Texas A and M University - El Rancho Yearbook (Kingsville, TX)

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Changing political and economic conditions may require a change in the form of our constitution because our government is a living organism and not a dead mass of institutions. It grows by changes. “He must upward still and onward “Who would keep abreast of truth.” (3) While our patriotism must be intelligent, wholesome and strong, it should not lead us to believe that the rest of the world is barbarian. We are trying under God’s guidance to work out a civilization that shall deserve to last, but we shall not dis- credit the work of other nations, some of whose history ante- dates our own by forgotten centuries. Governments that have lasted and are lasting still must have elements of soundness and strength that challenge our thought and admiration. Men of thought, earnestness and good will are our brothers around the world. “Of one flesh made He all men.” Let us extend a hand of fellowship and brotherly love to every man who is seeking the light and desiring to live in peace. With this feeling in the hearts of men, world peace is possible, not otherwise. Let us become citizens of the world. America has contributed the first real citizen of the world, Woodrow Wilson, the first of a line of prophets of a better day. (4) Faith in God. The fourth corner of our edifice is Faith in God, as “Our Father,” through His personal representative, His Son, our Elder Brother. Because God cannot be weighed nor analyzed in the labora- tory, nor seen by a telescope nor microscope, “the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God,” yet the simplest thing in toy shop, shows design and declares a designer. The man who would af- firm the contrary would be “queer” in his thinking. On every way we may look we find things wonderful and beautiful in design, showing the greatest wisdom in adaptation of parts. “The heavens declare the glory of God,” “forever singing as they shine, the hand that made us is divine.” In the light of all human experience and reason, whether all these wondrous things in na- ture and in human nature came by accident or by design, “choose ye.” The whole complex is shot through and through with wis- dom and love. God is everywhere to him who hath eyes to see. Into all human relations God has entered in the person of his Son. “He who hath seen me hath seen the Father,” said the Son. I would as soon send you to sea without a compass as to send you out into the world without faith in God. I would as soon send you out in the darkest night without a light or the means of mak- ing one, as to send you out into the maize of modern complex life without a personal faith in Christ, for “He is the light of the world.”

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A GOessage to the Students Tv B. Cousins, ‘President The first issue of our annual is the historic document of the year. It has caught and shall hold the spirit of the first year of your college life in Kingsville. In the years to come those who follow in your tracks will be interested to see the faces and fin- ger prints that you have left here, and will be influenced by the traditions which you have begun. I am glad to believe that your foundation will bear safely the weight of a great superstructure. The strengthened purposes of the best of you, and the changing spirit of the rest of you give evidence of the presence of a whole- some atmosphere about the college which you yourselves have helped to create. Pour Corners Let us agree to build our institution upon these four rocks of imbedded truth: 1. Democracy—the Worth of the Individual. 2. Patriotism—Intelligent Belief in Our Country. 3. Philanthropy—the Brotherhood of Man. . Religion—The Father Ilood of God, as Revealed in His Son. (1) In all our relations the truth shall be established, and the best man shall win. Equal and exact justice shall hold the scales. Reward shall follow merit as effect follows cause. In our democracy the high quality of mind, heart, and life shall declare our aristocracy. This is true democracy. (2) Patriotism. We shall love our country because our forefathers carved her from the wilderness with sword and plow- share, that we might have freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, and enjoy freedom under laws which we ourselves enacted and obey. Let our constitution and our laws stand beside the Ten Commandments in our high respect. Let us believe and teach that our government is the best govern- ment in the world. A patriot bases his love of country on his reason and keeps her laws, because an orderly procedure under law is the only safety, security and happiness of any people.

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‘Recapitulation 1. Despise no man. Be just, be generous. Let reward follow merit. This is true democracy and it is safe for the world. 2. Love your country and serve it unselfishly. “He who saves his country Saves all things. And all things saved bless him. He who loses his country Loses all things And all things lost curse him.” This is patriotism. 3. “Nothing that affects another human being is alien to me.” “Silver and gold have I none But such as I have, I give unto you. Arise and walk.” This is essential philanthropy. The gift of every teacher. 4. “There are sermons in stones, books, in running brooks —and good in everything.” He that would be greatest among you, let him be the servant of all.” This is the religion of Him who spoke as never man spoke. ‘Personally During this short year I have tried to take care of your in- terests and to promote them. I have given you the truth as God has given me to see the truth. I have had strength through your confidence and your responsive attitude. For this I am profound- ly grateful. The members of the faculty have through the year been your sympathetic older brothers and sisters. In a few years we shall be out in the world men and women, shoulder to shoulder, help- ing the big world to carry its load. Your task is already laid out and is waiting for you. Arise and gird yourself, and repair to your place of service. Let me declare myself, Sincerely your friend, R. B. COUSINS.