USA > Texas > Tarrant County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Tarrant and Parker counties; containing a concise history of the state, with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named counties, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 19
USA > Texas > Parker County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Tarrant and Parker counties; containing a concise history of the state, with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named counties, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 19
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cultural experimental stations in the several States, the stations to be placed under the supervision of the boards of directors of the State agricultural and mechanical colleges, where such colleges have been established.
The act of Congress appropriates $15,000 per annum from the United States treasury, to each State, to equip and support the sta- tions. Owing to some technical defect in the bill as passed, additional legislation was re- quired to make the fand available. By recent enactment the appropriation is placed at the disposal of the several States, and the stations are being organized.
The purposes for which the Agricultural Experimental Station bill was passed is clearly set forth in section 2 of the act, which reads as follows:
" It shall be the object and duty of said experiment stations to conduct original re- searches or verify experiments on the phys- iology of plants and animals; the diseases to which they are severally subject, with the remedies for the same; the chemical compo- sition of useful plants at their different stages of growth; the comparative advantages of rotative cropping as furnished under a vary- ing series of crops; the capacity of new plants or trees for acclimation; the analysis of soils and water; the chemical composition of ma- nures, natural or artificial, with experiments designed to test their comparativo effect on crops of different kinds; the adaptation and value of grasses and forage plants; the com- position and digestibility of the different kinds of food for domestic animals; the scien- tific and economic questions involved in the production of butter and cheese; and such other researches or experiments bearing di- rectly on the agricultural industry of the United States as may in each case be deemed advisable. "
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
The bill further provides that reports of the progress made in experiments shall be published from time to time, one copy of which shall be sent to each newspaper pub- lished in the State where such station is lo- cated, and one to each individual actually engaged in farming who may request the same, as far as the means of the station will permit; all such reports to be carried in the mails free.
The experiment stations were placed .under the supervision of the boards of directors of the agricultural and mechanical colleges, not for the purpose of assisting the colleges, but because it was thought the fund would be most judiciously expended under snch control, and it was believed that a portion of the equipment of said colleges, in the way of land, stock, implements, etc., might, without detriment to the work of the colleges, be used to some extent in experimental work. It was thought also that men employed at the colleges, many of whom have become skilled in experimental work, would be able to give part of their time to the station.
The bill expressly provides that no part of the fund appropriated shall be used for any purpose other than equipping and supporting an establishment for carrying on experi- mental work. While the stations may be attached to the agricultural colleges and be inade departments of the same, no part of this fund may be used in support of the col- leges except in experimental work.
The Texas Experiment Station .- In ac- cordance with the act of Congress, the board of directors of the Agricultural and Mechan- ical College of Texas have established this station, and have made provision for be- ginning the work. The station is located at the college, and is made a department of the college. Such part of the college farm, build-
ings and other equipments as may be deemed necessary for experimental work will be as- signed to the station department by the board of directors. In addition to the equipment assigned, whatever buildings, apparatus or other materials are found necessary to carry ont the provisions of the law will be provided from the experiment station fund.
The board of directors of the college have placed the station department under the im- mediate control of the Agricultural Experi- ment Station Council, consisting of the chair- man of the faculty, the agent of the board and the director of the station. The depart- ments of agriculture, horticulture, chemistry and veterinary science will aid in the experi- mental work, the heads of the departments to superintend the details in their several de- partments.
The board of directors of the college desire to make the work of the station of as mnuch value to the agricultural interests of the State as may be possible. The work will be con- ducted at all times with special reference to giving information of valne that may be of some practical use to the farmer. To enable them to carry out this policy, all associations having the advancement of agriculture in view -- the Grange, Alliance, stock-breeders', fruit-growers', and other organizations-will be invited from time to time to appoint dele- gates to meet with the board of directors and the council, and consult and advise with them in regard to the work of the station. Sug- gestions will be gladly received at all times from any one who is interested in advancing the agricultural interests of the State.
Through the courtesy of the State Peni- tentiary board, branch stations have been established on the State farms for making experiments of interest to the particular localitios where the farmns are situated.
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
Following is a list of the most important investigations so far as undertaken by the station :
A study of the disease of the cotton plant known as " blight," or " root rot," and experi- ments to find a preventive for the same; jointly with the Missouri Agricultural Ex- periment Station, a study of the cattle disease -Texas fever-to determine how the disease is transmitted, what parts of the State are free from it, and experiments in disinfecting to prevent cattle from spreading the disease when Texas cattle are shipped north, and inoculating cattle to protect from the disease when brought into the State; testing differ- ent fertilizers; growing a variety of forage plants, including silage crops; fattening cattle on different rations to determine the most economical method of feeding; testing a variety of food stuffs for the production of butter; testing tile drains on land used for growing farm, fruit and vegetable crops; testing a variety of grasses, fruits and vege. tables; operating a creamery for investiga- tion in dairy work.
Bulletins are published from time to time, giving in detail the work of the station, and sent free to any applicant in the State.
Information in regard to construction of silos, farm buildings, erenmeries, with plans for the same, and list of machinery and esti- mate as to the cost, will be supplied upon request.
STATE UNIVERSITY.
The University of Texas owes its existence to the wisdom, foresight and statesmanship of the founders of the Republic of Texas, who made the most ample provision for its establishment and maintenance in the legis- lation of that period. By an act of the Third
Congress fifty leagues of land were set apart as an endowment to the university. The legislature of Texas, by an act approved Feb- ruary 11, 1858, added to this $100,000 in United States bonds then in the State treas- ury, and every tenth section of land granted or that might be thereafter granted to rail- roads or the Brazos and Galveston Naviga- tion Company, which was to be used as an endowment and for the purpose of putting the university into operation. This act was, however, never carried out, doubtless on ac count of the intervention of the civil war. The constitution of 1876 re-appropriated all grants before made except the one-tenth section, and in lieu thereof set apart 1,000,- 000 acres of the unappropriated public do- main for the university.
The legislature, by an act approved March 30, 1881, provided for the location, organ- ization and government of the University of Texas, and in obedience to that act an elec- tion was held the first Tuesday in Septem- ber, 1881, to determine where the institution should be located, resulting in favor of Aus- tin, the capital of the State.
The buildings are situated about three- quarters of a mile north of the State capitol, on an imposing site in the center of a forty- acro tract of land set apart by the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas for that purpose, and were opened for the reception of students September 15, 1883. Thus was the long cherished desire of the fathers of Texas, and the wishes of the people so often expressed in the various State constitutions, at last attained.
The university is governed by a board of regents composed of eight citizens, residents of different sections of the State, who are ap- pointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. By an act of the legislature ap-
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
189
proved April 10, 1883, 1,000,000 acres of the public debt land were added to the permanent university fund.
Of the varions land grants made to the university, there remained nusold 2,020,049 acres on December 31, 1891. The perma- nent fund consists of : State bonds, $571,- 240; cash, $24.01. Total, $571,264.01; avail- able fund (cash), $19,548.85. Grand total, $590,812.86.
The interest on the above sum, rental on leased lands, and matriculation fees, amount- ing to $45,100.78 per annum, constitute the available university fund.
The system of instruction adopted by the university is a combination of what is known as the elective system and what is known as the class system. The four classes-fresh- man, sophomore, junior and senior-are re- tained, and serve to articulate the four years devoted to the completion of any full course in the academic department. The studies, however, are grouped into three general courses, designated, respectively, the course in arts, the course in letters, and the course in science. A student upon matriculation is allowed to elect any one of these courses, and upon its completion he is entitled to a diploma of the university.
The three general courses of arts, letters and science lead respectively to the three fol- lowing degrees: Bachelor of arts (B. A.); bachelor of letters (B. Lit.); bachelor of science (B. Sc.). Each special course leads to the same degree as the general course to which it is related.
Every candidate for admission must be sixteen years of age and of good moral char- acter. Candidates (except a graduate from an approved high school) are required to pass an entrance examination in English and mathematics as follows: English -English
grannar, etymology, elementary principles of syntax and rhetoric. The main test con- sists in writing upon a given subject a con- position correct in spelling, punctuation, capital letters and grammar. Mathematics -Arithmetic, including proportion, decimals, interest, discount and the metric system; algebra, including theory of exponents, radi- cals, simple and quadratic equations; and the elements of plain geometry (corresponding to the first six books of IIalsted's geometry). Passing these examinations, a student will be admitted to the freshman class in the course of science, or the junior class of the law department. The gradnates of approved high schools will be admitted to the univer- sity without examination, provided they have reached the required age, and provided they present themselves for admission at the be. gimning of the scholastic year next succeed- ing their graduation from the high school. If, however, a graduate of an approved high school is not sixteen at this time, he will be allowed to enter when he attains this age.
The following high schools have already' been approved, and are now auxiliary to the university:
Austin, Mexia,
Houston,
Blanco,
Galveston (Ball), Taylor,
Belton, Mineola,
Bryan, Round Rock Institute,
Corsicana,
Fort Worth,
San Antonio,
Abilene,
Waco, Temple,
Brenham,
Weatherford,
Tyler,
Cleburne,
Rockdale, Terrell,
El Paso, Waxahachie,
Dallas,
Gonzales.
La Grange.
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
When graduates from the above schools present their diplomas or certificates to the chairman of the faculty, they will be ad- mitted to the freshman class in English, his- tory and mathematics and to junior law. In case Latin and Greek were regnisite for graduation from any high school, the grad- nates of that school will be admitted to fresh- man Greek and freshman Latin also.
The session begins the fourth Wednesday in September and closes on the third Wednes- day in June, and is divided into two terms.
Co-education is a feature of the institution. Young women have equal advantages with the young men, and the course of study is the same for both. Tuition in the university is free to all residents of the State.
Each student is required to pay a matrieu- lation fee, as follows: Academic department, $10; law department, $20. Non-resident students are also required to pay that amount as a tuition fee. Students who work in the laboratory pay for the materials they use.
Valne of buildings and grounds, §240,000; value of library, $15,573.99; value of chemical and physical apparatus, $30,945; total, $296,- 518.99.
BLIND ASYLUM.
Tho Stato Asylum for the Blind was estab- lished September 2, 1856, and has for its object the education of blind persons. It is not an asylum where the indigent and help- less are cared for at the public expense, but a school in which the blind receive snel gen- eral education and training in industrial pur- suits as will aid them to become self-sup- porting as other classes. When the course of study prescribed has been completed the pupils return to their homes, as do the stu- dents of other schools, and like them are no longer a charge upon the State. In short,
the only difference between the school for the blind and a publie school ie in the amount of money the State expends on them. Sighted persons only receive free tuition, while the blind are fed, clothed and transported to and from school at public expense.
The course of study is as follows:
Reading by touch in point and line print, writing in New York point, arithmetic, mathematical and physical geography, Eng- lish grammar, etymology. elements of ancient and modern history, natural philosophy, Eng- lish literature, elements of chemistry, phys- iology and hygiene.
Of the trades, piano-forte tuning, broom- making and upholstering are taught to the young men. The young ladies receive in- struction in crocheting and bead work, and learn to sew by hand and by machine. The young men excel sighted persons as piano- tuners, and become very proficient at making brooms, mattresses, pillows, and bottoming chairs with cane and rattan. The bead work and crocheting done by the young ladies would reflect credit on sighted persons. The physical development of pupils is promoted by regular daily exercises in calisthenics, with dumb-bells, Indian clubs and rings.
Pupils whose sight can be benefited by operating on their eyes receive treatment from a skilled oculist connected with the in- stitution. About twenty-three persons have in this way been restored to sight within the last twelve years.
All blind persons, or persons who cannot see to read ordinary newspaper print, between eight and twenty years of age, will be ad- mitted to the institution.
The school is located in Austin, and in number of teachers, size of the buildings, the amount of philosophical, chemical and astro- nomical apparatus, maps, globes and appli-
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
ances for the school-room, variety of musical instruments, etc., is the largest in the South.
Number of pupils enrolled during 1891, 164. The average cost per capita of feeding them was abont $5.30 per month.
Number of officers and teachers, 19; num- ber of employés, 14.
Value of buildings and grounds, $115,000; value of scientific apparatus, $1,250; value of school and musical apparatus, $7,000; total, $123,250.
DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM.
The State Deaf and Dumb Asylum is sit- uated at the State capital, on a commanding height south of the Colorado river, and is justly regarded as one of the most beautiful and healthful locations in the city.
During the session of 1891, 233 pupils were enrolled up to October 31, and 195 were in actual attendance.
The health of the institution has not been good, three deaths having occurred during the year from la grippe, dysentery and dropsy of the heart.
The total expense of maintaining the insti- tution from March 1, 1891, to November 1, 1891, was $75,816, which includes $30,- 000 for additional story and repairs. This includes all ordinary expenses, such as board, fuel, light, medicine, salaries of officers, teach- ers and employes, and so much of clothing and transportation as was paid by the State.
There are fourteen officers and teachers, five experts and twelve employes connected with the institution.
It is the purpose of the State in establish- ing such institutions to give the students a practical education, and as far as possible rescue this unfortunate class from helpless- ness and dependence. In addition, therefore,
to the instruction usual in such schools, a printing office, book bindery and shoe shop have been established for the purpose of teach- ing those trades to such of the pupils as have the ability and inclination to learn them. Skilled workmen, experts in their business, are in charge of each of these departments, and the progress made by the students under them has thus far been very encouraging.
An art department was inaugurated Octo- ber 5, 1887, and is now one of the most in- teresting and attractive fe itures of the school. Some of the pupils acquired such skill in crayon work before the end of the session that they were offered profitable employment at work of that kind during vacation.
The conditions of admission to the insti- tution are few and simple. The age at which pupils are received and the length of time they are kept are matters left to the discre- tion of the superintendent. Persons not susceptible of receiving instruction will not be received at all. Parents are required to furnish transportation, if able to do so; other- wise it will be provided by the State.
The school opens the first Wednesday in September and closes the first Wednesday in June of each year.
Pupils are required to return to their homes during vacation to give opportunity to renovate and repair the buildings.
Value of buildings and grounds, $125,000; value of library, $500; total, $125,500.
DEAF AND DUMB AND BLIND INSTITUTE FOR THE COLORED YOUTII.
The Deaf and Dumb and Blind Asylum . for colored youth was established by an act of the Twentieth Legislature, which provided for the appointment of a board to select a site near the city of Austin, and appropriated
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
$50,000 for the erection of buildings and the purchase of furniture. An admirable loca- tion, about two and a quarter miles northwest of Austin, was selected for the buildings, and the institution first opened for the reception of students October 1, 1887. On November 1, 1891, there had been 73 pupils enrolled and in actual attendance. Of this number 37 were deaf mutes and 36 blind persons.
The same general rules of government and conditions of admission in force at the insti- tutions for the blind and deaf and dumb for the whites, obtain in this institution. The text-books and system of instruction are also the same.
Including the superintendent, there are three officers and four teachers and four em- ployes connected with the institution, all of whom are colored people.
Value of buildings and grounds, $34,000; total disbursements from March 1, 1889, to October 1, 1890, $24,553.48.
OTHER STATE INSTITUTIONS.
STATE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
The State Lunatic Asylum is situated about two miles north of Austin, on a beautiful plateau of ground adorned and beautified by flowers, plants, summer-houses and forest trees, the latter constituting a splendid park, upon whose grassy lawn the patients are per- mitted to take exercise and get fresh air and sunshine. The buildings are capacious and elegant, though somewhat crowded owing to the rapidity with which the insane popula- tion increases.
There are ninety five employes in the in- stitution.
The estimated value of the buildings and grounds is $505,000, that of all other prop-
erty belonging to the institution $35,419.83.
In connection with the institution there is a large farm and garden where patients are permitted to work with a view of diverting the mind and affording exercise for the body. For the same purpose concerts, music, danc- ing and other amusements are indulged in once each week. Most of the patients enjoy the farm work very much, and look forward with great interest for the return of the day appointed for the weekly entertainment. In this way their minds are pleasantly occupied with the new subjects, and in many cases ul- timate recovery thereby made possible.
From the report of the superintendent for the year ending October 31, 1890, the follow- ing data have been obtained:
Number patients admitted during the year, 106; discharged restored, 27; discharged im- proved, 37; discharged unimproved, 1; total discharged, 65; furloughed, 36; returned from furlongh, 33; died, 33; escaped, 19; returned from escape, 17. Total treated during tlie year, 745; number in asylum October 31, 1891, 629.
The daily average number present during the year was 621, and the cost per annun of keeping each patient, $149.71, or $2.87 per week. Total expenditures for the year, $130,- 326.54, of which $5,000 was for permanent improvements.
The total number of patients admitted from the beginning of the hospital is 3,678, of which number 667 died, 66 escaped, 1,798 were discharged, 53 furlonghed.
NORTH TEXAS HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
This institution is located at Terrell, in Kaufman county, and was first opened for the reception of patients July 15, 1885. It was established in obedience to a general demand
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
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for additional asylum room for the accommo- dation of the hundreds of insane persons then confined in jails and on poor farms through- out the State.
The buildings are constructed on the latest and most improved plan of hospitals for the insane, and contain all modern conveniences for the treatment of the insane.
The actual running expenses for the year were $95,226.04; cost of maintaining in- mates, per capita per year, $170; per week, $3.26. The estimated value of the buildings, grounds, furniture and other appartenances, is $261,765. Number of officers connected with the institution, 5; employes, 42.
STATE ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The creation of an orphan asylum was contemplated and provided for by the found- ers of our State government, who gave it the same land endowments bestowed on other charitable institutions. This institution was required to be established by an act of the Twentieth Legislature, approved April 4, 1887. The governor was required to appoint three commissioners to select a site for the asylum. Competition between the various towns in the State for the location of the in- stitution was invited, which resulted in the selection of Corsicana, in Navarro county. The sum of $5,700 was appropriated out of the available Orphan Asylum fund for the establishment of the institution. Subse- quently, at the special session of the Twen- tieth Legislature, $15,000 and the available fund to the credit of the asylum in the State treasury was appropriated for the erection of buildings and other improvements.
The site on which the asylum is located and the surrounding scenery are unsurpassed by any place in the State for their beauty and
adaptability for such an institution. The buildings, which are constructed on the cot- tage plan, and have a capacity of about 200 inmates, were completed and the institution formally opened July 15, 1889.
From the date of the opening of the in- stitution, November 1, 1890, 60 children- 23 girls and 31 boys-had been received into the home. Of those two ran away and four were returned to friends, leaving 54 in the institution.
The expenses of the asylum for the seven- teen months ending October 31, 1890, amounted to $13,993.63.
The asylum is governed by a board of managers who are appointed by the governor, and have power to prescribe rules and regu- lations for the admission of inmates and con- trol of the institution.
All orphan children under the age of four- teen years shall be admitted, subject only to such restrictions as the board deem necessary to the welfare and good government of the asylum.
The superintendent is required to keep a list of the names and ages of all children, with such data as may be obtainable con- cerning their history, subject at all times to public inspection. He is also required to see that their pro rata of the public school fund is set aside, and to provide them with proper educational facilities.
STATE HOUSE OF CORRECTION AND REFORMATORY.
By act of the Twentieth Legislature, ap- proved March 29, 1887, a State house of correction and reformatory for youthful convicts was provided for, and the governor required to appoint a commission to locate the same. The institution was located two and one-fourth miles northeast of Gatesville,
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