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

Page 30 text:

The Battalion The first student publication of the student body was The Journal, which appeared just once during the year 1893. This attempt to establish a college periodical was a complete failure. Next year, however, the long cherished dream of the founders of the first enterprise was realized, and the session 1894-95 witnessed the successful founding of The Battalion. It more resembled a magazine than a college newspaper, since it was pub¬ lished under the combined direction of the Austin and Calliopean Societies. The prestige of these societies began to decline in 1903, and the success of The Battalion went from bad to worse until it was taken out of the hands of these organizations and placed under the control of The Students’ Association. The weekly form of publication began in 1905, under the control of an editor and business manager, elected by the corps. The “Bat” is of course the official organ of the corps of cadets. It records all local events and those of current interest. There is also the usual amount of space devoted to jokes, etc., illustrating the more congenial side of college life among the fellows. The editorial column is open to all and has for its purpose the setting forth of suggestions and ideas that work for the good of the school. The Battalion ranks high among school papers, and naturally has a large number of readers both in and out of college. The Battalion Staff F. J. Skeeler Editor-in-Chief A. L. Ward Business Manager Assistant Business Manager Henry Louwien Assistant Editors R. F. Rudolph C. E. Maris P. S. Devine C. Hohn D. T. Stevens W. A. Jobson P. W. Walker L. S. Peter W. J. Ehlers Bayne Reporters H. G. Wickes B. Gist Exchange Editor Don Lee Staff Artists L. Herblin J. V. Koons Society Reporters Miss Esther Davis Miss Francis Davis 16

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The Agricultural and Mechanical College HE A. M. COLLEGE was opened on October 4, 1876. The M C c °H e ge was composed solely of the present Main Building and 1 J Gathright Hall. The former was used as a dormitory and recitation hall, the latter as a mess hall and dormitory. The c == : j = 9 little college struggled along under adverse conditions until in 1886, it was struck by a wave of prosperity and since then it has increased with rapid strides in size and importance. Now it has over eight hundred students enrolled. On the campus at present there are sixteen large buildings and barns, outhouses, hospital, and numerous residences. The most important change, however, is the recent attitude which the people of Texas have toward the institution. Only in the last few years have they com e to know it, not as reformatory for unruly boys, but as a place where they may send their sons, the future citizens of Texas, to get a practical education, by means of which they become technically trained men, to say nothing of the strength of character and self reliance acquired. The people of the State are just beginning to fully realize the great im¬ portance of a technical education, and that scientific farming is no longer a matter of experiment, but a potent factor in civilization. The military system is a highly desirable feature. Under its discipline a cadet learns regularity of habits, learns to handle other men, and above all learns to obey orders. After a man has taken a full course here he is trained and disciplined to take up the battle of life in earnest. With the proper support of Texas lawmakers and Texas public we bid fair, as an institution, to become the largest, most important and influ¬ ential seat of technical education in the South. Ships that pass in the W fht IS