Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/147

 THE FIRST PRESIDENT 119 in other particulars impossible, of course, at Yale in any subordinate, or even pre-eminent position there. The decision, however, is so important to your- self that I fear it to be in bad taste for me or anyone to press you with too large insistence. God knows how my heart is fixed upon it, however, and how these great hopes will be blighted if you say "No." The conflict in Dr. Harper's mind had become so distressing, and the outcome seemed so doubtful, that Mr. Gates now thought it necessary for Mr. Rockefeller to throw his influence into the scale. He therefore sent him a letter written on the same day as the letter to Dr. Harper last quoted, July 29, 1890: I think the Trustees of the University think as I do regarding the desir- ableness of securing Dr. Harper for President. His reputation for scholarship, now great in both continents, his evangelistic spirit, his denominational loyalty, his executive talent, his sympathy with popular education, his very extensive personal popularity and large personal following, his extensive acquaintance with good teachers, and power to compel good teaching and inspire hard study, the fact that he is a layman and comes from an institution not Baptist while himself a Baptist, these and other considerations are weighty here with the trustees I pity Dr. Harper. He seems in real and deep distress of mind. The fact is (as he explains it) that I was seen with him on the streets of New Haven and my mission guessed. Dr. Fisher and other Yale men in New Haven gathered round him with entreaty and argument. A supper was made for him by Yale men in New York, at which, with the most strenuous insistence, he was urged to remain. On the other hand, there are our interests and the great work possible at Chicago. The prestige of his position at Yale he values much; his associations there are inspiring as well as congenial; his life work he has regarded as biblical study; he is in love with his classes, they are large and eager; his evangelistic work there appeals to the highest motives. I am not mistaken in saying that he was, July 10, really and strongly reluctant to leave Yale on any terms, and in distress of mind on the subject. He admitted some change of feeling as a result of Yale influences and his own reflections, with the question before him in a stern and practical way. I have had no conversation with him, other than what you know, regard- ing your views or attitude. He has not inquired perhaps with a feeling of delicacy. I think, however, that your influence with him is based on far higher ground than your ability to help the institution financially, and that an encouraging word now from you would have great, possibly decisive, weight with him, without any financial committals; possibly it would relieve his sleepless trouble of mind more than I know. At the same time he has not hinted it, nor have I suggested it.