Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/81

 THE INCEPTION OF THE PLAN 55 Other things connected with the initial steps of the enterprise, if under- taken, I should like to say, but waive them now in deference to the pressure on your time. Grateful for this courtesy, I am Very truly yours, F. T. GATES The second suggestion was made because it was felt that, in view of Dr. Harper's known unwillingness to take the presidency of the proposed institution, it would remove one of Mr. Rockefeller's difficulties. It was thought that if Dr. Harper would undertake the partial guidance of the work from Yale, Mr. Rockefeller would feel encouraged to go forward in his benevolent intentions. The course suggested was not a wise one, and in the end it was not found necessary to follow it. It was, however, believed to be help- ful at the time. In the light of subsequent events, indeed, it is seen to be less than wise. But the importance it seemed to have at the time is indicated not only by the above letter but also by the following one written on the same day in reference to it: NEW YORK January 13, 1889 DEAR DR. GOODSPEED: This is the original draft (in pencil) with here and there a correction in ink which I submitted to Drs. Harper and Morehouse and was accepted by them without change. I aimed at brevity and conciseness and as you see left out much that might have been said. Professor Harper has agreed to put the most important of the things unsaid into a letter which will reach him by the same mail. He (Dr. H.) will endorse the letter with enthusiasm, proffer unlimited services, and put in his own good word for the chancellorship Dr. Harper thinks this phase of the matter will put it through. Cordially, F. T. G. Meantime the man suggested for the chancellorship never ceased to urge upon Dr. Harper that his duty to assume the presidency was imperative and that no other course was to be considered. It will be seen that, as the movement developed and the raising of the initial fund became more assured, he became gradually more hospitable to the proposal. The only immediate result of the above letter to Mr. Rocke- feller was the bringing of Mr. Gates into that connection with him