Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/80

 54 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO On January 13, 1889, Mr. Gates sent to the writer the letter to Mr. Rockefeller, referred to in the last paragraph of the above communication. The original draft was sent, and read as follows: Mr. John D. Rockefeller, 26 Broadway DEAR SIR: Your reasons for declining the interview with me invited by Dr. Harper I heartily appreciate, and welcome the courteous suggestion of a letter instead as affording in some respects a better method of saying what Prof. Harper has thought you might wish to consider. 1. May not the question whether the institution contemplated in Chicago shall be a College or a University be held in abeyance for a few years without imperiling any valuable interest ? Even if a University were now designed, the College would naturally be the first work, and to thoroughly equip a College in the wisest way will almost of necessity be the exclusive work of the earlier years, and would probably require all the funds we can reasonably anticipate in that time. A few years may possibly qualify the doubt as to the wisdom of planting the associated schools, or make it evident that the funds required now for such schools could be more profitably employed in strengthening Western country Colleges in preparation for the future University. If on the other hand experi- ence and study on the ground shall demonstrate the need and assure the success of advanced departments, or technical schools, the years will be sure to bring here and there exceptionally favorable openings. Citizens of wealth and local pride will assist in founding favorite departments. Specialists, rarely gifted and available, will appear. "All things come to him who waits." Our best and all greatest schools have developed broadly and healthily, step by step, in this way. Holding for a few years the possible scope of the institution in abeyance will cost nothing, while time will of itself solve the question easily and certainly. 2. Any difficulty as to the presidency of the institution will prove I think apparent rather than real. May not that question too be held in abeyance without serious loss? If Dr. Harper cannot at present be secured, I venture to suggest the advisability of leaving the presidency vacant for a time and that be made chancellor in the interim. As such he could raise supple- mentary funds, assist in selecting site, erecting buildings, providing the material equipment, selecting professors, and organizing the College for work. I think we have no man whose experience, influence, and sound judgment fit him to perform such a service more skilfully. Dr. Harper from his present position could co-operate with. From the very high vantage ground of Yale Dr. Harper could counsel in the organization of the institution and the selection of professors, perhaps even more wisely than if he were himself in Chicago, detached from the splendid model and helpful associations of Yale. It is due to to say that this suggestion originates wholly with me.