in .the dis­charge of his responsibilities, as President of the Board. He was present at every meeting, and entered into the dii;cus11ions and investi{!'ations of the questions involved in the organization and promotion of the University, with special energy and interest. This was the work around whwh bis life 14. EU.LOGY ON THE .UFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL 8'MITH. r.evolved, and if be had a regl'et when the summons came, it was, no d.oubt, that he could not live to see it completed in all its appointments. Ladies and gentlemen, the march of empire comes this way. This iii no vain-glorious boast, no spread·eagle ai1sert10n, and if the occasion was appropriate, and time permitted, I would delight in el.aborating the argu­ment upon whinh the assert10n is based: "Straight forward goes the lightning's flash, Straight the fearful path of the cannon ball, Direct and rapid it flies-shattering to reach, Ar.d shattering what it reaches. The road-that on which blessings come and go Doth follow the river's course, the valley's playful windings, And thus secure, though late, leads to its end." Look out in imagination upon our State a half century hence, .and what will you see? A. State in material greatness and political importance, not equaled by any five States in the U mon. It will be the leading power in every department of mdustry and political economy, as well. It will bec.ome, by virtue of its population, its wealth, and, if we are true to ourselves, its intelligence, the especial guardian of civil liberty upon this continent. In.trica.te questions of political economy, of vital importance to the material prosperity of the people, and the perpetuation of republican insiitutions, are already looming in the poiltical horizon. Questions, which in the progress of the people are new and unsolved, and which i·equire the high­est order of intellect, the purest patriotism, the completest education, and the most disciplined research to solve and apply. Philosophers, state-,men and patriots above reproach or corruption must direct the helm,if we would avoid the breakers. An appeal to arms is no remedy for the grievances of a free people. Civil war is incompatible with civil liberty. The rights of every class of citizens and every industry in our government, can only be secured by conservative legislation. Neither labor or capital c.an redress a grievance by force. 'l'o procure conservative and protective legisla­tion, it is necessary that we should have enlightened representatives, llll.d to secure such representatives, it is absolutely necessary that the people should be educated and enlightened, so as to comprehend their rights and the mo.st conservative way of maintaining them. The rights of all EULOGY ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF DR. ASHBEL SMITH. 15. classes of citizens, and the perpetuity of republican institutions in our government, rests alone upon the right of suffrage, exet"Cised by an enlight­ened, virtuous and free people. Therefore in the evolution of our State, the time bas come, when urnversal education and the opportunity fot the highest education for all, who can and will avail themselves of it, under the fostering patronage of the State, is an absolute necessity. The hope of this government is in her schools, her collegt'ls and her uni­vers1t1es. Such were the grand and high mo~ives which inspired Dr. Ashbel Smith, in the work of organizmg the State University. To him more than to any ot.ber i& due the wisdom that directed the board of Regents, and we may rejoice that he was spared for this responsibility. "Though dead, be yet speaketh" and his wisdom and zeal in the work bas been transmitted to his successor, and the promise is bright that ou1· Stat.e University, in all of its appointments, as it does already in its faculty, will compare with any in America or Europe. Charge me not with indul­ging in inappropriate sentiments, or seizing the occasion to deliver a quasi political speech. Respect for the dead and for my audience forbids. When I look upon this beautiful edifice, forming but a wing of the University, when completed-when I look upon this able faculty and these students around me, soon to step upon the stage of responsible action and assume the duties and obligations of manhood and citizenship, and then contemplate the future of this institution, complete in all its appointments and in every department of instruction, and then the re­tiources of our State and its manifest destiny, morally, politically and materially and then reflect upon what is required to realize it, I feel that I have indulged no remark or ut,tered a sentiment inappropriate to the hour. If the disembodied spirit can look down upon the earth and take interest m the affairs of men, I know that the spirit of him whom we commemoratP to-day, looks down upon these ceremonies and approves every word I have spoken and every sentiment I have avowed. When the names of your statesmen, yom· senators, your governors and generals shall be forgotten by men, his name will be remembered and indi11so­ lubly connecteJ with our State University. "Render to Cresar the things which are Cresa1"s. Honer to whom hono1· is due." "When our souls shall leave this dwelling, The glory of one fair and virtuous act Is above all the scutcheons on our tomb Or silken banner over us." THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, AT AUSTIN, TE .. -. .. ..... BOARD OF REGENTS. PRESIDENT, T. D. WOOTEN, Austin, Travis County. T. M. HARWOOD, Gonzales, Gonzales County. E. J. SIMKINS, Corsicana, Navarro County. SETH SHEPARD, Dallas, Dallas County. GEO. T. TODD, Jefferson, Marion County. L. C. ALEXANDER, Waco, McLennan County. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE : T. D. WOOTEN, T. M. HARWOOD, GEO. T. TODD. FINANCE COMMITTEE : GEO. T. TODD; E. J. SIMPKINS. SECRETARY, A. P. WOOLDRIDGE, Austin, Texas.