Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/334

 294 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO More significant still, this principle has been maintained, even in his attitude toward the teaching of a subject so intimate as religion, wherein the mind is keenly sensitive to differences of opinion. Although at times doctrines have been voiced in the University which traverse those the Founder is known to hold, he has never shown a desire to restrain that freedom which is quite as precious in theology as in other fields of thought. Such a relationship between a great benefactor and the institution which he has founded affords a model for educational benefaction through all time to come. In contemplating the severance of this long-continued relationship, so gracious on his part, and rendered delightful by so many acts of personal courtesy, the Trustees are unable to express their appreciation of munificence so vast exercised in a spirit so fine. It is the conjunction of the act and the spirit of the act which has made it possible to create and maintain the Uni- versity, and the Trustees hope that through the ages to come the University of Chicago, by training youth in character and in exact learning, and by extend- ing the field of human knowledge, may justify all that has been done by its Founder. This expression of the sentiments of the Trustees was engrossed and signed by every member of the Board and conveyed to Mr. Rockefeller by a special committee consisting of Dr. Judson, Presi- dent of the University, and Mr. Ryerson, president of the Board of Trustees. It might naturally be supposed that in sending this address to the great benefactor of the University, immediately following a contribution of ten million dollars, the Trustees would speak with some extravagance in characterizing the relations of Mr. Rockefeller with the University. In reality they spoke with restraint and moderation. Mr. Rockefeller's relations with the University, his attitude toward it and its officers, the spirit manifested in all his great giving, had been beyond all praise. He had been tolerant of mistakes. He had never shown the slightest sign of irritation. He had left the Trustees absolutely untrammeled in their management. He had been unfailingly patient, even when the Trustees themselves were ready to admit that the time had come when patience ceased to be a virtue. He had been sympathetic with the largest views and the highest ideals for the future of the University. Whenever a step in advance was contemplated, and he was given the opportunity to say beforehand whether he would assist the University in taking