Excerpt from The History of the A.& M. College: Trouble, 1908

In presenting this history of the trouble at the A. & M. College during the year 1908, I wish to make but one plea. - Consider the case on its merits. Do not refuse to render a menial verdict in accordance with the merits of the contending parties because the students have "rebelled." We considered that almost unexcusable offense long and thoroughly before we acted. And in our deliberations we felt that prudence dictated that regularly constituted authority should not he trifled with for light and transient causes or mere personal grievances. Our experience and judgment taught us that it was better to suffer such, as long as it was sufferable. But it did not end with this, for upon this were piled a long train of abuses and usurpations, apparently originating from the head of the institution, or at least carried on within his knowledge and approbation. With not a single counteracting deed coming from the aggressor to stay or pacify the sense of justice, that has a sacred and treasured place in the heart of every true American, a breaking point is sure to he reached. There is a limit to the endurance of those who live In the "land of the free and the home of the brave." The limit was reached when President Harrington showed disrespect to our sick comrades, and his personal animosity prompted him to unjustly attack a true friend of the students, while this friend was performing his duty toward the sick students under his care in the hospital.

Our highest and noblest senses were shocked as we were forced to submit to such indignities being heaped upon our friend and comrades, self was forgotten - we rallied to our friend, then as we will each and every one of us now and in the future, even it be with our lives. We will always stand by our friends, and may the displeasure of the Great Being he visited on the selfish mortal guilty of infelicity.

Unanimously the student body, class by class, commended Dr. Joe Gilbert and Mrs. Mary Brittnelle, the nurse. She only because it was deserved, and he In adition to the fact that his unselfish labors deserved it, because he was attacked by a person whom we had every reason to believe would stoop to stain his high position to satisfy a personal grievance in such a manner that not only Dr. Gilbert would suffer from it. but also would his dearly beloved and respected wife, who had as an utter stranger been saved from death in the dark rolling waters of the devastating Galveston flood. September 8th. 1900. Is it any wonder that we should with all the candor in the warm hearts of five hundred unselfish students pass resolutions expressive of our appreciation?

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