Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/140

ii2 A mSTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO never will be informed of it." I then made further argument, showing that under the circumstances it was Mr. Rockefeller's due; due also to the denomi- nation and to the University scheme, which might really depend on himself, although that was not probable; that knowing nothing of it, he, Harper, could be in no way compromised, especially if Mr. Rockefeller was assured of that fact. Finally I outlined (from memory of course) a possible letter that might be sent Mr. Rockefeller. I urged that if, indeed, it should prove true that so vast a scheme hung on his acceptance of the presidency, no power could resist such a pressure. Duty would be clear. The result was that Professor Harper very contentedly, it would seem, and cheerfully let the matter of disclosing to Mr. Rockefeller the Yale scheme drop, and it was not again referred to. I am satisfied that if Harper becomes assured that his presidency is absolutely required, he will not make further objection to going to Chicago. On January 14, Mr. Goodspeed received a letter from Dr. Harper which contained the following: Your telegram and letters received. I presume I came near making a very great mistake, for I hesitated a long time before writing to you; however the thing has turned out all right, and in some way or other, I do not know how, Mr. Rockefeller has the information. That gentleman wrote to Dr. Harper on January 16 that he hoped it would be convenient for you to have a little conference with me before you, at any time, commit yourself to Yale, or any other place, in an engagement for time. Some days elapsed before this conference could be held, Mr. Rockefeller having been called to Cleveland. Dr. Harper utilized the time in working out a modification of the plan for his remaining in Yale for five years and overseeing the work of the institution from that "vantage ground." He now proposed to Mr. Goodspeed the scheme of the triple headship which appears in the chapter on "The Inception of the Plan." Dr. Harper was to remain five years at Yale and Mr. Gates and Mr. Goodspeed were to be the resident members of the triumvirate. It is quite unnecessary to use space in quoting Mr. Goodspeed denouncing the use of his name in any of these futile schemes. This phase of the matter soon passed and was forgotten. Mr. Gates paid no attention to the suggestion of the triumvirate. The interview with Mr. Rockefeller took place on January 27 and Dr. Harper wrote of it to Mr. Goodspeed a full letter to be communi-