354 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



FROM ROBERT GIBBONS 



For many years Editor of the Michigan Farmer 



President J. L. Snyder, Michigan Agricultural College, Mich.: 



Dear Mr. President: Pardon my neglect to acknowledge 

 the receipt of your very artistic invitation to attend the Semi- 

 centennial of Michigan Agricultural College. I can assure 

 you the compliment is highly appreciated, and I only waited to 

 see whether or not I could possibly be present before replying. 

 It is with great regret I find I will not be able to attend. Thurs- 

 day is Memorial Day, and I could not put off meeting with the 

 old comrades yet able to answer roll-call, but maybe for the last 

 time. They are dropping fast, now, and the few left in Detroit 

 Post 384. regard the loss of a familiar face as a calamity. 



But I am getting too reminiscent — a sign probably that Dr. 

 Osier should be on my track and cut me off as a cumberer of the 

 earth. 



But, Mr. President, let me say that the Michigan Agricultural 

 College is the Plymouth Rock of American agriculture, and as 

 inspiring in its history as that famous rock has been in the history 

 of free government. Its pioneers had as arduous a task before 

 them as the Pilgrim Fathers, and did their duty as they saw it, 

 as faithfully as the Puritans. Long after we have passed into 

 oblivion the agricultural colleges of the United States will be 

 the beacon lights along the stream of progress which will warn 

 voyagers from the rocks of ignorance and prejudice, and guide 

 them into the harbors of success and advancement. Every 

 patriot who prizes the well-being of his country should contribute 

 by voice and work for their fuller development to meet the 

 enlarged and onerous duties they will be compelled to assume. 



This is not written in eulogy, but as a statement of facts that 

 will force themselves upon the minds of all who have studied 

 their history. I have had opportunities during the past forty 

 years to know the men who have managed M. A. C.'s affairs 

 and taught its students, and have seen the results of their teach- 



