Lamar Inaugurated

[Craig Tx]

From the Texas State Historical Association

Lamar inaugurated as president of the Texas Republic

On this day in 1838, Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar was inaugurated as the second president of the Republic of Texas. His predecessor, Sam Houston, appeared in colonial costume and powdered wig and gave a three-hour "Farewell Address." Algernon P. Thompson, Lamar's secretary, reported that the new president was indisposed and read his inaugural remarks. Lamar's inaugural speech declared the purposes of his administration to be promoting the wealth, talent, and enterprises of the country and laying the foundations of higher institutions for moral and mental culture. Though he had only mixed success as president, Lamar's support for education was one of the high points of his administration. His proposal that the Congress establish a system of education endowed by public lands resulted in the act of January 26, 1839, which set aside land for public schools and two universities. Although it was decades before the school system was established, Lamar's advocacy of the program earned for him the nickname "Father of Texas Education."



Craig

[Uncle Russ]

Craig.....I thought you might enjoy this little bit of trivia regarding Lamar.
-He was 'always' too busy for any kind of public speaking, even his inaugural address.
-Many huge lithographs in the halls of UTEP promote Lamar awareness and asks students to follow in his footsteps.
-There is also a Middle School in El Paso named after Lamar.

But the one I like best is his fastest promotion ever in the military?  

Uncle Russ...

[Craig Tx]

Yup!  And there's a Lamar University (or college) in Beaumont.

From what I've read the reason he didn't give his inaugural address was that he was so angry with Houston for stealin' the thunder on "his" day with his three hour farewell address that he couldn't pull himself together enough to give it and had his secretary give it.

I've got a Lamar biography in my "to read" mountain.  Hopefully it'll give me some insight on him.  He's not the favorite of my Texian figures.  Perhaps some more information...

Craig