Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 99 of 196

102

TEXAS IN 1860.

seen in Texas. The citizens of the town are generally
interested in promoting those important objects, in
which are concentrated its best interests.
A great degree of enthusiasm prevailed some few
years since, on the subject of education, which led to the
erection of elegant buildings for school purposes, and
which might, as far as elegance and convenience are
concerned, be made subservient to schools of the first
order. By the appropriation of public lands, funds
of several thousand dollars were raised by which a
"University building" was erected sufficiently commodious
for the several departments of one of the best
conducted institutions.
It went into successful operation under the superintendence
of Professor Montrose, a teacher of high
respect, upon the union system, and promised great
good to the town and vicinity. Had it continued upon
the principle upon which it was commenced, the " University"
of San Augustine might have stood, in point
of popularity and usefulness, by the side of any other
institution in the South. But, unfortunately, the spirit
of division arose, the development of which blasted
and crushed the fairest prospects. An effort was made
by Rev. Mr. Russell to resuscitate the interests of the
institution; who, with a complete and thorough education,
an extensive Chemical and Philosophical apparatus,
and an adaptation to the art of teaching, might
have been a very profitable and efficient agent in promoting
the cause of education. Party spirit, however,
had so gotten the start that his efforts were unavailing,