The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957 Page: 580

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

Besides an occasional inconsistency in the spelling of proper
names, a few printer's errors in dates and spelling, the misuse of
"Mr." for "Mrs." Hoppe (p. 13), and a statement that Astoria
was founded at the mouth of the Columbia River in 1824 instead
of i811, there is no bibliography, index, or documentation, ex-
cept for the historical sketch already mentioned. This book will
serve some useful purpose, but it is to be regretted that it shows
evidence of hasty preparation, poor organization, and inadequate
documentation. The full and very interesting story of Cat Spring
remains to be told. JOSEPH MILTON NANCE
A & M College of Texas
Will Hogg, Texan. By John A. Lomax. Austin (University of
Texas Press. Published for the Hogg Foundation), 1956.
Pp. x+51. Illustrations. $2.50.
Since its publication in the Atlantic Monthly in 1940, collectors
of Texana have treasured John A. Lomax's sketch of "Will Hogg,
Texan." The Hogg Foundation for Mental Hygiene now makes
that treasure widely available by reprint in a book by the Univer-
sity of Texas Press. The foreword by Robert L. Sutherland, Direc-
tor of the Foundation, outlines that organization's endeavor to
exemplify Will Hogg himself in his devotion to the University of
Texas, the breadth of his ideals, and his interest in the welfare
of all of the people of Texas.
In eight vignettes with captivating titles, Will C. Hogg is pre-
sented as another giant Texan who carried on the struggle of James
Stephen Hogg in behalf of the cause of the common people and
for free education in a democracy. Achieving financial independ-
ence while a young man, he managed his extensive business with
"his left hind foot" while he devoted himself to what he consid-
ered important matters. One such matter was the improvement
of Texas education, whether his interest took the form of propos-
ing a special tax for higher education, acting as watchdog for the
University of Texas in its struggle with Governor James E. Fer-
guson, or "gambling on the brains and ambition" of Texas youth
who wanted an education. Also of importance to him was the
development of the city of Houston, be it the community's Forum
of Civics, its public parks, its Art Museum, or any civic enter-

580