Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

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TO OUR PRESIDENT A true gentleman and an ever sympathetic friend, whom we esteem for his noble qualities as a man of honor, principle and integrity, one who has a pleasant smile and a kindly word for all ,— To PRESIDENT R. T MILNER. I im This volume of the Long Horn is respectfully dedicated.

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1— CZSUZD OI cp- N -. c President R. T. Milner When, late along in the strenuous summer of 1908, the newspapers announced that Mr. R. T. Milner, Commissioner of Agriculture, had been elected to be President of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the cadets of the College had little to say. They possessed but meager knowledge of the man. A few of them, perhaps, recalled a quiet, seemingly almost taciturn, member of the Board of Directors, who sat through its meetings making few remarks, though always attentive and interested and keenly alive to the welfare of the institution. He had spoken briefly to the students on one or two public occasions. These talks, following others of the same general tone, had been, for the most part, forgotten; except, in a few instances, some of the more observant students recalled that a distinct impression of earnestness, of rugged simplicity in phrasing his sentences, had given force to the appeals he had made. These recollections, however, were too vague and indistinct to serve as a safe basis for an opinion of the merits of our new Presi¬ dent. So, as a rule, the cadets suspended judgment and waited for a more intimate acquaintance. Only a few months have elapsed since six hundred eager, alert, open-minded young fellows again gathered in these halls, hallowed by a thousand precious memories, and put themselves under the leadership and guidance of a President who was practically a stranger to them. These months have been sufficiently long for the students to form their judgments of the man; and this Long Horn is dedicated to him in response to the spontaneous and universal wish of the entire student body. It is the highest expression of loyalty, esteem, and affection that the cadets of the College can give to a man. The tribute is paid President Milner because he has earned it. Before attempting to analyze the feeling of the students towards him, a few facts concerning his life may prove interesting. He was born in Alabama in 1851. During the same year his parents removed to Rusk County, where, until two years ago, he has since resided. His education4was received in Henderson College. After leaving college he taught school for five years; then in 1881 purchased the Henderson Times and adopted the profession of journalism. A year later he married Miss Mary L. Hawkins. From 1887 to 1893 he served as a member of the Texas Legislature, being speaker of the House of Representatives during his last term. His active interest in agriculture was fitly recognized in 1905, when he was made President of the Texas Division of the Southern Cotton Association. The following 5 E=D3 QfT D uC jg 1 | ) nr ■