Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/348

 306 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO purpose, or by some other means power may be transmitted to succeeding generations and an immortality of beneficent influence be secured. It was in obedience to such a driving power that provision for these buildings was made. Since it has fallen to me to conclude the work of another, you will not think it intrusive, if I refer to the character and aims of the real donor. During a lifetime of close association with Mr. Hull, I have known him as a man of tenacious purpose, of inextinguishable enthusiasm, and above all things domi- nated by a desire to help his kind. Much of his time for fifty years was spent in close contact with those most needing inspiration and help. He had also profound convictions regarding the best basis for social development in our country, and these directed the energies of his life. Looking toward the close of activity, it was for many years his unchanging desire that a part of his estate should be administered directly for the public benefit. Many plans were dis- cussed between us. And when he was called away, before he could see the work begun, I am glad to know that he did not doubt that some part of his purpose would yet be carried out. He would have shared our joy in this great University, could he have foreseen its early creation. And it would have been a greater pleasure added could he have known the wide diffusion of its benefits sought by its management. As already indicated, apart from my own interest in the matter, I have looked upon myself as the guardian of a trust, only the more sacred because unexpressed. That burden, Mr. President and members of the Board of Trustees, I have laid upon you, and upon all those who are to work within these halls. To you and to them I pass the name, which no son or daughter is left to wear, with the material inheritance, the advantages, and duties attaching thereto. I have believed that I should not do better than to name, as his heirs and representatives, those lovers of the light, who, in all generations, and from all ranks, give their years to search for truth, and especially those forms of inquiry which explore the Creator's will as expressed in the laws of life, and the means of rendering lives more sound and wholesome. I have believed that moral evils would grow less as knowledge of their relation to physical life prevails and that science, which is knowing, knowing the truth, is a foundation of pure religion Mr. President and gentlemen, I leave the buildings and my responsibility with you." In receiving the buildings President Harper spoke with great feeling. Briefly he told again the story of the way the million dollars was given for the equipment of a school of the biological sciences, the story which has here been given. He spoke of the modesty of the donor who considered it not as her contribution, but as that of Mr. Hull, for whom she desired to be regarded as trustee. He referred to Mr. Hull's connection with and interest in the Old Uni- versity as uniting in an interesting way the former institution with