Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/250

220 the three buildings were under consideration with the architect. In view of the final distribution of buildings, the following quotation from the report is of special interest, showing how the members of the committee were groping in the dark for a solution of a most perplexing problem: The committee is considering the location of the Divinity dormitory on the east side of the campus, near the northeast comer [where Mandel Assembly Hall was later built], of the University dormitory on the west side of the campus, near the northwest corner, and of the recitation building on the north end of the campus, near the northeast corner [where Hutchinson Hall was later located]. Meantime the Finance Committee, on April 23, had reported to the Board that, in addition to the resources available, the sum of five himdred thousand dollars was necessary to make adequate provision for the buildings needed. The committee had, therefore, been instructed to inaugurate an effort to secure five hundred thousand dollars for this purpose. In undertaking this enterprise the Secretary issued a statement from which the following quotation is made: We have reached a new stage in the building of the University. . . . . The time has now come when we must begin the erection of the new buildings that will be imperatively needed to enable the board to open the University on October 1, 1892. It has been determined that the buildings first erected shall be three&mdash;a recitation building to cost one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, a University dormitory, and a Divinity dormitory, each to cost one hundred thousand dollars, and each to provide accommodations for one hundred and seventy-five students. Mr. Rockefeller has provided the funds for the Divinity dormitory, that it might not be necessary to appeal to the public for funds for any denominational feature of the enterprise. . . . . What then are our present resources? We have subscriptions of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, payable in instalments during the next four years. We believe that we may count on receiving from these subscriptions at least a hundred thousand dollars, enough to erect one building before the opening of the University. This is the full extent of our resources for the buildings needed during the coming year. Nevertheless we shall make immediate plans for the third building, to cost a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and hope we may be able to begin the erection of the three buildings simultaneously. . . . . The extraordinary public interest in the University, and the number of students constantly reporting themselves, compel the Board to believe that it is founding what will be a great institution from the start. It