Who won honors in oratory at the University of Virginia? How many Presidents of the United States have visited Texas? Who owns the San Jacinto battle-field? What is the nepotism law? a. Land leases. b. Anti-trust laws. c. Arbitration law. d. Confederate reunion a t Houston. (1895.) e. Special session of legislature to prevent prize-fight. f. Spanish-American war. a. Brazos floods. (1899). b. Ruin of Austin dam. (1900). c. Galveston storm. (1900). d. Great crops. (1900). e. Discovery of oil. (1901). f. Confederate Reunion Dallas. (1902.) g. Drought and boll-weevil. h. Art in Texas. at NOTES ERA I I. La Salle was born at Rouen, France, November, 1643. It is said he took the first steps towards becoming a Jesuit priest, but his was to be no priest's life, for there soon came to the lad longings for a calling where he might command and others obey. His older brother, the priest Abbé Jean Cavelier, lived in Canada; this fact influenced Robert when 23 to sail to the New World. He obtained a grant of land and won the friendship of the French Governor. On returning to France he was made a noble and given more power in Canada. He turned his back on the certain wealth that awaited him in the fur trade to devote himself to exploring the Mississippi. He had built above Niagara Falls a boat called "The Griffin," which he sailed over the virgin waters of Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron and Michigan, to the amazement of the red men, who had never before seen a sail vessel. "The Griffin" was loaded with furs and sent back to Niagara; La Salle ordered the pilot as soon as the furs were disposed of to return with supplies to the head of Lake Michigan. La Salle himself pushed on, explored the Illinois river and founded Fort Crêve Coeur (krêv kèr'). Here he learned that “The Griffin" was lost. This calamity forced him, leaving his faithful friend Tonty in command, to return to Canada for supplies. It is claimed that no other Frenchman ever made so difficult a journey in America. He conquered all obstacles and was ready to start back, when there came the tragic news that his men had deserted Tonty and destroyed all property of value at Fort Crêve Coeur. Undismayed, La Salle journeyed to the Illinois only to find Tonty gone and the fort in ruins; still he pressed on and at last came into the Mississippi, that "fatal river" of his dreams. Returning towards Montreal, he had the joy of meeting Tonty, whom he had feared to be dead: soon after came the third setting out for the great journey; the |